Mother-Daughter Knits Part 2: The Sweaters

I promised that I would show the patterns from this book, and there are quite a few that appeal.  In fact I added six sweaters from this book to my master knitting pattern database, which is a pretty good number.

One thing I like about the patterns, and this refers back to the information I discussed in my previous post, is that there is very complete sizing information given with the patterns.  Of course there is finished bust and length but also waist and hip measurements if it is relevant as well as waist length and shoulder width on a few patterns.  The patterns also discuss the intended length of the pattern for example, a sweater is intended to be worn at the mid-length, or it discusses options or how the placement of design features might affect the length at which you choose to knit the sweater.  Not only is this useful if you are knitting the sweater, as many many patterns are lacking even basic information, but looking through the book, looking at the styles and the fit and directions given is an education in knitting design and proportion that can be applied to other sweaters.    

The only fit information that is lacking, and it is not common enough in knitting patterns to begin with, is that it would be wonderful if the designer mentioned the amount of ease in the design in the actual pattern.  That said, it is still easy to figure out as there is a size guide in the back of the book and one can easily find one's size and then compare it to the given measurements.  

 

But I believe I promised pictures:

I love this buttoned and tabbed muffler.  Oh I know buttoned mufflers are almost a dime a dozen.  There is a nice one sitting on the table of my LYS right now.  And I do like the tailored effect of them, the clean lines and the warmth without too much bulk or flopping ends. (and this from a woman who has more scarves than anyone has a right to).  But what I really like are the little tabs, a small detail that I wouldn't have thought of but now think is just perfect.  They are, in fact, a little bit weird, like fingers wrapping around the neck, and I suspect that is what attracts me, as if that little bit of oddness catches one by surprise and makes it all the more interesting.

 Sally Melville says that she was inspired to make the buttoned muffler by a pair of fabulous tabbed cuffs her daughter designed.  I agree with her that the tabbed cuffs are fabulous and I am very much intrigued by them.  But I also know that I would never wear them.  I love gloves and mitts, but only as an accessory to my coat.  

I honestly believe that there are "glove people" and then there are the rest of us.  Glove people can wear gloves and make them into a style statement; I cannot.  I admire beauty in gloves, but in the end it is just a glove, a necessary accoutrement, and as much as I love these tabbed cuffs, they would never be comfortable on me.  

 And now on to the sweaters.  There are lots of sweaters, all pretty much classic.

The Knit Across Sweater is knit side to side, as is implied in the title.  I like the narrower ribbing on the sleeves and the wider ribbed pattern across the body.  The ribbing at the waist is picked up and knit down after the top of the sweater has been completed, and it can be worn short and bloused as shown, or pulled down.  I would think that it would be flattering and slimming either way.

 I learned long ago that a long, unshaped sweater with a deep rib detail like this one is very flattering on me.  I tend to think the long deep ribbing, and it is about 6 inches as this pattern is written, somehow reminds me of a little flippy skirt at the bottom of the sweater.

I have always been a fan of a long cozy warm sweater when the weather is cold, and the way the design breaks up the large expanse of sweater makes it very nice and wearable.

 Even though I have never been a big fan of the shirt-jacket, I am very atttacted to the classic knit shirt as designed by Sally Melville in this book.  Perhaps it is the soft fabric that appeals to me.  She shows two versions, one in lace weight mohair and another in sport weight linen and both are gorgeous.   I think it is the combination of the shaping and the soft drape of the fabric that appeals to me, and the fact that soft drapy semi-sheer mohair would be warmer and more versatile than a sewn shirt jacket in a sheer fabric.  At any rate, for the first time in my life I see shirt-style cardigans in my life, whereas before a shirt jacket was something I borrowed from my husband when I was raking the leaves.

 The Sophisticated Hoodie is also nice: interesting enough to knit, casual and more stylish than a standard sweatshirt.  Knit in cotton or a cotton blend I think this would become a trans-seasonal favorite much like Rogue has become a winter favorite.  Again, I have learned that I am a great fan of knitted hoodies, and have several residing in my closet, both purchased and hand knit, and several of these are about to be retired.   This one would be a great new addition. 

 A classic cabled cardigan is always nice, and this one definitely appeals to me.  It is not particularly shaped, but the deeply ribbed waist will add the illusion of shaping as will the nicely angled cables in the bodice.  This is a nice combination of texture and detail with simplicity of shape and design, something that sometimes seems all to rare

 The tunic pattern named Mini-Dress is a more trendy garment than most of the ones listed here, and it is designed by Sally's daughter Caddy (as is the first, sideways sweater).  I have loved this since I first saw it and although I can see it with a simple pair of slacks and sandals in warm weather, I mostly envision myself wearing this as a layering piece.

 Last (yes there is an end to my long ramblings) is this Crinkly Blouse Sweater.  Another long unshaped sweater, this one is actually a-line, to be worn with narrow pants, it exudes calm casual chic.  I think it is the combination of the ribbing and the lace, with the crinkly texture of the pattern and the linen that really makes this sweater.  It would have a completely different aura in a different fiber. There are days when I want simple, casual, and uncomplicated and this sweater fits the bill; if I can have all of that with a bit of sophisticated chic, so much the better.  I believe this sweater has that potential although success will all lie in choice of yarn and the fit. Get it wrong and you could easily have an oversized "I give up" sweater.  Luckily the designer gives you enough information to make it work if you pay attention (something at which I have not excelled of late).

Comments

[Polypropylene Membrane Filters]

All of them are great, especially the third one.

[materfamilias]

Oh my, oh my, oh my, I might buy this book just for that shirt-sweater pattern! Although I'm skeptical that the button bands would keep a reasonable shape for long. And I know that I really should be buying the book as part of an effort to take more care with custom-sizing -- I'm too much for just following the pattern and if it doesn't work for me, I end up finding someone to give it away to -- hence my lucky daughter with a gorgeous black cashmere roll-neck pullover! Beautiful cashmere you'd be hard-pressed to find in any ready-made sweater. At least she wears it and cares for it . . .

[ChristineB]

Why, oh why is it so difficult to include ease information or body measurements on knitting patterns? I've had many bad experiences making sweaters that I knit perfectly to gauge, but that just didn't look right on me because I should have made them a size smaller or larger in order to get a similar fit to that of the model in the photograph. Gaaaah!

(I'm also loving the buttoned muffler and the lace weight mohair shirt.)

[Gina]

I am one of those "glove people' you mention. I scour vintage stores and thrift stores for old fashioned gloves in unusual colors. I've been tempted to buy this book, and you have rekindled my interest.

[K-Line]

The knit across sweater is fabulous! Makes me want to take up knitting.