Bobelo

There's no stopping this design inspiration. I hope someone can keep up and knit these new designs.

What: Bobelo / Own pattern

How: Circular needles 3.5 and 4.0 mm

From: Brooklyn Tweed Loft, 277 g

When inspiration strikes, you have to get it onto your needles right at that moment. I had a vision of a relaxed, casual yet stylish boleroish cardigan with an interesting texture. So I went and got me a pile of Brooklyn Tweed Loft and started working on calculations and swatching right away. The knitting didn't take that long either, I finished the cardigan in a few weeks. I did have to unravel a bit due to my inability to calculate my own gauge correctly. But it was worth it and now I have a lovely new cardigan-thingy.

Bobelo is knitted in one piece flat. It's a funny shaped piece and you won't see it's final form until a bit later. Once you have finished the piece, you block it and sew two short seams that help make up the sleeves. Finally, you pick up stitches and work the cuffs, hem and the shawl collar. The shawl collar is shaped with short rows and the whole thing is finished with a neat i-cord bind off. The smaller needles are used for the cuffs. The rest of the cardigan is worked with the larger needles.

Bobelo is meant to worn with a lot of positive ease. The sleeves are quite short coming just beyond the elboves. The cardigan is shorter in the back and the fronts are a bit longer. You can wear it open or close it with a shawl pin.

Except for the borders, the cardigan is worked in bubble stitch that consists of dropped and picked up stitches. There is a chart, written instructions and a photo tutorial and I promise you, it's very easy.

The pattern has sizes XXS-XS-S (M1-M2-L1) L2-XL-XXL and you  can buy it by clicking the link below.

I chose to make mine in Brooklyn Tweedin Loft. Its woolly and airy texture is a perfect fit for this pattern. Its light and fluffy, yet warm. I made mine in the colorway Postcard which is this amazing blend of pink and grey.

I've used this one a lot ever since I finished it. I know I'm quite partial, but I thoroughly recommend this pattern.

One more time

I don't often knit the same pattern again but when I do, it's this one.

What: Matrimonio bolero / hand made by fasOLA

How: Circular needle 4.0 mm

From: BC Garn Jaipur Fino, 36 g

Does every group of friends have that one person who always wants to make something for the others to wear at parties? Or is it just me?

Sometimes you get lucky and your work friends turn into friends. As soon as my friend told me her dissertation date was set I was just looking for a chance to offer to knit something for her to wear with the dress. That way I get to actually be helpful while giving a present from the heart.

I knew I had to show just one picture of this lace bolero and she was ok with the plan. Everyone always chooses this bolero. Few years ago I offered to knit my cousin a lace bolero for her wedding. I tried to give her plenty of options all the while knowing this would be the one she would choose. This time I didn't try fight back and suggested this pattern right away.

We chose the color together making sure it maches the dress. She wanted a bit shorter sleeves so I left out two pattern repeats at each end.

The bolero is knitted from cuff to cuff in one piece. Then it's blocked and the sleeve seams are sewn together. Finally the crochet edging finishes the lace bolero. Last time I knitted this I remember complaining about the errors in the pattern. This time I didn't even look at the written instructions but followed the pictures and didn't run into any errors.

I can't believe how easy it was to get her to go hiking in the dress so I could get good pics for the blog. Thank you! Good luck for your defense, you'll be fine!