Knitting Daily with Sandi » It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)

It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)

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It's Gallery Time! You voted for six of the sweaters in the Spring 2008 issue of Interweave Knits, and so the Knitting Daily Gallery Galz posed, primped, and promenaded their way through another round of photographs for you. We present the first three Sweater Galleries today; the other three will be ready on Friday.

The Flutter Sleeve Cardigan Gallery

The Mirabella Cardigan Gallery

The Printed Silk Cardigan Gallery

Click on the links above to see seven of our lovely Gallery Galz in these three lovely sweaters! You will also find individual fit comments for each Gal, as well as general shaping comments on each sweater. I hope you find this information useful—tell me what YOU think!




Readers' Choice Awards: Don't Forget To Vote!

Vote for your favorite Interweave Knits pattern! The top five will be published in a free Knitting Daily ebook next month, so let your voice be heard.




Sandi Wiseheart is the editor of Knitting Daily.

What's on Sandi's needles? Halfway through the second sleeve on the KD Secret Project. (I am truly grateful sometimes that humans do not usually come equipped with four arms.)


Posted Feb 12 2008, 04:00 PM by KD Sandi
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Comments

KittyT wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Wed, Feb 13 2008 4:12 PM
Gallery Gals, These sweaters look wonderful on you.

Sandy, your comments are very helpful, but how do I figure out whether I have a high waist or a long upper torso or any of the other length considerations. I've read your measurements posts, but I don't know how to determine vertical adjustments.

Thanks so much for your great posts.
Kitty Turner
AnitaM wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Wed, Feb 13 2008 4:31 PM
Wow, Sandi thankyou! That was such a comprehensive breakdown of all 3 cardis. I love all 3 patterns and your observations and ideas will definitely help me make each of them to suit my figure. I learn so much from these galleries. THANKYOU!
And, as always, thanks to the Gallery Galz - you all look gorgeous! :)
JanL wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Wed, Feb 13 2008 5:42 PM
I just love the galleries! It makes it so much easier to visualize how something might look on ME! Thank you!
AndreaR wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Wed, Feb 13 2008 5:58 PM
The Printed Silk Cardigan looks good on all the real models -- even the color. Was that on purpose, or is it a sweater that I MUST HAVE ON MY NEEDLES, NOW?
GwenB wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Wed, Feb 13 2008 6:04 PM
The galleries are VERY, VERY useful to show how the sweaters look on different body types and with different amounts of ease. Thank you so much for doing this!
Jann wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Wed, Feb 13 2008 6:06 PM
Dumb question. I am not familiar with the terms 'negative' and 'positive' ease. I would love to understand them.
CharlotteW wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Wed, Feb 13 2008 6:11 PM
Sandi, Thanks for all your comments on shaping and adjustments for different figures. I don't seem to get the vertical dart above the waist if you are big busted. If you knit from the bottom up, wouldn't you want to increase more for those girls to fit in?
Send special thanks to all the models. Great pictures.


GailW wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Wed, Feb 13 2008 6:14 PM
I just love this website. I bet alot of us dream of working in an office of knitters! The Printed Silk is great and I can't wait to knit it! PS - Sandy, your comments and sense of humor brings a smile to my face. I look forward to your emails.
MaryS wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Wed, Feb 13 2008 6:14 PM
I notice that none of the models were of a 'larger' size for any of the samples. My first thought on previewing this issue that all the designs would really drape and fit better on smaller sizes. It is the first issue in a while that I may not purchase because I do not feel that any of the designs would suit my rather 'pear' shape.
I do commend Sandi in her helping us all out in knitting for our realistic figures. Let's see Sandi in these sweaters (in the right size) and maybe I'll change my mind.
Thanks, Mary
NancyG wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Wed, Feb 13 2008 6:17 PM
I wish you'd include a few "bustier" models, as well - are all the women in your offices sylphs? 3 of the sizes the pattern for the Printed Silk Cardi, for instance, are over 40", yet your biggest 'model' is less than 38". (incidentally - love that pattern, but really wonder how many will be made as designed at a yarn cost of $175-$275.)
LauraW wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Wed, Feb 13 2008 6:19 PM
I've just looked at the Printed Silk Cardigan so far. It looks great on all, but they all appear to have "wonderful figures." How will this look with my stomach, I wonder. I wish some larger women had tried it on. I love the idea of the gallery and I like looking at it and the pics, but if you have too many who "look good in everything" then you might as well use typical fashion models. Thanks for your hard work and good ideas though.
JennyC wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Wed, Feb 13 2008 6:23 PM
what a great idea, but such a shame that the sizes are all knit for these smaller girls. I;m only 22 and would love to wear these flattering (on the models) designs but with measurements of 40, 30, 39 will no one ever design for me :(
LauraW wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Wed, Feb 13 2008 6:36 PM
Mirabella

First, let me say I like these better when I can see more pics (as opposed to just looking in the magazine at 1-2 photos).

I have some other ideas about how to change this for some of the women:

Sarah: I love how short it is on her and how you can see her jean waist. Is it out to show a little skin there?

For Debbie: I'd unbutton or leave 3 buttons off all together. I think it would be pretty if it "v'd" out on her.


Toni: I'm not a fan of long sleeves under short, so why not just make long sleeves on this? I think it would be elegant.

It looks pink on Bertha and peach on everyone else. I wonder what color it is in real life?
AudreyD wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Wed, Feb 13 2008 6:44 PM
Jenny c,
Are we long lost twins? You have my measurements (actually I'm worse--40-29-42)! I agree that a lot of current fashion stuff doesn't seem designed for our build (seriously, try to find jeans with a 12 inch difference in waist and hips!) My suggestion is to give some of these garments a try. I say this from years of working out of 'vintage' knitting patterns, that did have our alluring hourglass shapes. Thankfully, flat-chested toothpick hasn't always been the 'sexy' look, so comb through your fashion history and see what people were wearing when your body type was 'in!' (Us hourglasses are all over the '40s, and the small chested but perhaps not slim waisted type was classic Empire.....)

Empire waists look terrific on a variety of figure types, and a lot of garments in this issue are designed with an open or loose bottom, which looks terrific even with a bit of a tummy (MUCH better than sweater s-t-r-a-i-ning over your hips or waist!) I got my copy today (thanks, borders!!) and it really is worth a look. I do wish they'd give a bit more 'conformity' information in yarn size for those of us who simply *must* substitute yarns, just like a "DK" or "Sport" or something to give me a hint before I start Swatchorama....
KathleenR wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Wed, Feb 13 2008 7:13 PM
Thanks for doing the Gallery Series. They are a wonderful course in learning to see, learning to measure and learning to adjust.

Kathleen
CyndyS wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Wed, Feb 13 2008 7:16 PM
I am a new knitter and yes I am addicted. Can somebody explain negative and positive ease? also the white witch mitts I have hand size 8 how does one make mittens and gloves larger? cannot wait for the new issue. thanks a lot for the help. Cyndy
LG wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Wed, Feb 13 2008 7:34 PM
I agree completely with Mary S and Nancy G. What would those garments have looked like on a 46" chest? Nice try but I'm still not convinced this issue is worth buying.
SharonH wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Wed, Feb 13 2008 7:35 PM
Another hourglass here with 14" difference between my waist and hips. I pretty much know how to adjust sweaters for my body, but I was hoping to see one of these open-on-the-bottom sweaters on someone with a tummy. I have a hard time believing that my tummy sticking out through my sweater would be appealing and there's so many in this issue.

I know the sample only comes in one size, but there's not a wide variety of body-types in the galleries, more just variations on a theme.
LindaF wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Wed, Feb 13 2008 7:36 PM
Oh, that Printed Silk Cardigan is at the TOP of the list even before I can get my hands on the issue. And I the cost of the yarn will not deter me from making this. I love to wear my sweaters this way. I noticed that were no busties in this gallery, but I think the sweater will work anyway. Thanks to the models and to you Sandy for your hard work in putting this out.

Did I mention that I love the Printed Silk Cardie and want it now!!
Sel and Poivre wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Wed, Feb 13 2008 7:47 PM
Its hard to express how fabulously helpful this post is! Thank you thank you thank you!
Sel and Poivre wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Wed, Feb 13 2008 7:47 PM
Its hard to express how fabulously helpful this post is! Thank you thank you thank you!
SharonR wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Wed, Feb 13 2008 7:50 PM
Where da big girlz at?

Seriously, I love the Galleries but we need to see Sandi and other generously endowed women!
LindaF wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Wed, Feb 13 2008 8:07 PM
Oh, that Printed Silk Cardigan is at the TOP of the list even before I can get my hands on the issue. And I the cost of the yarn will not deter me from making this. I love to wear my sweaters this way. I noticed that were no busties in this gallery, but I think the sweater will work anyway. Thanks to the models and to you Sandy for your hard work in putting this out.

Did I mention that I love the Printed Silk Cardie and want it now!!
ZoeG wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Wed, Feb 13 2008 8:10 PM
Thank you for creating the sweater galleries! They are a great acknowledgment that women of different sizes can pull off the same style, and at the same time the galleries provide a tutorial about how to design for your body type. And not all sizes and styles work together, so I appreciate your gentle honesty about that. I am inspired by the models' willingness to have us look at them and deconstruct the fit of the sweaters--these galleries really brought out the beauty in each woman.
MaureenJ wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Wed, Feb 13 2008 8:14 PM
While I agree with those who would like to see larger models, I understand that you have only the one sample. That aside, this is terrific work, Sandi, so helpful. While I don't quite understand some of the "dart" comments, I am beginning to get the kinds of things I should look at in thinking about whether and how to knit a sweater. Thank you so much.
ConstanceB wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Wed, Feb 13 2008 8:20 PM
I can't see where Sandi's comment about Sarah's "mountains" (??) in the Mirabella Cardigan made any sense at all -- I guess you had to be there ???
SaraH wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Wed, Feb 13 2008 8:35 PM
After reading the galleries, I can see how imperative it is to "know thyself" - it's easy to see that a waist ribbing or bustline should be moved up or down a bit when a completed sweater is on a model, but I struggle with visualizing those changes for my own body shape. Definitions of "high/low waisted" etc. would be helpful. Also, are the published designs made to fit a standard measurement or ratio? Or does each designer come up with her own happy medium?
AmyJ wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Wed, Feb 13 2008 8:44 PM
Thanks for the galleries - so great to see what it looks like on different shapes. How do you tell what fit is best when knitting a sweater that hasn't been in the gallery?
MicheleB wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Wed, Feb 13 2008 9:40 PM
That Printed Silk is just gorgeous, and I hope it will still be gorgeous when I knit it in something less expensive!

It's really helpful to have all the comments in the gallery. Now to apply the ideas to my short, short-waisted, not sylph-like self!
Bennie-RuthD wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Wed, Feb 13 2008 10:07 PM
Sorry Sandi,the ladies are lovely, but the garments are still for the smaller more shapely - some of your wonderful ladies look great, and some don't - it's the garments, not the ladies. These pattens are for the few, not the many.

Bennie-Ruth Dean
ChristianeJ wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Wed, Feb 13 2008 10:16 PM
I really like this cardigan, but.... I dislike the gaping buttonholes. And the only picture which does not show this is Bertha. And I am way bigger than her. LOL My bust size if 40/42 and that make changing the pattern quite a bit. When finished I did not get the fit I wanted so to the frog pnd it went and I am not sure I can go through the same thing. Can you help?
KateC wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Wed, Feb 13 2008 11:16 PM
Thank you so much to all the models. I think you are all brave and kind to let us see what it looks like on real (non model) bodies and to have Sandi add comments.None of you are as zaftig as I am (and only Trish is as short), but I can get a much better idea of whether I would look good in a pattern by studying the gallery.
Kate
KateC wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Wed, Feb 13 2008 11:17 PM
Thank you so much to all the models. I think you are all brave and kind to let us see what it looks like on real (non model) bodies and to have Sandi add comments.None of you are as zaftig as I am (and only Trish is as short), but I can get a much better idea of whether I would look good in a pattern by studying the gallery.
Kate
knittingbox@yahoo.com wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Wed, Feb 13 2008 11:35 PM
I'm on Ravelry quite a bit, so I saw the Spring Preview quite a while before getting the mag. itself (I subscribe). Well, it felt like quite a while, at least. Anyhow, I think becaue of seeing the preview and reading so many opinions on it that it really ruined my enjoyment of the magazine itself. I found myself completely bored flipping through it and that's never happened before. I'm one of those types who can happily go back and look at IK issues of a year or two ago (that's as far back as my collection goes, or I can assure you, I'd be going back further in my rereading).

Worst of all it made me feel like there were ver few patterns in the mag. But I counted and discovered it wasn't very far off from other issues.

and I'm a shawl knitter, so there were definitely a couple of things I would like to make (although probably less things in this issue than in any other, but that could change too, in time.)

Anyhow, that's my 2 cents about the downside of having those previews up when there's a community like Ravelry. Next time I'll try to wait for my issue.
LisaY wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Wed, Feb 13 2008 11:40 PM
Everyone looks great...but there really need to be TWO sample sizes - a second one ten inches bigger, maybe...I'm a little grumpy as a subscriber because NOTHING looks like it will look good on anyone over the 36" size, even with adjustments. I didn't need to pay $7+ for a sock pattern...stuff like this makes me re-think subscribing instead of buying issue by issue.
knittingbox@yahoo.com wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Wed, Feb 13 2008 11:42 PM
I really like that you are giving helpful modification ideas in the sweater gallery section. I am so very happy about this part of KD, and VERY HAPPY about the sizing info given in the mag. too. Thanks!
knittingbox@yahoo.com wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Wed, Feb 13 2008 11:46 PM
I've had zero computer access for a week so you are benefiting from that with my extra chattiness (although I realize you may not find it a benefit).

I've only looked at the first sweater in the gallery so far, and I can say I like the way it looks in those pics far more than I did in the mag itself. However, the models all seems to be on the small side in the breast department. Yes, one, a 37, is arguably not, but there were many in the low 30s. Does anyone know what size the typical IK reader is? Typical American? Or will the differences that seem atributable to ethinic/racial background skew those kinds of numbers to the point of uselessness?
knittingbox@yahoo.com wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Wed, Feb 13 2008 11:52 PM
Thank you so much for your comments on the Mirabella. I am learning so much from you through this series. THANK YOU SANDI! And All the MODELS, too OF COURSE!!

Adding these kinds of helpful comments to the Gallery, makes this the greatest thing evah!
GinaD wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Thu, Feb 14 2008 1:15 AM
A BIG Thank You, once again for the brave models!!! You are really helping us understand tailoring a sweater to fit our REAL selves by doing this. I appreciate it so very much. :-D
Sweetpea16 wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Thu, Feb 14 2008 2:01 AM
I like seeing the patterns on different models, but I agree with the others here that I'm disappointed to see nothing but 'tiny' models this time. I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one with a 46-32-46 measurement out there. I doubt that those cardis, beautiful as they are, would look good on someone like me/us...
Cheers Eva
Chandra wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Thu, Feb 14 2008 2:41 AM
My word, people, give Sandi and IK a break! They have only one sample per pattern, and it's around a 36" bust!!! Sandi is a goddess, but even she can't work miracles and make a 36" bust sweater fit a 46" bust.

The models are all different sizes and none of them are perfect professional model proportions. With a bit of imagination - c'mon, you're all knitters, you do have some, don't you? - you can extrapolate how it might look on you.

I appreciate the time and effort Sandi and her team put into this. Thanks, everyone!
KarenB wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Thu, Feb 14 2008 3:11 AM
I loved the spring gallery--the comments really helped me to understand that changing a sweater pattern to fit ME isn't all that complicaterd and I will probably be happier with the end results. After viewing the gallery I can't wait to get into my closet with my measuring tape to try to figure out my best fit.
JulesG wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Thu, Feb 14 2008 4:11 AM
These are gorgeous! Thank you Gallery Galz for making this true for the readers. It's wonderful to see you all in those pictures.
And thanks to your patience in wearing the garments and taking the pictures I could persuade a friend to try a knitted pullover (Printed Silk Cardigan) this spring. Needless to say, I'll be knitting it for her.
My friend just loves how it looks on Sarah - and they both are about the same size and look.

THANK YOU ALL!
VickiJ wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Thu, Feb 14 2008 4:26 AM
Love the galleries. Lots of info to be gleaned from the comparisons even tho these gals don't come close to my size/shape. Even more wonderful info from Sandi's comments. Can't tell you how much difference it makes to my understanding and (thanks to you) growing knitting skills.

Just an FYI for those looking for definitions of negative ease, or any other term that shows up that they don't understand. Throw the term into the search box at the top of the page and take a few minutes to read what comes up. Most often you will find the info you are looking for. Plus it is an excuse to read the posts you missed or re-read the wonderful information Knitting Daily contains. Thanks Sandi, keep up the great work.
AnneB wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Thu, Feb 14 2008 5:50 AM
I like the gallery idea and wish some of the same information was in the magazine. The finished bust size of the sweater is shown in the magazine, but no mention is made of the bust size of the model it is shown on. I have two suggestions about the spring gallery. First, could you give the height of the model, so that when you talk about someone being tall, we get an idea of how tall that person is. Second, please, please, please show some of these on larger women with busts over 40 inches and real curves. None of the sweaters in the issue struck me as something that I could wear because they seem to be designed for very young, very slim girls (not women). And I will be so glad when the empire waist fashion goes away! It only makes me look pregnant, and those days are over, thank you very much!
SusanD wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Thu, Feb 14 2008 6:12 AM
I love the sweater gallery idea and all your tips for customizing the pattern. I do have a suggestion for the layout of the gallery: instead of two pictures then comments below, would it be possible to have picture in left column with comments right next to the picture? I find myself scrolling up and down to match the comment to that section of the pictured sweater. [No one else has commented on this, so maybe it's my smaller screen that makes this necessary for me].
Bonnie wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Thu, Feb 14 2008 6:43 AM
Great work, Sandi! Thank you so much for these galleries.

If I were you, I'd be feeling a little overwhelmed--seems the more you do for us, the more we want!!!

I agree with those who would like to see these and other IK designs on larger women. To me, these particular sweaters look best on the thinner women. Thiks is the second issue of IK in a row where, though I thought some of the designs were very pretty, none would be flattering on me. This issue in particular is very girlish.

How difficult would it be to have two samples, one small, one large, knit for each design?
TanaP wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Thu, Feb 14 2008 6:45 AM
I'm not following your logic on doing less darts for more curvy gals and more for less curvy gals.

I'm a 40-30-40 and I would add more darts in order to get a good fit. If I didn't, either it would be too big in the waist or too small at the bust/hips (though the former is more forgiving if I had to choose between the two). On someone with milder curves, trying to add curves with darts isn't the best idea either, unless they like having ruffles at the hips and sloppiness in the bust.

Bottom line, you need to know your measurements and adjust the curves of the sweater to fit so you get a similar amount of ease in each area. Then it shows off your curves nicely.

And yes, the dart needs to end 1" before your nipple, but you can change the dart to accommodate that - either start sooner or decrease the intervals between inc/dec.
Psketty wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Thu, Feb 14 2008 7:01 AM
I greatly appreciate seeing the sweaters on real people, and reading the comments on how to adjust the pattern to make it personal for that wearer. Please don't get me wrong. I love seeing them on the models, too, but I don't have a model's figure. I know I pass over patterns that would work for me, if only I knew what and where to tweak it for me. The commentary has opened my eyes on how to do this. Thank you for helping me become a better knitter!
Kelli wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Thu, Feb 14 2008 7:13 AM
I love, love, love this post! So much information makes me feel so much more fearless about casting on for one of these lovelies! Thank you thank you thank you!
HelenS wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Thu, Feb 14 2008 7:50 AM
Thank you for all of the alteration suggestions. One of my big fears about knitting sweaters was that I would do all of the knitting which I would enjoy but I would come out with something that wouldn't look good on me or just didn't fit. My mother's knitting was always beautiful but it never fit very well. One suggestion that I have for some of the models. A good rule of thumb is that the fullest part of your bust line should fall around the middle of your upper arm. Your models are beautiful and look like real women. It is sometimes not easy to find a good bra that fits and is comfortable but it is worth the time and effort. It also enhances how you look especially in a sweater!
GenieC wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Thu, Feb 14 2008 8:13 AM
I'm curious. How do any of you complaining about the sizes ever decide what to make? No one shows patterns on various sizes. Not Knitty, not Rowan, not Vogue Knitting. Not Patons or Berocco or Lion's Brand. And almost all use professional models (knitty I think being the exception) to show the the sample. It is a blessing seeing the pattern on different women, no one else does it. So how do the people complaining ever find anything to knit if you must see it on someone who looks exactly like you first?
MARYS wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Thu, Feb 14 2008 8:16 AM
I do love this cardigan, I'd knit it for myself. I noticed that it looks somewehat wrinkled, do all silks give that appearance. Not to be crude but perky breast do seem to make a difference or maybe we need better under garments. Darn that sounded like my Mom. Gee her words are coming true. can,t wait to see the rest.
MichaelaJ wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Thu, Feb 14 2008 8:20 AM
Ooh, I love the Printed Silk and Flutter sleeve cardigans!
LizW wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Thu, Feb 14 2008 8:35 AM
Echoing every one else so far who has commented - I can't believe how helpful the Galleries are!!! Thank you so much!!!!

One thing that didn't get pointed out in the comments, but that I think makes quite a bit of difference: the shorter models (Debbie and Trish, particularly) have very narrow shoulders. I'm sensitive to this, being a short, short-waisted, short-armed, narrow-shouldered person (with a figure quite like Debbie's, actually - I think you've found a twin!).

This is apparent in some of the patterns more than others: on the Printed Silk Cardi, making this for myself OR for Debbie or Trish, I would absolutely try to make the shoulders narrower - you can see how the wide neckline slips off their shoulders, making the sweater look less crisp. The Flutter, not having shoulder seams, doesn't have this issue, and the sweater looks great on both of the shorter models!

Just a small comment, since I think the comments given are right on, but a lot of attention should be paid to that neckline fit, as well.

Thanks again Sandi, tech crew, and especially the Gallery Gals! We love you!!!!!

- Liz W
KatalinW wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Thu, Feb 14 2008 8:46 AM
Here's a note to those who complained that "there's nothing I would wear" in this issue and wondered whether it was worth buying. I think there's still a lot to learn from patterns that you don't want to knit "as is." You learn a lot about technique--how to solve various design problems. Sandi's sweater galleries add to their usefulness. This is how I learned about varying needle size to add shaping to a garment. Last summer I knit a simple t-shirt that looked baggy and shapless when I put it on. I didn't want to do decreases and increases because I thought they would detract from the look. Instead, I frogged back to just above the waist (I was knitting top down) and reknit the waist area on smaller needles. Voila--the garment acquired a subtle shape that was just what I wanted. This issue has a lot of sweaters that use ribbing to add shape to a garment--another item to add to my bag of tricks. I might never knit any of the sweaters in this issue--but parts of these sweaters are sure to show up in garments I knit in the future!
KathieT wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Thu, Feb 14 2008 9:04 AM
Thanks again for the Galleries! The photos are so helpful in personalizing the patterns.
My long-waisted, small shouldered body always requires re-working and adjusting the pattern somewhat. The visuals, combined with your comments, are a encouraging reminder to match the pattern to our own body measurements for a really successful project. Thanks for the effort it takes to put together the Gallery!
Kathie T.
LindaR wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Thu, Feb 14 2008 9:10 AM
It is getting to the point where I don't even want to read the Blog anymore!! Size, Size, Size!! I agree with Genie C's comments. I subscribe to the following and NONE of them show plus size very often, some NEVER: Vogue, Knitters, Knit Simple, Cast On, Knit n' Style, Creative Knitting and of course IK. I have been knitting for nearly 30 years and I AM PLUS SIZE. I wear a size 20! Never knew I had a problem until I started reading this blog. Get over it!! Sandi and IK I love you, please don't change. Love the galleries and the info with them.
LoriH wrote re: It's Time For The Spring Gallery! (Part One)
on Thu, Feb 14 2008 9:41 AM
Sandi - this is the best article I have ever seen. Great job. Can you explain "positive ease" and how to get it? (who would want negative ease?)
Thanks, Lori H.