| Perfectly Plus |
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| Written by Barbara Rottman | |||
 Title: Perfectly Plus
Author: Mary Arnold, Colleen East and Kristin Hansen Date Published: January 2011 Review Date: March 8, 2011
Who is this book for? Perfectly Plus is a knit-to-fit pattern book for the plus-size woman. Hand-knitters will no longer have to rely on poorly fitting off-the-rack garments that may not suit their style or age. Adapting standard size patterns for larger sizes is not always a matter of just adding girth or length. Garments that are too big can be just as unflattering as something with a tight, binding fit. For a custom fit, knitters need to know how to take measurements and translate those measurements into garment dimensions. Using the handy knit-to-fit worksheets in this book, any knitter will be able to create knitwear that fits.
What Yarn Does it Feature? All sweaters in Perfectly Plus are knit at a gauge within a range of 17 to 21 stitches over four inches using medium and light weight yarns. The model garments show how plus-sized garments can be attractively designed using a variety of color, texture, fibers and stitches. Clever knitters will be inspired to substitute yarns or colors for equally becoming results.
What's Inside Three authors and eight designers collaborated in creating this book, creating an ensemble of stylish knits. There are nine patterns inside. All are skill rated, ranging from easy to experienced. The collection includes two sweater sets, three cardigans, two pullovers, and a vest. Each flattering style is based on a classic design that will be fashionable over long wear. The instructions include detailed schematics of each piece.
Using It The introductory chapter lays the foundation for all that follows and it bears close reading, especially for anyone who has never taken a tailoring class. Fit depends on measurements and ease, which can be positive (more than body size) or negative (less than body size). Sizing standards are based on actual chest size, with the appropriate amount of ease added or subtracted from this measurement. There’s a quick explanation of how to take each measurement, like where to measure shoulder width, armhole depth, and back neckline width. These measurements can be recorded on blank schematics, which become a handy reference for every garment. Make multiple copies of the blank schematics before you record your measurements so that you can adjust for different ease. Well-disciplined knitters will agree with the authors’ recommendation to record measurements at least annually, while others may be horrified at this thought.
Two custom fitting worksheets are introduced as useful tools for ensuring a personalized fit. The first is a worksheet for a basic sleeveless shell with close-fitting ease. The second worksheet is designed for knitting a plain round neck cardigan with set-in long sleeves and normal ease of two to four inches. At more than four pages with several mathematical formulas, the worksheets might look difficult or too complicated, but the authors added signposts to guide the way. First, the worksheets are color-coded and the format is standardized to help knitters work through the calculations. Green highlighted sections signal fitting tips and instructions. Standard pattern instructions are written in boldface and all calculations are italicized. Violet highlighting signals personalized fitting instructions. The worksheets also build from one to the other, and it is advisable to start with the simple shell to get the maximum benefit of self-study from this book.
Best Advice The introduction includes an informative description on calculating yardage. Many knitters buy an irresistible batch of yarn hoping to find the perfect pattern later, only to feel stymied over worries about whether there will be enough yarn to finish, especially if a customized fit calls for alterations like longer body length. What if you want to add long sleeves to that sleeveless shell? The guidance on estimating yardage in Perfectly Plus can help overcome the fear of running out of yarn.
Recommendation Nine flattering patterns are reason enough to buy this book, and the tutorial on personalized fit is an added bonus. Detailed worksheets are used to calculate a perfect custom fit. Don’t be afraid of the calculations in the worksheets. They use multiplication, division, and percentages, and can be done by hand or using a simple calculator. If you’ve had difficulty obtaining the right fit, this handy book can help. Working without a pattern might be scary, but this book will hold your hand from start to finish. If you’re really petrified of the math, get a knitting buddy to help you with the worksheets. Overall Recommendation Intrepid knitters will find this book a valuable tool. It rates #8.
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