Musings from Marilyn

Posts Tagged ‘fluffy sweater’

Since I was so enamored of Kate Middleton’s fluffy white angora bolero that topped the gown she wore to her wedding reception at Buckingham Palace (see my previous blog post of April 30th), I thought to look through my vintage knitting patterns to see if I could find a similar design.

I collect vintage sewing and knitting patterns and have quite a stash. I was fortunate that this snazzy little knit bolero sweater pattern was right up on top of said stash!  Super cute, ‘Knit Bolero with Cable Trim’ knitting pattern from the 1950s.  Boleros are classic, timeless and never go out of style.  This one has short sleeves, which would be perfect for spring and summer, and a cable trim for a bit of texture.

The pattern is for sizes 12-14.  Please bear in mind that vintage 50s sizes are radically different from modern sizes!  A size 12 would be a 32″ bust, and a size 14 would be a 34″ bust.

The materials call for all purpose yarn, but it would be absolutely smashing if  a fluffy yarn such as angora or mohair were substituted.  I’m pretty much a novice knitter, so I wouldn’t be much help in knitting assistance.  I trust you expert knitters out there will know what to do.  Happy knitting!

~Marilyn Huttunen

You can download pattern here:
Knit Bolero with Cable Trim Pattern

I, being somewhat of an Anglophile (okay, an AVID Anglophile), was completely entranced by the royal wedding yesterday.  I loved the somewhat austere solemness of it;  the sense of royal history, and seemingly true love and dedication between William and Kate.  Of course, I loved Kate’s dress.  It was perfectly elegant, modern and gorgeous.  The dress really suited Kate’s individuality, and her lovely radiance shone through, not being obscured by mounds of frothy meringue.

Well, imagine my surprise when I saw what Kate wore to the Buckingham Palace wedding reception.  The dress was another lovely creation by Sarah Burton for McQueen; a strapless ivory silk gazar gown, with a sparkling band of diamante cinching her tiny waist.  What really caught my attention though was the fabulously fluffy white angora bolero sweater that topped the whole ensemble!

You see, I love angora and am thrilled to see it in its rightful place on royal shoulders!  Angora is just incredible; its furriness, lightness, and silky softness is beyond compare.  To see Kate wearing such a stunning sweater is delightful.  You can see the delicate fluffiness of the angora rabbit hair fibers reaching for the sky.  I would guess that her sweater is at least 80% angora, but probably 100% pure angora (she is royalty, after all).

So don that royal angora!  If you’ve never worn it before, you are in for a true sensory delight.  You too, can have the same excellent sartorial experience that Princess Catherine has.  Fluffy rocks!

~Marilyn Huttunen

I really have developed a love for angora sweaters! I must admit that I mostly sell angora, as I tend to wear cashmere and mohair sweaters myself. But I have fallen in love with the tactile fluffiness of a beautiful angora sweater…I can see why there is such a following of ardent angora lovers.

I like to look for at least 70 – 80% Angora rabbit hair content in the sweaters, with furry thick plushness and long hairs. Vibrant colors are a plus – pink and blue seem to be very desirable. Cowl necks and turtlenecks are a big hit too. Dresses and skirts are always such a delightful find. I especially love the 80s vintage angora sweaters as they usually are so slouchy and full; usually with bat wing sleeves and shoulder pads.

I have to laugh when I see a ‘Dry Clean Only’ tag in an angora sweater! What angora rabbit ever went through a chemical dry cleaning process?!? I like to hand-wash angora and let it air dry. This brings out the incredible softness and really fluffs up the angora. I tend to have several angora sweaters air-drying around the house at any given time!

In this day when clothing tends to be cheaply made and of poor quality, it is such a delight to revel in clothing that has a fabulous feel and evokes such a luxurious response as angora. The uniqueness of the fiber is unmatched – I’ve never seen a synthetic imitation of angora hold a candle to the real thing. There is just no messing with Mother Nature’s original!

Keep fluffy!
Marilyn