First things first, congratulations to StaceyKnitsIt!! You are the winner of last week's giveaway! There are two wonderful skeins of Malabrigo Worsted sitting happily at my house waiting to be sent your way. And, now that the bar has been set by our first winner, we would all like to see a picture of the yarn in your possession once it arrives.
This week's giveaway is two skeins of beautiful Cascade Eco Alpaca in a really nice, classic medium gray color (#1517). I know that I just finished last week's giveaway and that was gray tones, but I just couldn't resist getting this yarn. The yarn is amazingly, unbelievably soft! And, the gray is a perfect shade of gray. The yarn is a 100% undyed baby alpaca! The comments on Ravelry say that this yarn's like buttuh, and I would have to agree!
Also, this week modeling the yarn for you is my handsome younger brother. Didn't he do an excellent job? What a good sport! I don't think he was all that excited about the modeling process (kept telling me that he was uncomfortable), but the pics turned out great. So, I'm glad he suffered through it for me.
I would like you to do the following if you would like to be entered into this week's giveaway:
1) Have an address in the US to ship the yarn to. See house rules for further details.
2) Post a comment on this blog post by the end of Saturday, 2/20/10, telling us what your favorite flattering garment pattern is. Is there a sweater pattern that you have knit that takes 10 lbs off when you wear it? If so, we want to know about it!! A couple of followers suggested I ask this question and I think that it is a brilliant question to ask. Have fun!
3) Please post only one comment to give everyone a fair chance.
Again, I'll randomly pick the winner on Sunday and post the results on Monday along with the new giveaway, so be sure to check back. Good luck everyone.
My husband and I spent this past holiday weekend up in Victoria, BC with some of our friends. I apologize for not be able to post the new giveaway sooner. We had a wonderful time though, and I got to visit a yarn and button store while I was there. It was an adorable shop and I got to meet the owner and take some pictures of the place. I'll be posting those up later on this week sometime - that way you can see what I have been up to. Happy belated Valentine's Day to everyone and I'm off to bed to recuperate from my trip. It's nice to be home.
Sincerely,
Ve
100 comments:
Lovely yarn! I'm still looking for that special sweater pattern that will make me 20 pounds lighter and fabulous. I also like fingerless gloves for showing off manicures.
I like ribbed sweaters for some reason. My most flattering garment that I've made was this babydoll summer tee. To be honest though, this yarn looks and screams HAT to me. Followed by lots of petting.
Sadly, I have not yet knit a sweater so I don't know what would be extra flattering (well, certainly NOT the 95% of a sweater I knit and then abandoned...).
But this yarn could be inspriring!
Flattering sweater? Pbbhf. Do they make those? Haha. Although I did really like my Cleaves sweater off of knitty.com. I was about 15 lbs slimmer at the time and had fabulous shoulders that it really showed off! Still trying to figure out what is now flattering on my more *ahem* mature figure. Those newly womanly curves need some help! I've found that boxy, v-neck, 3/4 sleeved tees that cling to my bust and hips are most flattering on me normally, but how do I translate that into a sweater pattern? Hmm. I might have to stalk these comments and see if I can come across anything awesome.
Oh, and the brother is c-u-t-e! Does he knit, too? 'Cause, if so, YUM.
I too am still looking for that pattern. Although I recently knit a chunky wrap and it does sort of make me look smaller by comparison. Ditto on the brother:)
OK - I really don't know of any skinnyizing sweater patterns but, I really like ones with cables on them which probably are fattenizing. Oh well.
My project was crocheted and it was "Seafoam Vest" By chloe Nightengale.
I say lacy scarf and wrist warmers for this yarn.
I knit a tank top (Asana from knitty) that got me tons of compliments at a family get together on the beach. That's probably the closest thing I've done to a "flattering" knit. (I won't even mention the horrible sweater coat that makes me look like a pregnant elephant *shudder*).
Depending on how fuzzy the yarn gets, this would be a lovely shawl. It'd be like being wrapped in a cloud.
I have found that quite a few of the sweaters from Chic Knits are pretty flattering for me, and I think this is because the patterns always come with options. The trouble I have with sweaters is that sometimes they really emphasis the goods on top, which is not what I really want to do these days. :)
Oooooo, I'm drooling already! I LOVE Cascade Eco Alpaca ... so soft and cuddly.
Every time I wear my Liesl, folks ask me if I've lost weight. Perhaps it's because I feel more comfortable wearing something fitted under it? Dunno...
Thanks for the opportunity!
Geez, that's a tough one. I am always hoping to find such a flattering sweater. I will watch all the posted comments in the hopes that someone out there has actually found this.
Glad to see you are keeping with the tradition of hot models for your yarn. It's takes me a few minutes to finally see the actual yarn. oh dear.
That yarn your brother has need to be a pair of mittens for me.
Thanks
Brenda (Manitoba2ct)
I would have to sat hat since it is the only garment I have knit for myself ;) But I do wear a hat well if I do say so myself!
Love the yarn too by the way ;)
I haven't knitted any sweaters for myself. I knitted 2 children's sweaters for charity. I would love to find any pattern that would make me look 20 pounds thinner. I agreed with the other posters about your brother being really cute.
Ooh... pretty! I love gray. :) In all honesty, I am still looking for a sweater pattern that will look good on me (I'm a stick with no curves). I'll keep reading comments on this page though to see if I find it!
I haven't knit anything flattering for myself because I still want to lose that "relationship" weight first. I was going to knit the February Lady sweater but I was told that it wouldn't look good on me. I've also had my eye on Stitch Diva and Knit and Tonic patterns for awhile too.
monkalicious on Ravelry
I've never knit a sweater; I'm a relatively inexperienced knitter. However if I don't win the yarn, please mail your brother. ;) He's a doll.
My theory is, knit a great-looking sweater and then everyone will be staring at the sweater instead of the imperfect goods inside.
Your brother looks thrilled! Love the way he "interacts" with the yarn :-)
I'd love to win it though - I'd take it home and interact with it like crazy - promise!
It's not purple, but it sure is pur-ty.
I lot of people think that shaped sweaters are flattering and make you look slimmer. Personally, I think they emphasize the things I don't want emphasized. I'm still looking.
I really like Hanne Falkenberg's sweaters although they do not necessarily make you look lighter.
I've given up on hoping that a sweater will make me look thin. They don't but I knit them and love them and wear them. That's it.
I would love to make a scarf from the alpaca
Isn't that what we're all looking for? Who really believes it exists? It sort of like Santa Claus, or fairies, or ... you keep looking but they are just out of reach.
I have no suggestions for looking 10 or 15 pounds slimmer in a sweater, but I'd still love to win the yarn.
Since I am fairly tiny, I like fitted sweaters or things that fit tighter. I am currently working on "Sexy Vesty" on Ravelry, and it makes me look younger! So although I don't need the poundage off, the age off thing works for me!
I haven't knit anything for myself that I would consider flattering. I'd like to get to a place where Eunny's Twisted Stitch Sweater would look good on me - perhaps that'll happen by the time it's published.
ooo i love alpaca. i haven't really knit any garments recently, but i do love sweaters that have ribbing around the middle to provide some shaping! Thanks!
knitmit on rav
I've not knit a sweater in ages - but, a long while ago I knit a dress - in gray and purple. The main part of the dress was gray and the raglan sleeves were a deep purple. It really made me look cute and gave me a nice figure.
I'm actually quite thin so I'm not trying to look thinner.
That yarn is lovely!! I have been searching for the perfect shade of grey to make this scarf pattern that I got, and have been putting it off!
Hmm.. I haven't knit any flattering sweaters yet, but I plan on making Katie Davies' owls sweater, and it looks flattering (looks being the operative word here!)
I've got everything for it, but I won't let myself start on it until I finish up some of these lingering WIPs.. =)
I think v-neck sweaters and cardigans look the most slimming. I am knitting V- shaped Cable Cardigan. I am going to use crochet buttons for a clean look down the front.
I've only knit unflattering sweaters so I'm still looking!
knittergirl on Rav
Only recently I discovered Cascade 220 yarns and I'd love to try the Eco Alpaca yarn soon!! As to my favorite flattering garment, I loved a pair of long black socks that go above the knee to wear with a short skirt ... super sexy! The pattern was adapted from knitty.com.
I think the most flattering garment that I have knit is probably a scarf.
Thanks for another great giveaway!
Beautiful yarn! I haven't made many garments but I do really like this scarf I made, it was a strand of Lion Brand Homespun held together with a strand of Lion Brand Fancy Fur. Long and sort of skinny - more so then most regular scarves anyway.
sadiekate on ravelry
Oh! I love alpaca and Cascade Eco Alpaca is GREAT! It would be perfect for a sweater for my 6 year old son.
Oh my gosh, that yarn sounds amazing! I haven't knit any garments other than a scarf...but my next attempt is a shawl! Maybe I'll be brave enough to try a sweater someday.... (: Thanks for the giveaway!
What a great question! My favorite sweater I have made is flattering to me for more than one reason - it is my version with modifications to the Textured Tunic by Stephanie Japel. http://www.ravelry.com/projects/knitkolic/textured-tunic-with-side-buttons
I like it because it defines my waist and gives me a bust :) Woohoo!
I also love circular shrugs - can't go wrong in my mind!
That looks like lovely alpaca. I usually work with Misti's yarns, but I'm sure that's nice and soft too. I knit mostly lace shawls, so I figure, if everyone's looking at that, it must make you look good too, right?
Thanks, atthebreakofnoon (on Ravelry)
What a tasty model! If I were younger I'd ask if he came with the yarn. :)
For flattering knits, I love cowls. They hide my double chin. In fact that's what I'd do with this Alpaca! Thanks for a chance to win.
Sharon
PS - I'm not as ancient and lecherous as this post makes me look, I swear!
I love alpaca.
I haven't made it yet, but I plan on making the Crossover Knit Top from the Fave Craft website. It looks like it would be flattering to my figure.
I hope this doesn't have to be "something flattering that I have knit" because I knit mostly socks! They may be pretty, but I don't know about "flattering" LOL!
One pattern I would really like to knit because I think it IS flattering is "Margaret" - the long sweater designed by Mary Neal Meador for Mason-Dixon. Maybe someday!
i also like ribbed sweaters, they just fit better! Hubby says i'm weird as i only wear fingerless gloves, and cables!!!
Oh, wow! I love Cascade Eco Wool (just finished a sweater in it) and I bet Eco Alpaca's even nicer - count me in please!
Two patterns to recommend! One is Wicked, and the other is the Mary Swanson Cardi-Vest.
Beautiful yarn!
I haven't tried anything that must be measured or fitted as of yet, so I'm interested in seeing what patterns others have had success with for when I'm ready for that! This yearn is beautiful, and the gray is a beautiful color. I'm imagining it right now as a pair of mermaid fingerless gloves, and maybe some matching legwarmers.
BTW, you have quite the handsome husband and brother.
I haven't made them (yet) but I think that the shrugs type of knit is great for bringing the emphasis up, on the girly girls, and away from the waistline. I especially like Gaia for the extra details it has. Thanks for another great giveaway!
I really love cardigans, you can knit them slim, and can open them thus allowing for an elegant drape.
I love Melissa Labarre's Garter Yoke Cardi. I have yet to knit Joelle Hoverson's Hourglass sweater which looks flattering. I also love the book Custom Knits by Wendy Bernard. Her patterns are all modify-able with fantastic instructions.
We need to see Ve model next!
I've not yet made a garment such a sweater, so I have no idea if there are any that take off 10lbs, but I've seen plenty of FOs on Ravelry that add weight and make the wearer look really frumpy.
I haven't moved much beyond scarves and cowls - but I'm convinced a lacy scarf is so flattering... even in the cool summer evenings. And it puts a certain flair into your wardrobe! Thanks for the contest! I'm naughtyknots on Rav
I personally LOVE the Intolerable Cruelty skirt from Knitty. I don't think there's a woman on this earth whose caboose wouldn't look hot or at least better in that skirt.
Thanks for the chance to win!
Nikki
jesus_iscomin on twitter
I made a Debbie Bliss pattern that got so many positive comments, that I started making them for friends & family - it's the pleated wrap from the summer '09 magazine, and I think this lovely Cascade Eco Alpaca yarn will make a beautiful wrap! (Maybe this one will be for me!) Thank you for the nifty giveaway~
Hi, I haven't knit myself a garment yet;0!
So, I hope you'll still enter me and I'll check out the suggestions by other people:)
Lizzie
using small needles, and a dark colored yarn :)
I must say my favorite item to use to cover up scary hair and hide whatever might or might not be happening with it would be a hat...the perfect fashion fixer!
I like the 'top down raglan cardigan' from Cosmicpluto knits. It's a free pattern & totally customizable. If the sweater FITS, it will be FLATTERING.
2 skeins of cascade Eco Alpaca--I'd make either a cowl or a big, smooshy scarf!
lovewend on ravelry
lovewend at gmail
Yet another lovely yarn! These giveaways are fun! :-) I have yet to knit a sweater, though I have been collecting Cascade Quattro like a squirrel getting ready for winter! It will be for my daughter! She is looking at patterns and will hopefully pick one by the time I'm ready to start! Have a great week everyone!
So pretty!
Ok, sadly, I haven't knit for myself in .... years... I knit for my kids mostly now. I have a hard time finding mature patterns that fit my body shape. I wear a size 13 in childrens usually (I am pregnant now) so finding something that doesn't scream "teeny bopper" is hard even in knit patterns.
I have yet to knit a garment! I prefer sweaters with a bit of an empire waist, so I suspect my first sweater will be something with that shape.
I'm not finished with it yet, but part of the reason I made a Margot Sweater (from the Fall '09 Knitty) was that it flattered every Raveler who's got a picture up. I hope that mine will be just as flattering!
Haven't knit many sweaters, though I find longer length sweaters are more flattering (for me at least)
My favarite pattern is February Ladies sweater. and little brother is a cutie potootie. Sparky136 on Ralvery
This yarn looks fabulous! I have yet to actually knit myself a garment. I'm sure the small section of the back portion of my Central Park hoodie doesn't count as a garment yet. Maybe one day it will be finished
What a great question! Looking forward to peoples' responses.
My first sweater and current WIP is a cardigan with cables. Not sure how figure flattering the cables will be. My next project is ribby shell, which I am anticipating to slim me down maybe 5lbs. : )
Love ur free yarn blog! Such kindness for those of us in need of a fix.
Great yarn! I'm working on my first sweater which I have the feeling will not be the most flattering garment being not fitting and rather a-line in construction but I'm curious as to what other people put down.
Slimmer fits and sweaters...hmmm. Well, I just finished Shalom. I think it makes me look awesome and apparently attitude is everything. But a lovely toque brings attention to you face, so that is always flattering.
I am international (boo), but I do have a US address to mail to (thanks American cousins).
Tishkette
I only crochet at this time and will be making my first sweater for the summer - I just love grey yarn
I think patterns like Ishbel are flattering b/c they draw the attention upward and away from the less-flattering parts of my figure. :)
Jess
jessicacook17@hotmail.com
Well, I haven't knitted any sweaters yet, but I'd really like to try Pioneer. It is a really simple but pretty T-shirt.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pioneer
I don't know about this T making you look a few pounds lighter, but it might give you some nice cleavage! LOL
I would have to say the Hourglass Sweater from Knitted Gifts is very flattering. I haven't finished mine yet, but the other pictures on Ravelry are very flattering!
And I LOVE LOVE LOVE Alpaca! How did you know?!
I'm pretty new to knitting, so I don't have a favorite flattering pattern yet. I did crochet a bobble headband (listed on Ravelry, by Chloe Nightengale) that actually looks good on me. I hate hats, so I was thrilled to find something to keep my head warm, without looking awful! :-)
(I do live overseas, but if I happen to win, I have relatives in the states whose address I could use.)
Slinky Ribs by Wendy Bernard. I get the most compliments when I wear it.
rav id: dogwalker
I have tried several sweaters - but my shape is hard. I have a wonderful petite daughter that I am in the process of knitting the owls sweater and it is very flattering on her - left a skein of yarn at my sisters and will retrieve it this weekend to finish the yoke!
yes, Opulent Raglan by Wendy Bernard has just a little va va voom, without being over the top.
Ohhh! Pretty yarn! Gray again YAY! my favorite color. :)
My favorite flattering pattern is the Incredible Custom-Fit Raglan because you can make it to FIT YOU. :)
I'm also not a fan of seaming, so a top-down raglan will always be one of my favs.
Thanks again for the fun giveaways!
I better get in on this. How could I not? :-)
My most flattering garment has been the Custom Fit Raglan. This is more of a recipe than an actual pattern, and it's the best-fitting (OK, only fitting)sweater that I have ever knit!
phoenixfire @ ravelry
i have not knit a flattering sweater, myself. just one raglan stockinette-fest. and a kids sweater, and kids' sweaters always look good!
i say shawls are flattering. i can't handle ornate lace patterns myself, but i just got the rhytidome shawl as a gift from another raveller. i love it so much.
Like Buttah, how can I resist??
My favorite pattern that I've knitted is the February lady sweater, this one just hides everything I want to hide, while showing what I want to show...an it's such an easy knit!
I'd have to say that a super-long and very narrow scarf would be elongating--so something like a 1x1 rib scarf that's 9 stitches wide and a couple of yards or more long.
I haven't knit a real garment yet -- some socks, mittens, and the like, but nothing both large and attractive. I do, however, have a sweater that is inspiring me; I love it and would like to try and create something similar. It's mostly stockinette, with cables instead of ribbing at hem and cuffs, and an asymmetrical neckline with cables. Love it!
Welcome Back! And tell your brother that he did a wonderful job!
Although I haven't knit with it, I hear it's wonderful!
I don't have a pattern I've knit, but one I think is just beautiful is:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/05-flower-tied-cardigan
and I've heard great things about teh Tomato pattern as far as being very flattering:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/tomato
both are on my favorite list! Thanks again for the great blog!
I would have to say the Feb. Lady Sweater. They all look pretty darn great, even on "larger ladies" (speaking as a one of those ladies).
I haven't knit it myself, but several of my friends knit the Hourglass sweater and it looked great on them and they are all different shapes and sizes.
Hmm...I'd have to say a thinly-knit cardigan. The best part? For some reason, it is totally acceptable to wear the same cardi over and over!
I have very little experience knitting garments, but one thing that I think really adds to how flattering a garment is is attention to the neckline and making sure it's going to look good on people with a variety of torso shapes. I also think that empire waist construction is flattering on a lot of people.
-bookwormdjibouti on Rav
Flattering garments? I don't know, it's so different for everyone. I'm petite so I can't wear anything with a lot of ease, and the waist needs to nip in. But that's not flattering for everyone!
I'm currently making the St. James sweater, and it is immensely flattering on me.
I don't really know if there is a flattering garment pattern out there, but I know I love wearing my Verona Shawl that I knit with a buttery soft blue faced leicester wool. The pattern was simple but the yarn made it extra special!
everything looks good on my boys but, alas, the Marines have them packing for hot places so... It's a good thing I have a new granddaughter to knit for: flattering on her = pink & grey (and purple. and red. and teal. and blues. and did I say pink?)
- bcknits on Ravelry
Very pretty yarn! I could see a nice neck cowl out of it. I made a sweater from Vogue knitting free patterns on-line that makes me look slimmer. Take a look: http://www.vogueknitting.com/free_patterns/faux-cabled_cardigan.aspx
I just finished knitting this adorable sweater/top for my plus sized daughter:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ludington
She hasn't emailed me a picture yet, but says it is the cutest thing she owns. I'm thinking of making one for me too. :o) - Very flattering.
Sandie (KnitzyBlonde on Ravelry)
zaftig2k at yahoo dot com
I don't think I've even felt alpaca yarn! I'm still pretty new to knitting and crocheting. I've made a scarf in the past and have started making toys for my children. I have been looking through several patterns for sweaters and shawls. Good to have plenty for up here in the North West =)
My daughter & I took a class at Abubdant Yarn & Dyeworks on knitting your first sweater...
It was "Pure and Simple Hoodie" Hers was in Debbie Bilss Chunky Yarn.
Turned out so Beautiful!
My is in handspun with stranded alpacas on it and not yet finished.
Another vote for the February Lady. Hands down my favorite sweater pattern.
I tried on a sweater at Madrona that was really flattering. The pattern has not been released but should be soon. It is the Rib-n Cardigan by Karen Alfke. It was in the Blue Moon Fiber Arts yarn booth. I can hardly wait until it is released!!!
Love you blog, all the yarn pics are fabulous :)
My fav pattern is fingerless gloves, they look great on everyone!
Getting in on the end. Thinner yarn,stay away from bulky!
Daleknits from ravelry
I would think most sweaters or cardis knit in a fingering up to light worsted weight would be the best to not add extra bulk to a figure would be best (although, I do like cozy bulky sweaters sometimes too). My Rowan 38 Lucy sweater is knit up of a few strands of lighterweight yarn and has a nice stretch to it.
http://www.ravelry.com/projects/StaceyKnitsIt/lucy
POSTING FOR THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. Thank you everyone for posting! Check back on Monday to see who wins and see what the new weekly giveaway is. Good luck!! -Ve
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