This is a free pattern (you're welcome!) and a nice break from the slouchy berets that seem to have taken over the knitting world like mice in a feed shed. Plus, this pattern only has 320 projects as of this writing, so you won't have to worry about being one of fifty knitting this in your SnB. (Am I the only one obsessed with being original? Ok, then...)
This is actually designed to be a man's hat, but you'll see that it is very versatile and looks great on women and children as well. The designer recommends worsted yarn and size 9 needles, so it should be a relatively quick knit. (Note: I think it's hard to believe that I didn't hire these people to do a photo shoot for this post. These are all their regular Ravelry project photos! Be sure to tell them how cute they are in the comments.)
Another Note: I was honestly about to pack this thing up when, yesterday, OSKA got a Facebook "like," seemingly out of the blue. Since it happened on the same day I was going to hit the big DELETE button and pull the life support on the blog, I took it as a sign that this blog has value. So, let's get back into the swing of things, shall we?
If anyone would like to help research, contact knitters, or write for this blog, please let me know. I think we have a good thing here and I don't want to hold it up.
I've been on a search for a skirt pattern. I needed something versatile, because in my real job casual days can turn to Very Important Meeting Days very quickly. I also wanted something that wouldn't sag in the behind and it had to be simple, but polished. It's hard to find a skirt pattern. There aren't that many. Plus, of the few that exist, there aren't many projects out there to examine for practicality. I really don't want to try something that everyone else has failed at. The following projects have me optimistic about the Bell Curve pattern by Kira Dulaney, but I'd still like to hear from people about the butt-sagging issue. That's the deal-breaker for knit skirts. Full disclosure: none of the following women appear to have saggy butts.
This is: Soozilah
Also Known As: Suzie
: US 4 - 3.5 mm; US 5 - 3.75 mm
I hate to be all "black is so slimming" cliche', but you really want to stick with neutrals or muted colors on this one. It's called Bell "Curve" for a reason, and some women don't want to draw too much attention to that very reason. Suzie did a great job with her black version, and she looks so classy in her photo spread.
It's always easy to gloss over the smaller women. People think everything looks good on them. But let's not underestimate that in this era of Beyonce' and Kim Kardashian, smaller women need nice butts too. Bell Curve does a nice job of creating visual curves. The same vertical features that can help to slim a larger woman can help to create an hourglass shape on a smaller woman.
I love this photo. In case you haven't noticed, I'm all about clothes shopping in the fall. I guess it's held over from when we were in school and had to go "school shopping." My poor kids can't even get excited about their belt options- black or brown. But this year I made them cool grossgrain ribbon belts... I digress.
Nancy has chosen a beautiful color for her Bell Curve. I wouldn't like a heavy wool skirt in a bright, flashy color. I guess I'm old fashioned in the "bottoms should be neutral" kind of way. This photo does a good job of showing one of the skirts best features: the vertical details down each side make your eye believe that the edge of the skirt is actually a few inches in from where is really is. Instant Slimification!
I know a few women who would kill for this shape. Keli knit this in a tight gauge, but she still suggests using foundation garments. I definitely would not use a loose gauge on this, or a drapey yarn. You want this skirt to hug you tightly, if not suck you in. And, check out how those vertical bands take a few inches off the width. Genius!
In Conclusion:
Vertical interest acts as a slimming illusion or can add curves to a straight figure. It's like regression to the mean for any of you math nerds. Stick with neutral or muted colors and fuller yarns. Tight gauge is your friend, but be wary of the borders- you'll want to loosen up there. This pattern looks great dressed up or casual. Foundation garments may be necessary.
Speak Up!:
I only have one question. How does the butt hold up over time?
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?
This is: Yuki
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
Anisa'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
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!
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.
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.
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.
This is: Cecile
Also known as: MrsMusic
Needle: US 7 - 4.5 mm
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!
A shrug? It's a little known fact- okay, unknown until now- that I do not care for shrugs. Fact of the matter is, my boobs get cold faster than my arms/shoulders and shrugs do nothing to make me comfortable. I've also not been able to find a flattering shrug pattern until now.
Enter the Textured Circle Shrug by Stefanie Japel. It's a free pattern on the Lion Brand site, but you need to sign up to access the pattern (membership is also free).
1. OMG- how good does turquoise look with red hair?
2. The TCS is one pattern that allows you to play with scale.
While Kelli knit hers in a larger size and looser fit, you'll see other TCSs knit with a very tight fit and they look just as nice. It's not often you can take such liberties with one basic shape.
Size: small
JunDai describes her modifications on her Ravelry Project page, but basically, she just knit fewer repeats all around. I love how her collar and sleeves have a slight ruffled effect. Plus, the collar comes to a point right at the bust line. This has the same look as a deep-v, cinching the waist and putting the focus on the face.
This is: Riki
Also known as: Rikihall
Needles: mm
I think the photo is actually of Riki's mom and her friend Janice, but I could be wrong. Either way, these beautiful ladies are modeling two different ways to wear the collar of the TCS. Mom's collar is worn wider on the shoulders, with a shorter "v" effect, and Janice's (?) collar is pulled up tighter around her neck. Both collars end up hitting the models right at/ below the bust line giving an hourglass illusion. Bonus: I always love when patterns can be work by women of varying ages as well as shapes and sizes. I think agelessness is a sign of a true classic, like a little black dress or trench coat.
You guys know I can't resist a good maternity photo. When pregnant, it is a small luxury to be able to wear real clothes as much as possible. Maternity clothes are not real clothes. The hourglass shape in the front of the TSC, also helps to slim even the biggest baby bump. (Mary's is a very reasonable baby bump.)
Size: 40-42
Beautiful color! Also, notice how Ann knit hers a little tighter, but it doesn't look "tight." Stefanie Japel is always good at fitting, she even wrote a book about it. With the TCS, you get to decide how you want to wear it- loose and comfy, or snug and sexy.
This is: Heather (What? No blog?)
Also known as: heatherxxll
Size: small
I haven't seen the TCS knit in a lighter yarn. Seems to me all the structure in the patten would beef up a slinky yarn. Heather, here, shows us another great feature of the TCS. Knit in a heavier yarn, this shrug is great for fending off the fickle office air conditioners. (Mine breaks down at least twice a week during the summer, which extra sucks when you realize I'm in an attic office.)
This is: Sarah (Another blogless wonder!)
Also known as: carexnigra
Size: M
I absolutely love the moss stitch modification in this project. While the textured stripe looks great in all the other projects, I think if I ever knit this- I'd go with the moss stitch. Again, this is a tighter fit, and the dk yarn makes the shape that much sleeker.
This is another looser fit. It looks super warm and comfy (maybe the yarn is sending me a subliminal message.) I also love the red, and the collar seems more substantial than the other projects featured here. Notice, though, how the eye goes straight to the collar and shirt beneath. The shape makes you ignore the sides of the TCS, which is like instant liposuction without all the bruising!
In Conclusion: This shrug has all the makings of a classic. Versatility is sizing, shape, and fit- check. Amenable to modification- check. V-neckline and hourglass shape-check. Covers the girls- check (essential in my book.) Ageless- check. Super-flattering-check.
Speak up: How do you like this pattern? Would you wear the finished garment? Textured stripes or moss stitch? Have you tried another modification? How do you accessorize shrugs when you wear them? Any other shrug patterns you would recommend?
Here's a first for the OneSize blog: a hat party! I was trying to find a hat style that I could recommend for different face shapes, hair lengths, etc. You can check out my Ravelry projects for some disasterous experiments from a person with a very round face.
When I got to the Star-Crossed Slouchy Beret, a free Ravelry download by Natalie Larson, I knew I hit the jackpot. I couldn't find a single example of this hat looking bad on anyone! Seriously! Forrealz! Not a one!
For this first hat party, I won't bother with the yarn and needle specs. It seems that you can knit this in craft wire on pencils and it will still look great (but, if you do try that, please send me a photo!)
I'll just add the photos and link to the Rav pages and blogs, if applicable.
This pattern was written in Pixie Dust on unicorn rainbows. I will have a hard time following this up with another hat party. Go crazy with this thing. Pick a color that makes you happy, because if your hat makes you happy, it will automatically make you look good.
Speak Up:
Have you knit this pattern? What are the best yarns for this hat? Show us your favorite colors! Link to your projects in the comments.
From the pattern description on Knitty.com: The resulting fit is ultra flattering whether it’s worn casually open or closed like a fitted corset. I love this vest with a flirty blouse and dark skirt for a night out, or over a long-sleeve tee and jeans. It’s the perfect go-to piece to fill the void in my closet. -- Katherine of SweaterBabe.com
I actually picked this pattern before I read that description. It goes to show that Sweaterbabe really knows her stuff. You guys already know I'm all over the deep necklines and cinched waists, but here's a design with those features built in to intentionally create a flattering garment. But enough about that. Let's see what YOU did with Talia. I'm going to change up the format a little here, let me know if it works.
(Not to be confused with Sandra Bullock's arch nemesis, Michelle "Bombshell" McGee, who I refuse to link to because she is rank. But that's a different Michell and a different bomb. We like this one!)
Michelle had a great idea for those of us who hate knitting buttonholes. She sewed up the front of the vest and added dummy buttons. Since the neck is so wide, she just slips it on like a t-shirt. I really like the Talia teamed up with the short-sleeved blouse and jeans. This could easily go to work or fit in in a more casual setting.
I love that Katie went for a bold color here. There's no reason to stick to black or dark colors just to try and look slim. If the garment isn't flattering, it could be invisible and still look bad (I'm pretty sure. Let me know if you try this.)
The turquoise looks great on Katie, whereas a darker color would have washed her out and made her look like she had the flu, which I'd bet is NOT a look anyone is going for.
Let's shake it up with a little modification. Ok, a lot of modification. Love Talia, but need something warmer? Add sleeves! Not comfortable with a plunging neckline: A broad yoke will draw attention to your face just as well. Kirsten decided to keep her secret modifications to herself, but I'd encourage you to try and shake things up on your own. It's only yarn, people! If you mess up, just frog or tink back until it's agreeable. That's why knitting is so much more forgiving than sewing. The fabric you create is never permanent, you always have the option of making changes. Great job, Kirsten!
Susan knit this sweater while evacuating from Hurricane Ike. I feel her pain. I'm in South Louisiana and these hurricanes lately are wearing me out. Let's just pretend there isn't an oil leak eating away at our marshland, which is our only natural defense against future storms, but I digress.
Isn't "Midnight Heather" a great color for this vest? If you are one of those people convinced you need a dark color in order to try and hide yourself away, let me suggest a deep navy blue. Of course, Susan here has nothing to hide, but the blue looks great on her. She's also working the short-sleeved blouse and she's making me want to go out and buy one.
Sometimes I wonder if you guys are lying about your size, or if the pattern is really that good? If I had to guess, I'd put this at an M, but Ansley says it's a 1x, so I believe her. The best part is it's not black! See guys, slimming can be neutral too! I know the yarn is technically grey, but it looks brown in the photo (to me). And how good does it look, anyway?! Ansley also sewed up the front band. She was concerned about gaping, and her buttons are open spirals- a nightmare for knits. All things to consider when planning your garments. Or, you can just dive in and hope for the best- like me!
This Talia is really brown. It looks almost like the same color as the one above. I think the neutral color really understates the vest, and I mean that in a good way. Not everyone shares my love for bright, bold color (I KNOW!) The tame color and looser fit give this version a more casual look than the others. I can't get over how versatile this pattern is. She could just as easily throw this over a maxi dress with gladiator sandals and be ready for summer.
I think all of these projects use similar weight yarns. I'd like to see this in a lighter yarn, in a looser gauge. Michelle, here, has used the suggested weight yarn, but knit a tighter gauge. I think this gives the vest even more of a "corset" effect than the designer planned for. I think the gauge and the pattern/texture of the vest make it very slimming in this instance. I'm also willing to give 5% of that effect to the black color, although I think it would be just as slimming in, say, forest green.
At first I thought those were fleur de lis on her shirt, but then I realized they were skulls and crossbones. Ah, a girl after my own heart. I LOVE skulls and crossbones!
What this project shows is the versatility of this pattern. While Agelbelle was channeling Martha Stewart a few paragraphs up, this cutie is rocking out with skulls and crossbones. (Marina says her daughter won't actually wear the vest, but I think that's more a function of mom making than the vest itself not looking great. My kids won't wear my creations either.) Also notice how she's got enough negative ease to button only one button and bear a little midriff, but I'm sure mom doesn't want to hear about that...
Conclusions:
This pattern is great for any size, shape, and age. Super-versatile and amenable to mods, you can go with a wide variety of bold colors or let the pattern /texture speak for itself. Also great for dressing up or down.
Speak Up:
Have you knit this pattern? How do you feel about bold color vs. darks/neutrals? Have you knit this in a lighter yarn? Have you tried some crazy mods? Send me a photo and we'll share your experiences.
It's me! I'm finally back.
This week we'll discuss the awesomeness that is the Owls sweater by Kate Davies. Alas, this beauty is not free. Although I try my best to feature free patterns on this blog, sometimes something is so nice that I have to give it its due. And when you think about it, knitters know they're going to spend some money, right? We don't expect needles and yarn to come free, so we shouldn't expect all the good patterns to be free too. Anyhoo, this pattern is also available for purchase on Ravelry, so you can download it directly to your library there.
I love this photo!
The lovely model above is Melissa (melbelle). She knit her owls in a Medium on US 10-10.5s in Rowan Purelife Steele Grey Suffolk. Just look at how those birdies frame her face. It also doesn't hurt that she has a pretty face to start with, but the yoke detail keeps your eye upwards of the bust/ waist/ hips region.
Cutie Patootie.
I don't know this little angel's name, but the master knitter behind the sweater is Soile (NeulovaNarttu). The yarn here is Novita Fauna in Golden Yellow. The kids Owls pattern is separate from the adult version, but I think you can probably reverse-engineer the kids size. Not that I'm advocating it or anything. Support your designers, people! Needles here are US 7 and 8. Soile has some notes on her version on her Ravelry project page including how she cast on and some other details. I realize this doesn't really give us information about varying body types, unless you are a Supermodel with the body of a three-year-old boy. But, who can resist a cute kid in an adorable sweater?
Oh dear, another beautiful child. I just can't resist. This one is by Amanda (Minder). The yarn is called
Ístex Álafoss Lopi and Amanda used US 10-10.5 needles. This sweater would be soo cute for back-to-school (yes, I know we're in Spring) with the wise owls and the beautiful ochre color. And please check out Amanda's projects page for some of the most beautiful project photos you'll ever see.
For the WIN!
The masterpiece above is by EricaG. Erica wins at knitting for the adorable branch and leaves embroidery on this sweater. It's the little detail that makes it special. She also has a wonderful child's onesie version on her Rav projects page. The yarn in the version above is Sandnes Garn Alfa in Petrol. US 7 needles knit up a size S/M. I think I'm going to have to take a break from all the cute.
How cute is this? (I am well aware that I've used more than my daily allocation of "cute" and "adorable" in this post. Please feel free to suggest synonyms in the comments section.) This gorgeous model is Caro or SplitYarn on Rav. Caro has some great tips for upsizing the pattern to an XXL. She suggests knitting the neckline up a little higher, but I think having it end right at the collarbone looks great on her. The collarbone is usually a good place to draw attention on all body types because it tends to be a slimmer area on most. The yarn here is Cascade Eco Wool in brown, and the needles are US 10.5.
In Conclusion:
The yoke detail keeps the focus on the face/ collarbone area which is usually flattering to most people. As usual, smaller types have more leeway to play around with bulkier yarns, while women (or men) concerned with hiding perceived flaws might want to stick to a looser guage or drapier yarn. On the other hand, a tighter guage might help to keep some things sucked in, so YYMV. This sweater seems to be happiest in fall colors, but EricaG's jewel tone blue might be the exception that proves the rule. Play around with interesting details like buttons and embroidery.
Speak Up:
What are your experiences with this pattern? Do you prefer a tighter or looser guage? What about yarn- thick or thin? What are some ideas for embellishment beyond the ubiquitous button eyes? If you've knit this sweater, don't forget to link to it in the comments. And, as always, don't forget to suggest other patterns for future features.
