What really fits me?
I always found Lorraine to be an “old lady” name. My name is LO (which is short for Lorraine). I love Lo, and Rain, but Lorraine smooshed together? Ehhh.
I decided to embrace LO and RAIN in a new way.
When I first retired, I was knitting and crocheting a lot. I had knit my whole life, but I was adjusting to my new lifestyle. I thought participating in markets would be fun to experience, and the next thing I knew, I created Rain and Bolt, ordered some tags, started an instagram. I had a blast.
As a woman in her 60s, I very quickly outgrew the market scene. LOL! I moved to selling online, which really fit me well. I started to develop relationships with other influencers and companies, and found myself playing in a field of pattern design. I have been designing, knitting, sewing and creating my whole life — it was fun to revisit and focus there again, and I’m always walking toward what feels fun and best to experience for me.
Making 100s of a similar item was not really exciting to me, but I guess I needed to try that to learn I felt that way.
So, the years have just been flying by, and the designs and creations have been accumulating. My daughter said to me, “Mother, you need a refresh. You don’t do markets anymore. You don’t sell a brand. You create ideas. Patterns. Outlines for others to try. You’re an expert and so creative! Be you. Be Lo!” and what mother doesn’t listen to their daughter. LOL!
So the brainstorming began and a new website was born. Which also meant the letting go of Rain and Bolt, and welcoming Lo Rain.
If there is one thing I’ve learned over my six decades around the sun, is that it’s good to let go every now and then. It lets you grow.
So let the growing /work begin!
And hey, it did sound exciting. But, technology isn’t particularly my favourite thing in the world. I asked my daughter, “Is this going to involve lots of computer work? I would rather be knitting.” When she told me the details, my head started to spin, so I decided to take my time. I didn’t need headaches from technology over Youtube or photos, or some kind of design software. I just want to design.
So now, that’s what I do.
Check out some of my favourite patterns right now.
SKILL LEVEL
Intermediate
The Lace Tee is a lightweight knit designed for everyday ease with thoughtful details. Featuring airy lace sleeves and a relaxed silhouette, this top balances softness and structure in a wearable, modern way.
Worked flat and seamed for a polished finish, the shoulders are shaped using German short rows before stitches are picked up to form the lace sleeves. An anti-roll hem and clean neckline complete the design.
Designed to be worn with comfortable ease, The Lace Tee pairs effortlessly with jeans, skirts, or layered looks, making it a versatile addition to any handmade wardrobe.
PRODUCT MEASUREMENT: (See full schematic / measurements in photos)
XS (S, M, L, XL) (2X, 3X, 4X, 5X)
28-30 (32-34, 36-38, 40-42, 44-46) (48-50, 52-54, 56-58, 60-62) inches
A - Finished chest circumference: 32 (36.25, 40, 43.75, 48) (51.75, 56, 60.25, 64) inches
XS (S, M, L, XL) (2X, 3X, 4X, 5X)
71-76 (81-86, 91.5-96.5, 101.5-106.5, 111.5-117) (122-127, 132-137, 142-147, 152-158) cm
A - Finished chest circumference: 81 (92, 101.5, 111, 122) (131.5, 142, 153, 162.5) cm
For reference: Sample shown is size medium and worn on a 38”/ 96.5 cm chest with approximately 2”/ 5 cm of ease.
YARN:
Lion Brand Yarn - Coboo (51% cotton, 49% rayon from bamboo)
Weight: #3 - DK weight
Yardage per skein: 232 yd / 212 m - 3.5 oz / 100 g
Skeins required: 4 (5, 5, 6, 7) (7, 8, 9, 10)
Shown in color - White (835 - 100)
ALTERNATE YARN:
Weight: #3 - DK weight
Total yardage required: 916 (1043, 1160, 1282, 1447) (1610, 1761, 1954, 2117) yd / 838 (954, 1061, 1172, 1323) (1472, 1910, 1787, 1936) m
HOOKS AND/OR NEEDLES:
(2 sets) 4 mm / US 6 circular needles - 24” / 61 cm cord
3.5 mm / US 4 circular needles - 24” / 61 cm cord
*2 sets of needles is needed to work the neckband
GAUGE: (BLOCKED)
Swatch flat - Stockinette Stitch - 4 mm / US 6 needle
22 sts x 28 rows - 4” / 10 cm
Swatch flat - Lace Stitch - 3.5 mm / US 4 needle
22 sts x 28 rows - 4” / 10 cm
Row 1: (RS) K1, YO, K2tog repeat across to last st, K1.
Row 2: P all sts.
Row 3: K1, SSK, YO repeat across to last st, K1.
Row 4: P all sts.
NOTIONS:
Stitch holder or scrap yarn
Stitch markers - 6
Darning needle
Scissors
All sales are final. Due to the nature of this product, no returns will be processed. By purchasing this item you understand you are purchasing a detailed pattern outline and not a physical garment.