In an effort to keep Easton warm when he refuses to wear a winter coat, I opted to make him a hoodie out of a thicker material: Super Plush. And folks, it is thick. Not so horrible that it’s terrible to work with, but my machines didn’t particularly like it either. I could have definitely messed with the tensions a bit more to get a bit better stitch quality, but overall, it looks pretty good.

I also opted to use a new pattern: Peek-a-boo Pattern’s Classic Adult Sweatshirt. I wound up making this one in an XS and was a bit concerned that it might be too big… but it actually fits him perfectly. In fact, I could even squeeze into this size, although it looks more fitted that what was intended. My only complaint is that it could stand a bit more length – his ready to wear hoodies seem to be just a big longer, but that’s easily remedied if I make more in the future.

As for the fabric, it’s definitely warmer than most French Terry that you can buy, but I didn’t particularly enjoy working with this material, either. I probably won’t buy more unless a particular print catches my eye or one of us is needing a heavier weight jacket\hoodie. I have a bit more of this fabric left over – not enough to really make anything significant with…. although this hoodie for dogs did catch my attention (and I think Easton would think it was fun to match).

Learn how to make a Hugs & Kisses mini quilt and enter to win a fat quarter bundle (the same fabrics used in the tutorial).

Giving a gift card this Valentines? Make them a cute envelope to put it in. Need more than one? This wall hanging has several to fill!

This cute little Love Bug pillow is perfect for Valentine’s or just because.

This baby quilt is really just log cabin blocks made to look like hearts – what an easy holiday gift.

Staying in this Valentine’s Day? Dress your table with these festive placemats or table runner. (Then learn how to fold your cloth napkins to make it even more fun).

Bring Valentine’s into your living room by whipping up a few of these heart block pillows.

This heart purse would be adorable for little ones (or even yourself) and best of all, you can use your Maker to cut the materials (You can also snag this free Heart Backpack pattern while you’re there). Looking for a bit smaller project with a similar feel? Then you’ll love this earbud pouch.

Mug rugs make quick and easy gifts. These Valentine versions are adorable for any teacher, coworker, or friend: Fat Quarter Shop’s freebie, One in a Million from Quilting Cubby, and this one from My Patchwork World.

This cut out heart sweatshirt is easy to make and cute to wear.

Now that I’ve gotten caught up with things at home, I can finally start up some projects that I’ve been meaning to make. First up: Super Plush

I’ve been seeing people singing the praises of So Sew English’s Super Plush fabric and I finally broke down and bought some. If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s essentially a knit fabric exterior with a plushy (like Minky) underside. It’s very thick and appears that it would be pretty warm to wear. I purchased the camo print because I figured Easton would get the most wear out of this – he’s become quite a hoodie wearer so I decided that I would try my hand at that first. Unfortunately, he’s gotten big enough that most of my patterns no longer fit him so I’m having to try a new one. I opted for Peek-a-Boo Pattern’s Adult Classic Sweatshirt – it was the closest to his size range (XS), plus I already owned this pattern so I didn’t have to purchase something new. Cross your fingers it all works out.

When So Sew English had their holiday sale, I decided to take advantage. Not only did I find a great woven that was perfect for an upcoming project (not shown because I can’t reveal it yet), but I snagged a cute bundle (the polka dot and “I love to sew” French terry) and another mystery bundle as well. Here’s what was inside.

Starting from the top: A coral single brushed poly, an animal print rayon (it seems very similar, if not the same, as the bundle I got in September), and a chartreuse knit that is very close in color to the French terry I received late last year.

I’ve decided I’ve got to hop on making something with these animal prints – not only do they match my shoes (seen in this photo), but I’ve got enough to make several projects. I’m also pretty excited about the chartreuse… I wound up using the French Terry version for a Creative Machine Embroidery project and not only loved the way it turned out, but thought the color looked pretty good with my skin tone.

After sewing up a large Supernova Tote for Taylor this Christmas, I decided that this size would be perfect for traveling when we visited family over the holidays (I found the small one was great, but could stand a bit more room because I tend to shove everything into a bag). I wound up finishing this bag on Christmas day – the day before our trip… and it was worth all the effort too because this bag is a lifesaver!

Originally, I was going to skip a few of the features (like the interior pockets and key leash) to save time, but I am so glad that I didn’t – they were some of my favorite elements of this bag! The lining pockets were perfect for putting my cords and wallet into (and it was large enough that my wallet didn’t fall out), the zipped pockets were used to house small (or valuable items) so they didn’t get lost inside the bag, and the key leash held a plethora of keys that I wound up having to hold (which made finding them so much easier). And that luggage sleeve – it’s so useful when you need to run between gates.

I’ve now used this on a total of 3 round trips (12 planes) and I can honestly say, this is my favorite pattern of the year. It’s so useful and holds so much (not to mention the fact you can shove it under the seat in front of you on the plane) – I’m so glad I took the time to finish this one up before we left.

Valentine’s Day is just a few weeks away, so it’s time to get those holiday projects started. WeAllSew has a great roundup of ideas, but don’t forget my Valentine’s Day Treat Bag, too. Looking for more home decor ideas? How about this adorable pillow?

Fluffmonger makes some of my favorite stuffies and their latest is this adorable Koala. While this pattern isn’t free, all proceeds go to support Australian Wildlife.

Fabric storage bins are always a great scrapbuster and perfect for matching your decor. This version has fun appliques just for kids, too!

If you got an e-reader this Christmas, you’ll definitely want to check out this free pattern for a fabric stand – they come in handy, especially in the kitchen!

Love the look of bargello, but don’t want to commit to making an entire quilt? Why not make these fun place mats instead?

Like it or not, fanny packs\hip bags are “in”. Learn how to make one for yourself.

Tiny things are always cute… especially this small backpack. It makes the perfect purse or wear it just for looks.

Winter isn’t showing any signs of letting up, so stay warm this season with a cozy sherpa and flannel blanket.

If you have a Cricut Maker, you’ll definitely want to check out this Valentine’s Day tree. It’s the perfect project to whip up for last minute classroom party decorations. Looking for a great gift for the teacher? Check out this easy door decoration!

Enter to win a Kaffe Fasset fat quarter bundle and a video sewing course.

Keep warm and still look stylish with this turtleneck top.

I love making pajamas almost as much as I love wearing them… and now I can finally show you a pair that I’ve been hiding from you. These are Grainline Studio’s Lakeside Pajamas made in satin and featured in the spring 2020 issue (now on newsstands) of Creative Machine Embroidery magazine.

I fell in love with this pansy print (found in the “spring” collection of Joann’s) and couldn’t resist picking it up for this project. I found coordinating pansy designs from an etsy dealer, Royal Present (I found her designs stitched out nicely, but I had to change the colors pretty substantially to match the material). I really wanted a pair of pajamas that featured the floral fabric for the top so I wound up making a second set with a more simple design on the corner of the shorts. I can’t wait to wear these when it finally warms up!

One thing I do want to suggest is considering purchasing your bias binding for this project… why? Because making 1/4″ double fold, bias binding in satin sucks. In the photo on the right, I decided to make my own – something that took almost an entire day to do (or at least it felt like, although it could have taken a whole day, I didn’t time myself), not to mention the fact that it didn’t crease well, was difficult to sew, etc. The end result is beautiful, but I’m not sure that I would ever do that again!

It’s been a hectic (sleepless, exhausting, emotional) couple of weeks, but I’m happy to say, “I’m back!” I’m sure at this point you’re probably wondering what has transpired. So, if you’re interested, here’s a condensed version:

When I got back to Kansas, they were already looking to release my mom from the hospital – there was nothing medically wrong with her other than her dementia. Since her time there, they had identified her as an elopement risk with tendencies to wander around (especially at night) so they recommended someplace with 24 hour supervision. We briefly moved her to a skilled nursing facility, but after a few days, they too were ready to release her to a more permanent residence. After a meeting with case managers and a few phone calls later, I met up with a facility that I had not only thought about (previously) placing her in, but had a recommendation from a friend (and Taylor had worked there when she was doing her med aid certification). I took a tour, talked lots of staff and determined this was the perfect place for her. The folks there were so gracious and kind, that I eventually broke down and hugged about everyone – I was so thankful, relieved, and overwhelmed with how helpful they were with placement that I couldn’t contain myself any longer. She was moved to a memory care unit the next morning.

This past week, I got her “settled in” (she still packs herself up every night, though), her room decorated, her apartment cleaned out, her car sold, and took care of some loose ends in Kansas. I couldn’t have done it without the help of friends and family who chipped in to clear things out, take Easton on adventures while we worked, and do some heavy lifting. This week, I feel so thankful and blessed that my mom is in a safe place and that we were able to accomplish so much in such a short time. Now, it’s time to decompress.

If you’ve made it this far, I want to thank you all too for checking in on me, sharing your stories, and all the kind words you sent – they were not unnoticed and were greatly appreciated.

And now, it’s time to get back to sewing.

I’m not normally one to post a lot of personal things on social media, my blog, etc., but it’s time I take a brief break from blogging and sewing and figure everyone deserves a reason why (plus it’s just natural curiosity to know what’s happening and I’m going to guess that venting my be cathartic). The short of it: it’s time to find my mother placement somewhere she will be safe. For the longer story, read on.

About 2.5 years ago, my mother had an MRI which showed “normal age related white matter disease” (we all get white matter, more as you age, but hers was not out of the norm). Almost 1 year later to the day, she has an MRI, but this time the results read “extensive white mater disease” which explained the mild confusion she was occasionally displaying. Basically, they believe she was having such small strokes that it was not showing any symptoms, but enough that it was cutting off blood supply to the tiny vessels in her brain, thus killing them. At this point in time she was only showing mild dementia (confusion about the day, occasionally forgetting things), but nothing that would keep her from living independently.

When it came to moving, my mom was very adamant she did not want to go – largely because she did not want to move to an independent living community (even though she would have her own apartment, she didn’t want to be “old’) nor give up driving (by this point she had has a few accidents, she doesn’t use GPS and Columbus has the 4th worst drivers in the US…. I can’t argue with that fact). Unfortunately, there was no way to make her move, so we left her behind. At that point she was also refusing assistance from a home health agency.

While lots of things have happened in the 7 months that we’ve been gone, it was in the past 3 months, that I noticed a decline in her mental status – so much so that I wound up contacting a lawyer to start guardianship proceedings. Yesterday she found herself locked out of her apartment. An ambulance was called and I had her taken to the hospital for evaluation. Since she has a decline in mental status, they have declared it’s no longer safe for her to live alone (this also speeds up guardianship and placement for her). While this is exactly what was needed, it also happened a lot faster than what we all anticipated. So, it’s time for me to get my mom settled in a new place, clean out her apartment, and take care of matters for her for awhile.

For those that are wondering: No. Living with us can’t be an option. Our current house has lots of steps with no bedroom or shower on the main floor. She has started sleeping odd hours (napping during the day, up most of the night) which would be a concern, not just for Easton’s sleep habits, but also because she could wander up and down the steps and fall. And to be honest, I know that her condition will worsen over time (it’s already done so in the past few months, pretty drastically) to the point she may needed continual care for bathing, dressing, and feeding and I would feel better knowing she’s in a facility that could provide that.

So, if you hung on this long to read all that, keep my mom in your thoughts and prayers and I find someplace that is suitable for her and I’ll see you all in a few weeks.