Joan McGowen – Michael has been a favorite designer of mine since I stumbled upon her many moons ago on the big Knitlist. JMM designs feminine knitwear for the Thick Chick and says that she likes for women of all sizes to feel sexy. As a foodie and Thick Chick, I can dig it. I can even remember buying an issue of Interweave Knits because she had some designs featured. I bought the issue, quite diligent I was when I knitted the lacy camisole and a thong to match. I won’t go into details, but let me note that knitted thongs and acrylic yarn have helped to shape my decision about yarn selection.
Anywho…
Her website, White Lies Designs, has been a wish list item for a while. I could have easily purchased patterns or the whole kit, but I cannot see myself paying for a pattern when the Internet and library has so many for free and my stash was beginning to take on a life of its own. When Queenie was in the hospital, one long over night stretch, I amused myself by reading every email that came through my Crackberry. Knitpicks was BEGGING me to look at their message about the new book dedicated to knickers and other naughties. Book buying ban over, I knew I HAD to have a copy.

I am a tad disappointed in the book.
Not the patterns, which I have read through and am anxious to make once I finish Mitten Mania. I even find the factoids before each pattern of interest.
For example:
*Howard Hughes masterminded the under wire bra. Only a man would design something torturous.
*French women wouldn’t be caught dead in mismatching undies. Yeah, try that with the laundry monster breathing down your neck.
What disappoints me is that Thick Chicks are not represented.

JMM is a Thick Chick and designed her items with this in mind. So why is her entire book full of scantily clad THIN blondes and brunettes? Has she not seen the average knitter? Not that we are all frumps, but we have some cushion and lady lumps. I know that I can PROVE that I love food each time I squeeze into my girdle before church.

JMM, don’t hate. appreciate! Lane Bryant or Ashley Stewart could have lent you a few of their plus size models for some of these items.

Keep the conversation going. Comments welcomed!