Stige Pattern Released

Stige NEW E COVERI am pleased to release another of my patterns from my Norwegian knitting book in English. The Stige pattern has been revised, tech edited and given a schematic. My husband suggested I shorten its long Norwegian name “Oversized Stigehull Genser”/Ladderlace Sweater simply to “Stige” meaning “ladder”, and I did. The sweater is worn by Nasjonalballetten’s dancer Cristiane Sà with hair & make up by Line Sekkingstad, and captured by photographer Kim Müller at National Museum – Architecture in Oslo. Here is my introduction to the pattern: A sweater inspired by Donna Karan’s style. I wanted to design a comfy yet trendy maxi sweater with a large collar that could be folded down on your shoulders. The yarn I chose has a subtle sheen and fabulous drape, made by Valley Yarns, and knitted double. The sweater is knitted in one piece so that the stitch pattern creates flattering vertical stripes casting shadows. A matching pair of wristwarmers is essential.

Size: One Size

Finished measurements:                                                                                                       Bust circumference: 117 cm/46″                                                                                                    Length: 82 cm/32.25″                                                                                                                      Sleeve length incl turn up: 42 cm/16.5″ (34 cm/17″ + 8 cm/3.25″)                      Wristwarmers: 34 cm/13.5″ long, 24.5 cm/9.75″ width.

Yarn: Valley Yarns, Colrain Lace (50% Merino wool, 50% Tencel, 249 g cone, 1408 m/1540 yds). Sample is knitted in Steel:                                                                             Sweater: 3 cones; 4141 m/4529 yds. Wristwarmers: 1 cone; 396 m/433 yds. http://www.yarn.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/categoryID/3DE2C30C-6D95-43DD-8AB5-B8DB265D6674/productID/09524FC9-99A1-49B6-B68D-23A9FC6DE02A/

Note: Yarn is held double throughout.

Yarn alternative: Green Mountain Spinnery, Sylvan Spirit (50% Wool, 50% Tencel, 57 g, 165 m/180 yds). http://www.spinnery.com/shop/products.php?cat=13                        Hand Maiden, Lady Godiva (50% Wool, 50% Silk, 100 g, 250 m/273 yds). http://handmaiden.ca/product/lady-godiva/                                                                               BC Garn Silkbloom Extrafino (55% Merino wool, 45% silk, 50 g, 300 m/328 yds) held double. http://bcgarn.dk/pi/SILKBLOOM_EKSTRA_FINO_2976_8.aspx                              Or another DK/8 ply held single or a Lace/2 ply held double.

Needles: 4 mm/US 6 circular needle (100 cm/40″). 4 mm/US 6 circular needle (80 cm/32″). 3.5 mm/US 4 circular needle (80 cm/32″) for neck and collar. 5 mm/US 8 circular needle (80 cm/32″) for collar. Adjust needle size as needed to match gauge.

Notions: Stitch holder or extra circular needle, stitch markers and yarn needle.

Gauge: 22 sts and 32 rows in st st using 4 mm/US 6 and double yarn measures 10 cm/4″ square after blocking.

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Ruby Snood Pattern Released

Ruby Snood COVERI designed a large drapey snood in a luscious tencel, which feels like silk, for my Norwegian knitting book: To rett en vrang. Designstrikk. Ruby Snood was stunningly worn by dancer Francesca Golfetto, with hair & make up by Line Sekkingstad and brilliantly photographed by Kim Müller. The English pattern is now available in my Ravelry Store. Here is my introduction to the Ruby Snood: Cone after cone, color after color of luscious Tencel 8/2 at Handweavers Studio in London made my feel like the ground vanished from under me. I managed to short list a few colors and favoured this deep glossy red color, Ruby for a snood. You can wear it in different ways as a top, hood, belt or as a cowl. Find your own favourite color or make your own melange color!

Size: One size

Finished measurements: Circumference: 62 cm/24.5″                                                 Length: 158 cm/62.25″

Yarn: Valley Yarns Tencel 8/2 (100% Lyocell, 1 lb/454 g cone, 3675 m/3360 yds). http://www.yarn.com                                                                                                                    Sample is knitted in Ruby: 1 cone: 3311 m/3621 yds.                                                             Note: Yarn is held double throughout pattern.

Alternative yarns: Jaggerspun Zephyr Wool-Silk 2/18 held double (50% merino, 50% tussah silk, 454 g/1lb, 4609 m/5040 yds)  http://www.jaggeryarn.com                            Drops, Lace held double (70% alpaca, 30% silk, 100 g, 800 m/874 yds) http://www.garnstudio.com                                                                                                  Fyberspates, Srumptious Lace held double (45% silk, 55% merino, 100 g, 1000 m/1093 yds) http://www.loveknitting.com/fyberspates-scrumptious-4-ply                                          Or another 2 ply/lace weight yarn held double or 4 ply/fingering held single.

Needles: 3 mm/US 2.5 circular needle (40 cm/16″). Or size needed to obtain gauge.

Notions: Stitch marker and yarn needle.

Gauge: 29 sts and 36 rnds using double yarn in st st measures 10 cm/4″ square.

Notes: The snood is knitted with double yarn in the round, and is made with a provisional cast-on method so it can be grafted together. Or use an ordinary cast-on and mattress stitch together if preferred. Stripes of st st and reverse st st are made by turning the work.

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Conic Coat Pattern Released

Conic Coat COVERI am behind in showing you the patterns I have released in English. In February after the completed test knit of the English pattern, I added Conic Coat with chart, schematic and video links to my Ravelry Store. The coat, knitted in Hifa Embla using a 4 mm/US 6, is worn by gorgeous dancer Francesca Golfetto, with beautiful hair & make up by Line Sekkingstad, brilliantly photographed by Kim Müller. The pattern was first published in Norwegian in the special issue Familien Strikk in August 2014. Here is my intro to the pattern: The triangles and blocks stitch pattern by Lynne Barr, creates shadows and a dense texture perfect for a long a-line coat with a soft and generous shawl collar, a seeded rib pattern, and a clever tuck. I have achieved my goal of designing a coat with architectonic elements you want to knit and wear.

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

Finished Measurements:                                                                                                         Bust: 92 (98, 106, 116, 126) cm excl collar/36.25 (38.5, 41.75, 45.75, 49.5)”                       Hip: 112 (118, 126, 136, 146) cm excl collar/44 (46.5, 49.5, 53.5, 57.5)”                            Collar width to v-neck: 9 cm/3.5″                                                                                              Collar width (mid-neck) widest: 22 cm/8.75″                                                                               Length: 79 (80, 81, 82, 83, 84) cm/31 (31.5, 32, 32.25, 32.75, 33)”                      Sleevelength: 53.5 cm/21″

Yarn: Hifa, Embla – Hifa 3 in shade 6078 purple beige (100% wool, 100 g, 210 m/230 yds): 8.5 (9, 10, 11, 12) skeins; 1743 (1869, 2016, 2205, 2415) m/1906 (2044, 2205, 2411, 2641) yds. http://www.ull.no/garn/ullgarn/embla-hifa-3

Yarn alternative: Cascade, 220 (100% Peruvian Highland Wool; 100 g, 201 m/220 yds). http://www.cascadeyarns.com/cascade-220.asp                                                                  Berroco, Ultra Alpaca (50% Wool, 50% Alpaca, 100 g, 197 m/215 yds) http://www.berroco.com/yarns/berroco-ultra-alpaca                                                      Madeline Tosh Pashmina Worsted (75% Merino, 15% Silk, 10% Cashmere, 100 g, 192 m/210 yds. http://madelinetosh.com/store/index.php/yarns/psh-worsted.html                Or another worsted/10 ply yarn.

Needles: 4 mm/US 6 circular needle (100 cm/40″). 2 sets of 4 mm/US 6 circular needle (120 cm/48″ for collar)

Notions: 1 DPN. 6 stitch markers and 2 clip or waste yarn markers. 6 stitch holders. Yarn needle.

Gauge: 19 sts and 25 rows in st st measures 10 m/4″ square.                                                   17 sts and 25 rows in Folded Triangles measures 10 cm/4″ square.                                           19 sts in Seeded Rib measures 10 cm/4″.                                                                                 Adjust needle size as needed to match gauge.

Notes: The coat is worked flat in pieces and then sewn together. Stitches are picked up for the collar and a tuck is worked before you begin with the Seeded Rib pattern. The shawl part of the collar is worked with short rows and ends with an I-cord bind off. The a-line decreases are worked in stocking stitch, while you discontinue the Folded Triangles pattern when you shape neck, armhole and sleevecap.

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Newly Released Norwegian Patterns

Nora Genser COVERI have just released 4 of my patterns in Norwegian: Nora Sweater/Nora Genser, Tyrol Jacket/Tyrol Jakke, Regal Purple Jacket/Kongelig Lilla Jakke and Lace Ridge Top/Hullkant Topp on Ravelry and on Loveknitting (shortly). All were first published in Norwegian in Familien Håndarbeid, a special edition in March 2014. Beautifully modeled on dancer Francesca Golfetto and brilliantly photographed by Kim Müller. The patterns have been tech edited and test knitted prior to their release on Ravelry, and they all include detailed schematics, video links and charts. The Nora Sweater, available in sizes S to XL, is knitted in BC Garn, Semilla Fino an ecological 4-ply/fingering yarn using 3 mm/US 2.5, can be knitted with puffed sleeves or with set-in sleeves. It is knitted in the round to the armhole, then flat to the end.

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.

Tyrol Jakke COVERThe Tyrol Jacket, available in sizes S to XXL, is knitted flat in two different dyelots of the stunning hand dyed Tosh DK – a pure merino – using a 4 mm/US 6 needles: Inspired by the mélange soft pink color – not unlike the evening sky – and adorable Tyrol cables with their flower-bud shapes, I have designed an elegantly fitted jacket with a V-neck. The saddle sleeves allow the cables to flow all along the shoulder. A loose scarf with cables sewn into a tube works as a second shawl collar and adds textured volume.

Kongelig Lilla Jakke COVERThe Regal Purple Jacket, available in sizes S to 3XL, is knitted flat in the lovely Hifa Perle using a 3 mm/US 2.5 needles: This vibrant rich purple is regal to me. I choose a lace pattern called Flower Wave, which is half lace and half garter stitch, hence easy to memorize. The Regal Purple Jacket has an A-line shape with added garter stitches in the side for decreasing, short sleeves and a V-neck with a garter stitch then stocking stitch band. It is knitted flat, in a divine 4 ply/fingering cotton called Perle from Hifa, and then sewn together to give stability to the garment. Optional 3/4 length or long sleeves patterns are included in addition to a stripy stocking stitch cowl, knitted in the round and grafted together, to accentuate the lace pattern.

Hullkant Topp COVERThe Lace Ridge Top, available in sizes S to XXL, is knitted in the same Hifa Perle held double using a 4 mm/US 6: A casual, stretchy long sleeveless top in an open lace ridge pattern, with a boat neck and a high twisted rib over the hips. The top is easy to knit in the round. It is worked in a divine mercerized cotton from Hifa, called Perle which is held double to emphasize the structure of the lace pattern. The cable cowl accentuates the design and gives the top a more dressy look.

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Curvy Check Cowl Pattern Released

Curvy Check Cowl COVERI am finally ready to release the Curvy Check Cowl and Wrist Warmers in English in my Ravelry store. Above it is gorgeously worn by dancer Francesca Golfetto, beautifully styled by Line Sekkingstad, and brilliantly photographed by Kim Müller. The Norwegian pattern was published in Familien Strikk in August. Here is the introduction to it: A beautiful orange tweed, made of combining Rowan Fine Tweed together with Hifa Ask for a perfect color with sheen and depth, ideal for accessories such as a cowl and wrist warmers. A check pattern shows off the tweed to its best.

Size: One Size

Finished measurements: Cowl: Circumference 88 cm/34.75″, height: 31.5 cm/12.5″. Wrist warmer: Circumference 22 cm/8.75″, height: 27 cm/10.75″

Yarns: Rowan Fine Tweed (100% wool, 25 g, 90 m/98 yds) sample is knitted in               Col A: Tissington 386. knitrowan.com                                                                                        Hifa, Ask (100% wool, 100 g, 315 m/344 yds) sample is knitted in ull.no.                             Col B: Melange orange 6570.                                                                                                            Cowl: Col A: 4 skeins; 347 m/380 yds. Col B: 1.5 skein; 347 m/380 yds                           Wrist warmers: Col A: 2 skeins; 142 m/155 yds. Col B: 0.5 skein; 142 m/155 yds     Note: Col A and B are held together throughout. 5 skeins of Col A is sufficent for the set.

Alternative yarn: Brooklyn Tweed, Shelter (100% wool, 50 g, 128 m/140 yds) brooklyntweed.com

Needles: 4 mm/US 6 circular needle (80 cm/32″) for cowl. 4 mm/US 6 DPNs for wrist warmers. Adjust needle size to match gauge.

Notions: Stitch markers and yarn needle

Gauge: 18 sts and 26 rnds in st st, 18 sts and 26 in Check pattern using Col A and Col B held together, steamed and stretched measures 10 cm/4″ square.

Notes: Both cowl and wrist warmers are knitted in the round. The hem is folded in two and attached on the WS, but could easily be made using two circular needles.

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Carla Coat Pattern Released

Carla Coat COVERI am proud to announce that the test knit of the Carla Coat is finished, hence the English pattern is now available in my Ravelry Store with video links and a detailed schematic. You can see all the different versions and the different yarn the test knitters selected on the pattern page (see the first link). Above it is gorgeously worn by dancer Francesca Golfetto, beautifully styled by Line Sekkingstad, and brilliantly photographed by Kim Müller. The Norwegian pattern was published in Familien Strikk in August. Here is the introduction to it: My Carla shoes in wine by Monica Stålvang needed a coat to accompany them on an evening out. However, the shoes demanded quite a bit of drama to make the coat as stunning as the shoes. Norsk Pelsull/Pelt wool by Hifa in burgundy with its lustre was my first choice, but more volume and texture was necessary so combining it with Rowan Lima created the perfect texture and rich color. Ideal for a voluptuous braid framed by reverse stocking stitch and double seed stitch. The coat is crowned by a large shawl collar in double seed stitch.

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

Finished Measurements:                                                                                                     Bust: 92 (98, 106, 116, 126) cm excl collar/36.25 (38.5, 41.75, 45.75, 49.5)”                           Hip: 112 (118, 126, 136, 146) cm excl collar/44 (46.5, 49.5, 53.5, 57.5)”                               Length: 77 (78, 79, 80, 81) cm/30.25 (30.75, 31, 31.5, 32)”                                                  Collar width to v-neck: 7 cm/2.75″                                                                                                Collar width (mid-neck) widest: 18 cm/7″                                                                       Sleevelength: 50 (50, 51, 51, 52) cm/19.75 (19.75, 20, 20, 20.5)”

Yarns: Hifa, Norsk Pelsull in shade Burgundy 1104 (100% pelt yarn, 100 g, 260 m/284 yds: 5 (5, 5.5, 6, 6.5) skeins; 1196 (1300, 1404, 1560, 1716) m/1308 (1422, 1535, 1706, 1877) yds. See http://www.ull.no/garn/ullgarn/norsk-pelsull                                            Rowan Yarns, Lima in shade La Paz 891 (8% merino, 84% baby alpaca, 8% nylon, 50 g, 110 m/120 yds): 11 (12, 13, 15 ,16) skeins; 1196 (1300, 1404, 1560, 1716) m/1308 (1422, 1535, 1706, 1877) yds. See http://www.knitrowan.com/yarns/lima                                         Note: 1 strand of each yarn is knitted together throughout.

Alternative Yarn for Norsk Pelsull: Berroco, Ultra Alpaca Light (50% alpaca, 50% wool, 50 g, 133 m/144 yds). See http://www.berroco.com/yarns/berroco-ultra-alpaca-light. Or another DK/8 ply yarn to be held together with Rowan Lima. Or another Bulky/12 ply yarn held singularly.

Needles: 5.5 mm/US 9 circular needle (80 cm/32″ and 120 cm/48″ for collar). 5.5 mm/US 9 DPNs for sleeves or a long circular needle for magic loop method. Or adjust needle size as needed to match gauge.

Notions: Cable needle, 8 stitch markers, 5 stitch holders and yarn needle.

Gauge: 14 sts and 22 rows in st st measures 10 cm/4″ square. 14 sts and 22 rows in Double Seed st measures 10 cm/4″ square. Braid across 12 sts measures 5 cm/2″.

Notes: The body of the coat is knitted flat, while the sleeves are worked in the round. The a-line shaping is done in st st. Each cable has been gathered to keep its texture to the end. The shawl collar is picked up and shaped by short rows. If you want a wider shawl collar continue with short rows as set, until it measures 22 cm/8.75″ at the widest point. You can also make it lie flatter by adding 1 center stitch worked in stocking stitch (making sure the knit stitch is out when folded), and increasing on each side of it on every 4th row, see Britt Grandin’s, aka brittg, notes on Ravelry and her other modifications.

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Familiens Store Strikkebok

Omslag strikkebokMy Nora Sweater, modeled by stunning dancer Francesca Golfetto and brilliantly photographed by Kim Müller, is on the cover of this Norwegian book – yes, it is named large knitting book for a reason – with more than a 100 patterns from the last 75 years selected by Handicraft Editor Åse Myhrvold Egeland and Exlibris Editor Gunn E. Schmidt from the archives at the Norwegian Magazine Familien, well know for their knitting pages. I am fortunate to have two more patterns in this book: Tyrol Jacket and Regal Purple Jacket were also selected among popular patterns and included in the chapter on Newer Designs. Not all of the patterns have been published previously, and they are gathered in an exciting chapter on Unique Designs. I loved seeing the old front covers and photographs from Familien, see the back cover above, as well as seeing their updated versions knitted in today’s yarn brands. The book contains all kinds of projects including interiors and different kinds of accessories plus both traditional and modern designs. You can have a closer look inside the book here: exlibrismedia. The book is a very popular subscription gift, but also available to buy in bookshops and online: haugenbok.

DSCF1300-EditHere you can see the introduction to my patterns, which were all printed for the first time in the special issue Familien Håndarbeid in March 2014. They have all been tech edited and test knitted before the English patterns were released in my Ravelry Store. My mum is one Familien reader who could not resist this tempting subscription gift…

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Variations Shawl Pattern Released

Variations E COVERI am ready to release another pattern from my Norwegian knitting book “To rett, en vrang. Designstrikk“, in English on Ravelry. The shawl was initially named “Sjal med variasjoner”/Shawl with variations, but I have changed the English version to “Variations”.  My book was brilliantly photographed by Kim Müller, stunningly styled by Line Sekkingstad and beautifully worn by Anna Pfeifer. Knitting with silk feels divine on your hands, and so does wearing your finished garment. I chose a tussah silk from Borg, now unfortunately discontinued but can be replaced by Valley Yarns 20/2 Silk (100% silk, 249 g cone, 2240 m/2450 yds) – see Yarn.com, in a light yellow shade so I could accessorize with gold shoes, and a statement necklace. The shawl is knitted using two strands of the lace weight silk held together, in a reversible lace pattern. It can be buttoned up as a shrug, or as a vest, and has an accompanying snood you can use as a collar. The snood is knitted using a single strand in the round to create a contrast to the shawl.

Sizes:
Shawl: S (M, L)                                                                                                                                   Snood: One size

Finished measurements:
Shawl: Width: 37 (42, 53.5) cm/14.5 (16.5, 21)” Length: 150 cm/59″
Snood: Width: 34 cm/13.5″
Length: 120 cm/47.25″

Yarn: Borg Tussah-silke 20/2 (100% tussah silk, 100 g cone, 850 m/930 yds). Sample is knitted in sh 2587 light yellow. The yarn has been discontinued but can be replaced by Valley Yarns, 20/2 Silk (100% silk, 249 g cone, 2240 m/2450 yds). Yarn.com              Shawl: 1 cone; 1050 (1215, 1555) m/1148 (1329, 1700) yds                                                   Snood: 1 cone; 570 m/623 yds                                                                                                         Set: 1 (1, 1) cone: 1620 (1785, 2125) m/1771 (1952, 2324) yds

Alternative yarns: Shleep Yarns, Tussah Silk Lace (100% tussah silk, 100 g, 900 m/984 yds). Etsy.com                                                                                                                                      Dye For Yarn, Silk Fine Lace Yarn (100% mulberry silk, 50 g, 500 m/547 yds).         Etsy.com                                                                                                                                        Claudia Handpainted Yarn, Serenity (Silk Lace), (100% silk, 100 g, 1005 m/1100 yds).       Eat Sleep Knit.com                                                                                                                                  Madeline Tosh, Pure Silk Lace (100% tussah silk, 100g, 914 m/1000 yds).                 Madeline Tosh.com                                                                                                                              Or another 2 ply/lace weight yarn.

Needles: 4mm/US 6 straight needles for shawl. 3 mm/US 2.5 circular needle (40 cm/16″) for snood.

Notions: 10 circular Mother of Pearl 20 mm/0.78″ buttons from Perlehuset, waste yarn, 3 stitch markers and yarn needle.

Gauge: 19 sts and 28 rows in Twisted Openwork Pattern using yarn held double and 4 mm/US 6 measures 10 cm/4″ square blocked.
34 sts and 36 rnds in st st using 3 mm/US 2.5 measures 10 cm/4″ square blocked. Adjust needle size to match gauge.

Notes: The shawl is knitted with two strands held together in a reversible twisted openwork pattern, while the snood is knitted with a single strand in stockinette stitch in the round. The snood has a temporary cast-on so that the ends can be easily grafted together. The holes in the lace pattern are used as buttonholes. You can easily adjust the width of the shawl by adding pattern repeats.

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Zest Shawl Pattern Released

Zest Shawl & Cowl ENG CoverI 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.

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Sizes: Shawl: One Size. Cowl: Small (Large)

Finished measurements: Shawl: 60 cm/23.5″ wide and 150 cm/59″ long                       Cowl: 44 (88) cm/17.25 (34.75)” wide and 25 (30) cm/9.75 (11.75)” high

Yarn: Rowan Softknit Cotton (92% cotton, 8% polyamide, 50 g, 105 m/115 yds). Sample is knitted in Dark Lime 579, Rowan Softknit Cotton                                                                  Shawl: 9 skeins; 935 m/1023 yds                                                                                            Cowl: 2 (3) skeins; 126 (263) m/138 (288) yds

Needles: 4.5 mm/US 7 circular needles (80 cm/32″) or straight needles. Adjust needles to match gauge.

Notions: 8 buttons (21 mm/082″): Two toned colored mother of pearl buttons from Perlehuset for the shawl. Perlehuset

Gauge: 20 sts and 28 rows in garter st measures 10 cm/4″ square. 14 sts and 26 rows in Ridge Lace meaures 10 cm/4″ square.

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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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