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June 24, 2006

Ask Amelia

Leslie, at TranquilityBase, asks:

Anna........I need some expert advice (and do not spare my feelings), I need honest advice concerning "Claude" and my body type. There is a current picture of me on my blog that will give you a good idea of my shape. I often wear longer tops, tunic length to cover the middle and flowy pants. I thought I could see "Claude" on top of such an outfit...maybe a black outfit or grey. I love the multi-length layering you see in some clothing styles. I have the pattern pinned to my bulletin board, I have the yarn - Debbie Bliss Cotton Angora in "aqua" and I'm ready to go but I am hesitating. I need a push. I'm scared. Thanks

Amelia says, Amelia is not The Manolo, she is unaccustomed to being asked for the advice about the fashion, even the superfantastic knitted fashion, but she will give the humble opinion, and you can regard it, or disregard it, as you wish.

Claude has a nice round scooped neck, similar to the top you're wearing in your picture, which is a flattering shape, and I think you will like the sleeve length too. If you think the cardigan will end right at your widest point, consider making it a bit longer. Try wearing it with just the top three buttons fastened, over a contrasting colour, and where the bottom part swings open it will show a flattering vertical flash of colour.

Posted by Amelia at June 24, 2006 09:53 PM

Comments

What about making it without the ribbing on the bottom? Perhaps with a slit or a hem or something like that? I often have these quandaries myself with my wide hips, but opt to go shorter so that it hits at my true waist instead of my hips... then I wear a skirt that starts at my true waist.

Posted by: Mary at June 24, 2006 10:45 PM

Oops! I was thinking of Bridie... not Claude. I think just lengthening it would be perfect, though perhaps with the slits.

Posted by: Mary at June 24, 2006 10:46 PM

Yes definitely. Just lenghten it a bit and it will be perfect.

Posted by: Saun at June 25, 2006 04:45 PM

Thank you so much for all your advice and comments and suggestions. I really do appreciate your input because knitting mistakes are such costly mistakes. Once my yarn arrives - Debbie Bliss Cotton Angora in "dark blue", I'm going to start. Thanks again everyone.

Posted by: Leslie at June 25, 2006 08:27 PM

It´s wonderful!! I´m Brazilian and love your blog!!I´m a teacher of knit and use this finish every time.My english is very bad and basic!!
Thanks and kisses

Posted by: Rosana Paiva at June 28, 2006 05:18 PM

A belated question on Claude... I'm dying to knit him (it?) but I'm hesitating with my yarn choice. I recently finished a jumper in Cotton Angora and it was so divine to knit with - I loved the knitting experience. However, I've worn the jumper 3 times and have washed it once. It's pilling like nobody's business. Have you experienced this with Claude? And if so does it only last a couple of wears and then the fluffing/pilling slows down? Or am I just an unlucky exception? Any comments you could make on the yarn's wearability would be greatly appreciated... Claude looks just so wearable - it's truly a fantastic design. Thanks.

Posted by: Margaret at July 6, 2006 05:45 AM

I'm not sure I really agree with what you have to say.

Posted by: Galen Graef at July 6, 2006 10:08 AM