What pattern for a special "thankyou" cardigan?

[flapjack]

OK, I have a friend who has been really, really generous beyond belief the last few months. She's lent us her maternity clothes, baby equipment, love, support, listening, the works. I owe her big-time.

I want to knit her a cardigan- I know she values the work that goes into handmade anything, though she doesn't knit herself, and she mentioned the idea of commissioning me to do her a cardigan a while ago. I want it to be something that will make her feel good about herself, though, as she's struggling with both weight and PPD, and that means it has to be flattering. She's a traditional British pear-shape, and a larger lass as well. Any suggestions, or favourite patterns?

And, obviously, has to be cotton or acrylic or cotton-ease, because she isn't really the kind of person to value handwashing And in DK, because I had a baby a few days ago and he's cutting into the knitting time a bit- anything thicker is probably going to be unflattering, I'd guess. Ideas?

[rootzdawta]

I don't have a pattern for you but i think a kimomo style sweater would be really nice.

[rootzdawta]

I don't have a pattern for you but i think a kimomo style sweater would be really nice.

[lyttlewon]

I like this http://www.knitty.com/issuespring07/...illaspice.html but in something other than vanilla. Personally with my large bust size I avoid kimono sweaters. They just don't wear well.

[joshs_girl]

perhaps the sunrise circle jacket? or is there anything she's complimented you on in the past that you could remake for her?

and what a lovely gesture - for both of you to make!

[alaska]

What about knitting pure and simple's wrap cardigan? That's a really flattering shape for just about all body types. Here's a Rav link

It's worsted, but I think it fits your bill.

[xanandali]

Um, ok, I don't have a suggestion, but HOW DID I MISS that you just had a baby?! Seriously, how did I miss that? Do you have the story posted somewhere?! Congrats!!!

[flapjack]

The birth story, such as it is, is ROM, swearing, sleep, 2 and a half hours and a special supporting artist oscar to the toilet. I couldn't have done it without it

Thanks for the links. I like the vanilla spice, I love the KPS one- for me, though : but I think I want something a little more feminine for her, maybe? This is helping, actually, refining in my mind exactly what I do want.

OK, another question. If you're still breastfeeding, do you wear mostly cardigans, or some sweaters too???

[Leilalu]

Originally Posted by flapjack

The birth story, such as it is, is ROM, swearing, sleep, 2 and a half hours and a special supporting artist oscar to the toilet. I couldn't have done it without it

Thanks for the links. I like the vanilla spice, I love the KPS one- for me, though : but I think I want something a little more feminine for her, maybe? This is helping, actually, refining in my mind exactly what I do want.

OK, another question. If you're still breastfeeding, do you wear mostly cardigans, or some sweaters too???

cardigans, all the way for breastfeeding. Sweaters, especially cottons, just stretch out too much for my tastes! Plus cardigans seem to offer more modesty, as the belly is covered on the sides, and camisoles can be lifted up or down instead.

[scoob]

Do you have access to a copy of Big Girl Knits (maybe from your public library)? They have a beautiful wrap cardigan pattern in there that I love. I think if you look it up on Amazon, it's one of the included pictures...called Lift and Separate. I think it is very feminine and would be very flattering. If not that one, perhaps one of the other patterns from there. They're all classified by body type (i.e. flattering to big boobs, butts or hips).

[iowaorganic]

I really like this one http://www.sweaterbabe.com/knitting-...an-project.htm - I am not sure about for a big girl- but it is still beautiful- I am doing it in bamboo/wool/silk from elann and it is sooo soft and pretty!

This one is also on my todo list- I have seen them turn out so beautiful!

http://www.sweaterbabe.com/knitting-...ng-project.htm

But I also made this one out of pf and it is a workhorse of a cardi- warm and super functional

http://www.sweaterbabe.com/knitting-...ng-project.htm

[texmati]

I'm the body type that you describe, and I love! the vanilla spice cardigan.

[liawbh]

What about the cardi from this DROPS set?

Or Lucy in the Sky from cosmic pluto?

Emerald,

in knitty;
I love this DROPS one, too.

Not free, but I love Eris (from the designer of Rogue)

[flapjack]

Eris is on my to-knit list too. I THINK I might go with the lush-and-lacy cardigan from Sweaterbabe, because I looked at it and my brain went ker-ching, which is always a good sign. I think she'd wear it, too.

Thankyou!

[3boobykins]

Originally Posted by flapjack

Eris is on my to-knit list too. I THINK I might go with the lush-and-lacy cardigan from Sweaterbabe, because I looked at it and my brain went ker-ching, which is always a good sign. I think she'd wear it, too.

Thankyou!

Laura Chau, whose blogs at http://www.cosmicpluto.com/blog/, is working on this cardi right now.

[Marlet]

It's over here too....this lady speed knits sweaters like you would not believe! She did Thermal in about a week IIRC (and completely flat!). Anyway, yeah. There's her version of it.

[flapjack]

I found it!
http://www.interweaveknits.com/galle...lly-Jacket.asp