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The Four Knitting Truths

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Bertha is overcome at your comments

The Corset 9 and I would like to thank you for all the amazing and touching comments and emails. (Bertha is the strong, silent type, but she'd surely say "thank you" as well if it was her way to say anything at all.)

Several of you noted that I made my customization suggestion by working backwards from seeing the finished Corset on the Corset Gals, when in fact the challenge we face as knitters is figuring out what customizations might be needed before the entire sweater is knitted (and thus, before we have to throw a Sweater Frogging Party, complete with soothing beverages and friends to console us). Over and over again, you asked: How do I know which adjustments to make? How do I know which pattern size to choose? How do I even know which sweaters might look good on my body type?

The answer lies in what I call The Four Knitting Truths, which were hinted at in Monday's story of the mirror and illustrated in the gallery of the Corset 9 Plus Bertha. These Four Knitting Truths are the main factors you have to take into account when planning a knitted garment:

  • 1. The truth about yourself. Your REAL measurements and body type (not the measurements you fear you have, or imagine you have!).
  • 2. The truth about the pattern. Ease, style, construction, color.
  • 3. The truth about the fabric. Qualities of the yarn, stitch pattern, and how these are affected by gauge.
  • 4. The truth about your expectations and needs. What do you want your sweater to look like? What silhouettes do you prefer? Are you being realistic about what looks good on you and what doesn't?


The First Truth: Knitter, Know Thyself

Question: Are you knitting for an imaginary you, or for the REAL you? When was the last time you measured yourself? When was the last time you stood in front of a mirror and carefully (and KINDLY) evaulated the woman(or man) who stands before it?

I've built a little page on How To Measure Yourself, with photos and instuctions on how to measure the basic width measurements of bust, waist, and hip. I've also added two further dimensions for those of us who have extra curves: Buddha Belly and High Tummy. We'll do other measurements later on, such as height and arms and all that. It's good to start with a few basics, particularly since these are the ones that most patterns are based upon.

Speaking of which, I think it's time to de-mystify three things: Finished Bust Measurement, Actual Bust Measurement, and Ease.

Finished Bust Measurement

Why we care what it is: This is the main "base measurement" used in knitting patterns to denote the different sizes offered.

What it IS: A measurement of the finished GARMENT, after it is knitted, blocked, and seamed (if needed).

What it is NOT: A measurement of your exact bust size, unless you want it to be!

How to find it: Lay the completely finished (again, knitted, blocked and seamed) garment on a flat surface, right side out, front up. Pat the garment flat, without overstretching it. Measure across the bustline from side to side at the widest point--generally just under the armholes. Multiply by two (front plus back), and this is the measurement of the finished sweater.


Tricia finding her full bust measurement

Actual Bust Measurement

Why we care: This is a measure of your body, which you add/subtract ease and styling factors to, and thus determine which finished bust size to make.

What it IS: Your Full Bust Measurement, which is the circumference of your chest at its fullest/curviest/most voluptuous point.

What it is NOT: This is NOT your bra band size! It is also not your underbust measurement, nor your high bust measurement.

How to find it: Wearing the undergarments you would wear with a knitted top of the type you're intending to make, wrap a flexible tape measure around your bust. Make sure the tape lays flat, and goes only over your chest and shoulderblades, not over your arms or your cat or anything else. Wrap the tape around the biggest part of your bust. Breathe normally, and measure--do not hold your breath!

The All-Important Ease Factor

What is ease? Simply put: Ease is the extra fabric that allows space between you and your garments--space for things like moving, breathing, comfort, and extra layers of other clothing. The greater the ease in a pattern, the more fabric there is, and thus the more roomy space there is between you and your sweater. Negative ease means that there isn't any fabric to spare, that the fabric actually must stretch to cover your body. The more negative ease in a pattern, the more the fabric must stretch over a given curve.

In other words: Positive ease: loose-fitting. Negative ease: curve-hugging and clingy.



There's more to getting to know the Real You: long waist, short arms, height, shape, and so forth. We'll be examining all these in the days ahead on Knitting Daily. Think of this as an ongoing class where you get to specialize in YOU!

Weekend homework assignment! (whoo!)

How about starting a Beautiful You notebook? Start by writing down what you THINK your measurements are, before you break out the measuring tape. This information might be very enlightening after you've found out what the real you is--you might find out that you were knitting for an imaginary gal and not for your real self at all! Then check out our How To Measure Yourself page, and throw a little measuring party of your own. Oh, and there's only one rule: Absolutely NO unkind words or thoughts about your body are allowed. Remember: my grandpa says you are beautiful, and he's my grandpa, so he's gotta be right!

Sandi Wiseheart is the editor of Knitting Daily.

What's on Sandi's needles? Photo coming soon of the finished Bonsai Tunic by Norah Gaughan. New to the needles: Swatching for a Sandi-sized version of the Corset Pullover! Plus, about 6 inches' worth of cables for a new 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.


Posted Aug 17 2007, 12:00 AM by KD Sandi
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Comments

B.L wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Fri, Aug 17 2007 2:23 PM
B.Luke I wish that I didn't have to download every pattern that I want. I wish that they were already ready to use without it. Thanks
SharonC wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Fri, Aug 17 2007 2:51 PM
What a wonderful idea, Sandi. A class for us, about us! I'm sure I'll find a few surprises. The explanation about negative ease finally clarified that for me. Thanks again, and thank you, Grandpa. On another note, it would be nice to get a closeup of your free patterns. Right now, I just download it, look, and if I don't want it, then I delete it.
ElaineS wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Fri, Aug 17 2007 3:05 PM
I like your measuring instructions, but I never notice that ease is even mentioned in knitting patterns. I often wonder how big/small is the model. The final measurement for the garment is given but I don't know the size of the model. If I want my sweater to fit like the one shown in a photograph I need to know how much ease there should be. Am I making sense?
KD Sandi wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Fri, Aug 17 2007 3:06 PM
****Sandi here...

We're working on a new feature that will allow you to click and get close-ups of the photos! The current small size of our staff (did you know that I am the only full-time person working on KD? yup! Even Bertha works part-time for other mags and books) means that we're a bit backed up right now...but the larger photos is something we hope to have soon for you!
AllisonK wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Fri, Aug 17 2007 3:11 PM
Sandi,

Great topic today! But how do you know how much ease (not not) is written into the pattern, other than by looking at the photo?

Thanks! Allison K.
~S wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Fri, Aug 17 2007 3:20 PM
The picture tutorial is awesome. It is always helpful to know where to do your measurements and this should help a lot of the commenters from previous posts. I have been knitting long enough that I am comfortable with adjusting sizing, but would like to know how to do arm hole changes and neckline changes for patterns and then I should be able to design my own. :)
SuzanneR wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Fri, Aug 17 2007 3:27 PM
I normally try to avoid daily postings but all of yours have been relevant, educational and witty (aren't knitters a witty group?). Thanks for all the great info!
SharonH wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Fri, Aug 17 2007 3:28 PM
Sandi, this is a good start. Thank you.

Can I ask that the cross back measurement be adressed too? I know that is doesn't probably affect as many people as some of the others, but I'd love to learn how to adjust patterns to fit across my broad shoulders.

I just measured myself yesterday and I have a 46" bust but a 23" cross back measurement, which means I need to find an extra 5 inches somewhere is people are designing based on the yarn standards.

Thanks
RebeccaW wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Fri, Aug 17 2007 3:30 PM
One way to figure out what sweater size you need without trying to figure out ease blah blah blah is to get one of your favorite sweaters, measure that, compare that with the schematics, and pick the width that's closest. That's what I do, personally, because there's just no way in hell a 40" sweater will fit me (way too big), even though that's my bust measurement.
KateR wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Fri, Aug 17 2007 3:30 PM
I don't understand why you put the burden on your faithful readers to correct a pattern when the neck didn't fit properly on any of the women who tried it on. How about suggesting that the designer construct a neckline that wouldn't have the shoulders falling off everyone who tries to wear it? We can see that the neckline is very low (why?) and probably correct that ourselves quite easily, but it doesn't seem fair to expect us to fix the shoulders. I like your idea of showing garments on real people, but why don't you do that before you publish the pattern? I just bought your fall issue, and I vote that you try 2 sweaters on normal people--the concentric vest and the belle cardigan. Kate
SuzanneR wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Fri, Aug 17 2007 3:33 PM
Forgot to ask -
I love to knit with wool but live in a warm climate. I would love to knit a sweater but I don't know what fiber to use. Could you do a feature on the pros and cons of different fibers? i.e. temperature comfort zone, softness, washability, how well they retain shape, etc.
Thanks!
Suzanne (again)
Mary BethB wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Fri, Aug 17 2007 3:35 PM
How do you know how much ease will be in a knitted garment? How do you plan for a certain amount of ease when chosing what size to make?
Rebecca S wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Fri, Aug 17 2007 3:40 PM
Seeing a garment on the gals that work at Interweave was brilliant! Perfect! This showed me more how this garment looks on real women than any photo in any of your magazines. PLEASE, Please consider using the Interweave staff as models for all your upcoming issues! Sandy I would love to see your smiling face and beautiful bod modeling a garment in every issue! Please, this is what we readers really desire!
Stitch-ayWoman wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Fri, Aug 17 2007 3:41 PM
All right, Sandi! Way to start the "Sandi-sized" corset pullover. I'm sure we are all hoping you share the details of that WIP with us. And thanks for today's post-- one of the best yet. Can't wait to see the rest of the series...
MaureenT wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Fri, Aug 17 2007 3:41 PM
I can't tell you how helpful these knitting daily posts are! I'm a self taught knitter who's torn out and started again more projects than I can count. I feel like I can really succeed with some more challenging garments. Thanks. Maureen
ViviV wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Fri, Aug 17 2007 3:41 PM
Wow, thank you so much for this post, PLUS the measuring post! As a relatively new knitter, I've been scratching my head at the term "ease." Thanks for clearing that up! I'm not quite up to knitting grown up pieces but luckily we're experiencing a baby boom in my circle of friends, so I'm getting plenty of practice with smaller sizes. That being said, I'm enjoying your posts and I'm learning a lot from you about what to do when I am ready for me-sized garments. Thanks again!
PatF wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Fri, Aug 17 2007 3:45 PM
I think--maybe I'm wrong--that one usually choses her basic size in a given pattern by using her band measurement + 2 inches + desired ease.

Standard sizes are made to fit an A or a B cup size. Anything more than that will require a larger size or, preferably, short-row treatment for the bust area, starting about an inch in from each side of the front, about 3 inches below the armhole. Those short rows are about one inch in your row gauge for each cup size above B. And a well-fitted bra is essential to good measurements and a good fit.

But in the larger size, for anyone with a large bust, the sweater will be bigger in places where she doesn't want it--across the back, in the arms, probably in the shoulders, almost certainly in the waist.

And what you're after here is a good fit, and an even hem that isn't hiked up in front by a larger bust, a problem for which the larger size doesn't do much.

Some patterns, both jacquard and pattern stitches, don't work so well for short-rowing. Try to work it out on graph paper first.
Anonymous wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Fri, Aug 17 2007 3:46 PM
I have a question that doesn't fit the theme of measurement...but it's on my mind so I am going to ask! If you have a sweater with the exact shaping for front and back up to the armholes, and no customization is required, is there any reason to NOT work the front and back on circular needles as a single unit? I'm working on a pattern now where back and front are identical...seems like it should be doable in the round but I'm not experienced enough to know. Thanks!
StephanieE wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Fri, Aug 17 2007 3:46 PM
I've learned that reading the description of the design helps with figuring out ease. I do not see the kinds of word that indicated type of fit in the IK descriptions. Although the size that is on the model is indicated, I'm not good at determining whether the model has a 32" chest or a 40" chest. Thanks for asking for input on this.
WreathaD wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Fri, Aug 17 2007 3:57 PM
Sandi - Just a note to tell you how wonderful your Kitting Daily is. You put out so much meaningful data. You obviously take a huge amount of time to do this, and it is fabulous the way our feedback is driving your column. Your Grandpa was right - YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!!! Thanks for your efforts - getting the email is always a highlight of my day.
SkyeP wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Fri, Aug 17 2007 3:58 PM
This is a great article - I love the 4 truths and felt calmer about this whole issue of making garments that fit (one reason I like to make tea cozies is to avoid this!) . . .and I just love the community created here.
Skye
AliceCarden wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Fri, Aug 17 2007 4:00 PM
Could you make a diagram of the finished product on something like tissue paper and hold it up to yourself to get an idea of the true size? When I use to sew, I could do that and have at least a general idea if the garment was going to fit. Most knitting patterns give the final measurements to use in blocking.
Cat wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Fri, Aug 17 2007 4:08 PM
Ditto on the "pointless to choose by bust size unless you're a B cup". I'm a very strange shape (28G bra size); if i choose something based on my bust measurement, it's *huge* everywhere (back, shoulders, sleeves, length, waist), but STILL too tight in the front. (For most sizes, they assume the front is only a few inches bigger than the back. My front is about twice *twice* as big as my back.) Wah! I prefer to choose the size that matches most of me (usually a 30"-32" size), and add the room only where i need it - that basically being just for my tits, just in the front.
BarbaraB wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Fri, Aug 17 2007 4:16 PM
Thank you so much for today's class on measuring. At last! A glimmer of light! Your explanations were first class and I look forward to a measuring weekend, a swatch and more instructions in due course. Thanks a million again, from Barbara, Down Under.
ShirleyM wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Fri, Aug 17 2007 4:29 PM
You are wonderful, & oh so right. I am almost 69 y.o. and probably haven't really measured since 30. It's going to be a shock, I know, but realistic. Will do the dastardly deed in a while. Thank you, thank you. SM
LindaK wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Fri, Aug 17 2007 4:33 PM
Yay! I'm so glad to see you address measurements and how they affect knitted garments. I sew as well as knit so I know how important measurements are for good fit, even in hand knits. I'm looking forward to seeing your posts on measuring the rest of the body too. I'm forever lecturing my friends on the glories of the fitted sweater vs. the fattening knit (a.k.a. the "Yes, knits do too need shaping!" argument)
MarieB wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Fri, Aug 17 2007 4:39 PM
I not only knit, I am a professional seamstress - you could not be MORE RIGHT about measurements! I've just had two of my dearest friends ask me to help them "properly" fit their bust sizes for decent bras and proper shirt fit. Both were larger than they thought, not realizing that as you age you change shape and that with each garment you MUST RE-MEASURE. Heck, I've done it to myself! Voice of experience... long years now!
TammyT wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Fri, Aug 17 2007 4:42 PM
Oh. My. Gosh. (I'm so overcome I've lapsed into my 14 year old daughter's manner of speaking.) This is, like, the MOST HELPFUL thing I've ever seen in my knitting life. I will hang on every word of this "class". Thank you so much!!
KateV wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Fri, Aug 17 2007 4:47 PM
Sandi, you wonderful, wonderful girl! This measuring stuff may be elemental, but boy did I need to be shown once and for all. Also, being a Rubenesque gal myself, I sure do appreciate your positive insights on self image. Oh, and I love your Grandpa too!
KatL wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Fri, Aug 17 2007 5:10 PM
You've done a fabulous job of explaining ease and how to take your actual bust measurement!

Now if only IK would start including the suggested ease in the patterns, or something like "loose fit," "close fit," etc, that would be great!
Monkeygurl wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Fri, Aug 17 2007 5:30 PM
I love the lessons and I love you writing style, but what I appreciate MOST is your Grandpa. I never met him, but he sounds like a wonderful man.
AnitaM wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Fri, Aug 17 2007 5:36 PM
Thankyou so much Sandi - this is really going to help us all! It will be so nice to eliminate the stress of "am I knitting the right size?" so I can just relax and enjoy the knitting, knowing that I will get what I expect at the end. And ditto to the comments about this community - it is so supportive, and I am learning heaps! I love knitters. :)
StacyR wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Fri, Aug 17 2007 5:52 PM
Sandi - Thanks so much for starting this series on measuring. I have never known how to measure properly, and thanks for the extra tips on
J EK wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Fri, Aug 17 2007 5:57 PM
Bless you and the model (who looks a lot like me from the shoulders down) for being so very specific about the simple art of measurement. You have given me enthusiasm to pursue things beyond socks, mittens, sweaters and hats! More please.
LizF wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Fri, Aug 17 2007 6:21 PM
Thanks, this series has been most helpful to me. And it gives me an idea...couldn't you, oh great and smart IK, come up with a virtual you where we enter our measurements and see what your sweaters would look like...something to think about.
ChrissT wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Fri, Aug 17 2007 6:24 PM
Thank you for going over the difference between "finished" and "actual" bust measurements. As a knitting teacher this information along with how to do a proper gauge swatch are two of the most important concepts I can teach. Many long time knitters who take my classes comment that it has made a world of difference in their knitting.Thank you for going over the difference between "finished" and "actual" bust measurements. As a knitting teacher this information along with how to do a proper gauge swatch are two of the most important concepts I can teach. Many long time knitters who take my classes comment that it has made a world of difference in their knitting.
KateM wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Fri, Aug 17 2007 6:24 PM
Really interesting post - and comments - but I still can't see the pictures that everyone is talking about!
MagaliD wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Fri, Aug 17 2007 7:13 PM
Thank you, Sandi, for giving us such a wonderful opportunity to learn new tips every day. On today's post I learned NOT to use my bra size to knit me a sweater. I have had wrong-sized finished garments that are passed down to my sisters. I am in the middle of them, if garments are to big for me I gave to my larger sister, or if too small then I would give them to the skinnier one. Now I will be able to knit a garment that will fit me!!!!
KristaW wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Fri, Aug 17 2007 7:18 PM
Thank you for posting this. I was about to purchase yarn for my first sweater and had the wrong size. I was using my bra measurement. oh, that just screams negative ease! ha!
And thanks for the sweater 9+Bertha. I totally disregarded the pattern, but once I saw it on someone older than 17, it is truely a great sweater!
MargoS wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Fri, Aug 17 2007 7:43 PM
Can I just say that I am LOVING "Knitting Daily." It is the first time any magazine has done anything like this and it is AMAZING. It makes us feel like we're being listened to and that IK is "our" magazine. It's fantastic, keep up the good work!
Shelley C wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Fri, Aug 17 2007 7:51 PM
Thanks for the 4 Truths and the measuring tutorial. :)

Like some of the other commenters I also sew and I know what a difference proper measurements over the undergarmets you'll actually wear makes. A strapless or push-up bra can change your shape a lot so it's always worth measuring.

Another way of finding your waist (and I'm always suprised at where it really is) is to stand up straight then lean over to the side (from the waist - your legs and hips stay still). The point where you crease is your waist. I don't know if this works for everyone but it's handy.
TracyJ wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Fri, Aug 17 2007 7:54 PM
Great article. Now I know how to measure myself.
Katandben wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Fri, Aug 17 2007 8:36 PM
Lovely. This was a great article...to show that sweater on REAL women who were not waifs or 20.

And to find out what I would HAVE to do to make it fit better by seeing what the real woman model would have to do to fix it, that is priceless!

However, I have to agree with Kate who said it seemed silly to have a sweater that was too wide in the neck for ANY of the real women to look right in it. Being busty, I hate pulling at necklines that are too wide.

What was best about this article was info that IS NEVER given in any patterns and few other articles: WHERE to make adjustments. This makes it very frustrating for beginners ready to take a leap into a full fledged sweater who then knit something ill fitting. Come on! Admit it...all beginner sweaters are bags or slouching weekend things, so we really don't get practice in fit until we invest the time and money in this kind of project!
JulieM wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Fri, Aug 17 2007 8:37 PM
After seeing the 9 Corset models yesterday I thought I would never knit a garment again (since they fit terribly). Your post today has given me the hope that I WILL knit something that fits someday. I adore you!
NinaT wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Fri, Aug 17 2007 8:39 PM
Well, I did it. I measured myself, after first guessing. I already knew, but wasn't admitting it, that my bust size had changed, judging by how my bras fit.

My question is: If I am a 40B, and the pattern is a 40, there won't be any ease at all, the garment will be close-fitting?
CandiceV wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Fri, Aug 17 2007 8:43 PM
I know the difference between my measurements and the finished garment measurements. The problem is knowing what the intended ease of the garment. I wish designers & magazines would list it too.
BrandyG wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Fri, Aug 17 2007 9:32 PM
Thank you so much for the measuring party! I always appreciate a refresher in the basics. And please tell your grandpa that I said thank you from the bottom of my heart for saying that I am beautiful. I really needed to hear that!
HeidiW wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Fri, Aug 17 2007 9:40 PM
You are a brave woman. I've measured myself on a very few occasions and I hide away in the bathroom to make sure no one else could possibly see the numbers (that I never write down and quickly forget)I hope to be as brave as you someday. One thing I would be interested in knowing is how to deal with broad shoulders. I have broad shoulders and I'm not sure if I should be making adjustments in the length of the sleeve or in the width of the shoulder. I like my sleeves long (down to the 2nd joint of my thumb) and I can deal with that adjustment, but the sweaters I knit all seem to bind me up in the upper chest and shoulders (where the pectoral muscles meet the deltoid muscles) so clearly the adjustment needs to happen somewhere between the neckline and the armhole. I just can't seem to figure out where or how to make the increases without screwing up the shape. Usually I just make the next size up...

Thank You for all your hard work and a great blog.
Beverly wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Fri, Aug 17 2007 11:09 PM
hey, sandi! thanks for the helpful info on getting measurements for myself and others. is there any way this can be put in pdf format to download? i'd love to have it for reference later on when i'm not on the internet.

thanks! bev
C.M.Forsberg wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Fri, Aug 17 2007 11:22 PM
To Glenna: yes, you can convert patterns that are knit with seams to be knit in the round instead. The thing to consider is the material it is made from, and the weight of the yarn. For example, cotton tends to be really heavy and to stretch out of shape, so I personally wouldn't do that unless it was a DK or lighter.
But even if it's wool in a heavy weight yarn, I wouldn't do it either. Having 3 lbs of bulky or super bulky hanging from my needles is just not my idea of a good time. Your mileage may vary, but it's worked for me in all my years of knitting.

To Sandi: This is exciting stuff! Keep up the good work!
DeborahH wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Fri, Aug 17 2007 11:49 PM
I'm imagining a world where we all adorn ourselves with gorgeous garments because we believe we are beautiful and we deserve to display artfully constructed garments that celebrate our individual, glorious shape, Count me in!
KathyC wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Sat, Aug 18 2007 7:26 AM
I have what I hope is not a stupid question. I have been knitting about 3 years now and while I understand sizing, what I don't understand is the entire ease issue. Can someone explain to me negative and positive ease? This is an aspect of a pattern that completely befuddles me!! Thanks in advance for all your help!!
Karen wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Sat, Aug 18 2007 7:43 AM
WOW!! What simple but significant information. I am a fairly competent knitter, but have a lot of difficulty with figuring out fitting and sizing of a garment and this just made some basic essential points crystal clear. I often have a garment with good craftsmanship but I have dissatisfaction over fit and ease. THANK YOU!!!
Lisa wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Sat, Aug 18 2007 8:24 AM
Thank you for this "class!" I have never knit a garment for myself because I am a curvy ample gal and I'm always afraid that after all the time and money invested the garment won't fit and/or I'll hate the way it looks. I am working up the courage to knit a sweater for me, so I'm grateful for these posts on how to measure and fit yourself. Thanks Sandi! I really enjoy reading Knitting Daily!
Ruthmel1 wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Sat, Aug 18 2007 8:34 AM
Thanks Sandi for your advice and for being brave enough to show us yourself! You've boosted my confidence no end . Now I'm not fat and ugly, I'm Rubinesque and a goddess!!!!LOL. You're really making me think and also realise why the camisole I knitted, which looked great on the scrawny model , looked and absolute BU@@er on me!!!! Only grpie, I received my IK mag yesterday and the models are all still slim, if not scrawny. Please could you use the odd veluptuous model like the Book-'Big girl Knits' by Amy Singer??
Kim wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Sat, Aug 18 2007 8:42 AM
I just love this direction! Thank you! Could you also do a "measure your man" segment? I am especially intersted in hints for how to lenghthen the back of my tall man's sweaters. Anything I have knit for him so far pops up in back, making it shorter in back. I have heard short rows help to solve this but don't have a clue how to adapt patterns for same. Thank you!!!!
ClaudiaC wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Sat, Aug 18 2007 9:11 AM
Just wanted to say thank you for such an informative, "user friendly" quick tutorial. It's timely; since I (and maybe many of us) will be looking at new patterns from Interweave Knits and elsewhere for those fall & winter sweaters.~Claudia
NitaH wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Sat, Aug 18 2007 10:05 AM
Greetings and Gratitudes!
Up until now, I have avoided daily list services. I have found the posts here to be generously filled with information, instruction, AND inspiration. For that I am grateful!
SilvanaS wrote re: The Four Knitting Truths
on Sat, Aug 18 2007 10:27 AM
This is a