🍂Try a fluffy colourwork raglan, test a meditative round yoke or join our Sock KAL! 🍂

New Pattern Release

Say hello to the latest design from my Latvian-inspired colourwork collection. Martins Sweater is inspired by the ancient Latvian symbol of Martins, representing fire and light. This symbol embodies harvest, fertility, and prosperity, depicted by two roosters, messengers of light.

I rediscovered this symbol in a beloved book my grandmother gave me. With its handmade and handwritten covers, this little book was saved by her during the Soviet times. After World War II, the Soviets tried to wipe out anything related to Latvian identity. My grandmother, who worked in a library, risked her job and even her freedom to save this piece of our heritage. She rescued it from a basement where it was meant to be burned, preserving it by taking it home after removing the cover.
Throughout my creative journey, I've reimagined this symbol. By rotating and merging its basic form, I've crafted a design that's unique but still true to its essence.

This seamless top-down modified raglan project has been a special collaboration with Camellia Fiber Co. who generously gifted me the softest yarn ever, their Suri Lace. I touched a swatch at VKL earlier this year and fell in love instantly! I couldn't picture this sweater in anything else!

Don't let the "lace" part scare you—the gauge is 24 sts & 32 rows in 10 cm/4", so it knits up as quickly as a DK project, just way lighter and fluffier, which is a total win! I'm using colourways New York and Silver Juniper as the main colours, with Midnight as contrast.

One of the best parts about designing is watching my patterns come to life with talented knitters. I'm grateful for the fantastic feedback from my test knitters, whose creativity and dedication bring each project to life. Here's what a few of them had to say about their experiences:

• "I was nervous in the beginning. But soon fell into the rhythm of your pattern. From a 'learner' point of view, your pattern was so well written and easy to follow. I learnt so much and am very grateful." (Michelle @‌higherplacesyoga)
• "I LOVE the fact that you created multiple versions of the colorwork charts - light with dark, dark with light. This was very, very helpful. I actually can't think of another designer who has done this. It's awesome. Thank you for the extra effort." (Jāna, @‌janaplesums)

This in-depth YouTube video explores the pattern's construction and techniques and offers tips on customising and modifying it to fit your wardrobe perfectly.

Get a discount by applying the code MARTINS at checkout on Ravelry or zaneteknits.com to cut 20% off your purchase.

This offer ends on October 6th at 11:59 PM BST!

Explore the softness of Camellia Fiber Co. Suri Lace! Use the code MARTINS for 10% off until October 6th. It's an excellent opportunity to experience this delightful yarn for your next project!

New Test Call

I'm looking for a group of test knitters interested in a sport weight colour-changing top-down round yoke sweater project. It is the next addition to the Yoke meditation series, inspired by the Buddhist mandala; it aims to get lost in the colourwork magic and take a break from life's chaos.

Information on how to apply is in the blog post. As it's first-come, first-served, we'll open the registrations at 3 PM BST so everyone in all time zones has a fair shot!

In other news...

Socktober 2024

In our previous newsletter, we shared all the details about our SOCKTOBER KAL, including the reasons behind it, how to join, the rules, and the prizes, and information on how to join and/or watch the 4h LIVE Sockathon. You can find all the details on our website or Ravelry forum if you missed it.

Our virtual workshops are back

Due to the popular demand for more virtual workshops, we're excited to announce that we've scheduled new sessions for Japanese Short Rows, Ladderback Jacquard, and a brand new workshop teaching a few ways to make Buttonholes. Find the timetable and information on how to reserve your spot here.

And here is a quick preview of what you can expect in our next newsletter!

Tempo Sweater release

I will be excited to share the pattern for Tempo Sweater, the fruits of my collaboration with Moondrake using their Fuwa Fuwa, which I absolutely adore. It is a classical wardrobe staple - v-neck with set-in sleeves but with a contemporary twist in how the neckline is structured. It is worked seamlessly from the top down with a short-row-shaped sleeve cap. Incorporating the 1x3 Twisted rib pattern in all the more intricate shaping sections requires some focus, but once you've done it, the sense of accomplishment is second to none.

Stay tuned for the release announcement!

Testing VKL Memories Socks

I will likely be casting these on during the LIVE Sockathon, our Socktober kick-off event, but they should be ready for testing by the time the next newsletter comes along. I will be using the sock yarn I bought at the Vogue Knitting Live and techniques I learnt in some of the workshops, so you can expect it to be an engaging toe-up sock project.
Keep an eye out for the test call!

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