🤩 How my dream cardigan taught me to find motivation in discomfort!

New Pattern Release

I've had this idea to create a fitted all-over lace cardigan for a long time, but it felt pretty intimidating. I wasn't sure I could write up a detailed pattern that was still simple enough for others to follow. It was way out of my comfort zone, but I knew the only way to make it happen was to start somewhere.

For me, that meant just going and finding the right yarn. The second I touched Vaya during a visit to Knit With Me in London, I was intrigued and had to use that momentum.

Knitting the Noura Cardigan was so lovely and enjoyable, but writing the pattern? Not so much. Sometimes I wanted to quit, convinced no one would like to knit something this complicated. Turns out, all that panic was for nothing as here is what the amazing test knitters thought:

• They could not stop raving about the lace pattern. It was the star of the show. They found it super easy to memorise and loved how the repetitive nature felt relaxing rather than dull.
• The knotted bind-off was another big hit, with many trying it for the first time and planning to use it in future projects.
• The European shoulder construction was a fun surprise. After some initial scepticism, it ended up wowing some knitters with its clever fit.
• Many appreciated the detailed instructions and helpful videos (especially that one on picking up stitches and button placement!). They said the whole cardigan felt intuitive once they got into the flow.

I attribute this success to the clever construction. It's a top-down seamless design with a European shoulder, but the sleeves are worked at the same time as the yoke, making for a smooth and fun knitting experience. Little did I know that I would be using the same approach for lots more of my upcoming designs, so watch this space.

It is an intermediate difficulty pattern as you'd need to know how to read charts, your knitting as well as be able to incorporate newly increased stitches in the lace pattern. But all you really need is a positive attitude and willingness to persevere because the support is always there. If not already a member, you can join the Zanete Knits group on Skool, where you can access the complete course: How to Knit the Noura Cardigan, or watch a deep-dive YouTube video that covers everything in detail.

You can use your 20% discount by entering the code NOURA at checkout on Ravelry or Etsy through zaneteknits.com.

This special offer is available until July 20th at 11:59 PM BST! If you encounter any problems with the discount code, reach out before finalising your purchase, as discounts cannot be applied after the transaction is complete.

This pattern is available in seven languages: English, Danish, Dutch, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish. Due to Etsy's restriction of a maximum of five files per pattern upload, please email us your order number if you purchase through Etsy and need the Danish or Portuguese version. We will ensure you receive the download links promptly.

In Other News...

So, 150K Instagram followers, almost 30K YouTube subscribers, and six amazing years since my first pattern launch - it's been an incredible list of significant milestones recently! I'm putting together a special Q&A video to mark it, and I'd love for you to be part of it. 

If you have any questions about my design process, need some advice, or want to ask something fun, please fill out this quick form and help me create an unforgettable Q&A. Your questions and curiosity inspire me every single day!

And here's a glimpse of what's coming up in the next newsletter...

Yasmeen Top

After finishing the Noura Cardigan, I got hooked on lace, and summer feels like the perfect time to dive into light, breezy patterns. This design is super delicate and elegant, with intricate details that feel feminine. 

It has a top-down construction and uses fingering-weight yarn, making it a great option for warmer days. Plus, it's an easy way to add a little extra charm to your everyday look!! 

The ruffle is entirely optional as it works just as well without it! And the length, as usual, is adjustable. The pattern is coming in a couple of weeks, so keep an eye out.