That's about the size of it

Negotiating the curves of knitting

Big Girl Knits: 25 big, bold projects
shaped for real women with real curves

Jillian Moreno and Amy R Singer (Potter Craft)

AUD$49.95/ISBN 0307336603

Sexy Little Knits: Chic designs to knit and crochet

Ashley Paige (Potter Craft)

AUD$47.95/ISBN 0307236579

Knitters tend to knit things that cover a multitude of sins—jumpers, coats, shawls—but these two publications are out to change that.

Big Girl Knits is more than just a pattern book for women of size 16 and up—it's a positive kick in the pants and a good friend in your ear. We're tempted to start handing out copies on the streets to women who are literally wearing defeat. There's useful advice throughout, including finding the best shapes for you and the importance of a great bra, and there are patterns to suit all ages and curve shapes. We were particularly keen on the '50s-pinup styled pullover and Michelle Katerberg's Laura Tee—a draped, shoulder-laced, zipped-at-the-side, fitted and flattering top knitted in hemp. Added bonuses: a list of 32 'essential reads for big girls'—recommended books which cover fashion, lifestyle, knitting, and sewing. There's a second book on the way.

Sexy Little Knits is a collection of designs aimed at teenagers or women who look like them. We want to like what Ashley has done here, but we have that grandmotherly voice in our head counselling over the fruitlessness of a pattern which doesn't have clear photos of the garment. There are boyfriends, dogs, models with great teeth...but what about a front-on shot of the v-neck dress without the accessories so we can see how it's meant to hang?

There are caveats with most of the patterns here. For example, several garments meant to be worn next to the skin, like the 'cozy sleeper', are knitted in extra fuzzy fibres (angora, mohair, etc). Consider the felting properties of such and then imagine them exposed to moisture and movement at the underarms and other bits...so the cosy sleeper could be very uncosy after a while.

While the bikinis look great on the models, for the average knitter, modifications may be necessary. As blogger Crazy Aunt Purl puts it: '[I loved] the mesh nightie...although I would make it shorter rather than longer and also, I would have all my cellulite sucked out surgically. But the very idea that someone is out there providing easy-to-read patterns of hoochie little knits makes me happier.'

What makes us happy is the author's careful selection of yarns—for instance the Australian yarn Kaalund Enchanté is used to make a silk bikini(!)—and useful advice on substituting the yarns mentioned.

Maybe what's required here is a change in attitude: these things may require a major self-confidence overhaul, but what the heck—you only live once, right? So let it all hang out, and go crochet that silver-spangled bikini bottom. —kylie gusset