I planned to include this sweater in my knitting book, but it was not finished in time. It was still in parts, so I decided to have another go at it last year, knitting from scratch. I changed the bottom from a rib to a hem and added Missioni inspired square puff sleeves as an option in addition to set in sleeves. The shawl collar and the selected cable pattern remained the same throughout the process. I decided to add tucks around the shawl collar and end with an I-cord cast off, even though it does tighten it more than an ordinary cast off would do. The slightly fitted sweater is knitted in Semilla Fino by BC Garn, an ecological wool in a divine taupe melange color using a 3 mm/US 2.5 knitting needles, available here: garn. Each 50 gram ball has a generous 240 meters/262 yards. I am delighted to tell you that the pattern has been bought by the Norwegian magazine Familien and it will be published in March next year in their separate magazine Vårens Strikkebok/Spring Knittingbok. Test knitting of the English pattern will begin in January in my Ravelry Group.

The sweater is knitted in the round until the armholes and the cables continue to the neck on the back. It was finished just in time for my photo shoot with photographer Kim Müller and Francesca Golfetto. I will show you the photos when the test knitting is open in January, and they were selected by Familien to be included in their magazine.

The small cable is part of the large cable pattern and was ideal for the sleeve, I thought. With 3 small cables separated by reversible stocking stitch on the top of the sleeve and double moss/seed stitch on each side under the sleeve. I recently displayed the sweater at the Arts, Crafts and Design fair where I was presenting my book, and received complements for it. A comment that was extremely useful and which I had already considered: “What about an ordinary set in sleeve as an option for those that do not want a puffed sleeve?”. I needed no more convincing and have included it in the pattern. So the sweater has been in the planning for years but I am finally happy with the completed result!

The clouds were sweeping across the fjord yesterday morning. My husband captured this dramatic photo from our terrace of their movement. The clouds seemed to glide gracefully along the fjord before they disappeared, and a bright blue sky appeared. We are still experiencing mild autumn temperatures this late in November, and enjoying it…

Here are my favorite photos of the Arcade Vest, modeled by stunning dancer Francesca Golfetto, captured by brilliant photographer Kim Müller taken at the Astrup Fearnley Museum at Tjuvholmen in Oslo. Test knit of the English pattern in my group on Ravelry will start 22nd November with a flexible deadline of 17th January, but you can sign up now. A straight vest inspired by Haider Ackermann’s architectonic style and jewel colours. Arcades knitted by cables, framed by double moss/seed stitch and ended with an I-cord around neck and armholes. The double front gives the vest weight and close it as you prefer with a shawlpin or a belt. Close it at the top for a trendy look and an asymmetrical opening. Knitted in the beautiful Norsk Pelsull/Norwegian Furyarn from Hifa in a turquoise mélange colour.

Size: S (M) L (XL) 2XL (3XL) 

Finished measurements:                                                                                                         Bust: 92 (96) 102 (116) 124 (134) cm/36.25 (38.25) 40 (45.75) 48.75 (52.75)”                 incl overlap: 6.5 (6.5) 6.5 (6.5) 8.5 (8.5) cm/2.5 (2.5) 2.5 (2.5) 3.25 (3.25)”           Length: 77 (77) 77 (79) 79 (79) cm/30.25 (30.25) 30.25 (31) 31 (31)”

Yarn: Hifa, Norsk Pelsullgarn in turquoise sh 1106: 4 (4.5) 5 (6) 6.5 (7.5) skeins; 1014 (1144) 1300 (1508) 1664 (1846) m/1109 (1251) 1422 (1649) 1820 (2019) yds (100% Norwegian furyarn wool, 100 g, 260 m/284 yds). www.ull.no.

Alternative Yarns: Berroco, Ultra Alpaca Light (50% alpaca, 50% wool, 50 g, 133 m/144 yds). www.berroco.com/yarns/berroco-ultra-alpaca-light                                                Anzula, Kern (100% alpaca, 50 g, 160 m/175 yds) see anzula.squarespace.com/anzula/    Or another DK/8 ply yarn.

Needles: 3.5 mm/US 4 circular needles (80 cm/32” and 40 cm/16”), 2 DPNs (for I-cord) or size needed for gauge.

Notions: Cable needle, 3 stitch holders and yarn needle

Gauge: 20 sts and 24 rows in Arcade Pattern, 20 sts and 26 rows in double moss/seed stitch equals 10cm/4” square.

Notes: The vest is knitted in rows in one piece to armhole, where it is separated. The armhole band is knitted in the round. Dec: When decreasing for neck and armhole only for L and XL, change first and last Arcade Pattern repeat into reverse st st to avoid decreasing in pattern. Length: Adjust length by knitting additional rows in double moss/seed st at the bottom and/or more/less Arcade Patterns before armhole dec.

The test knit pattern includes video links to techniques used, chart and schematic. Come and join us at www.ravelry.com/groups/linda marveng.

Matches is a chain of exclusive fashion stores offering the best in new and established labels located in the London area. It is one of those places I miss browsing in, and where I have done quite a bit of window shopping. Indeed, I have found a few treasures at the end of the sale including a pair of sky high Camilla Skovgaard shoes I bought especially for the photoshoot of my knitting book, see this post: sneak-peak-1. They do have a online shop which is great site for inspiration, and even better is The Style Report a free printed magazine filled with the biggest trends of the season. Look at the latest designs from Balenciaga, Stella McCartney, Givenchy and Alexander McQueen just to mention a few. On the cover of AW13 is Julia Restoin Roitfeld, daughter of the former French Vogue Editor-In-Chief, Carine Roitfeld, and the star of Givenchy’a campaigns this season. If you feel tempted, you can choose between a print or a digital magazine here: matchesfashion.