Weeks of searching: A empire waist/baby doll type sweater??

Dishrag · 05-11-2009, 12:11 PM

I've googled and googled till my googler is sore!

I'm looking for an empire waist, baby doll type sweater like one sees in all those "Forever 21" type stores. I want to be forever 21 too!

I've found a few candidates, but none quite right: some were cardigans, some had criss-crossing busts, most others had a ribbon to cinch the waist. I want something very simple and unadorned, like this lovely cashmere version:

http://www.shirtsnob.com/pictures/alevinebabydoll.jpg

Given the popularity of this style, I thought it would be easy to find online. But I give up! I just can't find it.

Ideas??

Many, many thanks!

Francy

Mirl56 · 05-11-2009, 06:27 PM

Have you seen these?
http://www.craftster.org/forum/index...6442.msg913405
http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEsummer08/PATTheyteach.html
http://www.blueskyalpacas.com/patter...patterns_ID=75
http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter07/PATTdahlia.html

Seems like most do have ribbon or a knit or crochet chain to draw them in under the bust. You could always run elastic on the inside if you didn't want it to show.

Dishrag · 05-13-2009, 02:34 AM

Thank you! I have seen those.

The alpaca one might work, if I can replace the ribbon with elastic.

I also really like the cabled one, but I need a more modest neckline, and long sleeves. I'm a new knitter, so I'm not so good at modifying pattern. I can make some changes...maybe. But I can't imagine that I'll do a very good job modifying a plunging neckline. It would probably come out puckery or uneven.

Hmmmmmm.

I also found a nice one (2 actually) at Annies Attic, but it is a cardigan. I'm sure there is a logical way to turn a cardigan pattern into a pullover pattern, but since I'd actually like to wear the result in public, I'm not sure I'm ready to figure it out.
http://image.drgnetwork.com/product/...seup/23354.jpg

Maybe if I buy the yarn at my local shop, the owner would help me a bit? (Or maybe not--last time I was browsing in there, they were complaining about customers wanting THEM to recalculate the pattern for a different gague.)

Francy

gulfcoastgal · 05-25-2009, 11:57 AM

THe summer issue of Interweave Knits had 2 with an empire waist
Look on Ravelry for how others modified them- added length/added a bit higher neck line etc

imrachel · 05-25-2009, 12:06 PM

I'd try www.garnstudio.com. They have loads of that sort of pattern, and all free.

suzeeq · 05-25-2009, 02:24 PM

To change a cardigan into a pullover, knit the fronts as one piece, then divide when you get to the neck shaping and follow the instructions for the shaping.

bambi · 05-25-2009, 02:43 PM

You could make this one in long sleeves:

http://www.patternworks.com/productd...ER-PATTERN.htm

Or close this:

http://www.patternworks.com/productd...OP-PATTERN.htm

Have you looked through patternfish.com? They have hundreds of patterns, too at a minimal cost.

Personally, I'd rather be 31 Forever!

Bambi

suzeeq · 05-25-2009, 03:27 PM

41 was a good age too....

JudiToots · 05-28-2009, 01:36 PM

Francy,

I really like the empire waist top that you included in your original post!

I had only a little bit of time to look this morning. I found 3 patterns that are similar but may entail more detail than what you desire.

http://www.garnstudio.com/lang/en/vi...d_id=3&lang=us
http://www.garnstudio.com/lang/en/vi...d_id=2&lang=us
http://www.garnstudio.com/lang/en/vi..._id=18&lang=us

I highly recommend looking at http://www.knittingpatterncentral.com and http://www.garnstudio.com. I didn't even get close to looking at all the patterns at Garn Studio.

Hope this helps.

Mirl56 · 05-28-2009, 04:23 PM

Shoot, 51 is starting to look pretty good too!

Good luck in your search, Francy!