Oliver + S appreciation

I was thinking about this earlier today, and aside from all the stuff we usually talk about -- the fine finishes, the quality of instruction, etc. -- the thing that really makes O+S stand out to me is the eye for proportion. With the exception of adding a small amount of length to get extra months of wear from patterns I know will work that way (as my friend Johanna once observed of little ones, they grow up before they grow out) almost every change I've made that has altered the proportions or silhouette of an O+S pattern has made it look worse, and I've regretted it. I've noticed this problem with a lot of knitting patterns, too. Big gaping because the designer didn't account for Huge Headed Toddler Syndrome. Yes, their heads are huge, but their necks and shoulders are tiny. If handknits for small children don't look like the neck opening is too small, they'll fall off their shoulders once they're on. I think this is why I'm still holding out for the O+S blazer of my dreams. It won't have that funky oversized lapel and the gaping collar that won't wrap and lay nicely.