Behind the Scenes: Photoshoot at Villa Malla

Posted on June 4, 2016 by Linda Marveng

On Wednesday we had a wonderful photoshoot at Villa Malla, approximately 50 minutes south of Oslo. Yes, it was a sweltering day, reaching 30 degrees celsius in the afternoon. So not ideal for photographing woolly knitwear. But professional model Alexandria Eissinger/Nordic Model Agency flew in from Copenhagen, via train from Malmø, and admitted she preferred this to photographing swimwear in the Scandinavian climate. Photographer Eivind Røhne picked her up at Oslo S train station, while make up and hair artist Jens Johan Wiker caught a lift with my husband and myself. Jens came highly recommended by Sissel Fylling who had a full calendar. He has won Hair Stylist of the year, 3 years in a row now, so no wonder I had to promise to ask Sissel again next time.

We were made very welcome at Villa Malla and asked if we wanted to use the Gallery for the day. It was perfect for us and meant we did not have to camp out in the restaurant itself with all our suitcases with knitwear collection, shoes, make up & hair products and photographic equipment. So while Jens was doing Alexandria’s hair and make up base for the day we went to look for possible backdrops. There are many at Villa Malla, and we knew we had to focus on a few selected ones. Finally I was able to have a few beach photos. This has been the plan previously but the weather has not allowed for it. I had borrowed several dresses and two skirts from marvelous designer Judith Bech, but when I tried it on at home I realized that only the skirts fitted together with the knitwear. Above is one of the two pullovers I had to photograph again for my own usage; Inverness Sweater was first published in English in Interweave Knits Winter 2016.

Here we are testing the view of the Oslo fjord from the terrace. You could be forgiven for thinking it was somewhere by the Mediterranean Sea. It was a backdrop I wanted to use, but Eivind suggested a clever move towards the staircase instead. See the photo below and Eivind’s arm. We did spend some time waiting for the sailboat to come into view just as we waited for the sun to re-appear from behind the clouds. With several reflectors to hand and an extra above Eivind’s camera we made the hard sunlight work. Eivind nailed it, and stopped at nothing as usual; working dangerously close to the end of the pier, balancing on rocks and lying under the tables on the terrace just to mention a few…

Above is Michael’s photo of Alexandria wearing Kori, a fitted cable jacket, knitted by Airin Hansen, aka Teodor on Ravelry. It came out slightly bigger than I had planned, but that is because I choose the wrong chart for the cables – the one with the wider cables instead of the narrower ones. Oh, well it did make the cables totally rule over the jacket. More details on the design will come. If you recognize the jewelry, you are right. Again, I borrowed a box filled with amazing jewelry by Kaja Gjedebo Design.

This is before Eivind crawled under the table to take the next round of photographs, and one where Michael is holding the only reflector. For once Jens was sitting down too, because most of the time he tended to pop in and out of the photos fixing Alexandria’s hair or make up. Both Alexandria and Jens offered to work without a lunch break, but that does not work for me. So we had lunch on the terrace below in the shadow. Villa Malla’s buffet lunch is delicious and worth craving – as I did. For desert we all had to have some ice-cream, as we tried to cool down. A total of 11 garments were photographed, of those 2 have previously been photographed by Interweave Knits and 9 are new designs. 5 of those new designs including Kori and Shalana (above) will be published in Norwegian in Familien Strikk while the remaining 4 are for yarn kits for Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk. All the English patterns will be test knitted in my Ravelry group before they are released. I so look forward to showing you more photos but first I need to finish off the last patterns, and select photos from Eivind. It is not an easy task, I can promise you that.

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.

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.

Quamara Pattern Released

Posted on March 19, 2016 by Linda Marveng

The test knit of the English pattern is over and I have released Quamara in my Ravelry store. I am delighted to see the different versions of made by the test knitters. Above you see it worn Anne Dorthe/Team Models, with hair & make up by Sissel Fylling, jewelry by Kaja Gjedebo Design, brilliantly captured by photographer Eivind Røhne at Henie Onstad Kunstsenter. The Norwegian pattern was first published in Familien Strikk last August. Here is my introduction to the pattern: A combined lace and cable stitch pattern adorn the back, sleeves, and the generous loop closure on this straight cardigan named after a beautiful elf. The loop collar can be worn loose, folded once behind the neck or twice in front or three times around the neck in a ballerina style. A fake garter stitch seam add a bit of structure to this cardigan. I knitted it in the luscious wool and silk mixture Zenta by Permin.

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

Finished Measurements: Bust (incl loop): 86 (92, 98, 106, 116, 126) cm/33.75 (36.25, 38.5, 41.75, 45.75, 49.5)” Loop closing: 17 cm/6.75″ wide and 300 cm/118″ long Length: 55 (56.5, 57, 58.5, 59.5, 60.5) cm/21.75 (22.25, 22.5, 23, 23.5, 23.75)” Sleeve length: 49 (50, 50, 51, 51, 52) cm/19.25 (19.75, 19.75, 20, 20, 20.5)”

Yarn: Permin, Zenta (50% wool, 30% silk, 20% nylon, 50 g, 180 m/196 yds). Sample is knitted in Lime 883302: 7 (8, 9, 10, 11, 12) skeins; 1256 (1404, 1535, 1667, 1847, 2027) m/1374 (1535, 1679, 1823, 2020, 2217) yds http://www.permin.dk/uk/knitting-yarn/permin-knitting-yarn/zenta.html

Alternative yarn: Elsebeth Lavold, Silky Wool (45% wool, 35% silk, 20% nylon, 50 g, 176 m/192 yds). http://knittingfever.com/elsebeth-lavold/yarn/silky-wool/ Harrisville Designs, Silk & Wool (50% silk, 50% wool, 50 g, 160 m/175 yds) http://harrisville.com/silk-wool-yarn/

Needles: 3.5 mm/US 4 circular needles (80 cm/32″ and 40 cm/16″). 3.5 mm/US 4 DPNs for sleeves. Adjust needle size as needed to match gauge.

Notions: 4 Stitch markers, 6 stitch holders, cable needle and yarn needle.

Gauge: 22 sts and 30 rows in st st measures 10 cm/4″ square. 22 sts and 30 rows in Lace measures 10 cm/4″ square.

Notes: The body is knitted in one piece to the armholes, then divided into 3 parts. The loop collar is knitted separately in two pieces, bound off on 3 needles and sewed on from the back neck, while the cast on edges are joined by mattress stitches. The sleeves are knitted in the round and set-in. If you choose to adjust the body length, remember to adjust the length of each part of the loop with the same removed/added length.

My First E-book is Out

Posted on March 12, 2016 by Linda Marveng

Time flies, so much in fact that I have not only released one e-book but two in the last few months. The first one: Nordic Vintage Collection is in English and contains the 11 patterns that were published in Norwegian in Familien Trend last February, all photographed at Hvalstrand Bad. Below you can see a look book page of the introduction, bio and contents pages.

Here is my introduction: Nordic Vintage is a collection of knitting designs made to enhance shoe designer Monica Stålvang’s Spring/Summer collection and dress designer Judith Bech’s selected coctail dresses. Former editor of the Norwegian magazine ”Made by Me”, Mary-Ann Astrup, now in charge of Egmont Publishing’s handicraft blog ”Tusen ideer”, instantly agreed to my idea and a meeting was organized to pick dresses, discuss colours and garment silhouettes. Judith brought several suitcases of her fairytale gowns, Monica brought her drawings of her outstanding shoes and I brought my knitted swatches. We chose ten dresses and color co-ordinated the ten knits.
In the introduction to these garments Mary-Ann wrote:
”The stitch patterns in these unique garments have clear lines going back to Norse tradition and the intricate pattern we see in the Dragon Style. Paired with gorgeous dresses in Norwegian design, the goddess look becomes complete.”
The eleven designs were published in ”Familien Trend”, a magazine initially planned to take over from ”Made by Me” in February 2015.

Hvalstrand Bad, an art deco restaurant on the beach with a diving tower, in Asker on the outskirts of Oslo, was the perfect location for the photoshoot. Photographer Eivind Røhne was chosen to brilliantly capture the garments worn by the stunning model Alexandria Eissinger with gorgeous hair & make up by Sissel Fylling. I choose to order bespoke buttons from jewelry designer Siri Berrefjord and Monica suggested jewelry from Kaja Gjedebo Design in addition to my own Monies jewelry.

I wish to thank this amazing team for their co-operation, as well as technical editor Heather Zoppetti, sample knitters Grete Jenssen, Airin Hansen and Karin Elise Placht, my test knitters for improving the patterns and last but not least my husband, whose support and technical aid I could not have done without.

Gyda, cabled jacket is the most popular of these 11 designs, which are all available individually as well. My next task, as well as working on new patterns, is to make this e-book available in Norwegian. So if you are waiting for just that, keep knitting for now!

Photoshoot at Ekeberg Restaurant: Adoe

Posted on March 9, 2016 by Linda Marveng

Last design and series of photos from our photoshoot is Adoe, worn by the gorgeous Alexandria Eissinger over a fringe skirt by Judith Bech, with hair and make up by Sissel Fylling and jewelry by Kaja Gjedebo Design. The scene was brilliantly captured by photographer Eivind Røhne. The jacket looked best with this amazing skirt with a train – yes, I have borrowed the black one previously – instead of the wedding gowns due to its color and style. The Norwegian pattern will be published in the special issue Familien Kreativ out on 14. March, while the English pattern will be test knitted in June in my Ravelry group before its release.

Here it my introduction to the pattern: Wavy lace with garter stitch edging is the focus of this delicate jacket. The deep v-neck is adorned with scallops made by the wavy lace pattern. It is knitted in the stunning chainette yarn; Truesilk by Rowan Yarns, and intended for those special times. Adoe means time, and it seemed entirely appropriate. The body of the jacket is straight and knitted in pieces, while the sleeves are knitted in the round. Close the jacket with a beautiful brooch.

Rowan Truesilk is made of 100% mulberry silk with 150 meters/164 yards on each 50 g ball. It is of a chainette type construction and holds its shape unlike silk yarns in general. The jacket is knitted using a 4 mm/US 6 with a gauge of 22 stitches and 32 rows in stocking stitch measuring 4″/10 cm after blocking. The yarn was generously sponsored by Permin, Rowan Yarns’ Scandinavian agent.

The body is worked back and forth in parts, while the sleeves are worked in the round. The front band is the first part of the wavy lace pattern, and creates a scalloped end to it. Attach buttons and use the holes created by the lace as buttonholes if you prefer. The yarn is a chainette type construction which means the garment will hold it shape.

We tried out several backdrops for this garment including Alexandria standing on the high window sill in the Ball Room, sitting next to the window in a portrait style but this worked the best. She also tried to place her arm on the window but it appeared way too surreal through Eivind’s lens. It just goes to show that we never run out of ideas!

Photoshoot at Ekeberg Restaurant: Saqqara

Posted on March 5, 2016 by Linda Marveng

When I saw gorgeous model Alexandria Eissinger wearing the amazing wedding gown Swan Lake by Judith Bech with my Saqqara on top, I was gobsmacked. The gown fitted Alexandria as a glove and the sight of her was of a sacral kind; like a vision. Thankfully she was captured by brilliant photographer Eivind Røhne so I can share these photos. Sissel Fylling was in charge of Alexandrias hair & make up and much else, as usual. The statement gold brooch and ring are by Kaja Gjedebo Design. The Norwegian pattern will be released on Ravelry in the next few days on its own and as an e-book together with six other patterns, while the English pattern will be test knitted first.

Here is my introduction to the pattern: Named after the step pyramid in Egypt, I have created my own Saqqara. A stunning reversable lace pattern with triangular shapes, adorn the rectangular shawl with a shawl collar and the matching loose sleeves. Like jewelry the tucks frame the hands on the loose sleeves and divide the patterns on the shawl. By combining a beautiful pure combed wool called Huldra from Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk with the luscious Dreamline Soul from Du Store Alpakka, I found my rich yarn shade and texture. Use the shawl with a shawl collar around your neck, shoulders, bust or upside down, just as you prefer, with or without the loose sleeves.

Huldra Kamgarn from Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk is a combed wool of a 3-ply thickness which comes on a 200 gram cone with 850 meters/929 yards, while Dreamline Soul from Du Store Alpakka is an alpaca and nylon mix of lace thickness with a chainette construction and with 177 meters/195 yards in each 25 g ball. Held together I used a 4 mm/US 6 and found a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rows in Stockinette stitch to measure 10 cm square. The yarn was generously sponsored by both Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk and Du Store Alpakka.

Above you see the collar worn up which suited this dramatic gown perfectly but it can also be worn down as a shawl collar. Both the shawl and the loose sleeves come in three different sizes: XS/S (M/L, XL/2XL). The shawl lengths are: 113.5 (119.5, 125.5) cm/44.75 (47, 49.5)”, while the widths (including the widest collar) are: 43 (44.5, 46) cm/17 (17.5, 18)”. They can easily be adjusted to your perfect measurements if desired.

The loose sleeves have elastic inserted into the top hem to keep them in place. They are knitted in the round, unlike the shawl, with 2 circular needles held parallel to make the hem and tucks. The collar on the shawl is shaped by short rows, and ends in an i-cord bind off. One tuck divides the patterns before the collar on the shawl and a second one is worked on the wrong side to emphasize the reversible shawl.

In days after the photoshoot we had feathers flying around from the wedding gown, and I felt as if I was blessed by Judiths angels. The wedding dresses were returned but I have wonderful memories of them and all these fantastic photos.

I have one more design photographed to show you for now; Adoe and it is coming next.

Photoshoot at Ekeberg Restaurant: Maith

Posted on March 2, 2016 by Linda Marveng

I am delighted to show you the professional photos of Maith taken by brilliant photographer Eivind Røhne of the gorgeous model Alexandria Eissinger with hair & make up by Sissel Fylling as well as jewelry by Kaja Gjedebo Design. I was hoping that the color would be a shade of gold and not green, but I have grown fond of the pale green color named Hush. Instead of showing it off over a wedding gown, I opted for a silk top in cream and taupe silk trouser. Eivind suggested a neutral but stark background as the staircase on the side of the restaurant could offer. The Norwegian pattern of Maith will be released on Ravelry very soon, while the English pattern will be test knitted in my Ravelry group before it is published. Here is my introduction to the pattern: Divine silk and gracious cables give this shrug a feeling of goodness just as the old Irish word ”maith”. The shrug is worked from one sleeve cuff, across the back to the opposite sleeve cuff. Knit a cowl and use it as a collar on the shrug. Rowan Truesilk gives you a luxcurious feeling and makes it perfect even for evening wear.

Rowan Truesilk is made of 100% mulberry silk and is a chainette yarn – in other words the strand looks like it is knitted already, just like a narrow I-cord – with 150 meters/164 yards on each 50 g ball. Unlike other pure silks due to its construction it does not grow with blocking. The shrug and cowl is knitted using a 4 mm/US 6 with a gauge of 23 stitches and 30 rounds in stockinette stitch. The yarn was generously sponsored by Permin, Rowan’s Scandinavian agent. While I was busy knitting up designs for upcoming Interweave Knits, Grete Jenssen, aka ma9 on Ravelry assisted and knitted up this sample for me. As usual in a speed I can only dream about, especially with all the cables with give the set a lovely texture.

The shrug is worked from cuff to cuff in one piece. The cuff and sleeve are worked in the round, then worked flat across the back to the opposite sleeve where it is worked in the round to the final bind off at the cuff. The increases on the sleeve is first worked into the purl stitches between the cables in reverse stocking stitch, then in garter stitch at each end of round. Only the width varies between the different sizes, not the length. Adjust the length by removing or adding pattern repeats to each sleeve if desired. The cowl, with the same width as the back, is knitted lengthwise as a scarf with a provisional cast-on so that the ends can be grafted together. As you might have noticed, I like wearing shrugs like these over dresses in the summer but also over tops with decorative backs like the one in the photo above. Next up is Saqqara worn over a gobsmacking wedding gown by Judith Bech. So be prepared…

Photoshoot at Ekeberg Restaurant: Sarya

Posted on February 27, 2016 by Linda Marveng

I am thrilled to show you the brilliant professional photos taken by Eivind Røhne of the gorgeous model Alexandria Eissinger wearing Sarya. The jewelry is by Kaja Gjedebo Design and her hair and make up was done by Sissel Fylling. The Norwegian pattern will be published shortly on Ravelry while the English one will be test knitted in my group before its release. Here is my introduction to the pattern: A beautiful lace pattern adorn the lower part of this jacket with overlapping fronts, while garter stitch rules on the top part. The stitch patterns are divided by a tuck and the jacket has identical hems. A deep elegant v-neck allows it to be worn loose creating waterfall fronts. Or you can close it with jewelry or a shawl pin for a more tailored look. The jacket is named Sarya; the night traveler hence knitted in the stunning JaggerSpun Zephyr Lace, held double, because of its luster and drape.

JaggerSpun Zephyr Lace is a divine mix of 50% merino and 50% tussah silk with 1024 meters/1120 yards on each 100 g skein. I prefer to hold it double to create a dense fabric with extra texture. The yarn was generously sponsored by JaggerSpun. The jacket is knitted using 3.5 mm/US 4 and 3 mm/US 2.5. The gauge is 25 stitches and 36 rows in stocking stitch using yarn held double throughout. The bottom hems and tucks are worked using a 3 mm/US 2.5 needle. By mistake I used 3.5 mm/US 4 for the front band since too long time had passed from the beginning of the knitting to the end and there were too many projects made in the meantime. Despite the mistake the result was better than I could hope for. The extra long front bands pull the overlapping jacket into an asymmetrical waterfall front. If you prefer to wear it with the fronts overlapping as originally intended I suggest you use 3 mm/US 2.5 for the front band.

Here are my other pattern notes: The body of the jacket is knitted back and forth in pieces, while the sleeves are knitted in the round. Hems, tuck and garter stitch parts are knitted using 3 mm/US 2.5, while the lace pattern is knitted using 3.5 mm/US 4. The double neckband is picked up and knitted afterwards, then sewn in place on WS. Use a larger needle; 3.5 mm/US 4 for the neck band if you want it to pull the fronts into a slight asymmetrical shape, as done on sample.

The jacket is available in sizes XS to 2XL with a bust circumference of 85 cm to 126 cm/33.5 to 49.5″. The length is from 62 to 67 cm/24.5 to 26.5″ but can be adjusted by removing or adding pattern repeats to the lace section. I am pleased over how the pattern parts came together, especially since I had my doubts over the garter stitch top instead of stocking stitch. But I came to realize that the garter stitch does make the tucks and hems stand out even more.

The excellent idea to include the plants came from my husband, and I like how they soften up the stark lines of the interior in addition to playing with the lines of the pattern on both the jacket and in the amazing jewelry in matted silver by Kaja Gjedebo Design. There are more magnificent photos to come.

Photoshoot at Ekeberg Restaurant: Keya Shrug & Scarf

Posted on February 24, 2016 by Linda Marveng

Texture addiction is the key word for this design. I love how the colors came all together at the photoshoot. Photographer Eivind Røhne suggested we use the staircase on the side of the restaurant, and the result blew my mind again! To wear Keya with a pair of camel colored silk trousers was make up and hair artist Sissel Fylling’s advice since the wedding gowns looked to white against the sand colored shrug and scarf. Gorgeous model Alexandria Eissinger is wearing Keya Shrug with and without the extra back piece and the Keya Scarf as a collar as well as jewelry by Kaja Gjedebo Design. The Norwegian pattern will be published on Ravelry at the end of February as soon as I receive the pattern back from my Tech Editor. The English pattern will be test knitted in my Ravelry group before its release.

I knitted the scarf while I was waiting for sponsored yarn to arrive from Permin, Rowan’s agent in preparation for our meeting at Made by Me in august 2014. Then we decided to leave it out as it did not fit in the blue and grey color mix. Now with dress designer Judith Bech’s wedding gowns I decided to include it and design a shrug to go with it. Here is my introduction to the pattern: Voluminus hidden sand cables in a tweed mixture made of Rowan Lima and Rowan Fine Tweed, creates a divine texture for this shrug with bell cuffs worked sideways in one piece. You begin at one cuff and shape it in the round until the back where it is worked flat until the opposite sleeve. Why not lengthen the back by adding a loose back piece attached with an earring or a brooch? Make a loose reversible Keya scarf and use it as a collar for the shrug; named Keya after the bloom of a flower.

The shrug comes in size: XS/S (M/L, XL/2XL), while the scarf is one size. The shrug is worked from cuff to cuff with bell shaping at each end. The cuff and sleeve is worked in the round until armhole, then worked flat across the back to the opposite sleeve where it is worked in the round to the final bind off at the cuff. Only the width varies between the different sizes, not the length. You can easily adjust the length by removing or adding pattern repeats to each sleeve if desired.

Sample knitter Grete Jenssen, aka ma9 on Ravelry, knitted the shrug at her usual speed and perfection using 5.5 mm/US 9 needles. That is the recommended size for Rowan Lima but since I wanted the sand cables to pop I decided to use the same size even though the yarn is held together with the Rowan Fine Tweed. By holding the yarns together the color becomes richer and the texture even more pronounced. The yarns were generously sponsored by Rowan Yarns’ Scandinavian agent Permin.

The gauge is 16 stitches and 27 rows in garter stitch using both yarns held together. I often choose two thinner yarns held together, both with good meterage/yardage to create a denser texture, popping cables and a lighter garment instead of choosing a thick yarn usually with a shorter meterage/yardage that results in a heavier garment.

The loose back piece is attached using a gold brooch by Kaja Gjedebo Design at the center back of the shrug. It is knitted as a rectangle and meant to be pinned on when you need extra warmth on your lower back. An option would be to add buttonholes along the bottom of the flat back part of the shrug. In the photo above you see the scarf lying over the shrug as a collar from the back. Alexandria was ever so pleased that I kept her so warm in the cold October weather. This is one of the design that needed time to evolve, as some of them do.

Linda Marveng

Knit wear designer and author

Tag Archives: Kaja Gjedebo Design