In the Loop
Your letters, photos and tweets, plus a special offer for our overseas readers
Style debate
I would like to add my support to Lorna Irwin’s letter published in Issue 107, which asked for more patterns with higher necklines for older readers. Also over 70 but young at heart, I like a pattern but wonder how I can adapt the neckline so that I would not look like ‘mutton dressed as lamb’; ‘Naida’ by Jenny Watson is a very good example, I do not have the expertise to adapt the neckline, but love the overall design. Jenni Lewellyn via email I am of a similar age to Lorna Irwin and have to agree with her about the need for a few ‘keep me warm’ patterns. It seems pointless to knit something with yarn that gives warmth but leaves the mature lady shivering! Maureen Metcalf via email I have just read Lorna Irwin’s letter. Although I appreciate that some older women want ‘older women’ designs, I think that most of your designs are spot on! I am 65 and I like to dress on trend… it keeps you feeling and looking younger! My next project is your ‘Portobello’ tunic dress in Issue 105. Please don’t give up modern! Christine Bailey via email As a subscriber since Issue 1, I read Lorna Irwin’s letter and disagreed with her comment. Frankly, one of the reasons I don’t knit jumpers is because so few are designed with my preferred neckline, which would be a wide V or other lower style. I have a large bust, and don’t want to wear anything approaching a high neck. I am indeed over fifty, but if I begin to feel uncomfortable about the appearance of my neck, shrouding it in a polo neck is not going to be my way forward!
Issue 107 contained no sweaters with what I would consider a low neckline, and this is pretty much what I find with most issues and in fact with most published jumper patterns, from almost any outlet. (The three cardigans in 107 - I include the supplement pattern - are a different kettle of fish, obviously).
The USP of The Knitter was always supposed to be that you would publish patterns aimed at the more experienced knitter and be rather more on trend than perhaps some other magazines are. Please, choose the patterns you include based on exciting designs rather than any perceived reader demographic. You’ll never please everybody, so just stick to going for quality. Alison Keys via email
KIRSTIE SAYS: Lorna’s letter in issue 107 certainly generated lots of interesting discussion amongst our readers! Thank you for taking the time to contact us with your thoughts. We will take all your comments on board, and as always, we will aim to provide styles that will suit a range of tastes and body shapes.
Double delights
Thanks to Jen Arnall-Culliford for her clear instructions on double knitting (Masterclass, Issue 107). I’ve had two sock yarns in my stash that I knew had to do something together, and her article gave me the answer. So I spent a snowy day hunkered down with your magazine, my yarn, Radio 4 and plenty of cups of tea. And I am proud to say I think I have mastered the basics. I’ve cast on a snood and finished my first round. Helen Walters via email