Buttons by Siri Berrefjord

Posted on August 23, 2014 by Linda Marveng

I have for a long time admired Siri Berrefjord’s jewelry, see Siris’ Skattkammer/Treasure Trove, and when I finally met her at a Designerkollektivet event last year, I asked if she could make buttons for my designs. The answer to my delight was positive as long as I did not need 10 identical ones since they are cast from a mold. All that Siri needed was a yarn sample, and an idea of the size I wanted the button to be. I showed her my swatches when a brilliant idea popped into my mind; would she photograph them with her buttons on? Siri is a former professional photographer of antiques and jewelry so she knows exactly how to capture colors and texture, see fredenshavn.no. Here is the unique result of the buttons made to order and the equally stunning photos she has taken. My swatches are of the Icelandic Jacket, a new design I will reveal next week, made in a combination of Jaggerspun Zephyr Lace, Rowan Felted Tweed and Rowan Fine Tweed to be published in Made by Me on 1st of September. The cuff has tucks in tweed and the cables adorn the back panel and the matching cowl. Notice the layers of color that Siri has applied to the buttons making them a perfect match to the color specks in the three different yarns. They are made in plastic inspired by traditional historic national costume silver and each one is unique.

Now, that I have been spoilt with these magnificent buttons, I am not sure I will be satisfied with a mass produced buttons ever again! Yet another addiction of mine. If you want Siri’s unique buttons for a special garment, you too can order directly from her stating what size, how many and sending her a small yarn sample. Just email: siri@fredenshavn.no

Oriel Ballerina Pattern Released

Posted on July 30, 2014 by Linda Marveng

I am having a pattern summer; not only am I releasing a number of patterns in English I am also working on a collection of new ones. The next one in the queue for releasing is my Oriel Ballerina, first published in Norwegian in the magazine Made By Me in their Spring issue in February. Brilliantly photographed by Kim Müller and beautifully worn by dancer Francesca Golfetto. Thanks to my test knitters who have helped me improve the pattern! The English pattern is available to download from my Ravelry Store: The delicate teal colour filled my mind with visions of ballerinas in tulle petticoats. Perfect for a ballerina wrap with oriel lace sleeves, and a garter stitch belt to tie one or two times around your waist. With all the focus on the sleeves the body is knitted in stockinette stitch in the divine Zephyr Lace; a mixture of merino and tussah silk.

Sizes: S (M, L, XL)

Finished measurements: Bust 90 (94, 99, 104) cm/35.5 (37, 39, 41)” incl overlap 8 cm/3.25″ Waist 78 (82, 87, 93) cm/30.75 (32.25, 34.25, 36.5)” Length 48 (48, 50, 52) cm/19 (19, 19.75, 20.5)” Sleeve length 46cm/18″

Yarn: Jagger Spun Zephyr Wool-Silk 2/18 in Teal, (50% merino, 50% tussah silk, 4609 m/5040 yds, 453 g/1lb cone): 1323 (1831, 2340, 2849) m/ 1447 (2002, 2559, 3116) yds. Zephyr Wool Silk.

Alternative yarns: Drops, Lace (70% alpaca, 30% silk, 800 m/ 874 yds, 100 g) Lace. DyeforWool, Baby Alpaca/Silk Lace Yarn (70% alpaca, 30% silk, 800 m/ 874 yds, 100 g) Etsy. Or another Lace/2 ply yarn.

Needles: 3 mm/US 2.5 (80 cm/32″) circular needle. Adjust needle size to match gauge.

Notions: Scrap yarn for running markers, stitch holders and yarn needle.

Gauge: 28 sts and 38 rows in st st measures 10 cm/4″ square. 28 sts and 36 rows in Oriel Lace measures 10 cm/4″ square, steamed and stretched. 24 sts and 52 rows in garter st measures 10 cm/4″ square.

Note: The sleeves are knitted in Oriel Lace while the back and fronts are knitted in garter st for the belt and stockinette stitch for the body.

Oriel Ballerina knitted by Elena Troshina

Posted on July 5, 2014 by Linda Marveng

Russian knitter Elena wanted, to my delight, to take part in the test knitting of the English Oriel Ballerina pattern in my group on Ravelry. I had been admiring her photos on her project page as well as the lace berets she has designed. Elena knitted size Large and tested out two different yarns before she discovered Debbie Bliss Rialto Lace in pure merino in Aqua a shade very similar to the one I choose for the sample called Teal – read Turquoise to me – in Jaggerspun Zephyr Lace a beautiful mixture of merino and tussah silk. Elena wanted a yarn “which emphasized to all the beauty of your design”. I had to include this quote, obviously. She found the pattern clear and easy of follow, I am happy to report. I was overwhelmed by Elena’s gorgeous photos, and I am so pleased to share some of them here. You will find even more on her Ravelry page where her name is Lenta. Thank you so much, Elena! The Norwegian pattern was published in the magazine Made By Me, issue no 1 this year, while the English pattern will be released shortly in my Ravelry shop: ravelry.com/stores/linda-marveng.

The ballerina wrap is knitted using 3 mm/US 2.5 needles in stockinette stitch with garter stitch edges and stunning Oriel Lace sleeves. The body is knitted in pieces and sewn together. Both the tie and the front band is knitted at the same time as the front.

I chose to end the outer Oriel Lace pattern repeats at the top of the sleeve cap and made pleats at the top, while Elena chose to work the lace to the end without pleating the cap. These are small adjustments you easily can do to make the garment perfect for you. Here is a link to the pattern page: Oriel Ballerina.

Oriel Ballerina in Made by Me

Posted on February 5, 2014 by Linda Marveng

I have made it into the Norwegian magazine Made By Me, and since it is the first time I am contributing, they have presented me as well as my book. I am delighted. The heading is “Hooked on Knitting”, and the introductory paragraph reads: “Linda Marveng learned to knit as a 10-year old, but many years later, via a detour in business management, and a job as Design Consultant for Rowan, she is finally in her right element. Now she has the great recognition as a designer.” They have included the introduction to my book; and referred to my freelance work for MbyM, my blog and my Ravelry group.

The design they chose was the Oriel Ballerina, my wrap over, stunningly modeled on Francesca Golfetto, photographed by Kim Müller. The delicate teal colour filled my mind with visions of ballerinas in tulle petticoats. Perfect for a ballerina wrap with oriel lace sleeves, and a garter stitch belt to tie one or two times around your waist. With all the focus on the sleeves the body is knitted in stockinette stitch in the divine Zephyr Lace; a mixture of merino and tussah silk. The divine yarn is available at Handweavers Studio in London or can be replaced by Drops Lace by Garnstudio. See the pattern page on Ravelry for more details. The English pattern will be released after test knitting set to begin in mid-February on Ravelry. I look forward to seeing it knitted in different colors and yarns!

New Design: Oriel Ballerina

Posted on January 22, 2014 by Linda Marveng

I was instantly drawn to this light turquoise color in the stunning Jaggerspun Zephyr Wool-Silk 2/18, a merino and tussah silk mixture in lace weight, at Handweavers Studio in London, many years ago. The delicate color filled my mind with visions of ballerinas in tulle petticoats. Perfect for a ballerina wrap with oriel lace sleeves, and a garter stitch belt to tie one or two times around your waist. With all the focus on the sleeves, the body is knitted in stockinette stitch, and the belt in garter stitch. The wrap was intended to be part of my book, but it was not finished on time, nor needed to fill the book, so instead it will be my first pattern printed in the Norwegian magazine Made By Me, also published in Swedish, in the next issue out on the 3.rd of February. The first three issues are now available in an English-US version as an app, see MbyM Magazine. The English pattern will be released on Ravelry, after test knitting, set to begin in February. The Oriel Ballerina is knitted flat and seamed, using a 3 mm/US 2.5 knitting needle. I was delighted to model it on a stunning ballerina; Francesca Golfetto from the Norwegian National Ballet and brilliantly captured by photographer by Kim Müller.

Instead of decreasing into the lace pattern on the sleeve cap, I decided to make a pleat at the top, see the detailed photo above. I also wanted to show the beautiful Oriel lace pattern in detail. The front band is a continuation of the garter stitch belt and makes the fabric lie flat. I cannot wait to show you how it looks in the MbyM magazine.

The Day Job: Made By Me

Posted on February 27, 2013 by Linda Marveng

The latest issue of Made By Me came out on Monday, here in Norway. I have not submitted any designs, but I have written some of the picture texts, translated a number of the patterns from English into Norwegian, and formatted a number of the patterns. That is one part of my day job, the other much larger part is the translation of the previous issues of Made By Me – 3 in total – into English for both the UK and the US market where it will be sold as an app. The popular magazine covers Knitting, Crocheting, Sewing and Crafts and the latest issue contains a whopping 92 patterns, printed in a separate booklet. I love reading the designer portraits, the trend reports as well as studying the designs!

My favorite designs in this issue are by acknowledged Norwegian designers Ann-Kristin Knardal: an Inca inspired series of garments in alpaca – see below, Sidsel Høivik: an elegant outfit in layers with a matching bag decorated with buttons – see button set: knappesett, and Nina Granlund Sæther whose book: Putefest is presented with 2 patterns, read my post: putefestcushion-party. The formerly bi-annual now quarterly magazine is published by Egmont Hjemmet Mortensen, designer is Tine Solheim, see tinesolheim – I am listed under Diagram og Oversetting/Chart and Translation, since you ask – and it has a Swedish version. Its conquest continues…

Design Update: I am pleased to let you know that Clotheshorse has accepted my design submission for their Fall/Winter 2013 issue!

Linda Marveng

Knit wear designer and author

Tag Archives: Made By Me