https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/this-sweater-on-me Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 08 Apr 2026 20:08:41 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/this-sweater-on-me/page/2#post-2344486 Thu, 16 Nov 2023 16:49:26 +0000 Ket 2344486@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Carol</b>, thank you for sharing that beautiful reminder&nbsp;♥<div><br /></div><div><b>SarahD8</b>, oh my, that is so shocking it would just hop into your cart like that! Let me know what you think! Her Tudor designs in particular are considered very special in the knitting world, and are probably her best work.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/this-sweater-on-me/page/2#post-2344368 Wed, 15 Nov 2023 18:45:35 +0000 SarahD8 2344368@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Ket</b>&nbsp;thanks again for sharing that info about other fair isle sources. I am doing some christmas shopping online today and wouldn't you know it, Alice Starmore's book hopped into my cart. Oops! How did that happen??</p> <p><b>Suz</b> thank you so much for this information! Winter white is my preferred white (and I know that we are similarly cool-toned, so if it works for you...). I will keep an eye out for it in my thrifting peregrinations! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/this-sweater-on-me/page/2#post-2344351 Wed, 15 Nov 2023 15:48:32 +0000 Carol 2344351@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think that would look great on a curvy body, even with horizontal stripes. Sometimes it's about embracing the curves.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/this-sweater-on-me/page/2#post-2344339 Wed, 15 Nov 2023 13:41:11 +0000 Janet 2344339@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, I love that sweater! I’m dipping my toe back into turtlenecks after hating them for years (I think peri/menopause had a lot to do with that). But I’m being careful to choose lightweight fabrications. The fit of that on you is so perfect and what I aspire to…just a little more challenging on my body type though. So many things are too baggy in the body or in the shoulders on me if they fit across the chest. And sweaters are not so easy to tailor as woven shirts! A good bit of drape and ease helps me a lot, but it’s hard to find that in fair isle styles, which explains why I have found them so hard. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/this-sweater-on-me/page/2#post-2344321 Wed, 15 Nov 2023 06:18:00 +0000 Suz 2344321@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Sarah,</b> I'd call the colour winter white. Not optic white and a bit cooler than ivory and definitely cooler than cream. It's hard to show because of course whenever I wear it, it's the depths of winter so to photograph it I have to turn on some artificial light. But I got it in 2018 and this is a photo from then.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/this-sweater-on-me/page/2#post-2344288 Wed, 15 Nov 2023 01:32:21 +0000 Ket 2344288@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>suntiger</b>, the photo sample is definitely Winter palette! I have ordered colors that are mostly DA, however -- to hopefully compensate. I might even switch out the cream background for a muted mid-tone green, just to knock down some of the contrast levels. That switch would definitely make the sweater look more like the yarn samples you sent me. (I hope!)<div><br /></div><div><b>Angie</b>, I am on my way to do that!! :D&nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/this-sweater-on-me/page/2#post-2344286 Wed, 15 Nov 2023 01:29:34 +0000 Ket 2344286@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>SarahD8</b>, so amazing you're looking into it!! Most just don't do that when it comes to the textiles they wear. So I just love that you're doing this! I believe Alice Starmore goes into some history about Fair Isle in her books. The other designers I mentioned don't really go into history and detail? But really neat to study their designs for some different takes on things. Kate Davies has some lovely essays etc on her blog and in her books, more on knitting in general. But again, lovely imo.&nbsp;<div><br /></div><div><br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/this-sweater-on-me/page/2#post-2344273 Wed, 15 Nov 2023 00:59:53 +0000 Anonymous 2344273@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It looks more Winter than DA to me, and not sold on the length in combo with the strong horizontal of the pattern- even without the other stripes added.<br /> To me DA would be more of a sweater with a blended color yarn like these</p> <p><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/912890955/mabon-hand-dyed-merino-yarn-100g" rel="nofollow">https://www.etsy.com/listing/9.....-yarn-100g</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1534806015/scotch-pine-hand-dyed-yarn-lace-sock" rel="nofollow">https://www.etsy.com/listing/1.....-lace-sock</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1014852175/aubs-worsted-hand-dyed-yarn-handdyed" rel="nofollow">https://www.etsy.com/listing/1.....n-handdyed</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/this-sweater-on-me/page/2#post-2344271 Wed, 15 Nov 2023 00:54:30 +0000 Angie 2344271@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds like you are well on your way to creating a unique beauty,<b> Ket</b>! </p> <p>Feel free to start a thread on yoked sweaters ;)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/this-sweater-on-me/page/2#post-2344267 Wed, 15 Nov 2023 00:47:28 +0000 SarahD8 2344267@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Ket</b>, oooh thanks for this info about fair isle! No statement is to nitpicky for me, I am here for ALL the details! I appreciate you taking the time to share your knowledge. As for why I am researching it -- I love wearing fair isle patterns, so I just want to know more about how they work. I am interested in handcraft traditions in general and the deep and often technical knowledge that frequently underlies female-coded work. I find even more joy in the wearing when I know some of the background! Plus, I have been wondering whether some of the aesthetic principles behind fair isle could be applied to other aspects of dressing (e.g., putting together color palettes in an outfit, that kind of thing), so that's something I'm noodling on as well. I do have a book by Alice Starmore on my wishlist, and I'll look up those other two designers as well!</p> <p><b>Suz</b> how warm or cool is the background color of that sweater you have? Asking for a thrifter who has occasionally spotted one on Ebay... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/this-sweater-on-me#post-2344266 Wed, 15 Nov 2023 00:43:44 +0000 Ket 2344266@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Sub</b> oh I love hearing from you! I was really fascinated by all of the replies as well, especially how mixed everyone's experiences are regarding yoked styles.&nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>Love your J. Crew sweater! It's really gorgeous. I have a pattern for something very similar, and I've had a hankering to knit it for some time.&nbsp;</p> <p></div><div>I appreciate your feedback because while my bust is rather fuller at the moment, my shoulders are square but also not broad. So I'm very curious to see how mis weather will turn out. :D&nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/this-sweater-on-me#post-2344246 Tue, 14 Nov 2023 21:35:05 +0000 Suz 2344246@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am very late to respond here, but what a fascinating thread! So much variation in people's feelings about colours, cut, and yoke style here! I am learning as I read...</p> <p>I like the sweater for you in theory especially if you play with the fit a bit and go with your own colour palette and try it a little less fitted than on the model.&nbsp; </p> <p>ETA I have a Fair Isle from J. Crew and I really love it. It's quite a heavy cashmere so it only comes out in the depth of winter but it's lovely when I get to wear it. It has a rounded pattern, as you see, but it is quite fluidly fitting and it doesn't make me look too wide or too sloped in the shoulder. Mind you, I have square but not broad shoulders and a small bust.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/this-sweater-on-me#post-2344245 Tue, 14 Nov 2023 20:45:15 +0000 Ket 2344245@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh that’s hilarious!!! Too bad you can’t get a free coffee once in a while for it. Ha! My first name is kind of a doozy for them to spell or pronounce. I often give my husband’s name, even if I’m alone haha! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/this-sweater-on-me#post-2344243 Tue, 14 Nov 2023 20:33:32 +0000 Helena 2344243@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you! The folks at Starbucks disagree though ... my alter-ego "Paulina" does enjoy a latte though hehehe </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/this-sweater-on-me#post-2344242 Tue, 14 Nov 2023 20:30:49 +0000 Ket 2344242@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Helena</b> I just love your name &lt;3 thank you for the encouragement! I ripped out the sweater to begin again, with more ease, per Angie’s suggestions. So we will see how it works out! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/this-sweater-on-me#post-2344222 Tue, 14 Nov 2023 19:34:59 +0000 Helena 2344222@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agreeing with others that the 'cutesy' is driven by the styling; although the piece is cute I think you will be able to wear it your way (esp with the great suggestions from Angie). Enjoy! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/this-sweater-on-me#post-2344210 Tue, 14 Nov 2023 18:58:27 +0000 Ket 2344210@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Rejoiceandbe</b>, it’s knit bottom up. So a bit harder to account for. But I have done a lot of body measuring, so we will see! I do find top down is simpler. But even with top down there are bugaboos. I learned last year that yoked sweaters will grow 2 inches or so in length. It has to do with the yoke “settling” on the shoulders, and then the armpit drops 2ish inches, adding 1-2” of surprise length to the torso. Apparently it’s rare for a yoked sweater to truly be right under the underarms. I never knew that or to account for that! It finally explained my sweater that mysterious ended up being 2 inches longer, despite all of my laborious swatching and measurements. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/this-sweater-on-me#post-2344208 Tue, 14 Nov 2023 18:48:40 +0000 Ket 2344208@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Angie</b> I’m so touched you would give this thought! Thank you &lt;3 your suggestions on length and adding some ease helps me a ton! I’m going to revisit this beauty and add some length and ease, and then work waist shaping so it’s very tailored (without being severe). So thank you!! I will report back when it’s finished. (Not counting on it being finished by Christmas ha!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/this-sweater-on-me#post-2344206 Tue, 14 Nov 2023 18:44:58 +0000 Ket 2344206@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>SarahD8</b> so neat you’re researching fair isle!! I’m curious what led you to study it. Most non knitters don’t research it haha! As for the ombré effect… the motifs themselves on this sweater don’t support the color blending of true fair isle, like you described. There’s not enough pattern mirroring, especially with the trees. Technically, this sweater isn’t considered fair isle, not in the traditional sense. This sweater design is considered stranded knitting. Fair isle is a stranded knitting technique. But its technique of blending colors via mirroring (for that ombré effect) is unique to itself. Norwegian or Scandinavian style stranded knitting often doesn’t use that effect for a variety of reasons. (I hope I don’t sound nit picky!! That’s not my intent. I love to discuss knitting with others.) </p> <p>That said, I can knock down the overall contrast level by making the yoke’s background a softer teal/turquoise instead or cream. And I might actually try that. It would make it less holiday-only and allow for color mixing with bottoms. I’m still debating if I want this sweater to scream “CHRISTMAS!!!!” Or be more versatile and use less contrast. You and Brooklyn have given me pause for thought! </p> <p>for research, have you read or studied any of Alice Starmore’s work and designs? There are many fair isle masters. But she is considered one of the best. Very traditional but beautiful. Mary Jane Mucklestone and Kate Davies are equally beautiful though Davies is less what we know as traditional in her approach, though traditional often in design. I also think you would love Marie Wallin’s work. She designed for Rowan (now independent) and has some of the most complex gradient color blending of any fair isle I’ve ever seen. She sometimes uses upwards of 20 colors or more to achieve a look that is darn near painting with yarn. It’s really something. </p> <p>You maybe have already seen these designers though! So apologies if you have!! &lt;3</p> <p>Before I forget… I’m not really sure what makes yoked sweaters tick for some and crash for others. It’s interesting that it works for your broader shoulders whereas someone else commented it over emphasized their inverted triangle shape. I’m going to sit with this one for a while. Or I maybe will post separately to ask <b>Angie</b> if she knows the whys for this. Because yoked sweaters do seem to be a love/hate or hit/miss and I don’t know that I see a pattern as to why. I see lots of knitters knitting and wearing them. But not everyone is flattered by the shape—even if they knit it. So it’s an interesting one. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/this-sweater-on-me#post-2344190 Tue, 14 Nov 2023 15:38:05 +0000 RobinF 2344190@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Ket</b> - Yes, it is a Jen Steingass design. She designs some really pretty color work sweaters! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/this-sweater-on-me#post-2344178 Tue, 14 Nov 2023 14:47:07 +0000 Angie 2344178@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I took my time to think about this :)&nbsp;</p> <p>Personally, I like everything about this festive Christmas sweater for you, <b>Ket</b>- except the fit. Seems a bit tight and short on the model. May I suggest making it tailored instead of body con, and adding some length. Not too much length! Just three inches or so.</p> <p>Omitting the stripes is a good idea. Simplify!</p> <p>Your signature Autumn palette is going to make this piece extra special! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/this-sweater-on-me#post-2344174 Tue, 14 Nov 2023 14:22:46 +0000 Rejoiceandbe 2344174@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I take it that the pattern is knitted in the round from the top down? If so, as you knit you might want to check where on your body the sweater ends and lengthen it to your most flattering point. (Assuming that you have enough wool in the correct colour). Nice project!<br /> . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/this-sweater-on-me#post-2344123 Tue, 14 Nov 2023 01:18:54 +0000 SarahD8 2344123@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Queen Fair Isle reporting in! I love the sweater. It's cute, but not *too* cutesy (I know exactly what you mean), especially if styled just a bit carefully.</p> <p>If it were me I would also be looking for ways to wear it outside the holiday season to get more wear out of it -- maybe by pairing with unexpected and non-Xmassy colors like rust or plum?</p> <p>Interesting to see the different opinions about yoke sweaters and flattery (with some people saying they narrow the shoulders too much and some saying they broaden the shoulders too much). I have broad shoulders, and had read at some point that yokes were a no-no, so I avoided them. Then I tried one on and thought, Wait, this is hella flattering! I suspect it must have to do with other body characteristics too, not just shoulders. (I have a broad ribcage, and a small bust. And rounded scoop necklines are my most flattering, so I think the yoke plays into that too.) IDK if that helps you figure out what might/not work for you.</p> <p>Brooklyn is on to something with her mention of ombre. I don't knit, but I have been doing some research on how fair isle color palettes are constructed (I'm Queen Fair Isle, remember), and per "The Art of Fair Isle Knitting" by Ann Feitelson, "In Fair Isle patterns, colors are arranged symmetrically around the pivot point of the center row; the colors mirror each other at the top and bottom of the pattern. The pattern colors form one sequence, the background colors another." So, ombre (or, sort of a double ombre) is exactly the effect traditionally desired. You are a knitter so maybe you already know this, apologies if so! I am just very excited about what I am learning. Anyway, I know you are committed to your color scheme for this sweater but just in case you want to noodle on it for the future. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/this-sweater-on-me#post-2344102 Mon, 13 Nov 2023 19:29:04 +0000 Ket 2344102@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Janet</b> I love your point about styling it. Others have mentioned that above. And I do think how an item is styled kind of changes things. (One note does not the whole chord/song make.) I don’t think the shoulders will be an issue?? I have fairly sharp, straight shoulders and haven’t noticed an issue in that regard. I’d anything I feel it can make my shoulders look bigger sometimes, depending on the sweater. I did once have a commercially made fair isle sweater that was too rounded on me. The fair isle bands were kind of curved/rounded (oddly) and it made ny shoulders and myself just look round and frumpy allover. Ultimately I prefer V or turtlenecks and a set-in sleeve design. But i don’t have time and energy to rewrite this pattern for that. </p> <p><b>Jaime </b> that is true and I forget that re: styling. I think my shoulders are sharp and straight enough to compensate…we shall see. </p> <p><b>Brooklyn</b> I do have others in similar style. I should have thought to post a photo of that ha! Color wise, that’s a lovely point. Not sure if I’ll get another yarn color to substitute for the cream. The colors in this line are somewhat limited in value and nuance. But I do know what you mean. Something for me to keep in mind next time :D</p> <p><b>unfrumped</b> that’s a fair point about wears versus hours of knitting. I have that worry. I’m half practical and half of the thought: thia pattern tockled my fancy for years, so just make it and see if it crashes and burns or floats like a boat. Haha! </p> <p><b>Star</b> agree about the fair isle on the shoulders. I’m an hourglass. But I have an aran weight fair isle cardigan that adds a decent amount of hulk and size to my shoulders. It’s just a bit too “linebacker” of a look. I love the sweater so much. But the effect has me reconsidering knitting anything in aran weight again tbh and perhaps even fair isle? Idk. </p> <p><b>Bijou</b> I love your Westie sweater! That is fab! I’m not sure if I have a massive window to wear it. On the flip side, the yarn was affordable; I don’t feel I’m out a lot. I think I just felt like doing something different even if the payoff isn’t high. </p> <p><b>Trishasplace</b> thank you!!! I love vintage so this is lovely to read. :)</p> <p><b>Ginger</b> yay!! I feel maybe the boldness of the design helps. </p> <p><b>Robin</b> that seems to be theme: how I will wear it. Which admittedly I’m not 100% sure. I need to get more bottoms. But hopefully a thicker jegging will work?? I love your sweater! Is that a Jen Steingass design?? They are so fun to knit. Stranded knits are very engaging. I get addicted! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/this-sweater-on-me#post-2344098 Mon, 13 Nov 2023 17:41:15 +0000 RobinF 2344098@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it could be cute. Love your color variations. A big difference will be in hour you wear it. I have made a few round yoke fair isle sweaters and never noticed a problem with the shoulders - maybe it is a body type thing? I know they are fun to knit :)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/this-sweater-on-me#post-2344096 Mon, 13 Nov 2023 15:37:23 +0000 Ginger 2344096@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love fair isle, and I don't think it comes across as cutesy inherently.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/this-sweater-on-me#post-2344040 Sun, 12 Nov 2023 14:10:26 +0000 Trishasplace 2344040@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like it! Puts out a vintage feel! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/this-sweater-on-me#post-2344036 Sun, 12 Nov 2023 10:15:31 +0000 Bijou 2344036@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ketura, I like it and think your darker green palette will make it look beautiful on you. I have this faire isle sweater (in finds) and really enjoy wearing it - mine has terriers because I own a west highland white terrier. I wear it mainly with jeans and a denim skirt and don't find it too cute, I love the doggie detail. My sweater is not rounded, so it is a different shape and potentially easier to wear than a sweater with the rounded faire isle pattern.</p> <p>As I live in Australia, Christmas connotations to a faire isle sweater do not apply, I happily wear this throughout my entire winter season. Because hand knits are a lot of work, the only hesitation I have is whether you have a big enough window to wear this sweater for the effort required to knit it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/this-sweater-on-me#post-2344030 Sun, 12 Nov 2023 08:17:08 +0000 Star (Lise) 2344030@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am wary of&nbsp; fair isle patterns on the shoulder area for myself.&nbsp; It emphasizes my slightly inverted triangle shape which I don't want to do.&nbsp; Not sure if this relates to you in any way. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/this-sweater-on-me#post-2344024 Sun, 12 Nov 2023 03:04:51 +0000 unfrumped 2344024@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For the amount of effort, I might want a pattern that is seasonal but not so holiday, IYKWIM. To be more versatile. And definitely colors that go with multiple items in your wardrobe. </p> <p>OTOH, knitters who intend to make a lot of items, or tackle a specific holiday, season or color theme every year or more often, might certainly want to do a “ holiday “ sweater that is more suitable than what’s typically at retail. </p> <p>And I guess that line most creative projects, often something just tickles your fancy enough to be motivating, and it’s not all about what’s practical. </p>