Linda Marveng

Knit wear designer and author

New House

Posted on March 31, 2017 by Linda Marveng

We are moving tomorrow, to a house of our own. But this time we are not moving countries, and not that far away luckily, but from Oslo to Ørje, a small town close to the Swedish border. It is slightly more than an hour’s drive from Oslo, and you keep following the signs for Stockholm. Funnily enough, the coach from Stockholm is also the quickest commute back to Oslo, from nearby Töcksfors in Sweden. I do not need to travel to Oslo regularly, but my husband will commute once a week either by car or by the Stockholm bus or by train from Mysen. We both work from home, hence we could find a house we really liked as opposed to making do with a tiny apartment in Oslo. Above is our location: Our house is facing the Rødenessjøen (translates to Red Headland Lake), which is about 25 kilometer long lake and part of a long chain of lakes and waterways leading to the sea at Halden, and close to the nearby town of Ørje and Sweden.

My British husband, recently also a Norwegian citizen – as well a British citizen – made this wonderful poster. The terraced house at Bekkelaget where we have been living in for the last 4,5 years has been the British Embassy (Bekkelaget) according to Michael. The biggest change for me will be that I will have my own studio, and not occupy the dining room table anymore. The house is made in the early 1960’s by a local architect and has been refurbished several times since, to our satisfaction. We are not planning on any major works, except for installing larger windows in my studio in the summer.

Yesterday, we received the keys, and here is our new view taken from the terrace. It was a grey and wet day. Now we are hoping it will stay dry tomorrow. We are still trying to sort out the broadband connection to our new house, so a radio silence will follow for the next week.

Bowery Tunic in knit.wear Spring/Summer 2017

Posted on March 29, 2017 by Linda Marveng

I am thrilled to show you my latest design the Bowery Tunic published in the knit.wear Spring/Summer 2017 issue in the company of other designers such as: Pam Allen and Carol Feller. On the cover is Mary Anne Benedetto’s stunning Park Slope Top. My working title for the design was Jarre: A cable panel with electronic vibes, not unlike Jean-Michel Jarre renown music, is the focus point for this a-line pullover with a longer back ending in a vent in the sides. The collar, just like the bottom edge, is in garter stitch and crowns the garment ending in an i-cord bind off.

Interweave / Harper Point Photography

The tunic is knitted in madelinetosh, Tosh DK, a hand-dyed merino wool with crisp stitch definition, in a divine medium grey called Tern. The yarn comes in 100 gram skeins with 205 meters/225 yards and knits with a gauge of 20 stitches and 30 rows in stocking stitch to 10 cm/4″ square.

Interweave / Harper Point Photography

The sample is knitted in size 105.5 cm/41.5″ (third size) bust circumference and modelled with 18.5 cm/7.25″ of positive ease on the model. The tunic is graded into 6 sizes with a bust circumference from 85 to 136 cm/33.5 to 53.5″. The back is one cable pattern repeat longer than the front, 11 cm/4.25″.

Interweave / Harper Point Photography

The intricate cables are fun to knit in a mixture of rib and garter stitch that moves across both the front and the back of the tunic. I found their volume and texture too much for the sleeves and opted for a garter stitch panel on the center of the sleeve since I do love texture. As you might know I also get easily bored working just in stocking stitch.

Interweave / Harper Point Photography

The gorgeous photos are taken by Harper Point Photography, while the photo styling is by Tina Gill and Hair & Makeup is by Janie Rocek. Thank you to editor Meghan Babin and the Interweave team for accepting yet another of my designs!

Interweave / Harper Point Photography

knit.wear Spring/Summer 2017 is available in both a digital and a print edition. This large issue also includes 4 of the designs from the Wool Studio volume 1 digital magazine, including the popular Hyannis Port Pullover by Bristol Ivy.

Irina Pullover Pattern Released

Posted on March 25, 2017 by Linda Marveng

The time has come to release the Irina Pullover Pattern, since the rights from Interweave has reverted to me. It was first printed in knit.wear Spring/Summer 2016 with stunning photos by Harper Point Photography, see my blogpost. My photoshoot team took the challenge and managed to create wonderful photos of it too, see my blogpost. Model Silje Andresen/Team Models, with hair & makeup by Sissel Fylling and jewellry by Kaja Gjedebo Design, wore the pullover with a long silk skirt with a train by Judith Bech Design, at the National Museum – Architecture and was brilliantly captured by photographer Eivind Røhne. The English pattern is available on Ravelry and shortly on Loveknitting while the Norwegian pattern will be printed at a later date in the magazine Familien. Here is the pattern introduction:

Named after the beautiful Russian ballerina Irina Baronova, a fitted pullover with elegant cables swooning across it in panels with garter stitch dividers for shaping. Timeless, knitted in the round from the bottom up to the armholes then flat to soft square neckline and shoulders. The sleeves are also knitted in the round, long to adorn the hands and set-in. A divine sky blue color, and luscious texture was made by combining Rowan Felted Tweed with Rowan Kidsilk Haze.

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

Finished measurements: Bust & hip circumference: 77 (86.5, 95, 104, 113, 122) cm/30.25 (34, 37.5, 41, 44.5, 48) Length: 53 (54, 55, 56, 57, 58) cm/20.75 (21.25, 21.75, 22, 22,5, 22.75)” Waist circumference: 68 (77, 86.5, 95, 104, 112) cm/26.75 (30.25, 34, 37.5, 41, 44)” Sleeve length: 47.5 (48, 48, 49, 49, 50) cm/18.75 (19, 19, 19.25, 19.25, 19.75)”

Yarn: Rowan Felted Tweed (50% wool, 25% alpaca, 25% viscose, 50 g, 175 m/191 yds). Sample is knitted in Clay 177: 5 (6, 6, 7, 7, 8) skeins; 875 (965, 830 (910, 990, 1080, 1180, 1280) m/907 (995, 1082, 1181, 1290, 1400) yds. http://www.knitrowan.com/yarns/felted-tweed Rowan Kidsilk Haze (70% mohair, 30% silk, 25 g, 210 m/230 yds). Sample is knitted in Heavenly 592: 4 (5, 5, 6, 6, 7) skeins; 830 (910, 990, 1080, 1180, 1280) m/907 (995, 1082, 1181, 1290, 1400) yds. http://www.knitrowan.com/yarns/kidsilk-haze

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

Needles: 4 mm/US 6 circular needles (80 cm/32″ and 40 cm/16″). 4 mm/US 6 DPNs. Adjust needle size as needed to match gauge.

Notions: Stitch markers, cable needle, stitch holders, and yarn needle.

Gauge: 18 sts and 30 rnds in garter stitch using 1 strand of each yarn held together measures 10 cm/4″ square after blocking. 24-sts Cable panel using both yarns held together measures 12 cm/4.75″ across after blocking.

Notes: The body is worked in the round to the underarm, then the front and back are worked separately back and forth. The sleeves are worked in the round from the bottom up, with the sleeve cap worked flat.

Helka Knitted by Kate Klocker

Posted on March 22, 2017 by Linda Marveng

Finally after a very long absence, here is another post in the series of my designs knitted by others; this time it is Helka knitted by British knitter Kate Klocker – aka Kalanche on Ravelry – but modelled by her sister-in-law at Kew Gardens, London’s Botanical Gardens in July, last year. Kate explains in her project notes: “15.7.16 Was going to get my SIL to be the photographer, but she was better as the model.” Kate took part in the test knit of Helka and made size XS in Garnstudio DROPS Merino Extra Fine using a 5 mm/US 8 with a little tighter gauge than stated. Kate worked 1 pattern repeat less than stated in the pattern since her row gauge was also slightly off and she wanted it a bit shorter than the given length of 79 cm/31″. You can read Kate’s useful and details notes on her project page.

This is how Kate presents herself with her lovely humour shining through, on her profile page: “I’m a self-taught knitter and crocheter with my own way of doing things (as in, not what my Mum calls “properly”)”. I know her to be a dedicated and meticulous test knitter, hence it came as no surprise that is a full-time doctor working in London. I love these photos of her version of Helka, so thank you Kate and to your sister-in-law for modelling! The English pattern is available in sizes XS to 2XL to buy on Ravelry and on Loveknitting.

Vienna Wool & Design Festival 2017

Posted on March 18, 2017 by Linda Marveng

I am so chuffed to be invited to hold workshops at this new knitting festival called Vienna Wool & Design Festival 29. to 30. April at Arcotel Wimberger Vienna Hotel. Also invited are the following: Polish designer Hanna Maciejewska aka Hada Knits, who I met at the Wollness Weekend outside of Vienna a couple of years ago; American designer Nancy Marchant; German designer Isabell Kraemer; Scottish designer Di Gilpin , who I first met at the Knitting and Stitching Show several years back; and British designer Anna Maltz, just to mention a few. Some of us will teach in English while the rest will teach in German. The festival is organised by Suncica Wilhelmer, owner of Wollsalon Sunshine Loop, and Ursula Koll. In addition to the workshops there will be a tempting market hall, come together evening, galla dinner and a magazine made with new patterns by participating designers. I already know that a number of my test knitters will be there and I look forward to meeting old and new friends. I suspect the majority of the knitters present will be women but at least two husbands will be there – I know this for a fact since both Hanna’s and mine is coming – both will be busy photographing unlike the rest of us!

Familien Kreativ 2017

Posted on March 15, 2017 by Linda Marveng

The Norwegian spesial magazine Familien Kreativ 2017 is finally released. I am proud to have my design Cavallo on the cover in the left hand side corner in addition to Aylwen, Hanasa and Gaylia inside the magazine. The garments were brilliantly photographed by Eivind Røhne worn by Silje Andresen/Team Models with hair and makeup by Sissel Fylling, jewellery by Kaja Gjedebo Design and skirt by Judith Bech Design at National Museum – Architecture in November.

The designs are introduced as follows: Nice in Cables. Intricate cables and a tuck pattern adorn these four gorgeous designs by Linda Marveng.

Cavallo: 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. Sizes: XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL). Yarn: Dale Garn, Pure Eco Wool. Needles: 4 mm/US 6.

Aylwen: 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. Sizes: XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL). Yarn: Du Store Alpakka Baby Silk. Needles: 3.5 mm/US 4.

Hanasa: 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. Sizes: XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL). Yarn: Du Store Alpakka Baby Silk. Needles: 3.5 mm/US 4.

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. Sizes: XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL). Yarn: Dale Garn, Pure Eco Wool. Needles: 4 mm/US 6.

The Norwegian magazine Familien Kreativ is available in selected supermarkets and news agents in Norway. If you live abroad you can order the Norwegian special magazine by e-mailing kari.bachke@egmont.com and then transfer payment into their bank account.

The English patterns will be released after test knitting in my Ravelry group. Here is the test knit schedule: www.ravelry.com/discuss/linda-marveng.

Fog View

Posted on March 11, 2017 by Linda Marveng

This is the atmospheric view we had one morning as the fog lifted and unveiled the Ormøy Church spire. Hours later we could again see the Bunnefjord from our terrace at Bekkelaget. The brilliant photo was taken by my husband. It is a view we will miss as we prepare our move south east to the outskirts of a small town called Ørje, close to the Swedish border. We look forward to having more space and to a view of the nearby lake: Rødenessjøen. The moving date is 1st April and it is no joke, that is for certain.

Inverness Sweater in Familien

Posted on March 8, 2017 by Linda Marveng

I am proud to have the Norwegian pattern for the Inverness Sweater printed in the bimonthly magazine Familien. This issue is filled with 40 pages of knit for the whole family. The English pattern for the Inverness Sweater was first published and photographed for Interweave Knits Winter 2016, but it is now also available in my Ravelry Store and on Loveknitting. The Inverness Sweater was brilliantly captured by Eivind Røhne worn by the gorgeous Alexandria Eissinger/Nordic Model Agency with hair and makeup by Jens J. Wiker, jewellery by Kaja Gjedebo Design and skirt by Judith Bech Design, a sweltering summer day in June last year at Villa Malla.

My classic aran sweater has a becoming a-line shape with a twisted rib introducing the twisted long cables with its dividers, ray of honey and seed stitch side panels. Knitted in the round from the bottom and up with modified dropped shoulder and a round neck with a double twisted rib.

The a-line sweater is worked from the bottom and up. The body and sleeves are worked in the round up to the armhole, then flat to the final bind off. The decreases are worked in each side of the body to create an a-line shape. The Inverness Sweater is knitted in Plymouth Yarn, Galway Worsted (100% wool, 100 g, 210 yds/192 m). The sample is knitted in Natural 1 with a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rounds measuring 10 cm/4″ square. The sweater is graded from size XS to 2XL, with a bust circumference of 88 to 128 cm/31.5 to 47.5″. Above you can see a close up of the lovely texture and the statement jewellery by Kaja Gjedebo Design. The magazine Familien is available in selected supermarkets and news agents in Norway. If you live abroad you can order the Norwegian special magazine by e-mailing kari.bachke@egmont.com and then transfer payment into their bank account.

Nina Skarra Strikkebok Launch

Posted on March 4, 2017 by Linda Marveng

Nina Skarra is a name you recognise if you are into fashion and Norwegian. She is a fashion designer whose name I only recognised from the media until Tuesday, when she launched her first book – a knitting book, no less! We have seen her galla dresses worn by Angelina Jolie, Livia Firth and the Norwegian Crown Princess Mette-Marit, as well as on the catwalk in New York. But now it is time for knit. It is Nina Skarra herself wearing one of her designs on the cover of her book! Here is a detailed photo of the pullover with intarsia flowers on the ballon shaped sleeves. I was fortunate to spot a few friends in the long queue before the doors opened at the publisher Cappelen Damm on Tuesday evening. We were given a raffle ticket on entry, a selection of fruit and sparkling wine. It did not take long until all the table and chairs were taken. Nina Skarra was interviewed by editor Kaja Marie Lereng Kvernbakken who had knitted the long jacket from the book called Nina’s favourite jacket (see below) and told us how the book started a few years back and how she nows want to focus on handknit.

The book contains 29 amazing patterns, all for women except one cable sweater for men. She uses different techniques and has also created a few new ones, especially for this book. All the garments in the book are made in Norwegian yarn, and yarn kits are available from her newly created website www.ninaskarrastrikk.no. All the garments are photographed on several different models to show how they look on different ages and body shapes. Included in the book is also pages with photos on how the garments will look in different colours and how to choose the colours that suit you best. At issuu.com you can take a sneek peak inside the book. We were hoping for a fashion show, but had to make do with studying the samples on the stage, and seeing the stunning photos displayed on the wall. One lucky winner of the raffle won a yarn kit for the Genser med bobler/Pullover with bubbles & book. The Nina Skarra Strikkebok in Norwegian is available from selected bookshops and directly from Cappelen Damm. Nina Skarra plans to frequently add new yarn kits on her website, so stay tuned to it.

Andor Pattern Released

Posted on March 1, 2017 by Linda Marveng

The first of four designs I made for Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk; the poncho Andor has been test knitted and released in English. You can see some of the finished versions here: Andor. The Norwegian pattern is only available in a yarn kit from selected yarn stores and online at Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk. The poncho was brilliantly photographed by Eivind Røhne at Villa Malla in June last year, worn by gorgeous model Alexandria Eissinger/Nordic Model Agency with hair and makeup by Jens J. Wiker, jewellery by Kaja Gjedebo Design. Here is my introduction: A trendy oversized poncho defined by its pairs of ornamental cables on each wide shoulder part. The stockinette center part is crowned by a high neck collar. The poncho has sidebands that can be closed with buttons. It is knitted flat in two parts with shoulder and neck shaping. Andor is the Norse element for Eagle and its wingspan appropriate for this poncho.

Size: One Size

Finished Measurements: Bust: 212 cm/83.5″. Length: 72 cm/28.25″

Yarn: Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk, Tinde Pelsullgarn (100% pelt yarn, 260 m/284 yds, 100 g). Sample is knitted in Beige 1101. 8 skeins; 1898 m/2076 yds. http://www.ull.no/produktkategori/garn/ullgarn/norsk-pelsull/

Alternative Yarns: Berroco, Ultra Alpaca Light (50% alpaca, 50% wool, 50 g, 133 m/144 yds). http://www.berroco.com/yarns/berroco-ultra-alpaca-light Jamieson’s, Double Knitting (100% wool, 25 g, 75 m/82 yds). http://www.jamiesonsofshetland.co.uk/spindrift-and-double-knitting-1-c.asp Rowan, Tweed (100% wool, 50 g, 118 m/129 yds). http://www.knitrowan.com/yarns/rowan-tweed Malabrigo, Arroyo, (100% superwash merino, 100 g, 306 m/335 yds). http://www.malabrigoyarn.com/subyarn.php?id=29 Or another DK/8 ply yarn.

Needles: 3.5 mm/US 4 circular needle (120 cm/48″). 4 mm/US 6 circular needle (60 cm/26″) for collar. Adjust needle size as needed to match gauge.

Notions: 4 buttons (20 mm/0.78″), stitch markers, stitch holders, cable needle and yarn needle.

Gauge: 20 sts and 28 rows in st st measures 10 cm/4″ square. 66-sts in Ornamental Cable Panel measures 25 cm/9.75″ across.

Notes: The poncho is knitted in two parts, back and forth. The large collar is picked up and knitted at the end, just as the sidebands. The shoulder is shaped with short-rows and then joined using a 3-needle bind-off. Each sideband has two buttonholes.