Knit to Flatter by Amy Herzog
1617690171 / 9781617690174
Now I have read the introduction to this before, on Amy Herzog's blog, and yes, it's packed full of useful and interesting information about fit and how to find patterns that will flatter you.
And by flatter she has a set of criteria and I did like how many of the models looked in their sweaters. Your mileage may vary.
She also has an interesting piece on changing an existing pattern to make it work more for your size and what parts are easiest to change (set-in-sleeves are unsurprisingly hard to change)
She divides shapes into three basics, Top-heavy, bottom heavy and proportional with another chapter about other issues, like larger busts, smaller busts and on the straight. Curvy waists get a mentionand longer or shorter torsos get a look in.
It's the kind of book you need to sit down with and work with and maybe you don't like the patterns, but the information is sound and merits application.
Starting with the Top-Heavy patterns, and all patterns have some suggestions for modifications, the First pattern is the Draper vest/cardigan is an almost waterfall style cardigan that's more fitted.
The Cypress Cardigan has a scooped neck and lace to break up the monotony
The Eloria Turtleneck has cables and bell sleeves with some of the cabling incorporated. If I was knitting it myself I would lose the cowl neckline.
The Oceanic Skirt seems almost out of place in a book that's talking about sweaters...
Next up Bottom Heavy patterns. The Striper wrap has some colourwork detail on the sleeve and shoulders, which makes this wrap into an interesting pattern.
The Flutter pullover has short wide sleeves with some cable detail on them, and cables down the sides.
Andies cardigan is a round necked cardigan with short sleeves.
Stoker Cowl has 3/4 length sleeves and a large cowl.
Next we have proportional shapes, the Classic Pullover is cropped with cables and has a crew neck.
The Holloway Pullover has some lace to the side and a wide collar
The Squared Cardigan features an unusual squared necklone and some textured stitches at the hem and sleeve to give it some interest. Loved the yarn too.
Coin Cable Cardigan, single button at the bust trimmed with a cabled pattern
The other issues start with the Dorica Hoodie, some minor patterning again breaks up the plainness and makes it an interesting design
The Delish cardigan has an interesting textured pattern a pattern I liked
The Dansez pullover has a lacy hem and a deep scoopneck, the lace is repeated on the 3/4 length sleeves.
The Minx Tank has a high neckline and cables along the length.
The Chimera cardigan is a roundnecked cardigan with some cables down the sides, pattern is for both the long-sleeved and a short-sleeved version.
The Enrobed wrap would be a great pattern to use a tweedy yarn, as shown. Miles of stocking stitch tho.
Overall the book is interesting and useful and I am tempted to pick it up.
I got the copy from Wexford County Libraries via the Borrowbooks scheme, thanks to Dublin City Public Libraries where I work, but have no influence on my opinion on this book.
