I bought the pattern, Cozy Bolero, to use with my ArtFibers yarn, Zoftig. It just did not look right. This pattern calls for size US 19 needles so it made the knitted fabric look very holey. Not the look I was going for. I tried another yarn in my stash and it still didn't work. Finally, I broke down and just bought the yarn called for in the pattern. Luckily, it was on sale when I went to Michaels. The Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick is very soft and creates a very warm sweater.I had lots of doubts while knitting this pattern. First of all, the raglan increases are not mirrored on the left and right sides and using those broom stick sized needles still produced a very loose fabric. It was so awkward using such huge needles and the plastic cable between the needles is hard to maneuver.
I followed the exact instructions for the size 32-34 inch bust, but I think that I could have done one size smaller. It's slightly roomy around the underarms and bust area, but I don't mind. I am thinking of adding a extra button so it can be pulled in tighter at the chest.If you compare my pictures to the pattern and other people's finished boleros on Ravelry, you will notice that mine did not turn out to be a bolero at all. Mine turned into a cardigan. I am short (under 5 ft tall), but I was still surprised at how long it turned out. It's a top down construction so I was able to try it on the whole time I was knitting it. The bottom hem hit my waist perfectly when I tried it, but my needles were too short to try it on when I was knitting the rib border. When I bound off and tried it on, it bunched up unattractively right at my hips. I may be short, but I am hippy in that area! I blocked the heck out of that area and now it lays flat. Phew! I was so worried I would have to rip back.
Overall, I am satisfied with how it turned out. This is my First Official Adult Knitted Garment and it's for myself! It was fast, only took a few days of knitting, and it uses so little yarn. And I learned a new technique while knitting this cardigan. My knitting pal, Penelope, taught me to knit the sleeves in the round, 2 at the same time using magic loop. A very neat technique! This pattern could use a little tweaking if I make it again.Pattern: Cozy Bolero by Jane Richmond, Ravelry Store Link
Needles: US 19 / 15.0 mm
Yarn: 2.5 skeins of Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in color: Charcoal #149
Size made: 32-34
29 comments:
You know, for a chunky knit sweater this is very flattering on you just the way it is! Nice work!
you look skinny!
Congratulations on your first adult sweater! It looks smashing on you.
What a great looking sweater. You'll really enjoy wearing that one again and again. I can see that it would go with so many different outfits. Beautiful job!
It looks wonderful on you! I don't think it's too big at all. You'll get a lot of wear out of it, especially since it's cardigan length.
that sweater fits you very well, color and everything. I love the way it looks. this is motivating me to finish one of my many sweater projects....well, after the holidays, that is.
Look at you!!!
Knitting grown up stuff, lol!
It looks great!
Only you could make woolease look so good ;0)
I LOOOOOVE it! And I love that yours is longer and more like a cardi. Looks so great on you!
OM, what a beautiful sweater - fits u well - loved it - wish to knit one for myself after looking at yours - good job !
It looks fantastic and much better than a bolero. I would say it is a success!
Congratulations on your first adult garment! I like your version better than the designer's. Bummer the yarn you originally didnt work, but the outcome is so worth it!
Soo pretty, I want one =D
yay for first adult sweater!!
you definitely made it work, I actually like your version better than the "bolero"
Very nice - I like the longer length. It looks great on you - congrats on your first adult garment!
it looks fantastic! and i admire your persistence. i probably would've given up at try #2. :) congrats on your first adult garment!
it looks fab
Woohoo!! It looks awesome. So, what sweater is next for those needles?
Good for you!! I love it.
Congrats on the first adult garment! It looks fabulous!
Oh, I like the charcoal color - and so nice that the project uses an affordable yarn! Once again - blocking saves the day. It looks great!
This looks perfect on you! Congrats on finishing your first knitted sweater for yourself. Love the yarn color and pattern. Beautiful job!
It is absolutely fabulous and best of all, it looks great on you. Love all your stuff!!!
It looks great on you! I'm amazed with your perseverance with the pattern.
I'm making my way through all your blog posts that I've missed. Your knitting is gorgeous as ever, as is Melody! She is getting so big. Looking forward to seeing what you knit up next :)
I love it and it looks fantastic on you! If I hadn't read about all the frustration you had with this pattern, yarn and needles, I would say it turned out perfect. And hippy in that area? What's that all about? You look great!
Great job, it fits beautifully and looks comfortable too.
I'll join the train... it looks quite lovely on you.
I love the way it turned out. Luckily it blocked so nicely. I think I'd wear a cardigan more than a shrug.
it looks great on you, even if it's not a 'bolero'
I'm just trying to knit this bolero now and I'm a bit worried about the raglan increases!
I've got to the point where I'm splitting for the sleeves but my markers are skewed, one is about 4 stitches from one end and the other is around 14 stitches from the other. Doesn't this mean my sleeves are going to come out closer to one side than the other?
Post a Comment