Monthly Archives: December 2016

Brewster Cardigan Again

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I wanted to show you how the Brewster Cardigan, published in Wool Studio 2016, looks on me and the different ways you can wear the loop. My husband photographed me wearing it at Ormøya by the Bunnefjord just before I sent it off to Interweave, back in July. The English pattern is available in the digital pattern collection; Wool Studio 2016 by the knit.wear editors. Above I am wearing the loop hanging around my neck once.

Here in this picture, the loop is crossed at the front. The Brewster Cardigan is knitted in Valley Yarns Northfield using a 4 mm/US 6 with a gauge of 22 stitches and 30 rows measuring 10 cm/4″ square. The lush yarn is a mixture made of 70% merino wool, 20% baby alpaca, 10% silk with 113 meters/124 yards on each 50 gram ball, and has a divine stitch definition.

The third way of wearing it is with the loop crossed and twice around the neck, so that it pulls in the whole cardigan. The cardigan is worked back and forth in one piece to the armholes, and then the fronts and back are worked separately. The sleeves are worked in the round, with the sleeve cap worked flat. The loop collar is made in two pieces and joined using a three-needle bind off.  There are no cables on the fronts, since the wide loop collar is made of the several cable repeats with garter edges and attached along each front with the extra loop hanging loose.

This side view shows the faux side seam and the garter stitch edging, as well as the cable panel on the sleeve. Here is the introduction to the cardigan from the webzine: “Alluring cables and a draped loop cowl create the unusual but captivating silhouette of the Brewster Cardigan. The generous loop cowl can double as pockets, or the extension can be omitted entirely! Either way, the stunning cables and comfortable fit will make this cardigan a favorite for years to come.”

The sand cables cover most of the back. They give a lovely texture to the back just as the loop does to the front. I am wearing the sample which is the third of six sizes and it measures 101.5 cm/40″ around the bust and is modelled with 10 cm/4″ of positive ease on me. Recommended ease is around 5 cm/2″.  The smallest size measures 89 cm/35″ and the largest measures 136 cm/53.5″. If you have not had a look at Wool Studio 2016, I recommend you do. It is: “a capsule collection for the modern knitter. Wool Studio is a digital lookbook featuring clean, accessible knitwear designs for every woman”.

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New Design: Aylwen

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I am excited to show you my new design; Aylwen. Again I have been playing around with what appear like a short loop but actually is the overlapping fronts joined together. A divine alpaca and silk mixture yarn, Du Store Alpakka Baby Silk, was chosen for a soft stitch definition but a luxurious feel to the skin. The jacket is slightly shaped at the waist. While I was busy knitting another project, the skilled knitter Airin Hansen, aka Teodor on Ravelry, made this. The Norwegian pattern will be published in the special magazine Familien Kreativ and published in March, while the English pattern will be test knitted in my Ravelry group in July before its release.

Here is my introduction to the pattern: A reversible tuck pattern with the wrong side out, and garter stitch edging adorn this  elegant jacket. It has overlapping fronts which are joined into a short loop that can be worn once or twice around the neck or tied around the waist or as you like pinned together with a shawl pin or brooch. For a more flattering look it is slightly shaped at the waist and wider at the hip than at the bust.

It is knitted in Du Store Alpakka Baby Silk made of 80% baby alpaca, 20% silk on 50 grams balls with 133 meters/145 yards in the shade Beige 347, using 3.5 mm/US 4 needles with a gauge of 24 stitches and 32 rows in stocking stitch measuring 10 cm/4″. The yarn was kindly sponsored by House of Yarn.

Here you see me demonstrating how difficult it is to style a garment on yourself, with cold fingers, as if you did not know that already. All parts are worked back and forth, then sewed together at the end. The loop parts are joined at the end. I am wearing size Small but it will be available in sizes XS to 2XL with a bust circumference of 86 to 126 cm/33.75 to 49.5″.

Above is a back view with the overlapping fronts hanging around the neck. All bands are worked in Garter stitch. In the top photo you can see a bit of the wrong side of the stitch pattern creating bobles. All these photos were taken by my husband in November, on a cold clear day with no snow at Ormøya by the Bunnefjord in Oslo, close to where we live.

Here is the arty shoot of my inside the covered benches. Again demonstrating that this is a lot easier in front of a mirror. I also discovered another way of wearing it during our photoshoot when I could drape it around the model and not on myself.

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Christmas 2016

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I do not know what happened to December, but I made the deadline yesterday “Lille Juleaften”/Little Christmas Eve for yet another design submission. I can have a few days off before I begin on the next one. My Christmas will be a Knitmas that is for certain. But I will also have time to celebrate with my family including my niece and nephews. With a wonderful photo from our terrace of the moon taken earlier this month by my husband, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year as well as Happy Holidays! Bring it on 2017!

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Wool Studio 2016 with My Design

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Interweave Knits and knit.wear editor Meghan Babin sent me an invitation to submit to their new special collection for knit.wear, called Wool Studio 2016, back in March. I was delighted to have this extra opportunity to submit. The result: “Wool Studio is a digital lookbook featuring clean, accessible knitwear designs for every woman.” We are 9 contributing designers, and it is an impressive list: Norah Gaughan, Bristol Ivy, Kate Gagnon Osborn, Sarah Salamon, Amanda Scheuzger, Mary Anne Benedetto, Amanda Bell, Emma Welford and myself. On the stunning cover is Truro Pullover by Amanda Scheuzger. My submission was accepted and here it is, beautifully captured by Harper Point Photography; the Brewster Cardigan.

Interweave / Harper Point Photography

Here is the introduction to the cardigan from the webzine: “Alluring cables and a draped loop cowl create the unusual but captivating silhouette of the Brewster Cardigan. The generous loop cowl can double as pockets, or the extension can be omitted entirely! Either way, the stunning cables and comfortable fit will make this cardigan a favorite for years to come.”

Interweave / Harper Point Photography

The Brewster Cardigan is knitted in Valley Yarns Northfield using a 4 mm/US 6 with a gauge of 22 stitches and 30 rows measuring 10 cm/4″ square. The lush yarn is a mixture made of 70% merino wool, 20% baby alpaca, 10% silk with 113 meters/124 yards on each 50 gram ball, and has a divine stitch definition.

Interweave / Harper Point Photography

The cardigan is worked back and forth in one piece to the armholes, and then the fronts and back are worked separately. The sleeves are worked in the round, with the sleeve cap worked flat. The loop collar is made in two pieces and joined using a three-needle bind off.  There are no cables on the fronts, since the wide loop collar is made of the several cable repeats with garter edges and attached along each front with the extra loop hanging loose. In these photos you see the loop collar hanging around the neck once, but it is also possible to hang it twice hence pull the cardigan together or cross the loop at the front for a different look. I will show you these options in the photos my husband took of me in a later blogpost.

Interweave / Harper Point Photography

The sample shown is the third of six sizes and it measures 101.5 cm/40″ around the bust and is modelled with 6″ of positive ease. The smallest size measures 89 cm/35″ and the largest measures 136 cm/53.5″. If you do not like the loop collar you could easily just make it long enough to fit along the opening. Do take a look at the clean and crisp collection that Wool Studio 2016 is.  I am so proud to be part of it! Thank you Interweave!

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New Design: Hanasa

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mmp-xt1b5069Du Store Alpakka Baby Silk yarn is a divine mixture of alpaca and silk I wanted to test. I fell for this strong olive green colour and decided to make another a-line sweater with a split cable at the bottom of the body and sleeves. The yarn gives the pullover a lovely sheen. It is beautifully knitted by Grete Jenssen, aka ma9 on Ravelry, using 3.5 mm/US 4 needles and a gauge of 24 stitches and 32 rows. The yarn is made of 80% baby alpaca and 20% mulberry silk and comes in 50 grams ball with 133 meters/145 yards. The sample is knitted in Green 307, and the yarn has been kindly sponsored by House of Yarn. The Norwegian pattern will be published in Familien Kreativ in March, while the English pattern will be test knitted in my Ravelry group in June next year.

mmp-xt1b5079Here is my introduction to the pattern: Named after the Norse godess with gorgeous hair tress remiscent of this cable. This a-line sweater has a cable vent on both the body and the sleeves. A high round collar finishes off the pullover. Why not add an extra cowl to feel extra cosy in. Hanasa is knitted in a divine silk and alpaca mixture for that lovely feel and sheen. You may have noticed that the cable on the sleeve is a smaller version of the one on the body and does not have the bordering garter stitches on each side.

mmp-xt1b5075As usual I have chosen to knit it in part and sew it together for a better fit. The vent at the bottom is made by making each part and each sleeve in two parts before they are joined together. Part two is made first, in order for part one to be worked first when they are joined together. The collar became more generous than I initially had planned so I had to make a cowl to go with it with four of the central body cable. It was finished just in time for the photo shoot so it has only been photographed indoors so far and the colour is so off it does not even look green. You will just have to wait and see the stunning photos of model Silje Andresen/Team Models wearing instead. The cowl I only made in one size but you can easily adjust it if you want to. The sweater is graded in sizes XS to 2XL, with a bust circumference of 84 to 126 cm/33 to 49.5″ and a hip circumference of 98 to 140 cm/38.5 to 55″. I am wearing size S.

mmp-xt1b5089My husband photographed me wearing it in late November at Ormøya by the fjord. It was his suggestions that we take som arty shoots in this boxed in bench. Above you see the result. Unfortunately the shadows of the tree covered the whole bench on both sides, so I could not escape.

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På Pinnen with My Design

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papinnen_nr3_2016_tfI am delighted to yet again have a design in the digital magazine: På Pinnen/On the Needle, a membership magazine for the Norsk Strikkeforbund/Norwegian Knitting Association. No, it is not the design on the cover. Luna Cowl is designed by Kari-Helene Rane, a Norwegian designer based in England and the creative half of the company Purl Alpaca Designs. I translated the pattern into Norwegian, even though I am sure Kari-Helene could have done it herself, but I did it since I am part of the editorial staff, working with editor Tove Fevang. Inside there is also an interview of Kari-Helene by Tove, in addition to a pair of mittens designed by Lill C. Schei and a cushion by Janne Wie. My design featured in the magazine is the Honeysuckle Shawl. Below you can see the first two pages of the pattern. I have also contributed with an article about Strik Bornholm.

paapinnen_nr3-2016_extractIf you know my designs, you might know that the Honeysuckle Shawl including the cowl and belt is worn by Alexandria Eissinger at Pholk, with hair & make up by Sissel Fylling, all brilliantly captured by photographer Eivind Røhne. The design was commissioned by former editor Mary-Ann Astrup for Made by Me but the magazine was replaced by Familien Trend in February 2015.

This is the last issue of På Pinnen that editor Tove and I worked on since the board has decided to change the format and look of the magazine, as well as introduce a monthly newsletter. It has been an enjoyable and educational experience! You can read more about the way forward for the Norsk Strikkeforbund in the magazine.

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New Design: Cavallo

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mmp-xt1b4964I wanted to have another go at designing an a-line sweater with a rounded hem, this time with a Henley neck. This comes after my most successful pattern to date; the Oydis Sweater. Just as last time I found an attractive cable to be the focus point, but chose a solid yarn this time instead of a home made tweed mix; Dale Pure Eco Wool in a stunning soft sea-green colour.  I tend to get easily bored knitting stockinette stitch, hence the row gauge is slightly off (28 rows instead of 30 rows) and it has become 3 cm/1.25″ longer than intended. The fit is based upon the Oydis Sweater, and it is meant to be worn with around 5 cm/2″ ease. The Norwegian pattern will be published in the special issue called Familien Kreativ which will be published in March next year. While the English pattern will be test knitted in my Ravelry group, beginning in May, before its release.

mmp-xt1b4984Here is my introduction to the pattern: A playful horseshoe cable adorns the body of this a-line sweater with a rounded hem. The Henley neck crowns the pullover and begins as a v-neck but ends a round neck, following the shape of the cable itself. The sleeves have been given symmetrical check patterns giving the appearance of cables. All parts ends in an I-cord bind off, and have garter stitches to mark the sides. Cavallo means horse in Italian and suits the horseshoe cable.

mmp-xt1b4958Cavallo is knitted in Dale, Pure Eco Wool made of 70% wool, 30% alpaca in 50 gram balls with 112 meters/122 yards, using a 4 mm/US 6 needle. The gauge is 21 stitches and 30 rows in stockinette stitch measures 10 cm/4″ square. The yarn was generously sponsored by House of Yarn. I choose to work all parts back and forth, then sewed it together. Each side on all parts has a few garter stitches as a side band.  You can easily knit the sleeves and also the body in the round after the rounded hem.

mmp-xt1b4977I found the cable too large to fit on the sleeves and chose a check pattern which looks like fake cables on the center of the sleeve. It adds a bit of texture and makes the sleeves more fun to knit. I knitted both flat at the same time. I have graded the sweater in sizes XS to 2XL with a bust circumference of 84 to 126 cm/33 to 49.5″. I am wearing size S in the photos above taken by my husband at the end of October at Ormøya by the fjord in Oslo, close to where we live.

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Designers Christmas Market at DOGA

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dscn0673“Designernes eget julemarked”/The Designers’ Own Christmas Market was first organised in Oslo in December 1999, by a small creative group of friends who knew many great designers and makers. Since 2004 it has been held in the large and spacious premises of DOGA, short for the Norwegian Centre for Design and Architecture, in the city center. It attracts thousands of people each year, and is also getting more International every year. You will find designers offering: jewellery, paper ware, ceramics, cosmetics, books, leather products, clothing, knitwear, toys, wood work and textiles. There is a small entrance fee, but lots of bargains to be had since some of designers have sample sales or offer special discounts. This year I knew that both Siri Berrefjord – with her “bunadsplast”/National Costume plastic – and Cecilie Telle – with her felted garments and bags – would be present. Siri is a photographer, jewellery designer as well as re-designing clothes and had a stand at the market. Notice the brooch she is wearing on her inherited dress made in the same fabric used for one of the National costume aprons. Siri was also wearing a stunning brooch in her hair. Take a look at the poster behind her and you get the idea. She has made a number of stunning buttons for me, and had brought a number for sale, check out the left side of her table. You will find her shop called Siris skattkammer/Siri’s treasure trove at epla.no. Do also check out her webpage: Fredenshavn.no.

dscn0671Cecilie Telle is Norwegian who lives in London with her Japanese husband and two daughters (you can spot Edie in the photo above). We first met working at the yarn shop Loop in Islington, North London, in 2005. Cecilie teaches handcraft at schools, holds knitting workshops and designs, mainly felted items. At her busy stall she sold popular scarfs, ponchos and bags. Above you can see a selection of what she had brought with her. There was also a queue of friends who stopped by to say hello, myself included. Cecilie sells her designs at Comme de Garcons’ flagship store in London; Couverture, London; Crafts Council, London; Contemporary Applied Arts, London; Norway Designs, Oslo and Takashimaya in New York as well as online at The Wolery. Here is how she presents the shop: “The Wolery is a family run shop, based in an old handbag factory in London. Our shop is a fusion between Japanese and Norwegian cultures which also happens to be the background of our family.” Cecilie’s house and studio are amazing just like her designs, so check out her blog and store for inspiration.

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New Design: Gaylia

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mmp-xt1b4948Finally, I can begin to show you my latest designs and first out is Gaylia. A textural cross cable adorns this a-line sweater with vents. The cable ends in two smaller cables that continue along each side of the v-neck. A check pattern that resembles playful cables adds texture to the sleeves. Gaylia is Norse for jovial, and perfect for this everyday sweater knitted in Dale Pure Eco Wool. The Norwegian pattern will be printed in Familien Kreativ in March next year, together with 3 other new designs, while the English pattern will be test knitted in my Ravelry group before its release.

mmp-xt1b4951I wanted to test this new yarn called Dale Pure Eco Wool, and House of Yarn kindly sponsored it. It is made of 70% wool, 30% alpaca with a 112 meters/122 yards on each 50 gram ball and takes a 4 mm/US 6 needle with a gauge of 21 stitches and 30 rows to 10 cm/4″ square. I fell in love with the dark brown melange colour named Espresso 1207. Since I was busy knitting another sample, I asked Airin Hansen, aka Teodor on Ravelry to knit this for me. It is beautifully knitted, as always. Thank you, Airin!

mmp-xt1b4934You know how much I love accessories to go with my sweaters, and because I live in a climate where you have to dress in layers I made a short scarf with the same Check pattern as on the sleeve to crown the sweater so to speak.

mmp-xt1b4918The front and back are worked back and forth while sleeves are worked in the round. Each side has a few garter stitches as a side band and the sleeve has a false seam made of garter stitch. Scarf is worked in two parts ending in garter stitches and then bound off using a 3-needle bind-off.

mmp-xt1b4931Here is a detail of the v-neck and the join on the scarf which is made in two parts so that the Check pattern leans to one side each just as on the sleeves. Instead of having what appeared as a loose rib facing each other on the scarf, I choose to use garter stitch.

mmp-xt1b4941The opposite side of the scarf looks even more like checks than the front. Above you can also see the 3-needle bind off edge. The scarf is one size, but can easily be adjusted to a larger or a smaller size by adding or removing pattern repeats, while the pullover is graded in sizes XS to 2XL with bust circumferences from 84 to 126 cm/33 to 49.5″. I am wearing size S with no ease around my bust. The hip circumference is 14 cm/5.5″ wider than the bust. My husband photographed me on a lovely autumn day in October at Ormøya by the Bunnefjord, close to where we live in Oslo.

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