I need to find a good way to update my Pullovers for first-timers post from time to time. Because, for instance — in addition to being super appealing to anyone who loves to knit and loves a good go-everywhere pullover — Julie Hoover’s two new patterns are both great first-sweater candidates. One of the bottom-up seamed raglan variety, and one in the drop-shoulder group. And both being Julie patterns, they’re guaranteed to be not only well-written but to teach you the best way to do things, even if you’re not new to sweater knitting. But if you’re an advanced beginner, comfortable working simple stitch patterns and decreases, and looking for a first sweater to build your skills and your wardrobe around, definitely take a look at these.
TOP: Martine is written for DK-weight cotton knitted on US8 needles with a lovely allover textured stitch pattern and gently arced raglan seams
BOTTOM: Wintour is written for two different strands of fingering held together on US6 needles (I’ve felt this fabric and it’s to-die-for), drop-shouldered and split-hemmed, with the sleeves worked downward from stitches picked up around the armholes
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PREVIOUSLY in New Favorites: the tanks of Pom Pom
oh wow, I personally would love an update of the sweaters for first timers post bc I read that post like once a week
even if it was just “here are more patterns in each category” I would eat it up lol
Ha!
While I really like these sweaters, drop shoulders, and raglans do no favors for my body.
I like these styles, but even the smallest size has way too much ease. I have the same problem with BT patterns, alas. arg.
Are you sure you’re reading it right? At 5.75″ ease, the smallest Martine size would fit a 30″ bust. I agree that’s a lot of ease for 30″ frame, but are you that petite?
My bust is 31″, so in terms of chest, yes I’m pretty petite I guess. And nearly 6″ of ease may not seem like a lot, but it’s nearly 20% of my total bust – just not my preference is all. Maybe I need to be more open-minded?
I was going to say 5.75 might seem like a lot of ease on a small frame, so if you’re a 31 that would make it 4.75, not quite so slouchy. For myself, I think of 4-5″ as sort of standard fit, 1-2″ fitted, and 9-10″ slouchy. It’s definitely just a matter of what you’re comfortable with.
I think that would still be too slouchy for me!
Doesn’t seem like it’s a “petite” thing, rather a style preference. 5.75″ is a lot of ease, especially if your aesthetic is more fitted/tailored. I feel the same way. Love the patterns, but prefer closer to 1-2″ of ease (and yes, I’m about 30″ bust).
See above, but I mostly just wanted to make sure there wasn’t any misunderstanding about the sizing and ease notation, since I see that a lot.
Not sure how Julie would feel about my suggesting this, but if it were me, I’d go down a needle size and knit it at a slightly smaller gauge to get the fit you’re looking for.
Although, I mean that with regard to Martine and not Wintour, which wouldn’t work with that little ease. For a drop-shoulder sweater to work out, it really has to be oversized. The shoulder seam happening halfway down your upper arm (due to the wide fit) is what makes up for the lack of a sleeve cap.
(I wrote a post recently about accounting for gauge differences, if it’s any use to you: https://fringeassociation.com/2016/02/22/how-to-account-for-gauge-differences/ )
I think it’s BOTH a petite and style preference thing. If you have a 30 or 31″ bust, a few inches of ease goes a long way in terms of percentage, right? I dunno. I’m small-busted and not tall, so it doesn’t take much before that loose, slouchy look just looks sloppy on me. I have been knitting since before I was a teenager, when giant boxy sweaters were in. So I speak from experience here (lots of it). Too many times have I knit sweaters with several inches of positive ease and felt uncomfortable wearing them, alas. They were all donated long ago. I have no trouble letting go of clothes I don’t like wearing, even if they are handmade.
I know that designers get a lot of criticism about sizing left right and center (they don’t go small enough or big enough or offer sizes in 2″ increments) and I’m not trying to knock Julie Hoover here. I love her aesthetic. It’s just that I know what I feel good wearing, and if I want something badly enough and can’t find a suitable pattern in a size that will fit me among the enormous pool of available ones on Ravelry, I can always figure out how to adjust the gauge to stitch count to make it work for me.
I do understand why the drop-shoulder style has so much ease, and that’s why I don’t wear drop-shoulder sweaters! (see above)They look amazing on some people, but it’s just not my personal preference. Like that second one? Take that beautiful texture pattern and split hem and put it on a sweater with fitted sleeves and no more than a couple extra inches around the bust and I will totally make that and wear it all the time. (hmmm, maybe I could do just that?)
I am hankering to make Marklee (link: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/marklee), which is a drop-shoulder sweater by Elizabeth Doherty that has fitted shoulders and the smallest size is 34″, which ought to be just big enough to feel comfortable without being all boxy and loose.
I fear I’m leaving so many comments that you’ll think I’m a troll of some kind. I’m not trying to be negative. I just feel the need to explain myself since it feels like my opinions on my own size were questioned.
Oh gosh, I wasn’t questioning your opinions on your size — just trying to be helpful. Really sorry if it seemed otherwise.
I agree about these two patterns being new favs- they went to my que immediately!
Queue not que
totally agree with you on julie hoover! i’m a huge fan. so well written, meticulous and easy to wear!
I’d add Garance to your list too, instant classic (I love wearing mine).
OK, so if instead of tiny you are 5’7″ with broad shoulders and a 38″ bust – would either or both of these sweaters work? I LOVE both Martine and Wintour and am about ready to make the transition from child sweater to adult. ;o)
I’d go with Wintour
Ah they both look so lovely <3
http://www.wllwproject.com
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I have knit Marilee twice and it is a perfect combo of ease and fitted-ness. I am 5’2″ FYI.