Nothing says 1950s like a bolero, and the Springtime Bolero pattern is a fascinating example of this type of garment. The curved fronts of the bolero are shaped using a combination of short rows and decrease rows with each front beginning at the centre front. Gradually the dramatic curve of the front is created with decreases worked to create the armhole. The contrasting back section is worked from the bottom up in moss (seed) stitch and the three pieces are sewn together.
The perfect piece for wearing over lightweight summer dresses!

Springtime Bolero is knitted using Excelana North fingering weight a soft, fingering weight 100% British wool, spun for us in nearby Yorkshire and dyed in-house by Susan and her team. Shown here in shade Powdered Egg.

Our model Julia is shown wearing the first size 76-81cm (30-32in).

The pattern includes instructions for nine sizes to fit chest measurements between 76cm (30in) and 147cm (58in) and contains clear written instructions plus a comprehensive schematic diagram and sizing chart.

Yarn kits are available at Susan Crawford Vintage.

Yarn
Susan Crawford Excelana North fingering weight
100% British wool, 75% Cheviot, 25% Bluefaced Leicester (159m / 174yds per 50g skein approx)
5 (5, 5, 6, 6, 6, 7, 8, 8) skeins, shade Powdered Egg

Gauge
1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th sizes
30 sts and 50 rows = 10cm (4in) worked over moss stitch. We obtained this gauge using 2.75mm needles.
9 sts = 2.5cm (1in) over 4 × 2 rib unstretched. We obtained this gauge using 2.75mm needles.

8th and 9th sizes
28 sts and 48 rows = 10cm (4in) worked over moss stitch. We obtained this gauge using 3.25mm needles.
8 sts = 2.5cm (1in) over 4 × 2 rib unstretched. We obtained this gauge using 3.25mm needles.

Suggested needles
1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th sizes
1 pair 2.75mm (US 2) needles

8th and 9th sizes
1 pair 3.25mm (US 3) needles

Techniques
Short row and decrease row shaping
Sewing up a garment