The Artist’s Sweater is here 🎨
I’m so excited to finally share The Artist's Sweater! I started working on it back in August, and let’s just say—I unraveled it more times than I can count (probably twenty!). But every tweak was worth it to make this sweater as simple and approachable as possible.
To celebrate, here’s a little gift: use the promo code *** for 50% off on Etsy and Ravelry (valid until Thursday, February 13).
The Design
This sweater is for adventurous beginners — knitters ready to explore beyond the basics. It’s a gentle introduction to textured knitting, using simple stitches you already know (M1L, M1R), with just a few new techniques to learn (M1pL, M1pR).
With the help of my amazing test knitters and technical editor, I refined every detail to make it as beginner-friendly as it could be—so textured knitting feels effortless and gives you the confidence to try more complex patterns.
The Yarn
For my first sample, I used Drops Nepal — because, well, you know me. 🤗 Soft, forgiving, and as reliable as ever. I unraveled it over and over, and it still looked just as good.
My second sample is in Isager Aran Tweed in Sand color, and I love how it transformed the design. It’s not soft like Nepal, but that’s exactly what makes it special—raw, textured, and full of depth.
I was surprised to get a 16-stitch gauge on 4.5 mm (US 7) needles, tighter than expected for an Aran-weight yarn, but it worked perfectly!
What’s Next
I’m already deep into my next design — Summer Soul, a simple, beginner-friendly summer top, created in a sponsored collaboration with Hobbii.
When I got my hands on Friends Cotton Silk, I was instantly drawn to its softness and deep, starless-night black color. I scrapped my original basic tank top idea and went with an elegant boat neck instead—that’s how much I loved it!
It doesn’t have the papery feel of the cotton-linen blends I used last year. Instead, it has a beautiful matte finish that gives it a polished look. If you’ve been thinking about trying something new for summer, this might be the perfect excuse—Hobbii has it 14–35% off right now, depending on the quantity.
I shared a little sneak peek in The Artist’s Sweater video tutorial, and I’ll be opening the test call soon. If you want to join me for an easy summer project, stay tuned!
Thanks for being here—I love sharing these knitting adventures with you. ♥️
Warmly,
Julia Piro
Knitwear Designer & Esenotes Curator.
P.S. Follow me on Instagram or Facebook for behind-the-scenes updates!