No more cable confusion - free course to guide you!
Hello, fellow knitter!
If cables have been one of those challenging techniques you’ve been eager to master, I’ve got something to make it easier for you!
Mastering cables: A beginner's guide.
Cables add a beautiful touch of elegance to any knitting project, but I know they can feel a bit intimidating when you're just starting out. That's why I'm thrilled to share the FREE Cable Course from Tin Can Knits.
Emily and Alexa, the talented designers behind the wildly popular Flax worsted sweater, will guide you through every step of mastering cables.
From cable casts on to cable turns, increases, and decreases, this course has everything you need to become a cable pro.
I’ve had a sneak peek at the first lesson, and it’s incredibly straightforward and helpful. By the end of these three lessons, you’ll be able to knit those beautiful cables with confidence!
Excited to give it a try? 🙌 I think you’re going to love it!
📔 Featured pattern: The Metropolitan Pullover by Tori Yu.
If you’re a fan of raglan sweaters, you’re going to love the Metropolitan Pullover! I couldn’t resist sharing it after seeing the elegant project photos.
This pattern is very clear and perfect for anyone who has already knitted a raglan sweater.
The only new technique might be M1pL and M1pR (increases on the wrong side), but don’t let that intimidate you.
There are plenty of helpful YouTube tutorials out there.
What sets this sweater apart is the saddle shoulder detail, adding a bit of fun and challenge.
Plus, it’s a quick-knit project with a gauge of 16 sts x 21 rows, giving you a lot of yarn options.
🧶 In the previous Esenote, I mentioned that combining Drops Lima (worsted weigth) with Mohair (lace weight) might not create an Aran weight yarn. However, after some swatching, I found it does! I got 16 sts in 10 cm (4 inches), and the fabric is even softer than using Drops Nepal (aran weight) alone. You might want to try both options for this sweater.
I often use Drops yarns because they offer great quality at an affordable price and are widely available. But I also want to offer you more options. I’ve ordered yarns from Knitting for Olive and Sandnes Garn and will be testing them in upcoming tutorials, so stay tuned for more choices!
My friend Olga from Instagram (hi, if you’re reading this! 🙂) recently mentioned that Drops Kid Silk mohair can feel a bit itchy for some. Inspired by Olga’s feedback, I plan to compare different mohair yarn brands and share my thoughts with you. There’s nothing worse than a beautiful sweater you can't wear because it's too itchy!
It reminds me of ten years ago when my mother lovingly knitted the most beautiful cabled hats for me. I adored them, but I couldn't wear them because even the softest Italian mohair was too irritating on my forehead. This year, I'm planning to knit a hat with superwash wool yarn instead. I must confess, I’ve been wearing a simple store-bought wool hat for years simply because it doesn’t bother my skin at all.
🌍 What's new in Esenique world.
Knitwithtania's project.
The Drop in Dream Sweater is currently in testing, and I'm already loving the first finished projects! I’m so lucky to have such talented and creative test knitters (as always 🥰).
I encourage them to make any modifications they like - so they end up with a sweater they truly love and to showcase their creativity!
Here’s a sneak peek of one beautiful finished sweater.
Tomorrow, I'll begin filming a step-by-step video tutorial for this sweater. I hope to have it ready for you by early October.
I've also completed the "First Star Sweater" and am planning to knit another version in DK + Mohair (or worsted with Mohair). Once it's finished, I'll be looking for testers. This is a great project for beginners, and I'd love for you to join me. No experience necessary – just bring your enthusiasm!
Speaking of sustainability, I've been thinking about better ways to care for my hand-knits. I decided to try an eco-friendly wool wash that doesn't require rinsing, making it even kinder to the planet. I'll be testing it to see how it compares to my usual supermarket wool detergent and sharing my thoughts in next Tuesday's Esenote.
❤️ I hope this newsletter has inspired you to try something new.
Warm regards,
Julia Piro
Knitwear Designer & Esenotes Curator
P.S. Looking for even more inspiration? Follow me on Instagram or Facebook!
