A Latvian mitten-inspired colourwork sweater✨

New Pattern Release

Sometimes a project just needs to be cast on immediately! That is exactly what happened with the Elza Sweater. While I was preparing for the release of my Ghali Sweater, I remembered how much I enjoyed working on all-over stranded colourwork. I suddenly had the urge to cast on another unplanned raglan. I have really come to enjoy this construction for its great fit and the process of savouring every single stitch.

The simple motif is inspired by a Latvian mitten I saw online. This sweater is worked seamlessly from the top-down and in the round, except for the neckline, which is worked flat. Because the motif becomes intuitive very quickly and uses mostly short floats, it is a very meditative project. 

I have also put together a deep-dive video that goes into more detail about the construction and the inspiration behind this design.

I used Dundaga Wool for this project. It is produced at the historic Pāces Vilnas Fabrika in Dundaga, Latvia, which dates back to the late 19th century. The mill still uses its original machinery, and the wool comes from locally sheared sheep. 

The washing process is completely natural, using filtered pond water and salt instead of chemicals. This process preserves up to 70% of the natural lanolin in the wool. This single-ply yarn is minimally processed, and it retains tiny bits of the land it came from. It features long, smooth gradients that create fluid colour transitions. Each skein is unique, and these limited-edition colourways are never repeated.

If you are looking for this yarn, Wrap In Wool is offering a special selection for this launch. They have used newer tech to create images showing how each colourway would look in the sweater to help you visualise when choosing a colourway. 

Another option is Baltic Knits, which offers a 15% discount with the code "ELZASWEATER". This is valid until the end of day 1st of February (UK time), and they ship worldwide from the UK. 

For people in the UK, check out the selection at 80 Skeins.

However, any sport-weight yarn that achieves the gauge and has a strong contrast will also work perfectly.

Enjoy 20% discount by applying the code ELZA20 at checkout on Ravelry or Etsy.

This promotion is available until the 8th of February, 11:59 PM GMT! If you encounter any issues with the code, please reach out before finalising your purchase, as discounts cannot be applied retroactively.

In Other News...

I’m quite sad I won’t be making it to VKL this year. Remembering all the fun is giving me serious FOMO. To keep the tradition alive, I’m putting my self-published patterns on sale during this time! If your yarn shopping list needs a little inspiration (highly recommend heading to the marketplace with a list!), you can use code VKL26 for 25% off any self-published patterns on Ravelry and Etsy
Discount will be valid from 28th January until 1st of February (23:59 GMT). (Elza Sweater and Rujuu Sweater are excluded)

If you run into any issues with the code, let us know beforehand, as we can’t apply the discount after the fact.

What’s coming up in our next newsletter...

We'll continue with the Rujuu Mystery Yokealong!

Check out these Clue 2 WIPs, aren't they gorgeous. This is just a small fraction of all the projects posted on Skool thus far. I'm feasting my eyes every day.

Can't wait for Friday when Clue 3 comes out!