Baggy Bolero

 

This baggy bolero is among my first real clothing designs. Back in the day, I picked up any yarn I could find, even if it was lying on the side of the street in a big trash bag. Literally. This yellow rug yarn came out of a trash bag that I found on the side of the street. It was in a black bag and I just knew that bag had yarn in it. Slammed on my breaks, did a quick U-ey and low and behold, this bag was slam full of vintage yarn and unfinished projects. Some yarn wasn't so pretty, nor did it smell very pretty, but any obsessed yarnie would justify throwing it in the back of their car.

Now that this TMI story is behind us, with that yarn, I made this gorgeous baggy bolero and love it. I found a bit of staining through the yarn (only one tiny spot), so this yellow bolero is mine forever. I couldn't sell it, there's too much story in it.

 

 

Celtic knot square

 

 

 

 

 

This is the remake of my original design with non-smelly, store bought wool, Lamb's Pride Bulky. I was trying to mimic the drape and bagginess of the original, but it can't happen with this wool. The rug yarn above is a cotton blend, and surely some wool. The cotton version gives weight and drape while this wool version is lighter and bulkier and in being so, smaller in size.

The pattern I used is exactly the same, I did not alter it for the different yarn used. The circles are made first and connected to each other, then a square is made around them. I make most of the bolero, sew the square in, then finish the bolero incorporating the square. Short seams are sewn to make the sleeves. All in all, this is a very simple pattern, and a great design. I'm sure I will find some cotton yarn that can substitute better for the vintage rug yarn someday.

 

 

 

 

A simpler version, which just popped into my head is a simple rectangle without the celtic design. Maybe some striping. Maybe sewn on appliques. Hmmm....

Granny Square Messenger

 

The Granny Square is the first thing that I ever learned to make, as well as the first pattern I was taught to read. It is a classic design that makes you think of retro and most likely, real live Grannies sitting around crocheting pretty hideous blankets. I really like to use granny squares, even when just trying to see how different colors work together. Instead of a swatch, I may make a granny square, alternating colors here and there.

Here, I have made three granny square panels. Not squares, but a three sided granny pattern. Front  and back of the bag, and then the flap. I doubled up on yarn for the strap, but it will stretch on anyway, nothing I can do about that except, maybe, line it (and you know I hate sewing machines). Easy bag to make, but a treacherous pattern to write.

The bag above is made with Berroco Comfort Worsted. It is an acrylic yarn with a mercerized cotton feel to it. It's cool to the touch and very heavy. It does tend to split a little when working with it, but the finished product looks so smooth. I chose these colors because I wanted to keep that vintage feel with the granny design.

 

 

This bag is made with leftover acrylic yarn that I used to make a Dr. Who scarf. It's Vanna White Lion Brand. The bag came out a little bigger than the Berroco one, for whatever reason. I don't think this acrylic has too much give or weight to it. It's fluffier and lighter. It definitely does not have a smooth look to it, rather a granny blanket look. Nonetheless, I needed to give my pattern one more preliminary test before sending it to a real pattern tester.

 

This is the bag with the flap flipped over. Perfect size for binders, folders, and books....hint schoolbag!

This bag is for sale on etsy.

www.etsy.com/shop/shopnikkistitch

 

Funky Halter (still altering this pattern)

 

This is a pattern that I designed on my own. I have been working on it a bit to polish all of the edits and alterations that I have made over the years. The mannequin above has a more natural figure than the one below! I used both to show that a slightly bigger bust (though unnaturally proportioned as this mannequin is) looks a little better with this halter.

The bottom of the halter is constructed first, then the band and ties, then the cups are added last. There is a slip stitch zig zag connecting the cups. In previous patterns, I could get the cups to look right. You basically had to have the most perfect boobs to hold up these cups. I sure don't. On a whim, I tried the zig zag and fell in love with the look of it. Using a sock yarn and hook too large for this yarn (L), makes a very drapey and open fabric. I used Patons Kroy sock yarn. I love pretty much all of their colorways. I am working on another already (still editing) and the colorway (Fern Rose Jacquard) is so bright and happy with its Kelly green, cotton candy pink, and electric blues.

The back of the halter is completely open, great for showing off those back tattoos. Also, good point to make, the cups are lined with fabric. Sewing machines are not my friends. I did line these cups myself, but will pay someone else to do it next time.

Cowl Shawlette

 

A new favorite pattern, based off of the cowl shawl. This would be the Cowl Shawlette! Made in thinner yarn (sport, sock, or lace) and with a smaller needle, to be worn open or pinned around the neck or shoulders. The black yarn is a Phildar  85% acrylic and 15% wool, so it still lends warmth, but slightly more washable than the colorful one below.

 

The variegated shawlette is made from Malabrigo lace. I bought the yarn on my Yarn Along trip last September. I waited forever to use the yarn, just until I could figure out the best pattern to use it for. I think I made the right decision. It's a soft, airy, and clingy fabric made of 100% wool and 100% warm! It's super bright and can be worn with anything! I am keeping that one for myself.

The black shawlette is for sale on etsy.

www.etsy.com/shop/shopnikkistitch