I wore the Marietta Tank for the author photo on the back cover of Knitted Tanks and Tunics. It is one of my favorite designs in the book, but I decided to wear it (and not one of the other designs) for two reasons: because it fits me well, and because the color is very flattering.
I'm not tall, and I had to make the samples for the book patterns in a size that would fit a model (not me), so many of the book garments are a little long in the waist for my body. The Marietta Tank is slightly cropped, so the narrowest part of the waist hits me just right-- at my natural waist. That is an important consideration for the best fit whenever a knitted garment has waist shaping. In fact, I included a section in the book called "Making Sure Your Knits Fit," which includes how to change the position of waist shaping if necessary. Generally, a top will be most flattering if the narrowest part of the waist shaping falls at or slightly above the natural waist.
I'm also fond of this design because I find twisted stitch patterns both pretty and fun to knit (especially once you learn how to work the twists without a cable needle!). I love the elegant little twisted rib cable that runs from the hem up the center front and back, and then splits to frame the twisted stitch panel on the front. I enjoyed designing that panel, but It was a challenge to grade all of the sizes so that the panel starts at the right place for each one.
You can also wear Marietta with the panel in the back, and the V-neck in the front, which is another plus for this design.
And finally, the yarn I used, Rowan Softyak DK, is an unusual and lovely yarn, produced in heathered shades, and constructed of mostly cotton with a bit of yak and nylon. The yak and nylon help it hold its shape, while its chained construction gives the finished fabric a nice drape, and makes it resistant to splitting while it is being worked.
(all photos copyright Tom Moore Studios)