The gray mug that taught me a valuable knitting lesson.
Hello friends,
Welcome to another Esenote! Today, I want to talk about knitting fundamentals, confidence, and a not-so-colorful memory from my art class.
When I was 12, I signed up for painting lessons. Filled with visions of vibrant landscapes, I came to the first lesson armed with colorful pencils.
But my teacher had other plans. She presented me with a humble mug – a plain, handleless mug – and a set of… well, let's just say the color palette wasn't exactly bursting with life.
It was all shades of gray.
Disappointed? Absolutely. Flowers, landscapes, mythical beasts – these were the things I craved! A mug, however, seemed utterly uninspiring.
But then, my teacher explained. "You can't paint a masterpiece without understanding light and shadow," she said. "This mug, it's your foundation. Learn to capture its form, its depth, and then you can paint anything your heart desires."
Spoiler alert: I didn't become a Picasso (though those art classes hold a special place in my heart). But that lesson stayed with me.
💡 Now, how does this mug translate to the world of knitting? It's all about starting with the basics, even when those basics seem, well, basic.
Just like aspiring artists, many of us approach knitting with a vision of stunning scarves, intricate cables, or adorable colorwork sweaters. And that's fantastic! But just like my painting ambitions, sometimes we overlook the importance of a solid foundation.
Here's the thing: starting with seemingly "boring" patterns, like a simple garter stitch scarf or stockinette stitch basic sweater, isn't punishment. It's a gift! It allows you to focus on increasing and decreasing, picking up stitches, knitting sleeves with double-point needles or Magic Loop method – without getting overwhelmed by complex techniques.
Think of those basic patterns as your trusty mug – the one that might not be fancy, but holds your coffee perfectly every time. Once you master those essential skills, the world of knitting opens up. You'll build confidence, troubleshoot problems with ease, and approach more complicated projects with a sense of accomplishment.
Feeling tempted by that show-stopping sweater pattern? As a beginner knitter, take a deep breath and embrace the beauty of a basic project first. You might be surprised by the satisfaction (and beauty!) that comes from mastering the fundamentals.
📔 I have a great pattern for you: The basic drop-shoulder Weekend Sweater by Petite Knit.
Why you’ll love it:
Beginner-friendly: The pattern includes clear instructions and video tutorials for each technique, making it easy to learn new skills as you knit.
Knitted with medium-sized needles (5.5 mm/ US9), this sweater works up in no time.
The pattern calls for two yarns held together, but for a simpler experience, you can substitute with a single Aran weight yarn like Drops Nepal or Drops Alaska (check gauge with 5.5 mm needles).
Embrace your creativity: Feeling adventurous? Opt for a colorful or textured yarn to make your basic sweater truly pop!
Let's Get Inspired!
Head over to Ravelry to see how other knitters have brought the Weekend Sweater to life with their yarn choices and modifications.
🧶 Recommended aran weight yarn (from my free yarn guide):
Isager Aran Tweed: While I adore the quality and affordability of Drops Nepal, Isager Aran Tweed offers something truly special. This 100% wool yarn boasts a beautiful, rustic color palette that's perfect for creating cozy, countryside-inspired garments. The tweed flecks add a touch of texture and depth, making it ideal for sweaters you'll love to wear season after season.
I'm particularly drawn to the Sand color, and it's definitely at the top of my list for my next project! But there's sure to be a shade that speaks to you! Explore the full range and see how the various colors look in finished garments on Ravelry.
Weight: Aran (8 wraps per inch)
Meterage: 160 meters (175 yards) per 100 grams (3.53 ounces)
Needle Recommendation: Isager Aran Tweed typically works well on needles between 4.5mm and 5.5mm (US 7 - 9) but always check the specific gauge recommended in your pattern.
Order directly from the Isager website. They ship worldwide!
⭐ What's new in the Esenique world
As many of you know, I was working on a drop-shoulder sweater with a knit and purl stitch pattern. While this design is beautiful, I decided to put it on hold and focus on creating a collection of basic sweater patterns.
Here's the thinking behind this change: My mission is to empower adventurous beginners (those with basic knitting skills) and guide them on their journey to becoming confident intermediate knitters. To achieve this, I believe it's essential to offer a strong starting point with well-designed basic patterns in various constructions.
Once we have a solid foundation together, we can explore more intricate but still beginner-friendly projects that will continue to bring both joy and learning experiences!
Stay tuned for the upcoming release (August-September 2024).
❤️ I hope this Esenote was useful and inspiring.
Warm regards,
Julia Piro
Knitwear Designer & Esenotes Curator
P.S. Looking for even more inspiration? Follow me on Instagram or Facebook!
