The reason "fit" is so important

We knitters spend a LOT of time to ensure we have good "fit."

We spy a pattern we love, and we begin to envision the finished garment and how it will be worn. We fantasize about wearing that particular item and how perfect it will be when we've finished it.
To that end, we might search out the specified yarn and begin to swatch. We painstakingly measure stitches and rows to ensure we have gauge. If we don't hit it dead on the first time, then we change needles and try again.

Or we might decide to substitute yarn, in which case we contemplate the diameter of the yarn, the characteristics of the fiber the yarn is made with, the availabilty of what's in our stash, the type of fabric said yarn will create, and a hundred other things before we even start that first swatch.

Then, if we like the substituted yarn, we aim for gauge. Lord help us if we have a yarn with which we can't make gauge, or we don't like the feel of the fabric in gauge. For then, it's off to find a calculator and revise the pattern in our new gauge to ensure a good "fit."

We also consider the shaping of the garment we're going to make. whether it has negative or positive ease, and how it will hang on our body. We may alter a pattern to have shorter or longer sleeves, fall above or below our hips, change the neckline, and add or remove shaping.

We measure, consider, measure again, go out to buy a mannequin (or occassionally, make our own body double using a t-shirt and duct tape).

Then we knit, try on, frog, re-knit, and repeat ad infinitum until we finally have a garment that is perfectly suited to us.

All in an attempt to get good "fit."

But, there are some people who never consider "fit." Some people just buy clothing off a shelf or rack and never consider how the garment should "fit."

There can be sad consequences for ignoring "fit."

Imagine the following:

You have just made it through your wedding ceremony and have stepped out on the front steps of the church. The photographer raises his camera. Following a family tradition, both of you hold white doves which you will release together.

You and your new spouse stand shoulder to shoulder, each with a dove in your hands as your friends and family eagerly wait.

The photographer gives the signal and you both open your hands toward the sky. Not a dry eye anywhere, the camera flashes; the moment is saved for eternity...




THIS is why "fit" is important.