Bad Betty Knits is a one-woman show creating practical tools with a touch of vintage charm and snark for the knitting and crochet community. Featuring quality paper goods for project tracking and giving handmade gifts, bound to make someone snort laugh.

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So, you know how everyone shares beautiful well lit photos of their knits, neatly stacked?

This is my version. 😂 Art imitating life because I'm a hot mess at least 80% of the time. Just like my sweaters, stacked up in a pile.

I have no "highlight" reel to share today, just this. Just a reminder in case anyone else needs it that we're human and this is real life most of the time.
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#fatknittersofinstagram #sweaters #handmadewardrobe #handknit #handmade #knittersoftheworld #knittinglove #yarn #instaknit #knittersofinstagram #knittersgonnaknit #knittersofravelry #knitters #knitting #knitter #yarnporn #knittingaddict #knitting_inspiration #knitted #knitstagram #yarnlovers #knit #fatknitting #takeupspace #reallife #hotmess #hotmessexpress

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My first #finishedobject of 2020... The #foxholesweater by @handmadecloset I loved this design as soon as I saw it and I'm really happy how it turned out with such a rich contrast between the deep Navy and bright orange. I actually forgot to do the colorwork at the hem... I was sad when I first realized, but in retrospect it's for the best - I don't want a band with less give at my hips. It's super cozy and I want to wear it all the time so... Favorite knit of 2020 so far? 😂
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Mods: this pattern is size inclusive (up to 64") and has pretty generously sized sleeves. I knit the 55" and ended up with 0" of ease. I did add a few stitches to the upper arms, as well as waist shaping, and I'm wearing it more closely fitting than is recommended in the pattern. The main thing I'd watch out for is the cuffs - I found the stitch count to be about 2" too big so I sized down and adjusted the sleeve decreases. I also ended up using about 200yds more of the main color than the pattern called for 😬 but I did forget to do the hem colorwork and may have made it slightly longer. Just be aware.
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#knitfatdiewarm #fatknitting #plussizefashion #plussizeknitting #fatfashion #fatknittersofinstagram #knittinglove #knitters #knitstagram #knit #knittersoftheworld #yarnlovers #yarn #knittingaddict #instaknit #knitted #knitting_inspiration #yarnporn #sweater #knittersofravelry #knitter #knittersgonnaknit #knitting #knittersofinstagram #imademyclothes #handmadewardrobe #sweaterknitting #sweaterseason

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So, I sort of have a make 9 list but I'm also very cognizant of how easily that list gets derailed in lieu of new and shiny patterns I don't even know about yet. So instead, we'll head towards the end of 2019 with a #finishnine list of WIPs that I would really, really like to get done sooner than later.
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1. My Radiate sweater - 20% done
2. My #foxholesweater -70% done
3. Lina tank - 60% done
4. #nurturedsweater - 15% done - may frog and start over with different yarn
5. Nightshade sweater - 5% done
6. Sock tubes - 2 out of 5 done
7. Annisa shawl - 30% done
8. #thesnuggleisreal cowl - 15% done
9. #lillipilliwrap - 25% done
.... Not pictured is the baby blanket that will be the death of me, but I'm committing to finishing before the baby it's intended for turns one.
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Estimating how far some of these have to go has me contemplating frogging a few of these, but I will be prioritizing the first three so I can move on to other garments. Wish me luck!

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At last... Finished object photos of my #midcoastsweater test knit! This pattern by @knit.love.wool has been out a little while but look a little while longer at my size. Full details are available on my #ravelry page but in short - I started out knitting the 59"size but my gauge put the final object closer to 54". I did include some waist shaping at the sides and bust darts, so ultimately, this ended up much more fitted than intended by the designer.
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This was a challenging test knit for me - the first where I felt the need to give some critical feedback to the designer which was a little scary. In the end, I would say 75% of the issues I ran into were my fault and 25% in the design. Things that were my fault: GAUGE. I used a superwash yarn that did not help my gauge issues, but I was also aware that it was going to be very difficult for me to meet the very loose gauge the pattern called for. This type of colorwork design really does benefit from wooly wools that fluff up to fill the space. If that's not your jam, then I'd say go up to a sport weight yarn. I would do that if I knit this again. I also made some design choices at the neckline and cuffs that differed from the pattern that I ultimately changed back to match Jenn's design, and I overdid it on the waist shaping. .
I shared my concerns about the design, specifically in regard to the larger sizes, with Jenn and feel hopeful that she'll incorporate the feedback in the future. My biggest issue was in the sleeve sizing once you get above a size 48" - the upper sleeve sizing doesn't keep up with the sizing standards for extended sizing. At my size, I had to add about 2.5"to the sleeves (by cyc standards, my size would call for 1.5" more than the design called for). So, pay attention to sleeve sizing if you knits larger size in this pattern. Jenn's intention is for the sleeves to be fitted to contrast with the positive ease in the body, but I think they may be tight for those of us with fat upper arms. As a result, I had to rework the decreases in the sleeves as well. .
(Cont in comments)

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Here are my Top 9 posts of 2019. Clearly, photos of my fat body in sweaters are what you're here for 😂 This has been kind of a crazy year for me...I think back in May, I had about 300 followers and I'll close out this year with just over 3,000! Most of that growth is due to me yelling about size inclusivity - and I think it's been worthwhile if the jump in size inclusive patterns and designers is any indication.
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Looking at#topnine of folks like @classicadg and @joceyknits - 2019 has been a good year for fat folks in handmade garments in general. Never underestimate the power of seeing someone that looks like you wearing popular designs. #topnine2019 .
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#fatfashion #plussizeknitting #fatknitting #plussizefashion #fatknittersofinstagram #knitfatdiewarm #knitters #knitted #yarnlovers #knitter #yarnporn #instaknit #knit #yarn #fatknitter #knittinglove #knittingaddict #knittersofravelry #knittersoftheworld #knittersofinstagram #knitting #knittersgonnaknit #knitstagram #knitting_inspiration #sizeinclusive #sizematters

Hey there,

I’m Mari, a maker living outside Raleigh, NC with my husband and two dogs. Craft is a way of life for me – in addition to the fiber arts, I handcraft felt floral arrangements and do a little graphic design for fun.

Wait a minute… you’re not Betty?

Nope. Betty is more of a persona – a little old fashioned, a lot practical, sweet but a little salty. I’ve known a few Betties in my time who take no shit but do no harm. Bad Betty is still a lady, but she’s a tough old bird and she’s not going to put up with anyone’s nonsense. She’s kind of a bad ass.

Bad Betty is who I want to be when I grow up. You know what’s also bad ass? Knitting. It’s not just for grannies. I’ve been knitting for over 10 years now. Knitting is as much a part of my story as Betty is. Hence, Bad Betty Knits.