Why don't I knit sweaters that fit me?

Do you follow a pattern for a knitted garment such as a sweater exactly as written? Or do you envision a couple of changes you would like to make to a pattern that you otherwise like the structure of but you don't quite know how to go about doing it? Or maybe you're not sure your changes are even going to work correctly. Well Sally Melville reveals the secrets to creating or modifying a pattern so the finished project looks and fits exactly how you want it to in her book Knitting Pattern Essentials

Sally breaks down each skill in this book ...

• calculate your personal measurements, ease, and stitch patterns
• create a pattern for an existing garment that you love
• shape a variety of necklines, shoulders, sides, sleeves, and hemlines
• combine garment elements for an endless array of design possibilities
• rescue a project when it doesn’t turn out as expected
• finish your projects with a professional look
• knit 8 original projects that showcase the elements covered in the book

The last chapter being Chapter 9, includes 8 new patterns by Sally. 

I confess that at first glance, I wasn't pleased with the style of all of the patterns in the beginning until I took a second look [and then a 3rd] after studying over the other chapters. I then started thinking, "I could change that collar to this one. Add more detailing or structure to the bottom, fix the waistline, or any other change I might need to that one. Just make the alterations needed to suit my own body type. My own style. I must admit I have dismissed many other patterns for the same reasons when I looked at them the first time. But if I apply Sally's rules, tips and applications for size and personal style, I could use just about any pattern I find or even create my own design. Or even just have the patterns that I do like from the book to fit me, the StitchingNut correctly. A proper fitting garment. Wow what a concept, huh? Trust me, I have a lot to learn in this department.

I really do like these two ...

But of course they wouldn't fit me without some alterations for my own measurements.

Now how exciting is that? To become my own designer?? Well I certainly might start knitting more sweaters for myself and stop giving away what I just finished [like I have in the past] just because once again ... it really doesn't fit right. It doesn't look good on ME.

In summary, I found this book very interesting, helpful, and educational. A future designers' must-have-in-the-library book. If I don't design for others I should at least be designing for myself. And this book is sure to help me in that direction.

Thanks to Random House for giving me this opportunity to review this very informative book. Check it out for yourself!

Investing in a new innovative product ...

Check out The Pasta Partner!

I made an investment to purchase 2 (one for a gift) of them and can't wait to get mine!!

And while I wait I'll be knitting as much as I can ... even using up bits and bobs of yarn left over from other projects ...

Bookmarks!  All can be found on Ravelry and FREE.

Can't beat free patterns can ya?

(now go ahead and check out the Pasta Partner)
(they've already made some improvements you don't see there on original website such as; cup & litre indicators, larger numbers, and more.)