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The Origami Cardi With A Side of Pink Scarf (plus a surprise...)

Aug 31, 2007 by KD Sandi

Norah Gaughan's Origami Cardigan

Our final gallery this week features the Origami Cardigan by Norah Gaughan, from Interweave Knits Summer 2007. True to its name, this cardigan has a very unusual construction--simple and elegant, with a bit of "Wow, how did she think of that?" thrown in. The fronts are rectangles turned "on point"; the back is shaped something like an envelope flap pointing upwards, with the point trimmed off at the neck edge. Once knitted, you sew the bound-off edge of each front to the back along the lower portion of the back's long "flap" edge. Then you sew the raglan sleeve between the front and the back pieces.

Whew! Got all that? It's a bit hard to visualize, so with the help of patient Bertha, I took a photo of the Origami's left front panel, with things held out so you can more clearly see the side/raglan seam.


The side seam

Everyone here who tried on this cardigan loved it, and when Bertha was wearing it in our lobby, she attracted a lot of attention. The Origami's shape is flowing and unique--it makes me think of rice-paper screens, the smell of woven grass floor mats, and raw silk dresses.

Did I try it on? Yep. It's tight on me, because the sample size is a 33.5"--needless to say, that's not a Sandi-sized garment. What size would I make? Here's how I would approach the question: The 44" seems logical, given my 43" full bust measurement. However, take a look at the photo of me (with the idiotic grin--what was I thinking when that was taken?)
Origami Sandi and compare it to the magazine photo, which was styled by folks who knew how the sweater was supposed to fit. See the overlap at the front? On me, the overlap is about 3-4" short of the overlap in the official photo, so I need a sweater at least 4" bigger. The next size up from the 33.5" sample is 38.5", which would be five inches bigger from what I am wearing in the photo. The sample's armholes are a teensy bit tight on me; not so tight that they cut off circulation, but not as loose as I would like them. The extra inch allowed for armholes in the 38.5" size would be more comfortable. Given all this, the 38.5" size might be a good choice for me.

But why would I make a size smaller than my full bust measurement? Everyone sing along: Negative ease! If I made something ten inches bigger than the sample I tried on, it would be extremely comfortable--but it would be the comfort of a lovely tent on me. This sweater is all about shape and line and geometry; making it too big would destroy its beauty.

You can find the patterns for the Origami Cardigan, the Oriel Lace Blouse, and the 1824 Blouson in Interweave Knits Summer 2007. The Summer Wheat Tank is a free pattern on Knitting Daily. Enjoy!


Bertha hears the mermaids singing

In the "I Should Know Better Than To Post A Photo Without Mentioning The Pattern" Category: The scarf Bertha is wearing to show off her wild side is the Mermaid Scarf, designed by some wild crazy gal named Sandi for the Spring 2007 Interweave Crochet staff project. The scarf normally decorates my cubicle's bookcase, and so when Bertha suggested she be given something more free-spirited to wear, that bit of bright pink crocheted lace seemd the perfect choice.





Want a look at what's ahead on Knitting Daily? Someone came into my office at lunch today with a VIDEO CAMERA and caught me knitting a project that's coming in September. So here you go, a literal Sneak Peek!

Sandi Wiseheart is the editor of Knitting Daily.

What's on Sandi's needles? Yes, folks, it's true: I will be ripping back the front of the Bonsai Tunic by Norah Gaughan. Yes, I shall post photos of my infamous defeat pre-rip-fest, but allow me to gather up my courage first. On my needles: About 18 inches' worth of cables and twisted stitches for a charity scarf, with the design coming soon to Knitting Daily. Someone asked if this was the ONLY thing on my needles...you caught me! I am the Unfinished Objects Fairy, spreading my little stardust magic over as much casting-on and as many needle sets as possible.



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Knitting Daily wrote
on Sep 21, 2009 3:43 PM

Modern Quilt Wrap (yum!) It's true: I hate to knit scarves. I don't know why. I just do. I am

Pollyanna’s Not the Only Weirdo around Here « Pollyanna Rainbow Sunshine and the Needles of Doom wrote
on Sep 12, 2008 5:30 PM

Pingback from  Pollyanna’s Not the Only Weirdo around Here « Pollyanna Rainbow Sunshine and the Needles of Doom

CarolynM@2 wrote
on Feb 1, 2008 5:55 PM
Sandi - I have just about finished the Origami Cardi, and find it quite disappointing - I would like you to show a photo of the back on Bertha, or you. or both. Also, don't you think the neck edge could do with an edging of some kind? Carolyn McGhee, Prince George BC Canada
Elizabeth wrote
on Dec 13, 2007 5:45 PM
How long is the back of this cardi supposed to be? Waist length? It looks great on
Bertha and seems to be waist length. I wouldn't have considered making this sweater until I saw the gallery, now I'm interested. But I am 5'9 and I seem to recall that Erin is also about this height. So major lengthening seems to be required if I were to make it.

Again, thanks for the galleries, and another vote for suggested ease published in the pattern. Sally Melville puts this in her patterns and it is really helpful.

By the way, I saw somewhere that you listed the number or weight of a yarn (sport or #3 along with the wraps per square inch. Very helpful. Could you please do this in your magazines instead of just the wpi?

More info on substituting yarns also welcome.

Thanks.
Elizabeth wrote
on Dec 13, 2007 5:20 PM
To the lady who is allergic to wool, there is an interweave book out called NO SHEEP FOR YOU, I think, that has other fibers.

THANK YOU FOR HELPING US DECIDE HOW TO MAKE A SWEATER THAT FITS. Any information along these lines is extremely helpful. Getting something to fit is the hardest part of knitting!

Thank you, Sandi
DanaG wrote
on Nov 2, 2007 1:13 PM
please please PLEASE continue with the galleries for all patterns! This would be an invaluable addition to the magazine too, really setting IK apart from the other publications in the marketplace. I would bet your sales would increase.
Being able to see the garments on various body types as well as Bertha, and in normal (not Artsy) poses really helps me evaluate both whether to make a pattern or not, and what size to follow and adjustments need to be made.
thank you again! User-friendliness is key!
CarolynM@2 wrote
on Oct 9, 2007 12:02 PM
Hello Sandi, it's October now, and I have decided to try the Origami Cardi in naural white sool instead of the Aran style it is intended for. I realy thought the 2 Aran garments in the same Interweave book were pathetic - those 2 models are about my age I should think. Why would they wear something so bulky? Anyway I looked in your archives because I remembered you talking about the size of the Cardi, and you have persuaded me to make the smallest size (I am probalby size 38), so thanks!
JenniferM@6 wrote
on Sep 11, 2007 10:10 PM
More galleries, please! I can't tell you how incredibly helpful it is to see some of these tops on girls with fuller busts! Thanks again!
LaurelZ wrote
on Sep 6, 2007 8:13 PM
Regarding the Origami Cardigan....nope, I'm sorry, Sandi, but this pattern is NOT flattering on anyone who's not tall, slender and small-busted. All it does on a fuller-busted person is make the bust stand out even more, and the pointed fronts just act like arrows that say, "Look at my boobs! Aren't they huge?" It's all well and good to publish patterns that are out of the ordinary and keep us knitters from getting bored, but let's face it--- most designers cater to people in a specific range of body types and weights. No amount of self-esteem boosting will disguise the fact that people in this range just plain look better in almost everything. Don't get me wrong....if there were a sweater pattern that looked better on large people than on "normals", I'd be first in line to buy it. But nothing I've seen in years of knitting has met this criteria, unfortunately.
ficklephonebug wrote
on Sep 6, 2007 1:44 AM
Hi, love the modern quily wrap, but am confused...this pattern went from being rated as intermediate, to easy within a couple of days.....which is it?
Angeluna wrote
on Sep 5, 2007 2:54 PM
Sandi, I have never seen a photo of the Origami Cardigan from the back. Just curious to make it, but also curious as to why they don't show a side or back photo. Does one exist?
Thanks,
Angela
JulieW wrote
on Sep 5, 2007 12:27 PM
I've been thinking of knitting this...it looks great. However, given where the front ends, I'm wondering if it will draw more attention than I would like to my waist area. I did learn a trick from a workshop with Susan Lazear, to cut a piece of knit jersey to the dimensions and see how it falls. I think I will try that, and I wanted to share the trick with others.
GloriaF wrote
on Sep 5, 2007 10:54 AM
Sandi, I appreciate your help with knitting the best size for the individual, but...you have the option to try on some of the garments and realize you need just one size larger but one with negative ease. With us, sometimes, well most of the time, it's a guessing game.
Would it be possible to give a little info with the model's picture stating the model is size X and the garment is size W which looks better with a negative/positive ease of Q? Thanks, Gloria
VashtiB wrote
on Sep 4, 2007 8:58 PM
Thanks for the details on the crocheted scarf, Sandi, and congratulations on a great design!
Vashti
DianeB@3 wrote
on Sep 4, 2007 5:27 PM
My question is how would a person (like me) know NOT to choose the size measured???? Hopefully this would be before I knit up the sweater? How do we know when to consider negative ease?
Thanks. Diane
MarcineP wrote
on Sep 4, 2007 4:30 PM
OK-I don't usually have the time to read much of the Knitting Daily but the Origami title caught my attention-first of all-I attempted to knit this pattern and could not follow it. I'm a seasoned knitter. I was very frustrated that the back wasn't pictured. I had some real problems as far as the berry-in-the-box pattern. I like many, many of Norah's patterns and after this debacle hesitate to approach any of them! It probably is me but I have never been so frustrated that I completely abandoned a project! If anyone else can see their way through it and has suggestions please post them!!
M Page
Cj millingtonS wrote
on Sep 4, 2007 11:59 AM
Thank you for posting such a clear picture of the Origami cardi. I wasn't going to make this because in the Interweave magazine (I subscribe and love it!)there was not a clear picture of the back of the cardi. ---- how nice it looks on you, Sandi.
Ariadne wrote
on Sep 4, 2007 10:57 AM
I loved the Origami Cardi when I saw it in the magazine. However, I would hesitate to make it without knowing what the back looks like. Can you print a pic of the back? A picture is worth a thousand words.

Ariadne
CynthiaG wrote
on Sep 4, 2007 9:54 AM
I love these galleries! I am on the tall side (5'10"), and it would be nice to have the heights of the models provided as well as the bust size. Sometimes the length of the sweater matters a lot to how it looks. Just my two cents--thanks a lot!
LizB wrote
on Sep 3, 2007 11:40 PM
I've just joined KD and absolutely love it! I live on the edge of the outback in New South Wales, Australia and do not even have a wool shop, so I do a lot of browsing online. I really appreciate the approach to knitting that you American girls have - I used to be English and have spent years 'casting off' (sorry - I know you say 'binding off!)the old fashioned image - I'm actually hoping to do some arty stuff quite soon! I love getting my emails now, really look forward to them. Thanks and best wishes, Liz Brooks
Carol Tanzer wrote
on Sep 3, 2007 6:13 PM
Every issue of Knitting Daily is a joy and an inspiration. Thank you for your sharing yourself and your ideas with us; the video was super. Can't wait for your talk show :)!!
Carol T
Sharlene wrote
on Sep 3, 2007 3:50 PM
RE: the Origami Cardi--you mention that is is hard to visualize, and yes, it is! I've had that pattern on my radar since the issue was published, but I would love to see a back view photo. Please, please, can you take one and share it with us? Thanks so much!
KarenW@2 wrote
on Sep 3, 2007 10:43 AM
thank you for sharing so much valuable information with us. I have one small request....more crochet stuff please! Keep up the good work.
Selvedge wrote
on Sep 3, 2007 10:03 AM
What have you wrought Sandi! Now you have to convince the powers that be to, when taking the garment to a photo shoot, not only to get it on a the model, but also on the every appropiate sex person in the crew. Whether it fits or not! Some of us will want more or less ease - what you are comfortable wearing with negative ease, and looks great on you, would not have looked so great or be worn with ease ( pardon the pun ) by me when I was in my 20's.
And in my 30's nursing made my bust have daily variations of six inches, after getting dressed in the morning. Fit was a moving target.

I also want to find out the right amount of negative ease . I belong to that group of women who do not want the world to know what kind of undergarments I'm wearing. I remember trying on a sweater that my DD thought fit, but I realized that it clearly delineated my bra straps in the back - so I purchased a size up, which did not have this problem.

So many questions, I bet you have material for more columns than you have time this year! So I'll add one request: I've seen lots of patterns lately that call for short rowing ( like the lutea shell) but they are all done in stockinette. How does one go about doing short rows on a patterned stitch, one with a four or six row repeat?
pinkngreen wrote
on Sep 3, 2007 12:10 AM
I love the video. Please do more - maybe a q&a
JenniferS wrote
on Sep 2, 2007 9:58 PM
I'm so glad you feature this cardi! I have to knit it now. It's so cute!
AlisonL@2 wrote
on Sep 2, 2007 6:05 PM
Thank you for all your wonderful posts on sizing. I have one comment - before seeing the origami cardi (which is great!) on you, i had no way of relating its fit and ease to anything. It would be really really helpful if IK patterns could publish information consistently (with every pattern) about the suggested amount of ease. Including the model's actual bust size as well as the garment size would be really helpful. It's great to know what size garment a model is wearing, but if we don't know her size we have no way of knowing how much ease is in the garment - and very little idea of how the garment will look on us. Thank you for a great series of posts; I've learned a lot about garment fit and my personal ease preferences - this can only improve my knitting outcomes: thank you!
ElizabethP wrote
on Sep 2, 2007 3:35 PM
Sandi, Your recent features on fitting are a great idea--thank you so much for doing this. I would not normally experiment with nontraditional shapes.
Carol Y wrote
on Sep 2, 2007 1:22 PM
Whew! Just read all the comments after mine and the conclusions are clear: more video of Sandi, more pictures of garments, more info on how the garment should fit. I'm telling you "ex-are-ex" is on to something with their 'Standards of Fit'.
MaureenC wrote
on Sep 2, 2007 10:29 AM
I'd really like to see the oragami sweater from the back--I can't picture it from your description. I think it looks good on you,Sandi!
MaureenC wrote
on Sep 2, 2007 10:29 AM
I'd really like to see the oragami sweater from the back--I can't picture it from your description. I think it looks good on you,Sandi!
SherryC wrote
on Sep 1, 2007 10:10 PM
I feel so fortunate to have found this site! You ladies are so much fun and inspiring. THANK YOU So much, Sandy, for showing us patterns on a variety of women's bodies. I've gained a truer understanding of ease, both positive and negative. It also helps that Sandy's bust size is also mine.... PERFECT !!! Sandy, you're the best !
SandraB wrote
on Sep 1, 2007 9:48 PM
Actually, I like the cardigan open rather than closed and it was great to hear what you sound like :-)
SandraB wrote
on Sep 1, 2007 9:42 PM
Thanks for the different views of the cardigan - this is a definite 'to do'. I love KD and look forward to the newsletters. Thanks girls!
TomlinsonA wrote
on Sep 1, 2007 9:37 PM
I just finished my Orgami Cardi today. All seamed and steamed. I love the sweater the berry edging was fun to knit. I was suprised that it seems so much larger after I knit it. I wish the magazine had a photo of the the back. I found one on the IK site but for a pattern like this where the back is so much shorter than the front it would have been nice to see it in the magazine. I love Norah's patterns.
Mary Jo wrote
on Sep 1, 2007 8:41 PM
This is just a lovely sweater. Pattern is a bit too tough for me right now,(I am brand new to the sticks), but I can appreciate the stitchwork.I am so glad to have found your web site. I really feel the spirit and the comaraderie coming through from the newsletter and the reader's comments. I look forward to each issue of Knitting daily for the tips and the gentle kidding. It is really a bright spot in my day!
WendyB wrote
on Sep 1, 2007 8:18 PM
I too would like to see the "Tilted Duster" from the cover of the new issue on the "real women" of your gallery.The model looks like a stick - will it look good with any size bust (over A?)The Gallery is the best!
AnnaD wrote
on Sep 1, 2007 8:04 PM
I was taught (Phee and Zimmerman) to measure a like fitting garment to get inches of knitting. My projects have been successful(wearable and attractive) following that rule of thumb.
Eliza wrote
on Sep 1, 2007 6:19 PM
I love the video!! It's so fun seeing what you are like IRL!

The galleries thus far have been really helpful, but I'm not sure why Erin hasn't closed the front of the sweater or why Katie doesn't close it properly. That isn't so useful to seeing how it fits on them. Also, I think it looks great on you, Sandi.
PatriciaG wrote
on Sep 1, 2007 4:24 PM
Oh wow! Thank you for posting pix of this one. If it weren't for the pic of Sandi wearing it, I wouldn't knit it. Now I think it will work for me. We have similar body types, Im just bigger. LOL! This will work. Thanks again.
TheresaB wrote
on Sep 1, 2007 4:22 PM
I am so thrilled about the gallery concept - it has actually made me want to knit all 3 patterns where originally I didn't think they would work on my body at all. I really wish you would continue to do this for at least some, if not all, patterns published in Knits. It's so helpful to see them on real people, not just the models (since I am NOT model size). Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Marilyn1063 wrote
on Sep 1, 2007 4:09 PM
Sandi,
I have to say thank you again. I love this newsletter, and enjoy all the info that you share.
Marilyn
BarbaraB wrote
on Sep 1, 2007 3:40 PM
fantastic cardi - I think you might tempt me with this one. I loved the video too - it's nice to be able to see and hear you "live" here Down Under.Thanks a bunch.
Mary EllenB wrote
on Sep 1, 2007 2:14 PM
The galleries are so interesting. I was planning to make the origami cardi until I saw how tent-like it looks on Karen. I'm also small chested and since the smallest size is 33 1/2 there'll be no negative ease for me. Just one more pattern I love that I won't be making. Thanks for saving me from making a big mistake.
AlisonK wrote
on Sep 1, 2007 2:03 PM
After seeing this gallery I'm quite tempted to have a go at this cardigan. Other candidates for "The Gallery" I would like to nominate are (all from the new issue): the Minimalist Cardi, the Concentric Vest and the Tilted Duster - all on the largest CUP size you can find please (as I'm sitting here in a JJ and have been known to wear a K!) :)
Thank you!
BeateM wrote
on Sep 1, 2007 1:42 PM
Thanks again for this gallery.

Sadly it's a tiny bit late for me this time - I finished the garment just this week and I made the size that's my bust size. After finishing I knew, that was not a good idea. But ripping and redoing it smaller - no way it would ever get finished (knitting those bobbles was a bit unnerving in the long run and those miles of stockinette stitch).

I'm about your measurements and it is a bit of a tent. I decided on wearing it like Bertha in the thirdlast picture, but a bit more tightness would be great.

I really do hope, you enclose those informations in the magazine in the future. When shopping for clothing I can try on different sizes to get the right fit - knitting them all before deciding is a bit tough.
HelenM@2 wrote
on Sep 1, 2007 12:58 PM
thank you so much, I have looked and looked for a small or mid-sized shawl and you have the perfect one. Hopefully I will get 2 of them made by the holidays, Helen
BarbaraL@5 wrote
on Sep 1, 2007 12:55 PM
Thank you so much for the Mermaid Scarf Pattern. I will be making it for my daughter's birthday present-and I already have the yarn! I am really enjoying your posts and look forward to each and every one
DonnaT wrote
on Sep 1, 2007 12:16 PM
All the info you have been providing is interesting but you have not addressed the most crucial subject - how do you determine the amount of ease a garment should have to look good? Obviously, it can be done after the garment is knitted as you have been doing but I doubt that I am alone in not wanting to knit something twice. I don't have time to knit everything I want to knit much less knit each garment twice!!!
BarbaraC@4 wrote
on Sep 1, 2007 11:01 AM
Thanks for the sizing tips on this sweater. I love this pattern and I would've made the larger size and then been very disappointed.
AndreaM wrote
on Sep 1, 2007 10:55 AM
I love your mermaid scarf, Sandi!
RobinG@2 wrote
on Sep 1, 2007 10:54 AM
The whole series on fit and ease has been interesting but has raised the question of what is the relation between size and ease for a pattern. I too would have picked the size cloeset to my own for the origami jacket and having looked at the pattern, I don't see anything there that would provide guidance on proceeding differently. How is a knitter to know??
SallyT wrote
on Sep 1, 2007 10:51 AM
Jennifer K's. remark is my nagging question, too! Can you help us? BUT, I'm learning so much from your posts! Just love Knitting Daily. Don't stop.

Sally T.

I still have a nagging question though. When I look at a pattern I always just choose the bust size that is closest to my own. However in these posts I'm seeing many examples where the garment actually looks better with negative ease. Unless I have access to the sample garment and a bunch of different sized friends (lucky you!), how's a girl to know? I know a pattern usually notes what size garment is shown in the photo, but unless I know how big the model is so I can mentally compare her to myself, that's not particularly helpful. Can you help? If you covered this and I missed it, I apologize. Thanks!

Comment by: Jennifer K | August 31, 2007
AlixM wrote
on Sep 1, 2007 10:51 AM
For me the best part of knitting daily so far has been the staff pictures, wearing the garments. It lets you know what a garment would look like if you were to knit it. I truely hope that this site continues to do this, and I cant wait to see what the new issues garments looks like on real people.
ConnieB wrote
on Sep 1, 2007 9:57 AM
I'm loving the galleries of pictures on different women also. I understand how to adjust the gauge of a pattern, but not really how to change one element of the pattern like armhole size. Connie
GillK wrote
on Sep 1, 2007 9:56 AM
Whoops ... I'm new at this blogging thing ... must learn to wait for the computer to do its stuff ... sorry to waste space. love Gill K xx
GillK wrote
on Sep 1, 2007 9:49 AM
When it came to sizing until fairly recently I just stuck to what the patterns said. Thank you Sandi and gang for helping open my eyes to neg ease. Keep up the good work ... and the videoing. Love Gill K xx
GillK wrote
on Sep 1, 2007 9:49 AM
When it came to sizing until fairly recently I just stuck to what the patterns said. Thank you Sandi and gang for helping open my eyes to neg ease. Keep up the good work ... and the videoing. Love Gill K xx
GillK wrote
on Sep 1, 2007 9:49 AM
When it came to sizing until fairly recently I just stuck to what the patterns said. Thank you Sandi and gang for helping open my eyes to neg ease. Keep up the good work ... and the videoing. Love Gill K xx
GillK wrote
on Sep 1, 2007 9:49 AM
When it came to sizing until fairly recently I just stuck to what the patterns said. Thank you Sandi and gang for helping open my eyes to neg ease. Keep up the good work ... and the videoing. Love Gill K xx
CynthiaKurath wrote
on Sep 1, 2007 8:57 AM
So many posts on how to know whether the pattern needs negative ease to look right if you don't have a sample size to try! Why don't the designers of these patterns work that into the selection of bust sizes given for the pattern? Most knitters depend on selecting the bust size that matches their measurements....
RebeccaM@5 wrote
on Sep 1, 2007 8:54 AM
I want to comment on what others have said about how to know what size to knit if they don't have the luxury of a knitted sample to try on. I recently knit a cardigan. I measured myself carefully and compared the numbers to the pattern sizes and the schematics. According to the pattern, the size I should knit was a xsmall. I thought, no way! I do know about negative ease, but didn't quite trust/understand it yet. I knit the small instead and the cardigan is a very close fit. As a matter I fact I had to add a couple of inches to the button band so I could button it properly without it gaping. And, the sleeves are very close fitting... I can't wear a long sleeve shirt with the cardigan because there isn't room between my arm and the sleeve of the cardigan! lol!
I guess what I'm trying to say is...if you know you normally wear a certain size, and the measurements of the pattern are way off from that size, that might tell you about the negative or postive ease. If I had paid more attention I would have realized the cardigan I knit had negative ease because it was saying I could knit a xsmall and it would fit just fine. I guess I was just blinded with the thought I was really that small! lol!
Hope this makes sense and helps!
Raynebair wrote
on Sep 1, 2007 8:44 AM
All this talk about making a size that will fit makes me even more hesitant about making a sweater. How the heck do I know it will fit right? I don't know what's supposed to fit with neg ease or not.
TaraR wrote
on Sep 1, 2007 8:36 AM
Oops - sorry for spelling your name wrong, Sandi! Just to add, I don't even know how to do any crochet aside from a simple single or double crochet, but that scarf makes me want to learn. AND, I might just have to knit the Origami...
TaraR wrote
on Sep 1, 2007 8:26 AM
Ooh ooh ooh! I can't wait for next week! I want the Folk Style book so badly... Thank you, thank you, Sandy!! (I don't care which pattern it turns out to be - I'm happy!)
MaureenH wrote
on Sep 1, 2007 7:38 AM
While I understand about negative ease and such-how do you know how a sweater will fit if you all you have is the picture. I have made a few sweaters to gauge and my true measurements only to wind up with something that is too big. For example I want to make a cardigan type sweater that doesn't button in the front it ties, My measurements say to make the large size but how do I really know how it will fit.
VanessaJ wrote
on Sep 1, 2007 6:40 AM
Sandi, I love the fact that you did a video! It was like a personal message to each of us. You must do more of these!
Thanks
Vanessa in Upstate NY
HeatherS@5 wrote
on Sep 1, 2007 6:28 AM
If I hadn't seen how nice this sweater can look on someone my size, I never would have considered making it. These galleries are a real eye opener. Thanks again for showing a range of people wearing the samples!
JacquelineS@2 wrote
on Sep 1, 2007 1:36 AM
OK, this column has got me thinking... In fact I have been thinking obsessively about how garments fit and whether they look good on me.
It seems to me that picking a size based on the bust measurement is not the only way to go. I don't think it is the best way to go since I don't always have the benefit of multiple models. More importantly I don't have the sweater to try on myself. I think you have to understand what fit of a sweater, vest, cardigan you like -bust ease, waist shaping, armhole size, length etc. Then you need to look at the diagram and pick the size that seems closest to what will work and make adjustments as needed (adding lenght, bust ease etc) Luckily IK has good diagrams usually.
It really is the negative side of knitting that you see the picture and you want it and want to make it, but you have to be real about how adjustable the pattern is and if it will look good on YOU. I love the OC, but it would not look great on me, and that is a lot of time and money to spend knitting something I won't LOVE wearing.
AnnaR wrote
on Sep 1, 2007 12:15 AM
I hope you realize now that you've started down the road of presenting your sweaters on assorted models of all sizes you won't be able to stop. This is the most helpful thing a fashion magazine can do. I'm afraid it is often too hard for me to visualize how a garment might look on me when I see iit on a "flawless" young model. Seeing a sweater on a regular person__ and before that sounds like a backhanded compliment or even an insult, your "regualr" models stand facing the camera taking undramatic poses such as I am likely to take myself in even, undramatic lighting; boring for a fashion shoot, perfect for the person who just, when she's not knitting, stands around.
Thanks, consider making this feature a line item in your budget.
BarbaraM wrote
on Sep 1, 2007 12:03 AM
The video was wonderful! It was so nice to finally have a voice to go with your dazzling smile [it is NOT an idiotic grin].

I vote for MORE live Sandy!

Your explanation of how you would select a size for the Cardi made sense to me. I am still tentative knitter because I am never sure what size to select. Being on the busty size, but with no hips to speak of, I know that if I base my size selection simply on bust measurement, I will end up with something that looks like a maternity top!
Donna@3 wrote
on Aug 31, 2007 11:30 PM
I had the same question as several others. How would I know that I would need that much negative ease?
Geminidream wrote
on Aug 31, 2007 10:45 PM
P.S.
Yes, please, as Marie S suggested, give us an idea not only of the size of the sweater in a picture, but what size the model is - it would be a great tool, Pat
Geminidream wrote
on Aug 31, 2007 10:36 PM
Hi there
I do try to keep up with all the info you're sharing, but hey, there's only one of me...do you EVER sleep?
I have been quite interested in all the in-depth stuff about how to make things fit, and today's post is going to allow me to work in another Tomato reference too - how can you tell if the armholes are going to be the right size if you're knitting something with raglan shaping? I love raglans, but I'm trying to figure out how to get the right number of increases so that the bust fits the way I want AND the armholes are deep enough so as not to bind.
I don't think I've ever seen a schematic that gives the measurement for the raglan "seam" - which is not the same as either the back neck length or the arm circumference - wouldn't that help us out?
So I am kinda stuck on the sweater I am working on now - do I knit another couple rounds with the increases (I think that that will make it too big around); can I knit a couple rounds WITHOUT increases, will that look funny, to make sure that the armhole is deep enough?
Anyone who has experienced this and has any tips, I would love to hear them.
thanks for all the great stuff, Pat R. in Ottawa
SamH wrote
on Aug 31, 2007 10:16 PM
please please please PLEASE! sometime next week post the Tomato short-rows pdf. I'm a DD, and am tired of knitting sweaters that are either sacks or skin tight over my chest.
LynW wrote
on Aug 31, 2007 10:00 PM
The Origami is beautiful! I love the shape. Since Bertha and I are about the same size... LOL I should look great. Thanks for posting the Mermaid scarf for us. I will be making that too!

Lyn
LauraV wrote
on Aug 31, 2007 9:46 PM
Ummm....would it be so wrong as to ask that you guys do the galleries for EVERY SINGLE KNITTED PATTERN EVER? No? Oh. Well the ones you did totally rocked and its most appreciated.
No serious...come on...you know you want to do every one...all of them...please? pretty please?
Seriously, Sandi, you and the team are awesome. Vido, great.
Cheers,
Laura
Vancouver, BC
LisaL wrote
on Aug 31, 2007 8:55 PM
I have to ask a semi-related question of all you posters...have you ever started knitting something way too small because it was "gonna fit" by the time you got it done, or the right season came along? I'm just curious...

Sandi, KD is the highlight of my day! Thank you so much for sharing your life with us!
Eharper wrote
on Aug 31, 2007 8:14 PM
A huge Thank You to Sandi and the lovely models. I gotta say, I don't think I'd be so gracious as to let a coworker come and take my picture twice a week just to post it on a site for other women to scrutinize! Even if the coworker was as adorable a person as Sandi :) It is such a wonderful help though. You really ought to consider adding a gallery like this for every pattern in the magazine! There are so many patterns you've shown that I originally looked at once and dismissed thinking I didn't like them. Now (after seeing the gallery) I?ve added them to my to do list. It really makes the magazine more valuable.

PS -- I love the mermaid scarf. It makes me want to pick up my crochet hook again... (as if I need another hobby :)
--Erin, AZ
Jenna wrote
on Aug 31, 2007 7:52 PM
I'm relieved to see in the galleries that Interweave staff are wearing chinos & tees and other clothes like "normal people". Many times I wear a sweater or anything the tiniest bit "fiberlicious", somebody will ask if I made it. 99 44/100% of the time, I have to say No, and for some reason, am really embarrassed about it. Glad to see even professionals in the fiber worlds aren't festooned with wearable art all the time.
Jenna wrote
on Aug 31, 2007 7:42 PM
Is this related to the much-discussed "Baby Origami Jacket" going around the 'net? I've seen three LONG threads about Baby Origami, but have yet to find a link to the actual pattern. From the comments & questions, sounds like B.O. instructions need more diagrams/explication or maybe there's at least one major erratum.
A few times I've tried to challenge myself with "intermediate" or "advanced" rated projects, and find that understanding the instructions is many times harder than executing a new technique.
My question: Do others find pattern writers have too high expections re: vocabulary/terminology?
HeatherN wrote
on Aug 31, 2007 7:31 PM
As I am almost the exact same measurements as Erin, I really wish there were a front view picture of her in the sweater. It looks like it could fit her very well, but I can't tell what it looks like from the front!
SusanB wrote
on Aug 31, 2007 7:25 PM
Summer Wheat tank:
Sandi, Could you go into more detail about how you would approach lowering the wrap section below the bust? I also would not like to draw attention to my bustline. Another subject I would love to see tackled in this column is dying of yarn [microwave method]. Thanks. By the way, I appreciate your humor in writing. You make me laugh as I read. Sue Baughman
JoezGal wrote
on Aug 31, 2007 7:09 PM
Thanks so much Sandi, Bertha and the rest of the KD support staff for the invaluable info and insights you provide to help us produce beautiful and well fitting garments. I have been so impressed with the wisdom, wit and honesty contained in each newsletter; keep up the good work. KD is a perfect example of why Interweave Knits is my one must-have knitting magazine.
GinnyD wrote
on Aug 31, 2007 7:01 PM
Thank you for all of the helpful pictures and hints. I was wondering if you could help me with figuring out how to substitute one type of yarn for another. I am extremely allergic to wool and love so many of the patterns out there. I know that it is more than the gauge - from experiance. I look forward to the daily newsletters! Ginny D.
Zaz wrote
on Aug 31, 2007 7:01 PM
yes
Zaz wrote
on Aug 31, 2007 7:00 PM
hello sandi, it's very funny but you know how the newsletters have a list at the bottom, i clicked on crochet and actually chose to make this scarf and i recognised it on the fake model because i already had downloaded it. it's a very interesting "look" especially for someone like me who hates the look and texture of crochet.
Zaz, paris
JannyW wrote
on Aug 31, 2007 6:58 PM
Pretty, pretty cardigan! I'm working on a vest/shawl that has a very similar front... maybe I'll tackle the cardigan at some point!
LaurieL wrote
on Aug 31, 2007 6:41 PM
I so enjoy and look forward to these "newsletters". Thank you so much for this week. Bertha helps, using different bodies helps, "listening" to your thought process in size choices helps. But it seems to me that without knowing the negative ease of each garment/pattern I look at, it's a "crap shoot" and lots of work to knit and frog or just plain redesign each item. What's a gal to do?
BethR wrote
on Aug 31, 2007 6:32 PM
Add me to the "dittos" re: negative ease and how much is too much, and how can you tell BEFORE you spend months knitting a big comfy bag???

This is one reason I don't knit with commercial patterns. I find pieces of designs that attract me, yarns that work with these features, and then knit to the same size of a garment of similar hand THAT FITS ME.

This means I re-write and re-design just about everything. This is fine, but sometimes a gal just wants soft-serve vanilla--to pick a pattern, know that I'll need 3-4 inches of negative ease, pick a bust size close to that, get gauge, and GO.

Looking forward to finding out more . . .
MarieS@3 wrote
on Aug 31, 2007 6:26 PM
This has been fery interesting, and I have to agree with Jennfer about knowing the size of the model. It would really help if the magazine would give the model's bust measurement in addition to the garment measurement.
CarolH@2 wrote
on Aug 31, 2007 6:16 PM
I'm in agreement with others who have written before me. Yes, we understand negative ease, but how do we find out when it is beneficial OR when we should knit to our bust measurements. I'm looking forward to your column on that.... Carol
PatriciaS wrote
on Aug 31, 2007 6:12 PM
I really liked the differemt views of the Origame Cardi. It gives one an idea of how a garment could be worn which should make it more atractive to a wider range of people. It all goes back to that full size mirror and how we want to see ourselves.
1120magnolia wrote
on Aug 31, 2007 6:07 PM
This is the best email I get every day--I have learned so much it is amazing. I think that my knitting knowledge has grown exponentially! It's especially valuable since I don't live in a very "knitty" community anymore--Atlanta suburbs are not Asheville! Love it--keep it going!
Julie McC. wrote
on Aug 31, 2007 6:06 PM
A Red Scarf project? Wonderful. And what perfect timing. Red Scarf is my charity knitting of choice but I've had a hard time getting inspired this year.

P.S. Loved the video, and the "tease."
KendraM wrote
on Aug 31, 2007 6:02 PM
Sandi, you are my hero for teaching me about negative ease before I'd made more than one garment. I loved the Lotus Blossom Tank, but couldn't figure out why the perfect size for my gauge ended up fitting but too big! Now I will be able to adjust everything else I make!
ValorieJ wrote
on Aug 31, 2007 5:41 PM
Well, I too looked for the pattern - unsuccesssfully - and then to find out it's crocheted was VERY sad. Anybody have a pattern that is knit and that cute? Val Joyner
FloF wrote
on Aug 31, 2007 5:39 PM
Loved the video!
MjO wrote
on Aug 31, 2007 5:34 PM
This only gets better...what a great companion to Interweave and Sandi's comments are JUSt superb!
Thank you so much!
JenniferK@5 wrote
on Aug 31, 2007 5:24 PM
Thanks for all the great posts about proper fit, measuring, etc. They've been entertaining and informative. I still have a nagging question though. When I look at a pattern I always just choose the bust size that is closest to my own. However in these posts I'm seeing many examples where the garment actually looks better with negative ease. Unless I have access to the sample garment and a bunch of different sized friends (lucky you!), how's a girl to know? I know a pattern usually notes what size garment is shown in the photo, but unless I know how big the model is so I can mentally compare her to myself, that's not particularly helpful. Can you help? If you covered this and I missed it, I apologize. Thanks!
Carol Y wrote
on Aug 31, 2007 5:23 PM
Thank you for the extra view of the origami cardi - I'm even more impressed by the design, tho I didn't realize it was so short in the back. I think it looks pretty good on Bertha even tho her neg ease is only 0.5 inch. I think it might be helpful to also know the models' heights. Erin and Katie appear relatively tall, whereas the sleeves look long on you. Just where are the back and sleeves supposed to hit?
CindyT@2 wrote
on Aug 31, 2007 5:23 PM
When I first saw the Origami Cardi I thought "what a fantastic maternity sweater"! How cute would someone look with the fronts overlapping right on top of the baby?

I think it's a great sweater for anyone -- pregnant or not -- and it is on my (very long) list of things to knit.
PatriciaA wrote
on Aug 31, 2007 5:23 PM
I truly appreciate your logical approach to all things knitted, as in showing us photos of the samples on a variety of sizes; demonstrating how the seam looks on the unusually-constructed Origami; and asking "What size would I make? Here's how I would approach the question..." Here is a woman who understands us, indeed! However, your very next statement is the crux: "The 44" seems logical, given my 43" full bust measurement." If you hadn't had the gorgeous sample to try on BEFORE you cast on (as those of us who are limited to looking at the pictures and reading the pattern), logically...wouldn't you have cast on the number of stitches listed for the 44"? And, BTW, your picture in the sample makes it appear that the Origami fits you very well, so thanks for writing about how it REALLY fits/feels.
--Patricia
JudithG wrote
on Aug 31, 2007 5:21 PM
hi Sandi - thanks so much for posting the Mermaid scarf - it's beautiful and so unusual. I love the sample fitting on different size bodies, it gives so much info about the pattern and how to adjust it. KD is really a great read!
AnitaM wrote
on Aug 31, 2007 5:11 PM
Thankyou so much for doing the Origami cardi! It's definitely on my to-do list (along with many many others!) I'm really enjoying the gallery pics. Actually, I'm really enjoying everything you do on Knitting Daily - I love it! Keep up the good work. And it was nice to see you Sandi - great to put a voice to the words. :)
Rebecca S wrote
on Aug 31, 2007 5:11 PM
Oh how fun to see you in person... almost! You look so cute knitting in your cube. I am so jealous! I work at a publishing company in your neck of the woods and I always wondered if the Interweavers knit at work - now I know! We are so blessed to have you and your fun personality sharing with us on Knitting Daily!
LeslieL wrote
on Aug 31, 2007 3:45 PM
Just want to thank you and the models again - these galleries are incredibly helpful! I hope you keep doing them! After seeing it from all different angles, I think I might have to add this pattern to my ever expanding knit list :)
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