Monthly Archives: May 2016

New Design: Githa

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XT1B1335I am busy preparing for my next photoshoot on Wednesday, which I look forward to despite the fact that I am still knitting on three of the nine new designs to be photographed. Today you can see more proof of why I choose to hire a professional model. Here is one of the new designs that is ready. Githa: A central wavy lace panel adorns this a-lined tunic tank with garter stitch bands. The lace pattern creates fans with boxes of garter stitch in between creating texture to the uneven chainette yarn made of a mixture of cotton, linen and viscose, Rowan Panama. The yarn makes the tunic tank easy to wear during the summer or for a party. A generous shaped cowl covers your shoulders and dress up the tunic tank to make a perfect set called Githa, from Anglo-Saxon; to give or a gift. The Norwegian pattern will be published in Familien Strikk at the end of August.

XT1B1338The tunic started its life as a top, and was rejected as a design submission twice. Firstly, because the whole collection collapsed. Secondly, because it did not fit into the magazine. The proposal was given new life with a longer body, and a scoop neck with an additional shaped cowl. The tunic pattern has been graded from size XS to 2XL, while the cowl comes in XS/S (M/L, XL/2XL).

XT1B1346The lovely slubby yarn has unfortunately been discontinued, but is still available to buy. It had already been knitted by the speedy sample knitter Grete Jenssen, aka ma9 on Ravelry, before I found out. A number of alternative yarns has been listed in the pattern. Rowan Panama is listed as a fingering/4-ply yarn with a gauge of 27 stitches and 36 rows using a 3.25 mm/US 3. Neither Grete nor I managed to knit it at that gauge. I tried with a 3 mm/US 2.5 and ended up with 25 sts and 36 rows. It did however look too tight for the yarn, and I opted for the suggested needle size 3.25 mm/US 3 and a gauge of 24 sts and 32 rows instead. The yarn has been generously sponsored by Rowan Yarns’ Scandinavian Agent, Permin.

XT1B1343I am wearing size S and was trying to keep warm in the cold wind and drizzle. My husband was given the order of being quick to photograph me so I could put on more clothes. My favorite of these photos are definitely the back view. If the stitch pattern seem familiar to you, I can reveal that it is the same one I used for the Adoe jacket. I cannot wait to see how this will look on my stunning model Alexandria Eissinger. You wait and see.

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Oili Pattern Released

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Oili COVER

The test knit of the English pattern to Oili is completed and I am happy to release the pattern on Ravelry. Oili was first published in Norwegian in Familien Strikk last August. Above you see it worn by the stunning model Anne Dorthe/Team Models, with hair & make up by Sissel Fylling, jewelry by Kaja Gjedebo Design all brilliantly captured by Eivind Røhne at Henie Onstad Kunstsenter last May. Here is my introduction to the pattern: 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.

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

Finished measurements:  Top: Bust: 84.5 (92.5, 98, 106, 116, 126.5) cm/33.25 (36.25, 38.5, 41.75, 45.75, 49.75)” Length: 55 (57, 58.5, 59.5, 62, 64) cm/21.75 (22.5, 23, 23.5, 24.5, 25.25)”. Cowl: Circumference 40 cm/15.75″. Length: 128 cm/50.50″

Yarn: Permin, Bonnie (100% cotton, 50 g, 220 m/240 yds). Sample is knitted in Pale Blue 881017. http://www.permin.dk/uk/knitting-yarn/permin-knitting-yarn/bonnie.html Top: 4 (4, 5, 5, 5, 6) skeins; 739 (814, 888, 990, 1091, 1192) m/808 (890, 971, 1083, 1196, 1304) yds.  Cowl: 5 skeins; 977 m/1068 yds

 Yarn alternatives: See pattern page or choose another Sport/5 ply yarn.

Needles: 4 mm/US 6 circular needle (80 cm/32″) for top. 4 mm/US 6 circular needle (40 cm/16″) for cowl. 3.5 mm/US 4 circular needle (40 cm/16″) for bands. Adjust needle size as needed to match gauge.

Notions: 3 stitch markers, cable needle, waste yarn, 4 mm/F-5 crochet hook (for provisional cast-on) and yarn needle.

Gauge: 24 sts and 32 rows in st st using 4 mm/US 6 measures 10 cm/4″ square. 1 cable using 4 mm/US 6 measures 6 cm/2.25″ wide and 16 cm/6.25″ long.

Notes: 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.

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New Design: Ronette

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XT1B1284I came across these cables in one of my Japanese stitch pattern books and new I had to design with it. The way the central cable ends in a bulb or Tulip shape drew me in. I tested out different yarns and loved how it looked in Rowan Lima but since the yarn has been discontinued I opted for the new lovely blend of cotton, nylon and yak called Rowan Softyak DK; it is indeed soft and lovely to wear. Why not make a long a-line sweater with rib at the bottom creating a vent and then add a few garter stitches in the side so that the seam looks like a for a zip. Each front and back were given the full cable panel, while I chose to distract a third of the cable for the sleeve so that I could take it all the way to the top of the sleeve. I did want to knit this sweater myself but since speedy sample knitter Grete Jenssen, aka ma9 on Ravelry, had finished Shalana she was ready for another one. A relief in the end since I still had more to knit. The Norwegian pattern will be published in Familien Strikk in late August, while the English pattern will be test knitted and then released on Ravelry. But first I need to finish the pattern, that is.

XT1B1296The sweater is knitted using 4 mm/US 6 needle with a gauge of 22 stitches and 32 rows in stocking stitch after blocking. The cables might look complicated but they are not and they do keep you interested as the cable pattern develops. I choose stocking stitch on each side of the cable to frame them. The neckline, identical on both sides is created by the shoulder shaping, and ends in an I-cord bind off. The Softyak DK comes in 50 gram skeins with 135 m/148 yds and was generously sponsored by Permin Rowan’s agent in Scandinavia.

XT1B1288The pullover is named Ronette which means “strong counsel” in Old English, because I think it fits. It will be available in sizes XS to 2XL. I am wearing size S, knitted with a gauge of 21 instead of 22 at the top part hence with a slightly looser fit than intended across the bust and cross back. It is easy to do when under time pressure. My husband took these photos of me on our terrace in the rain yesterday.

Ronette is one of 5 new designs for Familien Strikk, and one of 9 new designs to be photographed by Eivind Røhne at our photoshoot on 1st June. 2 of my designs for Interweave Knits; Yellow Gold Pullover and Inverness Sweater will also be photographed again, this time so that I can sell the pattern when the rights revert to me. More news about the upcoming photoshoot and new designs will follow, so keep in touch.

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Mistale Knitted by Roberta Anderson

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Front_medium2I wanted to share these photos of Italian Roberta Anderson’s Mistale. It is one of my test knits she has taken part in. Roberta knitted Mistale in size S and has added this note: “the yarn I used is a bit of a mistery… Labelled as Zegna Baruffa Guanaco from 1991, I don’t know if guanaco is the actual fibre, or just a brand name. It has longer fibres like alpaca, but feels rustic, so it could be a wool-alpaca blend? whatever it is, it’s perfect for this sweater!” Roberta used 3 strands of it and it is actually a straight green. The result is stunning and I love her scarf and green backdrop! Roberta’s Ravelry id is MiniRobe and her Ravatar is her hand outstretched with 3 miniature baby sets. She writes: “Then, a few years ago, I discovered miniature knitting for 1/12 scale dolls (quick to knit, and no risk of the wee cuties growing while I was knitting!). Now miniature knitting is a bit of a strain on my eyesight, so back to normal knitting…” So if you are on Ravelry, check out her projects. Thank you so much, Roberta!

Back_medium2Here is a photo of the back. The Norwegian pattern was first published in Familien Strikk last August and the pattern is still available from them. The English pattern is available on Ravelry and on Loveknitting.

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New Design: Shalana

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XT1A9629-Edit-EditI am thrilled to show you one of my new designs, Shalana. One of my latest obsessions is moving cables across the body. Here I looked for cable or panel of cables which could be moved from the center to the shoulder. I choose Sand Cables surrounded by double moss in the center framed by a twisted stitch and stockinette in the sides. Rowan Felted Tweed  in Avocado begged to be used to give life to the cables. The resulting sweater is fitted with long sleeves decorated with Sand Cables just as the front. Grete Jenssen, aka ma9 on Ravelry, knitted this sample for me with a different gauge than planned, hence I am wearing size Large in these photos. The Norwegian pattern will be published in Norwegian in Familien Strikk at the end of August, while the English pattern will be test knitted before its release on Ravelry. Shalana will be included in my next photo shoot at the end of this month.

XT1A9631Here is my introduction to the pattern: Sand Cables that move from the center towards each shoulder dominate this fitted sweater with a rounded neckband. 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.

XT1A9621The intended gauge is 24 stitches and 32 rows in stockinette stitch using 3.5 mm/US 4 needle measures 10 cm/4″ square. The 18-stitch Sand Cables Panel measures 7 cm/2.75″ across. This is the result of my swatch. I decided to work all parts flat, to enhance the fit. But you could easily remove the added selvedge stitch and knit the body and the sleeves in the round.

XT1A9617The sand cables move from their center position on the body towards the shoulder by increasing into the center double seed stitch panel and decreasing into the stockinette stitches at the side. The neckband is an I-cord bind off, which is grafted together at the end. I am really happy how well this turned out, despite not being the size I wanted it to be. All the photos above are taken by my husband on a chilly but wonderful day earlier in May just 10 minutes from where we live at Ormøya by the fjord. We have chosen an equally stunning location for our next photo shoot. More news will follow.

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Nuala Pattern Released

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Nuala COVERWe seem to have skipped Spring in Oslo and went straight into Summer. A perfect time to release the English pattern of Nuala a straight summer shawl that can be buttoned into a shrug with a matching cowl. The pattern has been test knitted in my Ravelry group. The Norwegian pattern was published in Familien Julens Småstrikk last November. Above you see the set worn by model Anne Dorthe/Team Models with hair & make up by Sissel Fylling, jewelry by Kaja Gjedebo Design, all brilliantly captured by Eivind Røhne. Here is my introduction to the pattern: An intricate woven lacy stitch pattern by Lynne Barr is highlighted with the cable structured Softknit Cotton by Rowan in this reversible rectangular shawl that can be buttoned into a shrug. Wear it with a cowl as a collar.

Size: One Size

Finished Measurement: Shawl: Width: 42.5 cm/16.75″. Length: 143 cm/56.25″ Cowl: Width: 70 cm/27.5″. Height: 28 cm/11″

Yarn: Rowan, Softknit Cotton (92% cotton, 8% polyamide, 50 g, 105 m/115 yds). Sample is knitted in Marina 580. https://www.knitrowan.com/yarns/softknit-cotton               Shawl: 6 skeins; 588 m/643 yds. Cowl: 2 skeins; 202 m/221 yds.

Needles: 4.5 mm/US 7 circular needle (60 cm/24″) for shawl and cowl. Adjust needle size as needed to match gauge.

Notions: 8 buttons (21 mm/0.82″), 4 stitch markers and yarn needle. 

Gauge: 17 sts and 25 rows in Dropped sts using 4.5 mm/US 7 measures 10 cm/4″ square. 20 sts and 28 rows in st st measures 10 cm/4″ square.

 Notes: The shawl and cowl are both knitted flat. You can easily adjust the width of the shawl and the circumference of the cowl by removing or adding pattern repeats of 9-sts. The first 4 buttonholes are worked on the RS, while the last 4 buttonholes are worked on the WS. Both are made using the same one-row method. The cowl is sewn together, but add buttonholes rows instead if you prefer and work selvedge st as on shawl.

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Harding Cardigan in Interweave Knits Summer 2016

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FC_KNSummer16_NB-768x1018I am so thrilled to be part of the exciting Interweave Knits Summer 2016 issue with my Harding Cardigan. On the cover is the beautiful lace top; Clemente Tank by Mary Anne Benedetto, aka Apriori Knits. I was inspired by the submission call and its topics: Boho Lace and Mountain House Retreat. My submission was accepted and fitted into the last theme. I choose to design in the rustic Brooklyn Tweed Shelter and instantly knew what stitch pattern I wanted for the collar: Cabled Rib Cord from “Reversible Knitting: 50 Brand New Groundbreaking Patterns. The openwork texture of it is a great contrast to any denser cabled fabric on the body. Here is my introduction to the cardigan with the working title of Barr Cardigan: Allover telescope lattice gives this straight long cardigan a textural feel. An open rib cable cord collar, knitted separately, adds a modern look to the cardigan. Wear it open or close it with a shawl pin. The cardigan is named after the cabled rib cord pattern’s creator; Lynne Barr. The body is knitted straight from the bottom and up in parts with extra ease for comfort, while the sleeves are knitted in the round.

Interweave/Harper Point Photography

Interweave/Harper Point Photography

I choose to use a 4.5 mm/US 7 circular needle for density and to accommodate the large number of stitches. While the body is densely cabled, the collar pattern is created by working extra rows in rib before each cable crossing. The gauge for the allover Telescope Lattice pattern is 22 sts and 27 rows, while it is 26 sts and 18 rows in the Cabled Rib Cord pattern. The cardigan pattern is available in 6 sizes with a bust circumference of 85 (90, 96, 106, 114, 123) cm/33.5 (35.5, 38, 41.5, 45, 48.5)”. The model is wearing the second size with 1.5″ of positive ease.

Interweave/Harper Point Photography

Interweave/Harper Point Photography

In my submission I suggested neutral colors like Woodsmoke, Nest or Sweatshirt, but editor Meghan Babin wanted Foothills. I had no objections to the color change and thought it was a clever choice, especially after reading how Brooklyn Tweed describes the color: “Prairie haze. Fields after the harvest. Foothills is a mild sage green comprising white, grey, and yellow shaded with black, the palest member of a family that includes Tent and Artifact.” This issue of Interweave Knits is Meghan’s first “full” issue and I think she has done a brilliant job, together with the Interweave team!

Interweave/Harper Point Photography

Interweave/Harper Point Photography

The photographs are taken by Harper Point Photography in the snowy mountains of Los Padres national Forest in California, as the Interweave team decided for this issue to follow the move of the photography studio from Fort Collins, Colorado to Ventura, California.

Knits-Summer-2016-1517-683x1024

Interweave/Harper Point Photography

The photo above also shows the sewn – not knitted – Whisperwool Clutch by Kathy Fogarty. Look out for her ready to wear and sewing patterns coming soon under her own label “Midnight Mercantile”. I am delighted with the trendy photos of my cardigan. The magazine is available in both print and digitally, in addition it is possible to buy each digital pattern separately. I hope you will enjoy the magazine as much as I do!

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Imra Pattern Released

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Imra COVERThe long vest, Imra, has been released after a test knit in my group on Ravelry. As always I am curious to see what changes the test knitters do. This time it was a question of length and closure; one chose to make a short version and another added a buttonhole at the top. You can see some of the results on the pattern page. The Norwegian pattern was first published in Familien Strikk last August, and the magazine is still available to order in print or digitally, see klikk.no. Above you see the Vest modeled by the gorgeous Anne Dorthe/Team Models with hair & make up by Sissel Fylling, fantastic jewelry by Kaja Gjedebo and brilliantly captured by Eivind Røhne at Henie Onstad Kunstsenter. Here is my intro to the pattern: Poetic cables framed by reverse stockinette stripes and double seed stitch, was my idea for this straight long vest. I named this piece after the Arabic Poet, Imra. A small round neck has the same I-cord treatment as the armhole, front, and bottom edges. Match with a pair of loose sleeves that can also be worn around the waist or one as a neck tie. To achieve popping cables two yarns were combined to make a rich colored tweed yarn. I used the bouncy Hifa Ask and Rowan Fine Tweed.

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)”                            Length: 81.5 (81.5, 81.5, 84, 84, 84) cm/32 (32, 32, 33, 33, 33)”                                           Loose sleeve: Length: 49.5 cm/19.5″

Yarn: Hifa, Ask (100% wool, 100 g, 315 m/345 yds). Sample is knitted in Corn Yellow 6502. http://www.ull.no/garn/ullgarn/ask-melert                                                               Vest: 3 (3.5, 3.5, 4, 4, 4.5) skeins; 882 (954, 1025, 1120, 1216, 1323) m/965 (1043, 1121, 1225, 1330, 1447) yds.                                                                                                                  Loose Sleeves: 1 (1, 1.5, 1.5, 1.5, 1.5) skeins; 279 (313, 329, 362, 395, 428) m/305 (342, 360, 396, 432, 468) yds.                                                                                                                  Rowan, Fine Tweed (100% wool, 25 g, 90 m/98 yds). Sample is knitted in Leyburn 383. http://www.knitrowan.com/yarns/rowan-fine-tweed                                                          Vest: 10 (11, 12, 13, 14, 15) skeins; 882 (954, 1025, 1120, 1216, 1323) m/965 (1043, 1121, 1225, 1330, 1447) yds.                                                                                                                  Loose Sleeves: 4 (4, 4, 5, 5, 5) skeins; 279 (313, 329, 362, 395, 428) m/305 (342, 360, 396, 432, 468) yds.                                                                                                                        Note: Yarns are held together throughout.

Alternative yarn for Hifa, Ask: 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/pashmina/                                                  Alternative yarn for both: Brooklyn Tweed, Shelter (100% wool, 50 g, 128 m/140 yds). http://www.brooklyntweed.com/shop/shelter/                                                                Berroco, Blackstone Tweed (65% wool, 25% mohair, 10% angora, 50 g, 119 m/130 yds) http://www.berroco.com/yarns/blackstone-tweed                                                                     BC Garn, Loch Lomond (100% wool, 50 g, 155 m/169 yds)                http://garn.dk/en/wool/loch-lomond/

Needles: 4 mm/US 6 circular needle (80 cm/32″ and 40 cm/16″). 4 mm/US 6 DNPs for I-cord cast-on. Adjust needle size as neede to match gauge.

Notions: 1 m/1 yard thin round elastic for loose sleeves, cable needle, stitch markers, stitch holders, and yarn needle.

Gauge: 18 sts and 28 rows in st st and Double Seed st measures 10 cm/4″ square, blocked. 1 cable measures 8 cm/3.25″ across, blocked. 1 cable repeat measures 21.5 cm/7.5″ blocked. 28 rows in Cable measures 10 cm/4″ blocked.

Notes: The vest is worked in rows in one piece to the armhole where it is separated. Each front has a 3-sts I-cord edge that is worked at the same time as the vest. Both the narrow neckline and the armhole band has an I-cord bind off but the armhole band is worked in the round with a Double Seed stitch band. If you prefer a smaller armhole band continue working decreases. To achieve a looser bottom band, use a provisional cast-on method, and then make an I-cord bind off instead.

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