Rationalization: The Sequel

I doubt that anyone but myself has noticed that I wrote a post chastising the writers of Big Girl Knits for subtitling their book "Projects Shaped for Real Women with Real Curves," and then turned around and happily accepted a commission to design a garment for the sequel, BGK2.  Still, I feel a need to justify this decision--if only to myself. 

I wrote my earlier post because I was offended by the implication that I'm not a real woman, simply because I'm not a Big Girl.  I submitted a design for BGK2 because it was a great opportunity for me to get my work published; I mean, what comes first, putting food on the table (figuratively speaking--if my income was feeding my family, we'd be pretty darned hungry right now), or salving my wounded pride ("You won't get a sweater design out of me, Jillian & Amy--so there!")?

And then, when my design was accepted, I bought Big Girl Knits, to have a clear idea of their design philosophy and to make sure my finished pattern fit their style.  And I have to say, it's a damn good book.  In fact, you should buy it!  (I'm not just saying that to boost their sales and make sure there is in fact a BGK2--really.)   Okay, if you're not a big girl, perhaps you don't need to add it to your knitting library, although sections about proper fitting and choosing flattering shapes will apply to anyone.  But I was impressed:  it's humorous and no-nonsense, and it contains a variety of attractive and original patterns.  This "Sandy Cardigan," for instance, designed by Emma Crew, is constructed ingeniously to allow you to use your favorite self-striping yarn, while at the same time creating a slimming silhouette.

And finally, I have to admit that if I was a Big Girl, I'd be pretty annoyed at the preferential treatment given to thin girls in our society.  (But I'll repeat:  real women come in all shapes and sizes!) 

Comments

[Persnickety Knitter]

Congrats on the pattern acceptance. I'll have to look through the proper fitting section of that book.

[Shandra]

Love that pattern! It's tied for first on the list of what to knit after my afghan is done. I say tied because I'm not sure if I want to knit it or an actual wrap first. I just wish ONE of the models in either book was shaped like me.