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....

Cool Pleated Purse!

I have had these purse handles for about 3 years now and finally got down to making a purse to go with them. The hardest part was deciding what color would compliment all of the colors on the handles. Then I had to decide on a design that wasn't too busy. I wanted the handles to be the eye-catcher of the bag. Lighting never does any justice for the true color of things, but this bag is a coral/orangish color. A pinky orange. I used a Drops Design pattern, which I have used before but with a lighter weight yarn. This time I used Brown Sheep Bulky 100% wool. The handles are plastic but heavy and not cheap! I loved making the pleats and they inspired me to knit a pleated skirt. I love this bag!

Burly Spun Neck Cozy

This is another of my original designs. A simple garter stitch neck cozy with vintage buttons. The yarn is a very expensive Brown Sheep Burly Spun 100% wool. The yarn is so thick, the project works up quickly. I love the variagation of this color combo. Its a very warm and natural looking piece, perfect with a sweater for fall, but looks nice under the collar of a pea coat for winter!

Pictured: Yours Truly

Bulky Wrist Warmers

I love these wrist warmers because they keep your hands so toasty even with your fingertips bare. They are quick and easy to make.

The best part about them is that they are made with wool. So when they start to stretch out or need a fluff, throw them in the dryer for a few minutes and they are nice a snug and warm.

My wrist warmers are essential for protecting my hands from the Colorado winter.