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[paisleycat]

Dear Darling Friends Who Knit-

I need your help. My sweet mother-in-law has generously offered to knit me something for Christmas. All I have to do is pick the pattern and guide her on sizing and yarn choice. I'm super excited about this, but I really want to choose well so that I can do her hard work justice and wear what she makes often, this

Comments

[chasingtides]

A lot of those look pretty heavy. I'm sensitive to heat, so I can't imagine wearing a full alpaca sweater in Florida.

Something like the Chevron Lace Cardigan (here) is lacey enough to be light even in summer and, depending on when you would want to wear it, would probably hang well in bamboo as well (since silk/wool, while soft, can be quite warm and pricey). Alternatively, short sleeve cardigans, like this exist, and can be both fitted and pretty, without being overwhelming, even if they're made from warm material (as most knitted fitted items are - cotton doesn't drape the same as wool and most knitters are more accustomed to both wool and warm-weather items

[paisleycat]

I am so glad and grateful to get a reply from you. I respect your opinion so highly in these matters.

I like the knitted pattern of the Chevron lace cardican, but rather like the Shalom Cardigan I'm not sure it would be flattering on with the only fastening coming at the top button. I have a short curvy torso and I'm afraid that would make me look more triangular than I actually am.

[chasingtides]

*nods*

I have access to Ravelry, a knitter's network site, which includes a selection of almost any knitting pattern available today (and where it can be bought/found). Is there a specific type of shaping you like in a sweater? I'd be happy to browse it for you. (I would link you, but it's a members only site and it generally takes a couple months or more to get accepted.)

[paisleycat]

Just something with more of a waist and perhaps open more on top?

http://whipup.net/2009/05/06/mrs-darcy-cardigan/

I like the depth of the V on this cardigan, but obviously I'm much more interested in short sleeves and something more open. The V doesn't have to be deep but I do like the ability to button 3 buttons or so around my middle.

[toritoribird]

My brother pointed me over here to see if I help you out.

That bolero would be fantastic in a nice bamboo yarn, which is fantastically soft. This sweater would also look quite good on you, and it would be much less awkwardly seethrough if they didn't put it on a white mannequin. The light blue sweater on this page also seems nice, and the yarn is fantastic.

I would look for patterns on Etsy. There are a bunch of really nice ones, and the ones I've made from there have all been really nice. Plus, the vendors are always willing to answer questions, which for me helps a LOT.

[paisleycat]

You are now friended, yay!

Thanks for the Etsy suggestion, that seller has some really pretty things.

[lostcrumpet]

What about a cowl or a capelet?

http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.76544521.jpg

http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.57058961.jpg

http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.37529925.jpg

http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.76568429.jpg

In black, of course ;]

[paisleycat]

Those first two are gorgeous! Good suggestion.

Also, do you have time for fun before you scamper off for vacation?

[lostcrumpet]

Unfortunately not. We are leaving Saturday morning at around 3:30am and I still have a ton of course planning and vacation planning left to do! I have no idea how all of this is going to happen in 2 days.

[paisleycat]

If I can get Ginny down here that would be the best way to do things. I'm not sure I can trust myself to pick out all the right things for her, but I'm not sure I want her to pick out a yarn without me either.

[paisleycat]

You are so smart! They have a website and I'm totally going in to the store.

[kepharel]

Just to add to your confusion, here are a few more links for you.

From Knitscene magazine, designed by my friend Melissa, the Carnaby Street Pullover. I'm making one for myself! Maybe a little warm for your climate, though.

You should really check out Zephyr Style - they have several simple, fitted tops that are primarily short-sleeved, which is great for Florida!

Vivian is a gorgeous pattern, very curvy and fitted, and would be great as a removable layer in case you were chilly.

Intolerable Cruelty just looks like you. :)

Again, Stitch Diva has several fitted patterns (I particularly like the Simple Knitted Bodice), many of which have different sleeve length options, but some are crocheted, so check with Ginny to make sure she can make what you pick!

I find Sea Tangles fascinating and beautiful. The yarn is silk and stainless steel, so it holds its shape a bit. Very interesting and unique

[paisleycat]

Oh wow. These are some amazing links, thank you so much.

I really like almost all of these, and wish I had the cooler weather for the super pretty cabley ones.

What really catches my eye the most is the skirt, but wow I'd sure shock my mother-in-law with that request. She doesn't need to think about lacing over my bum. My bum need never be her concern. That makes me wish I could knit so I could make it though. *skirt lust* Would that be an expensive proposition to commission from someone?

The stitch diva has a crochet pattern (she does that too) that actually looks pretty possible. Thank you for the rec, now I just need to show Ginny that and the cute cardigans from interweave to what she's most comfortable doing.

Yay!