The Vivien top is here!

I’m here to stretch summer a little longer with a knit that’s light, joyful, and sure to brighten your days: the Vivien Top!

We’re in that in-between season - it might feel too early to think about sweaters (hopefully), but maybe a little late to cast on a big summer project.
Unless you're in Australia or New Zealand, in which case… you're just getting ready for summer 🌞

So I designed a two-in-one project: a gentle introduction to V-neck shaping, and a quick knit you can finish in about a week or so — thanks to the sleeveless shape, V-neck on both sides, and lots of simple stockinette, worked in the round or flat.

🎁 To celebrate the launch, enjoy 50% off the Vivien Top with code (only for Esenotes subscribers) on Etsy or Ravelry (valid until July 26).

I’m back with yarn gifts again 🤗
Drops Belle just released two new shades (Powder Pink and Cookie Dough), and I couldn’t resist picking up a few extra skeins… to share with you!

Every time I release a new pattern and tutorial, I try to find a small way to treat you. Gifting my favorite yarn is one of them.

To join the giveaway, head to the Vivien Top tutorial on YouTube and leave a comment with anything “knitty” on your mind. Maybe tell me

• who taught you to knit,
• what you’re working on now,
• or a funny moment from your knitting life, I’d love to hear it all.

Next week, I’ll randomly choose 3 winners to receive 10 skeins of Drops Belle — plenty to knit the Vivien Top or even Summer Soul or Mellow Mood in any size.

About this design

Some projects are born out of curiosity. You wonder — can something so simple still feel elegant?
Can basic stitches create something you’d genuinely love to wear?

The Vivien Top is my way of saying yes.

It’s a gentle introduction to V-neck construction, designed with beginners in mind.
Worked top-down in simple stockinette stitch and framed with broken rib edges, it adds just enough structure, without complication.

A light, wearable knit that shows you don’t need lace, cables, or intricate charts to create something stylish and feminine.

What do test knitters say

I was so lucky to be joined by such a talented group of knitters for the Vivien Top test.
Their versions are all up on Ravelry, and you can click through each one to see how they made it their own. 

Most of them said it was a quick knit. You stay busy at the beginning while shaping the upper pieces one by one, and then the rest flows easily in stockinette stitch.

While working on the project planner, I discovered that the upper part takes just 25% of the total knitting time. So 75% of the project is relaxing, meditative knitting in the round.

And if you prefer straight needles, you can absolutely make the whole top that way too.

You’ll find all the details about the Vivien Top on Ravelry or Etsy. I hope this becomes the project that encourages you to try a V-neck (if you haven’t already).

And I’d love to hear from you in the comments on YouTube. ♥️


Warm regards,

Julia Piro

Knitwear Designer & Esenotes Curator

P.S. Follow me on Instagram or Facebook for behind-the-scenes updates!