Finding Your Perfect Fit with Simone
One of my favorite things about a Video KAL (knit-along) is seeing how your sweaters come to life. The Simone Sweater Video KAL is no exception! Designed as a bottom-up circular lace yoke sweater—with two versions (cap sleeve and ¾ sleeve), 12 sizes, and tons of video tutorials—Simone gives you the tools to tailor your sweater to your body.
This class isn’t just about following a pattern—it’s about learning how to own your knitting: from understanding gauge and shaping to modifying neckline and sleeve fit. You don’t need to conform to a standard size—you can make the Simone sweater yours.
Let’s take a look at just a few of the incredible Simones out there, knit by some of the lovely ladies in our community:
Amanda — Size 1 Top
- Bust: 31 ¾”/80.5 cm
- 3 ¾” of positive ease over upper torso, 1 ½” of positive ease over full chest
- Yarn used: Green Mountain Spinnery Sylvan Spirit
- Modifications: Shortened the sweater by 1 ½”
Amanda’s lace was a bit looser than her stockinette, resulting in slightly more ease and a wider neckline than planned—but she was still happy with the fit.
Amanda – Size 1 Tee
- Bust: 31 ¾”/80.5 cm
- Yarn used: DK weight, 50% fine merino wool, 30% linen, 20% silk
- Modifications: Shortened the sweater by 3”
After practicing the lace, Amanda nailed gauge for the tee.
“I consider myself an experienced knitter, but I always learn something new when I take a Patty Lyons class. The skills and sweater tutorials always include a gem of information that alone makes the cost of the pattern and class worth it! Be assured, there are many “gems” in the Simone sweater class that will benefit every level knitter.”—Amanda
Valerie – Size 1 sleeves / Size 2 body Top
- Bust: 34” / 86 cm
- Yarn: Green Mountain Spinnery Sylvan Spirit
- Modifications: Shortened by 1½”
Valerie knit her sleeves first and got gauge, but her body and yoke came out at a looser gauge (22 sts per 4”), resulting in a hybrid fit—Size 1 sleeves and closer to a Size 2 body. It wasn’t intentional, but she ended up thrilled with the fit.
“When I make a Patty Lyons garment, I know I will be happy with the result. Patty provides all the tools and support a knitter needs for guaranteed success. The class includes detailed video and written tutorials for the techniques needed to create a polished and professional garment. She also provides comprehensive instructions for achieving proper fit. I have been knitting for decades but still learned new tricks and techniques.”—Valerie
Eileen – Size 2 pattern, ended up Size 4 Tee
- Bust: 38¼” / 97.5 cm
- Yarn: Green Mountain Spinnery Sylvan Spirit
- Modifications: Knit to a looser gauge unintentionally
Eileen knit the size 34” at a slightly looser gauge, unintentionally ending up with a larger finished size—and a fit she loves. She originally planned to gift the tee to a friend but didn’t double-check gauge in her excitement (she was literally boarding a plane after some big personal wins, including finally seeing Hamilton after 8 years!). In the end, the sweater stayed with her—her friend’s loss!
“What I love about Patty’s class is that you learn not only how to knit this pattern, but important skills that you can transfer to other projects. I not only have an adorable new tee but also have become a better knitter in the process!”—Eileen
Jo – Size 4 Top
- Bust: ~39½” (after gauge shift)
- 4″ positive ease (upper torso), 3″ (full chest)
- Yarn: Green Mountain Spinnery Sylvan Spirit
- Modifications: Narrowed hip by casting on smaller size, added waist shaping
Jo’s lace and row gauges ran a bit large, leading to a wider neckline—but she used one of my tutorials to adjust it. She was happy with the result and plans to knit her next version in Size 3.
“As always, Patty’s class is well thought out and easy to understand. If you just follow through all the tutorials you will end up with a beautiful sweater!”—Jo
Debra – Size 5 Tee
- Bust: 40½” / 103 cm
- 1″ positive ease (upper torso), 0″ (full chest)
- Yarn: Numa DK (Merino/Silk/Bamboo)
- Modifications: None
“Patty’s classes are fabulous, I always learn new things that improve my Knitting knowledge. I often find myself referring to previous videos, using both her patterns and others.“—Debra
Shirley – Size 5 Top (finished at Size 6)
- Bust: 42¼” / 107.5 cm
- 4″ positive ease (upper torso), 1″ (full chest)
- Yarn: Valley Superwash Merino
- Modifications: Gauge was slightly tighter than recommended
Shirley’s gauge was 5.75 sts per inch—not a huge difference, but it added 2” overall to the sweater. She had hoped for a slightly snugger fit.
“There are lots of video tutorials and help all along the way. The designs are great and flattering on all body types. And knitting with the Patty Lyons community is lots of fun!”—Shirley
Michelle – Size 7 Top
- Bust: 46¼” / 117.5 cm
- 2 1/4″ positive ease (upper torso), 3/4” positive ease (full chest)
- Yarn: Valley Grandville Sport
- Modifications: None
Becky – Size 7 Tee
- Bust: 46¼” / 117.5 cm
- 9″ positive ease (upper torso), 6″ (full chest)
- Yarn: Haydenville DK
- Modifications: Chose oversized fit on purpose
Becky intentionally chose a larger size to achieve a relaxed, oversized fit with a deeper yoke. It’s a great reminder—ease is YOUR choice!
“Lacework in a sweater? Yes, you can!”—Becky
JuliAnne – Size 8 Tee (for her daughter)
- Bust: ~51″
- 7″ positive ease (upper torso), 1″ (full chest)
- Yarn: Green Mountain Spinnery Sylvan Spirit
- Modifications: Shortened body, adjusted sleeve BO placement for bust
JuliAnne said, “I knit the sweater for my daughter, shortening the body by 1.5 inches to better fit her torso. I also adjusted the sleeve split for a smoother back and better bustline fit, using Patty’s guidance on measuring the front and back to place the bind-offs just right. It made all the difference!”
“Patty’s sharp designs, deep understanding of stitch mechanics, and skillful use of technology create an exceptional learning and knitting experience!”—JuliAnne
Sharon – Size 9 Top
- Bust: 51″ (adjusted from 53″)
- 2″ positive ease (upper torso), 0″ (full chest)
- Yarn: Color Knit Picks Comfy Cotton
- Modifications: Adjusted body and sleeve length, followed neck tutorial
Sharon used the modified neck finishing—binding off and picking up stitches—to prevent stretching, and the neckline turned out just right! Next time, she plans to increase every 5 rows for a slightly shorter sleeve.
“This is a beautiful sweater. Another winner from Patty.”—Sharon
I hope this post shows just how many ways Simone can be made to work for your body and your style.
Ready to make Simone your own? Join the Simone video sweater class (KAL) today—cast-on is open, and your dream sweater awaits!
