Autumn Symphony Jacket in Familien

DSC_2394The Norwegian pattern of my Autumn Symphony Jacket with Cowl and Tweed Belt is just out in Familien, I am very pleased to announce. This issue which came out on Monday 22nd September has more than 40 pages of knitting patterns and all the Norwegian designers are briefly presented. A small photo of the cowl is on the side of the cover – see above – and there are 3 larger photos on the contents page, as well as the 4 page pattern spread. The set is beautifully photographed by in-house photographer Petter Berg and stunningly modeled by Trine Foon Karlsen in all the different wearing options. The A-line jacket with a side panel knitted in stockinette stitch, the lace cowl plus the tweed belt are all knitted in the fabulous Ask-Hifa 2 in 3 different melange colors, using 3.5 mm/US 4 and is available in sizes S to 3XL. I chose Farmred, Dark Terracotta and Orange but there were numerous divine selections shown during test knitting of the English pattern, see Ravelry.

DSC_2397In the editorial, Ingvild Hagen writes about the “Koftefeber” – the current knitting trend or fever in Norway is for traditional color work cardigans and sweaters with pewter buttons often updated in brighter colors, than the more classical ones. My Autumn Symphony can not be described as a “Kofte” since it has a lace stitch pattern but look at the cover and on the contents page above and you see examples of the ongoing trend. The traditional Fana Sweater in the top right corner is one of the popular patterns. Mix and match is the headline for my set.

DSC_2401-EditThe brief introduction to me says that I “worked as a Design Consultant for Rowan Yarns in London. She has published the book “To rette, en rang. Designstrikk” which was published by Cappelen Damm in 2012. Now, she lives in Oslo and designs for Familien, Made By Me and the American magazine Clotheshorse, holds workshops, proof reads and translates knitting patterns to and from English.” Then follows all the pattern information including the construction under notes: “The body is knitted in one piece to armholes, with a fake seam st in rev st st, then separated into three parts. The sleeves are knitted in the round. The leaf pattern is discontinued where the bind-off interferes with it on the sleeves and the fronts. The wrap is worked in the round and can easily be adjusted by adding or removing pattern repeats. The belt is worked flat, adjust width and length by adding pattern repeats. If you prefer to lengthen the belt to a skirt, consider whether to include elastic band at the waist.”

DSC_2402-EditThe picture text is my introduction to the pattern: “Autum Leaves cover this A-lined jacket knitted in one piece with a false seam in a middle of the stocking stitch panel. The sleeves are knitted in the round with leaves up to the shaping where the lace pattern is changed to reverse stocking stitch. A belt in autumn coloured tweed lengthens the jacket and introduces the orange wrap. Or why not wear the wrap as a belt and opposite. Choose your three favorite colours, then make your outfit.” I will soon share one of the test knitters brilliant result.

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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!

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New pattern release: Arcade Vest

Arcade Vest COVERThe Arcade Vest pattern is now available in English, to download from my Ravelry Store, with chart, schematic and useful video links. Beautifully modeled by dancer Francesca Golfetto and photographed by Kim Müller. I am so grateful to the 11 test knitters who have checked and improved my English pattern in addition to my tech editor, thank you! The Norwegian pattern was published in the magazine “Familien”/The Family in January in issue no 3, and will be added to Ravelry when the rights revert to me. A straight vest inspired by Haider Ackermann’s architectonic style and jewel colours. It features arcades knitted by cables, framed by double moss/seed stitch and ends with an I-cord trim around the neck and armholes. The double front gives the vest weight – close it as you prefer with a shawlpin or a belt. Close it at the top for a trendy look and an asymmetrical opening. The sample is knitted in the beautiful Hifa Norsk Pelsull/Norwegian Pelt yarn from Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk in a turquoise mélange color.

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 pelt wool, 100 g, 260 m/284 yds). Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk

Alternative Yarns: Berroco, Ultra Alpaca Light (50% alpaca, 50% wool, 50 g, 133 m/144 yds). Berroco 
Anzula, Kern (100% alpaca, 50 g, 160 m/175 yds). Anzula
Or another DK/8 ply yarn.
 
Needles: 3.5 mm/US 4 circular needle (80 cm/32″)
3.5 mm/US 4 circular needle (40 cm/16″)
3.5 mm/US 4 DPNs (2 for I-cord bind off)
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 measures 10cm/4″ square.
 
Notes: The vest is worked in rows in one piece to armhole, where it is separated. The armhole band is worked in the round.
Dec: When decreasing for neck and armhole only for XL and 2XL, change first and last Arcade Pattern repeat into reverse stocking stitch to avoid decreasing in pattern.
Length: Adjust length by knitting additional rows in double moss/seed stitch at the bottom and/or more/fewer Arcade Patterns before armhole decrease.

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Cablewing Sweater Pattern Released

Cable Wing COVERI am delighted to release the Cablewing Sweater pattern in both English and Norwegian in my Ravelry Store, see Ravelry. The English pattern has been through test knitting in my group on Ravelry, and the pattern improved. My test knitters made a whole series of stunning garments I will present later, with their permission. The Norwegian pattern was first printed in the magazine called Strikkeboka/Knitting book published by Familien in August 2013. The sweater, photographed by Esten A. Borgos, is knitted in the beautiful Embla – Hifa 3 from Hillesvåg and comes in a large selection of stunning colors, see Ull.no. 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 from Hifa. A large matching wrap gives the sweater a regal look and it is warm, practical, but also decorative.

Sizes: S (M, L, XL, XXL)

Finished Measurements:                                                                                                       Bust: 90 (96, 110, 116, 122) cm/35.5 (37.75, 43.25, 45.25, 48)”                                                 Hip: 110 (116, 132, 138, 142) cm/43.25 (45.5, 52, 54.25, 56)”                                                  Length: 72 (72, 75, 77, 77) cm/28.25 (28.25, 29.5, 30.25, 30.25)”                                            Sleeve length: 46 cm/18″ all sizes.                                                                                                    Wrap: Circumference: 100 cm/39.5″, height: 44 cm/17.25″

Yarn: Hifa, Embla – Hifa 3 in natural sh 6057: 6 (7, 8, 9, 10) skeins; 1260 (1470, 1680, 1890, 2100) m/1378 (1607, 1837, 2067, 2296) yds for sweater and an additional 3 skeins fro wrap: 567 m/620 yds (100% wool, 210 m/229 yds, 100 g). Ull.no.

Yarn alternative: Cascade, 220 (100% Peruvian Highland Wool; 100 g, 201 m/220 yds).  Cascade Yarns.com

Needles: 4 mm/US 6 circular needles (80 cm/32″) and (40 cm/16″)  for sweater and wrap. 4 mm/US 6 DPNs or circular needle for magic loop method.
3.25 mm/US 3 circular needles (40 cm/16″) for neck band. Or size needed for gauge.

Notions: Cable needle. 6 stich markers: 2 for sides, 4 for pattern. 6 stitch holders. Yarn needle.

Gauge: 22 sts and 28 rows in Cablewing Pattern, 20 sts and 25 rows in st st using 4 mm/US 6 needles equals 10 cm/4″ square. 20 sts and 25 rows in stockinette stitch using 4 mm/US 6 measures 10 cm/4″ square.

Notes:
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.

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Familiens beste

DSC_1317I am delighted that two of my designs were among the best of 2013 Norwegian magazine Familien’s patterns; My Open Triangles Cowl & Wristwarmers plus Trendy Poselue, see my blogpost: /professionally-photographed-open-triangles-cowl-and-slouchy-hat/, hence they have been reprinted into a separate issue, see the cover above. The first pattern is also also available in English on Ravelry. The diagonal triangles with an opening on top makes you think of Egyptian hieroglyphs depicting the pyramids with the sun above. A delightful image for a cowl to warm your neck, or accessorize your dress. Fasten it if you wish, or wear it across one shoulder. Or why not use it double? The cowl and the matching wrist-warmers are knitted in a lovely soft and warm mixture of merino and cotton with a stunning stitch definition. For more details, see: Ravelry. Next on my blog is a report from Designer Kollektivet’s fashion show.

Open Triangles FRONT-1-1

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Arcade Vest in Familien

DSC_1295On the cover of the latest issue – no 3 – of the Norwegian magazine Familien is my Arcade Vest in the bottom left corner, photographed by Esten A. Borgos. The straight vest is inspired by Haider Ackermann’s architectonic style and jewel colours. It features arcades knitted by cables, framed by double moss/seed stitch and ends with an I-cord trim around the neck and armholes. The double front gives the vest weight – close it as you prefer with a shawlpin or a belt. Close it at the top for a trendy look and an asymmetrical opening. The sample is knitted in the beautiful Norsk Pelsull/Norwegian Furyarn from Hifa in a turquoise mélange color, see ull.no. The pattern is available in size S to 3XL, bust measurement 92 cm/36.25″ to 134 cm/52.75″, for more details see ravelry. I am delighted with the responses to the vest on Facebook and Ravelry so far, and love following the test knit of the English pattern still ongoing in my group on Ravelry. The English pattern will be released in my Ravelry store after the test knit is complete.

DSC_1294-PS Edit-2Familien did not have enough space to show the vest with the wrong side out, which turned out surprisingly well, despite it being unintentionally photographed so. I already know one knitter who prefer the abstract side out as a result of that photo shoot, see this earlier blog post: professionally-photographed-arcade-vest. You can also follow my design process of it from the swatch to my own photo shoot here on my blog, if you want to backtrack: new-design-arcade-vest.

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Photo Shoot Pics – Part Four: Nora Sweater

Francesca, Marveng PucketI am ever so pleased with the photos Kim Müller took of Francesca Golfetto wearing the Nora Sweater. The outfit was planned carefully since I desperately wanted to include the science-fiction sculptural shoes by Camilla Skovgaard, which were bought on sale for the photo shoot of my book to match the taupe coloured yarn in Jacket in Cross (see sneak-peak-1) and this yarn, BC Garn Semilla Fino, see garn.dk. So was the light and bare background necessary to focus all the attention on the cables, as well as Francesca’s elegance. A mélange taupe in a delicate fingering weight yarn was chosen for this slightly fitted stylish cable sweater with a shawl collar. I chose a Missoni shaped puffed sleeve for a modern twist but you can chose a set in sleeve option if you prefer. A voluptuous small cable encased by side cables, reverse stocking stitch and double seed stitch was the beginning of this design. The test knit of the English pattern has just started in my Ravelry group, please join us if you like. I am happy to announce that Familien will publish the Norwegian pattern, with the top two of these photos, in their “Vårens Strikkebok”.

Francesca, Marveng PucketThe English pattern will be published in my Ravelry store after completed test knitting, here are the pattern details, in case you want to take part in the test knitting, or are interested in the pattern:

Size: S (M, L, XL)

Finished measurements                                                                                                    Bust:         90 (94, 99, 104) cm/35.5 (37, 39, 41)”                                                                      Waist:       78 (82, 87, 92) cm/30.75 (32.25, 34.25, 36.25)”                                                         Hip:           90 (94, 99, 104) cm/35.5 (37, 39, 41)”                                                                     Length:     56.5 (57.5, 58.5, 59.5) cm/22.25 (22,75, 23, 23.5)”                                               Sleeve length:  46cm/18”

Yarn: BC Garn Semilla Fino in sh ox103 (100% certified ecological wool, 240m/262yds, 50 g): 7 (8, 9, 10) balls; 1560 (1800, 2040, 2280) m/ 1706 (1969, 2231, 2493) yds, bcgarn.

Francesca, Marveng PucketAlternative yarns                                                                                                          Jamieson’s Shetland Spindrift (100% wool, 105 m/115 yds, 25 g) jamiesonsofshetland.  Rauma, Røros Lamullsgarn (100% lambswool, 250 m/273 yds, 50 g) raumaull. Or a similar 4ply/Fingering yarn.

Needles: 3 mm/US 2.5 (80 cm/32″) circular needle and 3.5 mm/US 4 DPNs or needle to match gauge.

Notions: Cable needle, 2 stitch markers, yarn needle and scrap yarn for running yarn markers.

Gauge: 28 sts and 38 rows in reverse stocking stitch measures 10 cm/4″ square. 26 sts and 38 rows in double seed pattern measures 10 cm/4″ square. 40 sts in cable panel on sleeve measures 12 cm/4.75″ wide.

Notes: Sleeves and body are worked in the round until armhole and then are worked back and forth. The large cable on front is changed to small cable with rev st st and dbl seed st before neck shaping. The small cable on the sleeves is the centre of the large cable on the body. The I-cord cast off tightens the collar, so if you prefer to it to lie flatter, bind off in pattern instead. Chose if you want to work a puff sleeve or a set-in sleeve.

Francesca, Marveng Pucket

I have not made a knitting review of 2013, nor made too many new year resolutions, but I am working on a list of my most essential discoveries of 2013 which I will share next.

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Professionally photographed: Arcade Vest

Familien sttrikk forsider høst13My Arcade Vest has been photographed twice by the Norwegian Magazine Familien/The Family. Once is usually sufficient but since the stylist had unknowingly chosen to use the wrong side out, not showing the cables, it had to be photographed again. I must admit that it took me a couple of seconds to discover what was wrong with the photo until the penny dropped. The straight vest inspired by Haider Ackermann’s architectonic style and jewel colors was not meant to be reversible nor did I consider that some knitters would prefer the wrong side out. The abstract pattern has its admirers, just as the beautiful Norsk Pelsull/Norwegian Furyarn from Hifa it is knitted in. Below is one of the photos from the second series of photos with the right side out. Both are taken by Esten A. Borgos and will be shown in Familien when the pattern is published, date to be confirmed. I can also reveal that I chose to include the vest in my photo shoot and that it has now been photographed professionally three times. To be continued.

Familien forsider høst 13

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3 Patterns in Familien Strikkebok

I am proud to present my 3 patterns in Familien Strikkebok, that came out in Norway on Monday. It is a magazine even though the name implies that it is a Knitting Book, though all the 124 pages makes it the size of a book! My 3 patterns are: Flettevinger Genser/Cablewing Sweater, Flettevinger Løs Halser og Pulsvarmere/Cablewing Wrap, Cowl & Wristwarmers and Patent Poncho in the shape of an oversized sweater. I am thrilled that they appear just after the contents on page 4, with the heading “Klar for høsten”/Ready for Autumn. The Patent Poncho follows on a single page after the two double spreads. The photos are by Esten A. Borgos, and the stunning blanket with matching cushion is designed by Denise Samson, see more at andreboller.

The a-line Cablewing Sweater, which comes in size S to XXL, and accessories are knitted in Embla – Hifa 3 on 4 mm/US 6 needles which comes in magnificent shades, see ull. The Patent Poncho, which is one size but easy to adjust in both length and width, is knitted in the thinner Ask -Hifa 2 on 3 mm/US 2.5, see all the shades here: ull. The accessories and the poncho will soon be available in English in my Ravelry store, see designers/linda-marveng, while the sweater will be test-knitted in my group on Ravelry first; another reason for you to join us, if you have not already done so: groups/linda-marveng.

The magazine is available in most newsagents and in selected food stores throughout Norway. Here is a photo of the cover so that you can spot it, easily!

If you want to see more photos and read more about the projects, see my post: new-design-cablewing-sweater-and-cowls and new-design-patent-poncho.

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Check Cable Cardigan Pattern Released

It is now 6 months since the Sjakk Flette Kardiganen/Check Cable Cardigan pattern was first printed in Norwegian in the magazine Familien, and I am allowed to release the pattern this time also in English  in my Ravelry store. The Check Cable Cardigan is knitted in a simple yet decorative stitch pattern which is reversible combined with a wide collar in a ribbed cable pattern. It has a generous fit and designed to make you feel comfortable yet smart. The cardigan is knitted in Dale Yarns’ Lerke a mixture of wool and cotton with an optimal stitch definition on needle no 4 mm/US 6, see dalegarn. An alternative yarn is Rowan Yarns’ Wool Cotton, see knitrowan. The pattern is available here: Ravelry.

Size: S (M) L (XL)                                                                                                                             

Finished Measurements:                                                                                                         Bust: 102 (116) 130 (144) cm/ 40 (45½) 51  (56¾)”                                                            Length: 70 (70) 70 (70) cm/ 27½ (27½) 27½ (27½)”                                                        Upper arm: 50 (50) 50 (50) cm/ 19¾ (19¾) 19¾ (19¾)”                                                    Belt: width: 4 cm/1½”, length: 195 cm/76″

Yarn: Dale Yarns: Lerke (52% fine merino, 48% Egyptian cotton, 50g/1.7oz, 115m/125yds):  14 (15) 16 (17) balls: 1730 (2200) 2420 (2650) m/1892 (2406) 2646 (2898) yds needed (incl double belt: 180 m/197 yds). Alternative yarn: Rowan Yarns: Wool Cotton (50% merino, 50% wool, 50g/1.7oz, 113m/123 yds)

Needles:
Circular needle 4mm/US 6 (80 cm/32”) and an additional ndl for 3 ndl cast off. 2 circular needles 3mm/US 2.5 for belt. 2 dpns 3mm/US 2.5 for i-cord belt loops
Notions: Stitch holders, stitch markers, cable ndl and darning ndl.

Tension:
22 sts and 30 rows in curvy checks pattern using 4mm/US 6 equals 10cm/4” square.

Notes & Video links:
The collar is knitted together with the fronts to the end of the shoulder shaping and then left on a stitch holder for a 3 needle cast off. Both fronts have 5 garter stitches for selvedge, incl 1 stitch to knit & pick up collar band in, 4 garter stitches between cables and as a divider to the curvy check pattern. Choose between a Cabled Belt, that stretches, or a Double Belt or knit both. The belt loops are made of i-cords.
Pattern includes video links to techniques used: Short row shaping with wraps, 3 needle cast off, hem making, I-cord. As well as charts and schematic.

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