Photoshoot at Oslofjord Museum: Mulberry Silk Jacket

The next set of photos I will show your from our base at the Oslofjord Museum at Vollen in Asker, outside of Oslo at the end of May, is the Mulberry Silk Jacket . This is an old pattern that was first published in my Norwegian book “To rett, en vrang. Designstrikk” by Cappelen Damm in 2012. Here is Kaja Kvernbakken wearing my Mulberry Silk Jacket with a pair of pirate trousers, with make-up & hair by Sissel Fylling and jewellery by Kaja Gjedebo Design, plus ankel boots by Monica Stålvang, brilliantly photographed next to the corten steel wall by Eivind Røhne.

A short sleeve jacket for summer, made in silk, hence lovely to wear. The divine lace weight Jaipur Silk Fino from BC Garn in a moss color is my choice. The lucina shell pattern gives a delicate expression perfect for the silk yarn. The cardigan is knitted in pieces and seamed for the best fit. The frontband has both a garter stitch part and a stockinette stitch part which is left to roll.

The Mulberry Silk Jacket was photographed again since I am releasing the pattern as an individual pattern and because I wanted to sell the Norwegian pattern for reuse to the magazine Familien. I have received several requests for the pattern in English, but knew I had to revise the pattern and have my technical editor to check it as well draw a schematic drawing for it, hence it has taken a lot longer than anticipated.

The jacket is knitted in  BC Garn, Jaipur Silk Fino made of 100% mulberry silk that comes on 50 gram skeins with 300 meters/ yards. The sample is knitted in Moss 41 using a 3 mm/US 2.5 needle and a 2.5 mm/US 1.5 needle for the front band. The gauge is 24 stitches and 36 rows in stockinette stitch using a 3 mm/US 2.5 needle measuring 10 cm/4″ square.

The sample has a 99 cm/39” bust circumference and is worn with + 13 cm/5” ease on the model. I have added a size extra large and done a few adjustments to the pattern as well as rewriting the pattern into my current pattern writing style. I loved seeing this jacket on Kaja! I am so proud to have such a fabulous team to work with! Thank you!

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Vela in Familien 17/2019

I am thrilled to have yet another design in the bi-monthly magazine Familien, this time it is my Vela that was published in issue number 17, which came out last Friday. Above is the cover and below is the first of the pattern pages. Vela is worn by gorgeous model Emma Ross, with make-up & hair by Sissel Fylling and jewellery by Kaja Gjedebo Design, and captured by Eivind Røhne at Oslofjord Museum at Vollen in Asker, outside of Oslo, in May. The pullover is knitted in the lovely Hempathy from Elsebeth Lavold held double with a gauge of 18 sts and 20 rows with 2 strands held together in stockinette stitch using 5 mm/US 8 needle measures 10 cm/4” square.

“Hullstrikkgenser” directly translated means “hole-knit pullover”; the first word is the Norwegian word for lace knitting including all eyelet patterns. On top of the page is my introduction, slightly abbreviated: Sideways pullover in an eyelet pattern with a center join to enable it to hang straight like a sail or Vela – Italian for sail. Oversized body with narrow sleeves to minimize the volume. Vela ends in a round neck with ribbing. Dress it up with a cowl, that can be worn once or twice around your neck. Perfect for summer, knitted in a lovely cotton mix yarn called Hempathy from Elsebeth Lavold Yarns with a crisp stitch definition.

The pullover is knitted sideways, so work a larger size if you want a longer version. Adjust sleeve length to fit you. Each body part is knitted in two pieces and bound off using 3 needles for a center join. A circular needle is used to accommodate the large stitch number.

I have graded the sweater in three sizes: XS/S (M/L, XL/2XL), while the cowl is one size but can easily be adjusted. The sample shown is in the smallest size with a 120 cm/47.25” bust circumference with + 34 cm/13.5” ease on model. Intended ease is + 28-38 cm/11-15”.

The Familien magazine is available at selected news agents and super markets. If you are in Norway you can buy a digital version for iPad, see www.klikk.no. If you live abroad you can order the Norwegian special magazine by e-mailing kari.bachke@egmont.com and then transfer payment into their bank account.

The English pattern is available on Ravelry and Lovecrafts.

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Postcard from Turkey

Early Sunday morning my mum and I arrived at our hotel Cooks Club Alanya in Turkey. The super hot temperatures around 34 degrees Celsius/93 Fahrenheit late in the evening took us by surprised as we left an autumnal Oslo. On Thursday it actually hit 40 degrees Celsius/104 Fahrenheit in the sun, and with 30 degrees Celsius/86 Fahrenheit in the sea, I had to use the beach shower to cool down. All in all, we have spent six relaxing days here in Alanya. Today is our last day. So if my mum wants me to join her on another holiday, I certainly will. Above you can see the street view from our two room apartment balcony, below our sea view.

We spent most days on the beach. I have relaxed by reading, swimming and watching the water sports enthusiasts as well as the myriad beach life. My mum and I have been testing the pool area and can confirm that the bar offers a very good Aperol Spritz. The accompanying techno music (from numerous speakers around the pool) was definitely intended for the much younger guests, but we enjoy studying all the tattoos on show. I am especially taken by the different bar code versions. Below is an early morning view, taken while I was jogging to the gym.

 In addition to the large number of Norwegian tourists here, but there is also a number of Norwegians living here. Hanain Shah came to pick us up to take us to his Indian restaurant, Indian Bazaar. He asked which nationality we were and surprised us by saying that he was Norwegian too, from Løren. Not only is he and his wife running the Indian restaurant, but also a real estate company: Plus Investment Alanya. We had a delicious meal at the first Indian restaurant in Alanya and also had a nice chat to his wife Aiste Marie. Below you see my mum in the corner of the picture.

We met more Norwegians working in different stores, some lived in Alanya while others were in the city only during the summer. A number of the Turkish staff could also speak a few words of Norwegian and the phrase “Norge er best”/Norway is best was often heard. I must admit if felt quite funny.

Cooks Club Alanya does have a Spa, so we followed our tradition and booked Turkish Bath, Sports massage and a pedicure. As always it was a lovely treat and refreshing! One of Michael & mine neighbours Kjetil & Tore were also going to Alanya. So on Thursday we met up for lunch at our hotel. We shared a very nice meal at the beach café, called Cantina! I have not done a lot of knitting, as it has been too hot, nor did we visit any of the three listed yarn shops in Alanya. We did however have a walk along the main street and did a bit of shopping! Shoes, t-shirts, bags and a dress, if you were wondering. It was a very enjoyable holiday, indeed! Greetings from Turkey!

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Vela Pattern Released

The test knit of Vela has come to an end with some stunning projects. As usual my test knitters did an excellent job of improving and correcting the pattern. The English pattern is now available on Ravelry and Lovecrafts, while the Norwegian pattern will be printed in Familien issue 17. Above you see model Emma Ross wearing Vela, with make-up & hair by Sissel Fylling and jewellery by Kaja Gjedebo Design. She was brilliantly captured by photographer Eivind Røhne at the Oslofjord Museum at Vollen in Asker, outside of Oslo, in May.

Sideways pullover in an eyelet pattern with a center join to enable it to hang straight like a sail or Vela – Italian for sail. Oversized body with narrow sleeves to minimize the volume. Vela ends in a round neck with ribbing. Dress it up with a cowl, that can be worn once or twice around your neck. Perfect for summer, knitted in a lovely cotton mix yarn called Hempathy from Elsebeth Lavold with a crisp stitch definition.

Sizes: XS/S (M/L, XL/2XL)
Shown in size Extra Small/Small
Skill level: Intermediate

Finished measurements:
Bust: 120 (132, 144) cm/47.25 (52, 56.75)“
Length: 57 (59, 61) cm/22.75 (23.5, 24.5)”
Sleeve length: 46 (44, 42) cm/18 (17.25, 16.5)“
Cowl: 117 cm/46” long, 31 cm/12.25” wide
Intended ease: + 28-38 cm/11-15”
Sample shown is 120 cm/47.25” with + 34 cm/13.5” ease on model.

Yarn: Elsebeth Lavold, Hempathy (41% cotton, 34% hemp, 25% modal, 50 g, 140 m/153 yds). Sample is knitted in Kingfisher Blue 61:
Pullover: 13 (16, 19) balls; 1806 (2226, 2646) m/1975 (2434, 2893) yds.
Cowl: 6 balls; 818 m/895 yds
Note: Yarn is held double throughout.
Yarn is available from Loveknitting in the UK and distributed by House of Hobbies in Sweden and Norway.
https://www.loveknitting.com/elsebeth-lavold-hempathy
https://www.houseofhobbies.se
https://knittingfever.com/elsebeth-lavold/yarn/E-HEMP

Needles: 5 mm/US 8 circular needle (80 cm/32” and 40 cm/16”).
5 mm/US 8 straight needle.
Adjust needle size as needed to match gauge.

Notions: Stitch markers (removable), stitch holders, and yarn needle.

Gauge: 18 sts and 20 rows with 2 strands held together in st st using 5 mm/US 8 needle measures 10 cm/4” square.
17 sts and 22 rows in Eyelet pattern repeat measures 10 cm/4” square.
15 sts in rib measures 10 cm/4” across.

Notes: Pullover is knitted sideways, so work a larger size if you want a longer version. Adjust sleeve length to fit you. Each body part is knitted in two pieces and bound off using 3 needles for a center join. A circular needle is used to accommodate the large stitch number.

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Høststrikk 2019 with Rørbye Cardigan and Nemetona

The Norwegian special magazine Høststrikk/Autumn Knits published by Familien is on sale and I am delighted to have two patterns inside it: Rørbye Cardigan and Nemetona. The magazines is filled with knitting patterns for all ages, but mainly for women as you can see from the cover. My Rørbye Cardigan modelled by Emma Ross, with hair & make up by Sissel Fylling and jewellery by Kaja Gjedebo Design, photographed by Eivind Røhne at the Vigeland Museum, is one of four designs on the back cover as well as on the editorial page.

Here is the back cover, with the Rørbye Cardigan at the top, next to a design by Golden Days by Kari Hestnes. The jacket was made for Interweave knit.wear Fall/Winter 2017 and is knitted in Dale Eco Wool using 4 mm/US 6 needles. Here is my introduction: A classy and sophisticated knitted cardigan in a contemporary style. The waterfall bottom is created by knitting a sideways cable panel. To offset the cables, the body is all in stockinette stitch, with the exception of the cuff. Each sleeve begins in a sideways knitted cable panel. Leave it open, or pin the cardigan together at the front or in the side, if you prefer to wrap it all around you.

Nemetona is featured inside the magazine at the beginning of my pages called “Fantastic Cables”. I do love the introduction: “Designer Linda Marveng is an expert on cable knitting. Here are two gorgeous designs photo grated on Emma Ross at the Vigeland Museum in Oslo.”

Nemetona is Celtic for goddess of all sacred places. Like a magical cable grove is each part of this pullover: Staghorn, Roman; and double cables are framed by Honeycomb pattern. The flowing longer back with its curved hem, creates a stylish contrast to the straight front. Nemetona is knitted in pieces in the divine The Fibre Co. Cumbria.

The Familien Høststrikk magazine is available at selected news agents and super markets. If you are in Norway you can buy a digital version for iPad, see www.klikk.no. If you live abroad you can order the Norwegian special magazine by e-mailing kari.bachke@egmont.com and then transfer payment into their bank account.

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Makerist.com

The Makerist.com is a digital DIY platform, that sells downloadable patterns for handcrafts: sewing; knitting; crocheting; embroidery; quilting and patchwork. The platform was brought to my attention by a designer posting about it in the Designer group on Ravelry. I liked the look of the webpage and decided to fill in the application form to sell on Makerist. You can apply to sell both patterns and video tutorials. Here is the link to the application, if you are interested: docs.google.com

“Makerist was founded in 2013 in Berlin, Germany by Axel Heinz and Amber Riedl and is the market leader in Europe for digital patterns and e-learning classes.” You can read more about them here. In their mission statement, they write: “Our goal is to motivate more people to become makers and artists by offering inspiration from the creative community as well as concrete skills and tools to just start making”. The platform has a German website, a French website and an American website. You will find my patterns on the American website, since I only have a few patterns translated into German and none translated into French: www.makerist.com.

I received a very positive response from Sarah Gillot, together with a very professional pdf, packed with information called: “Makerist. Crafting made simple. Join Us! A simple guide to becoming a designer”. I knew that it would be best to upload a large batch, so I have uploaded 50 pattern, for now. The uploading process was detailed and a bit time consuming, but with practice, I could do so at a quicker speed. I am pleased to say that I have sold my first patterns on Makerist.

You will also find my digital knitting patterns on these platforms:

Ravelry: www.ravelry.com/stores/linda-marveng

LoveCrafts: www.lovecrafts.com

MakingThings: patterns.makingthingsapp.com

Annie’s: www.anniescatalog.com

Deep South Fibers (for retailers): www.deepsouthfibers.com

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Photoshoot at Oslofjord Museum: Prescott Pullover

The Prescott Pullover was designed for Interweave Knits Fall 2018, or to be precise Museion was my chosen name. I held a KAL in my Ravelry group last autumn and the pullover received the nickname Mr Prescott, after the former British Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott. More than 50 knitters had the company of Mr Prescott, the sweater that is, and it was the most-knit pattern from 2018 from Interweave. It was returned in time for the photoshoot and I choose to photograph the pullover on Emma Ross wearing cream silk slacks with it. I knew I wanted the stones next to the beach at Vollen as the background to match the colour of the design. The Prescott Pullover is knitted in the stunning Acadia from the The Fibre Co. Sissel Fylling did Em’s hair & make up styling, while the jewellery is by Kaja Gjedebo Design. These brilliant photos were taken by Eivind Røhne by the Oslofjord Museum in late May.

The Prescott Pullover emulates intricate iron- and stonework found on historic university buildings. This professional and sleek pullover features soft cabled bell sleeves, and the side ribbing gives it a body-hugging silhouette. The design is worked from the bottom up in pieces, and it is finished with a cozy turtleneck.

The sample shown is size Medium with a bust circumference of 99 cm/39” with + 13 cm/5” ease on Em. The Fibre Company, Acadia yarn is made of 60% merino wool, 20% baby alpaca, 20% silk and comes in 50 gram skeins with 133 meters/145 yards. The sample is knitted in Mountain Ash with a gauge of 24 sts and 30 rows in Stockinette stitch using 4 mm/US 6 needles measuring 10 cm/4” square.

The pullover is worked in pieces and seamed. A circular needle is used to accommodate the large number of stitches. The back and front stitch counts assume 104 stitches between markers for cable. The sleeve stitch counts assume 54 stitches between markers for cable. During shaping, if there are not enough stitches to work a complete cable crossing, work the stitches of the partial cable as they appear.

Finally, here is a photograph of the back. The stunning cable is designed by Devorgilla. The Norwegian pattern will be printed in Familien at a later date, while the English pattern is available on Ravelry and LoveCrafts.

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Devona Knitted by Siret

Estonian test knitter Siret took these gorgeous photos of her daughter wearing Devona, knitted in the original Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk, Sølje pelsullgarn/pelt wool yarn in 2118 Olivengrønn. On her Ravelry project page Siret, aka kollane, writes: “Sølje yarn from Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk was once again an excellent choice for knitting and I was not disappointed”. This is actually the first vest that Siret has knitted; “Devona is an amazing vest with two different patterns that divide it into two exciting knitting parts. The Honeycomb pattern is a little time consuming but definitely worth it”. Siret lives with her family at Saaremaa, the largest island in Estonia, in the Baltic Sea. She and her model daughter …”chose an old forge as the backdrop for shooting, because the vest reminds me of old times when the vest was worn much often”.

Siret made the vest for herself in size Medium with a bust measurement of 98 cm/38.5″. The only modification she made was work “5 sets of short rows on both pieces – I finished Honeycomb pattern and wraped and turned after two sts”. I have included an advice on short rows in the pattern. You can also find Siret on Instagram as siretsini, where you can see more of her stunning projects and photos! Thank you ever so much for test knitting and these amazing photos, Siret & daughter!

Named after the Goddess of the Rivers of Devon is this vest with textures running into each other at the center. One half is in a twisted rib while the other is honeycomb, divided by a spine of rib. The vest ends in garter stitch bands topped with a soft I-cord bind off. Devona is knitted in the bouncy Sølje Pelsull from Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk with a 24 stitches and 32 rows gauge in stockinette stitch using a 3 mm/US 2.5 needle over 10 cm/4″ square.

The vest or sleeveless sweater or shell if you like, comes in sizes XS to 2XL with a bust measurement of 86 to 125 cm/33.75 to 49.25″. You can order a yarn kit with the pattern in English or Norwegian from Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk. The Norwegian and English pattern are both available from my Ravelry Store and on LoveCrafts.

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Photoshoot at Oslofjord Museum: Vela

The next set of photos I will show you is of the sweater Vela with cowl. I knew I wanted model Emma Ross to wear this set with a pair of pencil trousers, with make-up & hair by Sissel Fylling and jewellery by Kaja Gjedebo Design, and that I wanted some sailboats or yachts in the background. I brief brilliant photographer Eivind Røhne, who suggested this backdrop at the marina at Vollen. We had our base at the Oslofjord Museum at Vollen in Asker, outside of Oslo, during our photoshoot at the end of May.

Sideways pullover in an eyelet pattern with a center join to enable it to hang straight like a sail or Vela – Italian for sail. Oversized body with narrow sleeves to minimize the volume. Vela ends in a round neck with ribbing. Dress it up with a cowl, that can be worn once or twice around your neck. Perfect for summer, knitted in a lovely cotton mix yarn called Hempathy from Elsebeth Lavold with a crisp stitch definition.

Pullover is knitted sideways, so work a larger size if you want a longer version. Adjust sleeve length to fit you. Each body part is knitted in two pieces and bound off using 3 needles for a center join. A circular needle is used to accommodate the large stitch number. Vela is knitted with the yarn held double throughout using a 5 mm/US 8 and a gauge of 18 sts and 20 rows in stockinette stitch measuring 10 cm/4″ square.

Em is wearing size XS/S, with a bust measurement of 120 cm/47.25″ with + 34 cm/13.5″ ease. As it is an oversized sweater I suggest the following ease: + 28-38 cm/11-15″. I have graded the sweater in two more sizes: M/L and XL/2XL, with these bust measurements: 132 and 144 cm/52 and 56.75″.

The lovely yarn was given to me by Elsebeth Lavold herself, the first 10 balls that is, when she and her husband drove past our house last summer during their summer holiday. The second bag of balls I received from agent Thomas Kvist, House of Hobbies, who distributes the yarn in Scandinavia. He was kind enough to send me 10 more balls so that I could complete the sweater and make the large cowl. The Norwegian pattern will be printed in the magazine Familien in issue number 17, on sale the 19th of August, while the English pattern is available on Ravelry and on LoveCrafts.

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