Linda Marveng

Knit wear designer and author

Familien Julens Småstrikk 2016

Posted on November 16, 2016 by Linda Marveng

Chrismas is coming, and you can see it in the magazines in Norway. The special issue published by Familien called Familien Julens Småstrikk features accessories and small projects for Christmas including two of my designs: Keya Scarf and Maith. I am delighted to have my designs included in this packed issue with a total of 107 patterns. The photos are of the gorgeous Alexandria Eissinger, with hair & make up by Sissel Fylling and jewellery by Kaja Gjedebo Design is brilliantly captured by Eivind Røhne.

My spreads of pages is introduced with the heading “Fin med fletter”/Nice with cables. Keya Scarf: Voluminus hidden sand cables in a tweed mixture made of Rowan Lima and Rowan Fine Tweed held together, creates a divine texture for this reversible scarf, called Keya after the bloom of a flower.

Maith: Divine silk and gracious cables give this shrug a feeling of goodness just as the old Irish word ”maith”. The shrug is worked from one sleeve cuff, across the back to the opposite sleeve cuff. Knit a cowl and use it as a collar on the shrug. Rowan Truesilk gives you a luxurious feeling and makes it perfect even for evening wear.

The magazine is available in selected supermarkets and at newsagents in Norway, if you live abroad you can order the magazine by e-mailing Kari.Bachke@egmont.com. I am fascinated to see that the number of Christmas issues with knitting patterns are increasing here in Norway. One reason might be the recent research paper by SIFO that found an astonishing 43% of women in Norway knit.

My Juul Cardigan in Interweave Knits Winter 2017

Posted on November 12, 2016 by Linda Marveng

Interweave / Harper Point Photography

@ Interweave / Harper Point Photography

The submission call for Interweave Knits Winter 2017 with its Winter Bride theme, hit me hard. Or hit home, you might say. Since I had just finished photographing my own Bridal inspired series, I called Norse Goddess Collection, and there were more ideas filling my head. I wanted a lacy jacket with a long cowl collar and tucks at the bottom of the sleeves. I choose an old favourite yarn the Jaggerspun Zephyr Lace 2/18 (50% tussah silk and 50% merino) held double for its crisp stitch definition, lusciousness and softness. I was delighted that my design was accepted by editor Meghan Babin. The winter bride story is stunningly styled by Tina Gill, with beautiful hair & makeup by Kira Friedman and photographed by Harper Point Photography at – the commonly called – Chapel on the Rock in Colorado. Just look at the wedding bouquet! There are several lace shawls and a long lace bridal jacket to blow your mind in the issue with 18 designs especially made for the issue.

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@ Interweave / Harper Point Photography

This is my introduction to Djuser Cardigan, the working title for the design: A reversible lace pattern reminiscent of the step pyramid of Djuser in Egypt, is the focus point of this straight cardigan with a generous cowl collar and cuffs made of tucks. A fake garter stitch seam add a bit of structure to this cardigan. The cowl collar can be worn loose behind the neck, folded once around the neck or twice in front or three times around the neck in a ballerina style hence perfect for a Winter Bride. Here is Meghan’s introduction to the theme: “…Our “Winter Bride” story is ethereal, bright, timeless, and elegant. This story captures the sophisticated tone of the issue while being decidedly feminine. This all white story features cardigans, shawls, a magnificent veil, and show stopping lace bridal jacket.”

Interweave / Harper Point Photography

@ Interweave / Harper Point Photography

The Juul Cardigan is worked from the bottom and up. The body is worked in one part to the armhole and then separated into 3 parts. I worked the sleeves in the round but the technical editor at Interweave suggests only working the tucks in the round and add a seam for stability to the sleeves. The extra long cowl is knitted separately in two parts and then joined together and sewn in place around the opening.

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@ Interweave / Harper Point Photography

The sample is knitted in the third size, with a bust measurement of 104 cm/41″, worn with 18 cm/7″ of ease. So it came out looser than intended, the same with the sleeve length, that had to be pinned up during photography. The sleeve length has been adjusted in the pattern. The cardigan is available in six sizes. Here is the Interweave introduction to the cardigan: “This unusual cardigan will draw every eye with its striking features. The tucked stitch cuffs and long attached loop collar add sophistication to the already beautiful lacework that adorns the back and sleeves.” Thank you so much, Interweave Knits team!

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@ Interweave / Harper Point Photography

Here is a detail of the back and how I choose to end the lace pattern on the sleeve cap. It is knitted using a 3.25 mm/US 3 needle with a gauge of 24 stitches and 32 rows in Lace pattern with 2 strands held together. The other story in the magazine is called “Whiskey and Wool” and you will find … “five rugged, sophisticated menswear sweaters, along with seven women’s wear design equal to their male counterparts”. The Donegal Sweater is my favourite among the menswear sweaters while the Bray Cardigan is the womenswear one, just in case you were wondering.

The Juul Cardigan is available as an individual download pattern or as part of the Interweave Knits Winter 2017 magazine available both digitally or in print. In Norway you will find the printed magazine in the larger Narvesen, or order it from your local one.

Oslo Knitting Festival

Posted on November 9, 2016 by Linda Marveng

Yes, this time the festival was in my city of Oslo, Norway. The premises the organisers of Oslo Knitting Festival had chosen was perfect, the Oslo Public Library, not only is it central, with high ceilings, plenty of sofas and cold enough to wear woollen sweaters inside. A smart move those of us who attended the book launch on Friday night, agreed. Above you can see the market hall, with around 30 different yarn stores, magazines, and others had their stalls with books and dvd’s as backdrops. The festival website is in English hence it had attracted several French yarn shops and the English/American magazine Pom Pom Quarterly, in addition to Norwegian shops and hand-dyers.

Here is Tweedy Todd with a selection of their tempting yarns. Tweedy Todd is a small independent hand-dyed yarn company based outside of Oslo. They offer a variety of semi-solid, variegated, tonal, speckled and dip-dyed looking yarns. I was good and did not buy any yarn this time. As usual I took a lot of photos and a lot of them are way to blurred to be used.

I was delighted to finally meet the two lovely women from the yarn store Fortuna near Trondheim: Ellen Haugen Bergsrønning and Marit Haugen Bergsrønning. I know them both from Facebook and Marit has test knitted for me. They are the Norwegian retailer for the divine German yarn Wollmeise and also stock the popular Hedgehog Fibres. See our selfie. Yes, I am wearing my Oydis again.

Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk was there and I could finally see the yarn kits made with my designs for real. We had a long chat about my designs and their new yarn the finer Norwegian Pelt Wool Yarn called Sølje Pelsullgarn.

It is many years since I last met up with Lydia Gluck who I used to work together with at Loop in London. Lydia and American Meghan Fernandes (also with a Loop background), set up their magazine Pom Pom Quarterly in 2012. Today it is one of the most trendy knitting magazines in the world. It is sold both in print and digitally. If you do not know the magazine maybe you know their podcast, called Pomcast. I was fortunate to meet Sophie Scott who together with Lydia make their Pomcast. Thank you, Lydia & Sophie!

Pom Pom has also started their Pom Pom Press published their first book by designer Fiona Alice and more are coming, Lydia revealed. They also offer in print the popular Interpretations booklets by Joji Locatelli and Veera Välimäki. Check out the table below.

The Squirrel’s Yarns was one of the French yarn shops present at the Festival, see below.

Yet another reason to visit the Festival was the book launch of Gyldendals Strikkedagbok /a knitting diary with presentations and patterns by Kristin Wiola Ødegård, Marte Helgetun, Paelas og Marianne Jansson Bjerkman. The host was Marthe from the Norwegian podcast Marthe&Marthe. The launch was held in the auditorium, as you might have guessed. I met several knitters I knew and enjoyed this frank talk about WIP (work in progress), stash and the planning of new projects.

After the launch, I went back to the market hall for a second look. The event was on for all of Saturday and Sunday with an offering of talks and workshops. I was teaching a weekend workshop for Østre Aker Husflidslag the same weekend hence had to make the most of my Friday visit.

Around 9.30 pm you could still spot a lot of knitters in the knitting cafe area. But I decided to take my knitting with me back home. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit! Well done, Oslo Knitting Festival!

Photoshoot at Villa Malla: Inverness Sweater

Posted on November 5, 2016 by Linda Marveng

I am pleased to finally show you the magnificent photos Eivind Røhne took of gorgeous model Alexandria Eissinger, with hair & make up by Jens J. Wiker and jewellery by Kaja Gjedebo Design, wearing the Inverness Sweater over a tulle petticoat by Judith Bech Design at Villa Malla in early June. The pattern was first published in Interweave Knits Winter 2016, last October, and the rights have now reverted to me. The English pattern will be published on Ravelry and on Loveknitting shortly, while the Norwegian pattern will be published in the magazine Familien at a later date.

I decided to style the sweater with the Judith Bech’s tulle petticoat for the added drama it gives, and thought the beach was the perfect neutral back drop. I love the result and working with this amazing team. The image above is the one that stuck in my mind. We had a wonderful day, chasing the bright sun.

Here is my introduction to the pattern: My classic aran sweater has a becoming a-line shape with a twisted rib introducing the twisted long cables with its dividers, ray of honey and seed stitch side panels. Knitted in the round from the bottom and up with modified dropped shoulder and a round neck with a double twisted rib.

The sample is knitted in Plymouth Yarn Galway Worsted with 192 meters/210 yards on each 100 g skein and using a 4 mm/US 6 needle. The gauge is 20 stitches and 28 rounds in stockinette stitch. The a-line sweater is worked from the bottom and up. The body and sleeves are worked in the round up to the armhole, then flat to the final bind off.

I was so delighted to be selected to be part of the Classics issue with my Inverness Sweater, you can read more about here: www.marveng-puckett.com/wordpress/. I do hope you like both sets of photos as much as I do!

Kohno Kimono Again

Posted on November 2, 2016 by Linda Marveng

I know you have seen the Kohno Kimono before, since it was published in knit.wear Fall/Winter 2016, but I wanted to show the photos my husband took of me wearing it in our garden last February, just before I sent it off to Interweave. This is how I introduced it: Inspired by the sculptural aesthetic of architect Hugo Kohno’s work in Tokyo, is this oversized long kimono style jacket with short wide raglan sleeves. It is adorned with a domed check pattern ending in wide moss stitch borders at the front, bottom and in the sides.

The yarn I suggested and had used in my swatch was a favourite combination of Rowan Lima – an alpaca and merino blend in a chainette yarn – together with Rowan Fine Tweed. Instead editor Meghan Babin suggested using The Fibre Company, Acadia and that was a clever choice since it is a lovely yarn to knit with and has a luxurious feel to it. This is how it is described by The Fibre Company themselves: “Acadia is a 2-ply yarn with a rustic look and a soft hand. A subtle tweed effect created by the silk noil is combined with a heathered base and then overdyed”. It is made of 60% wool, 20% alpaca, 20% silk with 133 m/145 yards on each 50 g skein and takes a 4 mm/US 6 needle. The gauge is 21 stitches and 32 rows in stockinette stitch measures 10 cm/4″ square. The sample is knitted in Sea Lavender, a soft grey with lilac undertones. The Kimono takes 13 (13, 14, 15, 16, 16) skeins. The Fibre Company Yarns are distributed by Kelbourne Woolens in the US.

The Kohno Kimono is oversized and I am wearing the third size with a bust circumference of 124 cm/49″ with 32 cm/12.5″ of positive ease. The finished size: 112 (118, 124, 132, 137, 142) cm/44 (46½, 49, 52, 54, 56½)”. I was delighted to see one of the knitters attending my workshop in Stavanger had started knitting it. The English pattern is available as a single pattern to download but also as part of the wonderful knit.wear Fall/Winter 2016 digital issue available both as a digital issue or as a print issue. I have ordered a few more colours of Acadia and cannot wait to see them and swatch with them.

Sarya Pattern Released

Posted on October 29, 2016 by Linda Marveng

It is now several weeks since I released the Sarya pattern in English, so it is about time I tell you here on my blog. You can see the results from the test knit on the Ravelry page, and read about the adjustments the different test knitters did to the pattern like making the sleeves short instead of long. The Norwegian pattern was first published on Ravelry in March, and both languages are also available at Loveknitting. Sarya was brilliantly photographed by Eivind Røhne at the Ekeberg Restaurant last year, and worn by the gorgeous Alexandria Eissinger with hair & make up by Sissel Fylling. The stunning jewellery is by Kaja Gjedebo Design and it lifts the outfit to a party outfit. Here is my introduction to the pattern:

A beautiful lace pattern adorns the lower part of this jacket with overlapping fronts, while garter stitch rules on the top part. The stitch patterns are divided by a tuck and the jacket has identical hems. A deep elegant v-neck allows it to be worn loose creating waterfall fronts. Or you can close it with jewelry or a shawl pin for a more tailored look. The jacket is named Sarya; the night traveler hence knitted in the stunning JaggerSpun Zephyr Lace, held double, because of its luster and drape.

Sizes: XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL)

Finished measurements: Bust: 85 (92, 99, 106, 116, 126) cm/33.5 (36.25, 39, 41.75, 45.75, 49.5)” Length: 62 (63, 64, 65, 66, 67) cm/24.5 (24.75, 25.25, 25.5, 26, 26.5)” Patterns: 35 cm/13.75″ in lace (incl 3 cm/1.25″ edging) and 27 (28, 29, 30, 31, 32) cm/10.75 (11, 11.5, 10.25, 12.25, 12.5)” in garter st (incl 1 cm/0.5″ tuck). Sleeve length: 49 (50, 50, 51, 51, 51) cm/19.25 (19.75, 19.75, 20, 20, 20)”.

Yarn: Jagger Spun, Zephyr Lace 2/18 (50% merino, 50% tussah silk, 100 g, 1024 m/1120 yds). Sample is knitted in Mushroom. http://www.jaggeryarn.com/wholesale-yarn-lines/zephyr-wool-silk.php 3 (3, 3, 3, 4, 4) skeins; 2422 (2611, 2799, 2987, 3269, 3552) m/2422 (2855, 3061, 3266, 3575, 3884) yds. Note: Yarn is held double throughout.

Alternative yarns: Fyberspates, Gleem Lace (55% British Bluefaced Leicester Wool, 45% silk, 100 g, 800 m/874 yds) http://fyberspates.com/gleem-lace

Needles: 2 sets of 3 mm/US 2.5 circular needles (80 cm/32″), extra set for hem and tuck. 3 mm/US 2.5 circular needles (150 cm/60″ or 3.5 mm/US 4 if preferred). 3.5 mm/US 4 circular needle (80 cm/32″). 3.5 mm/US 4 DPNS for sleeves. Adjust needle size as needed to match gauge.

Gauge: 25 sts and 36 rows in st st using double yarn and 3.5 mm/US 4 needles measures 10 cm/4″ square. 24 sts and 38 rows in Sarya pattern using double yarn and 3.5 mm/US 4 measures 10 cm/4″ square. 25 sts and 40 rows in Garter st using double yarn and 3 mm/US 2.5 measures 10 cm/4″ square.

Notions: Stitch markers, stitch holders and yarn needle.

Notes: The body of the jacket is knitted back and forth in pieces, while the sleeves are knitted in the round. Hems, tuck and garter stitch parts are knitted using 3 mm/US 2.5, while the lace pattern is knitted using 3.5 mm/US 4. The double neckband is picked up and knitted afterwards, then sewn in place on the WS. Use a larger needle; 3.5 mm/US 4 for the neck band if you want it to pull the fronts into a slight asymmetrical shape, as done on sample.

Strikkehelgen in Stavanger

Posted on October 26, 2016 by Linda Marveng

For the third time, the knitting weekend in Stavanger was organised and I was invited to hold a workshop. The organisers Strikk og Drikk/Knit and Drink (yes – it all began in a pub) wanted a knitting design workshop and I was happy to oblige. Just as last time I stayed with Anja Smith, one of the volunteers who was in charge of not only photographing but also proof reading all the patterns with projects selected after a competition was held. Above you see the calendar and some of the projects exhibited on the top floor of the Thon Hotel Maritim. You will find more photos here: Strikkekalender-2017. I flew from Oslo to Stavanger on Friday afternoon, just in time for a dinner with Anja before she headed to a workshop in beading and I to teach at Stasjonsstrikk/Station knit, both held at the heart of Stavanger at the Library. Station knitting follows the principles of speed dating really, with 15 minutes at each station for a group of up to 4 people to learn a knitting technique. I was teaching I-cord bind-off this year, while designer & author Tove Fevang was teaching 3-needle bind-off and Danish designer & television judge Vithard Villumsen was teaching wrap and turn in addition to 2 stations manned by volunteers.

I had spotted Vithard at Strik Bornholm but did not have the opportunity to meet him until last Friday. Just like a number of knitters, I first saw him on the television show “Den Store Strikkedyst“/The Great Knit Off, where he is a judge together with Christel Seyfarth. The series is into its third season, now. It is addictive viewing, and you will find a few episodes with English subtitles at youtube and all of them at Tv Syd. I can confirm that he is both as nice and knowledgeable as he looks on television. The first part of Friday night was spent knitting in the library. And yes, I had to confirm there was a knitting festival in the city for those sitting around me. The last part of Friday night was spent with Anja and her family in their newly refurbished house by the water in Sandnes.

My workshop Strikkedesign/Knitting design was held at the conference center at Thon Hotel Maritim. The Stavangerfjord conference room had comfortable director chairs and a beautiful view of the lake Breiavannet in the city center of Stavanger. I had a fully booked workshop, but struggled with a cold all weekend. Thankfully, I had a wonderful group of knitters on my workshop! We had a 2 hour break for lunch so that we had enough time to visit the market hall at Folkets Hus. There I met up with Swedish designer Anita Grahn, left in the photo below looking at porcelain buttons by Birthe Sahl. I also found Danish designer Charlotte Kaae, who had signed on for the speed knitting contest and came 4th. The winner knitted more than 600 stitches in 10 minutes. Above is Charlotte’s exhibit. I would not have come that high, and was too busy eating lunch as well as chatting to Norwegian designer Helle Slente as well as friends, test knitters and Facebook friends.

Below is a view of half the market hall. I was good this time and did not buy any yarn at all. After the workshop on Saturday, a group of us sat knitting in the reception at the hotel before we walked over to the De Røde Sjøhus/The Red Sea Houses for the knitting party. We made a designer table and exchanged experiences while we ate tapas from the buffet. Charlotte Kaae held an brief talk on how to use Instagram and encouraged us all to photograph with the hashtag #strikkehelgstavanger.

Below is Maskepigen Garn with stunning hand-dyed yarns. They were tempting, I must admit. During the workshop we were visited by a personal trainer Marte Haga, who helped us with tension in our shoulders and hands by giving us all exercises to do. You will find a couple of videos on Instagram, even from the pub Cardinalen (read: Strikk og Drikk’s home). They have become used to invasion by knitters by now and everything they tend to do…

For lunch on Sunday I met editor of the largest handicraft blog in Norway, Tusenideer.no, Mary-Ann Astrup, who was house hunting in Stavanger and had flown in from Copenhagen. It was the weekend to be in Stavanger, that is for certain! Thank you to Strikk og Drikk, and to all the friends, designers & knitters I met!

Hillesvåg Stand at Oslo Design Fair

Posted on October 22, 2016 by Linda Marveng

Yes, I know it was back in the beginning of September, but I am trying to catch up with all the knitting related events that has happened during the last two months so far. Oslo Design Fair, opened Thursday 1. September and closed on Sunday 4. September, while I was at Strik Bornholm. The yarn producer Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk had a stand and launched the yarn kits for 4 of my designs see Hillesvåg Eksklusiv: Andor, Idunn, Halli and Elfa. All the designs are made in the wonderful Norwegian pelt wool/Pelsull, the last two are made in the new finer Hifa Sølje, while the first two are made in the re-named Hifa Tinde yarn. The lustrous yarn has a mohair feel and a melange colour due to its natural greyish base. The new yarn Hifa Sølje with 350 meters/383 yards on each 100 g skein is to die for, so do try it when it is ready in all the 30 divine colours. Closest in the photo above is Halli. Designer Tove Fevang and her husband photographer Geir Arnesen went to the fair, and Geir took these brilliant photos, as you might have guessed! Thank you!

Here are three displayed on mannequins and one hanging, with the yarn kits and the brochure made for retailers below: Halli, Andor, Idunn and Elfa. Here is my introduction to Halli: A sideways cardigan with a reverse textural pattern, and deep waterfall fronts. Each front and sleeve has two tucks at the end; one in reverse stockinette stitch and one in stockinette stitch. Choose if you prefer to leave the fronts hanging loose, pinned loosely together or draped across each other. Halli, comes from Old Norse and means rock. Perfect for the stitch pattern and symbolicly for becoming the rock in your wardrobe.

Above is Anette Toft from Hillesvåg, who used her time well, knitting. Here is the introduction to the most popular of the four designs the poncho Andor: A trendy oversized poncho defined by its pairs of ornamental cables on each wide shoulder part. The stockinette center part is crowned by a high neck collar. The poncho has sidebands that can be closed with buttons. It is knitted flat in two parts with shoulder and neck shaping. Andor is the Norse element for Eagle and its wingspan appropriate for this poncho.

Idunn is the pullover knitted in Hifa Tinde in Petrol. Named after the Norse goddess of spring and immortality is this straight sweater with a Henley neck with center cables. Ribs frame the cables in each side and make the sweater figure hugging. One center cable adds texture to the sleeve. The sweater is worked in the round to the underarm in the lustrous pelt yarn with a mohair feel, Tinde from Hifa.

Last is Elfa: Elfa is an a-line long jacket with central cables along all parts. Tucks divide the different patterns giving a slight flair and a softer touch to the jacket. A large shawl collar crowns the garment, hence the given name Elfa – after the Norse king and warrior. The body is worked in pieces while the sleeves are worked in the round to the underarm. It is knitted in the in the lustrous pelt yarn with a mohair feel, Sølje from Hifa.

They also launched eleven kits by London based designer Michelle Lowe-Holder. Michelle makes sensational designs that experiment with the mixture of vintage, antique and recycled materials. See the two photos at the back in the photo above. Here are more details: Hillesvag Eksklusiv Gjestedesign/Michelle Lowe Holder.

I am delighted that a number of knitters and shop owners have ordered the kits, and I look forward to hearing as well as seeing the results!

Makeløs Festaften in Fredrikstad

Posted on October 19, 2016 by Linda Marveng

Makeløs/Remarkable re-design stylist Kristin Elise Halkjelsvik was in charge of the catwalk with a mix of new & old handcraft designs and jewellery to make numerous unique as well as colourful inspirational outfits, at the party night on the Strikkefestival/Knitting festival in Fredrikstad. Kristin combines new & old knitwear with embroidered table cloths, bell pulls and lengths of tulle fabric. With knitwear from Tone Loeng, Vanja Blix Langsrud, Sidsel Høivik, Kristin Holte, Nina Granlund Sæther, Annemor Sundbø and myself, together with jewellery from Siri Berrefjord and Gry Marie Grindbakken, in addition to a co-operation with local hairdressers Adam og Eva, Kristin made outfits that takes your breath away. The logistics with 14 models, 5 dressers to aid the models, a violinist to open the show, a sound technician and 25 outfits with accessories down to shoes, takes a lot of time, space (both head space and literal space to hang all the outfits) plus energy. Thankfully Kristin seems to have an endless supply of energy, unlike most people I know.

First out is the Setesdal Lovely outfit with brooches by Siri Berrefjord and bridal crown by Gry Marie Grindbakken. The coat has embroidered cuffs and neck and is worn with hand made lace cuffs & lace collar, in addition to layers of tulle skirts and fabric for a belt. All these crisp photos are taken by Geir Arnesen, and I am ever so grateful to be allowed to use them here. Thank you, Geir!

Here is another bridal crown, this one is by Kristin Holte and so is the knitted jacket. The brooches are by Siri Berrefjord. We enjoyed the colourful explosion to our senses, and I really wanted a pair of opera binoculars to take in more of the details. But since I stayed over with Kristin and her family I was lucky to have a sneak peek the day before.

This dress is part of Kristin Holte’s wedding outfit, usually worn with the cardigan and crown above. All the knitted flowers makes it heavy but also so sculptural.

My Lattice Back Jacket worn over one of Kristin’s many beautiful table cloths. Siri was present and pinned on her own brooches as she saw fit, just as Kristin had suggested.

This kofte is by Vanja Blix Langsrud, aka vanjastrikk, a new design called Blanda Drops. It is worn by Elise, Kristin’s daughter and now experienced model with a professional attitude.

Last but not least is the winner of the competition for the Fredrikstad Genseren 2017 by Marianne Solbrække, styled as only Kristin knows how to with layers of tulle skirts in matching colours. The catwalk went too quickly for us knitters who wanted more, but it was the highlight of the party evening that began with an introduction by the knitting organisers (read: knitting motors), music by a band, a buffet with delcious finger food, the mayor announcing the winner of the Fredrikstad pullover contest, chatting and not to forget knitting! I was not giving my knitting enough attention, so I ended up unraveling what I had done. I was fortunate to catch a lift with designer Sidsel Høivik who live close to me. Hence the weekend ended just as it had began with talk about knitting.

knit.wear with my Kohno Kimono

Posted on October 15, 2016 by Linda Marveng

I was excited from the moment I saw the submission call for knit.wear Fall/Winter 2016 with a Japanese theme. It turned out to be an exotic issue with inspiring knits and I am so thrilled to be included. In the editorial letter Meghan Babin writes:

“After that first day in Kinokuniya (a Japanese book store in Portland, Oregon, ed note), I’ve pondered my response to the Japanese aesthetic. In this fast-paced, homogenized, modern age, I’ve found that it strikes a deep chord that resonates on both a personal and a societal level. We desire and constantly seek simplicity, minimalism, peace, beauty, and the unique. In my off -and-on research over the years, I’ve noticed that books, yarns, and designs from Japan off er these desired elements. This issue’s eye is turned to the East to celebrate and explore the beauty of Japan and the unique contributions it has made to the knitting industry.

In this issue of knit.wear, we’ve gathered designs inspired by the Iki aesthetic, interpreted as a chic, sophisticated, minimalist sense of style. The designs focus on the details, finishing work, and precise construction necessary to produce an impeccable garment that remains a pleasure to knit.”

knit.wear/Harper Point Photography

knit.wear/Harper Point Photography

This is how I introduced the Kohno Kimono in the submission: Inspired by the sculptural aesthetic of architect Hugo Kohno’s work in Tokyo, is this oversized long kimono style jacket with short wide raglan sleeves. It is adorned with a domed check pattern ending in wide moss stitch borders at the front, bottom and in the sides.

knit.wear/Harper Point Photography

knit.wear/Harper Point Photography

If you did attend the The National NeedleArt Association (TNNA) Trade Show in Washington in June you might have spotted it in the fashion show. I was not there, but I was pleased that the Norwegian designer Tove Fevang was. Tove was ever so surprised to find two of my designs in the show (the other one was the Amara cardigan). It was shown with black trousers there, but is even more elegant with a pencil skirt like the one the amazing stylist Tina Gill chose. The brilliant photography is by Harper Point Photography. I am ever so impressed with the Japanese hair and make up by Janie Rocek too! Check out those hair pleats in the photo above.

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knit.wear/Harper Point Photography

My Kohno Kimono is knitted in The Fibre Company Acadia made of 60% wool, 20% alpaca, 20% silk with 133 meters/145 yards on each 50 gram skein. The sample is knitted in Sea Lavender in the third size (of six) with a bust circumference of 124.5 cm/49″ and modelled with 38 cm/15″ of ease. It was the first time for me knitting with Acadia and I loved the tweedy look of it as well as the soft luxurious feel to it. The gauge is 21 stitches and 32 rows in both Domed check pattern and in Stockinette stitch to 10 cm/4″ square using a 4 mm/US 6 needle. This kimono is worked from the bottom and up in pieces. A circular needle is used to accommodate the large number of stitches.

The digital issue of knit.wear Fall/Winter 2016 magazine is now available, and so is the single pattern pdf of Kohno Kimono. The printed issue of the magazine can be pre-ordered and will be shipped soon.