Photoshoot at Villa Malla: Elfa

Posted on August 20, 2016 by Linda Marveng

I am pleased to present the magnificent professional photos of the third design for yarn kits for Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk. Elfa is an a-line long jacket with central cables along all parts. Tucks divide the different patterns giving a slight flair and a softer touch to the jacket. A large shawl collar crowns the garment, hence the given name Elfa – after the Norse king and warrior. The body is worked in pieces while the sleeves are worked in the round to the underarm. It is knitted in the in the lustrous pelt yarn with a mohair feel, Sølje from Hifa. Gorgeous Alexandria Eissinger – with hair and make up by Jens J. Wiker, jewelry by Kaja Gjedebo Design and boots by Monica Stålvang Shoes – shows it off so elegantly at the upper terrace of Villa Malla by the Oslo fjord brilliantly captured by Eivind Røhne. It was a sweltering day that made the fjord look more like the Mediterranean Sea. The yarn kits with the Norwegian pattern will be launched at Oslo Design Fair from 1. to 4. September. The English pattern will be test knitted in my Ravelry group in April next year before its release.

Elfa is knitted using 3 mm/US 4 needles with a gauge of 24 stitches and 34 rows in stocking stitch measures 10 cm/4″ square. The body is worked flat in pieces, unlike the long sleeves which are worked in the round to the armhole. The hem and the tuck are worked with 2 sets of circular needles held together. To make the bottom band and tuck to flare less choose needle size 2.5 mm/US 1.5. The number of stitches picked up for collar has been adjusted from the sample to avoid the flare.

The bottom band on all parts begins with a provisional cast on, which will be pulled out and replaced by an I-cord bind off at the end. The collar also ends in an I-cord bind off. The cables are the same ones chosen for the Idunn pullover. Framed by stocking stitch in the sides and divided by a tuck to the garter stitch collar and bottom band, instead of a rib, the jacket has a more feminine look to it.

Alexandria is wearing size S and is a clothes size European 34/UK 6/US 2. Elfa is graded from size XS to 2XL with a bust circumference of 84 to 126 cm/41 to 49.75″. The yarn kits will be available from selected yarn stores and online here: Eksklusiv Gjestedesign. The last design for Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk in this collection is the most popular of them all the Andor Poncho.

Photoshoot at Villa Malla: Shalana

Posted on August 10, 2016 by Linda Marveng

I am delighted to show you the photos of the gorgeous Alexandria Eissinger/Nordic Model Agency, with hair & make up by Jens J. Wiker, statement jewelry by Kaja Gjedebo Design and boots by Monica Stålvang Shoes, wearing Shalana, brilliantly captured by Eivind Røhne at Villa Malla on a sweltering day in June. Here is my introduction to Shalana: Sand Cables that travel from the center towards each shoulder dominate this fitted sweater with a rounded boat neck. The center panel of double seed stitch is framed and increases in size with the cable move. On the long sleeves the cables dominate. Named after the most powerful spirit Shalana. The Norwegian pattern will be published in the special magazine Familien Strikkebok which is out on the 22. August, while the English pattern will be published on Ravelry after test knitting set to begin 19th September. The sample with these magnificent photos will be exhibited at Strikke 2016 at Hadeland Glassverk, from 3. September to 30. October.

Shalana is knitted in the divine Rowan Felted Tweed DK made of 50% merino wool, 25% Alpaca, 25% Rayon, each 50 gram skein has 175 meters/191 yards. The sample is knitted in Avocado 161. The pullover knits to a gauge of 24 stitches and 32 rows in stockinette stitch measures 10 cm/4″ square using a 3.5 mm/US 4 needle. The sample is knitted in size S but with a gauge of 20 stitches, hence it has the measurements of the size Large. Shalana is available in sizes XS to 2XL.

All parts are worked flat. The sand cables move from their center position on the body towards the shoulder by increasing into center Double Seed st panel and decreasing into st st at the side. The neckband is an I-cord bind off, which is grafted together at the end. The pullover is seamed together at the end.

Above you see the back which is identical to the front. You increase in each side of the center double seed stitch panel and decrease in the stockinette stitch in the sides on the other side of the Sand cable. The traveling cables create long lines and a central v-shaped center panel. The double seed stitch panel also frames each side of the Sand cable on the sleeves. This has been the most popular of my new designs so far, and I am excited to see whether that will change or not.

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!

Alva Pattern Released

Posted on February 10, 2016 by Linda Marveng

A few weeks ago I released the English pattern of Alva on Ravelry and on Loveknitting. I had the pattern both tech edited and test knitted. Everyone helped me improve and perfect the pattern. Alva was first published in Norwegian in Familien Strikk in August last year. It was brilliantly photographed by Eivind Røhne, worn by Anne Dorthe/Team Models with hair & make up by Sissel Fylling, jewelry by Kaja Gjedebo Design and boots by Monica Stålvang. You can see some of the finished ones on the pattern page. Here is my introduction to the pattern: A feminine poncho with a deep shawl collar in a reversible diamond pattern worked only in knit and purl stitches. Close it at the front or pin both fronts together at the back with a beautiful shawlpin. Or you can throw one front across your shoulder or wear it hanging loose. If you prefer, make buttonholes along the double seed stitch edge. The wide shoulder makes it drop down so, add a pair of long wrist warmers to make the outfit complete. The set is knitted in a luscious merino called Tropical Lane Woolissimo, available at Det Mjuke in Norway.

Size: One size

Finished Measurements: Bust: 177.5 cm/70″. Length: 77.5 cm/30.5″ Shawl collar depth: 30 cm/11.75″. Shawl collar width at widest: 20 cm/7.75″ Wristwarmers: Bottom circumference: 18 cm/7″. Top circumference: 28 cm/11″

Yarn: Tropical Lane, Woolissimo (100% merino, 50 g, 125 m/137 yds). Sample is knitted in Wine 706: Poncho: 18 skeins; 2188 m/2393 yds Wrist warmers: 2 skeins; 225 m/246 yds Note: 20 skeins is sufficent for set; 2413 m/2639 yds http://www.tropicallane.it/work.php?AREA=CHI&L=ENG

Alternative Yarn: Lang Yarns, Merino 120 (100% merino, 50 g, 120 m/131 yds) http://www.langyarns.com/index.cfm?a=spn&PageNum=3 Dream in Color, Everlasting DK (100% merino, 100 g, 251 m/274 yds) http://www.dreamincoloryarn.com/color-options-for-jilly-jilly-lace-everlasting-sock-dk-and-wisp/ Rico Essentials Merino DK, (100% merino, 50 g, 120 m/131 yds) http://www.loveknitting.com/rico-essentials-merino-dk

Needles: 4 mm/US 6 circular needle (80 cm/32″). 4 mm/US 6 DPNs or long circular needle for magic loop method for wrist warmers. Adjust needle size as needed to match gauge.

Notions: 8 stitch markers, waste yarn and yarn needle.1 m/1 yard thin round elastic for wrist warmers if desired.

Gauge: 22 sts and 32 rows in st st, Double Seed sts and Diamond pattern measures 10 cm/4″ square.

Notes: The poncho is knitted in 3 parts and the shawl collar is worked at the same time as the front. The selvedge st is knitted in Double Seed st. At the end the collar is attached at the center back neck and the shoulders are sewn together. Make buttonholes if you prefer. The pattern is reversible, so choose which side you prefer as the right side. You can easily thread a thin elastic through the top of the wrist warmers if preferred. The only sewing required is the join at the shoulders and at the center back neck.

Hennika Pattern Released

Posted on December 12, 2015 by Linda Marveng

I released the Hennika pattern in English several weeks ago, so it is about time I let you know. The Norwegian pattern was published in Familien Trend in February this year, with the gorgeous Alexandria Eissinger with hair and make-up by Sissel Fylling, dress by Judith Bech, shoes by Monica Stålvang all brilliantly captured by Eivind Røhne. The bolero is knitted in the bouncy Hifa Ask, and can easily be made longer as several of the test knitters choose to do. Here is my introduction to it: A lace pattern with Gothic shapes adorn this bolero, which has a scarf collar where the pointed arches reign. Hennika is a name with Gothic origin and means master of the house. The bolero is tapered and worked in pieces, while the sleeves are worked in the round. Wear the collar lying flat or folded in half lengthwise to add volume and close it with a shawl pin or a beautiful brooch.

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

Finished Measurements: Bust: 83 (90, 97, 105, 115, 125) cm/32.75 (35.5, 38.25, 41.25, 45.25, 49.25)” Length: 37 (38, 39, 40, 41, 42) cm/14.5 (15, 15.25, 15.75, 16.25, 16.5)” Sleeve length: 49 (50, 50, 51, 51, 52) cm/ 19.25 (19.75, 19.75, 20, 20, 20.50)” Scarf collar width: 12.5 cm/5″ Loose extra scarf length: approx 28 cm/11″

Yarn: Hifa, Ask – Hifa 2 in melange farmblue (100% wool, 100 g, 315 m/345 yds). http://www.ull.no/garn/ullgarn/ask-melert 3 (3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5) skeins: 882 (1008, 1134, 1292, 1481, 1670) m/965 (1102, 1240, 1413, 1620, 1826) yds.

Yarn alternatives: Cascade 220 Sport (100% wool, 50 g, 150 m/164 yds). http://www.cascadeyarns.com/cascade-220Sport.asp Madeline Tosh, Pashmina (75% superwash merino, 15% silk, 10% cashmere, 100 g, 329 m/360 yds). http://madelinetosh.com/store/index.php/yarns/pashmina.html Rowan, Wool Cotton (50% merino, 50% cotton, 50 g, 112 m/123 yds) http://www.knitrowan.com/yarns/wool-cotton Shalimar Yarns, Breathless DK (75% merino, 15% cashmere, 10% silk, 100 g, 247 m/270 yds) https://www.theloopyewe.com/shop/g/knit-crochet/yarn/shalimar-yarns/breathless-dk/ Or another sport weight/5 ply or thin DK yarn.

Needles: 3.5 mm/US 4 circular needle. 3 mm/US 2.5 circular needle (80 cm/32″) for hem. Adjust needle size as needed to match gauge.

Notions: Waste yarn, stitch markers, stitch holders and yarn needle.

Gauge: 20 sts and 28 rows in st st using 3.5 mm/US 4 measures 10 cm/4″ square. 18 sts and 28 rows in Hennika Lace using 3.5 mm/US 4 measures 10 cm/4″ square.

Notes: The body of the bolero is worked in pieces from the bottom up, and is sewn together, while the sleeves are worked in the round. The collar is knitted in two parts that are joined and then attached around the neck, with extra length to hang loose. Throughout the pattern, when shaping in lace, only work an inc (yo) if you can work the corresponding dec.

Talila Pattern Released

Posted on October 10, 2015 by Linda Marveng

I am so happy to publish the English version of Talila on Ravelry, with an introductory offer which will be valid until I am back from Wollness Weekend on the outskirts of Vienna on Thursday 22nd of October. Talila was recently published in Norwegian in the new digital magazine “På Pinnen” for members of Norsk Strikkeforening/Norwegian Knitting Association. The set was brilliantly photographed by Eivind Røhne in May, worn by gorgeous model Anne Dorthe/Team Models with hair and make up by Sissel Fylling, statement jewelry by Kaja Gjedebo and boots by Monica Stålvang.

TALILA

Just as the morning dew, they are named after, these cables move from one end to another across wrist warmers and all over a divine large cowl, with a matching clutch. The warm accessories are knitted in the beautiful Norwegian pelt yarn, Norsk Pelsullgarn from Hifa to make the cables soft and the background texture pulsating. The set is knitted in the round but can easily be adjusted by adding a pattern repeat or stitches in garter stitch. The clutch is reinforced and has magnetic bag closures.

Sizes: Cowl: One Size. Wrist warmers: One Size. Clutch: One Size

Finished Measurements: Cowl: Height: 26 cm/10.25″. Circumference: 108 cm/42.5″ Wrist warmers: Circumference: 22 cm/8.75″ (can be stretched to 26 cm/10.25″). Length: 26 cm/10.25″ Clutch: Width: 22 cm/8.75″. Height: 13 cm/5″

Yarn: Hifa, Norsk Pelsullgarn (100% pelt yarn, 100 g, 260 m/284 yds). Sample is knitted in Burgundy 1104: http://www.ull.no/garn/ullgarn/norsk-pelsull Cowl: 2 skeins; 416 m/455 yds Wrist warmers: 1 skein; 161 m/176 yds Clutch: 1 skein; 255 m/279 yds Set: 3.5 skeins is sufficient for set: 832 m/910 yds

Alternative Yarns: Berroco, Ultra Alpaca Light (50% alpaca, 50% wool, 50 g, 133 m/144 yds). http://www.berroco.com/yarns/berroco-ultra-alpaca-light Jamieson’s, Double Knitting (100% wool, 25 g, 75 m/82 yds) http://www.jamiesonsofshetland.co.uk/spindrift-and-double-knitting-1-c.asp Rowan, Tweed (100% wool, 50 g, 118 m/129 yds) http://www.knitrowan.com/yarns/rowan-tweed Malabrigo, Arroyo, (100% superwash merino, 100 g, 306 m/335 yds) http://www.malabrigoyarn.com/subyarn.php?id=29 Or another DK/8 ply yarn.

Notions: Cable needle (cn), 4 stitch markers and yarn needle. Firm table mat to be cut into two pieces: 30 by 22 cm/11.75 by 8.75″ and 6 by 22 cm/2.25 by 8.75″, magnetic bag closures (19 mm/0.75″), sewing thread and sewing needle for clutch.

Needles: 3.5 mm/US 4 circular needle (80 cm/32″) for cowl and clutch. 3 mm/US 2.5 circular needle (80 cm/32″) for clutch. 3.5 mm/US 4 DPNs for wrist warmers.

Gauge: 22 sts and 32 rnds in st st measures 10 cm/4″ square. 23 sts and 32 rnds in cables measures 10 cm/4″ square.

Notes: Cowl is knitted sideways, in the round as the wrist warmers, both with centering stitches making a ladder to frame the pattern. Adjust the width by adding pattern repeats of 10 sts or an equal number of garter sts in each end of the round. The clutch is knitted in 2 parts; a main part knitted in the round in pattern and st st for lining and divider. Reinforce it with e.g. a firm place mat which is put inside the main part. The divider is folded and attached in the sides, the bottom and then a pocket is made by sewing seams on the inside.

Eira Pattern Released

Posted on October 7, 2015 by Linda Marveng

It is awhile ago since I released Eira in English on Ravelry, but I have not yet announced it here until now. Gorgeous model Alexandria Eissinger at Pholk, brilliantly styled by Sissel Fylling, is wearing a beautiful linen silver printed dress by Judith Bech and perfect flats called Elisabetta black by Monica Stålvang, all magically captured by photographer Eivind Røhne at Hvalstrand Bad. The Norwegian pattern was published in the Nordic Vintage series in the new magazine Familien Trend which briefly took over after Made by Me, at the end of February.

EIRA

A sporty looking cowl with a matching belt knitted in a reverisble rice pattern closed with snap fasteners was the idea for Eira; A Norse name meaning merciful. A thin drapey mercerized cotton called Hifa, Perle, held doubled, seemed ideal for these accessories.

Size: One size

Finished measurements: Cowl: Height: 20 cm/7.75″ Length: 120 cm/47.25″ Belt: Height: 10 cm/4″ Length: 72 cm/28.25″

Yarn: Hifa, Perle 12/6 (100% mercerized cotton, 200 g cone, 670 m/733 yds). Sample is knitted in Grey 18370. Cowl: 1 cone; 555 m/607 yds Belt: 1 cone; 270 m/295 yds http://www.ull.no/garn/bomullsgarn/perle-merc-bomull-12-6 Note: Yarn is held double throughout.

Alternative yarn: Patons, 100% Cotton 4 ply (100% cotton, 100 g, 330 m/361 yds) http://www.makeitcoats.com/en-gb/explore/knitting/patons/100-percent-cotton-4-ply Mondial, Cotton Soft Speciale Baby (100% cotton, 50 g, 180 m/197 yds) http://www.lanemondial.it/home/sv/?option=com_content&view=article&id=1870:cotton-soft&catid=280&Itemid=403&lang=sv Elann, Lustrado (100% cotton, 50 gm, 169 m/185 yds) Or another fingering/4 ply yarn to be held double throughout. Or another DK/8 ply yarn held single.

Notions: Waste yarn, 3 snap fastners for belt (1.5 mm/0.059″) and yarn needle.

Needles: 2 sets of 4 mm/US 6 circular needles (80 cm/32″). Adjust needle size as needed to match gauge.

Gauge: 21 sts and 26 rows in st st using yarn held double measures 10 cm/4″ square. 20 sts and 28 rows in Rice Pattern using yarn held double measures 10 cm/4″ square.

Notes: Both Cowl and Belt are knitted flat. The Cowl is cast on with a provisional cast-on using waste yarn which is removed at the end so that it can be grafted or bound off with 3 needles to join into a loop. The Belt only comes in one size but can easily be adjusted to your preferred waist length by adding or removing pattern repeats. It is closed with snap fasteners and has a folded hem.

Familien Photoshoot: Talila

Posted on October 3, 2015 by Linda Marveng

Talila was also photographed at the end of May, worn by the gorgeous Anne Dorthe/Team Models with beautiful hair and make up by Sissel Fylling, fantastic statement jewelry by Kaja Gjedebo and stunning Carmen boots by Monica Stålvang, all brilliantly captured by Eivind Røhne. The pattern is recently published in the new digital magazine called På Pinnen/On the Needles for members of Norsk Strikkeforening/Norwegian Knitting Association, and will be released shortly in English on Ravelry. Here is my introduction to Talila: Just as the morning dew, they are named after, these cables move from one end to another across wrist warmers and all over a divine large cowl, with a matching clutch. The warm accessories are knitted in the beautiful Norwegian pelt yarn – Norsk Pelsull – from Hifa to make the cables soft and the background texture pulsating. The set is knitted in the round but can easily be adjusted by adding a pattern repeat or stitches in garter stitch. The clutch is reinforced and has magnetic bag closures.

The set is knitted using 3.5 mm/US 4 and 3 mm/US 2.5, and comes in one size. The cowl and the wrist warmers can easily be adjusted in size. I began knitting a swatch in the round in this lovely burgundy yarn and discovered I might as well make it straight into a wrist warmer. Hence I did make a second before I asked Grete Jenssen, aka ma9 on Ravelry to assist me and knit the cowl. It was Grete’s marvelous idea to also make a clutch to go with the set and used a firm placemat, cut to size, to reinforce it. I did not need a lot of convincing, and loved the finished set! The yarn is generously sponsored by Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk.

The cowl is knitted sideways, in the round as the wrist warmers, both with centering stitches making a ladder to frame the pattern. Adjust the width by adding pattern repeats of 10 sts or an equal number of garter sts in each end of the round. The clutch is knitted in 2 parts; a main part knitted in the round in pattern and st st for lining and divider. Reinforce it with e.g. a firm place mat which is put inside the main part. The divider is folded and attached in the sides, the bottom and then a pocket is made by sewing seams on the inside. See the detailed photos below.

Dorthe is wearing the amazing Karakoram large earrings and Hekla ring, both in oxidized silver, which fitted so well to the geometry in the stitch pattern as well as the melange yarn.

The Norwegian pattern will also become available on Ravelry when the rights revert to me in 6 months time. But in the meantime the board of the Norsk Strikkeforening will also discuss to make the digital magazine available for non-members and I will keep you posted.

Saga Pattern Released

Posted on September 5, 2015 by Linda Marveng

My Saga pattern in English has been out for awhile but I have not had time to announce it. After a successful test knit with many gorgeous versions of it, I released the pattern in the middle of August. Saga was designed for my Nordic Vintage series intended for Made by Me now; Familien Trend, and brilliantly photographed by Eivind Røhne at Hvalstrand Bad. The gorgeous model is Alexandria Eissinger/Pholk is wearing Saga over a stunning faux leather dress by Judith Bech and beautiful shoes by Monica Stålvang. Alexandria’s hair & make up was by Sissel Fylling. Here is the introduction to Saga: Inspired by the ancient sagas, I have designed a warm jacket with cross chain link cables that prepares you for the battle of the winter or for a cold Northern summer day. The jacket is straight and closed with three large bespoke buttons at the top, with cross chain link cables continuing across the saddle shoulders. The standing collar is a cable knitted separately and attached at the end. I knitted a second loose collar you can use as a belt if you prefer. The vivid melange color and lovely texture is created by holding Rowan Lima and Hifa Norsk Pelsull together.

Sizes: XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL) Belt/Extra Collar: one size

Finished Measurements: Bust: 86 (92, 98, 106, 116, 126) cm excl collar/33.75 (36.25, 38.5, 41.75, 45.75, 49.5)” Length: 54 (55, 56, 57, 58, 59) cm/21.25 (21.75, 22, 22.5, 22.75, 23.25)” Sleevelength: 49 (50, 50, 51, 51, 52) cm/19.25 (19.75, 19.75, 20, 20, 20.5)” Belt/Extra Collar width: 75 cm/29.5″, height: 13 cm/5″

Yarns: Hifa, Norsk Pelsull (100% pelt yarn, 100 g, 260 m/284 yds). Sample is knitted in shade Jeansblue 1117: 4.5 (5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5) skeins; 1092 (1196, 1300, 1404, 1560, 1716) m/1194 (1308, 1422, 1535, 1706, 1877) yds. http://www.ull.no/garn/ullgarn/norsk-pelsull. Rowan Yarns, Lima (8% merino, 84% baby alpaca, 8% nylon, 50 g, 110 m/120 yds). Sample is knitted in shade Amazon 879: 10 (11, 12, 13, 15 ,16) skeins; 1092 (1196, 1300, 1404, 1560, 1716) m/1194 (1308, 1422, 1535, 1706, 1877) yds. http://www.knitrowan.com/yarns/lima. Belt/Extra Collar: Hifa, Norsk Pelsull: 1 skein; 156 m/170 yds. Rowan Yarns, Lima: 2 skeins; 156 m/170 yds. Note: Yarns are held together throughout.

Alternative Yarn for Norsk Pelsull: Berroco, Ultra Alpaca Light (50% alpaca, 50% wool, 50 g,133 m/144 yds). 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 needles (80 cm/32″ and 120 cm/48″ for collar). 5.5 mm/US 9 DPNs. Adjust needle size as needed to match gauge.

Notions: 2 Cable needles, 8 stitch markers, 5 stitch holders, 3 medium sized snap fastners for Belt/Extra Collar if preferred 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. Cable across 12 sts measures 5 cm/2″.

Notes: The body of the jacket is knitted flat, while the sleeves are worked in the round with increases in st st. Each cable has been gathered to keep its texture to the end. The Belt/Extra Collar is made in one size but can easily be adjusted to required length and with added snap fastners if desired.

Familien Photoshoot: Hertha

Posted on August 19, 2015 by Linda Marveng

I just had to borrow Judith Bech’s magical skirt, Monica Stålvang’s fantastic boots and Kaja Gjedebo’s statement jewelry for gorgeous Anne Dorthe/Team Models to wear together with my Hertha Shawl and loose sleeves at the photoshoot at Henie Onstad Kunstsenter. Sissel Fylling was in charge of hair & make up (read: and much else) while photographer Eivind Røhne, who brilliantly captured it all, was assisted both by former Made by Me editor Mary-Ann Astrup and my husband. Hertha in old Norse means a powerful woman, ideal for this modern shawl with a shawl collar, that can be worn as a scarf around the neck, a shawl around the shoulders, or as a top; if worn upside down and pinned together with a shawl pin. A traditional lace pattern with shadow triangles in half stocking stitch and half garter stitch, knitted in the divine Jaggerspun Zephyr Lace held double. The Norwegian pattern will be published in the separate magazine Familien Småstrikk out in November, while the English pattern will be test knitted in my Ravelry group before its release.

Hertha is a development of my Bech (yes, named after the dress designer Judith Bech) with a wider shawl for a more formal look. It also makes it look more like a shawl and less like a scarf with a collar. I was attracted by the Mulberry color of the Jaggerspun Zephyr Lace 2/18 which becomes even more saturated held double. Not to mention the luscious fiber combination of 50% tussah silk and 50% merino. The yarn is available on large cones of 454 grams/1 pound with an incredible 4608 meters/5040 yards or in 100 g skeins with 1024 meters/1120 yards, you can also order smaller spools from Handweavers Studio in London, where I first discovered this American yarn that has become a favorite of mine. Yes, they are now my sponsors. Thank you, Jaggerspun!

The shawl and loose sleeves are knitted using both 3 mm/US 2.5 and 3.5 mm/US 4 needles for the different stitch patterns. The gauge in garter stitch is 25 stitches and 40 rows while it is 24 stitches and 40 rows in the shadow triangles pattern. The lace pattern is easy to work and it seemed natural to choose garter stitch edgings, and divide the patterns with tucks. The cuffs on the loose sleeves have 6 tucks plus the hem. Yes, they are fun to work with 2 circular needles held parallel.

The loose sleeves have elastic inserted into the top hem to keep them in place. They are knitted in the round unlike the shawl. The collar on the shawl is shaped by short rows, and ends in an i-cord bind off. The pattern comes in 3 sizes: S/M as worn by Anne Dorthe, L/XL and 2XL but can easily be adjusted in length and width according to your own preference by adding or removing pattern repeats.

Above you see the shawl worn around the body, held together by one beautiful Abelia earring by Kaja Gjedebo. It is accompanied by the Poplar necklace and the Magnolia large earrings, all in oxidized silver. All of them such a fabulous companions to Hertha in my opinion. Hertha will be published together with two other new designs in Familien Småstrikk in November: Nuala and Syndra. To be continued.

Linda Marveng

Knit wear designer and author

Tag Archives: Monica Stålvang