https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handknitted-items----thoughts Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:48:47 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handknitted-items----thoughts#post-547135 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 04:13:00 +0000 Marya 547135@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well.. it depends.. some of the sweaters I've made have been winners, some haven't. </p> <p>I find that thinking about gauge and fit thoroughly beforehand is key; I have a lovely vest that is too short because I forgot to buy enough yarn to lengthen the pattern. I have a list of common alterations that I can check against the schematic, like the need for torso/sleeve length. </p> <p>Once fit is removed as an issue, I want to make sure, based on ravelry, or stores, etc that the item fits stylewise; vests are an easy knit for me, but I hardly wear them. If its something new shapewise, I want to actually try on something similar. </p> <p>I do find that the colors I like in yarn and the colors I like to wear are different..I need to buy the colors I'll wear more often.</p> <p>Also, sometimes I knit something for the idea of it, without considering how/if I'll wear it. This has unpredictable results, so I'm trying to confine it to socks now.</p> <p>Overthink it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handknitted-items----thoughts#post-546398 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:52:04 +0000 Mrs Moo 546398@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Depending on the overall look, I think hand knitted items can look great.</p> <p>I have a grey Aran v-neck slouchy jumper and a cream Aran v-neck crop cardigan both courtesy of my MIL's knitting needles. And they both look awesome teamed with skinny or straight leg jeans and boots :0) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handknitted-items----thoughts#post-545862 Mon, 20 Feb 2012 21:37:21 +0000 Debby 545862@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Knitting is such a great hobby in that you usually can wear/use what you make, and being able to choose your color and size is an added plus. How many times have you seen a great sweater or scarf in a store, but it's not available in any color that flatters you? But how many times have I knit something for hours on end, only to find when it was done that it was not flattering at all?! That's what I'm exploring here...when I choose my next sweater project, I want to be reasonably sure it's something I'll love and will look stylish, not dowdy.</p> <p>What I wish someone would explain to me are the techniques for styling that Interweave Knits uses in their photos. The colors and shapes of the clothes they pair with the knitted item are often unusual, things that you might only find in a vintage store...I find myself looking at the photos thinking, "I would never have thought to put those things together" or "I don't know anyone who dresses like that." Is it just me? </p> <p>The models are generally younger women, and can carry these more eclectic looks (i.e., they work on a college campus, but probably not in an office), but I'm curious as to how the stylists are inspired and why they put certain tops and skirts or dresses with certain cardigans.</p> <p>To give an example, in this photo they have an orange shrug with a pink vintage-looking halter top and a green necklace. How does the green necklace work with the other two colors? </p> <p><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/retro-redux-shrug" rel="nofollow">http://www.ravelry.com/pattern.....edux-shrug</a></p> <p>Thanks for any insight you have! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handknitted-items----thoughts#post-545753 Mon, 20 Feb 2012 18:45:08 +0000 kellygirl 545753@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ooh, knitting : ) I don't know how I missed this post. I do love myself a nice handknit! I'm sort of addicted to fiber in general and have a stash to knit through whether handknits are fashionable or not. I actually came to YLF trying to figure out what exactly is and isn't flattering. I am a sucker for styling and have knit/crocheted more than my share of unstylish and unfab knits. These days, I tend to wear scarves and hats more than anything else. I have a few sweaters that I wear but most of them have been gifted or are stored away for when and if I ever move to a wooly, sweater climate : ) I prefer fine gauge sweaters but don't have the patience or the right yarn to make them--most of my stash is dk and worsted. </p> <p>I do think that handknits can be stylish and fashion forward. I think a lot depends on pattern/yarn choice and the skill of the knitter. Fashionable or not, nothing will stop me from knitting. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handknitted-items----thoughts#post-545722 Mon, 20 Feb 2012 18:13:40 +0000 Debby 545722@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Diana,</p> <p>It looks great on you!!! I definitely have to make this now. </p> <p>Yes, I am on Ravelry as knitseashore. I will look for you and Kelly. I'd love to see more of your projects! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handknitted-items----thoughts#post-545712 Mon, 20 Feb 2012 17:50:58 +0000 Diana 545712@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Debby, I've actually knitted the Sweet Lily Shawl! Here are a couple of pics of it in action. </p> <p>(PS - Are you on Ravelry? My username there is akabori. I know Kelly (kellygirl) is on there too.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handknitted-items----thoughts#post-545710 Mon, 20 Feb 2012 17:41:33 +0000 Debby 545710@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you all so much for your input! I feel newly encouraged to try another sweater as soon as I complete my current project. I'm thinking about this one, the longer version in red:</p> <p><a href="http://www.knittingdaily.com/media/p/30857.aspx" rel="nofollow">http://www.knittingdaily.com/media/p/30857.aspx</a></p> <p>This photo is from the pattern book, but I have seen others in person and the fit looks good. The yarn is also a smaller gauge, which I think lends itself better to a more professional looking garment than the chunky knits. </p> <p>But the other item I really want to knit, to go with a summer dress I have (the one in my avatar), is this Sweet Lily Shawl, in a dark indigo:</p> <p><a href="http://www.interweaveknits.com/galleries/bonus/spiring-2009/Sweet-Lily-Shawl.asp" rel="nofollow">http://www.interweaveknits.com.....-Shawl.asp</a></p> <p>I love shawls! They keep my cold arms warm, and add a soft element to any outfit. I only wish I could knit them faster! </p> <p>What do you think?</p> <p>Diana, your knits are inspirational! They are a great asset to your style! To answer your question about Anthropologie, I keep checking their site to see if anything jumps out at me. I love vintage looks, but so far, I haven't seen any must-have items from them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handknitted-items----thoughts#post-540837 Tue, 14 Feb 2012 20:42:59 +0000 Amy 540837@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wear handknits and home-sewn garments all the time. They can be far, far nicer than things you can buy in the store...more personal, careful attention to fit and detail.</p> <p>That said, I'm sure we've all seen some poorly homemade garments.</p> <p>So much depends on the skill of the craftsperson and the availability of nice materials. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handknitted-items----thoughts#post-540831 Tue, 14 Feb 2012 20:36:39 +0000 Mander 540831@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I never have learned to knit, but there has been a big revival in crafts in recent years and I am always seeing amazing and beautiful creations that are definitely more on the handmade side. Someday soon I am going to buy a ball of yarn and sit down with some YouTube videos and learn how. So many of my wardrobe frustrations would be solved if I just knew how to do things myself... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handknitted-items----thoughts#post-540484 Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:56:55 +0000 Anonymous 540484@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am not a knitter but my mom is. I have a few handknit scarves and hats. I am not much of a hat wearer but I use the scarves every change I get.<br /> Diana - you are amazing! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handknitted-items----thoughts#post-540463 Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:57:23 +0000 anne 540463@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Diana - your knitting is indeed remarkable! I am very impressed! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handknitted-items----thoughts#post-540416 Tue, 14 Feb 2012 06:59:58 +0000 RandomThoughts (Andrea) 540416@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just chiming in, Diana, WOW! Such skill and talent! I do not know how to knit, but sure wish I did. Lovely pieces! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handknitted-items----thoughts#post-540414 Tue, 14 Feb 2012 06:43:11 +0000 ManidipaM 540414@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Diana's photos are most of the answer, I think --- it really depends, as christyg points out, more on the knitters skill and abilities than the specific colours, patterns, etc. Finishing, fit and tension are the key, I'd say, between looking 'homemade' vs 'handmade'. That said, as Diana also pointed out, finer fabrications almost always look more 'together', whereas you would have to have chosen the yarn quite carefully and be quite skilled to get similar results with a chunkier knit.</p> <p>Personally, I wear a lot of handknitted garments --- both bought and homemade by my mom and dad, who respectively enjoy knitting and crochet as hobbies, and really love spending yarn time together over the winters. </p> <p>With the latter (garments made by my folks), it can be hit and miss what I end up with. My mom's tension is always looser than average and with age, her patience and dexterity with complex patterns has eroded, so I try to steer her towards simpler, straighter silhouettes with flat knits. Often, I get lovely basic sweaters, gloves, socks, vests in colours of my choosing this way --- in MY size, rather than having to trawl through the readymade mess. But if I end up with a slightly misshapen or too loose sweater, i'll still be wearing it a lot I know --- just around the house rather than to go out, and since I work from home, that's no bad thing! </p> <p>With my dad, he likes to surprise --- and sometimes his colour combinations are a bit out there for me! Good thing he prefers to do shawls and scarves more than shaped garments, because I can use what I'm scared to wear as a throw or similar<br /> And then sometimes, I'll end up with an absolute beauty that I either wear into the ground and store up sentimentally; or so exquisite it's saved up for special occasions. (He's really very talented with lace and such.) </p> <p>Guess what I'm saying, in short, is that as with ANY other kind of garment, whether you get a polished look or not depends on the quality of the construction and the vision of the creator... and finally on how it's worn --- not on whether it came off a machine or was handmade. (I live in India, where handmade textiles are still the norm more than the exception, and custom-tailored is still half of most people's wardrobes. Levels of polish vary widely across both sets.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handknitted-items----thoughts#post-540171 Tue, 14 Feb 2012 01:10:32 +0000 christy 540171@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think there is a big difference between looking home made vs hand made - know what I mean? A well-crafted hand made knitted item can be beautiful, but the more complicated an item, the more prone it can be to looking home made unless you are a talented knitter AND very good at finishing. That said, there are some SUPER cute patterns out there that are totally modern and fun and if you have the skill - go for it! I have one fun little vest that I get a ton of compliments on - and most people can't believe it's hand made. In my experience, knitting sweaters can be especially difficult to get a good fit (and we all know how important fit is!) unless you have the ability to adjust the pattern to your own measurements and that gets pretty complicated...at least it is for me! I don't have the patience! :)</p> <p>ETA: And Diana's garments are the perfect examples of how beautiful well fitting hand knit items can be! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handknitted-items----thoughts#post-540169 Tue, 14 Feb 2012 01:08:08 +0000 lyn* 540169@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like knitted hats and chunky cardigans </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handknitted-items----thoughts#post-540166 Tue, 14 Feb 2012 01:02:05 +0000 Diana 540166@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here are some of my WIW photos featuring my (many) handknit items. I wear them all the time. I think the trick is just to make sure they fit you well (and since you're making them, you can fit them exactly to your body - it's important to have accurate measurements). </p> <p>Are you a fan of the Anthropologie aesthetic? They make use of a lot of handknit (or handknit-looking anyway) items.</p> <p>ETA: I do favor finer-gauge, more shaped and detailed knits both from a process and a product perspective, which I think tends to look more "handmade not homemade". </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handknitted-items----thoughts#post-540098 Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:14:29 +0000 Sarah A 540098@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>2 pair of handknitted wool legwarmers from etsy and some beautiful knit scarves my aunt has given me get a lot of work in my wardrobe. i would love to do some myself (i love a high end yarn store we have in town) ages ago i tried crochet but never stuck with it.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handknitted-items----thoughts#post-540008 Mon, 13 Feb 2012 21:15:47 +0000 chewyspaghetti 540008@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am a knitter (although I don't knit much anymore), and used to be a yarn dyer- and a fan of Twist Collective, as well as other knitting magazines (like Knitty and Vogue Knitting). I have worn many of my hand knit items, and posted some of them here. I think hand knits can looks just as beautiful and sophisticated as store bought.</p> <p>Here are a couple of outfits featuring hand knits- the hat in the first pic and the scarf in the second pic </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handknitted-items----thoughts#post-540006 Mon, 13 Feb 2012 21:09:58 +0000 True Colors 540006@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Christopher Kane did granny square skirts and sweaters last season....very pricey and not a bit dowdy (just check them out on style.com or Pinterest)! I think it all depends on the choice of yarn (more about fiber content and texture than specific color), styling, and (if it's a garment) fit. If it's saggy, baggy, synthetic, and an unflattering color, it won't flatter. If it's a great fit, a beautiful texture/natural fiber, and a beautiful color, it can be stunning. I knit and crochet, and love wearing the assortment of scarves I've made and received as gifts! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handknitted-items----thoughts#post-539996 Mon, 13 Feb 2012 20:54:41 +0000 Debby 539996@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't know if any of you like to knit, or have a knitter in your life, but I have been curious for a long time on how knitted items fit into our style personas, or whether they always scream "homemade." </p> <p>There are some pretty incredible designers out there, creating things that look as attractive as what you'd find in a department store. Some of the chunky runway knits can be easily recreated at home. I don't always understand the styling, but it's clearly more fashionable than the "granny square" stuff that most people associate with knitting/crochet. Often I see things in stores that I could knit myself, if I had the time. Here is one example of an online magazine with better patterns: <a href="http://twistcollective.com/collection/index.php/component/content/article/51-shop-collection/175-all-patterns" rel="nofollow">http://twistcollective.com/col.....l-patterns</a></p> <p>I am a sucker for fine gauge knitted shawls, and particularly love Geada at the top of this page.</p> <p>Do you think that these items can potentially be very fashionable, polished, or elegant? Or do they, as opposed to the runway-style knits, always look homemade and dowdy? Perhaps color is the issue, as runway knits are often ivory, gray, and black, and knitting patterns usually feature colored knits? </p>