New Design: Githa

Posted on May 28, 2016 by Linda Marveng

I am busy preparing for my next photoshoot on Wednesday, which I look forward to despite the fact that I am still knitting on three of the nine new designs to be photographed. Today you can see more proof of why I choose to hire a professional model. Here is one of the new designs that is ready. Githa: A central wavy lace panel adorns this a-lined tunic tank with garter stitch bands. The lace pattern creates fans with boxes of garter stitch in between creating texture to the uneven chainette yarn made of a mixture of cotton, linen and viscose, Rowan Panama. The yarn makes the tunic tank easy to wear during the summer or for a party. A generous shaped cowl covers your shoulders and dress up the tunic tank to make a perfect set called Githa, from Anglo-Saxon; to give or a gift. The Norwegian pattern will be published in Familien Strikk at the end of August.

The tunic started its life as a top, and was rejected as a design submission twice. Firstly, because the whole collection collapsed. Secondly, because it did not fit into the magazine. The proposal was given new life with a longer body, and a scoop neck with an additional shaped cowl. The tunic pattern has been graded from size XS to 2XL, while the cowl comes in XS/S (M/L, XL/2XL).

The lovely slubby yarn has unfortunately been discontinued, but is still available to buy. It had already been knitted by the speedy sample knitter Grete Jenssen, aka ma9 on Ravelry, before I found out. A number of alternative yarns has been listed in the pattern. Rowan Panama is listed as a fingering/4-ply yarn with a gauge of 27 stitches and 36 rows using a 3.25 mm/US 3. Neither Grete nor I managed to knit it at that gauge. I tried with a 3 mm/US 2.5 and ended up with 25 sts and 36 rows. It did however look too tight for the yarn, and I opted for the suggested needle size 3.25 mm/US 3 and a gauge of 24 sts and 32 rows instead. The yarn has been generously sponsored by Rowan Yarns’ Scandinavian Agent, Permin.

I am wearing size S and was trying to keep warm in the cold wind and drizzle. My husband was given the order of being quick to photograph me so I could put on more clothes. My favorite of these photos are definitely the back view. If the stitch pattern seem familiar to you, I can reveal that it is the same one I used for the Adoe jacket. I cannot wait to see how this will look on my stunning model Alexandria Eissinger. You wait and see.

Oili Pattern Released

Posted on May 25, 2016 by Linda Marveng

The test knit of the English pattern to Oili is completed and I am happy to release the pattern on Ravelry. Oili was first published in Norwegian in Familien Strikk last August. Above you see it worn by the stunning model Anne Dorthe/Team Models, with hair & make up by Sissel Fylling, jewelry by Kaja Gjedebo Design all brilliantly captured by Eivind Røhne at Henie Onstad Kunstsenter last May. Here is my introduction to the pattern: Playful cables are the focus of this classic straight top, knitted in the round with each side marked by garter stitches. Narrow bands of garter stitch band frame the armholes, neckline and bottom edge. The top has a matching cowl, with cables all around. The set is knitted in a soft cotton tape yarn by Permin, called Bonnie, to make you feel like a divine woman – the meaning of the name Oili.

Sizes: Top: XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL). Cowl: One size

Finished measurements: Top: Bust: 84.5 (92.5, 98, 106, 116, 126.5) cm/33.25 (36.25, 38.5, 41.75, 45.75, 49.75)” Length: 55 (57, 58.5, 59.5, 62, 64) cm/21.75 (22.5, 23, 23.5, 24.5, 25.25)”. Cowl: Circumference 40 cm/15.75″. Length: 128 cm/50.50″

Yarn: Permin, Bonnie (100% cotton, 50 g, 220 m/240 yds). Sample is knitted in Pale Blue 881017. http://www.permin.dk/uk/knitting-yarn/permin-knitting-yarn/bonnie.html Top: 4 (4, 5, 5, 5, 6) skeins; 739 (814, 888, 990, 1091, 1192) m/808 (890, 971, 1083, 1196, 1304) yds. Cowl: 5 skeins; 977 m/1068 yds

Yarn alternatives: See pattern page or choose another Sport/5 ply yarn.

Needles: 4 mm/US 6 circular needle (80 cm/32″) for top. 4 mm/US 6 circular needle (40 cm/16″) for cowl. 3.5 mm/US 4 circular needle (40 cm/16″) for bands. Adjust needle size as needed to match gauge.

Notions: 3 stitch markers, cable needle, waste yarn, 4 mm/F-5 crochet hook (for provisional cast-on) and yarn needle.

Gauge: 24 sts and 32 rows in st st using 4 mm/US 6 measures 10 cm/4″ square. 1 cable using 4 mm/US 6 measures 6 cm/2.25″ wide and 16 cm/6.25″ long.

Notes: The top is worked in the round to the armholes, then separated. The cowl is worked in the round as a long tube, and then the ends are joined together.

New Design: Ronette

Posted on May 21, 2016 by Linda Marveng

I came across these cables in one of my Japanese stitch pattern books and new I had to design with it. The way the central cable ends in a bulb or Tulip shape drew me in. I tested out different yarns and loved how it looked in Rowan Lima but since the yarn has been discontinued I opted for the new lovely blend of cotton, nylon and yak called Rowan Softyak DK; it is indeed soft and lovely to wear. Why not make a long a-line sweater with rib at the bottom creating a vent and then add a few garter stitches in the side so that the seam looks like a for a zip. Each front and back were given the full cable panel, while I chose to distract a third of the cable for the sleeve so that I could take it all the way to the top of the sleeve. I did want to knit this sweater myself but since speedy sample knitter Grete Jenssen, aka ma9 on Ravelry, had finished Shalana she was ready for another one. A relief in the end since I still had more to knit. The Norwegian pattern will be published in Familien Strikk in late August, while the English pattern will be test knitted and then released on Ravelry. But first I need to finish the pattern, that is.

The sweater is knitted using 4 mm/US 6 needle with a gauge of 22 stitches and 32 rows in stocking stitch after blocking. The cables might look complicated but they are not and they do keep you interested as the cable pattern develops. I choose stocking stitch on each side of the cable to frame them. The neckline, identical on both sides is created by the shoulder shaping, and ends in an I-cord bind off. The Softyak DK comes in 50 gram skeins with 135 m/148 yds and was generously sponsored by Permin Rowan’s agent in Scandinavia.

The pullover is named Ronette which means “strong counsel” in Old English, because I think it fits. It will be available in sizes XS to 2XL. I am wearing size S, knitted with a gauge of 21 instead of 22 at the top part hence with a slightly looser fit than intended across the bust and cross back. It is easy to do when under time pressure. My husband took these photos of me on our terrace in the rain yesterday.

Ronette is one of 5 new designs for Familien Strikk, and one of 9 new designs to be photographed by Eivind Røhne at our photoshoot on 1st June. 2 of my designs for Interweave Knits; Yellow Gold Pullover and Inverness Sweater will also be photographed again, this time so that I can sell the pattern when the rights revert to me. More news about the upcoming photoshoot and new designs will follow, so keep in touch.

New Design: Shalana

Posted on May 14, 2016 by Linda Marveng

I am thrilled to show you one of my new designs, Shalana. One of my latest obsessions is moving cables across the body. Here I looked for cable or panel of cables which could be moved from the center to the shoulder. I choose Sand Cables surrounded by double moss in the center framed by a twisted stitch and stockinette in the sides. Rowan Felted Tweed in Avocado begged to be used to give life to the cables. The resulting sweater is fitted with long sleeves decorated with Sand Cables just as the front. Grete Jenssen, aka ma9 on Ravelry, knitted this sample for me with a different gauge than planned, hence I am wearing size Large in these photos. The Norwegian pattern will be published in Norwegian in Familien Strikk at the end of August, while the English pattern will be test knitted before its release on Ravelry. Shalana will be included in my next photo shoot at the end of this month.

Here is my introduction to the pattern: Sand Cables that move from the center towards each shoulder dominate this fitted sweater with a rounded neckband. The center panel of double seed stitch is framed and increases in size with the cable move. On the long sleeves the cables dominate. Named after the most powerful spirit Shalana.

The intended gauge is 24 stitches and 32 rows in stockinette stitch using 3.5 mm/US 4 needle measures 10 cm/4″ square. The 18-stitch Sand Cables Panel measures 7 cm/2.75″ across. This is the result of my swatch. I decided to work all parts flat, to enhance the fit. But you could easily remove the added selvedge stitch and knit the body and the sleeves in the round.

The sand cables move from their center position on the body towards the shoulder by increasing into the center double seed stitch panel and decreasing into the stockinette stitches at the side. The neckband is an I-cord bind off, which is grafted together at the end. I am really happy how well this turned out, despite not being the size I wanted it to be. All the photos above are taken by my husband on a chilly but wonderful day earlier in May just 10 minutes from where we live at Ormøya by the fjord. We have chosen an equally stunning location for our next photo shoot. More news will follow.

Nuala Pattern Released

Posted on May 11, 2016 by Linda Marveng

We seem to have skipped Spring in Oslo and went straight into Summer. A perfect time to release the English pattern of Nuala a straight summer shawl that can be buttoned into a shrug with a matching cowl. The pattern has been test knitted in my Ravelry group. The Norwegian pattern was published in Familien Julens Småstrikk last November. Above you see the set worn by model Anne Dorthe/Team Models with hair & make up by Sissel Fylling, jewelry by Kaja Gjedebo Design, all brilliantly captured by Eivind Røhne. Here is my introduction to the pattern: An intricate woven lacy stitch pattern by Lynne Barr is highlighted with the cable structured Softknit Cotton by Rowan in this reversible rectangular shawl that can be buttoned into a shrug. Wear it with a cowl as a collar.

Size: One Size

Finished Measurement: Shawl: Width: 42.5 cm/16.75″. Length: 143 cm/56.25″ Cowl: Width: 70 cm/27.5″. Height: 28 cm/11″

Yarn: Rowan, Softknit Cotton (92% cotton, 8% polyamide, 50 g, 105 m/115 yds). Sample is knitted in Marina 580. https://www.knitrowan.com/yarns/softknit-cotton Shawl: 6 skeins; 588 m/643 yds. Cowl: 2 skeins; 202 m/221 yds.

Needles: 4.5 mm/US 7 circular needle (60 cm/24″) for shawl and cowl. Adjust needle size as needed to match gauge.

Notions: 8 buttons (21 mm/0.82″), 4 stitch markers and yarn needle.

Gauge: 17 sts and 25 rows in Dropped sts using 4.5 mm/US 7 measures 10 cm/4″ square. 20 sts and 28 rows in st st measures 10 cm/4″ square.

Notes: The shawl and cowl are both knitted flat. You can easily adjust the width of the shawl and the circumference of the cowl by removing or adding pattern repeats of 9-sts. The first 4 buttonholes are worked on the RS, while the last 4 buttonholes are worked on the WS. Both are made using the same one-row method. The cowl is sewn together, but add buttonholes rows instead if you prefer and work selvedge st as on shawl.

Imra Pattern Released

Posted on May 4, 2016 by Linda Marveng

The long vest, Imra, has been released after a test knit in my group on Ravelry. As always I am curious to see what changes the test knitters do. This time it was a question of length and closure; one chose to make a short version and another added a buttonhole at the top. You can see some of the results on the pattern page. The Norwegian pattern was first published in Familien Strikk last August, and the magazine is still available to order in print or digitally, see klikk.no. Above you see the Vest modeled by the gorgeous Anne Dorthe/Team Models with hair & make up by Sissel Fylling, fantastic jewelry by Kaja Gjedebo and brilliantly captured by Eivind Røhne at Henie Onstad Kunstsenter. Here is my intro to the pattern: Poetic cables framed by reverse stockinette stripes and double seed stitch, was my idea for this straight long vest. I named this piece after the Arabic Poet, Imra. A small round neck has the same I-cord treatment as the armhole, front, and bottom edges. Match with a pair of loose sleeves that can also be worn around the waist or one as a neck tie. To achieve popping cables two yarns were combined to make a rich colored tweed yarn. I used the bouncy Hifa Ask and Rowan Fine Tweed.

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

Finished measurements: Bust: 84 (91, 98, 106, 116, 126) cm/33 (35.75, 38.5, 41.75, 45.75, 49.5)” Length: 81.5 (81.5, 81.5, 84, 84, 84) cm/32 (32, 32, 33, 33, 33)” Loose sleeve: Length: 49.5 cm/19.5″

Yarn: Hifa, Ask (100% wool, 100 g, 315 m/345 yds). Sample is knitted in Corn Yellow 6502. http://www.ull.no/garn/ullgarn/ask-melert Vest: 3 (3.5, 3.5, 4, 4, 4.5) skeins; 882 (954, 1025, 1120, 1216, 1323) m/965 (1043, 1121, 1225, 1330, 1447) yds. Loose Sleeves: 1 (1, 1.5, 1.5, 1.5, 1.5) skeins; 279 (313, 329, 362, 395, 428) m/305 (342, 360, 396, 432, 468) yds. Rowan, Fine Tweed (100% wool, 25 g, 90 m/98 yds). Sample is knitted in Leyburn 383. http://www.knitrowan.com/yarns/rowan-fine-tweed Vest: 10 (11, 12, 13, 14, 15) skeins; 882 (954, 1025, 1120, 1216, 1323) m/965 (1043, 1121, 1225, 1330, 1447) yds. Loose Sleeves: 4 (4, 4, 5, 5, 5) skeins; 279 (313, 329, 362, 395, 428) m/305 (342, 360, 396, 432, 468) yds. Note: Yarns are held together throughout.

Alternative yarn for Hifa, Ask: Cascade 220 Sport (100% wool, 50 g, 150 m/164 yds). http://www.cascadeyarns.com/cascade-220Sport.asp Madeline Tosh, Pashmina (75% superwash merino, 15% silk, 10% cashmere, 100 g, 329 m/360 yds). http://madelinetosh.com/pashmina/ Alternative yarn for both: Brooklyn Tweed, Shelter (100% wool, 50 g, 128 m/140 yds). http://www.brooklyntweed.com/shop/shelter/ Berroco, Blackstone Tweed (65% wool, 25% mohair, 10% angora, 50 g, 119 m/130 yds) http://www.berroco.com/yarns/blackstone-tweed BC Garn, Loch Lomond (100% wool, 50 g, 155 m/169 yds) http://garn.dk/en/wool/loch-lomond/

Needles: 4 mm/US 6 circular needle (80 cm/32″ and 40 cm/16″). 4 mm/US 6 DNPs for I-cord cast-on. Adjust needle size as neede to match gauge.

Notions: 1 m/1 yard thin round elastic for loose sleeves, cable needle, stitch markers, stitch holders, and yarn needle.

Gauge: 18 sts and 28 rows in st st and Double Seed st measures 10 cm/4″ square, blocked. 1 cable measures 8 cm/3.25″ across, blocked. 1 cable repeat measures 21.5 cm/7.5″ blocked. 28 rows in Cable measures 10 cm/4″ blocked.

Notes: The vest is worked in rows in one piece to the armhole where it is separated. Each front has a 3-sts I-cord edge that is worked at the same time as the vest. Both the narrow neckline and the armhole band has an I-cord bind off but the armhole band is worked in the round with a Double Seed stitch band. If you prefer a smaller armhole band continue working decreases. To achieve a looser bottom band, use a provisional cast-on method, and then make an I-cord bind off instead.

Oydis Sweater Pattern Released

Posted on April 30, 2016 by Linda Marveng

The test knit of Oydis has just been completed and the English pattern is released. 18 testers took part and you can see the different variations on the pattern page and there are more too come as well. I am grateful that some testers knit it as I intended, but I am also curious to see what changes testers would prefer to do. Quite often a test knitter suggest an idea I had thought about but chosen not to follow through. It is amazing how much a different color and different fiber will change the outlook of the garment too, hence a treat to see a large number of completed projects to compare against. Above you see Oydis worn by Alexandria Eissinger with hair and make up by Sissel Fylling, jewelry by Kaja Gjedebo Design all captured brilliantly by Eivind Røhne. Here is my introduction to Oydis: A shadow diamond cable dominates this a-line sweater with a curved flattering hem. I-cord bands frame the bottom of the sweater, while garter stitches mark the sides and the round neckband. The sweater, with or without the cowl to dress it up, make the outfit ideal for the Goddess of good luck; Oydis. The body of the sweater is knitted flat, while the sleeves and the cowl, are knitted in the round. A fine tweed yarn is held together with an alpaca lace yarn, with a chain construction, to create a fabric with a beautiful stitch definition and a slight halo.

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

Finished Measurements: Bust: 84 (90, 96, 106, 116, 126) cm/33 (35.5, 37.75, 41.75, 45.75, 49.5)” Hip: 98 (104, 110, 120, 130, 140) cm/38.5 (41, 43.25, 47.25, 51.25, 55)” Length: 74 (75, 76, 77, 78, 79) cm/29.25 (29.5, 30, 30.25, 30.75, 31)” Sleeve length: 49 (50, 50, 51, 51, 52) cm/19.25 (19.75, 19.75, 20, 20, 20.50)”

Yarn: Du Store Alpakka, Dreamline, Soul (68% baby alpaca, 32% nylon, 25 g, 177 m/195 yds). Sample is knitted in DL204 Greybrown. http://www.dustorealpakka.com/garn-sortiment/?category=29 7 (8, 9, 10, 12, 13) skeins; 1111 (1274, 1437, 1713, 1996, 2269) m/1215 (1393, 1571, 1873, 2183, 2481) yds. Pickles, Merino Tweed (100% wool, 100 g, 380 m/415 yds). Sample is knitted in PMT5508 Nature. http://shop.pickles.no/en/products/yarn/pickles-merino-tweed/ 3 (4, 4, 5, 6, 6) skeins; 1111 (1274, 1437, 1713, 1996, 2269) m/1215 (1393, 1571, 1873, 2183, 2481) yds. Note: One strand of each yarn is held together throughout.

Alternative yarns: For Soul: Fyberspates, Gleem Lace (55% British Bluefaced Leicester Wool, 45% silk, 100 g, 800 m/874 yds). http://fyberspates.com/gleem-lace/ Madeline Tosh, Praire (100% superwash merino wool, 100 g, 768 m/840 yds). http://madelinetosh.com/store/index.php/yarns/prairie.html Shuibui, Cima (70% alpaca, 30% merino, 50 g, 300 m/328 yds). http://www.shibuiknits.com/Yarn/Colorways.php?Yarn=Cima For Merino Tweed: Rowan Fine Tweed (100% wool, 25 g, 90 m/98 yds). http://www.knitrowan.com/yarns/rowan-fine-tweed Or another DK/8 ply yarn held singularly.

Needles: 4 mm/US 6 circular needle (80 cm/32″). 4 mm/US 6 DPNs. 4 mm/US 6 circular needle (40 cm/16″) for neck band. Adjust needle size as needed to match gauge.

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

Gauge: 20 sts x 30 rows in st st measures 10 cm/4″ square. 1 Shadow Diamond Cable across 30 sts measures 11 cm/4.25″. 20 sts x 30 rows in garter st measures 10 cm/4″ square.

Notes: The body is worked flat, while the sleeves are worked in the round. The sleeves begin with making an I-cord and picking up stitches from the cord, but use a provisional cast on and then later work an I-cord bind off, as on the body, if you prefer. Each side has garter stitches as edging and the sleeves have a fake seam created with garter stitches.

Gyda Knitted by Inna Guli

Posted on April 27, 2016 by Linda Marveng

I was so attracted to Russian Inna Guli, aka inchi’s project page on Ravelry not only by her photography but also by her knitting skills and attention to details. Inna also designs and on her blog you will find a large selection of her photos. I was delighted when she wanted to join the test knit of Gyda. She choose a lilac blue color in Vita Alpaca-Wool, since her gauge was slightly off, she recalculated the pattern to fit and knitted it using 3 mm/US 2.5 and 3.5 mm/US 4. Inna chose to make button loops instead of button holes and use some buttons she had in stock. The color and fit is perfect on her. Thank you so much, Inna!

Above you see the back, with her blog address: inchi-guli.blogspot – where you can see more gorgeous photos. The sample was knitted in the lovely Hifa Ask in Melange Turquoise. The Norwegian pattern was first published in Familien Trend in March 2015, but is after the completed test knit now available in both English and Norwegian on Ravelry and Loveknitting.

Tyrol Jacket Knitted by Maria Niedermayer

Posted on April 23, 2016 by Linda Marveng

Maria found my Tyrol Jacket on Ravelry, just as I announced the English test knit of it back in October 2013. I am delighted that she joined. Maria is a keen knitter, sewer and now also a designer as well as a Rowan Ambassador. She decided to knit the Tyrol Jacket in hand-dyed pink Tabbycat Yarns, Merino DK Tabby and had her yarn especially dyed for her. Here is what Maria, aka westie99 on Ravelry, has written on her project page about the yarn: “It is a pleasure to knit with this yarn, it has such a good stitch-definition and the colours are tasteful and beautiful: powder shades with rosé-powder and shades of rosepinks, now and then flecks or spots of peony pink.” Maria knitted size Medium – using a 4 mm/US 6 – with less waist shaping and worked the sleeve increases one stitch further in, and has written a number of advices for how to finish it neatly with accompanying photos. I recommend you take a look on her project page to admire her projects, her gorgeous flower photos and to spot her cute dog Nigel! Thank you so much, Maria!

Above is one of her lovely detailed photos of the cables. The Tyrol Jacket sample was knitted in another hand-dyed yarn: Tosh DK and first published in Norwegian in Familien Håndarbeid in March 2014. The pattern is now available in both English and Norwegian on Ravelry and on Loveknitting.

Strikketid by Marte Helgetun

Posted on April 20, 2016 by Linda Marveng

This lovely book dropped into my postbox awhile back. Strikketid. Tidløse Hverdagsplagg” is the full title in Norwegian and it translates to “Knitting time. Timeless Everyday garments”. As you can see even from the cover it does contain just that. This is Marte Helgetun’s 3. book, and I would have loved to attend the launch weekend the perfect – in my opinion – “Strikkeweekend/Knitting weekend” at Thon Hotel Vårsøg in Surnadal. The program for the weekend included presentation of the book, a fashion show, an exhibition of the garments and a visit to her farm-yarn-shop, as well as a celebration dinner. It sounded like an excellent way to spend a weekend as well as way to launch a book. There are more than 30 patterns for women in the book, all written without any abbreviations and easy to understand. There are sweaters, cardigans, dresses, skirts, hats and scarfs in the book, all in Marte’s casual elegant and edgy style.

In fact you will find one of the book patterns, in Norwegian; Rillejakke free on her website. All the beautiful photos in the book are taken by Nathan W. Lediard, see lediardfoto.com. At the back of the book is a page of yarn alternatives based on gauge as well as an illustrated Strikke-ABC. You can have a look inside the Norwegian book here: issuu.com. Enjoy!

Linda Marveng

Knit wear designer and author

Tag Archives: Ad