I am making another bolero. I am using 2mm hook and Maharaja Silk lace yarn from Silk Indian. I am making this using pretty much the same construction as the bolero just finished – the Motif Shrug to Bolero.

The basic shape is a rectangle which will then be joined at the sleeves to make a shrug.

But this bolero will be much looser around the arms, it will be larger. So I am making a rectangular shape that is made up of more motifs, so the rectangle is bigger. I will join to shape the sleeves of this bolero as one would make a simple shrug.

The Irish Rose motifs are joined into strips, and then the strips are later joined together along the sides with a zigzagging chain-picot-chain link.

If you would like to try making your own, all you need to do is find a nice Irish Rose motif pattern you can start with.

Here is an example of a basic Irish Rose motif. There are many others out there. You can even find the Irish Rose motif in patterns for making doilies and tablecloths and bedspreads. I have another variation of this Irish Rose motif for a crocheted collar. You can find many variations of this pattern.

An example of an Irish Rose motif pattern. There are many others!

However, to make the bolero, I wanted a motif that wasn’t square so the bolero wouldn’t look too boxy or rigid. I also wanted a motif that had lacy edges because I want a delicate lacy bolero. I also wanted the motifs to be alternating and not aligned in the same column to make the design look more interesting.

This evening, I have finished the basic shrug. It is loose and perfectly lacy. Next, I will be crocheting all around the opening in the middle for the neckline/collar and the back of the bolero. After that will be the trim for the sleeves. It is quite an easy construction. But what is important is the design of the trims – how it will match the design of the Irish Rose motif.

Try making one of your own and develop your own design! It is more fun than following a fixed bolero pattern!