Grian Pattern Released

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The test knit of Grian is over and the English pattern, in sizes XS to 5XL, has been released in my Ravelry store. My brilliant test knitters corrected and improved the pattern in addition to making some wonderful versions of the pullover! Above you see it worn by the gorgeous Olivia Lindtein, with make-up & hair styling by Erica Poppe and jewellery by Kaja Gjedebo Design, photographed by Eivind Røhne in Mortensrud Church back in November last year.

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 makes the cables pop and allow the texture to shine in all its glory.

Sizes: XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL)
Shown in size Small.
Skill level: Experienced.

Finished measurements:
Bust/hip: 84 (92, 100, 108, 116, 124, 136, 148, 158) cm/33 (36.25, 39.25, 42.5, 45.75, 48.75, 53.5, 58.25, 62.25)“
Waist: 78 (86, 94, 102, 110, 118, 130, 142, 152) cm/30.75 (33.75, 37, 40.25, 43.25, 46.5, 51.25, 56, 59.75)”
Length: 61 (62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69) cm/24 (24.5, 24.75, 25.25, 25.5, 26, 26.5, 26.75, 27.25)“
Sleeve length: 48 (49, 49, 49, 50, 50, 50, 50, 50) cm/19 (19.25, 19.25, 19.25, 19.75, 19.75, 19.75, 19.75, 19.75, 19.75, 19.75)”
Cowl: 62 cm/24.5 wide and 20 cm/8” high
Intended ease: + 5-7 cm/2-2.75”. Sample shown is 92 cm/36.25” and worn with + 9 cm/3.5” ease on model.

Yarn: The Fibre Co. Cumbria (60% merino wool, 30% masham wool, 10% mohair, 100 g, 218 m/238 yds). Sample is knitted in Threlkeld:
Pullover: 5 (6, 6, 7, 8, 8, 8, 9, 9) skeins; 1079 (1177, 1275, 1375, 1474, 1574, 1694, 1814, 1934) m/1180 (1287, 1394, 1504, 1612, 1721, 1852, 1984, 2115) yds.
Cowl: 1 skein; 207 m/226 yds.
https://www.thefibreco.com/product/cumbria/

Needles: 4 mm/US 6 straight needles and circular needle (40 cm/16”) for neckband.

Notions: Stitch markers, stitch holders and yarn needle.

Gauge: 20 sts and 28 sts using 4 mm/US 6 needle in st st measures 10 cm/4” square after blocking.
30-sts Staghorn cable measures 10 cm/4” wide after blocking.
24-sts Honeycomb measures 9 cm/3.5” wide after blocking.

Notes: The pullover is worked back and forth in separate pieces and seamed. The cowl is also worked back and forth ending in a an I-cord bind off on both sides.

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Behind the Scenes: Photoshoot at Bøler Church May 2020

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Last Friday, I had a photoshoot at Bøler Church in Oslo with my brilliant team: Photographer Eivind Røhne, Model Olivia Lindtein, Hair & Make-up Artist Sissel Fylling, Jewellery Designer Kaja Gjedebo and Michael. It was a beautiful day that started out quite cool. Bøler Church in Oslo wished us welcome even during the Corona virus, as long as we used only the rooms we were allocated and made sure to clean all surfaces afterwards. We were met by the manager and the priest Dag Auli, who remembered us from last time we photographed in the church back in October 2017. He wanted to know how many garments we were photographing and where we had photographed since last time. The plan was to photograph seven new designs; four for Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk plus Leylak; Skyla and Milana, and four old designs; Ravna – see above – Sculpted Frost, Aran Cuffs and Folded Cardigan. In the photo above you see Eivind securing the sun screen with sand bags and Sissel holding it while texting on her mobile.

Above is a photo I took in the morning when Michael and I were walking around the church looking for backdrops. You can spot me in the window taking the photo. We used this corner for two of the new designs: Skyla and Milana.

 Here we are testing out my Monies statement jewellery, while waiting for Kaja, and Sissel is adjusting Olivia’s pony tail. The bracelet looked way too heavy on her slim wrist, in fact so heavy that it looked like the weight would topple her, Sissel joked. Olivia is wearing Skyla, knitted in Dye Dye Done, Pure Sport while I am wearing my Regal Purple Jacket. I loved seeing my new designs worn by Olivia, as she gave them new life.

I also wanted to share this photo Michael took inside the church hall showing the divine light. The church hall is just inside the window in the two photos above. Bøler Kirke is a community church by HBA Arkitekter completed in 2011. See more photos here: www.bygg.no.

Michael took this photo of us while we were preparing to photograph the Folded Cardigan. Kaja is carrying a tray with the jewellery we had selected for the design. It was convenient that Kaja, who lives at Bøler, could join us on the photoshoot, as it meant I did not have to travel in to Oslo merely to visit her and borrow the jewellery, this time. After photographing this, we had lunch. I was relieved to find that Eckers was open and that they could deliver lunch with juices and smoothies to us. As planned it was delivered at 11 o’clock in good time for our lunch. After lunch we only had three more Hillesvåg designs to photograph. Below you see us planning the first of those; Caravay in Tinde pelt wool.

Michael has made a behind the scenes video including drone footage, which is available for all my patrons, only on Patreon. So if you are interested in learning more about my life as a designer and want to support me, choose your level based on the rewards – such as monthly newsletter, sneak peeks of new designs, Hillesvåg yarn discount, pattern discount, free monthly pattern and monthly video – here: www.patreon.com/lindamarveng.

We had a wonderful day and enjoyed being able to chat face-to-face again. It was yet another magnificent photoshoot! Thanks to my brilliant team! I look forward to showing you the new designs – I still need to finish off those patterns – as well as selecting from Eivind’s photos!

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New Design: Skyla

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I am thrilled to show you my new design Skyla knitted in the gorgeous hand dyed Dye Dye Done, Sport yarn by turbo knitter Grete Jenssen, aka ma9 on Ravelry, for me. It is Daniel Maciejewska, husband of designer Hanna, aka Hada Knits, who dyes all the Dye Dye Done yarn. I was offered yarn support for yet another design. The idea came from a skilled test knitter and patron of mine with the nickname GG, aka WoollyPurlfection on Ravelry. GG suggested the a-line silhouette, the short sleeves and a travelling cable. The cable I chose is one of Devorgilla’s designs, I wanted a fairly simple one that did not have a large stitch count. Grete suggested a matching cowl as there was yarn left over. I do like having an extra collar to add, hence I wrote a pattern for it. My husband took these photos of me at the beach in Ørje a few weeks back.

Skyla is a cabled a-line pullover with short sleeves, adorned with two central mirrored cables divided by twisted stitches. The small cables, created by Devorgilla, runs towards each shoulder and make a v-shaped panel of reverse stockinette stitch at the center. The sweater ends in a casual wide rounded neck. To show off the stunning hand dyed Pure Sport yarn by Dye Dye Done, the sides are all in stockinette stitch. Skyla is knitted in pieces for the ultimate fit and has a cowl that can be worn as a collar.

I am wearing size S with a bust circumference of 90 cm/35.5″ with 2 cm/0.75″ of positive ease. The pattern is graded from size XS to 5XL with bust measurements of 82 cm to 164 cm/32.25 to 64.5″.

The Dye Dye Done, Pure Sport yarn is made of 100% Superwash Merino and has 300 meters/328 yards on each 100 gram skein. Skyla is knitted in the shade Mystic Mermaid, using a 3 mm/US 2.5 needle with a 25 stitches and 32 rows in stockinette stitch gauge measuring 10 cm/4″ square.

The pullover is worked back and forth in separate pieces and seamed, while the cowl is worked in the round. 

I look forward to seeing how it will look on Olivia during our photoshoot held yesterday (Friday 29th of May) at Bøler Church in Oslo.

The English pattern will be test knitted in my Ravelry group beginning on the 15th of June and released on the 3rd of August.

For more details on the design, become a patron and receive rewards like monthly newsletter, sneak peeks, free pattern(s), monthly video, all depending on the level chosen, see more details here: www.patreon.com/lindamarveng

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Euler in Familien 10/2020

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I am thrilled to have my Euler Cardigan on the cover of the Norwegian magazine Familien 10/2020, the issue celebrates our Constitution Day; the 17th of May. The Euler Cardigan is worn by the gorgeous Olivia Lindtein, with hair & make-up by Erica Poppe and jewellery by Kaja Gjedebo Design, and photographed by Eivind Røhne. The design was made for the American digital magazine; knit.wear Wool Studio Vol. VI  published last May by Interweave. Euler Cardigan is knitted in Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Worsted made of 100% Superwash Merino wool with 206 meters/225 yards on each 113 gram skein in the shade 14ns Denim using a 4.5 mm/US 7 needle with a gauge of 20 stitches and 27 rows in Stockinette stitch measuring 10 cm/4″ square.

Named after the accomplished and creative mathematician Leonhard Euler, this cardigan combines dropped stitches with bold cables along the front panels. The pieces are worked separately and seamed together for structure. The dramatic front panels hang loosely without a closure for an elegant but cozy sweater.

Olivia is wearing size S with a bust circumference of 85 cm/33.5″, but the pattern is graded in five more sizes up to a 132 m/52″ circumference.

The Familien magazine is available at selected news agents and super markets. 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 to Euler Cardigan is available to download as an individual pattern from the Interweave store, as well as included in the Wool Studio Vol 6 and will be added to my Ravelry store next week.

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Rebine Pattern Released

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I have seen some wonderful test knitted version of my Rebine skirt design! You can see a number of them on the pattern page on Ravelry. The test knit is coming to an end and I am happy to release both the English and the Norwegian pattern in my Ravelry store. Soon it will also be available on Love Crafts. Above you see it worn by the gorgeous Olivia Lindtein, with make-up & hair styling by Erica Poppe and jewellery by Kaja Gjedebo Design, photographed by Eivind Røhne in Mortensrud Church back in November last year. Yarn kits with either English or Norwegian pattern are available directly from Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk.

Rebine, an old Norwegian name, is a pencil skirt with an all over elegant cable pattern ending in a high waist. The skirt is shaped for the hip and the waist. Belt loops, inserted in each side seam, hold the skirt in place. Rebine is knitted in Tinde pelt wool by Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk.

Sizes: XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL)
Shown in size Small
Skill level: Experienced

Finished measurements:
Bottom: 80 (84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104) cm/31.5 (33, 34.75, 36.25, 37.75, 39.25, 41)“
Hip: 86 (92, 102, 112, 122, 128, 132) cm/33.75 (36.25, 40.25, 44, 48, 50.5, 52)”
Waist: 76 (80, 84, 88, 92, 98, 110) cm/30 (31.5, 33, 34.75, 36.25, 38.5, 43.25)“
Length to waist: 56 (56, 57, 57, 58, 58, 58) cm/22 (22, 22.5, 22.5, 22.75, 22.75, 22.75)”
Length from waist and up: 10 cm/4”
Full length: 66 (66, 67, 67, 68, 68, 68) cm/26 (26, 26.25, 26.25, 26.75, 26.75, 26.75)“
Intended ease: – 4 cm/1.5” to + 6 cm/2.25”. Sample shown is 92 cm/36.25” hip and worn with + 11 cm/4.25” ease on model who stands 167 cm/5’6” tall.

Yarn: Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk, Tinde Pelsull (100% pelt wool, 260 m/284 yds, 100 g). The sample is knitted in Lys Marine 2125: 3 (3, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5) skeins; 585 (690, 793, 897,1027, 1131, 1235) m/640 (755, 867, 981, 1123, 1237, 1351) 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).
http://www.malabrigoyarn.com/subyarn.php?id=29
Or another DK/8 ply yarn.

Needles: 3.5 mm/US 4 straight needle.
Adjust needle size as needed to match gauge.

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

Gauge: 21 sts and 30 rows in st st, after blocking measures 10 cm/4” square.
24 sts and 30 rows in Cable rib, after blocking measures 10 cm/4” square.

Notes: The skirt is worked in pieces from the bottom and up. Make two belt straps to insert in the side seam. 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.

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New Design: Leylak

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I am thrilled to show you my new design Leylak, knitted in the gorgeous hand dyed Walk Collection Merino DK in Flieder. The yarn was generously sponsored by Cathrin Walk who I met, through Isabel Kraemer, at Barcelona Knits last year. My plan was to work on the Ataraxia silhouette with its peplum and make the same silhouette without the peplum but with the wings. Instead of a collar I wanted to make a cowl and asked for one skein of Cathrin’s KidMohair Lace in the same colourway. I knitted Leylak using a 4 mm/US 6 needle with a 22 stitches and 30 rows in stockinette stitch gauge measuring 10 cm/4″ square. My husband took these photos of me wearing size S, a few minutes from our house, down by the Rødnessjøen in Ørje. The pattern will be graded from size XS to 5XL.

Named after the Turkish leylak, the lilac tree, is this flowery cabled a-line cardigan with sidewings. The delicate cables, by Norah Gaughan, reminiscent of the lilac blossoms adorn the fronts, the back and the sleeves. Leylak ends in reverse stockinette stitch in a deep round neckline with a double neck- and buttonband. The jacket is knitted in the divine hand dyed Walk Collection Merino DK yarn, in pieces and seamed for the ultimate fit. To crown Leylak, make the cowl to act as a collar in excess yarn held together with the stunning Kid Mohair Lace.

The cable itself is one found in Norah Gaughan’s inspiring Knitted Cable Sourcebook. It seemed so perfect with its delicate look, even though it is a very time consuming cable to work, with a few rows where you need to be aware of changes as cables end or begin abruptly. But I do believe the cabling to be rewarding in the end, I must say.

The cardigan is worked back and forth in separate pieces and seamed. The asymmetric lower body has extra width – sidewing – in each side that is bound off. Each front has 3 cm/1.25″ extra width at center front that is bound off at the same time as the wing, then joined with the buttonband at the end. Waist shaping is worked in the sides.

Here is a detail of the neck and the cowl. You can also see how perfect in colour and texture the vintage buttons are. I found the buttons online, first I searched in Oslo, before the Corona virus, then online in both Norwegian stores including Epla (a Norwegian version of Etsy), before I found some on Etsy from an Italian store – vintage buttons in plastic in the perfect colour even though they are a bit big. The shop is called Razzle Dazzle Corner with an owner from Bologna, Italy, and specialises in vintage haberdashery, clothing & accessories.

I am planning to launch the Leylak pattern on September 9th and to begin the test knitting in July, allowing extra time since it is far from a quick knit.

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Jendine Pattern Released

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The test knit of Jendine is over and the English pattern has been released in my Ravelry store. My brilliant test knitters corrected and improved the pattern in addition to making some wonderful version of the pullover! Above you see it worn by the gorgeous Olivia Lindtein, with make-up & hair styling by Erica Poppe and jewellery by Kaja Gjedebo Design, photographed by Eivind Røhne in Mortensrud Church back in November last year.  Yarn kits with either English or Norwegian pattern are available directly from Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk.

Jendine is an a-line pullover with a panel of elegant cable ribbing at the center, longer rounded hem at the back and a shorter front. The v-neck splits the cable panel into two parts each framed with an I-cord. Jendine is an old historic Norwegian name that fitted this flowing pullover, that can be worn together with the Rebine skirt. Jendine is worked in the beautiful Tinde pelt wool by Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk.

Sizes: XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL)
Shown in size Small
Skill level: Experienced

Finished measurements:
Bust: 84 (90, 96, 106, 116, 126, 136) cm/33 (35.5, 37.75, 41.75, 45.75, 49.5, 53.5)“
Hip: 98 (104, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150) cm/38.5 (41, 43.25, 47.25, 51.25, 55, 59)”
Back Length: 74 (75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80) cm/29.25 (29.5, 30, 30.25, 30.75, 31, 31.5)“
Front Length: 56 (57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62) cm/22 (22.5, 22.75, 23.25, 23.5, 24, 24.5)”
Sleeve length: 49 (50, 50, 51, 51, 51, 51) cm/19.25 (19.75, 19.75, 20, 20, 20, 20)“
Intended ease: + 5-7 cm/2-2.75”. Sample shown is 90 cm/35.5 and worn with + 7 cm/2.75” ease on model.

Yarn: Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk, Tinde Pelsull (100% pelt wool, 260 m/284 yds, 100 g). The sample is knitted in Lys marine 2125: 4 (4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 7) skeins; 923 (1027, 1131, 1304, 1477, 1650, 1823) m/1009 (1123, 1237, 1426, 1615, 1804, 1994) 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).
http://www.malabrigoyarn.com/subyarn.php?id=29
Or another DK/8 ply yarn.

Needles: 3.5 mm/US 4 circular needle (80 cm/32”).
3 mm/US 2.5 DPNs for I-cord at bottom of sleeve.
Adjust needle size as needed to match gauge.

Notions: Stitch markers (removable), cable needle, stitch holders, 3.5 mm/US 4 (E) crochet hook (for provisional cast on) and yarn needle.

Gauge: 21 sts and 30 rows in st st, after blocking measures 10 cm/4” square.
24 sts and 30 rows in Rib cab, after blocking measures 10 cm/4” square.

Notes: The pullover is worked in parts with garter stitch framing and seamed. The garter stitch framing begins about 8 rows later on the back than on the front to make space for the last increases. A circular needle is used to accommodate the large stitch number.

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Epona Knitted by Birgit Blumrich

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I am thrilled to show you the two stunning Epona pullovers that Birgit made, one for each of her daughters for Christmas last year. German knitter Birgit is a skilled test knitter who first made one version in Cascade 220 Sport in Olive Heather, then the second in Debbie Bliss Fine Donegal in Blue. Both pullovers are knitted in size XS, with a bust circumference of 84 cm/33″, using 3 mm/US 2.5 and a gauge of 24 stitches and 32 rows in stockinette stitch measuring 10 cm4″ square. I love these photos of them together wearing their sweaters, so beautifully knitted! Birgit, aka blumi1412, writes on her project page on Ravelry: “I really loved this project!”. That is fun to hear, thank you so much, Birgit!

Birgit and her husband have three alpacas on their property in Leutersdorf, Sachsen in Germany, which include a lot of meadow, as you can see and read more about on their website “Alpakawiese Blumrich“.

Here is my introduction to the Epona pattern: Graceful cables run along the center of this pullover with a high rib, creating a narrower waist. A sweater perfect for riding or worn together with a skirt, it is crowned by a high collar with interfacing to make it stand up. Epona is Celtic for the Goddess of horses and knitted in Sølje Pelsull from Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk in a deep bottlegreen shade.

The English and Norwegian Epona pattern in sizes XS to 2XL, with bust circumference of 84 cm/33″ to 124 cm/49″, is available in my Ravelry store and on Love Crafts, while a yarn kit can be bought directly from Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk.

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Gyro Yarn Kit

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I am thrilled to let you know that my design Gyro is now available as a yarn kit with Norwegian or English pattern directly from Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk. Above you see the cover that they made showing the gorgeous Olivia Lindtein, with hair & make-up by Erica Poppe and jewellery by Kaja Gjedebo Design, wearing the dress as a tunic captured by Eivind Røhne in Mortensrud Church last November.

Gyro is an oversized dress with bat sleeves knitted in two yarn thicknesses and colours. The center cable panel crowns the dress and ends in a wide neck with an I-cord bind off. Gyro is an old Norwegian female name, well suited to this dress or tunic made in pieces and sewn or crochet together with a garter stitch sleeve band. The dress is knitted in the divine pelt wool yarn from Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk; The thicker Tinde for the cable panel and the thinner Sølje for the side parts.

The dress is available in sizes XS to 3XL with a wingspan of 119 to 137/46.75 to 54“,
divided into: Sleevepart/shoulder on each side: 47.5 to 56.5 cm/18.75  to 22.25” and neck: 24 cm/9.5”. The length is from 89 to 95 cm/35 to 37.5”. Olivia wears size S; 122 cm/48” wingspan and has an 83 cm/32.75” bust circumference and stands 167 cm/5’6” tall.

As for construction: The dress is worked in pieces from the bottom up and seamed. You can easily adjust the length of the dress if you prefer, for instance by shortening (or lengthening) it with one or half a cable pattern repeat 12 cm/4.75” or 6 cm/2.25” and work less rows in between the increases.

You can find the Gyro yarn kit available online on Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk. The English and Norwegian Gyro pattern is also available from my Ravelry store.

 

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Easter 2020

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Easter 2020 is here and it will be one we will never forget with the Covid-19 virus raging all around the world leading to lockdowns and quarantines. I hope you are safe and well enough to make the best out of this Easter, as well as period of lockdown! Here in Norway, the kinder gardens will re-open after Easter and hopefully the number of infected people will continue to decline, so that the restrictions can be eased little by little. Above you see our tulips and eggs that Michael has decorated with the British Embassy (Ørje) logo he has made.

In the last week, here in Ørje, we have gone from freezing temperatures with flurries of snow to spring like temperatures. Above you see the sunrise from our living room, taken by Michael in the morning of the 26th of March. We will be spending Easter at home. I will be knitting to finish a design for the end of April, while Michael, the ambassador, will be out in his boat.

I wish you all a Happy Easter and hope you will receive an Easter Egg, regardless whether you have to fill it yourself or not! Stay safe and well!

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