Familien Photoshoot: Oili

Posted on August 8, 2015 by Linda Marveng

I am thrilled to show you some of my favorite photos of gorgeous model Anne Dorthe/Team Models from our photo shoot at Henie Onstad Kunstsenter. Here she is wearing the top Oili, with beautiful make up & hair by Sissel Fylling, Benedetta boots by Monica Stålvang and stunning jewelry by Kaja Gjedebo, all brilliantly captured by Eivind Røhne. Despite all the clouds on the sky on the day, the strong sunshine persisted with its presence so only a few quick photos from the amphi theatre was all we were allowed by nature. Above is one of them and a favorite of mine, illustrating so well the softness of the pure cotton: Bonnie by Permin with an astonishing 220 m/240 yds on a 50 g skein and a recommended needle size of 4 mm/US 6. The Norwegian pattern, including a matching loop, will be published in the separate issue Familien Strikk out on Monday 24th of August. The English pattern will be test knitted in my Ravelry group before its release.

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.

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. I choose to work a fake side seam in garter stitch on both top and on cowl. Bands are worked in the same garter stitch in the round. Above the cowl is worn hanging loose, but it can also be worn twice around the neck, see below.

The yarn was kindly sponsored by Permin and I was lucky to have Grete Jenssen, aka ma9 on Ravelry, knit this set for me in no time. The cowl actually took her more than a week to knit (read: yes, it does have cables all the way around), just to give you an indication on her incredibly speed – perfect for a sample knitter in my opinion. Yes, she is already working on my next series and I made sure I booked her early.

The amazing wide ring with 3 pearls is made of silver and called Caprifol, while the matching earrings also with fresh water pearls in matted silver are called Ivy, all designed by Kaja Gjedebo. To be continued.

Familien Photoshoot: Alva

Posted on August 5, 2015 by Linda Marveng

I am thrilled to show you the stunning photos of gorgeous model Anne Dorthe/Team Models, with beautiful hair & make up by Sissel Fylling and matching Carmen-wine boots by Monica Stålvang, as well as jewelry by Kaja Gjedebo, all brilliantly captured by Eivind Røhne on location: Henie Onstad Kunstsenter. Alva, 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, who kindly sponsored both yarn and knitting. The Norwegian pattern will be published in the special issue Familien Strikk out on 24th August, while the English pattern will be test knitted in my group on Ravelry before its release.

The poncho is knitted in 3 parts, using a 4 mm/US 6, and the shawl collar is worked at the same time as the front. The selvedge stitch is knitted in Double Seed stitch. At the end the collar is attached at the 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.

The poncho comes only in one size with a bust circumference of 177.5 cm/70″ and a length of 77.5 cm/30.5″, just as the wrist warmers do; 18 cm/7″ at the bottom and 28 cm/11″ at the top with a length of 32 cm/12.5″, but both can easily be adjusted (by adding or removing pattern repeats or a longer or shorter bottom bands) to your preferred size. You will recognize the stunning jewelry from the previous design as the Karakoram earrings and Hekla ring, both in oxidized silver designed by Kaja Gjedebo. More divine photos to come…

Familien Photoshoot: Quamara

Posted on July 25, 2015 by Linda Marveng

I am thrilled to begin the presentation of the brilliant photos Eivind Røhne took of gorgeous model (and a photographer herself – no less – see cargocollective.com) Anne Dorthe/Team Models, with beautiful hair & make up by Sissel Fylling, jewelry by Kaja Gjedebo, at location; Henie Onstad Kunstsenter. First garment out is Quamara, knitted in Permin Zenta, a luscious wool and silk mixture, with a long loop closure attached at the front. The jacket, knitted in kindly sponsored yarn using 3.5 mm/US 4, is available in sizes XS to 2XL and the Norwegian pattern will be printed in the separate issue Familien Strikk, out on Monday 24. August. The English pattern will be test knitted in my Ravelry Group before its release.

Several of our planned backdrops had to be ruled out due to the strong sunshine on Friday 29th May. I liked the look of this wall, which did not take any focus away from the lace pattern nor compete with the bright lime color. There are three lace repeats on the loop and on the sleeve, while the back has a panel of five pattern repeats. In the first photo the loop collar is worn hanging around the neck, just as you would put the jacket on. In the photo above the loop is crossed at the front and then folded around the neck.

I have made the fronts narrow since the loop is wide, especially when worn around the neck at least once in addition to the already attached part. All the borders on the straight jacket are worked in garter stitch including a fake side seam. Anne Dorthe is wearing statement jewelry by Kaja Gjedebo: Karakoram earrings and Hekla ring, both in oxidized silver. I desperately wanted to borrow more jewelry from Kaja after shoe designer Monica Stålvang introduced me to her modern work with crispy clean lines at the previous photoshoot. I was invited home to see her workshop, and to pick what I wanted to borrow. Needless to say, that I picked a lot and did not dare try any of it on since I knew it was a press loan and not a shopping spree.

Above is my favorite way of wearing the jacket like a ballerina wrap, with the loop twice around the neck, making the straight jacket figure hugging and tight. The loop is made in two parts so that the lace pattern is identical on both fronts. It is knitted together with a 3-needle bind off at the neck while the cast-on edges are joined using mattress stitches creating a neat but visible stocking stitch seam, see above. At the end it is attached along each front to center neck, while the remaining parts are left to hang loose – see bottom photo.

Just as the loop reigns on the front, I wanted the lace panel to reign on the back. As you might have noticed I am not a knitter that enjoys knitting large parts in stocking stitch, hence it will be kept to a minimum. The body is knitted flat in one piece up to the armhole, then separated, while the set-in sleeves are knitted in the round to the armhole, then flat.

It was important to show how the loop looks when it is hanging loose, hence its full length. That also gives me an excuse to show off Monica Stålvang’s Daniela boots I borrowed for the shoot. And yes, I did deliver them back the following day!

Gyda Pattern Released

Posted on July 1, 2015 by Linda Marveng

I am so pleased to announce that I have released both Gyda – the jacket – and Gyda Cowl – the cowl and belt – patterns in English after an exciting test knit in my Ravelry group. Take a look at all the different versions and the modifications including into a sweater on the links above. Gyda, knitted in the beautiful Hifa Ask, for my collaboration with shoe designer Monica Stålvang and dress designer Judith Bech, created for Made by Me – now Familien Trend – modeled by gorgeous Alexandria Eissinger/Pholk, hair and make up by Sissel Fylling, and brilliantly captured by Eivind Røhne at Hvalstrand Bad. Familien Trend with the Norwegian pattern was published in March. Here is my introduction to the pattern: Cables that create diamond shapes adorn this fitted jacket on all its parts. A deep v-neck and a button band with three bespoke buttons by Siri Berrefjord make it suitable to wear on top of any treasured outfit. The fronts and back are knitted flat, while the sleeves are knitted in the round, all in the bouncy pure wool melange Hifa Ask.

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

Finished Measurements: Bust: 84 (91, 98, 106, 116, 126) cm/33 (35.75, 38.5, 41.75, 45.75, 49.5)” Waist: 69 (76, 83, 91, 93, 113) cm/ 27.25 (30, 32.75, 35.75, 36.5, 44.5)” Hip: 84 (91, 98, 106, 116, 126) cm/33 (35.75, 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)” Sleeve length: 50 (50, 50, 51, 51, 52) cm/19.75 (19.75, 19.75, 20, 20, 20.50)”

Yarn: Hifa, Ask – Hifa 2 (100% wool, 100 g, 315 m/345 yds). Sample is knitted in Melange turquise 6584: 3 (3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5) skeins: 900 (1023, 1147, 1273, 1462, 1650) m/984 (1119, 1254, 1392, 1599, 1804) yds. http://www.ull.no/garn/ullgarn/ask-melert

Alternative Yarn: 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 yarn.

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

Notions: 3 buttons (13 mm/0.5″). Special ordered buttons on sample are made by Siri Berrefjord, siri@fredenshavn.no see http://epla.no/shops/sirisskattkammer/, 10 stitch markers, 4 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. Cable Panel across 84 sts measures 31 cm/12.25″. Cable Panel across 36 sts; 1 pattern measures 11 cm/4.25″.

Notes: Each front is 1 cm wider than 1/2 the back circumference, to achieve symmetry, usual in typical vintage garments. This jacket is fitted, please compare your waist measurements to the size you need and adjust if necessary, to make sure it will fit.

Butterflies adorn this generous Gyda Cowl, in the shape of a lace pattern divided by a rib. A rich melange brown color has been created by combining the pure wool of Huldra Kamgarn by Hifa with the tonal alpaca mixture of Dreamline Soul by Du Store Alpakka. A tweed belt made for the Gyda jacket introduces the brown shade together with farmblue Hifa Ask. The belt, just like the jacket, has bespoke buttons by Siri Berrefjord.

Sizes: Belt: XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL) Cowl: One size

Finished Measurements: Belt: Bottom: 80 (90, 100, 110, 120, 130) cm/31.5 (35.5, 39.25, 43.25, 47.25, 51.25)” Top: 68 (78, 88, 98, 108, 118) cm/ 26.75 (30.75, 34.75, 38.5, 42.5, 46.5)” Height 30 cm/11.75″ Cowl: Height 46 cm/18″, circumference 92 cm/36.25″

For more info, see Gyda Cowl on Ravelry. The yarn for this set was kindly sponsored by Hifa and Du Store Alpakka.

Behind the Scenes: Familien Strikk Photoshoot

Posted on June 3, 2015 by Linda Marveng

Would it stop raining for our scheduled photoshoot for Familien Strikk on Friday 29th May? It did, it was sunny but still cold. To plan the event I had booked photographer Eivind Røhne, hair & make up artist: Sissel Fylling and model: Anne Dorthe from Team Models. Then I convinced former Made by Me editor Mary-Ann Astrup to join us to for her essential advice. That my husband would be part of the team was obvious from the start. Next on the agenda was picking a location venue, and it is not easy, but I opted for Henie Onstad Kunstsenter because of the building itself and its location with a nature trail and marina. For styling, I borrowed from dress designer Judith Bech her magnificent fringe skirt, jewelry designer Kaja Gjedebo a selection of gorgeous jewelry and then obviously also Monica Stålvang some stunning boots. Above you can see Eivind and Dorthe in action with my husband assisting. Dorthe is wearing Quamara, a jacket with a loop closure knitted in Zenta by Permin in a mixture of wool and silk.

It was no surprise to hear that Sissel wanted to cut Dorthe’s hair, and that she was allowed. Just as last time, we could easily have formed a line wanting just that. The meeting room, Onstad, was our base for the day and the storage for all our suitcases packed with equipment and clothing. While Sissel was working away on Dorthe’s make up and hair, we discussed photo locations and order of garments. The strong sun was an issue we had to resolve at times, as well as the strong wind. As a result a couple of our prime locations such as the pier and next to the sculpture in the water with the Marina in the background had to be given up. Above, you can see how Mary-Ann is providing necessary shadow for Dorthe whose legs are covered in blankets, while she is wearing Nuala, a shawl buttoned up with a cowl knitted in Rowan Softknit Cotton.

Sissel is busy putting on nail varnish on Dorthe’s nails, just as we are ready for the first project to be photographed: Hertha shawl with loose sleeves knitted in Jaggerspun Zephyr Lace held double, worn together with Judith Bech’s fringe skirt. The stair case on the side of the building was first out as first back drop. If you look closely on the photo above, over the roof of the black tent you will see part of the sculpture of a banana. Now, using that as a backdrop would have made a very different photoshoot, we agreed!

Here we are looking at locations; 3 geniuses at work as Eivind put it, photographed by my husband. The marina is just in the background but also in the sun, unfortunately. But we did find another suitable location instead. We photographed 9 new designs for Familien, and a secret project. Sissel made sure we had a plan allowing only 30 minutes for each garment so that we would have time for a delicious lunch at Bølgen & Moi as well as finish before we needed to vacate the meeting room at 16.30. We made it, thanks to brilliant co-operation. A marvelous team work, thank you all!

Lyre Bolero Pattern Released

Posted on May 13, 2015 by Linda Marveng

The Lyre Bolero was part of the Jugend Love series I designed for Made by Me, and Kristin Elise Halkjelsvik of Makeløs/Remarkable styled it with a hand embroider table cloth as a skirt, it was stunningly worn by Pia Cecilie/Team Models with beautiful hair & make up by Janne Skarpeid Hermansen and shoes by Monica Stålvang, all brilliantly captured by photographer Eivind Røhne. The bolero inspired test knitters to make it longer with cables or ribbing as a hem or attaching the belt and use it as a wide hem. See some of the different version on the pattern page on Ravelry where it is now available for sale in English. Here is my introduction to the pattern:

Delicate lyres made by lace and cables stitches used in panels surrounded by stocking stitch makes this bolero perfect to use on top of a wide dress or skirt on a cold day. Lyre Bolero is fitted and begins just above the waist with increases to the bust. Worked in parts to add stabilizing seams, but with long sleeves worked in the round. A stunning cummerbund made of tucks adds length and elegance.

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

Finished Measurements: Bust: 84 (91, 98, 106, 116, 126) cm/34 (35.75, 38.5, 41.75, 45.75, 49.5)” Waist: 65 (72, 79, 87, 93, 113) cm/25.5 (28.25, 31, 34.25, 36.5, 44.5)” Length: 37 (38, 40, 42, 44, 46) cm/14.5 (15, 15.75, 16.5, 17.25, 18)”
Sleeve length: 49 (50, 50, 51, 51, 52) cm/19.25 (19.75, 19.75, 20, 20, 20.50)” Cummerbund: Tuck lengths: 69 (76, 83, 91, 97, 118) cm/27.25 (30, 32.75, 35.75, 38.25, 46.5)” Tie length: 25 cm/9.75″ Height: 9 cm/3.5″

Yarn: Hifa, Embla – Hifa 3 (100% wool, 100 g, 210 m/229 yds). Sample is knitted in Dark Blue Purple 6078. http://www.ull.no Bolero: 3.5 (3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5) skeins; 672 (735, 798, 872, 966, 1060) m/734 (803, 873, 954, 1056, 1159) yds Cummerbund: 1.5 (1.5, 1.5, 1.5, 2, 2) skeins; 231 (252, 273, 305, 315, 389) m/252 (276, 299, 333, 343, 425) yds

Yarn alternative: Cascade, 220 (100% Peruvian Highland Wool, 100 g, 201 m/220 yds). http://www.cascadeyarns.com 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: 2 sets of 4 mm/US 6 circular needle (80 cm/32″) for sweater and cummerbund. 4 mm/US 6 DPNs or circular needle for magic loop method.

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

Gauge: 21 sts and 25 rows in Lyre Pattern measures 10 cm/4″ square. 19 sts and 25 rows in st st measures 10 cm/4″ square. Adjust needle size as needed to match gauge.

Notes: The bolero is worked flat in pieces, while the sleeves are worked in the round. Discontinue the Lyre Pattern and continue in st st when dec. The cummerbund can easily be adjusted to your waist measurement by adding or detracting stitches to the numbers given; the tucks are made to meet but not overlap. The ties are added on the width of the last hem.

Cable Round Sweater Pattern Released

Posted on May 9, 2015 by Linda Marveng

I am pleased to announce that I have released the Cable Round Sweater pattern in English, after the test knit in my group on Ravelry. Stunning model Pia Cecilie/Team Models with hair & make-up by Janne Skarpeid Hermansen, vintage clothes styled by Kristin Elise Halkjelsvik of Makeløs/Remarkable, ankle boots by Monica Stålvang and cufflinks by Siri Berrefjord, all brilliantly captured by Eivind Røhne. The Norwegian pattern was first published in the Jugend Love series in Made by Me in the autumn of 2014. Here is my introduction to the pattern: The light denim blue colour in the stunning pelt yarn from Hifa, captivated me. I chose a round cable with a band on. By framing the cables with a rib, the sweater became figure hugging and a perfect accompany to your favourite jeans or trouser. It ends with a square narrow neckband so that you can choose if you want to add the matching cowl.

Sizes: Sweater: XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL) Cowl: One size

Finished measurements: Bust: 86 (92, 98, 104, 116, 128) cm/ 33.75 (36.25, 38.5, 41, 45.75, 50.5)” Length: 54 (55, 56, 57, 58, 59) cm/21.25 (21.75, 22, 22.5, 22.75, 23.25)” Sleeve length: 46 (46, 47, 48, 49, 50) cm/18 (18, 18.5, 19, 19.25, 19.75)” Cowl: Circumference 34 cm/13.5″, length 124 cm/48.75″

Yarn: Hifa, Pelsullgarn in sh 1113 Light Denim Blue (100% Norwegian pelt yarn wool, 100 g, 260 m/284 yds). http://www.ull.no/garn/ullgarn/norsk-pelsull Sweater: 4 (4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6.5) skeins; 884 (988, 1092, 1196, 1404, 1616) m/967 (1080, 1194, 1308, 1535, 1767) yds. Cowl: 2.5 skeins: 637 m/697 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.

Needles: 3.5 mm/US 4 (80 cm/32″) circular needle for sweater body. 3.5 mm/US 4 (40 cm/16″) circular needle for neck band and cowl. 3.5 mm/US 4 DPNs for sleeve or circular needle for magic loop.

Notions: Cable needle, 11 stitch markers (2 for side, 9 for pattern) and yarn needle.

Gauge: 21 sts and 28 rows in st st measures 10 cm/4″ square. 20 sts and 28 rows in rib measures 10 cm/4″ square. 1 Cable measures 5.5 cm/2.25″ across. 3 Cables with 3 sts rev st st on each side measure 17 cm/6.75″ across. Or needle to match gauge.

Notes: The Sweater, both the sleeves and the body are worked in the round to the armhole and then worked back and forth in rows. The cowl is worked in the round as a long tube, and then the ends are joined together.

Familien Photoshoot: Hennika

Posted on April 18, 2015 by Linda Marveng

Hennika, named after the lace patterns Gothic shapes, was designed cropped to fit with Judith Bech’s long light blue halter neck tulle gown in our series Nordic Vintage in Familien Trend. The gown makes the lacy bolero appear even more delicate, and looks divine on gorgeous model Alexandria Eissinger at Pholk with beautiful hair and make up by Sissel Fylling, worn together with stunning flat Elisabetta shoes by Monica Stålvang, all captured by Eivind Røhne. Hennika is tapered and the body worked in pieces while the sleeves are worked in the round in the bouncy pure wool Hifa Ask. The scarf collar is longer than the bolero and meant to be closed with a shawl pin or a beautiful brooch. Above it is folded in to create more depth.

The inside of the sleeves are worked in stocking stitch while the body parts have extra Girlander lace in each side to minimize the stockinette parts. The body and sleeves have hems at the bottom which are worked at the same time, unlike the scarf collar which is made separately in two parts to make each side identical and then joined. The hem is knitted using a 3 mm/US 2.5 needle while the rest is knitted using a 3.5 mm/US 4.

The photo above is another of those I desperately wanted from Eivind. The dreamy look on Alexandria’s face is so iconic. I also love how the texture of the tulle gown is such a stark contrast to the pure wool bolero. The English pattern will be test knitted in my Ravelry group before it is released. The planned test knit order is as follows: Next is Saga, then Hillevi, Freja, Atika, Hennika and Bech last in the series. In the mean time I will design some more.

Familien Photoshoot: Honeysuckle Shawl

Posted on April 15, 2015 by Linda Marveng

I loved this silk dress by Judith Bech the moment I lay my eyes on it at the Designer-kollektivet in Oslo. So I had to include it in our Nordic Vintage series. I designed a shawl, a cowl and a belt knitted as a hem, and called the pattern Honeysuckle after its lacy stitch pattern. It still felt like a revelation seeing the dress, with Honeysuckle and fantastic shoes by Monica Stålvang, worn by gorgeous Alexandria Eissinger at Pholk with hair and make up by Sissel Fylling, brilliantly captured by Eivind Røhne at Hvalstrand Bad. The Norwegian pattern was published in Familien Trend in February.

Honeysuckle is knitted in Rowan Softknit Cotton, a very well fitting name indeed, since it is made of 92% cotton and 8% polyamide and of a cable structure in 50 grams balls with 105 meters/115 yards put up, using a 4.5 mm/US 7 needle. The shawl can be buttoned into a shrug. Like Honeysuckle the shawl is equally beautiful on both sides. Wear it with a cowl as a collar and a stylish belt in Stockinette stitch. The belt can either be tied or pinned together with a stunning brooch.

The shawl is knit flat and the cowl is knit in the round. You can easily adjust the width of the shawl and the circumference of the cowl by removing or adding pattern repeats of 16-sts. Eyelets in the lace pattern is used as buttonholes. The belt is designed to wrap twice around the waist and then be tied. It is worked like a hem in Stockinette stitch and cast on using two circular needles held parallel. Adjust the length of the belt by measuring your waist and add preferred tying length. The English pattern is currently being test knitted in my group on Ravelry and will be released when it is complete. Now, there is only one more design you have not seen professionally photographed and that is Hennika, coming up next.

Familien Photoshoot: Bech

Posted on April 11, 2015 by Linda Marveng

Yes, Bech is named after Judith Bech the dress designer who made this stunning halterneck grey silk gown especially for the Nordic Vintage photoshoot. My design to complement the gown is a shawl with a shawl collar, a belt and loose sleeves. The outfit looks amazing on gorgeous model Alexandria Eissinger at Pholk, with hair and make up by Sissel Fylling, beautiful shoes by Monica Stålvang. Sissel and brilliant photographer Eivind Røhne thought it would look best with a dramatic after party background, so we stacked chairs at Hvalstrand Bad before Eivind captured the scene. Above you can even see the shoes, and below the photos shown in the Norwegian magazine Familien Trend currently for sale.

The set is knitted in a soft mixture of a luscious alpaca mix by Du Store Alpakka, Dreamline Soul, a lace weight yarn combined with a pure wool by Hifa, Huldra Kamgarn, using a 4 mm/US 6. Together the two yarn created a melange color with depth to it. The bare back is covered by the shawl here with the shawl collar down. A tuck divides the lace pattern from the garter stitch collar on the shawl, and layers of tucks make up the cuff on the loose sleeves and the whole belt which can be tied or pinned together.

The loose sleeves have elastic inserted into the top hem to keep them in place. They are knitted in the round, unlike the belt and the shawl. The collar on the shawl is shaped by short rows, and ends in an i-cord bind off. The belt is made of a hem and 5 tucks, all knitted with 2 circular needles held parallel. On the last tuck you add stitches for the tie on each side. The belt can be tied together or pinned together with a beautiful brooch. You can easily adjust it to fit your own waist measurement. The belt also looks fabulous around the neck just as Makeløs/Remarkable Kristin Elise Halkjelsvik styled my prototype belt to the Lyre Bolero, see my blogpost: New Design: Lyre Bolero and how Bech looks in all the different styles it can be worn New Design: Bech. I plan to release the English pattern after it has been test knitted in my group, later this spring.

Linda Marveng

Knit wear designer and author

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