The English pattern Elora has now been released after a successful test knit in my Ravelry group. As always I thoroughly enjoy seeing the design knitted in different colors, yarns and with modifications such as a a short collar and button bands. The bolero was gorgeously worn by Alexandria Eissinger with hair & make up by Sissel Fylling, jewelry by Kaja Gjedebo Design and a stunning felted wedding gown by Judith Bech, all captured brilliantly by Eivind Røhne. Elora was first published in Norwegian in Familien Kreativ in March. Here is my introduction to the pattern: A beautiful reversible lace pattern adorns this bolero with a slightly longer scarf collar you can fold and pin as you desire. Garter stitches make up the edges of the bolero and divide the stitch pattern from the stocking stitch sides. Named after the giving of the laurel; the crown of victory hence ideal for this garment made in a wool and cashmere mixture by Mondial. The bolero is worn over the wedding gown “Secret”, designed by Judith Bech.

Sizes: XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL

Finished Measurements:                                                                                                   Bust: 85 (92, 99, 106, 116, 126) cm/33.5 (36.25, 39, 41.75, 45.75, 49.5)”                             Waist: 82 (89, 96, 103, 113, 123) cm/32.25 (35, 37.75, 40.5, 44.5, 48.5)”                         Length: 47 (48, 49, 50, 51, 52) cm/18.5 (19, 19.25, 19.75, 20, 20.5)”                                    Sleeve length: 49 (50, 50, 51, 51, 52) cm/19.25 (19.75 (19.75, 20, 20, 20.5)”                          Scarf collar width: 14 (14, 14, 20, 20, 20) cm/5.5 (5.5, 5.5, 7.75, 7.75, 7.75)”                              Scarf collar width is in addition to bust width so that it can hang loose as a scarf.

Yarn: Mondial, Gold (80% wool, 20% cashmere, 50 g, 175 m/191 yds). Sample is knitted in Cream 426: 7 (8, 8, 10, 10, 11) skeins; 1136 (1232, 1328, 1584, 1727, 1871) m/1242 (1347, 1452, 1732, 1889, 2046) yds. http://www.lanemondial.it/home/sv/garn/hoest-vinter/238-deluxe-eng/1782-gold-2

Yarn alternatives: Rowan, Super Fine Merino 4ply (100% wool, 50 g, 165 m/181 yds) http://www.knitrowan.com/yarns/super-fine-merino-4ply                                           Madeline Tosh, Tosh Sock (100% merino, 100 g, 361 m/395 yds) http://madelinetosh.com/store/index.php/yarns/tosh-sock.html                           Handmaiden Fine Yarn, Casbah Sock (80% merino, 10% cashmere, 10% nylon, 115 g, 325 m/355 yds) http://handmaiden.ca/product/casbah/                                                            String Theory Hand Dyed Yarn, Caper Sock (80% merino, 10% cashmere, 10% nylon, 113 g, 366 m/400 yds) http://www.stringtheoryyarn.com/home.php?cat=126             Fyberspates, Scrumptious 4ply/sport (55% merino, 45% silk, 100 g, 365 m/399 yds) http://fyberspates.com/index/#/scrumptious-4ply/

Needles: 3 mm/US 2.5 circular needle (80 cm/32″ and 40 cm/16″). 3 mm/US 2.5 DPNs for sleeves.

Gauge: 24 sts and 40 rows in garter stitch measures 10 cm/4″ square. 29-sts in Obstacles pattern; 2 pattern reps measures 12 cm/4.75″ across. 32-rows in Obstacles pattern; 2 pattern reps measures 9 cm/3.5″ down. 26 sts and 34 rows in st st measures 10 cm/4″ square.

Notes: The body of the bolero is worked in pieces from the bottom up, and is sewn together, while the sleeves are worked in the round. The bolero is slightly tapered. The collar width is in additon to the front and bust circumference so that it can be folded and pinned as desired. It is knitted in two parts that are joined and then attached around the neck, with extra length to hang loose.