Ten on Tuesday: The Knit to Flatter Blog Tour Edition

Today I have the privilege of being a stop on Amy Herzog’s Knit to Flatter Blog Tour and, since it’s a Tuesday, I’ve decided to use the Ten on Tuesday format to interview Amy about her book, her design process, and how we can all make sweaters that fit us well. So sit back, relax, and learn!

1. How did you first come up with the idea for Knit to Flatter?
It really started with me talking through changes I was making to my own sweaters with friends. I don’t have the standard body shape most patterns are written for, and I have crazy fancy taste in yarn, so if I wanted to wear the sweaters I was making I needed to figure it out, stat! A couple of friends in particular asked me about modifications they might want to make… and it kind of snowballed from there. When I wrote the tutorials that started the whole thing off, I honestly thought nobody would be really interested in reading them. I’m not sure I’ve ever been so wrong!
2. What was that first Knit to Flatter class like?
 It was completely, perfectly lovely. It was very small, just 6 participants, and so we had a really intimate, friendly, warm setting in which we could all explore these ideas. I was instantly hooked!
3. What have you learned from the participants in your classes?
Oh, I’ve learned so much! Not only about the vast array of bodies out there and how to get sweaters that make each and every one shine, but about the wonderful things each woman can find in her own form. It’s incredible to watch someone come into class, on what can be a very intimidating topic, and leave with things she just adores about her figure and wants to highlight. I learn so much compassion and kindness and wonder from the participants, I wouldn’t miss it for anything.
4. What advice do you have on taking your own measurements?
Get help. Seriously. Some of the measurements are really really difficult to take accurately on your own. Engaging a trusted friend’s help is invaluable. If you really must take them yourself, I’d encourage you to do so in front of a mirror so that you can see when problems are arising–like the measuring tape slipping on one part of your body, for example.
5. How can someone tell, from looking at a pattern, if it will be flattering to them?
This is a great question. I think the first step is just to be aware that most photos are staged. There’s a scene set, a mood the magazine or etc. is trying to evoke. Try to be aware of that, and set it aside. Imagine how the sweater would look, laying on a table. The schematic can be very helpful here; if the sweater looks curvaceous on the model but the schematic is boxy, there might be a very flattering camera angle going on (just to pick a common example). Once you’ve imagined it laying on the table, try to consider the visual elements at play. How wide is the neckline? How long are the sleeves? Etc.? Then compare those style elements to the things you regularly pull out of your closet. If there’s a mismatch, consider modifying!
 6. Can any design become flattering with the right customization?
Yes. Emphatically, unequivocally, YES.
 7. Do you have a favorite yarn for sweater knitting?
I tend to prefer yarns that are soft (though not always smooth, I love a good tweed and I don’t find wool itchy), often with another fiber like silk blended in for drape. Right now I have a mad crush both on Sweet Georgia Merino Silk Fine and Indigodragonfly MCS Sock, but the “top” list definitely rotates. (laughs) I’m a player!
 8. The designs in the book are awesome! Do you have a favorite? 
Thank you! I have a couple of favorites. I got myself a (modified) Draper right away, because it goes perfectly with 90% of my work wardrobe. For a non-work sweater, I have to admit that I have a real soft spot for Holloway. I am a big fan of “sweater girl” sweaters, and this is a very sexy one without being revealing.
 9. What advice do you have for someone just picking up this book?
Let yourself fall in love! And don’t be intimidated. Believe it or not, all of the designs in the book are pretty great choices for a first sweater, and they’re all intended to be very classic wardrobe staples. You won’t get tired of them in a year, you’ll wear them again and again.
 10. And finally, how do you manage to do everything you do – designing awesome sweaters, writing a book about them, working full time and raising a family??
 Hah! Well, thank you for the lovely compliments in there. I’m not sure I have a great answer for you though. I’m terrible (terrible) at sitting still, and I knit quickly. I prefer to be active and doing, and I’m good at letting the small stuff slide.

Those are awesome answers to all of my questions and I know I learned a lot about Amy and her design process. I think her attitude about loving our bodies and knitting sweaters that will look good on us is wonderful. Thank you so much, Amy, for asking me to be a part of your blog tour. I think the book is fantastic and the designs are inspired and flattering and I can’t wait to knit some for myself!

Now here’s the fun part for all of you – through the generosity of Amy and her publisher I have a copy of the book Knit to Flatter to give away. Everyone who leaves a comment on this blog post will be entered to win and, as an extra incentive, those of you who participate in Ten on Tuesday and provide a link to your post will receive an extra chance. It all ends Thursday at midnight so get goin’!



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This Post Has 82 Comments

  1. This is a beautiful book. Beautiful pattens and a great reference. I’m going to learn alot from this title. Congratulations Amy!

  2. What a great book — and interview! I have knit many sweaters over the years — and too many that I never wear, mostly because I ended up not liking the design for my body and taste. Over the years, I’ve gotten much better at making sweaters that are more suited to my style — and to my body type. Amy’s book would be a GREAT one to add to any collection.

  7. Oh. My. Goodness. This book looks amazing, and I can’t wait to order my very own copy 🙂 The hardest part will be waiting until after you announce your winner to order (I’m ever hopeful)!! As you know, I’ve been itching to knit myself a sweater (now that there is a bit less of me) and I know this book will help make it fit me.

  9. This looks like a really interesting book. One that every knitter needs in their library. Thanks for the chance to win. Another great Ten on Tuesday. I always look forward to your lists.

  10. I would love to in this book. My sweater fitting skills definitely need improvement!

  12. This book looks amazing. Good fit is so hard to achieve in a sweater — and Amy’s book would be a great help. Thanks for the chance to win a copy. And thanks for your very interesting interview with Amy.

  13. I’m looking forward to Amy’s book and learning more about what fits and flatters ME. Great interview Carole! Amy’s book is going to be a welcome addition to my knitting library and one I’ll read cover to cover!!

  14. Since I am always knitting for my daughter (a gorgeous size 7-8) and rarely myself (a fabulous size 20 and pregnant) a book that could teach me to knit for my body is a great idea! Thank you for the chance to win a copy.

  16. This book sounds interesting. When you spend so much time making a garment it would be nice to know it’s going to look good on you. Count me in.

  17. I have heard so so many good things about this book. I am definitely signing up for the class. With any luck, I’ll win the book too!

  18. Wonderful interview! After a few sweater mistakes I realized the importance of looking carefully at a sweater. In the last ten years you can see so many patterns on the Internet and it is easy to be swept up into knitting a popular pattern without really thinking through ” is it really for my body without mods?” I’m intrigued by Amy’s comment that any design can be tweaked to fit!

  19. I’ve followed Amy’s blog for a while, and the fit to flatter book looks like something we should all have!

  20. Looks like a great book with lots of useful information. Would love to add a copy to my collection.

  23. I borrowed this book from the library (put my name on the list before it even came out, I was so excited to see it). It’s one that I definitely want to add to my personal library because I have knit more than one sweater that I thought would look great but didn’t fit right. I love that Amy helps knitters to realize that there are good things about our bodies, even if WE aren’t seeing it that way all the time. Such a positive message. I hope to win this one… a lot!

  27. I so want to get my hands on a copy of this book! Looks great! Now, off to do my ToT post!

  28. A truly excellent post. I’ve been eyeing that book with a view to finding a way to accommodate my odd shape. Perhaps Lady Luck will choose me!

  30. Amy’s designs are great because they’re pieced and well thought out. I’ve taught several sweater classes at my LYS and it’s always a challenge to get students to realize they CAN make sweaters that fit them properly. It’s very satisfying when they finish their first sweater and I see them wearing it in the shop. Nice.

  32. What a generous offer. I enjoyed the interview too. I so miss our Borders Book store that closed – I am so clueless about the new releases – thanks for sharing.

  34. Great interview. Have been following her on ravelry but the book would be great. Thanks for the chance!

  37. That was an interesting interview with Amy, thank you Carole! I’m happy to enter my chance to win her book, and as always I feel I am getting a prize from you just by reading your blog.

  39. Mille grazie for the giveaway.

    I’m a beginner at knitting and just luv falling thru the rabbit hole to discover more knitters! Luv the free patterns on Ravelry too.

  42. I sure would love to be Amy when I grow up, but alas, I am all growed up already. She is inspiring, and has changed my attitude towards how I approach fitting knitting to my bod. (Already have the book, don’t enter me into the lottery!)

  43. I would absolutely love to win this book and even more I would love to take the class with Amy.

  44. What a wonderful way to do Ten on Tuesday. THE sweater suggestions are going to get me in so much trouble. Liked the interview too. Must get the book.

  46. What a great interview! I’m really looking forward to reading the book. It would be great to knit a garmet I feel good about wearing.

  47. Sounds like a great reference book. I love knitting sweaters and am still learning about getting the perfect fit.

  48. What a great book and interview! Looking forward to having this book on my reference shelf. So many great options to knit too!

    Rav ID: kellknit

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