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Choosing a Knitting Pattern: The Big Picture

© Suzanne Griffith

I'm going to use Sasha Kagan's book, Country Inspirations, to illustrate the process of picking out a knitting pattern. Unless you're a super-fast knitter, a pattern for a large knitted item like a sweater or a throw is going to be with you for a long time - in your lap, in a basket, or inside a knitting bag - it will be your companion in life for a few months. So choose with care. You don't want a companion you can't get along with!

There are several factors to consider when you're choosing a pattern. For some of us, cost is a big issue. I went to my local yarn store the other day looking for a vest pattern and yarn. It was my birthday, and I had $75-$100 to spend. My first impulse was to sidle over to the big hanks of Colinette yarn hanging from pegs - luscious stuff! But a Colinette vest kit was $150 - over my budget. I didn't need the guilt, but maybe another time. . . . I found a classic vest pattern by Silver Creek Classics and fell in love with a neutral variegated boucle yarn called India by Mondial, all for under $60. I am happy and under budget!

When I got over oohing and aahing over the super-bulky luxury yarns, something else occurred to me. I don't look good in thick clothing. Thick clothing makes me look tubby. My new thin vest will be flattering, and I'll wear it. Keep the lines of your body in mind when you're picking out a pattern, or the body of whomever you're knitting for, along with the colors that flatter them.

I tried to keep my own principles of selecting a pattern in mind while looking over Sasha Kagan's book. This is a stunning collection of knitwear, and I recommend it for anyone interested in floral motifs. Sasha has divided the book into sections entitled Roses, Autumn Leaves, Meadow Flowers, Forest Fruits, and Cottage Garden. Just taking into account the visual impact of these patterns, there's one I really love called Forget-Me-Not V-Neck Sweater. It's a shawl-collared sweater in colors including pink, lilac, and misty green, with flowers juxtaposed on stripes in the front, back, and sleeves of the sweater. It has a solid-color collar, cuffs, and bottom band in small cables. This sweater has a charming, delicate floral look about it. Unfortunately, like all delicate, floral things, it would look awful on me! We need to know these things about ourselves and move along.

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