Mother-Daughter Knits: 30 Designs to Flatter & Fit by Sally Melville & Caddy Melville Ledbetter is a collection of knitting patterns by mother Sally and daughter Caddy. The patterns focus on fit to flatter whatever size and shape you are. The first chapter focuses on which patterns will fit your shape best, and how to adapt patterns to make them more flattering. The 30 patterns that follow are divided up by Melville. Mom’s patterns are more demure, while daughter’s patterns are a little funkier.
From Sally: “Camelot Coat” is a fit-and-flare jacket that hits at mid-thigh and has a military-inspired front placket. “Scarf-Closing Cardigan” is a awkward piece – a cardigan that laces closed with a scarf rather than buttons. The scarf lacing is uneven and looks awkward, but I like that it goes straight from the lacing to wrapped about the neck. “Classic Shirt” is a sheer, knitted take on the basic white button-down. “Swing Top” is a camisole tunic with panels to give it movement. I’m not really sure what makes the “Sophisticated Hoodie” so sophisticated: I guess it is the basketweave pattern on the back. “Cable-Edged Vest” is too small, too tight, and in general is an awkward fit. “Flirty Top” is a rather shapeless top with a peplum and ruffled bell sleeves. It is unattractive, and looks like an adult wearing a child’s party dress.
From Caddy: “Tabbed Cuffs” are a new take on the omnipotent knitted mitt. “The Slouch” is an updated shawl, knit into one continuous loop and accented by a touch of ruching. “Two-Way Shrug” is one of the most unique and attractive shrugs I have seen. The shrug looks like a standard short-sleeved shrug from the back, but resembles a cape in the front with its dramatically sloped shape. “Knit-Across Sweater” is a basic boat-neck pullover with banded hem. What sets it apart is the horizontal ribbing across the body. “Box-Pleat Skirt” is rather unattractive. It is unflattering and dowdy, and doesn’t seem to fit any season – too warm for summer, to summery for winter. “Reversible Tank Top” is a flattering piece with a cowl neck that can be worn in front or back.
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