What have I been doing?

So one of the questions I hear most often is: “What are you doing now?” Since this question usually comes from Shawn’s co-workers, I know that they are actually referring to my employment status, so my typical response is: “Nothing, really.” But this is far from true and here is the evidence.

Besides the hours of classes I have been through at FSI, the work that goes into keeping our household and personal affairs in order, and re-watching every episode of Gilmore Girls, I have been doing plenty of sewing and crafty things. I have a tendency to purchase supplies with the best of intentions, but then I end up with the stuff to work on a million different projects and no time. No longer a problem!

Butterfly quilt

I’ve been collecting fabric for this quilt for almost 3 years. After the move to Arlington, I decided it was time to start. I cut out the pieces almost immediately after we moved, but after two and a half months, I really haven’t made a while lot of progress. I just put together the first half square today!

Messenger bag

So I decided that I wanted a new bag for when I start Russian classes. Even if I’m stressed out about trying to learn another language, at least I can look good doing it. I originally wanted a Timbuk2 bag (actually, I’ve wanted one of those for a while…), but decided that: 1. I could make a bag for much cheaper considering I already had most of the fabric; 2. if I made the bag myself I could customize it just the way I wanted it; and 3. anything I made would be totally cool, because, hey, I made it! So here it is.

Sock monkey

Holy cow (or monkey), this was so much fun to make! I think maybe I’m just going to spend all my time making sock monkeys now - they’re so easy and the gratification is almost instant. I do believe that this very girly monkey is going to be for my soon to be niece (expected arrival of Nov. 4), Layla. Hence the cute little “L.”

Knitted baby doll

So I’ve got no idea who this is for. I saw the pattern in a book and just decided that I needed to make it. Mission accomplished. Somebody put some pants on that kid!