I'd buy a sweater when it would involve any intarsia! I'd pretty much knit everything else (aran/cables, fair isle, even fine gauge).

LVaughn: Is there a local knitting store near you that you can take the picture to? Often a store will find a similar pattern and then you can make modifications.

LVaughn: Knitting satisfaction, in part, is saying "I could make that," and seeing it in Anthropologie is a thrill not a deterent. In fact, last year's Anthropologie catalog featuring sweaters that were taken directly from Twinkle's Big City Knit book was the reason that I purchased the book. As a twenty-something I seek out patterns that DO come from retail. No reason to spend weeks knitting something only to decide it really isn't in style.

Anyone know of a service that will create a pattern from a picture? I saw a sweater wrap I really like on the casuallivingusa.com website. It looks like it would be a cynch to knit and then I could get it in a better color.

The one from Anthropologie is the one being sold in the James Coviello shop. The snow drop jacket in VK Fall 08 is slightly different with placement of collar and buttons. The Anthropologie one is slightly see through. I am working on this jacket right now and I have change up the snop drop color to fit my style(amethyst/citrine) to silver/ice blue on black. Last year Anthropologie sold the Twinkle cowl-neck tunic for $200+.

To be honest, I think the one in VK looks nicer! Though some of those clothes are so gorgeous I couldn't believe my eyes. Just as well they don't ship to Australia (if they did, the duty would be a killer) -- I'd be broke(r).

If I see an adorable knit on sale that's affordable of course I'll buy it. There's only so much knitting I can get done, so I tend to buy things when they're needed and I can't get them knitted in time. I also need time out for my hobby of shawls, I've gotten a bit bored with socks. Now I'm spoilt about beautiful yarn, I can't even bear to *touch* most acrylic garments much less walk around in one.

I customize most things in colour, fit and design. DH says, 'Ready to go are we dear? Got the wrong yarn, the wrong needles and the wrong pattern all ready?' LOL

I've even been thinking of doing some finer knits on my in-laws knitting machine if I can get up the courage (I use a lot of cotton and silk as substitutes to get cooler garments too). I already substitute DK weight for Aran or worsted most of the time - just knit a 'bigger' size as DK is easiest to get here, and gets more months of wear.

I wonder, since you didn't specify, if James Coviello sold his design to Anthropologie, or did they knock it off?

I started knitting because of a $500 sweater I saw in a Fifth Avenue shop. My college budget didn't allow for such extravagance. It's nice to be able to change details from designer pieces whenever I wish and size it exactly the way I want it (I have long arms and all sweaters are too short for me). I buy sweaters for work because my office is more conservative and the thought of knitting stockinette on 0000 needles isn't a good use of my time.

Since I have a passion for the art or knitting, I enjoy the challenge of learning new stitch combinations (the more challenging the better) and making necessary adjustments to the guage for a perfect fit. Nothing compares to a theraputic calming afternoon of knitting with friends and sharing the passion. I would much rather have three handknit masterpiece sweaters in my closet than a dozen or so mass produced sweaters.

Since I began knitting, I am much more picky about buying sweaters. I am even knitting 'school uniform' sweaters for my kids: boring navy crewnecks in stockinette stitch. Why? Because I can use nicer yarn and get a better fit than the XS-S-M-L ones from the uniform store.

My husband now ONLY wants handknit hats, socks, and sweaters - so I wouldn't dream of buying him anything off the rack. For myself, I will purchase cashmere sweaters in bright colors during end of season sales. The prices tend to be really low and they are classic styles like V-necks and Cardigans. It would cost me more $ to buy the yarn, not to mention the time commitment I would have to make to knit an entire sweater in such a fine gauge.

I once went into Neiman Marcus with a girlfriend who fell in love with a sweater that was $700 (a good 15 years ago). I told her buy the yarn ($75) and I'll make it for you. Took me a weekend. It was the long haired mohair with some gold trim. That was a piece of cake.

I have stared at a sweater and drew out the design and made an aran from it.

So for me, it is the cost and the material. I will buy a cotton sweater from a dept store like Mervyns, Target, etc. But when it comes to style and quality of an aran or cashmere, I will tend to make it. If it comes to a style I love to wear but would hate to make such as some of the multi colors of Rowan, and argyle (spelling), I'd buy it as I will make some color changes but not the carry overs for the intricate designs and beautiful fashions that these designers create.

outdoork9lady

Fit and price.

That jacket is lovely, but not for $300+.

I like finding a pattern, selecting just the right yarn, and knitting it to fit so it is individual and special.

If I find something ready made in my color, fits, and it is affordable, then I will buy it.

; )