New Pattern Release
My new design, the Ailis Sweater, has quite the backstory. The original colour inspiration came from the Bronze Age and the look of ancient and oxidised metals like copper. Jenny from Townhouse Yarns dyed a custom colourway for this project on the Farm to Yarn 4ply base, and it was a beautifully variegated yarn in those gorgeous tones. However, no matter what I tried, the variegation was fighting the colourwork motif. We agreed to try something more solid with higher contrast.
Jenny sent out a new batch a few weeks before Christmas, but ten days later, it still hadn’t moved, so she sent another package, which, of course, crawled through the Christmas post. I really could not wait much longer to get the pattern out by spring, so Jenny sent a third package with next-day delivery. It arrived a week later. The first package still has not turned up!
Because I was trying to maximise my knitting time, I kept knitting the main colour for as long as possible. That is how the colourwork ended up at the bottom of the body and the sleeves instead of at the yoke. And I like it!!
This is the fourth design in my Latvian mitten collection, but it features an Irish twist. The motif is adapted from a traditional Latvian mitten, but rearranged to give it a Celtic feel.
The pattern offers both a pullover and a steeked cardigan option and is worked seamlessly from the top down with a European shoulder construction, and the sleeve caps are shaped at the same time as the yoke.
The Ladderback Jacquard method can be used for the longer floats in the colourwork section and there are charts with suggested placements. I have also put together a deep-dive YouTube video that walks you through the full construction, the techniques used, and possible modifications.
Pattern Deep-Dive: Ailis Sweater by Zanete Knits
Use the code AILIS to get a 20% discount at checkout on Ravelry or Etsy
This offer is available until the 5th of April, 11:59 GMT! Just a quick note about the discount code, if you encounter any issues, please get in touch before completing your purchase. Discounts cannot be applied once the transaction is finished.
The team at Townhouse Yarns and This is Knit are also offering a 10% discount on both the sweater kit and the Farm to Yarn 4ply yarn. Use the code Ailis10 at checkout on their website until the end of the day on the 1st of April.
In Other News
Our Annual Zanete Knits Knitalong is back for 2026, kicking off April 1st. To join in and spring-clean your project bags, check out more details on Skool or Ravelry!
Can’t wait to see what we all create this time around!
P.S. We’ll do a whole two prize draws!
In the next newsletter, I will be announcing a test call for the Rhinebeck Memories Socks.
This is the 11th pattern in the Memory Socks series, and this particular design is dedicated to the Rhinebeck Festival.
These are all-over colourwork socks worked toe-up with a sole gusset and a heel flap. This is a great project for using up leftovers, so have a look through your yarn stash.
Keep an eye on your inbox for that announcement!
