For 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.
I 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?”
My 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.
Here 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.
Here 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.
Following 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.
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!
I know it is not the season for summer shawls made in cotton, but a huge dose of color is necessary at this time of year, hence I am releasing my Zest Shawl in English as a downloadable pattern on Ravelry. Beautifully worn by dancer Francesca Golfetto, brilliantly styled by Line Sekkingstad and stunningly captured by photographer Kim Müller. The Norwegian pattern was published in Familien Strikk at the end of August. The sample is knitted in Rowan Softknit Cotton (92% cotton, 8% polyamide, 50 g, 105 m/115 yds) using a 4.5 mm/US 7 needles, but can easily be worked in a different fiber such as wool as long as it has the same gauge. The dark lime color and the cable structure of Softknit Cotton made it so attractive to make a shawl. Sew on buttons if you want to button it into a shrug, and why not add a gorgeous brooch by Siri Berrefjord. See the play on color on the two different brooches photographed lying on the swatch, by Siri herself. The right side of the swatch is on the cover above, while the wrong side of the swatch is below. You can find more of her jewelry in Siris Skattkammer/Siri’s Treasure Trove. The cowls in two different sizes, make attractive collars.
