I have a four yo son who has the obligatory 4 yo washboard abs. That little six pack peeks out during giggling fits and tickle fights. Of course, being the borderline bad mom that I am, I taught him to lift his shirt and ask random friends and relatives if they'd like to, "Wash your clothes on these?" He was way to embarrassed to do it at first, but now he blurts it out when we least expect it, making it all the more hilarious, Just me? Okay then.
I have no idea how this pattern got its name, but the slanted lace pattern at the sides reminds me of my son's little obliques (since I know no adults that actually have those). Oblique is a free "Knitty" pattern by design goddess Veronik Avery. To be honest, from the Knitty photos alone, I probably wouldn't have considered knitting this project. Seeing it on different women, however, showed me the versatility and structure I look for in a good pattern.
Let's commence with the pattern love, shall we?
Also known as: Yuki77
Needle: mm
Yarn: silk, angora, wool (Yum!)
Size: XS
The first thing that drew me to this pattern whilst looking at the completed versions online, was the versatility of the sizing. Oblique looks just as good as a more formal fitted cardigan as a more casual ubiquitous baggy sweater.
Yuki's version is of the fitted variety, and I think it's important to explore how the fit needs to be tailored to your own body (pun halfway intended.) The form of this sweater is accentuated or maybe created by the texture in the sides and front/back panels. You'll want to use a solid color yarn for this one. Anything to varied will muck up the texture.
This is: Anisa's Mom (And, how cute is she? Hi, Anisa's Mom!!!)Knitter is: Anisa
Also known as: anisa
Needle: US 9 - 5.5 mm
Size: 39Anisa's mom is also sporting the more fitted style. She seems to be on the petite side, so a baggier fit would have swallowed her up. She still looks comfortable and the diagonal side panels and deep v create an illusion of a more narrow, columnar front view.
The next two Obliques were both knit by Lynda
Also known as: LyndainOregon
: US 5 - 3.75 mm
Size: Sm- 36"
This cutie is Tori, Lynda's granddaughter. I like the looser, casual version on her. She looks super-comfortable and age-appropriate. (Am I the only one sick of young girls dressing like Bratz dolls?) Ah, I remember way back in the 80's and 90's, slouching on the couch or on the floor even, with well-worn jeans and a baggy sweatshirt. Those were the days. I wish all girls could have the freedom to dress comfortably like we did and I certainly hope that over-size style comes back before my daughters reach puberty!
But, I digress.
Here's Lynda.
Needle: US 5 - 3.75 mm
Size: 52"
Lynda's version is more fitted and you can see how the side panels seem to make almost half of her body seem to disappear. Your eye goes straight to the front panels and deep-v. In this pattern the v neck doesn't necessarily draw your eye to the face as deep vs usually do, but it points to the front panel like an arrow, and all you see is the slim line created by the vertical lace pattern.
This is: RuthAlso known as: Impulsiveknitter
: US 7 - 4.5 mm
Size: M
OMG! The color! I may be mistaken, but I believe Ruth dyed this herself and sells her own hand-dyed yarns? Ruth, is that true?
This color is freaking GORGEOUS! Like a Tiffany box.
Ruth went for comfy here. With her shape, she could have easily gone either way. It's great when a pattern can be slimming when it needs to be, but non-restricting when it doesn't.
This is: TrinityAlso known as: Trinknitty
Needle: US 5 - 3.75 mm
Size: xs
Here is another example of the versatility of this pattern. Now some of you might say, "Sure, the fitted version looks good on her, she can fit into an XS!" What people don't realize is that it's just as hard to find clothes that look good on the small end of the spectrum. You have to worry about being overpowered by the print or design and lots of times you end up looking like you raided your older sister's closet, engulfed by shapeless fabric. Thin women often need the same kind of fitting tricks to create curves that larger women need to smooth their curves out.
Also known as: MrsMusic
Needle: US 7 - 4.5 mm
Size: XXL (in small gauge, so the fit is M/L)
Cecile used one of my favorite tricks for slimming here. She knit up a larger size in a smaller gauge. This results in a thicker fabric with less ease. The end product tends to either stand away from the body, or if knit tight enough, will actually hold back some of the bumps- corset style. Cecile's version is still on the baggier side, so I don't think she was going for corset here, but that just gives you another option to personalize the pattern.
In Conclusion:
This pattern is very versatile. Smaller women and younger girls can get away with an over-size fit, but stay away from baggy if you are petite, otherwise it will eat you up. Fitted versions look more professional or formal and knitting with a tight gauge will allow you sculpt the fabric into more of the shape you want to be. The deep-v neck is always a winner here, and the diagonal side panels disappear focusing the attention on the singular vertical front panel. Instantaneous slimulation! Stick to solid colors, but yarn weight is up to you.
Speak Up:
Have you ever knit up Oblique? How awesome is Veronik Avery? How do I get Blogger to add the appropriate accent over her name? Are there any other patterns with disappearing side panels that you know of?
I'm also looking for suggestions for my next hat party!
