Photoshoot at Villa Malla: Hel

Posted on July 30, 2016 by Linda Marveng

Next in the series, is the vest Hel. Here is gorgeous model Alexandria Eissinger/Nordic Model Agency – with beautiful hair & make up by Jens J. Wiker and statement jewelry by Kaja Gjedebo Design – wearing Hel over dark grey silk slacks at the terrace of Villa Malla, brilliantly captured by Eivind Røhne. It was a sweltering day in June, which made the Oslo fjord look more like the Mediterranean Sea. We were having our photoshoot surrounded by people having their lunch but found some unused corners we could use as backdrop. The Norwegian pattern will be published in the special magazine Familien Strikkebok, while the English pattern will be released after test knitting which has recently began in my Ravelry group.

Sweeping Cables crown this long a-line vest with vents. The v-neck, framed by an I-cord bind-off, can be worn on the front or on the back. The cables have areas of rib in between hence a high rib became the obvious bottom band. Hel means complete in Norwegian and the Norse Hel ruled over nine worlds.

Hel is knitted in the lovely Rowan Yarns Alpaca Merino DK, with a chainette construction made in the following fibre mix: 83% alpaca, 10% nylon, 7% wool, on each 25 ball with 105 m/115 yds. The sample is knitted in Belvoir 107 with a gauge of 22 sts and 30 rows in stocking stitch measures 10 cm/4″ square using a 4 mm/US 6 needle. The cable stretches across a large number of stitches hence a yarn with a hard twist and few plies will make the cables look flimsy.

The vest is graded from size XS to 2XL, with a bust circumference of 82 to 126 cm/32.25 to 49.5″. It is knitted back and forth in parts. The short row shaping of the shoulders make it easy to wear with the v-neck on the front or on the back.

Here shown the other way around. I first planned a boat neck and smaller armholes but changed my mind to give the vest a more casual look with larger armholes and a v-neck to be worn either way.

The sample together with a selection of the photos will be exhibited at the Strikke 2016 Festival at the new gallery at Hadeland Glassverk opening on 3. September to the 30. October. Next in the series is Ronette. So you do have more photos to look forward to.

Photoshoot at Villa Malla: Kori

Posted on July 27, 2016 by Linda Marveng

I am delighted to show you the next set of photos from Villa Malla; Kori. Brilliant photographer Eivind Røhne, gorgeous model Alexandria Eissinger/Nordic Model Agency, gifted Hair & Make up Artist Jens J. Wiker, photographic assistant Michael Marveng-Puckett and I moved to the upper terrace at Villa Malla for the next set of photos. Eivind immediately spotted a view towards the fjord, reminiscent of the Greek island of Santorini where it not for the lack of height, on this sweltering summer day. Yes, we did wait for the sailboat to enter into Eivind’s camera lens to make this iconic photo. The beautiful statement jewelry is by Kaja Gjedebo Design while the magic skirt with a train is by Judith Bech Design. Kori will first be published in Norwegian in the special magazine Familien Strikkebok out at the end of August. The English pattern will be test knitted in my Ravelry group, set to begin in November, before its release.

Kori is old Norse and means perfect; Kori is the result of a complex mathematical equation that cannot be calculated by the human mind. Just as the intricate cable that crowns this fitted jacket. The intricate cable crossings are filled by seed stitch, hence seed stitch bands and playful tucks at the bottom. The jacket has a shawl collar and ends in I-cord bind offs. It is knitted in parts to give extra shape in the beautiful Rowan Yarns Baby Merino Silk DK.

The jacket is knitted using 4 mm/US 6 needles with a gauge of 22 stitches and 32 rows in Stocking stitch to 10 cm/4″. I have graded it from sizes XS to 2XL with a bust circumference of 84 to 126 cm/33 to 49.5″. The body is worked flat in pieces, unlike the long sleeves which are worked in the round to the armhole. Above you can see the stocking stitch side where the decreasing and increasing are done for the fitted waist. The hem and the tuck are worked with 2 sets of circular needles held together.

The cable pattern is demanding with inserts of seed stitch/moss stitch, but rewarding in its sculptural beauty. The tucks at the bottom of the body and the sleeves mirror the cables, just as the I-cord bind off I chose for all parts including the collar.

I love how this photo captures the tucks and sleeve cables. By working purl rounds in between two tucks the second tuck turned in the opposite direction. I discovered this when I was working on the Indigo Sweater for my Norwegian knitting book.

Yes, as you might have gathered by now, I did have a difficult time to choose photos of this. The perfect blue color called Bluebird worked so well against our chosen backdrop. I did consider whether to have the back covered with cable repeats, instead I choose to keep each repeat separately, giving the back several spines and straight lines to relate to. The samples and professional photos of Kori will together with Yellow Golden Pullover, Hel, Ronette and Shalana be exhibited at the knitting festival Strikke 2016 at Hadeland Glassverk from 3. September to 31. October. In the mean time I will show you some exquisite photos from our photo shoot.

Photoshoot at Villa Malla: Yellow Golden Pullover

Posted on July 23, 2016 by Linda Marveng

The second set of photos I am going to reveal are the ones taken of the Yellow Gold Pullover, first published in Interweave Knits Fall 2015. Since the pattern rights revert to me at the end of July, I had to photograph it again for my own pattern sales. The English pattern will be released in my Ravelry Store, while the Norwegian pattern will be printed in the special magazine: Familien Strikkebok, available from end of August. I decided I wanted a tone-in-tone background, hence I choose to style it with beige trousers and cream colored shoes. It was not difficult to convince Eivind Røhne to take the photos on the small beach at Villa Malla. He suggested that model Alexandria Eissinger/Nordic Model Agency should be sitting on a rock. Above you see her with make up and hair by Jens J. Wiker, as well as statement jewelry by Kaja Gjedebo Design.

Here is my introduction to the pullover: Elegant chain link cables framed by a welt pattern adorn this casual sweater. It is knitted straight from the bottom and up in parts with extra ease for comfort. Spindrift, a fine heathered wool was chosen for its lightness and color. The round neck makes it easy to wear over a crisp shirt or your favorite t-shirt.

The sample is knitted in Jamieson’s Spindrift, a fingering/4-ply yarn in 100% wool with 251 meters/275 yards on each 50 g skein, using a 3.25 mm/US 3 needle. The gauge is 23 stitches and 32 rows in Welt pattern measures 10 cm/4″ square. The straight sweater is worked from the bottom and up in parts and then sewn together. The cables are gathered before the neck bind off to keep their volume.

The Yellow Gold Pullover will together with the vest Hel, the jacket Kori, and the sweaters Shalana and Ronette be exhibited at Hadeland Glassverk for the Norwegian knitting Festival called Strikke 2016, accompanied with their professional photos. Their new gallery is designed by the award winning architects Snøhetta, and I cannot wait to see it. The Festival begins on the 3rd September, when I am at Strik Bornholm, but I will be there holding workshops 17th and 18th of September. More information will follow.

Adoe Pattern Released

Posted on July 20, 2016 by Linda Marveng

Finally, here it is: Adoe. As the list of knitters wanting an English version grew, I am so happy that the test knitting is coming to an end with a number of completed versions and more to come. The Norwegian pattern was published in Familien Kreativ in March. Gorgeous model Alexandria Eissinger/Sweden Models with beautiful hair & make up by Sissel Fylling, statement jewelry by Kaja Gjedebo Design, fringe skirt by Judith Bech, all brilliantly captured by photographer Eivind Røhne. Here is my introduction to the pattern: Wavy lace with garter stitch edging is the focus of this delicate jacket. The deep v-neck is adorned with scallops made by the wavy lace pattern. It is knitted in the stunning chainette yarn; Truesilk by Rowan, and intended for those special times. Adoe means time, and it seemed entirely appropriate. The body of the jacket is straight and knitted in pieces, while the sleeves are knitted in the round. Close the jacket with a beautiful brooch.

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

Finished sizes: Bust: 83 (90, 97, 104, 114, 124) cm/32.75 (35.5, 38.25, 41, 45, 48.75)”. Length: 54 (55, 56, 57, 58, 59) cm/21.25 (21.75, 22, 22.5, 22.75, 23.25)”. Sleeve length: 49 (50, 50, 51, 51, 52) cm/19.25 (19.75, 19.75, 20, 20, 20.5)”

Yarn: Rowan Yarns, Truesilk (100% mulberry silk, 50 g, 150 m/164 yds). Sample is knitted in Serene 330: 6 (7, 8, 8, 9, 10) skeins; 892 (975, 1058, 1141, 1265, 1390) m/976 (1066, 1157, 1248, 1383, 1520) yds. http://www.knitrowan.com/yarns/truesilk

Needle: 4 mm/US 6 circular needle (80 cm/32″) for body. 4 mm/US 6 circular needle (120 cm/47″) for neckband. 4 mm/US 6 DPNs for sleeves. Adjust needle size as needed to match gauge.

Gauge: 22 sts and 32 rows in st st measures 10 cm/4″ after blocking. 22 sts and 32 rows in garter sts measures 10 cm/4″ after blocking. 17-sts; 1 pattern rep in Wavy Lace measures 9 cm/3.5″ across after blocking. 32 rows in Wavy Lace measures 10 cm/4″ down after blocking.

Notions: Stitch markers, stitch holders and yarn needle.

Notes: The body is worked back and forth in parts, while the sleeves are worked in the round. The front band is the first part of the wavy lace pattern, and creates a scalloped end to it. Attach buttons and use the holes created by the lace as buttonholes if you prefer.

Photoshoot at Villa Malla: Githa

Posted on July 16, 2016 by Linda Marveng

Githa is first out of the professional photos, since the test knitting has started on Ravelry already. I am so excited to show you the amazing photos Eivind Røhne took of gorgeous model Alexandria Eissinger/Nordic Model Agency with hair & make up by Jens J. Wiker and jewelry by Kaja Gjedebo Design at Villa Malla at the beginning of June. I had also borrowed two skirts from Judith Bech Design, and I decided that the tunic Githa with a large cowl would look fab with the tulle skirt. Judith sent me a selection of other cocktail dresses too, just in case I wanted to borrow some more. It is such a treat to open each box sent from her, and have a close look at all the dresses!

My initial plan was to have the fjord in the background but the pier is quite high so it had to be the sky instead. I think it worked even better. These two top photos are both cropped and with even more sky, they appear like a stunning film poster. See more of the background in my husband’s photos at villa-malls-sneak-peek. The Norwegian pattern for Githa will be published in the special magazine Familien Strikkebok out at the end of August. While the English pattern will be published on Ravelry after the test knit is completed.

As always I want a photo from the front, side and back to show it from all points of view. So that you can see that the back does have a lace panel too. Githa is knitted in the lovely and summery Rowan Panama, a slubby yarn mix of cotton, viscose and linen with a subtle sheen to it. Both the tunic and the cowl is knitted using a 3.25 mm/US 3 needle with a gauge of 24 stitches and 32 rounds/rows in stockinette stitch to 10 cm/4″ square. The tunic is available in sizes XS to 2XL with a bust circumference of 84 to 126 cm/33 to 49.5″, while the cowl is available in sizes XS/S (M/L, XL/2XL). Alexandria is wearing size S in the tunic and size XS/S cowl. The reason I choose three different sizes on the cowl is so that it will easily fit around the shoulders for the different sizes. But you can also easily adjust the size of it by adding or removing pattern repeats.

Here it is photographed with the large cowl across the shoulders. As you can see it has an area of garter stitch used for shaping the cowl and also to match the casual look of the tunic. The tunic tank is knitted from the bottom and up, in the round to the armhole, then separated into two parts and worked flat. The shoulders are shaped with short rows. The neckband and armholebands are picked up and knitted in the round at the end. A false sideseam is created by a reverse stocking stitch with garter stitches on each side. If you want a smaller neckline or armhole, you can either work additional rounds on the bands or adjust the pattern with for example 3 cm/1.25″. The cowl is knitted from the bottom and up, in the round. It is shaped in a separate garter stitch panel.

The wavy lace stitch pattern is the same I chose for the Adoe jacket. I was thrilled to match it with Kaja Gjedebo’s new Rubble & Roll Collection. Here is a mind-blowing quote from Kaja: “A piece of jewellery should be a miniature sculpture – an everyday piece of art you would like to wear not only today, but for the rest of your life.” On that note, I will leave you and come back to show you more stunning photos from our shoot! I am so grateful for having such a magnificent team behind me!

Helka Pattern Released

Posted on July 13, 2016 by Linda Marveng

The successful test knit of Helka ended a week ago, and I am very pleased to release the English pattern. My skillful test knitters have improved the pattern, and I added their useful notes. The Norwegian pattern was first published in Familien Kreativ in March. Above you see it worn by the gorgeous model Alexandria Eissinger/Sweden Models, with beautiful hair & make up by Sissel Fylling and jewelry by Kaja Gjedebo Design, all brilliantly captured by Eivind Røhne. The buttons are bespoke and like jewelry designed by Siri Berrefjord, you can see them close-up in this blogpost. Here is my introduction to the pattern: A long straight classical jacket with woven cables in a diamond pattern that ends in a rib. The cables are erased into a rib, then into stockinette stitch in the sides. Named after Helka the prosperous one, it has a deep v-neck and a double button band, leaving all the glory to the cables. Use it with a belt or adorn it with beautiful buttons like these jewelry ones by Siri Berrefjord.

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

Finished measurements: Bust circumference: 84 (92, 100, 108, 116, 124) cm/33 (36.25, 39.25, 42.5, 45.75, 48.75)”. Length: 79 (80, 81, 82, 83, 84) cm/31 (31.5, 32, 32.25, 32.75, 33)”. Sleeve length: 49 (50, 51, 51, 51, 51) cm/19.25 (19.75, 20, 20, 20, 20)”

Yarn: Hifa, Huldra Kamgarn 8, 5/2 (100% combed wool, 200 g, 850 m/929 yds). Sample is knitted in Unbleached White 428026; 3 (3, 3, 3, 3, 3) cones; 1892 (2012, 2131, 2251, 2371, 2492) m/2069 (2200, 2330, 2462, 2593, 2725) yds. http://www.ull.no/garn/maskinstrikkegarn/huldra-kamgarn-8-5-2-tykt Du Store Alpakka, Dreamline Soul (68% baby alpaca, 32% nylon, 25 g, 177 m/195 yds). Sample is knitted in White DL201; 11 (12, 13, 14, 14, 15) skeins; 1892 (2012, 2131, 2251, 2371, 2492) m/2069 (2200, 2330, 2462, 2593, 2725) yds. http://dustorealpakka.no/garn/soul/?sf_paged=2

Note: One strand of each yarn is held together throughout.

Needles: 4 mm/US 6 circular needle (80 cm/32″). 3.5 mm/US 4 circular needle (120 cm/47″ or 2 sets of 80 cm/32″) for button band. 4 mm/US 6 DPNs. Adjust needle size as needed to match gauge.

Notions: 14 buttons (18 mm/0.7″). Bespoke buttons on sample are made by Siri Berrefjord, siri@fredenshavn.no see http://epla.no/shops/sirisskattkammer/, cable needle, 8 Stitch markers, 4 stitch holders and yarn needle.

Gauge: 20 sts and 28 rows in st st using both yarns held together measures 10 cm/4″ square blocked. 42 sts and 28 rows in Woven Cable; 1 pattern repeat measures 13 cm/5″ across and 9 cm/3.5″ high.

Notes: The body is knitted from the bottom and up in 3 parts, back and forth, while the sleeves are worked in the round. The Woven Cable pattern ends in a rib at the sleevecap and at the v-neck shaping on the fronts, as well as on shoulders at the back.

New Design: Elfa

Posted on July 9, 2016 by Linda Marveng

Elfa is the last of my new designs and the fourth garment made for yarn kits for Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk. The cables are the same one I used for Idunn, and I loved the idea of making a different but also a more feminine version this time. I decided upon an a-line long jacket as a contrast to the straight pullover. The yarn producer liked my idea, I am pleased to say. It was another project that skilled sample knitter Grete Jenssen, aka ma9, knitted with her usual turbo speed. All four designs with their yarn kits will be launched at Oslo Design Fair at the beginning of September.

Here is my presentation of it: Elfa is an a-line long jacket with central cables along all parts. Tucks divide the different patterns giving a slight flair and a softer touch to the jacket. A large shawl collar crowns the garment, hence the given name Elfa – after the Norse king and warrior. The body is worked in pieces while the sleeves are worked in the round to the underarm. It is knitted in the in the lustrous pelt yarn with a mohair feel, Sølje from Hifa.

Elfa is knitted using 3 mm/US 2.5 needles with a gauge of 24 stitches and 34 rows in stocking stitch measures 10 cm/4″ square. The body is worked flat in pieces, unlike the long sleeves which are worked in the round to the armhole. The hem and the tuck are worked with 2 sets of circular needles held together. To make the bottom band and tuck to flare less choose needle size 2.5 mm/US 1.5. The number of stitches picked up for collar has been adjusted from the sample to avoid the flare. I have graded the jacket from size XS to 2XL, with a bust circumference from 84 to 126 cm/33 to 49.5″, and I am wearing size S above. Elfa was photographed by my husband at Ormøya a couple of weeks ago and by Eivind Røhne at Villa Malla on the 1. of June. Coming up are all the amazing professional photos and the garments worn by model Alexandria Eissinger/Nordic Model Agency.

Shinju Pattern Released

Posted on July 6, 2016 by Linda Marveng

My wedding shawl design, Shinju, is now released in English in my Ravelry Store. The shawl is knitted in the divine Mondial Perle yarn with beads on the yarn itself for extra glamour. The yarn comes in several other classic colors which will make the shawl wearable for any party and not only a wedding. I am pleased to say that the pattern has been test knitted in my Ravelry group before its release. Shinju was brilliantly photographed by Eivind Røhne at Ekebergrestauranten for the Norwegian special magazine Familien Kreativ, published in March. Gorgeous model Alexandria Eissinger/Sweden Models is wearing the shawl. Hair and make up is by Sissel Fylling. The stunning jewelry is by Kaja Gjedebo Design: KGD. Here is my introduction to the pattern: Love, affection and beautiful are all parts of the Japanese word for pearl and was perfect for this lacy shawl knitted in a luxurious fiber mix with both mohair and silk with beads attached on an Italian yarn from Mondial called Perle. Ruffled bell borders grace each end of the shawl and highlight Judith Bech’s Secret; a divine felted wedding dress with a mermaid tail.

Size: One size

Finished measurement: Width: 51.5 cm/20.25″. Length: 150 cm/59″

Yarn: Mondial, Perle (55% polyester, 30% kid mohair, 15% silk, with beads, 25 g, 85 m/93 yds). Sample is knitted in Cream 0944: 13 skeins; 1054 m/1152 yds. http://www.lanemondial.it/home/en/filati-5/fall-winter/185-deluxe-eng/1632-perle

Alternative yarn: Art Yarns, Beaded Mohair and Sequins (60% kid mohair, 40% silk, with glass beads and sequins, 50 g, 104 m/114 yds). http://www.artyarns.com/patterns/beaded-mohair-and-sequins/ Or another Worsted/10 ply yarn.

Notions: Stitch markers and yarn needle.

Needle: 4.5 mm/US 7 circular needle (60 cm/24″).

Gauge: 19 sts and 24 rows in Window lace measures 10 cm/4″ square. 17 sts and 24 rows in st st measures 10 cm/4″ square. 17 sts and 24 rows in garter st measures 10 cm/4″ square.

Notes: The shawl is made from one short end to the opposite, with a ruffled bell border at each end, and garter stitch side stitches. Adjust the length and width of the shawl by adding or removing stitch patterns as preferred, e.g 9 pattern reps of Window Lace and a cast-on of 171 sts.

New Design: Idunn

Posted on July 2, 2016 by Linda Marveng

I included a sweater in my design submission to Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk for their yarn kits. A pullover not unlike Cable Round Sweater and Mistale with ribbing in the sides making it appear shaped but this time with a Henley neck. It might sounds familiar since it is because I was inspired by the neck modification Sabine Brenner made to her Mistale. I adored this cable the first time I saw it and moved the cable crossing row until I was totally smitten with it. The pelt yarn; Norsk Pelsull, soon to be renamed to Tinde, was chosen for this pullover while a jacket was made in the new finer pelt yarn Sølje with the exact same cables. Again, I was fortunate that skilled turbo-knitter Grete Jenssen, aka ma9 on Ravelry could help me out and knit the sample. It took her 9 days, for your information. All four designs will be launched as yarn kits at Oslo Design Fair at the beginning of September.

Here is my introduction to Idunn: Named after the Norse goddess of spring and immortality is this straight sweater with a Henley neck with center cables. Ribs frame the cables in each side and make the sweater figure hugging. One center cable adds texture to the sleeve. The sweater is worked in the round to the underarm in the lustrous pelt yarn with a mohair feel, Norsk Pelsull from Hifa.

The pullover is knitted using 3.5 mm/US 4 needle with a gauge of 21 stitches and 30 rows/rounds measures 10 cm/4″ square. It will be available in sizes XS to 2 XL with a bust circumference of 88 to 129 cm/34.75 to 50.75″. Above you see me wearing size S. 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 color is petrol and it is so vivid, hence well suited to be photographed at Ormøya by the fjord. I loved seeing it on my model Alexandria since she made it come alive for me. You wait and see.

Linda Marveng

Knit wear designer and author

Monthly Archives: July 2016