Ugly Sweaters

This cartoon makes me laugh. And then it makes me cry.  Not really, but it is sad that hand knit sweaters have such a bad a rap.  The image of the ugly, ill-fitting sweater is powerful.  Wonky parts, garish colors, and itchy fibers.  And oh, the guilt as you thank the well-meaning someone who knitted it "just for you."  The ugly sweater even has its own TV trope.  It's an exaggeration, but not a wild one.  Let's look at the four aspects of an ugly sweater:

• Poor materials. As with anything, your finished product is only as good as the ingredients you put into it.  Cheap yarn is, well, cheap.  Low grade acrylic yarn doesn't breathe, it's uncomfortable to wear, and it pills like a big dog.  Plus craft yarn doesn't come in fashion colors, so it always looks just a little off.  But you're a Crazy for Ewe customer, and you already know that. 
• Bad Fit Exaggerated in film, but all too close to the truth is the sweater that doesn't fit right.  The best yarn in the world won't make up for a lousy fit.  Too big in the shoulders, not right in the bust, too short or too or long in the arms (or anywhere, for that matter) and you're looking at a major Ugh. 
• Wrong Style If a sweater doesn't suit your style and preferences, you're going to think it's ugly.  The fact is that ugly is in the eye of the wearer.  We all have different shapes, different aesthetics, and different challenge areas.  That's just the way of the world, and what looks terrible on one body will look wonderful on another.  Choosing a style that's flattering and fits your personal style essential.
• Poor finishing You know I'm a pretty chill knitter.  If I miss an increase on one row, I'll just do it on the next.  Extra stitch?  Just knit those suckers together.  But when it comes to finishing, I am a type A perfectionist.  It doesn't matter how beautiful your yarn, how perfect the fit, or how flattering the style, your sweater is only as good as the finishing. 

We've all seen ugly sweaters.  Heck, I've knit an ugly sweater or two myself.  It was part of my learning process, but it doesn't have to be part of yours.  I'm very excited that Crazy for Ewe is part of Amy Herzog's Custom Fit program.   With this program we can take your measurements and enter them into the computer (and save them, so it'll be there for all your future sweaters too). The program turns that information into a perfect custom pattern.   No more calculating increases or decreases to adjust shoulders, sleeves, or anything else.  The pattern is perfect for you, right out of the gate.   

As part of the kick off for this program we'll also be offering workshops that will help you choose sweaters that flatter your shape and suit your personal style.   Regular finishing seminars will ensure that you can put your sweater together professionally for a garment you'll love to wear for years to come.

Sound like fun?  We're still finalizing the details, mark your calendar for Sunday, July 26 for our first workshop.  If you want to be the first to know, comment on this post, and I'll add you to the preferred list, so you'll have first dibs on classes and other benefits.  

I look forward to seeing you in the Custom Fit Workshops and around the table  You are always welcome here.  

Ellen

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