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Crafty Living

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Lara Neel - The Journal Gazette
I don't have a back this pretty, but I might still want this sweater one day.

Lara's Library (Sort Of): Fitted Knits

Lara Neel - The Journal Gazette
Diagrams are clear and easy-to-read, even in four sizes.
Lara Neel - The Journal Gazette
A knitted dress! I love the concept.
Lara Neel - The Journal Gazette
I love the colors she used here.
Lara Neel - The Journal Gazette
I can actually see myself making this some day. I love that it's a wrap that also has bust/dart shaping. So clever!

My love for all things Stefanie Japel is well-documented.

So, I'm surprised I didn't already know about Fitted Knits: 25 Designs for the Fashionable Knitter.

It came out in 2007, but it's worth hunting down. Thanks to my local library, I stumbled across it recently.

Primarily a book of patterns, an introduction opens up the discussion of fit, flatter, and garment construction. In the third paragraph, there's even a fit manifesto of sorts.

"Whether you're tall or short, curvy or slender, there is no reason to settle for less than a perfect fit, especially when you're the one making the clothing." - Stefanie Japel, this fantastic book, page 9.

You will enjoy Stefanie's work more if, like me, you think seamless top-down construction makes wonderful sense. If you're into seaming, her work is not really geared toward you.

Each pattern is marked with one of three skill levels, and a section at the beginning of the book shares how to custom-fit knits to your body, style and comfort preferences.

Not every pattern in the book will appeal to everyone, but there's something for everyone, from cozy wrap sweaters (yes, please) to lacy tube tops (not so much, for me).

The page design and photo styling are both modern and crisp, but stylish and pretty, too.

Patterns are in a reasonably-sized font that should photocopy well, when needed.

Overall, a very nice book for anyone looking to get a little more oomph out of the shaping in their sweaters (or tube tops).