Sizing Brigitta

I got an email from my dear friend Lynda about sizing Brigitta.  Let’s look first at the pattern’s size range. There are four sizes: 33, 36.5, 40, and 43.5.  The designer recommends that you choose the size that will give you between zero and 2 inches of ease.  So, when you’re deciding which size to make, measure around the fullest point of your bust and see which of the sizes is either the same or two inches larger.  For example, if your bust measures 38, knit the 40.   If your  bust is 36, knit the 36.5.  And let me just say, Ladies, the size of your bust is NOT your bra band.  Have someone measure you across your back and over your bust and don‘t squash the girls when you measure.   

What if your full bust measurement is 45 or 47, or more?  Does that mean you can’t knit this sweater?  No! I’ve looked at the pattern and you can easily add inches without compromising the design.  This gauge is about 2 stitches to the inch, so 8 stitches will take you up almost 4 inches.  16 stitches will take you up almost 8 inches.  You’ll add these stitches in the stockinette sections with no impact to the shaping in the pleats.  If you need to make Brigitta even larger, you’ll probably want to add some of the increases inside the pleats, which will require that you make additional decreases in the pleats.  Please don’t panic.  It will all be perfectly clear once the stitches are on your needle.   If you’re looking to make these modifications,  mention it when you come in for the yarn, and we’ll help you make the changes. 

You can also lengthen  Brigitta if you like; simply work extra rounds before the armhole shaping.  Be sure to take any extra length you need into account when you purchase your yarn.  I am making the size 36.5, and one skein of Sundae has gotten me  3 ½ inches in length.  Brigitta is much narrower after the shaping so one skein will probably get you more than 3 inches, but figure on an extra skein for every three inches in length. 

Tomorrow I’ll post about adding skeins when you’re knitting all in one piece, like with Brigitta.