Arcade Vest in Familien

Posted on January 29, 2014 by Linda Marveng

On the cover of the latest issue – no 3 – of the Norwegian magazine Familien is my Arcade Vest in the bottom left corner, photographed by Esten A. Borgos. The straight vest is inspired by Haider Ackermann’s architectonic style and jewel colours. It features arcades knitted by cables, framed by double moss/seed stitch and ends with an I-cord trim around the neck and armholes. The double front gives the vest weight – close it as you prefer with a shawlpin or a belt. Close it at the top for a trendy look and an asymmetrical opening. The sample is knitted in the beautiful Norsk Pelsull/Norwegian Furyarn from Hifa in a turquoise mélange color, see ull.no. The pattern is available in size S to 3XL, bust measurement 92 cm/36.25″ to 134 cm/52.75″, for more details see ravelry. I am delighted with the responses to the vest on Facebook and Ravelry so far, and love following the test knit of the English pattern still ongoing in my group on Ravelry. The English pattern will be released in my Ravelry store after the test knit is complete.

Familien did not have enough space to show the vest with the wrong side out, which turned out surprisingly well, despite it being unintentionally photographed so. I already know one knitter who prefer the abstract side out as a result of that photo shoot, see this earlier blog post: professionally-photographed-arcade-vest. You can also follow my design process of it from the swatch to my own photo shoot here on my blog, if you want to backtrack: new-design-arcade-vest.

Leila Hafzi for Sandnes Garn

Posted on January 25, 2014 by Linda Marveng

Leila Hafzi is an award winning Norwegian Haute Couture designer who is acknowleged for her elegant and sensual wedding & ball gowns. It is hard not to be captivated by her floating creations, I think. Just look, and then read, the photographer Erik Almås’ blogpost: Shooting in Nepal with Leila Hafzi and you will understand me better. The behind the scenes video is a gem, I recommend you watch it. Now, her second volume of knitting patterns is released in co-operation with the Norwegian yarn company Sandnes Garn/Yarn, and the stunning photos drew me in. The first volume is all bridal accessories, while this is a fashion collection. I was at the Gave & Interiør Messe/Gift & Interior Fair yesterday, and was able to study the garments in detail. Hafzi’s sensuality and marvelous fit is present, despite the easy stitch patterns chosen for a classic style: “In addition to mute shades the collection has fresh colors, such as cobalt, blue, lime green and red for spring 2014. The form language is classical and of Leila Hafzi’s signature, at the same time you can find trendy and innovative garments in the collection. The garments were intended to be timeless and work equally well year after year. They are meant to fit everyone and you can adjust the length of the dresses if you prefer, as well as adorn with the distinctive buttons especially designed for this collection. Hafzi has a special love for the exclusive expression moss/seed stitch gives in different yarn types, as well as reverse stocking stitch structures.” The booklet has 14 patterns, knitted using 3 mm/US 2.5 to 5 mm/US 8, and is for sale only together with yarn in Norway, see all the models here: Leila Hafzi vol 2. Yarn from Sandnes Garn is also sold abroad, see sandnesgarn for more information.

Above is one of the dresses, knitted in a beautiful raspberry red pure alpaca using 2.5 mm/US 1.5 and 3 mm/US 2.5, with pleats just beneath the garter stitch waistband. The length is easy to adjust, if you feel tempted to knit it.

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.

Workshop Schedule 2014

Posted on January 18, 2014 by Linda Marveng

I am holding a Lace workshop this weekend in Oslo, and have been asked to give dates of all the upcoming ones. So I decided to write a blog post about them. New, this spring, is my weekend Knit Design Workshop, where I will cover all essential topics related to designing from a swatch to a finished garment. How do you choose a stitch pattern; shape plus construction; yarn; fitting edges and collars? How to achieve a good fit? How to make a design submission and write a pattern? I plan to show one of mine designs from beginning to finish, and will help participants to start making their own. Then this coming autumn, I am very excited that I have been invited to take part in “Strik Bornholm”/Knit Bornholm, since I have never been to the popular Danish island in the Baltic Sea. Take a look at the photos from this idyllic holiday island here: Bornholm. Above is a photo from my Japanese Pattern Workshop I held for Larvik Husflidslag last autumn. Below is the schedule in Norwegian, since they are all held in Norwegian, so far:

Fargestrikk og Montering. Lørdag og søndag 8. og 9. februar i Tønsberg. vestfold_husflidslag/strikkekurs_fargestrikk_og_montering

Fargestrikk og Montering. Lørdag og søndag 15. og 16. februar på Nøtterøy. vestfold_husflidslag/lokallagene/noetteroey_husflidslag/lokale_kurs

Strikkedesign. Lørdag og søndag 15. og 16. mars i Oslo. oslo_fylkeshusflidslag/lokale_kurs/va_10_strikkedesign_helg

Strikkedesign. Lørdag og søndag 29. og 30. mars i Larvik. Se pdf link til kurskatalogen: larvikhusflidslag

Japanske Mønstre. Lørdag og søndag 5. og 6. april i Oslo. oslo_fylkeshusflidslag/va_12_japanske_strikkemoenstre

Fargestrikk og Montering. Lørdag og søndag 26. og 27. april i Sandefjord. Se pdf link til kurskatalogen: vestfold_husflidslag/lokallagene/sandefjord_husflidslag

Fargestrikk og Montering. Lørdag og søndag 10. og 11. mai i Stokke. stokke_husflidslag/lokale_kurs/strikkekurs_fargestrikk_og_montering

Japanske Mønstre. Fredag 5. september på “Strik Bornholm”, Danmark. teambornholm.dk/strik

Montering. Lørdag 6. september på “Strik Bornholm”, Danmark. teambornholm.dk/strik

Amirisu Submission for Fall/Winter 2014

Posted on January 15, 2014 by Linda Marveng

I have wanted to submit a design to Amirisu for awhile now, and after an encouragement from one of my Ravelry friends, I needed no more convincing. Amirisu is a stunning digital magazine dedicated to knitting & related crafts, and the only one in Japan of its kind. It was launched in August 2012 by two friends: Tokuko and Meri with the vision of bringing together the best of Japanese knitting and overseas knitting, as well as aspiring to build a community – their dedicated Ravelry group is a proof of their success in doing just that. Hence the magazine is written in both English and Japanese, and published online twice a year in February and August. I was fascinated to read the interview with the Belarusian designer Olga Buraya-Kefelian, who I admire, in their latest issue (see page 12-13). I have registered as a contributing designer, and e-mailed my submission including two swatch photographs; a sketch drawn by my Creative Director (read husband); concept info; yarn suggestion; and construction notes. Before I began contemplating my design I studied their Fall/Winter 2014 Mood board on Pinterest, and what immediately captured my imagination was the leaf/nature sculptures. So no surprise there really. You can read about their selection progress on their blog: call-for-submission. I will not have to wait long if my design is selected, only until 16th February, so I will keep my fingers crossed since I would love to be part of this fantastic magazine, hence have one of my patterns translated into Japanese…

Seamless Knitting by Anna Verschik

Posted on January 11, 2014 by Linda Marveng

I have been waiting impatiently for this beautiful book to arrive from the Apollo Bookstore in Tallinn, Estonia. Anna Verschik is a linguistics professor, and an avid designer with her own blog; “kuduja” which means knitter in Estonian. It is fascinating reading, as you can imagine. Well, finally her book arrived: and I am ever so pleased to be able to study it in detail, especially the brilliant chapter on constructions. As Anna says in her introduction: “My knitting is guided by three keywords – construction, proportion, intuition.” She favors top down but also works sideways, or even combines the two. When it comes to proportion everyone knows what suits them, and what a suitable length is, especially easy to test when knitting top down, claims Anna. Quite often our intuition prompts whether a garment is suitable for you or not or whether a style is worth trying. “Quite naturally the knits in the book reflect my taste because I have created them. My style balances on the edge of minimalism, stitch patterns and adornments are not plentiful – I am always careful not to overdo it. However, if you like colourwork, busy patterns and rich style, this does not prevent you from trying out the constructions described here. The patterns in this book are meant as an illustration, and not a goal in itself. You can immediately pick a knit you like and make it. But before that I recommend that you read the read the overview of constructions that I have used.” There are 14 trendy patterns, all in size S to XL with generous charts, knitted using from a 3 mm/US 2.5 to a 5.5 mm/US 9, some with negative ease that stretches when worn while others with positive ease. See all of Anna’s gorgeous designs here: Ravelry.com/designers/anna-kuduja.

I was keen to see the rest of the pullover on the cover, and was very pleased to look at all the artistic photos on this website: siimvahur. Real Green is a sweater with a large neck opening and a central lace panel, knitted to be worn with negative ease. The pullover is knitted top-down and the pattern is easily divided into steps with clear instructions. The yarn used is Jil from G-B Wolle, 100% wool, 50 g/125 m, using 3.5 mm needles. Anna recommends “using several pairs of circular needles so that you can try on the garment as you go.”

Copyright: Siim Vahur, www.siimvahur.com/comseeriad/koolibri

Black glitter is a mohair and cotton-rayon blend top with positive ease, and a perfect example of how Anna’s minimalistic yet trendy style. Three yarns are used, but only two are held together at the same time to make up the strips: Rowan Kidsilk Haze (70% kid mohair, 30% silk, 25 g/210 m), Glitter (thin glittering thread suitable for embroidery or sewing) and Katia Brisa (60% cotton, 40% rayon, 50 g/125 m). The top is knitted using 4 mm, several pairs of circular needles are recommended for trying on, as it is knitted top-down.

Two in one. “Knits with the same construction and stitch pattern but made from different yarns. Gauge in width is the same in both yarns, which yields two-in-one effect.” Both the sweater and the top (sleeveless) are knitted sideways. Photographed here is the sweater knitted in a multicolored Aade Long 8/2 (100% wool, 100 g/400 m), using 3.5 mm needles. Anna is one of four designers in the Artemis Adornments Group on Ravelry, where she runs her test knits and knit alongs. You will find her there as “kuduja”, do join her!

2013 My Discoveries

Posted on January 8, 2014 by Linda Marveng

My essential discoveries of 2013, illustrated by a photo taken from our terrace by my husband, were:

Blogging is fun, thanks to all my readers! I also want to thank Jean Moss for letting me take part in her blogtour for Great Little Gifts to Knit, and interviewing her.
Organizing my own photo shoot is hard work, but immensely satisfying, thanks to dancer Francesca Golfetto and photographer Kim Müller!
Breaking a collarbone is painful, and prevents you from knitting for a several days – then still painful but possible, before it becomes pleasurable again! I do not recommend it!
Proof reading patterns is a demanding task, but ever so essential, and educational at times.
Understanding German knitting abbreviations requires dedication and time.
Submitting designs to International magazines is time-consuming, and not always successful but never wasted time.

Photo Shoot Pics – Part Four: Nora Sweater

Posted on January 4, 2014 by Linda Marveng

I am ever so pleased with the photos Kim Müller took of Francesca Golfetto wearing the Nora Sweater. The outfit was planned carefully since I desperately wanted to include the science-fiction sculptural shoes by Camilla Skovgaard, which were bought on sale for the photo shoot of my book to match the taupe coloured yarn in Jacket in Cross (see sneak-peak-1) and this yarn, BC Garn Semilla Fino, see garn.dk. So was the light and bare background necessary to focus all the attention on the cables, as well as Francesca’s elegance. A mélange taupe in a delicate fingering weight yarn was chosen for this slightly fitted stylish cable sweater with a shawl collar. I chose a Missoni shaped puffed sleeve for a modern twist but you can chose a set in sleeve option if you prefer. A voluptuous small cable encased by side cables, reverse stocking stitch and double seed stitch was the beginning of this design. The test knit of the English pattern has just started in my Ravelry group, please join us if you like. I am happy to announce that Familien will publish the Norwegian pattern, with the top two of these photos, in their “Vårens Strikkebok”.

The English pattern will be published in my Ravelry store after completed test knitting, here are the pattern details, in case you want to take part in the test knitting, or are interested in the pattern:

Size: S (M, L, XL)

Finished measurements Bust: 90 (94, 99, 104) cm/35.5 (37, 39, 41)” Waist: 78 (82, 87, 92) cm/30.75 (32.25, 34.25, 36.25)” Hip: 90 (94, 99, 104) cm/35.5 (37, 39, 41)” Length: 56.5 (57.5, 58.5, 59.5) cm/22.25 (22,75, 23, 23.5)” Sleeve length: 46cm/18”

Yarn: BC Garn Semilla Fino in sh ox103 (100% certified ecological wool, 240m/262yds, 50 g): 7 (8, 9, 10) balls; 1560 (1800, 2040, 2280) m/ 1706 (1969, 2231, 2493) yds, bcgarn.

Alternative yarns Jamieson’s Shetland Spindrift (100% wool, 105 m/115 yds, 25 g) jamiesonsofshetland. Rauma, Røros Lamullsgarn (100% lambswool, 250 m/273 yds, 50 g) raumaull. Or a similar 4ply/Fingering yarn.

Needles: 3 mm/US 2.5 (80 cm/32″) circular needle and 3.5 mm/US 4 DPNs or needle to match gauge.

Notions: Cable needle, 2 stitch markers, yarn needle and scrap yarn for running yarn markers.

Gauge: 28 sts and 38 rows in reverse stocking stitch measures 10 cm/4″ square. 26 sts and 38 rows in double seed pattern measures 10 cm/4″ square. 40 sts in cable panel on sleeve measures 12 cm/4.75″ wide.

Notes: Sleeves and body are worked in the round until armhole and then are worked back and forth. The large cable on front is changed to small cable with rev st st and dbl seed st before neck shaping. The small cable on the sleeves is the centre of the large cable on the body. The I-cord cast off tightens the collar, so if you prefer to it to lie flatter, bind off in pattern instead. Chose if you want to work a puff sleeve or a set-in sleeve.

I have not made a knitting review of 2013, nor made too many new year resolutions, but I am working on a list of my most essential discoveries of 2013 which I will share next.

New Released Pattern: Regal Purple Jacket

Posted on January 1, 2014 by Linda Marveng

Happy New Year! The test knitting is coming to an end, and I have released the English version of the Regal Purple Jacket in my Ravelry Store. I want to take this opportunity to thank all my test knitters! The Norwegian pattern will be published in “Vårens Strikkebok”, a magazine by Familien, due out in March. I am thrilled that it will be accompanied by photos of dancer Francesca Golfetto by Kim Müller, see above. The tech edited pattern includes the cowl, and the English version have 3 different sleeve lengths, chart, schematic plus video links. Here is a link to where you can buy and download the pdf : ravelry.com/stores/linda-marveng.

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

Sizes: S (M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL)

Finished Measurements: Bust: 92 (98, 106, 116, 126, 136) cm/36.25 (38.5, 41.75, 45.75, 49.5, 53.5)” Hip: 112 (118, 126, 136, 146, 156) cm/44 (46.5, 49.5, 53.5, 57.5, 61.5)” Length: 60 (62.5, 62.5, 65, 67.5, 67.5) cm/23.5 (24.5, 24.5, 25.5, 26.5, 26.5)” Short sleeves: 14 (14, 16, 16, 18, 18) cm/5.5 (5.5, 6.25, 6.25, 7, 7)” OR 3/4 sleeves: 36 (36, 33.5, 33.5, 31, 31) cm/14.25 (14.25, 13.25, 13.25, 12.25, 12.25)” OR long sleeves: 50 (50, 47.5, 47.5, 45, 45) cm/19.75 (19.75, 18.75, 18.75, 17.75, 17.75)” Cowl: Circumference: 33 cm/13”, length: 123 cm/48.5″

Yarn: Hifa, Perle in red purple sh 18357 (100% Egyptian mercerized cotton, 670 m/732yds, 200 g cone), see ull. Jacket with short sleeves: 2 (2, 2, 3, 3, 3) cones: 1005 (1172, 1340, 1507, 1675, 1843) m/1099 (1282, 1465, 1648, 1832, 2015) yds. Jacket with long or 3/4 sleeves: 2 (3, 3, 3, 3, 4) cones: 1340 (1507, 1675, 1843, 2010, 2178) m/1465 (1648, 1832, 2015, 2198, 2382) yds. 3/4 sleeves version uses approx 135 m/147 yds less in each size. Cowl: 1 cone: 600m/656 yds

Yarn alternatives: Filatura di Crosa, Dolce Amore (100% cotton, 181 m/198yds, 50 g), see tahkistacycharles. Fyberspates, Vivacious 4 ply (100% superwash merino, 365 m/399 yds, 100 g), see fyberspates. Anzula, Squishy (80% superwash merino, 10% cashmere, 10% nylon, 352 m/385 yds, 115 g), see anzula or another fingering/4 ply (14 wpi) yarn.

Needles: 3 mm/US 2.5 circular needle (80 cm/32”) for jacket, (40 cm/16”) for cowl or size needed to match gauge.

Notions: 2 stitch markers, 5 stitch holders, spare circular needle in same or smaller size than working needles, yarn needle and waste yarn for cowl cast on.

Gauge: 24 sts and 34 rows in Flower Wave Pattern measures 10 cm/4″ square. 24 sts and 36 rows in garter st measures 10 cm/4″ square. 30 sts and 34 rnds in stocking st measures 10 cm/4″ square. Or size needed to match gauge.

Next is my first test knit of 2014: The Nora Sweater.

Linda Marveng

Knit wear designer and author

Monthly Archives: January 2014