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Indie June on Loveknitting

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The British online store and community Loveknitting is celebrating its 3rd annual Indie June. As an independent designer I was asked if I wanted to take part and offer some of my patterns with a discount. I certainly did; hence offer 10 patterns with a 20% discount. I was delighted to be featured in their loveknitting newsletter they sent out on the 30th of May, since it has boosted my sales of the Yellow Gold Pullover pattern. Thank you, Loveknitting! And to my gorgeous model Alexandria Eissinger, hair & make up artist Jens J. Wiker and photographer Eivind Røhne! Not to mention Interweave Knits, where the Yellow Gold Pullover Pattern was first published in the Fall 2015 issue!

Here is a link to the special pattern offers: www.loveknitting.com/indie-june-offers. So use the opportunity before the sale ends on 30th June.

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Ravelry Group 4th Year Anniversary

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My Ravelry group is now 4 years old! There are now more than 1400 members and my fear that only a few would join was needless. I am so pleased to have attracted so many knitters! It has been another thrilling year with many test knits of my English patterns, showing off of finished garments, discussions of different knitting techniques, chatting and bi-monthly free pattern pdf draws just to mention a few of the topics in this lovely group. I am delighted to have met so many new knitters. So it is time to celebrate that four years has passed! How can I best do this? By organizing a draw in my group with 9 exciting prizes like yarn kits, e-books and pdf patterns from my Ravelry store.

All you have to do is join my group if you have not already done so, and answer one of these questions: “What design – with an available pattern – would you love to wear but never knit in a million years and why? Or if that is too difficult or impossible to imagine what have you knitted and never worn (or only once)?” in my Ravelry group. I have had numerous fascinating answers already. I anticipated a couple of the answers to the first question – like my design Halli, designs by Di Gilpin; designs from the book: Norwegian Knitting Designs; designs from the book Tudor Roses and designs from Christel Seyfarth (simply because those would have been my answers too) – while others have introduced amazing new patterns and designs to us. I will use Random org to pick winners based on the number matching the response/posting on Friday 9th. June. Here are the top two prizes, and a good reason to join, see ravelry.com/groups/linda-marveng, in my opinion:

1. and 2. Prize: Choose one of these yarn kits from Hillesvåg and choose which size & colour you want (includes pattern in English as well as Norwegian): Andor or Idunn or Halli or Elfa. The yarn kits have been generously sponsored by Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk. See kits, Tinde colours for Andor and Idunn, Sølje colours for Halli and Elfa

Or Elfa, the English pattern is currently being test knitted. These four designs all made for yarn kits for Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk were brilliantly photographed by Eivind Røhne at Villa Malla in June last year. The gorgeous model is Alexandria Eissinger and her hair & make up are by Jens J. Wiker, while her jewellery are by Kaja Gjedebo Design.

Good luck!

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Behind the Scenes: Photoshoot at Ingierstrand Bad

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On Monday I had a photoshoot at Ingierstrand Bad, just outside of Oslo, with an amazing crew. The weather was perfect; warm and sunny. The restaurant, open for private parties during the weekdays and for the public at the weekends, is a popular spot for weddings due to its location next to one of the most popular beaches with a diving tower in Oslo. In fact jewellery designer Kaja Gjedebo, who came to join us, had her wedding party here 11 years ago and this was the first time she was back. You can find a video she made at Instagram. While Jens J. Wiker worked on gorgeous model Alexandria Eissinger‘s hair & make up, photographer Eivind Røhne, second photographer/roadie/technical manager Michael Marveng-Puckett looked at possible back drops. As always it was a day filled with laughter and breath taking results. Eivind always gives everything, above you see how him delivering on his promise to make Alex taller. Jens, next to him is checking his mobile.

Here you see Kaja and Eivind sharing Instagram tips. It was marvellous to have the whole place to ourselves. On the to do list was taking photographs of a total of 10 designs where 5 are new designs; 4 for yarn kits for Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk and 1 secret design; 3 designs returned from Interweave Knits and knit.wear in the US and 2 designs only photographed by the Norwegian magazine Familien previously. Judith Bech had as usual sent me a selection of dresses and skirts to choose from. One day I hope she will be able to fly from Northern Norway to join us. I find her dresses magical, hence I am spellbound and ask for more than I need so that I can see how they look together with the knitted garments. Just as with my ideas, some work better in my head than in real life. I ended up using only 2 of those.

Eivind and I are talking strategy, while Alex with Jens’ assistance is ready for action. We speak partly in Norwegian and partly in English all day, even though Alex speaks Danish and Michael Norwegian, they both prefer English. But Alex knows me very well and know that I want front, back and side photographed. Eivind is living in the hope that I will not demand full length photos of all designs, but I rarely give in. Alex is ready for photography of the back of Kathe Cardigan, made for Interweave Knits Fall 2016.

Alex heard a double set of camera clicks as Michael joined Eivind and photographed as well. Thankfully, neither Eivind nor Alex had any issues with that and knew that the Eivind was indeed the photographer of the day. Even Alex joined in and took a selfie, here she is, captured by Michael. Above she is wearing Aki, a new pullover designed for Hillesvåg and below wearing an old design Patent Poncho. Despite the heat, Alex managed to look incredibly cool and only suffered for a brief time when I added 3 cowls on top of each other. Yes, that would only be useful on a very cold day and not on a hot day, with women in bikinis nearby. Kaja wished that she had brought her swimwear.

Unlike me, Alex is always in control of her face when she is being photographed and do enjoy pulling some faces. I have reached the age where I tend to do so unwillingly so much of the time. That is why the back of my head as well as the side feature so much in the photos Michael take of me.

Take a look at the photo above and you understand the tone we have during the day as well as the fun! It took a few second before I saw her face! Alex is wearing Wa, a shawl vest as well as Kaja’s Abelia earring with pearls and Abelia necklace. I saw a number of Eivind’s photos during the day and know it will as usual be extremely difficult to choose photos from the hundreds of magical moments he has captured. Yet, I cannot wait to see them all!

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Tau Again

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It is about time I show you the photos Michael took of me wearing Tau, the scarf I designed especially for the Vienna Wool & Design Festival. You have already seen it photographed on a handsome young man by the team behind the festival magazine “Wool 2 go”, but I thought you should see it worn by me too. Tau was photographed in our old garden, a day before it was sent off to Vienna back in the beginning of March. Above you see the wrong side out.

Here is my introduction to the pattern. I was instantly captivated by this teal coloured luscious Yak yarn by Lang Yarns, especially chosen and designed for the Vienna Wool & Design Fesitval. A rope like cable worked over rib stitches gives it a sculptural feel. Naturally, I named it Tau meaning rope in Norwegian, and human being in an Eskimo language.

The pattern is only available in the printed magazine in both English and in German. The magazine also contains 11 other designs by 9 designers who all participated in Vienna Wool & Design Festival. You can order the magazine from this webpage: viennawooldesignfestival.com.

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Harding Cardigan Pattern Released

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Today is 17th May and all of Norway is celebrating its Constitution Day. It is in short our National Day! To all of you Norwegians out there, and to anyone else who wants to join our celebration: Gratulerer med dagen/Happy Birthday! Michael and I will be watching the parade in our new home town of Ørje.

The Harding Cardigan was first published in the American magazine Interweave Knits Summer 2016. The pattern rights have now reverted back to me and the English pattern is available in my Ravelry store and on Loveknitting. The Norwegian pattern will be published in the magazine Familien at a later date. Brilliant photographer Eivind Røhne captured the beautiful model Silje Andresen/Team Models, with hair & make up by Sissel Fylling and Ivy hanging earrings by Kaja Gjedebo Design, at the National Museum – Architecture in November last year. Here is my introduction to the pattern: An allover telescope lattice gives this long, straight cardigan a textural feel. A cabled rib-cord collar adds a modern look to the Harding Cardigan. Wear it open or close it with a shawl pin or belt.

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

Finished measurements:
Bust: 85 (90, 96.5, 105.5, 114, 123) cm/33.5 (35.5, 38, 41.5, 45, 48.5)”
Length: 70 (70.5, 72, 72.5, 73.5, 75) cm/27.5 (27.75, 28.25, 28.5, 29, 29.5)”
Sleeve length: 45 (46, 47, 47.5, 48, 48) cm/17.75 (18, 18.5, 18.75, 19, 19)”

Yarn: Brooklyn Tweed, Shelter (100% wool, 50 g, 128 m/140 yards)
https://www.brooklyntweed.com/shop/shelter/
Sample is knitted in Foothills.
10 (11, 12, 13, 14, 15) skeins; 1203 (1306, 1410, 1541, 1673, 1834) m/1315 (1428, 1542, 1685, 1830, 2005) yds.

Alternative yarns:
Dale Garn, Pure ECO Wool (70% ecological wool, 30% alpaca, 50 g, 112 m/122 yds)
http://dalegarn.no/garn/pure-eco-wool/?sf_paged=3
BC Garn, Loch Lomond (100% wool, 50 g, 155 m/170 yds)
http://www.bcgarn.dk/pi/LOCH_LOMOND_3861_8.aspx
The Fibre Company, Acadia (60% merino wool, 20% silk, 20% alpaca, 50 g, 133 m/145 yds)
http://www.thefibreco.com/product/acadia/
Tahki Stacy Charles, Scotland (100% merino wool, 50 g, 160 m/174 yds)
http://tahkistacycharles.com/product/yarns/scotland/

Needles: 4.5 mm/US 7 circular needle (80 cm/32”)
4.5 mm/US 7 DPNs.
Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

Notions: Cable needle (cn), stitch holder, stitch markers, waste yarn, 4.5 mm/US 7 crochet hook and yarn needle.

Gauge: 22 sts and 27 rows in Telescope lattice measures 10 cm/4” square.
20 sts and 25 rows in st st measures 10 cm/4” square.
26 sts and 18 rows in Cabled Rib Cord measures 10 cm/4” square.

Notes: The back, fronts, and collar are worked back and forth in separate pieces, the sleeves are worked in the round, and the garment is seamed together. During shaping, if there are not enough stitches to work a complete cable crossing, work the stitches of the partial cable as they appear.

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Oydis Knitted by Suzanne Chartrand

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I was so delighted to see Suzanne Chartrand, aka rejean on Ravelry, test knit version of the Oydis Sweater. This striking photo showing how the claret coloured pullover matches her hair, blew me away. Suzanne knitted size XL in Patons Classic Wool DK Superwash, and used a smaller needle size, 3.5 mm/US 2.5, after the a-line decreases to make the top part smaller and a better fit for her. It was the first of many test knit Suzanne has done for me. She is a retired teacher, which makes her ideal as a test knitter in addition to 50 years of knitting experience, living in Val-des-Monts, Quebec, Canada.

Here is another photo of the front of the pullover with the curved hem more clearly. You can find Suzanne’s notes on her project page where she writes: “When I saw the picture of the pattern it was love at first sight. Test knit for Linda. Great pattern. Easy to follow.
Linda includes many links to videos on techniques used in the pattern”. Thank you so much, Suzanne!

Finally, here is a photo of the back. You will find the Oydis Sweater pattern in Norwegian, German and in English for sale on Ravelry (as an individual pattern but also in an Norwegian & English e-book: Norse Goddess Collection), Loveknitting and Woolspire. It is available in sizes XS to 2XL and I have many more gorgeous versions of it to show you, later.

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Idunn Pattern Released

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The next pattern I have released in my Ravelry store in English is Idunn, made for Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk’s yarn kits. The pattern has been test knitted and I am thrilled to see all the finished projects on Ravelry. Idunn was brilliantly photographed by Eivind Røhne, worn by the stunning model Alexandria Eissinger/Nordic Model Agency, with hair & make up by Jens J. Wiker and jewellery by Kaja Gjedebo Design, at Villa Malla in June last year. The pattern is also available in English at Loveknitting and in Norwegian together with the original yarn in your own colour choice from Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk.

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 Pelsull from Hifa.

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

Finished measurements:
Bust: 88 (94.5, 101, 109, 119, 129) cm/34.75 (37.25, 39.75, 43, 46.75, 50.75)”
Length: 60 (61, 62, 63, 64, 65) cm/23.5 (24, 24.5, 24.75, 25.25, 25.5)”
Sleeve length: 49 (50, 50, 51, 51, 52) cm/19.25 (19.75, 19.75, 20, 20, 20.5)”

Yarn: Hillesvåg, Tinde Pelsull (100% pelt wool, 260 m/284 yds, 100 g). Sample is knitted in Petrol 1105:
4 (4.5, 5, 5.5, 6.5, 7.5) skeins; 952 (1092, 1232, 1419, 1653, 1887) m/1041 (1194, 1347, 1552, 1808, 2064) yds.
http://www.ull.no/garn/ullgarn/norsk-pelsull

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” and 40 cm/16”).
3.5 mm/US 4 DPNs.
Adjust needle size as needed to match gauge.

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

Gauge: 21 sts and 30 rows in st st measures 10 cm/4” square.
1 cable (18-sts) measures 5.5 cm/2.25” across.

Notes: The sweater, both the sleeves and the body are worked in the round to the armhole and then worked back and forth in rows.

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Tau for Vienna Wool & Design Festival

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I am back in Vienna, this time for a new festival called Vienna Wool Design Festival  organised by yarn store owner, Suncica Wilhelmer and Ursula Koll. When I was invited I was also asked if I could submit a pattern to their festival magazine WOOL 2 GO and I accepted the challenge. The impressive glossy magazine, printed in German and English, contains 12 patterns by 9 participating designers: Nancy Marchant, Isabell Kraemer, Hanna Maciejewska, Valentina Cosciani, Emma Boyles, Karina Moebius, Suncica Wilhelmer and Ursula Koll. On the cover is Vienna Mitts by Nancy and I had the pleasure of meeting her at the airport, she landed half an hour before Michael and I arrived, so we shared at taxi to the Arcotel Hotel Wimberger. I have also meet the organisers, Hanna, knitters I met last time I held workshops in Vienna and had a lovely dinner with Irene Brenner.

One of the Lang Yarns I wanted to test was Yak, made of 50% yak and 50% wool, available in 50 gram balls with 130 meters/142 yards. All the colours have a black melange colour and I choose the Teal colour. I was thrilled that they choose to photograph the scarf on a handsome young man. Just to emphasise that the scarf is unisex.

The scarf is knitted using 4.5 mm/US 7 needle with a gauge of 18 stitches and 26 rows in stocking stitch to 10 cm/4″ square. It is available in one size with a width of 17 cm/6.75″ and length: 150 cm/59″. Here is my introduction to the pattern:

I was instantly captivated by this teal coloured luscious Yak yarn by Lang Yarns, especially chosen and designed for the Vienna Wool & Design Fesitval. A rope like cable worked over rib stitches gives it a sculptural feel. Naturally, I named it Tau meaning rope in Norwegian, and human being in an Eskimo language.

One of the photos of the scarf is featured on the back page together with Suncica’s acknowledgements as well as exciting news that she is opening a concept yarn store in the centre of Vienna in the summer of 2017.

I am looking forward to meeting more knitters  while teaching 4 workshops here in Vienna and to the Galla Dinner later tonight!

Thank you to the team behind the magazine:

EDITOR
Sunčica Wilhelmer

STYLING
Filip Fiska

ART DIRECTORY
Nino B. Pavlek

HAARE, MAKE-UP
Sophie Kaspar

FOTO
Julia Stix

LAYOUT
Tina Stundner

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Halli Pattern Released

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I am pleased to release the English pattern of Halli after the test knit in my Ravelry group. The pattern has been corrected and improved. It is available to buy on Ravelry and on Loveknitting. I have enjoyed seeing the different versions of Halli appear and look forward to seeing more completed. The sample was brilliantly photographed by Eivind Røhne on the stunning Alexandria Eissinger/Nordic Model Agency, with hair & make up by Jens J. Wiker and jewellery by Kaja Gjedebo Design, on a sweltering day in June last year at Villa Malla by the Oslo fjord. The Norwegian pattern is only available as part of a yarn kit from selected yarn stores and directly from Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk. Here is the introduction to the pattern:

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.

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

Finished measurements:
Bust (excl armholes and collars): 100 (107, 114, 124, 134, 144) cm/39.25 (42.25, 45, 48.75, 52.75, 56.75)”
Bottom width excl collars: 120 (129, 138, 152, 166, 180) cm/51 (54.75, 58.25, 63.75, 69.25, 74.75)”
Full width incl collars: 140 (149, 158, 172, 186, 200) cm/55 (58.75, 62.25, 67.75, 73.25, 78.75)”
Length (back): 76 (78, 80, 82, 84, 86) cm/30 (30.75, 31.5, 32.25, 33, 33.75)”
Sleeve length: 50 (51, 51, 52, 52, 52) cm/19.75 (20, 20, 20.5, 20.5, 20.5)”

Ease/size note: The cardigan is intended to be worn with extra ease at the front to create the waterfall effect. If you want less fabric to drape at the front, work a shorter front before the armhole on right front and after armhole on left front. If you prefer a shorter length on the body choose a smaller size when casting on, but work to the lengths given and the armhole for your correct size. Alexandria is wearing size S and is a clothes size European 34/UK 6/US 2.

Yarn: Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk, Hifa Sølje (100% pelt yarn, 350 m/382 yds, 100 g). Sample is knitted in Lys Dongeriblå:
7 (8, 8, 9, 10, 11) skeins; 2240 (2520, 2783, 3115, 3465, 3815) m/2449 (2755, 3043, 3406, 3789, 4172) yds. https://www.ull.no/produktkategori/garn/ullgarn/nyhet-solje-pelsullgarn/

Yarn alternatives: Cascade 220 Sport (100% wool, 50 g, 150 m/164 yds).
http://www.cascadeyarns.com/cascade-Cascade220Sport.htm
Tosh Sock (100% wool, 100 g, 361 m/394 yds).
http://madelinetosh.com/tosh-sock/
Hand Maiden, Camelspin (70% silk, 30% camel, 100 g, 300 m/328 yds).
http://handmaiden.ca/product/camelspin/
Berroco Cosma (60% alpaca, 30% wool, 10% silk, 50 g, 150 m/164 yds).
http://www.berroco.com/yarns/berroco-cosma
Or another Sport/5 ply or Fingering 4/ply yarn.

Needles: 2 sets 3 mm/US 2.5 circular needles (120 cm/47”).
3 mm/US 2.5 DPNs.
Adjust needle size as needed to match gauge.

Notions: Stitch markers, stitch holders, crochet hook, waste yarn and yarn needle.

Gauge: 24 sts and 32 rows in st st measures 10 cm/4” square.
24 sts and 34 rows in Halli measures 10 cm/4” square.

Notes: The body is knitted sideways in one piece, from right front to first armhole, where it is split and worked in two parts until armhole is complete, and back is worked to second armhole, and finally left front. Right front begins with a provisional cast-on, which is later removed and replaced by an I-cord bind-off, while left front ends in an I-cord bind-off. The sleeve is knitted in the round to the armhole, then flat to final bind off. The fronts and the sleeves have two tucks; one in reverse stocking stitch and one in stocking stitch after each other at the beginning. The tucks are worked with 2 sets of circular needles held together, and with the magic loop method on the sleeves.

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We Are Well Settled

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Yes, we are well settled in our new house. Michael has just finished the last building the last bookshelf and has moved onto the next project; extending the front terrace. I am working in my new studio – still at our dining table but it is not our dining table any more and it will eventually become my working & meeting table. Most of the boxes are unpacked, even though there are plenty of tidying and sorting of drawers to be done. We have even met a few of the neighbours and discovered that this is indeed a small place. A few shop owners in our local town knew we were moving in and exactly which house we have moved into. The previous owners are well known in Ørje, and so will we be, by the sounds of it.

Now even our mailbox is in the right place across the road now – the first few days we did not have one and missed having one. Even the mail redirection service works well, I am pleased to say. There are deer out in the forest close to our kitchen window in the early mornings. Above you can spot one of them. All we can hear are the birds and a bit of traffic, so my shoulders seemed to have moved down several centimeters since we moved.

My studio, originally the garage then a “peisestue” (read second living room usually with a fireplace – here a gas heater), will be refurbished beginning this summer when we are planning to replace the small basement windows with floor-to-ceiling windows. The gas heater will be removed, since there is floor heating installed beneath the slate floor tiles. A number of my folders, samples, yarn and workshop materials are still in boxes and I need to sort out the ones that will be kept stored in boxes in the next door storage room. My new orange leather chairs are from IKEA, while I have inherited the bookshelves we used to have in our old living room, in addition to the cow skin. As you can guess, I wanted to add some colour to my studio and it was an easy choice for me. My sister-in-law and niece have already tested them and approved of my choice.

On the short wall you can see two of the five photos exhibited at the Strikke 2016 at Hadeland Glassverk last autumn. There is a third one in the corner and two on the opposite short wall. I do love having so much space and living for years in London does make me appreciate it even more. If you find my desk extremely tidy, it is not because I do not have any work on, but because I cleared it especially for this photo. As usual I am working to keep my deadlines. A new place to photograph has been found and it has already been tested; it is a nearby beach. All we need now, is for warmer weather to arrive since it has been colder than usual for April. However, I am busy preparing for the upcoming Vienna Wool & Design Festival as well as writing patterns, so it does not matter that much.

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