God Helps Those Who Help Themselves

Months ago, I came across the Debbie Abraham's mystery knitting blankets, although I didn't know it was a KAL at the time. I missed the Under the Sea theme by a year but Debbie was lovely and tried to find a kit for me. Unfortunately, it didn't work out.

I had no idea Debbie is a big deal designer and has published books! So I order the afghan books and started a hybrid of a few of them to create my own version of a seaside-themed blanket. Here are the first four squares. So pretty!

Finishing Rampage

Finally found the camera so I can share the projects I've been working on. The stash has been creeping out of the closet and I've been making a concerted effort to FINISH some of the things I've been working on.

First up is the Harlequin Sweater from Jane Slicer-Smith. It's so much fun! I was a little intimidated by the directions at first, but I've got the general idea down now. I'm making it in Trendsetter Merino VI in Charcoal and Slate. So pretty.

Next is a Chris Bylsma pattern for a cardigan I'm making in a chunky Noro with a subtle self pattern and assorted novelty yarns. It's going very quickly.

I've been mooning over a lace shrug I saw in the Fall or Winter Vogue and finally picked up some Sublime in a worsted weight. I love it so far.

I'm also making the Hooded Jacket by Rebecca Taylor, also from Vogue. I'm using something called Cotton Rich doubled--dreamy.

Last but not least, I've been working on the Belvedere cardigan. I've discovered I need to use lifelines, but otherwise I'm enjoying it very much. I'm using Covington for this and I love the way it is knitting up.

There are of course other projects in progress, but these are the main focus. I'm also trying to finish the Marias sweater but I'm waiting for more Zara Chine, the Katydid sweater which I've ripped back more times than I care to tell you about and The Baby West sweater that I'll post a photo of after it's blocked. Okay, back to knitting.

Where Is My Camera?

It's not that I haven't been working on projects. I certainly have been busy, but I can't find my digital camera and can't upload pictures.

I'm focused on finishing these days. Not the "sew it together" kind; mostly getting the bits and pieces done so the projects can be completed and hopefully worn.

I am very close to finishing the Marias sweater. The pattern is for Manos, but I'm using Koigu and Zara Chine. It was a big production finding enough Koigu when I was buying the yarn, but it turns out I have a lot of Koigu leftover and will be short on Zara. And although I can't find a ball band, I think I am using a discontinued color. It looks like I'm going to be switching to the trim color using Pure Merino about 10 rows sooner than expected. I'm telling myself it's making the pattern my own. Right?