Makeløs Redesign Fashion Show

Posted on March 15, 2014 by Linda Marveng

I went to a Redesign Fashion Show by Makeløs/Remarkable – yes, it was and she is – stylist Kristin Elise Halkjelsvik organized by Ullensaker Husflidslag/Craft association at Jessheim in February, and I am finally ready to blog about it. Thankfully, jewelry designer and photographer Siri Berrefjord, see Fredenshavn, was there capturing the event and so was Made by Me editor Mary-Ann Astrup. I was not merely attending, but together with designer Kristin Wiola Ødegård and Sidsel Janne Høivik, I contributed with one knitted garment; the Aran Bolero. The intricate cables would go well together with Makeløs’ love of the Jugendstil – or Art Nouveau if you prefer – in my opinion. During the evening she shared her passion for all handicrafts and re-design. It is not essential that you know how to sew, to make an old stunning embroidered tablecloth into a poncho or a skirt, as long as you know how to use a stapler or use safety pins creativly, is Kristin’s motto. Above is a well-known, intricate outfit by Makeløs that has been the window display at the popular bead and buttonshop, Perlehuset/Beading House in Oslo. It is equally astonishing from the front with its lace decorations, belt, embroidery and colorful brooch by Siri, see below. It is the first time I am working with Makeløs, and we have planned further collaborations, I am pleased to announce.

In a crowd with several hundred women, the male model was incredibly popular and stayed in his position for quite awhile, to everyone’s delight. Below is one of Makeløs’ tablecloths, with a cut hole that is covered up with a flower pot when it is used on the table, otherwise worn as a poncho, with a chiffon scarf around the neck together with jeans.

I had no idea how she would style my Aran Bolero, but knew it would be very different from my way. A skin coloured top with a chiffon ruffle at the bottom and with short petticoat for a hot and sexy look. Our two design worlds collide in this match of styling, according to one of my test knitters, and I could not agree more. Makeløs had planned to use a vintage embroidered bell pull as a belt, but did not get as far in time for the catwalk.

Another favorite outfit is this colorful embroidered wall hanging Makeløs has used a skirt below. She calls the outfit the “housewife’s comfort”, and has literally written it on the fancy underpants which is clearly visible in the gap of the ends of the wall hanging at the back. You will find a lot more photos at her Facebook page, look for Makeløs, and from her exhibition at Bakketunet.

I love her vision, use of color and Jugendstil inspiration and look forward to our next co-operation…

Familien Håndarbeid

Posted on March 12, 2014 by Linda Marveng

I am delighted to have four of my latest patterns published in the Norwegian special issue magazine called Håndarbeid/Handicraft by Familien/The Family. I designed two of them last summer; Regal Purple Jacket and Lace Ridge Top both with a cowl to complement the design, both knitted in the beautiful Perle/Pearl mercerized cotton yarn by Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk, see ull.no. The Tyrol Jacket, here on the cover, was initially sent as design submission to Twist Collective but only made it as far as their short list, while the Nora Sweater was hibernating until last autumn’s photo shoot, and I was not certain whether they would be accepted by Familien. I believe Kim Müller’s brilliant photos of the stunning dancer Francesca Golfetto modeling the garments made the offer hard to resist, and I was thrilled when the editor wanted to use the photos of all four designs in a separate issue. Two of the designs; Regal Purple Jacket and Tyrol Jacket are available in English to download. The remaining two will be available after test knitting in my Ravelry group, do join if you would like to.

The heading “Flott med fletter” translates to “Gorgeous with Cables”. The Madeline Tosh dk yarn, the Tyrol Jacket is knitted in, is not easily available in Norway but can be ordered online or replaced by e.g Sandnes Garn, Merinoull or Garnstudio Drops Merino Extra Fine. The BC Garn Semilla Fino 4 ply/fingering yarn the Nora Sweater is knitted in, can be replaced by Rauma, Røros Lamullgarn.

One of my favorite summer yarns is the mercerized 4-ply/fingering cotton Perle/Pearl from Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk, which comes in 62 gorgeous colors on 200 g cones, see ull.no. I used it in Mørk fiolett/Dark violet in the Regal Purple Jacket and Røsslyng/Heather held double in the Lace Ridge Top. As a matter of fact I would like to knit the cable cowl in a large selection of marvelous colors for the summer!

Tyrol Jacket Pattern Released

Posted on March 8, 2014 by Linda Marveng

I am delighted to release the English pdf pattern of my Tyrol Jacket in my Ravelry store after completed test knitting, see; tyrol-jacket. The Norwegian pattern is available in print on Monday in the separate magazine called “Familien Håndarbeid”/The Family Handicrafts. Inspired by the mélange soft pink color – not unlike the evening sky – and adorable Tyrol cables with their flower-bud shapes, I have designed an elegantly fitted jacket with a V-neck. The saddle sleeves allow the cables to flow all along the shoulder. A loose scarf with cables sewn into a tube works as a second shawl collar and adds textured volume. The Tyrol Jacket is knitted in the hand dyed Tosh dk using 4 mm/US 6 in two different dye lots, the darker version chosen for the sleeves, ordered from Eat.Sleep.Knit. Brilliantly photographed by Kim Müller, modeled by stunning dancer Francesca Golfetto.

Sizes: S (M, L, XL, XXL)

Finished Measurements:
Jacket: Bust: 91 (98, 106, 116, 126) cm/35.75 (38.5, 41.75, 45.75, 49.5)”
Waist: 72 (79, 87, 93, 113) cm/28.25 (31, 34.25, 36.5, 44.5)”
Hip: 91 (98, 106, 116, 126) cm/35.75 (38.5, 41.75, 45.75, 49.5)”
Length: 54 (55, 56, 57, 58) cm/21.25 (21.75, 22, 22.5, 22.75)”
Sleeve length: 42 cm/16.5″
Scarf: Circumference: 20 cm/7.75″
Length: 130 cm/51.25″

Yarn: Tosh dk (100% merino wool, 206 m/225 yds, 100 g): madelinetosh.com

Jacket: 7 (7, 8 , 9, 10) skeins in Posy: 1257 (1428, 1560, 1728, 1900) m/1373 (1562, 1706, 1890, 2078) yds. Scarf: 2 skeins in Posy: 392 m/428 yds.

Yarn alternatives: Tabby Cat Fibre Arts, Merino DK Tabby, (100% merino, 225 m/246 yds, 100 g) http://tabbycatyarns.de/products/dk/merino-dk-tabby
Drops Merino Extra Fine (100% wool, 105 m/115 yds, 50 g) http://www.garnstudio.com/lang/us/yarn.php?id=82
Fyberspates, Scrumptious DK (55% merino, 45% silk, 220 m/241 yds, 100 g) http://www.fyberspates.co.uk/mall/departmentpage.cfm/Fyberspates/_512086
Or another DK/8 ply.

Needles: 4 mm/US 6 straight needles. 4 mm/US 6 circular needle (80 cm/32″) for button band. Or size needed for gauge.

Notions: 10 buttons (13 mm/0.5″), 8 stitch markers, stitch holders and yarn needle.

Gauge: 25 sts and 30 rows in Tyrol Cable measures 10 cm/4″ square. 19 sts and 30 rows in garter stitch measures 10 cm/4″ square.

Notes: The cables are nipped together at the bottom so they continue through the hem. Each front is 1 cm wider than 1/2 the back, to achieve symmetry, usual in typical vintage garments. The scarf is worked flat and then joined into a tube. This jacket is like the Tyrolean jacket very fitted, please compare your waist measurements to the size you need and adjust if necessary, to make sure it will fit.

Photo Shoot Pics – Last Part: Lace Ridge Top & Cowl

Posted on March 5, 2014 by Linda Marveng

The final photos from last autumn’s photo shoot by Kim Müller show stunning dancer Francesca Golfetto wearing the Lace Ridge Top/Hullkant Topp with cowl knitted in the beautiful Perle/Pearl, a 4-ply/fingering mercerized cotton held double in the shade Røsslyng/Heather using 4 mm/US 6. The cotton comes in a large selection of lovely colors delivered on a 200 gram cone with 670 m/732 yds from Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk, see www.ull.no. The Norwegian pattern will be published on Monday in a separate magazine from Familien called Håndarbeid/Handicrafts, while the English pattern will be test knitted in my Ravelry group, set to start in April, before publishing in my Ravelry Store.

A casual, stretchy long sleeveless top in an open lace ridge pattern, with a boat neck and a high twisted rib over the hips. The top is easy to knit in the round. It is worked in a divine mercerized cotton from Hifa, called Perle/Pearl which is held double to emphasize the structure of the lace pattern. The cable cowl accentuates the design and gives the top a more dressy look.

The top comes in size S to XXL with generous ease, and a tight twisted rib while the cowl is one size. Above you can see the top worn with the rib pulled up. The body is knitted in the round up to the armholes and then flat to shoulders. The Lace Ridge Pattern creates a ladder at the join. There is no neckband nor armhole bands which help to make this a quick knit with minimal finishing required.

The cowl can be worn once or twice around the neck. The braid is too wide and difficult to work without a cable needle, as I would otherwise recommend. The cowl, worked in the round on a short circular needle, has a temporary cast on so that the ends can be easily grafted or sewed together.

I already long for my next photo shoot, but know I need to knit a substantial amount of garments before I am ready. But as you might have guessed, I am working on it…

Brooklyn Tweed Design Submissions

Posted on March 1, 2014 by Linda Marveng

For the first time the submission for Wool People is open to all designers, and not only to invited guest designers, so just as I anticipated Brooklyn Tweed have received an overwhelming amount of submissions due to their popularity, and stunning tweed yarns. In their submission information they urged designers to include at least 3-4 submissions within the proposal, so I have sent off 3 submissions. If one of my designs is chosen for Wool People 8, and I am not too optimistic, I will be informed no later than 14th March. Any design submission is time consuming but rewarding since I already have another magazine who want them, despite not having seen my ideas yet. Brooklyn Tweed have two yarns; Shelter and Loft, both made of pure wool spun in historic Harrisville, New Hampshire, from the fleece of Wyoming grown Targhee-Columbia sheep; “We fleece dye our wool to achieve rich heathers that give even the simplest fabrics depth and sophistication”. Shelter is worsted/aran weight with 128 m/140 yds per 50 g and Loft is fingering/4-ply with 251 m/275 yds per 50 g, and you can see the shade card for both yarns above. The knitwear design and yarn company was founded in 2007 by designer, blogger and photographer Jared Flood. Among my favorite designs, chosen because of their beautiful texture, are Channel Cardigan by Jared Flood from BT Winter 14, see Ravelry and Kenzo by Olga Buraya-Kefelian from Wool People 4, see Ravelry. For the full collection see Brooklyn Tweed.

Cablewing Sweater Pattern Released

Posted on February 26, 2014 by Linda Marveng

I am delighted to release the Cablewing Sweater pattern in both English and Norwegian in my Ravelry Store, see Ravelry. The English pattern has been through test knitting in my group on Ravelry, and the pattern improved. My test knitters made a whole series of stunning garments I will present later, with their permission. The Norwegian pattern was first printed in the magazine called Strikkeboka/Knitting book published by Familien in August 2013. The sweater, photographed by Esten A. Borgos, is knitted in the beautiful Embla – Hifa 3 from Hillesvåg and comes in a large selection of stunning colors, see Ull.no. Cablewings surrounded by lace gives this sweater a flowery expression. The a-line shape with lace along each side, paired with the double round neckband, is a flattering on many bodies. The pullover is knitted in the round to the armhole in a classic cream colored pure wool with bounce, Embla from Hifa. A large matching wrap gives the sweater a regal look and it is warm, practical, but also decorative.

Sizes: S (M, L, XL, XXL)

Finished Measurements: Bust: 90 (96, 110, 116, 122) cm/35.5 (37.75, 43.25, 45.25, 48)” Hip: 110 (116, 132, 138, 142) cm/43.25 (45.5, 52, 54.25, 56)” Length: 72 (72, 75, 77, 77) cm/28.25 (28.25, 29.5, 30.25, 30.25)” Sleeve length: 46 cm/18″ all sizes. Wrap: Circumference: 100 cm/39.5″, height: 44 cm/17.25″

Yarn: Hifa, Embla – Hifa 3 in natural sh 6057: 6 (7, 8, 9, 10) skeins; 1260 (1470, 1680, 1890, 2100) m/1378 (1607, 1837, 2067, 2296) yds for sweater and an additional 3 skeins fro wrap: 567 m/620 yds (100% wool, 210 m/229 yds, 100 g). Ull.no.

Yarn alternative: Cascade, 220 (100% Peruvian Highland Wool; 100 g, 201 m/220 yds). Cascade Yarns.com

Needles: 4 mm/US 6 circular needles (80 cm/32″) and (40 cm/16″) for sweater and wrap. 4 mm/US 6 DPNs or circular needle for magic loop method.
3.25 mm/US 3 circular needles (40 cm/16″) for neck band. Or size needed for gauge.

Notions: Cable needle. 6 stich markers: 2 for sides, 4 for pattern. 6 stitch holders. Yarn needle.

Gauge: 22 sts and 28 rows in Cablewing Pattern, 20 sts and 25 rows in st st using 4 mm/US 6 needles equals 10 cm/4″ square. 20 sts and 25 rows in stockinette stitch using 4 mm/US 6 measures 10 cm/4″ square.

Notes:
The body is knitted in the round up to the armholes and then flat to shoulders. The lace panel incorporated in the cablewing pattern is worked on each side of the body to decrease in. When you decrease for armhole, neck and sleeve top work stitches along the selvedges in reverse stocking stitch to avoid decreasing inside Cablewing Pattern. The wrap is knitted in the round, and can easily be adjusted by adding or removing pattern repeats.

Hønsestrikk til folket

Posted on February 22, 2014 by Linda Marveng

Chicken knits to the people is a direct translation from Norwegian of this popular newly published book by Cecilie Kaurin and Linn Bryhn Jacobsen, see cappelendamm. Slipp fargene fri/Let the colors loose is their encouragement to knitters here in Norway, written on a heart shaped chart with a photograph of the trendy Karpe Diem sweater on the cover of this book ring bound for easy and regular use, see my earlier post; Hobby Night at Cappelen Damm. Some knitters have even commented that they would have preferred to have the cover laminated too, so that the wear would be even less. I still have a number of my favorite patterns laminated, so I understand the request too well…

Chicken knitting has nothing to do with chickens, but is a 40- year old term invented by the Danish author and knitter Kirsten Hofstätter, who was tired of not being able to buy patterns without buying yarn, and made her own pattern book with less rigid pattern set up. She was refused by the left radical publishing firm Rød Hane/Red Cock and started her own publishing firm called Hønsetryk/Chicken print. She encouraged knitters to create and fantasize with knitting needles without strictly following a knitting pattern. Chicken knit became a term for knitting with colorful yarns, preferably waste yarn and for making your own colourwork borders. So begins the foreword to the book, and continues with how to knit creatively making up your own pattern. The patterns in the book are all knitted in the round and steeked. Not all border repeats fit the stitch number but the authors encourage you to end in the side where it is less visible. All the major borders on the body should fit, though, and you can adapt the smaller ones to fit yourself if you prefer. The book contains 23 patterns – with different variations for each one – for adults, children and accessories as well as chapters on tips and tricks and gauge/tension; personalizing your sweater; and how to make the perfect chicken hanger for your chicken knits. You will find more info and a fun free wrist warmer pattern in both Norwegian and English on their blog here: chickenknitting.blogspot and more of the projects on the preview here: Issuu.

I could not resist to show a children’s version of the divine Karpe Diem sweater seeing this stunning photo. It is knitted in Mitu (50% wool, 50% alpaca, 50 g, 100 m/109 yds) a DK weight from Rauma Ullvarefabrikk, using 5 suggested colors and 3.5 mm/US 4 circular needles, see Raumaull. See other patterns from the book on the Cappelen Damm’s blog: forlagsliv. The book has been sold to a Danish publisher so far. Enjoy and start creating your own borders to make your own sweater.

New pattern release: Lace Top & Cowl

Posted on February 19, 2014 by Linda Marveng

I am delighted to release the English version of the Lace Top & Cowl, called “Blondegenser” in my Norwegian book, in my Ravelry Store, see Lace-Top. Above is the pattern cover, with photos of the beautiful dancer Francesca Golfetto brilliantly captured by Kim Müller. I have written a more detailed English version of the pattern, while my Creative Director (read: husband) has made a new chart, and a schematic. Just to make sure I did not add any mistakes, I sent it to my technical editor Heather Zoppetti to check, see Stitchsprouts. From the intro to my pattern: I have been searching for a fitted party sweater for awhile, since I have not found one, I have designed one. Inspired by Missoni’s collections I have chosen a yarn made of tencel that has a fabulous drape and shine. The yarn can be pulled into shape and hides all unevenness. The sweater is knitted in Valley Yarns 8/2 Tencel held double which comes in a large selection of color that makes it possible for you to create your own.

Sizes: S (M, L)

Finished measurements: Top: Bust: 90 (94, 99) cm/35.5 (37, 39)” Waist: 78 (82, 87) cm/30.75 (32.25, 34.25)” Hip: 90 (94, 99) cm/35.5 (37, 39)” Length: 54 (55, 56) cm/21.25 (21.75, 22)” Sleeve length 46 cm/18″ Cowl: 32 cm/12.5″ height and 54cm/21.25″ circumference.

Yarn: Valley Yarns 8/2 Tencel in Black (100% Lyocell, 1lb/454 g, 3360 yds/3675 m): 1 (1, 1) Cone: 2346 (2670, 2993) m/2565 (2920, 3273) yds for top and an extra 770 m/842 yds used for cowl. Note: Yarn is held double throughout pattern. Yarn

Alternative yarns: Jaggerspun Zephyr Wool-Silk 2/18 held double (50% merino, 50% tussah silk, 454 g/1lb, 5040 yds/ 4609 m) Jaggeryarn Drops, Lace held double (70% alpaca, 30% silk, 800 m/ 874 yds, 100 g) Garnstudio

Needles: 3mm/US 2.5 straight needles, 3 mm/US 2.5 80cm/32″ circular knitting needle, and 3mm/US 2.5 40cm/16″ circular knitting needle for cowl or size needed to obtain gauge.

Gauge: 24 sts and 38 rnds in Lace Panel using 3 mm/US 2.5 needles and 2 strands of yarn held together measures 10cm/4″ square. 29 sts and 36 rnds in st st using 3 mm/US 2.5 needles and 2 strands of yarn held together measures 10cm/4″ square.

Notes: The sleeves are knitted first and worked flat to learn the stitch pattern, while the body and the cowl is knitted in the round. The pullover has puffed sleeves, made by increasing each side of the middle Lace Panel. Increasing and decreasing is done between the Lace Panels in reverse stockinette stitch. The sleeves have 2 stitches in reverse stockinette stitch while the body has 5 stitches. Size M and L have additional stitches in reverse stockinette stitch after 6th and 12th Lace Panel.

Designerkollektivet’s Fashion Show

Posted on February 15, 2014 by Linda Marveng

Oslo Trend Fashion Festival is on, and I went to Designerkollektivet‘s Fashion Show at Ingensteds/Nowhere. Designer Tove Klevjer and I had problems finding the venue, so I made sure I asked a passerby for the address, and not the name of the place. 14 of Designerkollektivet’s designers participated in the show organized in co-operation with Oslo Trend, EB Models, Art Complexion Makeup School, Westerdals Høyskole/High school, Ingensteds and Oslo Trend volunteers. Ingensteds was packed and in disco mood, when we arrived just before 7 pm, but we found a good space to stand next to the camera on the stage above the catwalk. My highlights were the stunning wedding gowns by Judith Bech design, HotNok signature pieces, Sorl ved Strand magnificent knitted dresses, and corsets by Bine – Design med etisk pels/Design with ethical fur. You can see all the outfits here: flickr.

The model, wearing a gorgeous wedding gown decorated with feathers by Judith Beck, is on her way up a couple of steps, standing on a pedestal like a breathtaking sculpture for a few seconds before moving on.

Here is one of several captivating corsets made from farmed livestock from Bine – Design with ethical fur.

Two of Sorl ved Strand stunning dresses, both ingeniously constructed by designer Sissel Strand! You could hear the awe when her Mens’ poncho in panels with a blue hood and matching leg warmers came on the catwalk. I was too busy staring to take a photo, but look here: flickr.

The signature dress and bolero from HotNok. Outstanding in a bright red. I was impressed by the models bravely stepping up the high steps in sky-high heels, and managing to keep their balance.

And finally, all the designers came out on the catwalk while we applauded. I left the fashion show inspired, and with a collection of tempting discount vouchers.

Familiens beste

Posted on February 12, 2014 by Linda Marveng

I am delighted that two of my designs were among the best of 2013 Norwegian magazine Familien’s patterns; My Open Triangles Cowl & Wristwarmers plus Trendy Poselue, see my blogpost: /professionally-photographed-open-triangles-cowl-and-slouchy-hat/, hence they have been reprinted into a separate issue, see the cover above. The first pattern is also also available in English on Ravelry. The diagonal triangles with an opening on top makes you think of Egyptian hieroglyphs depicting the pyramids with the sun above. A delightful image for a cowl to warm your neck, or accessorize your dress. Fasten it if you wish, or wear it across one shoulder. Or why not use it double? The cowl and the matching wrist-warmers are knitted in a lovely soft and warm mixture of merino and cotton with a stunning stitch definition. For more details, see: Ravelry. Next on my blog is a report from Designer Kollektivet’s fashion show.