As you can see, the same sweater looks very different on different women! We give general suggestions for customization for your inspiration. Only you can choose how you want your sweaters to fit and which customizations will work best for you and your beautiful self!

Notes on the Refined Aran Jacket by Katie Himmelberg, assistant editor of Interweave Knits:

Another of our reader's favorite projects from the Winter issue, this sweet little sweater designed by Pam Allen combines the tailored look of a jacket with the comfort of a cardigan. This sweater is really all about the details; the petite shawl collar, the sleeve cables extending to the saddle shoulders, and the fine finishing of the pockets. Smooth merino yarn, made up of multiple plies (a "cabled" yarn, made up of plied plies) shows great stitch definition so that the cables really pop.

The fit is achieved through waist shaping, so again, be sure to check the schematic against your own measurements to choose the best fit! A little extra room (less than 2") in the bust would not detract from the fitted look; a jacket that is too small will cause the buttonholes to gape and could detract from the clean lines and sophistication of the silhouette.

When checking the armhole measurement on the schematic, keep in mind that some additional depth will be provided by the saddle shoulder extension on the sleeve. Add half of the width of the saddle shoulder extension (half of 1 1/2"; 3/4") to the armhole measurement for the total finished armhole depth.

I like to knit cardigans in more conservative colors than I might otherwise choose because you will almost always see what I'm wearing underneath. Choose your favorite color, the color that matches the most items in your wardrobe, or a neutral for the maximum wearability. This style would look great with a button-down dress shirt, a camisole, a v-neck tee, a dress…cardigans are so versatile, it would work with nearly any outfit.

Sample garment shown has the following finished measurements:

Bust: 34" (86.5 cm) given in pattern specifications
Waist: 34" (86.5 cm) shown on schematic
Hem: 38" (96.5 cm) shown on schematic
Neck to Hem: 21" (53.5 cm) calculated from schematic
Waist to Hem: 13.5" (34.5 cm) shown on schematic

Annie

Her bust: 31" (78.5 cm)
Ease at bust as shown: 3" (7.5 cm) positive ease

Bertha

Her bust: 34" (86.5 cm)
Ease at bust as shown: 0" (0 cm) no ease/negative ease

Waist: 24.5" (62 cm)
Hip: 35" (89 cm)
Neck to Waist: 13" (33 cm)
Bertha has neither legs nor tailbone, so we cannot give her height; we estimate her center back length as 18" (45.5 cm).

Debbie

Her bust: 34.5" (87.5 cm)
Ease at bust as shown: .5" (1.3 cm) negative ease

Waist: 30" (76 cm)
Hip: 38.5" (98 cm)
Neck to Waist: 14" (35.5 cm)
Center Back Length: 18.5" (47 cm)
Height: 5 ft 2 in

Erin

Her bust: 38" (96.5 cm)
Ease at bust as shown: 5" (12.5 cm) negative ease

Waist: 33.5" (85 cm)
Hip: 43" (109 cm)
Neck to Waist: 17" (43 cm)
Center Back Length: 23" (58.5 cm)
Height: 5 ft 10.5 in

Karen

Her bust: 31.5" (80 cm)
Ease at bst as shown: 2.5" (6.5 cm) positive ease

Katie

Her bust: 35.5" (90 cm)
Ease at bust as shown: 1.5" (3.8 cm) negative ease

Waist: 27" (68.5 cm)
Hip: 37" (94 cm)
Neck to Waist: 17" (43 cm)
Center Back Length: 25" (63.5 cm)
Height: 5 ft 10 in

Stefanie

Her bust: 34" ( 86.5 cm)

Ease at bust as shown: 0" (0 cm) no ease/negative ease

Sandi

Her bust: 40.5" (103 cm)

Ease at bust as shown: 6.5" (16.5 cm) negative ease

Waist: 37" (94 cm)
Hip: 42" (106.5 cm)
Neck to Waist: 18" (45.5 cm)
Center Back Length: 22" (56 cm)
Height: 5 ft 4 in

Toni

Her bust: 33.5" (85 cm)

Ease as shown: .5" (1.3 cm) positive ease

Waist: 29" (73.5 cm)
Hip: 35.5" (90 cm)
Neck to Waist: 15" (38 cm)
Center Back Length: 18" (45.5 cm)
Height: 5 ft 5 in