Photoshoot at Ingierstrand Bad: Cablewing Accessories

As promised here are the new photos taken of the Cablewing Accessories worn by the gorgeous Alexandria Eissinger with hair & make up by Jens J. Wiker and jewellery by Kaja Gjedebo Design, taken by Eivind Røhne at Ingierstrand Bad in late May. It was a very hot day so we had to avoid including the sunbathing women in our photos, but Alex managed to looks so cool, while the rest of us suffered in summer clothing. Alex did not however enjoy getting dressed with three layers of cowls perfect for the Norwegian Winter on a sweltering summer day. But the photos do not tell. Here is my introduction to the pattern: Cablewings surrounded by lace gives these accessories a flowery expression. They coordinate with the Cablewing Sweater; for a wonderfully regal look pair the wrap with the sweater. It is warm, practical but also decorative. All accessories are knitted in a pure wool with bounce, Embla from Hifa. I chose an irresistible purple-pink shade, well suited for the stitch pattern, for the cowl and the wristwarmers.The wrap, the cowl, the tweed cowl and the wrist warmers are all made in Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk, Embla Hifa-3, a pure wool with 210 meters/229 yards on each 100 gram skein. All the accessories are knitted using a 4 mm/US 6 needle with a 20 stitch and 25 rows in Stocking stitch gauge measuring 10 cm/4″ square. They all come in one size but are easy to adjust by adding a pattern repeat or extra reverse stocking stitches or lace if preferred.

Why so many extra parts, you may ask. There are two reasons: One, I thoroughly enjoyed knitting this stitch pattern. Two, the winters in Norway are very cold so two or three layers are essential to keep warm. The tweed cowl was made to connect the colours of the wrap and the cowl and it is the warmest of the three. The pattern has been revised by my technical editor, Corrina Ferguson, Picnic Knits and has been given a new layout. The Norwegian pattern was first published in Familien Strikkebok 2013 with photos taken by Familien. Both the Norwegian and the English pattern is available from Ravelry and Loveknitting. Now, there is only one more set of photographs from our photoshoot you have not seen; The Juul Cardigan.

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

Share

Photoshoot at Ingierstrand Bad: Cablewing Sweater

I love these new photos of my Cablewing Sweater, taken of the gorgeous Alexandria Eissinger with hair & makeup by Jens J. Wiker and jewellery by Kaja Gjedebo Design, brilliantly captured by Eivind Røhne at Ingierstrand Bad in late May. The sweater was previously photographed by the Norwegian magazine Familien and I wanted some new ones with my styling. Here is my introduction to the pattern: 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 – Hifa 3 from Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk. A large matching wrap gives the sweater a regal look and it is warm, practical, but also decorative.The sample sweater is currently exhibited at Strikke 2017, a knitting festival at Hadeland Glassverk, together with 5 other of my designs and amongst other garments from invited designers. I am holding two workshops on Sunday 8. October and will show photos from the exhibit after that.

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.

The sweater is knitted in Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk, Embla – Hifa 3 made of 100% wool, with 210 meters/229 yards per 100 gram skein using a 4 mm/US 6 needle. The gauge is 20 stitches and 28 rows in stockinette stitch. I have graded the pattern from size Small to 2XL, with a hip circumference from 110 to 142 cm/43.25 to 56″ and a bust circumference from 90 to 122 cm/35.5 to 48″.

It was such a fun pattern to knit so I had to design more accessories to go with the sweater and perfect for the cold Norwegian climate. I choose to make these extra pieces in a contrast colour and will show those next. Both the Cablewing Sweater and the Cablewing Accessories pattern has been reviewed by my Technical Editor Corrina Ferguson of Picnic Knits. The new versions will be uploaded shortly.

Here is a detailed photo of the stitch pattern as well as Kaja Gjedebo’s divine Wide Caprifol Ring and Ivy Earrings, both in matted silver and fantastic match to the stitch pattern. The Norwegian pattern was first published in Familien Strikkebok in August 2013 and the English pattern was test knitted before its release. Included in the pattern is also a large wrap to give the sweater a regal look and it is warm, practical, but also decorative. The wrap can be worn around the shoulders or on the head. Due to the heat we did not photograph the wrap worn as a hood. But we did photograph the wrap with two smaller cowls inside and made Alex suffer in the heat, not that it shows in the photos though…

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSaveSaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

Share

Strikkesidas Favoritter

strikkesida omslagFINALEHot off the press, is this book with 60 patterns made by members of the Facebook group Strikkesida/Knittingpage and selected by a jury, consisting of its founder and moderators: Aase Lynne, Kari-Anne Dal-Pedersen and Torill Strand, in addition to designer Sidsel J. Høivik and crafts editor at Gyldendal; Ann Kristin Nås Gjerde. The whole group, currently with 66 142 members, have been waiting for this book to be available in print, months after the submission details where posted in February this year. Initially, I had not planned to submit but Ann Kristin convinced me to do so since parts of the funds will go to Røde Kors/Red CrossKirkens Bymisjon/The Church City Mission and Frelsesarmeen/Salvation Army, plus that I will keep the publication rights to the pattern. Just before the initial deadline of 1st of March, I was in the middle of designing one series of designs for Made By Me so I opted for a set of wrist warmers and a cowl. The Cardigan on the cover is designed by Kristin Wiola Ødegård. See my review of her first book here: Strikk Med Raske Pinner.

DSC_2407The color I chose was Terracotta Red in the lovely yarn Embla-Hifa 3 – a pure wool. The set is knitted on a 4 mm/US 6 in the round, I chose a stitch pattern which resembles a lyre with both lace and cables. My design is one of the ones featured on the back cover, see above. The book contains a large variety of patterns for mittens; scarves; hats and headband; wrist warmers; socks and slippers; cushions; children’s dresses; sweaters for children, women and men; kitchen towels and cloths; blanket; dog sweater; trousers; vests, pouff cover; cardigan; boots cosy; briquettes cosy; skirt; plastic bag holder cosy; down mat cosy. See more inside the book here: Gyldendal.

DSC_2410-EditAll of us who were chosen to take part were asked to write a brief introduction, and include a portrait photo. The technical editor wanted to change from my use of a red box for the repeat to brackets outside which are more common in Norway, and I received a pdf of my pages for approval. None of the models used in the book are professional but all the pictures are taken by photographer Ann Sissel Holthe, aka Fat Monkey.

DSC_2413-EditIf you read Norwegian, you can take part in the draw of a yarn kit for the cardigan on the cover ,and the Flagglue by subscribing to the publisher’s craft blog: Puff and post & share a comment on Facebook about it, see Puff.

Share

Made By Me Magazine 2/2014

DSC_2035Our Jugend Love series is released. This has been a magnificent co-operation between Makeløs/Remarkable Re-design stylist Kristin Elise Halkjelsvik and myself together with shoe designer Monica Stålvang and jewelry designer Siri Berrefjord for the Norwegian crafts magazine Made By Me. Editor Mary-Ann Astrup skillfully selected the rest of the team essential for the photo shoot at the Bjørnulfgården in Fredrikstad: Brilliant Photographer Eivind Røhne, stunning Model Pia Cecilie/Team Models and talented Make-up & Hair Stylist Janne Skarpeid Hermansen. In addition Kristin had asked her beautiful daughter Elise and handsome friend Adrian Bjørk to model some of her re-design pieces. Kristin’s preference of the Jugend period, especially its elaborate hand-made textiles, was the starting point, and fitted well with the intricate stitch patterns I favor. Truly remarkable is the way she drapes an embroidered table cloth into a skirt or dress or poncho, and accessorize it with contrasting fabrics preferably in bright clear colors. I had two designs I had already started that fitted well into this series: Icelandic Jacket and Cable Round Sweater, in addition I created two new ones: Lattice Back Jacket and Lyre Bolero. The article introduction actually begins four pages earlier with an interview of Kristin covering four pages, and then in these pages; four of her re-designed outfits.

DSC_2037Curtains, bell pulls, or a series of table clothes like these to the left; where one is made for the piano keys and the other for the piano itself. The latter one is skilfully used as a skirt. We occupied the stair case all day – thankfully it was not too busy – and were fortunate enough to borrow the keeper’s office as a changing and storage room to fill with Kristin’s suitcases and bags.

DSC_2038My Cable Round Sweater has interlocking cables framed by a rib in the side. The ribbing makes the straight sweater pull in and appear fitted. With a crew neck and a double stockinette band, I felt it need a long cowl you can wear twice around your neck. It is knitted in Norsk Pelsull/Norwegian Pelt wool by Hifa in a divine melange light denim color using a 3.5 mm/US 4. Styled with a masculine white shirt and trousers with a studded jugend motif. As a contrast an orange chiffon scarf, and stunning cuff links by Siri Berrefjord were added to the outfit. The to-die-for Carmen Boots in petrol are by Monica Stålvang. Both designers are briefly presented with a photograph on the page. Notice that Adrian is wearing bell pulls as braces. I will release the English pattern after a test knit in my Ravelry Group, date to be confirmed. I am delighted to share that this sweater has made it to the blogsphere; Knitigating Circumstances by Kelly Dawn see her post: Pattern Radar August 2014.

DSC_2039The Lattice Back Jacket worn over a beautiful dress; is actually a large table cloth pinned together with the fringes making a stunning back drop. Meters and meters of tulle tied into a bow around the neck, adds glamor to the outfit. Adorning the front and the sleeves is a series of small cables, while the back has a large intricate cable panel. Like a vintage jacket it is very fitted, and the body pieces are knitted flat while the sleeves are knitted in the round in a gorgeous melange purple in Ask-Hifa 2 using a 3 mm/US 2.5. The English pattern will be released after the test knit, which has just started in my group on Ravelry, is completed. Next is the Lyre Bolero with its accompanying cummerbund, which also can be used as a cowl worn twice around the neck according to Kristin. The bolero is cropped and the body is knitted flat in pieces, while the sleeves are knitted in the round in the bouncy Embla-Hifa 3 using a 4 mm/US 6 needle. I made the cummerbund to add length to the bolero, which I imagined to worn with a beautiful skirt like this made of a table cloth with a black tulle petticoat beneath. The bolero is closed with magnificent jugend brooches from Siri Berrefjord. I will release the English pattern after a test knit, date to be confirmed.

DSC_2040

Last but not least is my Icelandic Jacket worn with a table cloth as a skirt, a tulle petticoat and gorgeous green Bettina Boots by Monica Stålvang. It is knitted in Jaggerspun Zephyr Lace in Juniper with cuffs in Rowan Felted Tweed and Rowan Fine Tweed, the latter is also used in the back panel and cowl, all using a 3 mm/US 2.5 needle. The sleeves are knitted in the round while the remaining 3 panels are knitted flat. The cowl is identical to the back panel just longer. Kristin also demonstrated how to use the cowl as a belt, merely by using a shawl pin to adjust it to the waist measurement. Only one bespoke button by Siri Berrefjord made it to the photoshoot (due to slow mail service), but you can see it with the planned three on the pattern page. I plan to have the Icelandic Jacket test knit in October after the Conic Coat, then released in English.

DSC_2034My Lattice Back Jacket also feature on the contents page, where editor Mary-Ann Astrup writes under the heading:  “Boundless Creative Enthusiasm” referring to stylist and re-designer Kristin Elise Halkjelsvik: “You can also see some of her gorgeous outfits, composed around old embroidered table cloths, bell pulls and curtains. In combination with new beautiful cable knits from Linda Marveng, the unity becomes sensational.” The magazine is available from newsagents like Narvesen and selected supermarkets or online here: Familiens lille butikk.

It was an amazing photo shoot and co-operation, which we have decided to do again. In the mean time, I am already working on the next series of designs for Made By Me with Monica Stålvang and a dress designer this time. More to follow.

Share

Familien Strikk August 2014

Familien StrikkFor the first time, I have 6 designs in a magazine together with a presentation of me, and an article on how to design, which was written when I was making my Knitting Design Workshop. As long as I supplied 8 patterns (2 of the 6 have several parts), I could organize my own photoshoot, an opportunity I did not want to miss. In my chosen team is photographer Kim Müller, dancer Francesca Golfetto and stylist Line Sekkingstad. As well as Norwegian shoe designer Monica Stålvang whose inspirational shoes and boots were essential to the collection. This magazine is a separate issue made by one of the largest magazines in Norway; Familien and it is called Strikk, meaning Knit. Above is the cover with only a small but striking photo of my design Zest Shawl in a zingy green with a matching cowl.

DSC_2016I have two prominent photos on the contents page, to my delight. Meet Norwegian Designers is the headline to the introduction by the Handcraft editor Åse Myhrvold Egeland. The middle of second paragraph reads: “It is not easy to be a designer and make a living off it in Norway. Therefore we think it is important to present some exciting names whom might be unknown to you. But first and foremost we focus on Norwegian design because there is so many great designs to find here. Linda Marveng has, in addition to create a gorgeous series in fabulous colors, written how you can design your own garments. So who knows – maybe it is your designs we show in the magazine next year?”

DSC_2017My series of designs have been given the heading: For inspiration. “I want to inspire you who knit, and want you to enjoy the pictures photographed by Kim Müller of dancer Francesca Golfetto from Nasjonalbaletten/The National Ballet.” The introduction to the different designs, is the one I have written for each pattern. My bio is from my Norwegian knitting book. The only new addition is what I do for a living at the present: “Now I am living in Oslo with my British husband, I design for Familien, Made by Me and the American Clotheshorse, hold workshops, proof read knitting patterns, and translates knitting patterns to and from English.” Shawl Sleeves, knitted in one strand of Ask – Hifa 2 and one strand of Rowan Fine Tweed held together using a 4 mm/US 6, and Scarftex, knitted in ones strand of Rowan Lima and one strand of Rowan Fine Tweed  held together using a 5.5 mm/US 9,  are both available in English from my Ravelry Store.

DSC_2019Here are the next two pages with Zest Shawl, knitted in Rowan Softknit Cotton using 4.5 mm/US 7 and Carla Coat, knitted in Rowan Lima held together with Hifa Norsk Pelsull using 5.5 mm/US 9. I have recently received a few exquisite photos of the Zest Shawl taken by jewelry designer Siri Berrefjord with her brooch on, and will shortly release the pattern in English in my Ravelry Store. The Carla Coat on the other hand, is currently being test knitted, in my Ravelry group. If you are a member of Ravelry, you can take a look at the magnificent photos of test knitters’ coats and join the test knit as well as the group if you are tempted. 

DSC_2020Here are the last two designs presented: Curvy Check Cowl and Conic Coat. The first is knitted in a self composed tweed made by combining Ask – Hifa 2 and Rowan Fine Tweed, while the coat is knitted in Embla – Hifa 3. The cowl pattern will be available in English soon, while the test knit of the coat will begin early October in English in my Ravelry group.

DSC_2021-EditFollowing my design pages, is the article I have written on design: “This is how you make your own design”. “Today there are numerous patterns in magazines, booklets, books and online. And yet it is not certain that you will find exactly what you are looking for; So why not make your own pattern?”

My example is the Tyrol Jacket, see photograph by Kim Müller of Francesca Golfetto and my husband’s sketch, available in English to download. I will not translate the full article but the main points are:
1. Sketch/Notes. 2. Choose yarn and stitch pattern. 3. Swatch. 4. Basis pattern. 5. Use a finished garment. 6. Take measurements. 7. Ease. 8. Calculations. 9. Collars and borders. 10. Yarn amount. 11. Write pattern. 12. Test knitting.

DSC_2022-Edit

The magazine in available in news agents like Narvesen and selected supermarkets in Norway. If you live abroad and read Norwegian, or simply are desperate to get your hands on it, you can order a copy and receive an invoice for the magazine plus postage from Customer services by emailing: kari.bachke@egmont.com

Familien liked my designs and especially the bright colors I chose for all the designs, so they have ordered another series for next year’s issue. I am honored and very grateful for this opportunity!

Share