They’re girly and pretty and ready for your Summer and Early Fall knitting!
Kate and Gillian are my newest styles for WLD! See both here and start knitting up a storm!
We also now have selected PDF patterns available in our Etsy Shop.
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Fit problem number 3.- A Baggy Body
I see a lot of beautifully curvy women walking around in sweaters or tee shirts cut for men, not realizing that instead of hiding the bits they want to cover up, it makes them look larger all up and down their torso.
Any time a top hangs off the end of the bust as men’s cuts will do on a woman, it lets the mind’s eye of the onlooker assume that the bagginess of the top is filled in with the wearer’s body whether the case or not.
Counter this with a little shaping at the sides of the garment; just enough to suggest the waistline and remove some excess fabric.
My free Shapely Tank pattern mentioned in a previous post goes into specifics as to how to achieve this (print one out to keep in your knitting bag) but generally, beginning at the upper hip, you will decrease away about 1” worth of stitches at each seam edge prior to reaching the waist area, and add them back in after the waist.
This 4” of nipping is enough to make a huge difference in how your sweater will flatter your middle. Try it on the next garment you knit.
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Just FYI, many of my patterns are now available as digital downloads in my Etsy shop!
I will be heading to NYC to teach at Vogue Knitting live Jan 18th thru 20th, 2013!
My “Whip Your Knits into Shape” class is a must if you’re having trouble with the fit of your sweaters and would like to learn how to shape garments to fit your individual form. There will be two sessions (same class), Friday evening and Sunday afternoon.
See this and the rest of my class descriptions for VKLive here
In my mom’s day, if you knitted (which practically everyone did) then somewhere along the way you’d knit yourself a suit.
At the time you might have done that on very tiny needles and it likely would have taken the better part of six months to complete.
However, when finished you’d have a beautiful addition to your wardrobe and if you were careful with storing it you’d probably keep it for many, many years as she did and proudly show it off to anyone interested. I found it amazing that anyone could have the patience to do such an involved and seemingly endless project.
Since I am so enamored of vintage fashions, I decided to give a nod to the days when knitters proudly wore their suits to any and every fancy or dressed up occasion. In these times when it is becoming increasingly popular to go out in public like this, it is a joy to see a woman taking enough pride in her appearance and talent to create and accessorize a beautiful outfit like the Retro Suit.
If you’re a real vintage afficionado, there is no better place than Ebay for a selection of vintage accessories, many of them quite affordable (the 40′s hat in my Styling Guide below went for a mere $24.99).
With the hot weather going on in much of the US right now, I’m sure the idea of having warm wool knitting in ones’ lap isn’t terribly inspiring.
So why not try something more seasonally appropriate and learn a new technique as well?
The free Shapely Tank pattern on my website fits the bill. It comes in an enormous range of sizes, teaches the use of short rows to fit a full bust and as a design element, and even comes with an optional short sleeve pattern to make a Shapely Tee out of your Shapely Tank.
That’s a lot of *bang* for free.
How is it that I see lingerie where others see turtlenecks and heavy jackets?
Maybe it has something to do with living in a part of California that rarely allows the wearing of heavy wools and outerwear. Seriously, I didn’t even own a raincoat until just this season.
Sooooo, when designing, my mind turns to more body-conscious ways to use the same old yarn and needles.
Welcome the Kimber Bustier and Panty set.
Wear this sexy set for intimate evenings, or just the bustier under a jacket for an unusual top. Either way, you’re cable ready!
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There are a lot of knitting books out there that seem to be gone as soon as they arrive, but this, my knitting friends, will not be one of them. Author Julie Turjoman has carefully culled twenty six of the very best designers from the blogging world and written excellent, in-depth interviews with all .
I am so pleased to be included (she made me sound far more fascinating than I am, the sign of a really good writer!) among such luminaries as Shannon Okey, Nora Gaughan, Ysolda ,Wendy Bernard and Jared Flood who also took the gorgeous photos.
Shown here is my Kimberley cardigan; a glam little short-sleeved lovely just waiting for some pinup-princess to slip her on with a grey pencil skirt and wow everyone at the office.
Come hear me babble about knitting, vintage fashions, fitting a glorious rack and other assorted subjects!
Oh yes, I do love my vintage chic circa 1944.
Shoulders were strong but femme, necklines were sweet and the sweater girl was the pin-up princess of the day. A pair of pretty little lace patterns winding over and around the girlish topograpy was enough to set a young man’s heart afire.
My Zelda, she can be yours too. Find her in the latest issue of Yarn Forward Magazine #15 or right here.
Hi Portland, OR Knitters!
If you’re wondering what it takes to fine tune your fit from frumpy to fabulous , wonder no more!
I’ll be teaching my “Whip Your Knits into Shape” class at Abundant Yarn and Dyeworks the evening of May 13th, 2009.
If you’re a difficult fit, this class is for you. Adding designer shaping touches to your knitted garments is easy once you know a few simple rules and how to apply them. Flatter your figure by shaping any garment as you knit it. Darts, ease, and short row shaping are all important elements for a custom fit. Learn which ones to use to play up your specific body type to it’s best advantage.
The class will run from 6 to 9 pm.
Call (503) 258-9276 to make your reservation.
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We’ll also be at the Knit and Crochet Show the 15th through the 17th at the Doubletree Hotel, booth #28.
Here’s a discount coupon to help get you in. Right click on it to print.
I’d love to see you all there!
