Exciting News!

You may have noticed the lack of new knits here lately. There are several reasons for it (other projects, translated books, etc), but the biggest reason of all is that there are tons of new patterns coming out soon. There will also be translated patterns (Liuhu and One Skein Bolero will be next).

The one that has taken up a big chunk of my time lately is an exciting new project called Playground Knits!


The idea came from Tiina in Titityy, the yarns were provided by BC Garn and the patterns were designed by my talented colleagues: Veera, Tiina, Mari and Suvi! I have two designs in the eBook which will be published soon in both English and Finnish.

I was thrilled to be part of this project: it was the first time I designed knitwear for kids and I certainly learned a lot. I also discovered how hard photography is (nearly made me hate the sun), especially with kids, and also how much fun it is working with other designers. We all have our own style and way of doing things, and I felt I learned a lot by cooperating and writing with others. I wish to thank Tiina for asking me to be part of this project, and all of the other designers for being part of an eBook which, I believe, will be an answer to the most dire need of kids' knits. Details will soon follow!

One Skein Bolero Pattern

Remember the one skein bolero? I know, it has been a long time, I finished the first version over a year ago. I promised the pattern would be out "soon" after the first pictures, but it took a very long time (and a relatively sharp learning curve) to be able to write up this pattern. I knitted the second version in December with a mohair blend, and there was even a third version with beads and handspun angora blend yarn.



The bolero features Haapsalu style lace and a Shetland lace border, and it's all mixed with the Tailored Sweater method. Making lace work with the method was a little tricky, which is why there are charts for all sizes. The lace is charted with 7-stitch nupps, but the nupps can be replaced with one knit stitch or a bead. All of these versions, with the two optional bind off methods and different sleeve lengths are pictured in the pattern.



Sizes
XS/S (M, L/XL, XXL).
Back width:
13(13.5, 14, 15) inches or33 (34, 36, 38) cm.
Chest circumference:
34(40, 45, 49) inches or 86(101, 114, 124) cm.



Yarn
Fingering weight 2-ply wool yarn, approx. 320(350, 400, 450) yds or 290(315, 350, 405) m for short sleeved bolero. For long sleeves, you will need an additional 200 yds or 180 m.
As the bolero is knitted from the top down, you can make the sleeves and the body longer than instructed. The amount of yarn given is an approximation only - you may need more (or less) yarn for your bolero. Always make sure you have enough yarn of the same
dye lot to finish your project.

Needles
US #5 (4 mm) circular needle 24” or longer.

Gauge
20 sts and 20 rows per 4 inches / 10 cm
(5 stitches and 5 rows per inch) in stitch pattern.

This bolero is knitted from the top down using The Tailored Sweater Method. No previous knowledge of the method is necessary to knit the bolero, but basic knowledge of how to knit from the top down is very useful with this project. This bolero is recommended for advanced knitters.



Get your copy through the pattern page on ravelry or follow the link below:



A lot of effort went to the pattern editing, and I do hope it is now error-free. If you do find errors in the pattern, please let me know! Enjoy and happy knitting :)