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Knits Spring 2009 Gallery: Whisper Cardigan

Apr 1, 2009 posted by KD Sandi
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Whisper Cardigan

by Hannah Fettig

from Interweave Knits Spring 2009

  22" sample garment

The images above are from the magazine where the 20" size sweater is modeled on a woman with a 34" bust.

The images below are of our Interweave Gallery Gals wearing the same sample sweater.

 
 Interweave Gallery Gals
Allison: Worn with jeans and a loose tee
 Allison, side/back view
Bust:  36"



You will notice that there are no ease statements given for this sweater. Ease in the usual way of thinking about it--how closely the garment fits to your body--is not really applicable here. Think of this garment as a shrug with elogated fronts and that will help you visualize this one.

The pattern gives a series of finished measurements for each size of the shrug; use those, combined with your own measurements, to decide which size to make for yourself. We found that the fabric of this loosely-knit sweater (laceweight yarn knit on U.S. size 7s!) was very stretchy with a gorgeous drape.

We've shown the shrug worn several different ways here, with a variety of garment styles and colors. We found it to be surprisingly versatile. Once the Gals found out it was stockinette on large needles, I heard some of the girls plotting to go buy yarn so they could cast on for a shrug of their own right away!

Instructions to make the necklace worn by our Gallery Gals can be found in our sister magazine Beadwork (April/May 2009); it was designed by Danielle Fox.



Annie
 Annie: Worn over tank and skirt


  Bust: 31"



Annie: Worn with a special dress
 Annie: back view


Annie shows two different looks which shows how versatile this sweater is.

Elizabeth, back view
 Elizabeth: Worn with tank and light skirt

Bust:  36"


The back is meant to swing loosely from the shoulders; as you can see here on Elizabeth. She's wearing the shrug over a close-fitting tee and skirt which is a perfect combination for a bright spring day.
Toni: Worn with khaki skirt and boots
 Toni: back view

Bust:  34.5"
 
Toni decided that it was spring on the February day when we shot these photos, and so showed up in a playful khaki skirt and killer brown boots. She pointed out that the Whisper Cardi matched her skirt perfectly, and looked smashing on her, and thought that we really ought to just give her the sweater "because it was meant to be mine." Sorry, Toni. I think you have a lot of competition for the sweater here!

Here are some questions to consider as you look at these photos:

  • How do you think the garment compliments each woman's individual body type and personal style?
  • Which body type does this garment look best on?
  • If you wanted to knit a sweater straight out of the magazine, with no pattern adjustments except for sleeve and hem length, would this be the sweater for you and your body type?
  • Would it fit your personal style?

Leave your thoughts in the comments!

 

Some links you  might find helpful:

Measuring yourself and your clothing

About positive and negative ease

Measuring tutorial with photos

 
+ Add a comment

Comments

AnnC@48 wrote
on Jul 19, 2009 11:52 AM

I made this cardi recently and love it--although I did make some adjustments. It's a super easy pattern to custom fit. I made it looser through the upper arms and shoulders so it doesn't pull the way that it does on the models (just add more stitches). By making that part of the sweater looser, it looks more like a cardi, less like a shrug and the bust isn't highlighted quite so much. I also lengthened the back so that it doesn't look cropped. My version of the sweater is more like a drapey cardigan and less like a swingy, cropped cardi/shrug.  I used JaggerSpun Zephyr silk/merino blend yarn in Chanel (a beautiful magenta-y purple). Zephyr is $10/skein at my LYS and I needed a little over a skein and a half for this sweater--so a bargain knit at less than $20 for a silk/merino cardigan.

And, as a 32 yr old woman, I love that Interweave's patterns are younger/trendier than the other knitting magazines. That's exactly the reason I subscribe. I don't mean to sound unsympathetic, but for older women who would prefer more traditional patterns, there are plenty of other publications available.

ConnieP@2 wrote
on Jul 5, 2009 2:47 PM

I like shrugs. I made this with a soft pink yard.  I changed the sleeves a bit.  I like long sleeves because I am always getting chilly.  So I made the sleeves down to the elbow a little tighter than from the elbow down to my hands put in lace sleeves.  My it my own this way.  My husband thought it looked great.

Sumac wrote
on May 19, 2009 7:43 AM
Everyone, including the model, look like their armpits are screaming. Loosen that up and knit in laceweight, then maybe the strange fit wouldn't be so glaring.
shannan wrote
on May 18, 2009 4:44 PM
I think all the ladies look good in this cute cardi. Seems to me more petite shoulders work better than broad ones - It looks like it is pulling and a little awkward on Elizabeth's back. It does look better over something fitted, but Allison found the just right looser top for under it. Versatile. Love it!
blackberet wrote
on Apr 27, 2009 10:03 AM
Admittedly I'm part of the target audience (a smallish woman in her twenties), but I adore this pattern. For a Floridian like me, a lightweight little shrug to put on indoors and fold up into my handbag on the way outside is a godsend. Just two skeins of laceweight yarn, AND it makes my chest look bigger? I might make two.
Peggan wrote
on Apr 13, 2009 6:36 PM
I haven't read ALL the comments but skimmed through. I like this sweater best on Toni and Annie--smaller chests. It might be OK on Elizabeth if the yoke were longer in the back (looks like it rides up) and it were just a bigger size). A bigger size might make it look better on Allison as well but it just doesn't seem to hang right in the front on her. I am 61 (yikes) and I like this and would wear it -- I have a smallish chest.
Kittcatt wrote
on Apr 12, 2009 11:49 AM
At first glance I loved this but I cannot wear it. I am a larger woman who wouldl love to be a 8 or 10. I thought this would be great for my daughter in law. I am not sure she'd like it though. I am waiting for her reaction to the pic's I sent her. I do wish to say they need to print MORE patterns to include larger sizes. Were not all small and flat chested. I wish I were but it's not my body type. Designers, get to work! we need clothes too!
nuts4fiber wrote
on Apr 10, 2009 12:14 PM
I love it! This would be the perfect little sweater for our Southern Calif. evenings. It would look great over a sleeveless cocktail dress. I'm 52 and a bit out of shape, so although most of my wardrobe is sleeveless for comfort, I sometimes like some coverage for my upper arms. I also think the swingy back and the drape of the lower front counteracts the "skimpiness" of the upper front, so the garment looks finished and not "too tight" as others have suggested. (Even though the color is irrelevant, I like that too, and I'm usually one who loves vibrant color!). I'm running out to buy the magazine right now!
Boreal Fibres wrote
on Apr 5, 2009 10:20 PM
I LOVE these Galleries!!! I always see the items in a new way. Whether I like the item or not doesn't matter. I look, read, consider, and think about it - or maybe just dismiss it at once because it doesn't work for me - who knows what I'm going to learn? Styles come and go. It doesn't seem to matter whether you're 180 or 8-weeks old, large or not. (Maybe I should size the Whisper Cardigan to fit my 8-week old niece?) Is IK frumpy? It depends on your very own perspective. The next issues will be 'too sexy', 'too masculine', too ??? for a lot of readers, so don't knit what you don't want to knit! By-the-way, what is the purpose, if any, of the long front things? Obviously something the designer liked, and obviously something I would change. I passed over this one in the magazine, but after seeing it on the Gallery Gals...well, I have a few ideas in this ol' head... Thank you!
LouiseA wrote
on Apr 4, 2009 5:08 PM
Looked this up on Ravelry,lots of variations, and it really does put your boobs front and center. Not a look I'm after right now.
RedS wrote
on Apr 4, 2009 3:30 PM
I'm not a fan of this shrug/cardigan. I don't like things that are designed to look as if they don't fit.
LisaW wrote
on Apr 3, 2009 4:43 PM
FWIW, I subscribed to IWK *because* they feature hipper designs for a variety of body types. I am 47 and fairly slender with a small bust and short waist (need a short-waisted Gallery Gal!). I used to subscribe to Knitters, but 99% of their patterns feature no body shaping whatsoever, just lots of blocky shapes that don't even look particularly good on their models. So IWK is a nice change from that. This particular issue didn't have much that appealed to me, but others have. This pattern isn't something I'd make for myself, but could see for others. The Galleries are extremely helpful for seeing how the patterns look on "real people". I do agree that they would be even more useful if the "gals" represented a wider range of body types and sizes. But hey, it takes guts to be a Gallery Gal, so maybe there aren't other volunteers. I would be too photo-shy to do it!
phoebe wrote
on Apr 3, 2009 3:37 PM
It would have been helpful to see this tied the way it looks as though it was designed to be. It really comes down to personal taste and mistakes one has made to reach that taste. I would not choose this for myself but it is a great look to have and to add to my library for a small gift item for younger friends and family. I love all your efforts and look forward to reading your site daily. Thankyou.
CharleneC wrote
on Apr 3, 2009 2:32 PM
You know, after all our comments (pros and cons), I decided to play around with some yarn stashes I had in cottons and cottons blends. Some of you ladies had come up with great alternatives for wear and I thought OMG! what a great summer cover-up for a dress or tank top. So this is what I did! I used a size 10 needle and worked the sleeve for about 10 rows. You come up with a lacey look. I am going to see what develops when you get to the bust. This is a great experiement shrug! I changed my mind about this item. Thanks!
irieknit wrote
on Apr 3, 2009 1:45 PM
I am in my mid-30s and have a small bust. IMO the gaping front of this design isn't flattering for my body type, and it's not in my queue. This shrug/ cardi looks awkward. To me it's not a matter of age; just taste. I am surprised at the backlash against the magazine for including designs for smaller body types. Last time I checked, I was a a "real woman" too.
CoralS wrote
on Apr 3, 2009 1:40 PM
This "cardigan" just looks haphazard to me. The curled under long front edges look very sloppy in my opinion. Also, the way it blooms out the back, is not flattering, making it look like the person wearing it is larger all around.
Shannon wrote
on Apr 3, 2009 5:17 AM
This design appears to be awkward and looks too small, even on these models with slim figures. It doesn't look like a swingy shrug but, instead, looks like a shrunken cardigan. I do like the design of the back and would really like this if the front panels came closer to meeting in the front, making it more cardigan-like, but then I'm not a fan of shrugs.
SueG wrote
on Apr 3, 2009 4:31 AM
This shrug is one of the most verstile items in this issue. Various yarns can be subbed, the size knitted covers a range if body sizes, & the style is suitable for different ages. That is my concern: I agree that many of your patterns are becoming geared more toward a younger body image/style, so why don't you continue to show how well they CAN be worn by a more mature person. In the past I recall your sweaters modeled in the Gallery included an "older" ( past 20s :) ) office gal. I miss seeing how a particular item you feature looks not only on a BODY type but LIFESTYLE/AGE is important as well. I know I can't get away wearing what my teenage daughter wears anymore, & I'd like to see things modeled on a more mature person so I don't make the mistake of spending time knitting an item I later shouldn't be wearing. That's the reason so many FO end up as failures - we realize too late that it wasn't suited for the intended wearer. Thanks.
JulieJ wrote
on Apr 3, 2009 3:35 AM
I do like this cardigan and think that i will make it soon. I would love to know if the cardigan shown is size 22" or size 20" as the information above seems conflicting.
Thursdays Child wrote
on Apr 3, 2009 12:30 AM
OK, I found where I found it. But is there any way to get it online? By the time I'd get the magazine over here and got it worked up, school would be out. (Patience is NOT one of my virtues.)
Thursdays Child wrote
on Apr 3, 2009 12:25 AM
OK, I found where I found it. But is there any way to get it online? By the time I'd get the magazine over here and got it worked up, school would be out. (Patience is NOT one of my virtues.)
Thursdays Child wrote
on Apr 3, 2009 12:16 AM
I love this cardigan/shrug. It's perfect for work. I teach in a school where all of the students and most of the staff are Muslim and we have to watch the sleeve lengths on our tops. This would allow me so much versatility and give me a bit of protection from our very efficient (a.k.a. cold) A/C. LOL But how do I find the pattern?!
knitstina wrote
on Apr 2, 2009 7:15 PM
This looks great on Toni and really completes her outfit. BTW, Toni, the new haricut is super cute! I think this looks better as a casual top with a camisole or T-shirt. It looked weird with Allison's dress, for example, but nice with the camisole. Not a great cardigan for the office, I agree, but this could be just enough to keep away the chill at a summer evening outdoor event.
EmilieL wrote
on Apr 2, 2009 2:19 PM
I like the sweater, but am a bit puzzled regarding the size of the sample... The title of this page says 22" sample cardi, but the short description says it's 20" and the gallery gals are wearing the same. So, which is it ? Thanks a lot BTW, great job with the gallery, as always !
NOrineM wrote
on Apr 2, 2009 11:14 AM
Not for the mature knitter. I can see this on a very slender under 25 year old. You need to remember that not all your knitters are young and slender. As for the style, it looks cute at first glance, but for practical use, I don't see it at all. Not that is a bad thing. Use in the appropriate setting for SOME, might be fine. It just doesn't do it for me.
PaulaA wrote
on Apr 2, 2009 11:07 AM
I wouldn't make this for myself without a lot of changes. But if it's cold enough to wear a sweater, the sweater needs long sleeves and a longer length). Just for dress-up? I've got heaps of stuff for that. But the drapiness is nice. I, too, have a large bosom and am tired of cardis that I can't button. Right now I'm thinking of a sweater to replicate my stretch-velvet duster, just because it's so swingy. (This is mostly because I watched Kate Beckinsale in 'Underworld' last night, though, LOL!)
weavingpainter wrote
on Apr 2, 2009 9:40 AM
This is a sweater for someone who has no bust - flat as a board. The back is nice, but the front is another story. It does not look attractive on any of he models. This is the fault of the sweater - not the models. They looked great despite the sweater.
klsdavis1 wrote
on Apr 2, 2009 9:29 AM
I have been knitting since I was six, I'm now 57, and I have a collection of books and a file of patterns and most of them are classic styles. I lean toward classics, but love new pattern ideas. I also love knitting with fine yarns and do not want frumpy old lady styles. I knit for a range of ages, from my 84-year-old mother to my 12-year-old niece. This shrug (it isn't a cardigan, but we can see that) didn't interest me at first, but after seeing it on the galleries, I have decided to knit it for my sister, who is 50. She's a dancer and this would be perfect for a leotard cover-up. Granted, she is tall and small busted, but it's a rare design that suits a variety of body types. I'll lengthen the back, my sister and I are both nearly 5'10'', and may change the front, but I change nearly every pattern I knit. Like MiaM, I use magazine patterns, any pattern, as a starting place. I love seeing new styles and the techniques in IK.
Sumac wrote
on Apr 2, 2009 9:26 AM
I think this would look better if knit in a lace weight, filmy yarn to make it fall limply. Then it would be pretty over a summer halter dress.
Jesus-is-comin wrote
on Apr 2, 2009 8:13 AM
Have to agree with the "Boobs Ahoy!" theme. And the shoulder yoke across the back looks like it should be longer. And, again, a color like leaf muldh. Bleh.
Sylvia wrote
on Apr 2, 2009 7:24 AM
I agree with Kathy H. I love the simplicity of this shrug. I am 55 too and do like most of the styles presented in the magazine. I really like seeing the finished garment on real people. Even though my body type is presented I do feel it would be helpful to present a wider range of body types. Thank-you for the galleries!!
LoriP@2 wrote
on Apr 2, 2009 6:52 AM
I think the point of the sweater is that it is a light, casual alternative to a shawl or heavier sweater. I can see sitting on a deck in the late evening and throwing that cardi on over a tee. I don't think it is age specific - and I love it!
Ilse wrote
on Apr 2, 2009 6:38 AM
I would never have considered this sweater for myself had I not seen these pictures. It seems more like a shrug but with a lot more looseness in the back. Really cute!! Ilse
JaneG wrote
on Apr 2, 2009 6:27 AM
Being one of the "older" generation myself, I agree with the comments made by most of my peers. I love the look from the back, but it looks as tho the front is only half there. If I were making it for myself, I'd add some more "coverage" to the front. I agree that it doesn't look comfortable the way it is. I would find myself pulling on the fronts to wrap them around all the time.
otagogirl wrote
on Apr 2, 2009 5:52 AM
This is a really nice, flattering shrug. I could knit it for myself (mid-40's, large average size), my 25 yr old daughter (120 lbs), AND my 12 yr old daughter. I love how IK doesn't do frumpy patterns! That's what put me off knitting for years. I might be getting older, but I don't want to lose a sense of fashion- just choose garments that are fashionable and I can wear without looking like mutton dressed up as lamb. This shrug will be great! I don't like every pattern/colourway presented in IK, but the magazine has to cater for all tastes. I think they do a pretty good job.
MaryB@5 wrote
on Apr 2, 2009 5:25 AM
It's totally unflattering on all of them. Sorry.
Tlnadmail wrote
on Apr 2, 2009 4:16 AM
This is one of my favorite patterns in this issue. I have it on my needles right now. IK is the only knitting mag that I subscribe to. I for one love the changes to the magazine. I think that it now has something for every age.
MiaM wrote
on Apr 1, 2009 11:35 PM
You know, I think what I like best about the galleries are all the comments afterward from y'all. It is just so interesting to see how folks approach the different projects. Like most, I think that not every pattern is for me, but they usually give me an idea for something else -- for instance, the mostly misunderstood/hated skirty-shawly thing that was in the last gallery is something I'd never make, but I wondered how I could incorporate that really full, beautifully mobile ruffled edge onto, say, the bottom of a simple a-line type dress. It would make such a full fluid hemline! But this time, I must admit, the one gem I'll take from the thread is the term "ginormous bazooms". Love it! Ladies, you're right, you may not find each issue is filled with gems, but I think each issue is filled with ideas and springboards to launch you to your OWN designing creativity.
psso525 wrote
on Apr 1, 2009 9:43 PM
I think the issue is not whether they'd look good on a young person or an old person, or a thin person or a fat person, but whether they'd look good on Eunny Jang or not. That's why everything is so identical in IK lately -- stuff for small, thin, people, in fine gauges knit on small needles. She likes what she likes, and we'll have to wait for a new editor to see a range of knitting styles that each appeal to and suit some part of the knitting audience, as oppose to the current choice of things that suit small compact bodies and are knit in small compact gauges.
CharleneC wrote
on Apr 1, 2009 9:31 PM
Some items are just not for everyone. Overall, I enjoy Ik. What I do not enjoy is the sizing. The average woman is a size 12 to 14. I am a size 16 to 18 depending on the cut of the cloth...you know tailored or biased. In the meantime, the average age for most magazines isgeered towards the 25 to 40 age group. However, not all 25 to 40s are size 0. That is why I love the galleries so much!
GayleG wrote
on Apr 1, 2009 9:13 PM
When I spotted this cardigan in the magazine I knew instantly that it was perfect for my 24 yr. old daughter. She loves throwing wispy little things on her little body in layers. I can't wait to get it started! Thanks!
JordanaM wrote
on Apr 1, 2009 8:41 PM
I would never have looked at this twice from the pictures featured in the magazine. Now I am thinking this would be a perfect project. I agree with the people who see echos of eileen fisher and I agree with the person who wants to make it up in plum. I also agree that the shawl ruffle shrug thing is just strange...
Moira wrote
on Apr 1, 2009 8:33 PM
I have just recently discovered Interweave Knits and am excited that there are so many beautiful and "trendy" styles featured. There are enough "plain jane" patterns already in existence. It is nice to see something with a little more flare. And I am 61 years of age, by the way.
KatherineH@2 wrote
on Apr 1, 2009 8:10 PM
I wouldn't have looked at this twice in the magazine, but I love the back and I like the closeup detail of the ribbing (?) around the shoulders of the magazine model, but what's with those flaps??? I usually try to get my knitting to NOT curl and roll up. No one in the pictures seems to know what to do with the flaps - do you curl them to the inside, roll them out, tie them in front? I'm an overweight 56 year old and I often find the designs geared toward younger, fitter women but I could see taking this as a starting point and making some mofications.
AnneG wrote
on Apr 1, 2009 7:45 PM
Sorry - this one doesn't do it for me, nor do I think it does anything for any of the lovely women modeling it. It just looks like "I'm wearing a too-small shrug and HELLO, here are my boobs!" Not a good look. I agree that the designs seem to be skewing younger. Eunny and Sandi, please realize that your readers are NOT all 24 years old with 34" bustlines and slender little bodies. And WHAT were you thinking with the Saoirse shawl/skirt/ruffle with a tie?! Come on! This 46 year old curvy diva would like to see FEWER shrugs and stupid garments and MORE cardigans and pullovers that are pretty, not schlumpy. Tell the yarn companies to send enough yarn for a sweater that measures more than 32" around. Please! End of rant.
MaryG@2 wrote
on Apr 1, 2009 7:35 PM
The fun part (for me) about being subscribed to IK is that when I first get the magazine I flip through and really don't like much of what I see. Then I see the galleries and think " what the heck did I do with my copy?" Next I find about 3 favorites I need right now! The Whisper cardigan is one of them, it just looks like how I want a little sweater to feel, comfy and not all that serious. Thanks!
EleanorM wrote
on Apr 1, 2009 7:19 PM
I thought that this shrug was super cute, EXCEPT for the part where every one looks like she had gynormous bazooms sticking out there. I would love to make it for myself, but I have enough problems with that alreay. Could this pattern be adapted to do a little covering up?
MelisaM wrote
on Apr 1, 2009 7:09 PM
First, these models all seem very close in size and shape, to me. What has happened to the bigger girls, the tall girl, ect.? There used to be more variety in shapes in these galleries. I'm not sure about this shrug (this is NOT a cardigan). I like the way the back swings and I think I like the way the front edges drape and curl, but I don't like the way they stop at the sides of the body. I tried on a similar garment at Belk's recently, but the fronts came further toward the center. I think this might could be modified to do that, and I think I'd like it better then.
Knitloon wrote
on Apr 1, 2009 7:08 PM
Sorry, but I don't feel this flatters any of the models. It appears ill-fitting and sloppy on all.
mlablans47@verizon.net wrote
on Apr 1, 2009 7:06 PM
I love the color of this shrug. Only the back looks nice on most of the models. The front is just sloppy.It is ok on Annie. probably the red dress is doing the trick. But it seems unpractical with these flaps hanging on the sides. Not very elegant.
stjamesb wrote
on Apr 1, 2009 6:43 PM
Love this piece. Love the simple, and swingy lines. Probably it will be the only piece I'll make from IK in a long time. For the record, I am in my early 40's. I begin to think that IK is getting too frumpy.
AnnR wrote
on Apr 1, 2009 5:31 PM
I guess that I don't like shrugs. It doesn't flatter any of the models. To me, it looks like the garment is too small on everyone. Sorry, just my opinion.
maya@2 wrote
on Apr 1, 2009 5:27 PM
Honestly, I find it a bit laughable that IK is trying to pass off these "galleries" as showing how the sweaters fit on a "range" of sizes--32" to 36"? Hilarious. IK was horribly frumpy for years, IMO, was awesome under Melanie Falick, descended into horrors and is now hit or miss. I wouldn't subscribe but I will pick up the occasional issue.
Carol Y wrote
on Apr 1, 2009 5:09 PM
I'm 44 and I think overall this 'shrugi' is cute and I DON'T usually like shrugs. Go figure. I like the back swingyness, but I am slightly bothered by the front flaps. Not sure what I would do to change them. I would have to adjust for little more ease so the sleeves aren't pulling so much at that front seam. I think the length of it could be adjusted easily and with great effect - I can see it being worn much shorter or longer!
JoanM@3 wrote
on Apr 1, 2009 5:03 PM
I think the Whisper Cardigan is all about personal style. My 40D's and I will be casting on in a lovely plum. I appreciate the Gallery, which shows different body types and ways an item can be worn. This piece indeed reminds me of the universal simplicity of Eileen Fisher. Please continue to include items which appeal to a variety of tastes. This sweater is my favorite in the entire issue! I bet I'll get tons of complements, too.
ChristineN@2 wrote
on Apr 1, 2009 4:25 PM
I think this looks great on all of the models! My only suggestion would be to have a model of a more "mature" age! I love the non-structured, simple design--one that I think can look great on women of various sizes, shapes and ages if knit in correct proportions. To see what I mean, take a look at an Eileen Fisher ad in an "adult" fashion mag such as Vogue. You'll see how universal good lines and simplicity can be! This is what I would like to see in knitwear. The style transcends time and age....
CharleneC wrote
on Apr 1, 2009 4:14 PM
Thank you ladies! Mauserati , Susan H, granny gill, ReneeR, AdaL, Kathy et al! Who thought as I: If you want to be taken seriously---don't wear this shrug. At first glance, I thought: "Did the designer run our of yarn and opted for this? You know, sometimes we re-create something to utilized what we have. In the meantime, I studied fashion & design years ago: my instructor hammered this into my head: It may look good on paper, but if it does nothing for the body, it was not good design. I do believe an individual with no breasts can wear this. One idea occured to me: This is a great bed jacket!
SherylM wrote
on Apr 1, 2009 4:09 PM
I rather like shrugs (and I'm fast approaching 50) but this one doesn't do itself any favours by being so tight on the model, notice the stitiches pulling on the arm sleeve it must be uncomfortable, it looks much better on these other girls as it isn't too tight. I subscribe so I have the pattern for the shrug but what I would really like to know is where I can find a pattern for Annie's dress, that is really lovely!
Nutting Nana wrote
on Apr 1, 2009 4:05 PM
I'm not fond of this style or others of those I've seen in Interweave of late - disappointing. I like classic styles and some edgier styles, but this falls into the faddish category, as does the "skirt/cape thing" Martha L. wrote about. Just as I don't read "Seventeen" or "Cosmo" any more, I prefer a different genre of STYLE in my style!
SusanH wrote
on Apr 1, 2009 3:57 PM
As a life-long heavy person I have a great aversion to clothes that look like they are too small, even if they are intended to look like that. Also, I stay away from knitting garments that have a look like I either ran out of yarn or interest and just stopped any-old-where. Garments like this sweater just don't seem worth the effort. Perhaps for a younger, trendier, hipper person, but not for me -- I like the classics.
AnneM@2 wrote
on Apr 1, 2009 3:52 PM
Fine with me that so many styles are for younger women - I have four daughters from late teens to early '30s, and I always find something to knit for them. The older ones are still stylish and young-looking, so these are very appropriate. It's more about your general "look" than your specific age, IMO.
granny gill wrote
on Apr 1, 2009 3:50 PM
Sorry to disagree with most of you but I think this looks awfull on all the girls. It looks like it needs finishing off properly and does not look comfortable.
Carole G wrote
on Apr 1, 2009 3:48 PM
my 16 year old niece loves this pattern, so does my 56 year old sister; and what is wrong with showing that you have a chest? I'm making this in lace weight cashmere, but for me I will have to modify for some front coverage
keri@7 wrote
on Apr 1, 2009 3:26 PM
I think this shruggy/cardy looks fabulous on everyone. If you have larger "girls," then why not wear a less clingy top, like Allison and Annie? Funny, I'm in my mid-forties and was starting to think that Interweave Knits was getting too frumpy! This garment has changed my mind.
kharman777 wrote
on Apr 1, 2009 3:23 PM
I love the look of this shrug! I was curious when I saw it in the magazine, but now I really like it. I'm planning on making one for me, and probably one for my sister and another for my niece. I'm 55, and I love the styles in your magazine! Granted, some of them are too young for my taste, and that's great - to entice younger knitters! But I'm not ready for frumpy cardigans and slouchy sweaters - give me fitted style any day! Thanks for the terrific job!
AdaL wrote
on Apr 1, 2009 3:10 PM
Sorry, but I don't think this is flattering for any of the gallery gals, or even the magazine model. First, of all, I think it should be called a "shrug", not a cardigan, if for no other reason but to give it the right perspective for viewing. I think this would look good only on a very thin gal with a very small chest. I also tend to agree with Croney that the magazine seems to be moving more toward the younger crowd and sacrificing the classic good styles that had kept many of us older knitters such loyal subscribers for so many years.
revknits wrote
on Apr 1, 2009 3:06 PM
Honestly? I think the sweater doesn't do any favors. You can't wear this in many offices -- it puts the boobs on display. You can wear casually if you are small busted. As a 50-year-old - nevah! I did get the sample free issue, but I gotta agree -- not much for me in this issue, and I totally loved last year's spring issue. Will send back the subscription request, and buy individually. Sorry.
Kathy wrote
on Apr 1, 2009 2:41 PM
I agree about these sweaters being geared toward the younger with less ample bodies. You seem to have forgotten us older knitters who no longer fit that category. Please consider designing more for us forgotten population. I rarely find anything in the magazine that I would wear. Don't misunderstand, I am in my 60s but love Norah Gaughan designs, glitz and glamour, for example.
MarthaL wrote
on Apr 1, 2009 2:01 PM
This looks terrific on everyone! I really llike the color as well. Note: I am a woman in my mid 40's, have an ample bosom and plan to resubscribe. "Croney" and I disagree on this one- I think contemporary fashion is for everyone, and that you do a good job of presenting a range. except for that skirt/cape thing. MAYBE good on the young, but really should be avoided by one and all...
Croney wrote
on Apr 1, 2009 1:27 PM
I am curious what the age of your readership is. This sweater and the other three shown are all for women in their late teens or twenties. They do not seem made for women who have a more ample bosom and they are super trendy-either by way of style or fit. I found the entire magazine leaning to this body type and age group. And thereforeI probably will not re-subscribe.
AudreyP wrote
on Apr 1, 2009 1:04 PM
I knit and crochet for the visiting nurse, and would love to get some easy patterns for baby blankets. Can anyone help me on this. Thanks.
LauraS@5 wrote
on Apr 1, 2009 1:03 PM
Well, these galleries are wonderful! Just goes to show, things look entirely different on a "real life" body. This wasn't a pattern I intended to try, but now that I see how it really looks, I'm casting on! Thanks!
AudreyP wrote
on Apr 1, 2009 12:56 PM
Also, the pattern for Bonsai Tunic. thanks, Audrey
AudreyP wrote
on Apr 1, 2009 12:55 PM
Does anyone has a copy of this pattern: Knits Spring 2009 Gallery: Whisper Cardigan I would love to make this for a friend for the summer.
mauserati wrote
on Apr 1, 2009 12:13 PM
PS. I think Toni's right: She looks delish! Like the Whisper was made for her. Do you distribute the samples? or are they tucked away in the magazine morgue?
mauserati wrote
on Apr 1, 2009 12:10 PM
At a superficial glance, I thought "how sweet," & "looks like the cardi I made up last summer". As I looked closely at the "cover" model (Allison), I thought how unfortunate that gal was wearing a top that makes her look like she's got ginormous "bazooms". Then I looked at the gallery, and even gals with relatively small measurements looked "generously endowed." Then, I read that it's a shrug with elongated fronts. AH HA. I love shrugs, and I made about 1/2 dozen in winter 2007/8. But as the weather became warmer, I became increasingly self conscious of my front being so "hello!!!" (with lighter and clingy-er tops). I still love my shrugs, but never with tees or tanks: my 40D gals are too shy. :)
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