Yarns and Necklines

Yarns and Necklines for Lollipops, Apples and the occasional Hourglass.

I must now discuss chests, bosoms, and over-the-shoulder-boulder-holders. Hour glasses, Lollipops and Apples this is for you. Asparagus you will be discussed as well so read on for some good advice any way. Spring is upon us so let’s start with tank tops.

Yarn is really important! No seriously. I realize that allergies to wool and physical need of mohair can lead to very specific choices for knitters and non-knitters alike. My plea is that you also consider that the drape of the yarn should be the first thought when planning a top to wear, at least as far as whether or not you want to flatter your body or create a visual roller coaster. For instance, this week’s blog is about picking a yarn that will drape over your shape nicely and enhance your attributes.

Case in point; a bra-less tank top looks good only on ladies with a very small bra cup size and chest width, who has no other curves,i.e. Asparagus. For those with breasts a good bra is the first step. Get fitted for one in your local department store because in my profession, nine times out of ten, no matter her age, a woman is wearing the wrong bra size when she comes into my office. A woman’s breasts can change size slightly just during the month so imagine how a few pounds over the years (up or down) can also affect a woman’s cup size. Step one "get a good foundation bra". For ladies of the fruitier variety, when picking a pattern for a tank top go with a style with wide enough straps to hide your bra straps and to not slip off of your shoulders.

Necklines are the very most important part of the design of any top whether it is a sleeveless tank or not. Choose a wide open neck line for a curvy chest because styles such as a halter top that wraps up around the neck in the center of the chest would make the breasts below look too big compared to the head and shoulders, think pendulums. Not good. Instead go with a wide, open neckline. This looks great on a curvy chest because the breasts look balanced by the width of the neck and shoulders revealed above them. A little skin revealed is nice, it catches the light, just remember that cleavage is not necessary before 5pm so think outside the bra. And about the yarn…

Yarn? Well that depends, do you want maximum sex appeal or comfort and machine washable fiber? Maximum sex appeal would be perfectly achieved by any yarn that is shiny or drapey and clings to your bosom such as silk, soy and bamboo blends (again this is more for the small chests with very little shape to drape). However for everyday wear or for a little modesty like hiding your bra lines go with more flattering yarns like the corn blend A-MAIZing, milk blends like Craft or a hemp blend like Rock. These yarn blends in my experience are breathable, durable and have a drape that hides bras and extra little bumps more evenly than the really fine gauge yarns.

My blog next week will cover how to wear silks and bamboo blends on Apple shapes. In the mean time for lighter weight yarns that you want to wear year round I suggest sewing in a liner or wearing a camisole or tee shirt underneath your knit-wear and you will smooth out most drape issues and add seasons to your wardrobe. For cold weather gals, avoid super bulky yarns, which will add real inches to your curves instead of smoothing over them and enhancing their shape.

Until Next Week…

Lena Walker Smith

Comments

[becka]

Thank you, very good neckline and draping info! I happen to have red A-maizing which will make a too cute tank!
happy knitting and God Bless
becka

[lynne s of oz]

Thanks for the info - most amusing and something I shall put into practice, not that I am asparagus, apple or a lollipop :-)

[lena walker smith]

Hey thanks for the responses girls. Don't worry if the first few aren't about your figure in particular, some blogs will be general and some specific. I haven't even started with pear shapes yet. We Pear Shapes have to stick together. Summer is coming so I'll be touching on several patterns for summer wear and accessories, and no one will be left out, keep in touch!
Lena Walker Smith