Sneak Peak of Made by Me Designs

Posted on January 28, 2015 by Linda Marveng

I am thrilled to share some of the wonderful photos Eivind Røhne took of gorgeous model Alexandria Eissinger at Pholk, brilliant hair and make-up by Sissel Fylling for the Spring/Summer issue of Made by Me. The colors chosen for the series are based on Monica Stålvang’s Spring/Summer 2015 collection in blue, turquoise, grey, taupe and black. The divine handprinted grey long halterneck silk dress was made especially by dress designer Judith Bech for this series (see Facebook). I just had to name my design Bech after it and created a shawl with a collar that can be worn with it down as above, or up around the shoulders or around the neck, together with loose sleeves – held up by elastic encased in a hem and a belt made of tucks. Yes, more photos will come. Bech is knitted in Huldra Kamgarn by Hifa, a pure light fingering/3 ply wool held together with Dreamline Soul by Du Store Alpakka, an lace weight alpaca mixture, using 4 mm/US 6.

Above are some of Monica’s marvelous shoes, in front: Emanuela print made of printed pony skin; actually calf skin (a misnomer that comes from 1960’s fashion trends). Yes, Monica did used to live in Milan and produces her shoes there. You will find her shoes in selected stores in Norway, see Stockists and in her onlineshop here but you need to wait a bit longer for the Spring/Summer collection to be available but there are so many other shoes and boots to add to your wish list: shop.monica-stalvang.com.

This fitted cable jacket is named Gyda from Norse mythology, meaning God is Gorgeous, and is knitted in Ask by Hifa, a sport weight/5-ply pure wool using 3.5 mm/US 4. It has a deep v-neck with 3 bespoke buttons (size small) made by jewelry designer Siri Berrefjord in layers of color matching the melange yarn color. The beautiful ring Alexandria is wearing is made of silver and designed by Kaja Gjedebo. The faux suede dress was chosen after Judith wore it to our planning meeting in July with editor Mary-Ann Astrup at Made by Me, just as my Jakke i kryss/Jacket in Cross was. I brought a large selection of swatches made based on Monica’s color charts, and from seeing photos of Judith’s dresses (and the few I remembered from the time she was a member of the Designerkollektivet), Judith brought a huge bag filled with dresses, and Monica came with her drawings. 10 dresses were selected together with 11 swatches and the four of us discussed garment options (read: Not only jackets, Linda) and photo shoot locations (read: Preferably Mediterranean, and why do we not join Monica for her one of her meetings in Milan?). In other words a lot of laughter, and a fabulous day! To be continued.

Behind the Scenes: Made by Me Photoshoot

Posted on January 24, 2015 by Linda Marveng

The time has finally come to begin to reveal more of the fantastic photoshoot we had at Hvalstrand Bad last October, since the Norwegian Made by Me magazine is out on Monday the 2nd of February. The idea of collaborating further with shoe designer Monica Stålvang, whose shoes are like eye candy to me, and dress designer Judith Bech, whose beautiful dresses I love, came to me last June. Monica needed no persuasion, and Judith (whom I had only meet once) said a resounding yes to my utter delight, just as editor Mary-Ann Astrup did. Judith insisted we pick hair and make-up stylist Sissel Fylling, just as Mary-Ann suggested photographer Eivind Røhne, and we eagerly obliged. We needed a model with a European shoe size 37/UK 4/US 6, so that the sample collection would fit, and I was thrilled to find Alexandria Eissinger at Pholk, never mind that she was in Copenhagen, and not Oslo! Two days beforehand, Monica and I had a quick review of knitted garments, shoes and dresses in her shop but gave up choosing shoes until we saw it on Alexandria. Monica, on the mobile in the photo above, also suggested borrowing silver jewelry from Kaja Gjedebo as an option to the pieces we had from Siri Berrefjord, whom as usual has made brilliant bespoke buttons.

Here is the table with the magnificent shoes, jewelry as well as essential tools like iron, broom and sponge, all kept handy. In the back ground the rail with dresses and knitted garments. Monica thankfully brought the whole collection and assisted in choosing both shoes and jewelry for each of the 10 outfits. Sissel and Mary-Ann were also asked for opinions on the selection. Only 1 of the dresses was rejected since the color clashed with the color of the knitted jacket, and the black dress was used twice. We believed even Judith would have agreed, but unfortunately she could not be there since the birth of her first grandchild was imminent.

While Eivind, Mary-Ann and my husband – the photo assistant – looked at possible photo angles, Sissel prepared Alexandria’s hair styling and make up, Monica taped shoe soles and I ironed dresses. Above, Sissel in a well know posture, checking the make up and hair. I actually have Sissel popping in and out of nearly all my photos, taken in between when I was not assisting Alexandria in picking dresses, or standing behind Eivind checking his view or straightening out folds. It was me that insisted on covering all angles: front, back and side as well as different ways of wearing the garments until our time starting running out on the last garment since we had to leave no later than 4 pm in order for the manager to close up. So as much as I would like to have more photos of each garment, reality kicked in, and I knew there was a limit. The photo shoot was exhausting, but also so much fun and utter brilliant!

Carla Coat Pattern Released

Posted on December 3, 2014 by Linda Marveng

I 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.

Sneak Peak – Made By Me Photoshoot

Posted on October 25, 2014 by Linda Marveng

I know hoping for sunshine late in October in Oslo is pushing my luck, but I actually did. Oh well, instead we had lots of rain during our photo shoot at Hvalstrand Bad – yes, that is a beach restaurant with a lovely diving tower we merely watched through the wet windows – on Thursday. Due to the heavy rain hence solid traffic, we were all running late for the photo shoot. The stunning model Alexandria Eissinger/Pholk flew in from Copenhagen late the evening before, the talented dress designer Judith Bech had to cancel her flight from Ålesund – since she is still waiting for her daughter to give birth to her first grandchild – but the brilliant shoe designer Monica Stålvang came bringing her Spring/Summer 2015 sample collection, the magnificent hair & make up stylist Sissel Fylling came with her magic boxes, and so did the skilled Made by Me editor Mary-Ann Astrup, plus marvelous photographer Eivind Røhne in addition to myself plus my husband as a handy man, that is.

Sissel set the tone for the day by cutting Alexandria’s hair, then we all wanted the same treatment, but there were no chance of that since we were all busy preparing for the indoor shoot by ironing, sweeping the floor, moving tables, taping shoes, discussing possible angles as well as the order to photograph each of the garments. As the photo shoot began we discussed the jewelry; whether to use designs made by Siri Berrefjord, silver jewelry by Kaja Gjedebo or my own Monies jewelry, in addition to selecting the perfect pair of shoes – not easy when there was such a selection to choose from. Above is one result, a new design called Atika consisting of a large cowl and long wrist warmers, stunningly worn by Alexandria over a matching felted wool dress by Judith Bech, silver earrings and ring by Kaja Gjedebo plus shoes by Monica Stålvang – see a few more sneak peaks here: instagram and here: instagram.

New Design: Cable Round Sweater

Posted on October 11, 2014 by Linda Marveng

This sweater is not new, since it was published in Norwegian in issue 2/2014 of Made By Me, but I would like to share my ideas behind it, and the photos my husband took of me wearing Cable Round Sweater. Here is my introduction to it: The light denim blue colour in the stunning Norsk Pelsull/Norwegian 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. This is my idea of a simple pattern; The Sweater, both the sleeves and the body are worked in the round to the armhole and then worked back and forth in rows, using 3.5 mm/US 4 needles. The cowl is worked in the round as a long tube, and then the ends are joined together with mattress stitches but you could easily use a temporary cast-on method and graft the ends together. The English pattern will be test knitted in my Ravelry group later this month, and I know to my delight that a few of you are waiting eagerly for it.

Here is another photo this time with the cowl hanging loose making the sweater looking more dressy. The cowl is half cable half rib so that you can see both stitch patterns. There is no shaping on the body of the sweater since the ribbing holds it in and make it appear shaped.

View from the back. I have a long back and long arms as you can see but both lengths can easily be adjusted to your preference. The neck band is picked up and knitted afterwards in stockinette stitch, with a bit of shaping and a folding line so that you attach it on the wrong side at the end. I co-operated with brilliant Re-design stylist Kristin Elise Halkjelsvik for Made By Me, and she suggested styling it with a pair of tight black studded trousers, a white mens shirt, an orange chiffon scarf with matching clutch plus we both agreed that Monica Stålvang Carmen boots in Petrol were perfect with it. Kristin also suggested beautiful orange cuff links by Siri Berrefjord. Below is a stunning picture from the photo shoot of Pia Cecilie/Team Models, hair and make up styled by Janne Skarpeid Hermansen, taken by Eivind Røhne.

Made By Me Magazine 2/2014

Posted on September 3, 2014 by Linda Marveng

Our Jugend Love series is released. This has been a magnificent co-operation between Makeløs/Remarkable Re-design stylist Kristin Elise Halkjelsvik and myself together with shoe designer Monica Stålvang and jewelry designer Siri Berrefjord for the Norwegian crafts magazine Made By Me. Editor Mary-Ann Astrup skillfully selected the rest of the team essential for the photo shoot at the Bjørnulfgården in Fredrikstad: Brilliant Photographer Eivind Røhne, stunning Model Pia Cecilie/Team Models and talented Make-up & Hair Stylist Janne Skarpeid Hermansen. In addition Kristin had asked her beautiful daughter Elise and handsome friend Adrian Bjørk to model some of her re-design pieces. Kristin’s preference of the Jugend period, especially its elaborate hand-made textiles, was the starting point, and fitted well with the intricate stitch patterns I favor. Truly remarkable is the way she drapes an embroidered table cloth into a skirt or dress or poncho, and accessorize it with contrasting fabrics preferably in bright clear colors. I had two designs I had already started that fitted well into this series: Icelandic Jacket and Cable Round Sweater, in addition I created two new ones: Lattice Back Jacket and Lyre Bolero. The article introduction actually begins four pages earlier with an interview of Kristin covering four pages, and then in these pages; four of her re-designed outfits.

Curtains, bell pulls, or a series of table clothes like these to the left; where one is made for the piano keys and the other for the piano itself. The latter one is skilfully used as a skirt. We occupied the stair case all day – thankfully it was not too busy – and were fortunate enough to borrow the keeper’s office as a changing and storage room to fill with Kristin’s suitcases and bags.

My Cable Round Sweater has interlocking cables framed by a rib in the side. The ribbing makes the straight sweater pull in and appear fitted. With a crew neck and a double stockinette band, I felt it need a long cowl you can wear twice around your neck. It is knitted in Norsk Pelsull/Norwegian Pelt wool by Hifa in a divine melange light denim color using a 3.5 mm/US 4. Styled with a masculine white shirt and trousers with a studded jugend motif. As a contrast an orange chiffon scarf, and stunning cuff links by Siri Berrefjord were added to the outfit. The to-die-for Carmen Boots in petrol are by Monica Stålvang. Both designers are briefly presented with a photograph on the page. Notice that Adrian is wearing bell pulls as braces. I will release the English pattern after a test knit in my Ravelry Group, date to be confirmed. I am delighted to share that this sweater has made it to the blogsphere; Knitigating Circumstances by Kelly Dawn see her post: Pattern Radar August 2014.

The Lattice Back Jacket worn over a beautiful dress; is actually a large table cloth pinned together with the fringes making a stunning back drop. Meters and meters of tulle tied into a bow around the neck, adds glamor to the outfit. Adorning the front and the sleeves is a series of small cables, while the back has a large intricate cable panel. Like a vintage jacket it is very fitted, and the body pieces are knitted flat while the sleeves are knitted in the round in a gorgeous melange purple in Ask-Hifa 2 using a 3 mm/US 2.5. The English pattern will be released after the test knit, which has just started in my group on Ravelry, is completed. Next is the Lyre Bolero with its accompanying cummerbund, which also can be used as a cowl worn twice around the neck according to Kristin. The bolero is cropped and the body is knitted flat in pieces, while the sleeves are knitted in the round in the bouncy Embla-Hifa 3 using a 4 mm/US 6 needle. I made the cummerbund to add length to the bolero, which I imagined to worn with a beautiful skirt like this made of a table cloth with a black tulle petticoat beneath. The bolero is closed with magnificent jugend brooches from Siri Berrefjord. I will release the English pattern after a test knit, date to be confirmed.

Last but not least is my Icelandic Jacket worn with a table cloth as a skirt, a tulle petticoat and gorgeous green Bettina Boots by Monica Stålvang. It is knitted in Jaggerspun Zephyr Lace in Juniper with cuffs in Rowan Felted Tweed and Rowan Fine Tweed, the latter is also used in the back panel and cowl, all using a 3 mm/US 2.5 needle. The sleeves are knitted in the round while the remaining 3 panels are knitted flat. The cowl is identical to the back panel just longer. Kristin also demonstrated how to use the cowl as a belt, merely by using a shawl pin to adjust it to the waist measurement. Only one bespoke button by Siri Berrefjord made it to the photoshoot (due to slow mail service), but you can see it with the planned three on the pattern page. I plan to have the Icelandic Jacket test knit in October after the Conic Coat, then released in English.

My Lattice Back Jacket also feature on the contents page, where editor Mary-Ann Astrup writes under the heading: “Boundless Creative Enthusiasm” referring to stylist and re-designer Kristin Elise Halkjelsvik: “You can also see some of her gorgeous outfits, composed around old embroidered table cloths, bell pulls and curtains. In combination with new beautiful cable knits from Linda Marveng, the unity becomes sensational.” The magazine is available from newsagents like Narvesen and selected supermarkets or online here: Familiens lille butikk.

It was an amazing photo shoot and co-operation, which we have decided to do again. In the mean time, I am already working on the next series of designs for Made By Me with Monica Stålvang and a dress designer this time. More to follow.

New Design: Icelandic Jacket

Posted on August 30, 2014 by Linda Marveng

My design began with a photo of the bare wild nature at Iceland, on the digital magazine Twist Collective‘s mood board, last spring for their Winter 2013 issue. I began with Rowan Felted Tweed Dk in Watery – a color, reminiscent of the lagoons, that I have admired for a long time but not used – and discovered that to create a contrast it worked well with Rowan Fine Tweed in Wensley, a darker teal moving towards bottle green. For the main yarn I wanted something luscious with a bit of silk, and did not have to look for long until I discovered that Jaggerspun Zephyr Lace has a divine teal color called Juniper, available online at Handweavers Studio. I began thinking about sleeves, and decided I wanted repeated tucks to adorn the hands in Felted Tweed, then a reverse stockinette stitch band in Rowan Fine Tweed, and then plain stockinette stitch in Jaggerspun Zephyr Lace.

I love reversible cables and needed to break up all the stockinette stitches so a cowl in Rowan Fine Tweed would hold it all together. I planned to work the shrug in two parts from each sleeve, and graft them together. My Icelandic Shrug was submitted but rejected. After a long period of rejection, this time from me, I was ready to continue, and realized I wanted an A-line jacket. I am not a big fan of stockinette stitch since I find it tedious to knit, and thought I could use the cowl cable pattern as a back panel. My Icelandic Jacket, had found its soul, and was born. In addition to the cowl it needed a focus on the front; the solution was bespoke jewelry buttons by Siri Berrefjord see Siris’ Skattkammer /Treasure Trove. The pattern will be published in Norwegian in Made By Me on Monday, while the English pattern will be test knitted in my group on Ravelry in October before it is released in my Ravelry Store.

Both the jacket and the cowl is knitted using a 3 mm/US 2.5, and the body is knitted in three panels; Left Panel, Right Panel and Spine Panel. Each side panel is sewn to the Spine Panel and has an interfacing front band which is knitted simultaneously and then folded back. The bottom hem on the side panels is knitted into place. The sleeves with their tuck cuffs are knitted in the round to the armhole and then worked back and forth in rows. The cowl is identical to the Spine Panel, just longer and joined at the short ends. I made the jacket in sizes S (M, L, XL, 2XL) and the cowl just in one size.

I ordered 3 bespoke buttons from Siri, who suggested sewing snap fasteners on the back. Unfortunately due to slow mail, only 1 button made it for the photo shoot in Fredrikstad in June but it was sufficient to show it off. Here are the button details and do look at Siri’s photos of my swatches in a previous blog post: 3 buttons (17 mm/28L, 0.70″) and 3 sets of snap fasteners to attach on the back. Special ordered buttons on sample are made by Siri Berrefjord, siri@fredenshavn.no see Siris’ Skattkammer/Treasure Trove, and buttons-by-siri-berrefjord.

The cowl looks beautiful also wrapped twice around the neck, or adjusted with a shawl pin into a belt as Remarkable Stylist Kristin Elise Halkjelsvik (see facebook.com/Makeløs Kristin E Halkjelsvik) demonstrated to me on the evening before the photoshoot. She has taught me how to wear unheard of textiles such as tablecloths as skirts, and I have taught her how to structure a photo shoot. During our lunch meetings we also found out that Monica Stålvang has the perfect bottle green wedge boots to match, called Bettina with a stunning stiletto look from behind, see shop.monica-stalvang.com/product/bettina-green . Below is a photo from the photo shoot in Fredrikstad, which was such a fun day with photographer Eivind Røhne (see beyondtheice), make-up & hair stylist Janne Skarpeid Hermansen, model Pia Cecilie/ Team Models and editor Mary-Ann Astrup. Not present in the photo is stylist Kristin Elise Halkjelsvik who had started packing her suitcases of treasures.

I cannot wait to show you the result of the photo shoot and all the pages in upcoming Made by Me.

Familien Strikk August 2014

Posted on August 27, 2014 by Linda Marveng

For 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.

I 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?”

My 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.

Here 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.

Here 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.

Following 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.

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!

Familien Strikkebok Photoshoot: Shawl Sleeves

Posted on June 28, 2014 by Linda Marveng

Last but certainly not least in this series of patterns to be printed in the separate issue Strikkebok by Familien in the end of August is the Shawl Sleeves. I knew the color of melange corn yellow in Ask by Hifa, combined with Leyburn – a yellow ochre – in Rowan Fine Tweed would suit dancer Francesca Golfetto brilliantly, since I had seen her perform in an evening gown of the same color, and attract knitters. If you wonder how they work here is my introduction: A sleeve that ends in a shawl, worked in reversible cables with two very different sides and lined by checks, made to drape and pin together as you wish. The cables are worked half in rib, half in reverse stockinette stitch, and provides a soft contrast to the curvy checks. Knit in the round to the armhole, then flat on the shawl to the hem at the end. This is a conceptual accessory with a modern shape. Wear one around your neck and the other one on your arm, or both as sleeves and drape as you please. You can also easily adjust the length of the shawl. Stunningly photographed by Kim Müller and gorgeously styled by Line Sekkingstad. The English pattern will be published in my Ravelry Store.

I have made the Shawl Sleeves pattern in sizes: S/M (L/XL, 2XL), with differences in sleeve width, length and shawl length. Check the length by draping and pinning towels – yes, a common approach for me – before you buy your yarn so that you are able to adjust the length of sleeve and shawl.

Using 4 mm/US 6, the sleeves are worked in the round from the bottom with a hem to the armhole bind-off. Then you cast on for a shawl edge and increase a few stitches to reach full shawl width. The only sewing required is attaching the beginning of the shawl edge to the armhole.

I am very grateful to Airin Hansen who knitted these shawl sleeves for me. I believe they would look magnificent in a much finer yarn with a much longer shawl part too, but I feel in love with the color and yarn combination I had discovered.

And of course: a photo with the Benedetta boots by Monica Stålvang, who made this outfit so marvelous in my opinion.

Familiens Strikkebok Photoshoot: Carla Coat

Posted on June 14, 2014 by Linda Marveng

I know some of you have been waiting to see this coat finished, and I am proud to present my Carla Coat: 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 a 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. Brilliantly captured by photographer Kim Müller, stunningly worn by dancer Francesca Golfetto, excellent hair & make up by Line Sekkingstad. The Norwegian pattern will be published in Familiens Strikkebok in late August, while the English pattern will be released in my Ravelry Store after test knitting in my group.

The coat is knitted using 5.5 mm/US 9 to a gauge similar to a chunky yarn (12 ply) with 14 stitches and 22 rows in stockinette stitch measuring 10 cm/4″ square. But it does feel denser and also lighter in weight since I have combined two thinner yarns; one Worsted/10 ply (Lima) and one DK/8 ply (Norsk Pelsull). The density makes the braid pop out and the coat to keep its shape. As well as giving a brilliant stitch definition, which I adore! The Carla Coat pattern will be available in sizes S to 2XL, with bust circumferences of 92 to 126 cm/36.25 to 49.5″ excluding collar width to v-neck of 7 cm/2.75″.

The body of the coat is knitted flat, while the sleeves are worked in the round. The a-line shaping is done in stockinette stitch. Each cable has been gathered to keep its texture to the end. The shawl collar is picked up and shaped by short rows. I had initially planned for it to end in an i-cord bind off, but it pulled the collar out of shape, so I abandoned that idea. I decided that a bind off in pattern would have to suffice. You are however welcome to chose a different solution. I was running out of time for the photo shoot…

We obviously had to take a number of photos where the fabulous Carla shoes were included and here is my favorite among those.

Linda Marveng

Knit wear designer and author

Tag Archives: Monica Stålvang