a blizzard and some projects

We're in the middle of a blizzard.  Alison couldn't drive up for our weekend because of it.  The wind is howling out there.  I spent the day cozy inside, working on projects, making chili. 

I finished a couple projects recently.  The shrug (actually, it's been finished for a while) I started while I was in Cleveland:

 

It was really simple to do.  I didn't follow the pattern exactly, partly because I didn't have enough yarn.  I'm happy with how it turned out.

Also simple, was a pair of fingerless gloves that I made out of yarn from my scrap basket:

 

I just crocheted rectangles and attached the sides, leaving an opening for my thumbs.  And I discovered that they are perfect for wearing when reading in bed when it's cold. 

I also sewed another bag:

 

Remember all that fabric I was cutting?  Well, it is for an entirely different project, but I got sidetracked into making another bag.  The strap is really long, so I'm going to contrive I way to make it adjustable with snaps and buttons (so it's not 100% finished, but that tiny bit of sewing barely counts).  I love the colors and the fabric and I really love the interior pocket.  The lining is the solid green fabric, but the pocket is a patchwork square lined with one of the patterned fabrics.

I need to take better pictures when it's not so dark.

I also spent some more time working on my paintings.  I don't really love any of them (and I'm not sure that they're finished or if I want to spend more time on them or not), but I'm glad I spent the time painting. 

 

And the one that I wasn't happy with, I'm still not happy with it:

 

But that's the way it goes.  And it's all part of the learning process.