It does not fail to please
As always, there are a couple of things I'm not 100% happy with, but they're mostly issues I'm aware of having and I suspect relate more to me needing to remember to fit patterns to my body than anything being wrong with the pattern per se. The more I make things for myself, the more I realise how bodies are all different and no pattern is perfect, and I should remember to tweak things to account for my narrow shoulders and large bust. My body's not wrong, the pattern's not wrong, I just need to remember that the latter will always need a little tweak to match the former.
I do think the shoulders are too wide on this; I put a gathering thread in them after sewing the sleeves on to pull them in a bit, but looking at these photos I will probably tighten them further tonight. Now I know why I need to do a Full Bust Adjustment when sewing, it's clear I really need to work in the equivalent when knitting. I often do, but didn't for the upper body on this project, and while the stitch pattern pulls in a bit, it doesn't pull in enough to make up for my narrow build. Looking at photos on Ravelry, other people have slightly overwide knitted shoulders too, though mine's tighter across the bust than most. Ah, the curse of bountiful babylons!
Still, overall I'm happy with it. Allowing for the fact that I'm not an 'ideal' shape, I think it looks pretty good, and goes really well with my beloved pink-and-grey tartan skirt, which I got from a chazza back in 2011 and still get out every winter. (When I wear it out, there will be tears... or perhaps I'll unpick it and use it as a template to make myself a dozen more in all sorts of different woolly fabrics.) I reckon this one will get a fair bit of wear over the winter.
Very nice! If the shoulders bother you, you can always try adding small shoulder pads.
ReplyDeleteI'm due for physiotherapy on my shoulders and that might change the way I stand (I'm hoping!) and the way the jumper sits. We shall see! But pads are also an option, though they'd be visible through the lace pattern.
DeleteWow! It is a fabulous jumper and the pattern looks very intricate and difficult. Well done you! It looks lovely on you and plaid skirt is a perfect match for it.
ReplyDeletexxx
Thank you! It's actually a fairly simple knit. That sort of lacy pattern was massively popular in the 1930s.
DeleteI'm going to use Bountiful Babylons every opportunity I get-that's great. Your knitting lovely. Yeah, I have a messed-up shoulder that causes all my straps to slide down, but it is easy to fix on most clothing. I've yet to meet an ideal body, at least not out and about.
ReplyDeleteI'm starting physio on my borked shoulder tomorrow, and am anticipating it making at least some difference to my posture.
DeleteLearning to make things really flicked a light in my head. That "My body is NOT wrong!" moment was a marvel.
Well worth the wait it looks lovely.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteWhat a thing of beauty (that's you and the knitted creation!) Loving the silvery colour. xxx
ReplyDeleteHa, all I could think was, "Grey makes Vix sad, and my next knit is grey too!" But it is a consciously chosen grey, not a default, hiding-away grey. As with frumpiness, I think it's okay as long as a person owns it, and doesn't just slide into it by sad accident.
DeleteO wow! That pearl gray is gorgeous on you!!! What a beautiful pattern & what a fab job you did knitting it.
ReplyDeleteI second Suna's idea of adding small shoulder pads. They do wonders for those of us with bountiful Babylons by balancing the shoulders with the hips & giving the illusion of a smaller waistline. (Which results in a va-va-voom hourglass figure)
Somebody at work commented that it showed off my waist, and all I could think was, "You found my waist? WHERE?"
DeleteWell done. I think the sweater looks great on you.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteLove the pattern and colour of that jumper and it's just perfect with the pink and grey tartan skirt! And I'm adding Bountiful Babylons to my favourite expressions ;-) xxx
ReplyDeleteIt's one of my less vulgar expressions...
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