Category Archives: Knitting

New Design: Kaibara

Posted on by

Finally, the last of the new designs for now; my Kaibara photographed by Michael on me. Do notice the sailboat and the duck, I had to wait for them to both be in the frame, so I hope you appreciate the effort we made. Kaibara is knitted by yours truly in a fantastic silk made in the city of Como in Italy, that squeaks while you knit, first discovered at The Handweavers Studio & Gallery in London and ordered in the colour Poppy Red. The Como Silk 4.5nm can be bought on either 25 gram reels or 100 gram spools with 80 meters/87 yards or 350 meters/383 yards.

Named after Kaibara Ekken the father of botany in Japan is this flowery lace adorned A-line pullover with short sleeves. To allow the lace pattern to shine, the remaining pullover is worked in stockinette stitch. The pullover is knitted in pieces then seamed, for the ultimate fit, in the drapey and lustrous Como Silk from Handweavers Studio. Kaibara is made to be worn on a perfect summer’s day or at a party.

I am wearing size XS with a bust circumference of 82 cm/32.25″ with negative ease: 6 cm/2.25″ and as you can see the duck is no longer interested. That was not my plan, but my swatch did not match my stockinette stitch gauge on the sample. Hence my planned size S sample became a small size XS sample and fitted my modell Olivia Lindtein even better.

The Kaibara pullover is worked back and forth in pieces from bottom up and seamed. The lace repeat is the same for all sizes but not the number of reverse stocking stitch in between the lace panels; 2 for some sizes and 4 for other sizes. I have graded Kaibara from size XS to 5XL with a bust circumference of 82 to 166 cm/32.25 to 65.25″ and suggest a positive ease of 5-10 cm/2-4″.

I knitted Kaibara using a 3.25 mm/US 3 needle with a 23 stitches and 34 rows gauge in stockinette stitch and used 4 spools of the yarn for size XS.

Here is a detail of the lace pattern which is the same on the body as on the sleeves. My beautiful oxidised silver necklace and ring are made by Kaja Gjedebo Design, just in case you were wondering. Kaibara will be test knitted beginning on May 3, before its release in both English and Norwegian.

I look forward to showing you the brilliant photos that Eivind Røhne took of Olivia Lindtein wearing it at our photoshoot last November.

Share

Adeline’s Cardigan Again

Posted on by

Back in November, I promised to show you the photos that Michael took of me at the beach in Ørje, wearing the Adeline’s Cardigan made for the Interweave Knits Winter 2021 issue.

I was thrilled to discover that my design – that I had knitted – was selected for the cover!  The cardigan is knitted in a gorgeous shade of yellow called Tumeric in Manos del Uruguay Alegria Grande with a 4 mm/US 6 needle and a 20 stitches and 29 rows gauge measuring 10 cm/4″ square.

Adeline’s Cardigan is a stunning feast for the eyes. The generous peplum is worked sideways in three pieces. Stitches are picked up from the top of the peplum, and the back and fronts are worked separately from the bottom up. Captivating cables abound in this piece for the adventurous knitter.

The cardigan is worked in pieces and seamed for an ultimate fit. The cabled peplum of this cardigan is worked sideways in pieces for the back and each front, then stitches are picked up on the wrong side for the moss-stitch peplum. Stitches are picked up along the opposite edge of the peplum for the back and each front, which are worked from the bottom up in pieces and seamed.

The cabled cuff on the sleeve is worked sideways, then stitches are picked up along the cuff for the sleeve, which ends in pleats. In the photo above you can see the pleats.

Here is a brilliant action shot that Michael captured. My beloved scarf is a piece of silk fabric bought many years ago in Venice in Italy. I wanted to show how the cardigan looked open, as well.

Adeline’s Cardigan is graded in 8 sizes from a Small to 5XL with a bust measurement of 86.5 cm/34.5″ to 153 cm/60.25″. You might recognise the cables, as I have used them before in my Cian design. I discovered them in Norah Gaughan’s inspiring Knitted Cable Sourcebook.

The Interweave Knits Winter 2021 issue is available in a digital edition or print edition. In Norway you can buy the print issue at larger Narvesen stores or order it at your local one.

Share

Photoshoot at Mortensrud Church November 2020: Japanese Vest

Posted on by

I decided to photograph the Japanese Vest again, it was first photographed for my Norwegian knitting book “To rett, en vrang. Designstrikk” published by Cappelen Damm back in 2012, by Kim Müller. I decided to style the vest over a black machine knitted dress. Model Olivia Lindtein looked stunning in the vest! Her hair & make-up is by Sissel Fylling, the jewellery is borrowed from Kaja Gjedebo Design and brilliant photographer Eivind Røhne captured it all!

The pattern has been revised and I have added three more sizes to it. My technical editor Barbara Khouri has made a very smart chart and a schematic as well as editing the pattern for me. The pattern will be released in my Ravelry Store next week in both English and Norwegian. It will also be added to LoveCrafts.

A vest inspired by Japan, with only one large armhole, to drape, fold and fasten as you please with a shawl pin or two. You can also use the Japanese Vest as a scarf if you like. The all over reversible dropped stitch pattern is by Lynne Barr. The vest is knitted in one piece, in the beautiful Huldra kamgarn from Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk, with double hem bands all around.

I knitted the vest is knitted using 3 mm/US 2.5 needles with a 28 stitches and 36 rows in stockinette stitch measuring 10 cm/4″ square. Olivia is wearing the smallest size.

The vest is seamless and worked in one piece with one large armhole. A circular needle is used to accommodate the large number of stitches. The side double band hem is picked up and worked at the end with 2 circular needles held parallel. If you prefer, add for instance 3 stitches in garter stitch in each end instead, or skip the side double band.

I look forward to showing you more of the photos from the photoshoot! I am so thrilled with these new photos of the Japanese Vest. Thank you to my wonderful team!

Share

New Design: Beyla

Posted on by

Next out in the series of new designs, is the last of the four design for Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk for spring 2021, Beyla. It is brilliantly knitted in the new yarn Varde using a 4.5 mm/US 7 needle by my sample knitter Airin Hansen, aka AirinHHansen on Ravelry, with a gauge of 18 stitches and 24 rows in stockinette stitch using 4.5 mm/US 7 needle measures 10 cm/4” square after blocking. An all over cable pattern where the collar is a continuation of the body was my design idea. Yarn kits are already available with either Norwegian or English pattern, while the individual pattern will be released after test knitting on Ravelry, later this spring.

Named Beyla, Norse for little bean, well suited for the shape of the cables on this pullover. All over cables play on the front and back, while only three cables play on the sleeve. The purl stitches in the background make the sweater hug you. Beyla is crowned by a standing collar and knitted in Varde a bouncy pelt wool yarn from Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk.

These photos of me wearing size Small are taken by my husband in our back garden back in November. I am wearing it with + 4 cm/1.5″ of ease, and I have graded the design from sizes XS to 5XL with a finished bust measurement of 85 to 153 cm/33.5 to 60″.

The pullover is worked back and forth in separate pieces and seamed. The cable pattern continues on the collar which is worked in the round with an interfacing part.

Beyla will be test knitted in my Ravelry group, beginning on April 5, before the pattern is released. But you will already find yarn kits, with either English or Norwegian pattern, available from Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk.

The style and colour looked perfect on Model Olivia Lindtein, as you can see from the yarn kit page. I look forward to showing you all the pictures of Beyla from our photoshoot.

Share

Grian Knitted by Nivine Douhne Moseley

Posted on by

I have to share Nivine’s stunning version of Grian with you. The bright orange colour of the Malabrigo Yarn Dos Tierras yarn suits her so well and the intensity is captured in these photos. Nivine is a very skilled knitter and test knitted Grian for me. Hence I am not surprised that the yarn ….”was generously supported by Malabrigo. This yarn feels amazing and wonderful to knit with, makes for a beautiful stitch definition. The color is gorgeous looks like a flaming sunset”. Nivine continues: “I knew I wanted to knit this sweater from the first picture Linda shared. It’s like art in stitches”, I am so thrilled to hear this, thank you ever so much, Nivine! If you recognise her ear rings, they are designed by Kaja Gjedebo Design, whose jewellery I borrow for my photoshoots.

Nivine made the sweater in size M and the one size cowl using a 4 mm/US 6 needles, with a 20 stitches and 28 rows in stockinette stitch gauge per 10 cm/4″ square. The Grian pattern is graded in sizes XS to 5XL with a one size cowl included. You can find Nivine as @neevoknits on Instagram and nivine on Ravelry!

Named after the Faery Goddess from County Tipperary, is this pullover with heavy cabled texture. Grian means sunny, from her days as a regional sun deity, perfectly suited for this pullover. Honeycomb and stag horn cables adorn the body, while only honeycomb rule on the sleeves. Grian is slightly fitted with a crew neck and has a high cowl as a collar. The Fibre Co. Cumbria make the cables pop and allow the texture to shine in all its glory.

The Grian pattern is available in English on Ravelry and on LoveCrafts.

Share

Photoshoot at Mortensrud Church November 2020: Senna & Seneka

Posted on by

Next out in the series of photos from our photoshoot at Mortensrud Church in Oslo, back in November 2020, is the Senna & Seneka that can be worn as a set. Both are knitted by yours truly in the divine hand dyed Neighborhood Fiber Co. Organic Studio Worsted. The shade Woodberry looked stunning on model Olivia Lindtein wearing both the jacket and the skirt, which can also be worn as a poncho or maxi hood! The bespoke buttons on Senna are hand made by Siri Berrefjord. Her hair & make-up is by Sissel Fylling, the jewellery is borrowed from Kaja Gjedebo Design and brilliant photographer Eivind Røhne captured it all! Both patterns will be released in English and Norwegian in my Ravelry Store on Thursday March 4 and a few days later they will also be available on LoveCrafts.

I found an old silk scarf from Jaeger which I love which matched the turquoise colour perfectly. That is also why I chose to style the garments with a camel coloured top and trousers, visible in some of these photos. Sissel suggested to add the scarf to Olivia’s hair for a more trendy look. It was a brilliant idea, in my opinion. Above is the Seneka skirt, which is a-line shaped and has boot laces inserted in the waistband for a more comfortable fit.

Seneka, a nickname for Senna meaning brightness in Arabic. This is an A-line skirt with an elaborate cabled center that ends in a waistband; knitted like a hem in one piece with boot laces placed inside. Seneka is knitted in the divine hand dyed Neighborhood Fiber Co. Organic Studio Worsted and can be worn as a skirt or a poncho or a maxi hood – all together with the matching Senna cardigan.

Senna is a botanical name of Arabic origin meaning brightness, and suited this long oversized cardigan with a deep v-neck and A-line shaping. Elaborate cables cover the center back, while only one single cable adornseach front and sleeve. A wavy tuck introduces the cables from the check rib bottom. Senna is knitted in the divine Neighborhood Fiber Co. Organic Studio Worsted with side pockets worked together with the front. Bespoke buttons act like small gems and highlight the beautiful hand dyed shade. Wear Senna with the matching Seneka; as a skirt or a poncho or a maxi hood.

Both garments are worked with a 4 mm/US 6 needle with a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rows in stockinette stitch measuring 10 cm/4″ square. I have graded them in sizes XS to 5XL. Olivia is wearing size S; Seneka with + 11 cm/4.25” ease and Senna with + 27 cm/10.75” ease. She stands 5’6″ tall.

The skirt Seneka is knitted in pieces and seamed. If you want to adjust the length of the skirt, remove up to 8 cm/3.25″ or add an extra length before shaping the hip. The waist band is worked like a hem, with boot laces laid inside it before it is closed.

The Senna cardigan is knitted in pieces and seamed. The second part of the v-neck decreases on the fronts moves to the opposite side of the cable in order for the cable to continue to the shoulder.

The two vertical side pockets are worked at the same time as the front with extra stitches for the pocket band, with the lining attached horizontally at the bottom and top of the pocket.

All parts on Senna have a seam-edge in garter stitch, that stops on the pocket and then resumes to the armhole.

Here is the last photo in the series showing the Seneka worn as a poncho over the Senna jacket, seen from the back. All these photos are taken upstairs in the church by a large window, illuminating the scene. I love this set on Olivia! I am ever so grateful for my amazing team! Thank you!

Share

New Designs: Rym and Kyi

Posted on by

The next two new designs I have made for Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk are the skirt (or poncho) Kyi and the ballet top Rym. I am showing them together, as I designed them as a comfy set. The skirt idea came first, after I had seen an asymmetrical skirt with extra side width turned into pockets at the waist. I simplified the skirt due to the stretchy nature of the knitted fabric compared to a woven one. The top to go with, went from being a pullover into being a ballet top, as I wanted a fitted top to show off the large pockets on the skirt. Both are brilliantly knitted in the new yarn Vidde lambswool using a 4.5 mm/US 7 needle by my sample knitter Grete Jenssen, aka ma9 on Ravelry. Yarn kits are already available with either Norwegian or English pattern, while the individual patterns will be released after test knitting on Ravelry, later this spring.

Named Kyi, Norse for shelter, is this asymmetrical skirt with extra side width that are turned into pockets at the waist. The side seams make the pockets fold over. The waistband is knitted double in stockinette stitch at the end and has inserted boot laces for comfort. Wear it as a poncho instead if you prefer or together with the matching Rym ballet top. The Kyi skirt is knitted in the bouncy Vidde lambswool from Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk.

Named Rym, Norse for roaring as well as the name of a troll-wife, is this ballet top that is tied together at the waist. An all over rhombus pattern gives the top texture. Rym is knitted in the lovely Vidde lambswool from Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk and made to be worn together with the skirt or poncho Kyi.

These photos of me wearing size Small are taken by my husband in our back garden back in November. I have graded both designs from sizes XS to 5XL. The skirt, Kyi, is worked back and forth in two pieces and seamed. The two horizontal top pockets are worked at the same as the front, with the lining attached horizontally at the bottom and closed at the top, by working it together with the back using 3-needles and end in an I-cord bind off for a pocket band, see video. The waist band is worked like a hem, with boot laces laid inside it before it is closed.

The top, Rym, is worked back and forth in separate pieces and seamed. The fronts have an attached I-cord and a purl stitch edging that is worked to the end for the front band. The ties are worked separately at the end and sewn in place at marked positions.

Here you see the Kyi skirt worn as a poncho. The gauge for both patterns is 18 sts and 24 rows in stockinette stitch using 4.5 mm/US 7 needle measures 10 cm/4” square after blocking.

Rym – ballet top – is first of the two design to be test knitted in my Ravelry group, beginning on June 7, then Kyi beginning on July 5, before each pattern is released. But you will already find yarn kits, with either English or Norwegian pattern, available from Hillesvag Ullvarefabrikk.

The style and colour look perfect on Model Olivia Lindtein, as you can see from the Yarn kit page. I look forward to showing you all the pictures of Rym and Kyi from our photoshoot.

Share

Yaelle Knitted by Birgit Blumrich

Posted on by

Here is another stunning version of my design Yaelle, knitted by German test knitter Birgit, aka blumi1412 on Ravelry and blumi1412 alpakas on Instagram, together with two of her three Alpaca boys whose alpaca fleece spun into yarn she used to knit Yaelle. Yes, you will find the super soft and shiny Alpaca yarn in her Etsy shop called: Alpakawiese. Birgit took part in the test knit and made size Small using the recommended 3.5 mm/US 4 needles to get the 21 stitches and 30 rows gauge in stockinette stitch measuring 10 cm/4″ square.

The alpacas’ are adorable don’t you think. It was Birgit’s husband who took these amazing photos! In the photo at the top you can see the longer back and the side panel of Yaelle. The bottom photo shows the pullover worn with a belt! Thank you so much for making such a stunning version, Birgit! And for these lovely photos!

Yaelle is a high-low pullover with an all over check pattern, swinging side panels and pockets. Named after Hebrew for the mountain goat, as it can take you everywhere. The pullover ends in a high loose turtle neck collar. Yaelle’s side panels are picked up and knitted after the side seams are done. The pockets are knitted at the same time as the front, including the pocket band and the lining. Wear Yaelle as you like; hanging loose or gathered with a belt or with a shawl pin at the front. The pullover is knitted in the pelt wool yarn Tinde with lustre from Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk.

The pullover is worked back and forth in pieces from the bottom and up, then seamed. The side panel is picked up and knitted after the shoulder and side seams. The two vertical side pockets are worked at the same time as the front with extra stitches for the pocket band, with the lining attached horizontally at the top and bottom of the pocket. The collar is worked in the round.

Yaelle comes in sizes XS to 5XL with a finished breast measurement of 128 to 192 cm/50.5 to 75.5″, with an intended ease: + 46-56 cm/18-22”. I look forward to showing more brilliant versions of Yaelle!

Share

New Design: Hetta

Posted on by

The time has come to begin to show you the new designs I have made for Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk and first out is my hoodie, already available as a yarn kit. Named Hetta, Norse for hood, is this oversized cozy pullover with a kangaroo pocket. An embossed leaf stitch adorns the hoodie, which begins in a broken rib. The stitch pattern continues on both parts of the hood which are knitted together at the top and seamed at the back, then attached around the neckline. The pocket is knitted onto the front at the end. Hetta is knitted in the stunning pelt and lambswool yarn mix from Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk, called Vidde.

The idea for the Hetta design began with the new yarn mix from Hillesvåg, which I wanted to test. I chose the delicate “Pudder”/Powder shade, which is a lovely rosy beige that shows off the simple embossed leaf stitch. I had my sample knitter Airin Hansen knitting this for me with a gauge of 18 stitches and 24 rows in st st using 4.5 mm/US 7 needle measures 10 cm/4” square after blocking. The sample is size S, but I have graded the pattern from sizes XS to 5XL, with bust measurements from 129 to 186 cm/50.75 to 73.25″ with an intended ease: + 46-56 cm/18-22”. I am wearing it with + 48 cm/19” of ease.

The pullover is worked back and forth from the bottom and up in pieces and then seamed. A circular needle is used to accommodate the large stitch number. The stitches for the beginning and end of front pocket are held on waste yarn. The pocket is knitted onto the front at the end. The hood is worked in two separate parts and joined with a 3-needle bind off, then seamed at the back and along neckline with a front overlap.

Michael took these photos of me wearing Hetta in our back garden back in November. Hetta is the next design to be test knitted in my Ravelry group, it begins on March 8, before the pattern is released. But you will already find yarn kits, with either English or Norwegian pattern, available from yarn kit

The style and colour look perfect on Model Olivia Lindtein, as you can see from the yarn kit page. I look forward to showing you all the pictures of Hetta from our photoshoot.

Share

Cian Sweater Pattern Released

Posted on by

The Cian Sweater, with the cowl, pattern has been released in both English and Norwegian, it was first published in the Norwegian book “Norsk Strikkedesign. Strikk din favoritt”. Both the sweater and the cowl are knitted in the divine Tinde pelt wool yarn from Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk, just like the other four designs. Above and at the bottom are some of the new photos that were taken of the gorgeous Kaja Kvernbakken with hair & make up by Sissel Fylling and jewellery by Kaja Gjedebo Design, by Eivind Røhne at the Oslofjord Museum back in spring 2019. The pattern is available in English and Norwegian in my Ravelry Stores and on LoveCrafts.

The Cian Sweater and Cian Beret is on the cover of the English version book with the title “Knit Like a Norwegian” which will be published in March by Trafalgar Square Books. The cover photo is taken by Eivind Røhne of beautiful model Emma Ross. For more information see here: www.trafalgarbooks.com. Available for pre-order with free world-wide delivery here: Book Depository.

Named Cian after the Irish God who rules over love magic, is this long A-line pullover. Three central Moss cables, framed by double seed stitch, adorn the center of the body which ends in a vent. Cian is crowned with an I-cord decoration around its crew neck. Wear the matching Cian Cowl as a loose collar. The sweater is knit in pieces from bottom up while the cowl sideways, both in the divine Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk, Tinde pelsull.

Sizes Sweater: XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL)
Shown in size Medium
Cowl: One size
Skill level: Experienced

Finished Measurements
Bust: 84 (90, 96, 106, 116, 126) cm/33 (35.5, 37.75, 41.75, 45.75, 49.5)“
Bottom width: 98 (104, 110, 120, 130, 140) cm/38.5 (41, 43.25, 47.25, 51.25, 55)”
Length: 72 (72, 74, 74, 76, 76) cm/28.25 (28.25, 28.75, 28.75, 30, 30)“
Sleeve length: 49 (50, 50, 50, 50, 50) cm/19.25 (19.75, 19.75, 19.75, 19.75, 19.75)”
Cowl: Width: 60 cm/23.5” and height: 17.5 cm/7”

Yarn: Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk, Tinde Pelsull (100% pelt wool, 260 m/284 yds, 100 g). The samples are knitted in Natural Grey;
Sweater: 4 (5, 5, 6, 7, 8) skeins; 1040 (1144, 1248, 1456, 1664, 1872) m/1137 (1251, 1365, 1592, 1820, 2047) yds.
Cowl: 1 skein: 130 m/142 yds.
https://www.ull.no/produktkategori/garn/ullgarn/norsk-pel…

Alternative Yarns: Berroco, Ultra Alpaca Light (50% alpaca, 50% wool, 50 g, 133 m/144 yds). http://www.berroco.com/yarns/berroco-ultra-alpaca-light
Jamieson’s, Double Knitting (100% wool, 25 g, 75 m/82 yds).
http://www.jamiesonsofshetland.co.uk/spindrift-and-double…
Rowan, Tweed (100% wool, 50 g, 118 m/129 yds).
http://www.knitrowan.com/yarns/rowan-tweed
Malabrigo, Arroyo, (100% superwash merino, 100 g, 306 m/335 yds).
https://malabrigoyarn.com/yarns/arroyo
Or another DK/8 ply yarn.

Needles: 3.5 mm/US 4 straight needle.
3.5 mm/US 4 circular needle (60 cm/24”) for neckband.
Adjust needle size as needed to match gauge.

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

Gauge: 21 sts and 30 rows in st st measures 10 cm/4” square.
16-sts Moss cable measures 7 cm/2.75” across (at widest point).

Notes: The sweater is worked in pieces and seamed. The rib on the body is not seamed at the bottom to create vents. The cowl is worked sideways, so the cast off and bind off are joined together at the end. Adjust the width by adding purl stitches in between the cable repeats or by removing a cable repeat.

Share