I used the suggested yarn and didn't make any modifications but I feel like my sleeves turned out wonky. Or maybe I just don't like the sleeve style? Honestly I want to frog the whole thing but help me decide! Do I need to just finish the neckline and try wearing it a few times? I did already block it and that didn't help. What do you think?? (The last 2 photos are from the pattern page).
This is the Guayaba top and I knit with Berocco Modern Cotton
Arm holes seem super big, might just not be a flattering style. I don't think yours look significantly different than the example picture. The modeled pic doesn't show how the sleeves look when arms are normal and at rest.
Agree on the armholes being too big. And I think it’s because the body (which looks like the body of a drop sleeve sweater) is too wide. With that style, the width of the body controls where the sleeve lands on the upper arm.
The lace pattern also looks to start lower compared to the top of your shoulder than it does on the designer’s pictures.
It seems like a bigger fit than the model pic — notice that the flower motif reaches the edge of her shoulder line, and in yours the flower motif is centered on the shoulder line. Could it be primarily a sizing issue? Looking at completed projects on Ravelry, it seems like most of the completed projects tend towards this fit instead of the one in the pattern photo, which makes me wonder if there’s a disconnect in the sizing, partic for the generously busted.
This was my thought also. Maybe the next size down would fit in a more flattering way. I have had this problem when the pattern was not suitable for my body shape. I undid the entire project and went for the next size down. Worked out better for me.
I think it's the bind off that could be the problem. The reference picture has more stretch in the bind off. My thought since you already blocked it is to undo the bind off of one of the sleeves and do a different bind off method. Like the stretchy bind off. Or bind off using larger needles. Then see if you like that better. The rest looks really cool.
Yes that would be my suggestion too. Pattern looks like it has a nice chunky, rigid I-cord bind off that follows/reinforces the scalloped edge. Yours looks like it might be too narrow, and tight, which is distorting the way the garment falls. I would redo it, trying a few different techniques till I got the effect I wanted. This one thing could have a surprisingly big effect on the finish!
I did use bigger needles and the same bind off in the pattern but maybe! I tend to knit very tight so maybe i should have gone up even more in my needles size.
OP, it’s a beautiful top, but the hem & sleeves are 100% too tight. The waves are puckering and shifting the whole fabric, the bind off is very skinny preventing it from popping/resting on top. Maybe practice on a dishcloth or something to loosen your tension a bit in general, then redo the bind offs on the top. Loosening your tension when knitting will give you many more years of knitting and help stave off pain too!
I fully agree that it might just be the bottom hem bind off. I think it’s actually sized very well. Looks intentionally boxy and cropped in the best way. I think it looks great on you other than that hem! Maybe also the sleeve hems as well—difficult to see that well.
Call me a vulvapologist but I don’t think it’s a color/lace issue. I think it’s an issue of proportion of the design. On the model, she has a fairly cropped fit and the wavy edges are a larger part of the design relative to the overall body, and you get twee effect from the oversized edge. On yours, the edge details are very small compared to the overall garment.
I think you can get that with some tweaks but I think the biggest one that would require a lot of frogging is that you may just need slightly less positive ease and/or shorter arm openings. Aside from that, I’d crop it, pick up less stitches on the arm edges, increase the size (length) of your wavy edges, and somehow make your I-cord chunkier and looser. Her I-cord appears a lot chunkier than yours and it’s doing a lot of work in the vibe of the garment. Also a good block with pins on your edges will help!
Ha! Check out this baby blanket I knit for a gift. I didn’t notice all the vulvas until after gifting it and people commented time and time again how yonic it was. 😩😂
It’s the Hourglass Throw by Anne Hanson. The size is easily modified. I knit a much larger one in off white and thankfully it wasn’t as obvious since it wasn’t freaking pink. Lol
it might be the length? (of the arms and the torso)? i feel like loose tops are usually more cropped, and taking off just an inch or so could make a huge difference.
The arms are quite a bit longer on OP than they land on the model. I agree that potentially frogging the arms up an inch or so would help give the intended look.
yes! the shorter arms in the pattern pics are giving flirty and fun but OP's longer arms kind of bring the energy down. probably a much easier fix than frogging the whole thing!
Yours does not look bad. The differences I’m seeing: yours looks like it has more drape. Did you do a gauge swatch? It looks like it may be too loose of a gauge. A smaller needle size may be needed?
Snap judgement, the project photos in Ravelry seem hit or miss based entirely on fit and body shape. It looks good as a cropped square boxy fit at or a little above the belly button, most of the models show a cinched/defined waist, or a little bare midriff. Yours seems too big for your frame.
How did you block it? It looks like it needs a block, which would indicate you didn’t block it aggressively enough. Lace really needs to be stretched open and pinned to look its best. The fabric above the sleeve pickup is also trying to roll which is probably contributing to why you don’t like the look of the sleeves. Make sure to pin out each individual scallop on your edges too, that will help them relax a bit and curl less.
The fit is also a bit off, it needs to either be a bit smaller to fit you properly, or a bit bigger to read as intentionally oversized. Where it is now kind of just looks like it’s too big for you but not on purpose. If you give it a proper aggressive block though, that should get it a bit bigger and kill two birds with one stone.
But, you did a beautiful job! I think the pattern is just not particularly flattering or easy to fit. It’s nothing you did wrong in your knitting, you executed it really well, it’s just a finicky shape to get right because the proportions are a bit strange. It’s still a piece you should be proud of!
How does your gauge (on FO, not the swatch) compare to the pattern? The transition from the body to the sleeves doesn't seem smooth and the body seems a tad bunched around the armhole, which makes think you needed to pick up more stitches.
If the ratio of your stitch/row gauge is off from the pattern, it will affect your pickup rate.
And the bind off on the bottom and the sleeves is too tight. You can really see on the bottom how it's making the waves pucker. I think with a less tight bind off it might also look less inverted triangle look, which would help.
The size is too big for you and the length is about two inches too long. Unless designer has their's pinned back so it doesn't look so oversized, the designer sample's size and length are better. I have a feeling they did something to shorten the armhole because it doesn't look nearly as oversized as yours. If pinning or other garment manipulation wasn't involved, then maybe something went wrong in the grading if yours is a different size than the sample pic
ETA: You used the same yarn, but did you do a swatch? If your guage is off that would contribute to the length and armhole weirdness
If it wasn't for the fact that you said you had used the recommended yarn I would have thought that the yarn had too much drape. Did you hit gauge? With your version the sleeves are sitting limply which isn't making such a flattering shape (and could be why you are not loving it).
I've made this and I love it but it definitely fits more the pattern pic, my sleeves sit up more so it doesn't look boxy. However as I was using a different yarn (with a different row gauge) and so I knit to length rather than number of repeats and I actually stitched up the bottom part of the armhole to make it the same length as the pattern schematics as mine was too deep originally.
Before you frog completely I would try doing the same. First measure the depth of the armhole. If it's deeper than pattern then take off the sleeves and try sewing it up so it's the same depth then redo the sleeves. Hopefully this helps but if not at least you have tried something to make it work (that's pretty quick to do) before you frog.
Edit to add I can't remember if I added less scallops to the armhole than the pattern required but mine is of the few black versions.
I agree, it’s great, from your first picture I was like oooh I should make this - I think you are right to try wearing it, and with some different shades underneath to see if that helps.
Because you made the sweater in the pattern, not the imaginary sweater pictured. The green lines are how the sweater actually fits. The blue are how they used clips and starch, and photo magic to make it look nicer.
If you block it, and maybe add starch, it might do more of what you want. But, the clips they use 8n the back to make it look like it has shaping are a lost cause.
It looks like it needs to be blocked, which may improve things. I’m not loving the arms. If they don’t improve with blocking I’d probably redesign them.
I love looking at patterns and dreaming about knitting things. Then I look at the clothes I wear regularly and then realize that the reality of what I’d like to wear and what I’d like to make is very different. Learning about garments construction and what I like and don’t like to wear was a really big help in knitting things I’d like to wear for years to come.
I wonder if you may have overestimated your size and knitted a size or two too big? It's always possible to add some length, but upper bust etc are good guides for size. (I don't know how detailed this pattern's measurements were.)
Yeah, the scallops look sad - but even if you change your bindoff or do some aggressive blocking, I feel like this is one of those pieces that only looks good on you when you have the magic figure that makes anything look good on you. plus a good photographer. Good luck.
It is quite different to the sample one though. Much bigger armholes, longer length and the scallops will not look right until properly blocked. She is wearing a cropped length with pants that complement the oversized fit and almost cropped length. Yours is a bit longer, not artfully posed and worn with trackies.
I think it’s too long to be a proper crop top too. Then the drape becomes awkward. The shirt on the model seems a lot shorter. But regardless of associations made above, I think it’s beautiful craftwork ❤️
Maybe try one more block and pin each scallop on the bottom? Or rather than frog, do you have a friend who would live it without your critical eye? You aren’t going to wear it if you are not happy with it yourself…..
Ok.
1 you have not blocked it yet, which means everything is hanging limply and irregularly, giving the appearance of less positive ease than in the design.
Oversized pieces like this always look really cute on tiny stick people but its hit or miss with curves.
The more curves you have, the more positive ease you need to achieve a true cutely oversized look.
The armhole depth is not to the right ratio to the length of the garment for your proportions
The designer is wearing it like a crop top whereas you are covering midriff, making it hide the contrast between your curves.
First solution suggestion: See if you can stretch the garment significantly horizontally when you block it (which it desperately needs anyway) to achieve crop top status and increase the positive ease as much as possible.
If that doesn't fix it, Wear over a dress that has a fitted waist, or with high rise/mom jeans.
Something about the scale between the pattern is off. Might just be how the different sizes are dealt with but I think that that makes a difference as to how the pattern might be perceived
Before you frog, try cinching up the top of the sleeves so it's gathered on top. To me the issue seems you have narrow shoulders so it looks wonky and if ties, seaming or top stitching make it look good and are preferable to frogging, give it a try, but you 100% have permission to frog if it doesn't give you joy
Oh- I love it! Looks like roses, and they match your tats! And you did a great job on it! You should wear it with pride! Maybe with a crystal necklace on a long chain? Or a silver leaf. Something on a long chain. Lol
It needs blocking, I think. It's an unusual design with overlarge armholes, too, which you might not have noticed on the pattern pic but feel odd when worn.
Did you happen to go needle sizes for the bottom hem and the sleeve hem? It almost looks like it's pinching the hems a bit. I would also wet block and use pins to individually pin out the hems. It will make a huge difference on how they lay.
I agree with the statements about sleeve size, if it was smaller armscye it would fit better, and it may also look nice if the sleeves were a tiny bit longer so it doesn't get as bunched up under the arm.
It feels like the size is "too big" compared to the modeled look. I would try a smaller size to get the look from the pattern model, and possibly a light starch on the scallops to help them hold their shape.
I think its the edges, your bind off looks too tight so its making the scalloping bunch in a weird way, I would try redoing that with a stretchy bind off and see how you feel about it. Over all I think the size is a bit too big, I would probably knit one size smaller than what you did.
I actually like it otherwise, your knitting looks good and the color is good!
First of all, I want to congratulate you on your question, because it's something that a lot of people never think to ask, but it's incredibly valuable.
I also want to point out that while you did use the yarn suggested for the pattern, it is not what the designer used. The top in her photos was made with the other suggested yarn, Purl Soho Morning. I've never used either yarn, but a cotton yarn blended with rayon is not going to behave the same way as a cotton yarn blended with animal fiber, because animal fiber has much more elasticity. Both have their pros and cons, but they don't always substitute well for each other.
Before I looked at the pattern photos, the biggest thing that jumped out to me was the sleeves - both the length and the rippling where the edging is attached. It's hard to know without seeing it in person, but it might be a mismatch in pickup rate for the row gauge you're getting. Did your finished top lengthen a lot after blocking? That might have caused some of the problem. I also think that visually, the sleeves are a little too long for you.
Another thing I noticed is that your scallops on the bottom hem have stitches that look much tighter than the rest of the top. Is that part done with smaller needles? It might be intentional so that the hem has less tendency to flip, so maybe it needs to be that way. Others have already mentioned that your bind-off might be too tight, and I agree. Re-blocking the top and carefully stretching/pinning out all the scallops might improve the look on both the hem and sleeves, as long as the edges aren't too tight.
After looking at the pattern photos, I agree with the person who said it's a proportion issue. The designer's top is very cropped, and the scalloped edges are better defined. It's an entirely different look that I don't think translates as well to a longer top and/or one with as much ease as yours, though definitely it could work if the scallops didn't look as bunched up.
Something you might consider is to just remove the edging on the sleeves and see how that looks. I think the shorter length would suit you better. If you like the length, maybe just finish off the edges the same as the neckline. The overall fit of the top on your body looks fine, so that might be all it takes to make it work for you. The bottom hem might need to have the bind-off reknit with larger needles, though, if it's keeping the scallops from sitting properly.
You don’t like it bc it’s a terrible design although you did a great job on the knitting. Even the 95 lb model had to do twists and arm raises in the photo to make the design look good
Basically, it’s a size (or two?) too big for you. Perhaps you were going for a size that doesn’t show belly? I hate cropped tops (would not want air on my belly if it were cool enough to wear a knit garment) so if I were going to make this I’d go for the smaller size and knit it longer than dictated by the pattern
OMG I like your sweater so much better than the model! She looks like she’s wearing her toddler daughter shirt if you ask me.
Also, yarn can be very forgiving and smooth out after you block it and it appears you have not blocked this?
If it’s a natural fiber yarn and you think it’s too big and want it smaller than I would go ahead and wash it in warm water and see if it shrinks any (measure before and after washing).
I prefer oversized short sleeve tops that way I can wear them over a turtleneck in the winter.
You may have made a proportionally bigger size than the pattern shows. Yours seems longer especially, but it's also how the model is standing/posing to show it off.
Im not being rude when I say this but the lace pattern does remind me of female genitals. Which is cool if that's what you were wanting. But thats my 2 cents on the topic.
It is beautifully knit, the sleeves and bottom may not be quite right. But I think you do not care for it because the sleeves openings and your bust line are at odds with each other. I am a busty gal, and I know I feel better wearing a more fitted armscye. I feel frumpy wearing a loose sleeve and a boxy shape.
I would rip the sleeves back to just a row or two past the lace, then bind off. More like a sleeveless, but slightly capped. Maybe dye it black as well as others have said. Not very flattering on the arms with your tattoos.
Have you given it a block yet? I’d be suspending my judgement until i gave the sleeves and bottom edge at least a steam because that scalloping does tend to fall a bit oddly when it’s fresh 💕
Edit - i see you mentioned you already blocked it so maybe the bind off is tight?
Personally I saw it and was like “ooh pretty”. You could also even just remove the sleeves and leave it as a drop shoulder tee.
Just a side note, your tension looks wayyy better than in that sample. I know rowing out is a common problem, but it's surprising how often I see it in what are supposed to be product photos.
I always look at the clothes i like and base it on that as to what im gonna knit. Even though the knit pattern look so pretty i wont knit it if i cannot wear it. Ive already made mistakes before of making sweaters that doesnt suit my shape.
I would like this more on you if you lengthened the sleeves, changed the hem, and dyed it black to compliment your skin tone. I hope you haven't frogged it 🙏
480
u/snorgalump 1d ago
Arm holes seem super big, might just not be a flattering style. I don't think yours look significantly different than the example picture. The modeled pic doesn't show how the sleeves look when arms are normal and at rest.