Shrug, bolero, or capelet??

I like all of the designs that I've been commissioned to do this past year (which is lucky, isn't it!) but every now and again I make a sample that I really don't want to send in. Because I don't want to take it off. 

This little number, a 1950s-inspired shrug/bolero/capelet - I eventually settled on bolero - was one such design. Commissioned by Crochet Now for their retro-themed issue, it is exactly the kind of practical-but-pretty thing I like to wear myself. So now I am eagerly awaiting the day the sample finds its way back to me. Because I really don't think I'll take it off, at all, all summer. I'll wear it over a dress, or team it with one of my million stripey tees with jeans. 

Betty is worked up in Blacker Lyonesse, a DK blend of wool and linen. I've always shied away from linen as it's quite stiff, but this yarn is wonderful. It has all the crispness of linen, but with the softness, drape and memory (i.e.: it holds its shape, unlike pure linen which can go very baggy) of wool. 

The construction is very simple, just a flat rectangle with tapered edges that are seamed up into sleeves at either end. The ribbed collar (for which a tutorial is available here) is worked directly into the selvedge edge. 

It's ever so versatile, and can be made small and snug or large and loose - it all depends on how much coverage you want. And for a little Mama and Me style? We can do that. 

Issue 14 of Crochet Now is in UK shops from April 20th, or you can buy a digital version through any of the platforms listed on CN's where to buy page.