vine bolero

While traveling home, somewhere along I-95 in South Carolina, I finished my Vine Bolero.   I know we weren't in Georgia as I did the driving through the state of Georgia and I swear I didn't knit a stitch while driving on I-95.   Besides, this sweater was a great knit to work on during lazy summer mornings after I'd had my coffee and before the crew got up and going. It wasn't hard, it just required some extra attention and concentration.

I had originally planned to knit on it during baseball games but the lace required a bit more concentration than baseball afforded.  This sweater was the first time I've knit lace using a lace chart.  I actually had to contact the designer for the chart symbol meanings.   Emily was great, she got back to me right away and never even made me feel like a ninny for not knowing what each symbol meant.  (Thanks Emily!)

Once I got going, I really enjoyed looking at the chart as opposed to reading the directions.  I was able to see the pattern a lot faster using the chart.   I think I'll get a lot of wear out of this sweater, it'll be great in restaurants where they've got the air conditioning blasting and I think I'll be able to wear it this fall as well. 

I highly recommend the Malabrigo Silky Merino.  It is so soft and it drapes really well.  I added the buttons and then tried it with a brooch...I'm not sure which I like better.  (If  I go with the brooch, I'll take the buttons off...hmmmm)

 I may get one of those shawl pins and try that as well.  As you can see, I've got plenty of options to work through.   No matter what, I'll be wearing this sweater a lot.   Although, according to my fashionista daughter, Mckenzie...I need a necklace.  Point taken.  I'll make sure I have on a necklace next time.  ahem.

So, here's the knitty gritty:

Pattern: Vine Bolero, by Emily Johnson

Needles: size 7
Size: Medium
Yarn: Malabrigo Silky Merino in Sand (I used 3 ½ skeins)
Mods: None, except that I lengthened the arms by 2 inches and the body by 9 inches.

I do know that I won't be wearing it this weekend as the temps are well into the 100s...they say this is the hottest July on record for our area.  whew!  Wherever you are, I hope your weekend finds you cool and comfortable and hopefully with something fun on your needles!