The hardest part of choosing a sweater, to me, is trying to figure out what “works” for my body type. I’m this odd mix of boxy and curvy with almost no torso and, er, a smaller chest. In store-bought clothes, I face a constant challenge when trynig to find clothes that fit and am pretty horrible at choosing designs I’ll look good in. Yet, here I am, trying to figure out what I’d actually look good in.
For those just tuning in, here’s my current list of possibilities:
- Cabled Bandeau
- Bianca’s Jacket
- Cabaret Raglan
- Hey, Teach!
- Fair Enough
- Shalom
- Mr. Greenjeans
- Wicked
- Bad Penny
Cabled Bandeau: Favorite example by Rebecca732 (link)
For those who know me, you know I’m not one for exposing my shoulders in any way (ignore my recent purchase of this strapless dress from Target). I never wear anything sleeveless and certainly not tank tops or halters like this one. So, why did I even look at this? Well, it’s a great cable pattern and I had the thought “Oh, I can add straps to it!” Seeing as I have zero design skills, I don’t see that hapenning anytime in the near future.
Verdict: Off the list
Bianca’s Jacket: Favorite example by TobyKnits (link)
This is a swing-style semi-cropped cardigan with a lace yoke. I know that the swing sort of fit works on most though I can tell you right now I’d have to make it a good few inches longer than the cropped version shown in the original IK photo. If I were to make this long enough, I’d need to figure out how to ensure my stomach doesn’t look huge when the sweater, well, swings open at the bottom.
Verdict: It stays, for now
Cabaret Raglan: Favorite example by Haifischhappen (link)
This basic raglan features cute eyelet details at the yoke. While the pattern calls for tape yarn, I’d be making it in something very much non-tape. Comments on Rav projects indicate that the sweater should really have some waist shaping which I should be able to figure out with some help from Olga and Holly and the interwebs. I’d likely have to shorter the sleeves but I think I can deal. All that said, I see nothing at all offensive to my shape.
Verdict: Stays
Hey, Teach!: Favorite example by Sooz (link)
This sweater has lace on the top and stockinette on the bottom. While the shape of the sweater is awesome for me, I don’t think I want a sweater that has that much lace. Somethign about most of my shirt showing through makes me nervous. I think that’s another reason I never wear my February Lady Sweater (other than the lack of final blocking causing fit issues).
Verdict: Cute but off the list
Fair Enough: Favorite example by Kippiann (link)
This is a basic cardigan with a fair isle yoke. I can’t find anyhting that would make this not work for me as, well, it’s a basic yolked cardigan.
Verdict: Stays on the list
Shalom:
Two favorites:
Short sleeved by Jewls (link)
Long sleeved by amyweav (link)
While the design originally had cap sleeves (not for me and my fat arms), there are lots of mods out there for true short sleeves, 3/4 sleevse, or long sleeves. I love that it’s very textually interesting and not too bulky if made in worsted.
Verdict: Stays on list though would require sleeves
Mr. Greenjeans: Favorite example by Kiki73 (link)
Boring! Boxy, shapeless cardigan.
Verdict: Off the list
Wicked: Favorite example by kitajenn (link)
This sweater is wide-necked with skin-skimming negative ease. I know I could make a larger size, but I fear the tight fit.
Verdict: Off the list
Bad Penny: Favorite Example by Misstick (link)
Something about all that ribbing on my stomach makes me nervous.
Verdict: Off the list
Here’s what’s left:
- Bianca’s Jacket
- Caberet Raglan
- Fair Enough
- Shalom
Tomorrow (maybe), the fourth part of our journey – balancing the boring with the difficult and trying to determine if I’d ever actually finish a given sweater.
Don’t discount Mr. Greenjeans just because it has no shaping–for a sweater with no knit in shaping, it is pretty shapely and flattering on many body types. It totally surprised me how good it looks on just about everyone. And it doesn’t require much yarn.
Rosemary – You’re right, I was a little rash in my decision against Mr. Greenjeans. It’s a solid cardi and it does work on lots of shapes. I’ll probably make one in the near future and, worst case, I don’t like it for myself and give it to a similarly-sized relative. I really appreciate that you took the time to provide me your expert advice.
I vote for Shalom like this one: http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Serrawerra/shalom-cardigan for the extra buttons and long sleeve modifications. I vote against Fair Enough, and I think that Shalom will work best with the yarn you’ve got set aside for it. I’d recommend knitting the sweater according to directions, maybe adding extra buttonholes and modifying the sleeve according to: http://involvingthesenses.blogspot.com/2008/04/shalom-tips-2.html (probably the one to maximize bust space if you’re using more buttons and minimize huge armholes), and instead of binding off the sleeve stitches, put them on scrap yarn/stitch holders. When casting on the stitches under the arms, use a figure 8 cast on with an extra needle, then put the stitches from the second needle on the scrap yarn/stitch holder with your other sleeve stitches. That way you won’t have any picking up of stitches or seaming to do later. When finished with the body, put the held stitches on needles and knit down until you want to stop/run out of yarn.
Can’t wait to see what you start!