Saturday, July 24, 2010

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:

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! 

23 comments:

cathleen said...

Totally exquisite, Lisa!!! I mean, it is really, really, really beautiful! And the color? PERFECT! Can you tell I am impressed?

rohanknitter said...

It's really pretty - I like that pattern a lot. I vote for the buttons. (not that you asked) ; )

Jessica said...

I absolutely love the color yarn you chose for this project!

From All Stitched Up said...

It's beautiful. I especially like the pattern on the back. Your stitching is perfect.

Christina said...

Beautiful! I love it: the color, the pattern, the drape... It makes me wish I was a more avid knitter. : )

My $0.02 is that you should leave the buttons so that you can wear it buttoned or open and a little drapey like you pictured at the end of the post.

Debi said...

Lovely! If you had asked I woul have to vote for the buttons too!

At Home Mommy Knits said...

Gorgeous! What a perfect cardigan for cool restaurants, movie theaters, and this fall. I love it!!

Sewn With Grace said...

Ohhh! It's so pretty! It really turned out great. I love the color you chose and definitely think it would work for fall too! Good job! :)

Meadow Walk said...

What a beautiful sweater!!! I love the color and it looks complicated too.

~ The Jolly Bee ~ said...

Simply gorgeous! I love the pattern and the color. You did a marvelous job with this one. Personally, I like the look of the brooch -- it gives it a touch of elegance.

Kristyn Knits said...

can't spell LOVE IT large enough!
YOU did an excellent job.
love the color, love the lace, love it, love it!
you've been blessed with some talent, girl.

Tracy said...

VERY, very pretty, Lisa--WOW! That is a gorgeous look, what a flattering style, and the lacy vine is really wonderful. Great yarn choice too. That look looks like molten sunshine... I rather like the brooch--it adds a little old-fashioned charm, which I love. But that's me, you know. ;o) GREAT finish! Can't wait to see what you knit up next. Happy Days ((HUGS)) P.S. Love the apple-rhubarb jam idea... I have a list for more rhubarb tries for next year already!

Tonya Gunn said...

Wow, what beautiful work Lisa

The WoodLand School said...

This is absolutely *spectacular*, Lisa! I love the color, the drape, the lace -- yum!

Larissa said...

It's gorgeous! But more importantly it fits you perfectly - beautiful work! The geometric lace pattern is wonderful in the yellow. Loved catching up - your trip photos are amazing. Love how you personalized the tote pattern. So good to be back in this space.

Gloria said...

I am so amazed that somebody can make something like this! Very beautiful work! :)

Stephanie said...

I love that the pattern is on the back and sleeves as well. Very pretty!!! For me I like the vintage look of the brooch, but if I were wearing it, I'd probably just leave it open and drapey, like in the last photo. What about some little vintage buttons with the look of the brooch?

Imene said...

I love it. I think the color and pattern combination are beautiful.

Designs on 47th Street said...

What a beautiful pattern, Lisa! And the color couldn't be prettier. You do such fabulous needlework. I always enjoy seeing your projects.

Our weekend was very hot as well, but we enjoyed "Limeade Lisa" ;) at my daughter's outdoor bridal shower! It was a hit!

BTW, thank you for your nice compliment recently. Donna

Anonymous said...

I'm with everyone else. This is just gorgeous! I must comment though, I personally, think the brooch adds too much of a granny-ish touch. I definitely vote, buttons!

Sigrun said...

I ♥♥♥ the vine pattern. You are right, that is a really versatile sweater.

Ruth said...

It looks wonderful. One of these days I will tackle a real knitting project!!!
The pattern is beautiful and you did a wonderful job!!

Ruth

meervanVeer - juwelen en breicreaties said...

lovely knitwork !! I love that colour ! I'm also a knitter. If you're interested you can visit my blog on www.meervanveer.blogspot.com