Knitter answering your question: the gaps in the knit that you noticed not keeping the wind out has to do with gauge. Knitting needles have different sizes, or gauges, like most tubular objects (wire, piercings, etc). The babaa sweaters are likely knitted with a larger gauge needle than you would normally see with the weight of yarn used here (seems like a bulky or super bulky weight). This is likely for two reasons: 1, it knits up faster, and 2, the density of the knit would increase with a smaller gauge needle. This leads to a HEAVY final piece. It also wouldn’t have the drape that is most likely just a design choice on babaa’s part, rather than a more structured piece. In conclusion, nothing is wrong, certain choices were made over others, but from my perspective I would be more worried about threads snagging, etc. That said I’m currently working on a sweater with a similar density of knit and it seems like it will be comfortable!
Oh this makes so much sense!! Have some fantastic vintage wool sweaters and while they look nearly new they def have very little “drape” and are HEAVY! Not a knitter so this is fun to understand better :))
Thank you for this, it is very light for its size indeed. I was suspecting as much and I've accepted that if I want a tighter, smaller gauge knit, I should get it from somewhere else!
Lin! Love this crossover! One of my biggest *sighhhhssss* in my fashion life is that I am SO sensitive to wool 😭 This sweater is beautiful and I would want one in a heartbeat if I could wear it.
That is a shame! Wool is one of my favourite materials ever, it's just magical how it can be made into so many different textiles. I've noticed so many kinds of wool become more mainstream these days (like yak wool), maybe one day you'll find something that works for you!
I have a Babaa sweater and love it! I consider myself fairly wool sensitive but it doesn’t bother me (I do wear a thin long sleeved shirt underneath it for that reason). Highly recommend!
When I saw this email come in, I knew I had to read it right away! I have wanted a Babaa sweater for 2 years now! And I'm so glad you put this right at the top: "Let’s get one thing out of the way — if you like baby soft cashmere jumpers, this jumper is not for you. If you like slim-fitting, smooth-textured jumpers (think merino), this jumper is also not for you." - am i slightly disappointed yes? lol Because I love the oversized look
I have read (but not personally tried) that wool jumpers blended with a bit of cotton (especially pima cotton) are smoother and softer overall, while retaining the kind of texture and volume that makes wool knits special... that seems to the usual mix for Lauren Manoogian, who does gorgeous knitwear, maybe that's something to consider? This brand from Canada also does a similar mix - https://www.bareknitwear.ca/collections/essentials/products/uma-rollneck-granite. That said, options are so out of my budget that it'll be while before I can verify this myself..
I have two babaa sweaters, one cardigan and one jumper, both in cotton. I love the colors, but the knit is SO heavy! I also wish they would increase their size range. I am 5'3'' and without the right styling, sometimes they do overwhelm me.
Also 5'3" checking in! Between Lin and another friend with the no 17, I knew I either couldn't get a Babaa or needed to pick the right style because my torso is too short and I end up looking like I borrowed from the men's section.
Love wearing a giant wool sweater instead of a jacket when the weather is just right for it :) this was such a fantastic review, both giving the sweater and brand credit where due but also explaining that it’s not a magic bullet! I have a ton of oversize heavy wool sweaters (including one very precious Merlot aran knit by a neighbor as a going-away gift when my mom was moving to the US! 💗) and I don’t need any more hahah. But I can admire all the very evident thought and care that goes into babaa sweaters from afar 🧶🧶🧶
Knitter answering your question: the gaps in the knit that you noticed not keeping the wind out has to do with gauge. Knitting needles have different sizes, or gauges, like most tubular objects (wire, piercings, etc). The babaa sweaters are likely knitted with a larger gauge needle than you would normally see with the weight of yarn used here (seems like a bulky or super bulky weight). This is likely for two reasons: 1, it knits up faster, and 2, the density of the knit would increase with a smaller gauge needle. This leads to a HEAVY final piece. It also wouldn’t have the drape that is most likely just a design choice on babaa’s part, rather than a more structured piece. In conclusion, nothing is wrong, certain choices were made over others, but from my perspective I would be more worried about threads snagging, etc. That said I’m currently working on a sweater with a similar density of knit and it seems like it will be comfortable!
Brilliant explanation! Thank you!
Oh this makes so much sense!! Have some fantastic vintage wool sweaters and while they look nearly new they def have very little “drape” and are HEAVY! Not a knitter so this is fun to understand better :))
Thank you for this, it is very light for its size indeed. I was suspecting as much and I've accepted that if I want a tighter, smaller gauge knit, I should get it from somewhere else!
Lin! Love this crossover! One of my biggest *sighhhhssss* in my fashion life is that I am SO sensitive to wool 😭 This sweater is beautiful and I would want one in a heartbeat if I could wear it.
Wahhh! I am also quite sensitive but found the cotton version Babaa sells to be super comfy and warm if that’s any help!
Ooooooo I didn’t realize they did cotton!!! Yay!!!
That is a shame! Wool is one of my favourite materials ever, it's just magical how it can be made into so many different textiles. I've noticed so many kinds of wool become more mainstream these days (like yak wool), maybe one day you'll find something that works for you!
Maybe I need to try different types and see! I know, I LOVE the look of wool sweaters!!!
I have a Babaa sweater and love it! I consider myself fairly wool sensitive but it doesn’t bother me (I do wear a thin long sleeved shirt underneath it for that reason). Highly recommend!
Thanks Anabel! It’s super helpful to hear and, hopefully, encouraging to others!
I love Babaa! I don’t have this jumper but I have another that’s pretty much all I wear in the winter ! Such a fun one!
I brought my Babaa on my trip and she has served me well, cannot wait to get good use all winter long!
Your jumper looks so good. They really do the best colours!
When I saw this email come in, I knew I had to read it right away! I have wanted a Babaa sweater for 2 years now! And I'm so glad you put this right at the top: "Let’s get one thing out of the way — if you like baby soft cashmere jumpers, this jumper is not for you. If you like slim-fitting, smooth-textured jumpers (think merino), this jumper is also not for you." - am i slightly disappointed yes? lol Because I love the oversized look
HA! I'm also glad that Lin led with that. I second her that my Babaa is a chunkier knit and while it isn't cashmere it's a super supple cotton.
I have read (but not personally tried) that wool jumpers blended with a bit of cotton (especially pima cotton) are smoother and softer overall, while retaining the kind of texture and volume that makes wool knits special... that seems to the usual mix for Lauren Manoogian, who does gorgeous knitwear, maybe that's something to consider? This brand from Canada also does a similar mix - https://www.bareknitwear.ca/collections/essentials/products/uma-rollneck-granite. That said, options are so out of my budget that it'll be while before I can verify this myself..
Thank you for answering a question I was thinking! These are out of my budget as well… one day! 💭
I have two babaa sweaters, one cardigan and one jumper, both in cotton. I love the colors, but the knit is SO heavy! I also wish they would increase their size range. I am 5'3'' and without the right styling, sometimes they do overwhelm me.
Also 5'3" checking in! Between Lin and another friend with the no 17, I knew I either couldn't get a Babaa or needed to pick the right style because my torso is too short and I end up looking like I borrowed from the men's section.
The wool is chunky but it's not heavy at all in terms of absolute weight, which makes it surprisingly easy to squish into a suitcase.
Love wearing a giant wool sweater instead of a jacket when the weather is just right for it :) this was such a fantastic review, both giving the sweater and brand credit where due but also explaining that it’s not a magic bullet! I have a ton of oversize heavy wool sweaters (including one very precious Merlot aran knit by a neighbor as a going-away gift when my mom was moving to the US! 💗) and I don’t need any more hahah. But I can admire all the very evident thought and care that goes into babaa sweaters from afar 🧶🧶🧶