It's a winter wonderland here.

Have a HAPPY NEW YEAR. It's almost time to make some knitting commitments for the winter. UFO's show your faces, it's your chance. I know I have a few around somewhere, ha, ha.
-Deb

MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY HOLIDAYS to everyone. I hope now that the major festivities are over that you get some time to knit for yourself. Here's hoping this next week is relaxing and that you get some 'me' time.

This is my adaptation of my own pattern the Take It From The Top. I added a cable down the Front which adds quite a bit of interest to the knitting. Cables pull the fabric in so on the first round after finishing the short rows I increased 4 stitches across the cable panel, 2 sts for each cable crossing (cable crossing on the right side and cable crossing on the left side makes 2 sets of crossings, at least that's what I figure). At the bottom I'll decrease 4 sts so that the bottom edge won't flare out.

This a little big due to my slightly looser gauge - because swatches lie! I seem to relax as I knit and revert to my loosey goosey ways. To correct this I'm knitting 2 more inches to the bottom of my bust and then I'm going to decrease at the imaginary side seams to get the body a little smaller, 1-2" less or 2 sets of decreases. I love the top down for this. I can adjust as I go. Each time I knit myself a sweater I get a better idea of how to make it look a little better on me. Fingers crossed on this one.
Deb

I've been a bad blogger. I'm not absent, just knitting on several projects at the same time. I'm running 2 KALs (knit-a-longs) so thought I would knit both of these sweaters for myself.

The Braids Cardigan is coming along really well. I'm now on the first sleeve (which makes a very awkward photo so I'm waiting until the sleeve is done). I'm enjoying visiting this pattern again and can't wait to have this one to wear.

My Take It From The Top pullover with the added cable in the Front is really fun to knit. I love that cables keep me moving forward, ticking off each crossing. I almost have it sorted out where I have to cross next so I can lose the cable directions.

I have also been working diligently on the Plus Cardigan book. One sweater done and working on two more. They are my secret projects which will be revealed in January when I get them finished. Lots and lots of knitting going on here. Time to get back to it.

Knit on,
Deb

I'm starting a new KAL (knit - along) on Ravelry for the Take It From The Top pullover, Cabin Fever pattern#602. http://www.ravelry.com/groups/take-it-from-the-top-kal

 You can knit it just as it is or do some design work on it. That's what I'm going to do. I've knit this a couple of times and since I noticed that the pullover I've been wearing has a mysterious hole in the front (zipper mishap I think) it's time for a new one.

I'll be showing how to size it for yourself and put a design down the centre front if you like. It's time to play with this pattern. Join me?
Deb