Make Room on Your Bookshelf for Your New BFF

So you knit. And you read my blog (thank you again for that, I know it's been awhile since I last said that), so you're probably interested in knitting sweaters, whether or not you actually knit sweaters yourself. If you knit sweaters, you probably have a collection that you aren't as happy with than when you set out on that 1200+ yard oddyssey, right?

 

As a sweater knitter, maybe you make good sweaters that look just like the pattern photo. Your gauge and yarn are a perfect match, the seams are tight and professional looking, your buttonholes sing, your color choice -- da bomb. But then comes that moment when you put the thing on, look in the mirror, and are disappointed with what you see. You might think it's you: your swimmer's shoulders, your short legs. What a shame. You're wearing a sweater that doesn't make you feel awesome for having made something with your own hands, you've only succeeded in reminding yourself about what you hate in the mirror.

Enter Amy Herzog, your best defense against having this ever happen again.

For sure, you know Amy. But in the unlikely case that you you don't know Amy, allow me to introduce the two of you. Amy Herzog has been teaching and designing with the laser focused purpose of empowering knitters to make flattering sweaters. She has been workshopping her ideas all over the country for the last two years, refining her data and helping knitters of all shapes and sizes get real about what will work for their unique selves, and now she's distilled it all into a great package anyone who knows the way to their local bookshop can get their hands on.

 

With the double release this month of both her Craftsy class and her book Knit to Flatter, anyone who's ever wanted to take a class with Amy now has accesss to her clothing smarts. The online class and the book function as compliments to each other, and are certain to make their way into every sweater knitter's basic toolbox. The bonus is that the book also includes 18 patterns designed to cover the bases, and to help you knit that first (or next) perfect-for-you sweater.

Her voice will remind you of your BFF, guiding you in your choices, reminding you of what "works". Like any "guide" book, there are sure to be moments when you might doubt such universal advice can apply to you all the time, but Amy herself is quick to point out that your personal preference trumps what she suggests. But you will likely find that she's right most of the time. There is no better advice than to knit what makes you happy, but when you take Amy's advice, what makes you happy will be a sweater that makes you feel as beautiful as you already are.

 

Interested in other blogger's take on Amy's book?  She's making the rounds this week on her Knit to Flatter Blog Tour.

Monday, April 15: Rock and Purl - Ruth Garcia-Alcantud

Tuesday, April 16: Mind of Winter - Julia Trice

Wednesday, April 17: Mary Jane Mucklestone

Thursday, April 18: Moth Heaven - Julia Farwell-Clay (that's me!)

Friday, April 19: Baby Cocktails - Thea Colman

Saturday, April 20: Knitting At Large - Julie Matthews

Sunday, April 21: ADD Knitter

Monday, April 22: Savory Knitting - Amy Christoffers

Tuesday, April 23: Carole Knits

Comments

[Katie K]

The purple sweater on the model looks fine, but the skirt and the shoes really don't work. Everyone ultimately needs to use their best judgment.

[Stephanie]

One of my knitting crew got this from the library and brought it to knit night last night. It really is as great a book as all the bloggers are saying. It's motivating me to really get my act together and not only make myself a sweater I will love and feel good about but also to frog all my WIPS that are stalled at nearly done and sitting because I'm not thrilled with them.

[Naomi]

What a great book!

[k a t]

I have a library copy and it is definitely convincing me this is a book worth owning! Lots of good information presented in a readable format.

[Chris C.]

I'm dying to get my hands on this book! I just had my first sweater disaster -- a sweater I would absolutely LOVE if only I could get it to stop falling right off my shoulders! Maybe Amy can help me rescue it :-)

[Quinnwick]

I need lots of help making flattering sweaters... This book looks like it may be exactly what I need.

[Sandy]

I have no idea how to make a flattering sweater. It looks to me as though this book is just what the doctor ordered!

[Virginia]

I would love to knit a sweater that flatters my unshaped shape. Hopefully this book would help

[mary jo]

I have a feeling that this book is a must have and I need a copy for my knitting book shelf. I might have to go out and look this weekend.

[duni]

that wrap sweater (just for starters) looks amazing! i loved Amy's FtoF series on her blog. i'm sure the book is even better and i can't wait to check it out.

[drleonesse]

Have it! Love it!

[Margaret]

I need all the help I can get with knitting to fit!

[Eileen D]

I think this book will be my BD present to myself :)

[ikkinlala]

I definitely think I need a copy of this book, and I'm not even a sweater knitter (yet!).

[Joanne]

A must add to my reference library!

[Naomi]

What a nice book with great information and patterns.

[Aparna Mulgund]

This is a great giveaway. This seems like a must have book for any knitter.

[Susan]

I have enough yarn in my stash for two sweaters, but I'm scared to start them. I'm just SO afraid of putting in all that time and then not being able to wear the product. I have been following Amy's blog for a while now, and I'm very impressed with her work. If I don't win this book, I think it will be my birthday present to myself!

[Hanni]

I think it is a great book! I will always have room on my bookshelf for this one :)

[Jen Anderson]

Love Amy! This book went right on my Wish List.

[Melody]

Looks like a good book.

[k a t]

Just fyi, the links aren't working correctly for me, thought I'd let you know.