wherein I practice what I preach…
This is one of my most favorite tops. It is a stretch tank with a relief paisley pattern in the velvet. The label reads “Pandora”. I’ve had it so long I’ve forgotten where I originally bought it but I suspect it might’ve been the neighborhood Rainbow…
It is a holiday staple.
So much so that when I decided to make the Queen Bling top, I used its dimensions as a standard to shoot for. If I could match the measurements in strategic places on this top, chance were very good that it would FIT me in the same way.
This is the key to success for most of the garments I’ve made that fit me well the last few years. I’ve studied commercial standard measurements and brought this into play by comparing the dimensions in my off-the-rack wardrobe to actual knitting patterns and designs out there.
At first, I was shocked by the major discrepancy between the two worlds. Why wouldn’t the two standards be closer together? I want my hand-knitted garments to look and fit like a commercial garment. Would this time be any different?
Deal or No Deal?
hit reload to replay animation…
Deal. Even though the materials used in these tanks are a world apart, their basic fabric behavior is very similar. The velvet has a little lycra and therefore has tension in its fabric; the knitting of the sparkly ribbon adds tension and stretch to its fabric as well. Side shaping matches; length is negotiable. Since I actually have some *JOYA* left, I am going to pick up around the bottom of the QB shell and add about an inch or however long the yarn lasts…
Hi. very cute shirt. im new here and i dont really know how this works. can you help!?! im new at knitting and i just finished a book called chicks with sticks. i also live in the subarbs of chicago.
thx in advance
I like the idea of comparing the dimensions of RTW garments with knitting patterns – I think you mentioned this at your trunk show as well. It is interesting that they would be so different – explains a lot of disasters!
So when’s the pattern coming out for this new tank??
P.S. I just finished the bucket hat in chocolate Elann Peruvian Highland wool for myself – just need to felt now!
You are so good at making knit garments fit like ‘real’ clothes. It the main reason I love to knit your patterns. The ‘folio’ arrived yesterday and I have been showing them off around town. Everyone is impressed and very excited that you’ll be available in LYS.
Fabulous! And I love your little animation thing – I made Michael come see it and he declared it to be “sweet!”
So very chic! You will be a sparkling wonder on New Years Eve.
It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that BLING! Fabulous, b. Marie.
yeah somehow many knitting designers and/or publishers got in their heads that knitters can’t handle shaping, but what’s the point of knitting at all if it fits like a sack! I have 20 skeins of Noro Kabuto trapped in a baggy drop shoulder sweater that was my first major project. I have to free it when I get a chance….but for now I am awaiting a drying Cece that will definitely NOT be confused with a sack! Thanks for your great patterns!
It looks like it will be winner. I hope we get to see a modeled shot soon.
Absolutely beautiful! You are so right – I think it took me at least a decade to figure out how knitting is so perfect because you can make your work fit exactly the way you want just by copying favorite examples. Patterns are guidelines. Speaking of an excellent pattern, I have yet another 3XChic finished. Thank you for such a lovely, classic fit that flatters everyone!
First of all, deal, definitely deal. You did a great job of recreating the perfect fit for your bod! Secondly, I love the animation that you did! So cool!
Now THAT’S a tank! Definitely a deal!
Bling in the New Year Bonnie Marie!
Don’t you love it when the stars align and the fates converge? That tank is the perfect marriage of concept and excecution! Bling, bling and mo’ bling!
I agree. Fit to someth that already fits. Always preaching that knitting isn’t about big dumpy sweatshirts, and you’re the proof! And speaking of proof (hic!), cheers and HNY Bonne Belle!
Your animation is fabulous, but not as fabulous as the finished product. I hope you had a great time in your new top!