I'm only going to say this once.
This was written last Tuesday. I've been given permission to post it. So I'm gonna. HA! HA HA! I say.Everybody who gives us young knitters a hard time because we're not advanced enough, that everything we make is simple, blah blah blah... let me tell you something.
When it comes to clothing...
Simple. Is. Better.
I'm thinking specifically of Fair Isle here, but if your design is too big and has too many colors, it looks schoolmarmish. Aesthetically, too much Fair Isle can be just that. Too much. The eye needs some white space. (Or whatever your main color is, y'know). Fair Isle is also almost impossible to shape, so your finished garment will be big, blocky and generally unflattering on the female form. Cables and intarsia you can get away with more because with intarsia usually the striping is vertical and cables are more texture than color change.
I really enjoy Fair Isle. As an accent. Or on a pillowcover or on a bag. But simple colors and understated patterns are more flattering. Ladies, take note. Don't be afraid to break your own rules, but please remember, just because it's lovely doesn't mean you should wear it.
As a knitter, I've gotten to the point where plain stockinette is kind of boring. Even on the train or watching TV or a movie... it's kinda boring. Bella was a great metro project because the lace kept my interest. But I'm still going to make primarily stockinette sweaters or shells, because that is what looks the most flattering on me.
So, here are Christina's questions to ask before she picks a sweater project to knit:
1) Does it have waist shaping? (if no, can I add some?)
2) Does it have more than three colors or is the yarn I want to use variegated? (Too many colors can be too busy depending on the pattern, and variegated yarn can create odd horizontal striping which is not flattering)
3) Does it have horizontal striping?
4) Can I live without it?
5) Is it versatile? (Does it go with jeans? Can I wear it to work?)
6) Don't I already have something similar to this? Does that actually fit me?
7) Does the pattern accommodate all of my foibles? If not, can I change it around to do that?
8) No, really. Can I live without it? Cuz I can't. It's SO PRETTY!!!
Then I wait a month. And then I buy the yarn to make it.
This endeth the rant/lesson.
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