Familien issue 2 – 2015: 2 Designs

Posted on January 21, 2015 by Linda Marveng

The latest issue, number 2, of the Norwegian magazine Familien has 40 pages of delightful small knits, and 2 of the designs are mine, both photographed by in-house photographer Petter Berg: Flett på skjerf/Cable On Scarf and Bølget ribb løs hals/Wavy Rib Cowl and Wrist warmers. The scarf is reversible, knitted in the lush Norsk Pelsull from Hifa, in the natural grey shade 1115, in ribbed stag horn cables with double seed stitch for all edges. I love the idea of using the scarf as a shawl collar and if you read my blog (see new-design-cable-on-scarf) and is a member of Ravelry, you will have noticed that the scarf was knitted at the end of 2012 – so a predecessor to Scarftex – and the cowl set at the beginning of 2013, see design-in-progress. The Norwegian magazine is available in selected newsagents and supermarkets, and can also be ordered from familienslillebutikk.no or if you are abroad by e-mail to kari.bachke@egmont.com.

Here is the Cable On Scarf styled and photographed for Familien. It is knitted using a 3.5 mm/US 4 needles and available in one size only. Norsk Pelsull from Hifa has a lovely faded stitch definition and a halo. To start off with, it feels firm but softens a lot with washing it for the first time.

Wavy Rib Cowl and Wrist warmers are both knitted in Luxor, a mercerized cotton, from Hifa with a crisp stitch definition and a lovely shine to it. First I intended it as accessories to the wine red sweater Sommerblader/Summer Leaves (only published in English on Ravelry) and chose the navy blue shade 331, hence in photos Michael took I am wearing the sweater. Then I discovered that the lace pattern on the sleeves and the wavy rib fight each other for focus and gave up on that idea. I like the summery styling above, and so does Handicraft Editor Åse Myhrvold Egeland who selected it for a brief presentation of the magazine on the magazine publisher’s blog called a thousand ideas, see tusenideer.no. Both patterns will be published in English on Ravelry soon. Watch this space!

To raske pinner by Kristin Wiola Ødegård

Posted on January 17, 2015 by Linda Marveng

Wednesday evening, I went together with talented designers: Nina Granlund Sæther (see blog hjertebank.no), Denise Samson (see andreboller.no), May Britt Bjella Zamori (see one of her hats here: tusenideer.no) and Vanja Blix Langerud (see one of her “kofter” here: klikk.no) as well as Makeløs/Remarkable re-design stylist Kristin Elise Halkjelsvik (see pictures from one of her exhibitions here: bakketunet.com), to the launch of Kristin Wiola Ødegård’s second book: To raske pinner/Two Speedy Needles at Gyldendal. An amazing feat to finish her second book in a year, and it is as stylish as her first: Strikk med raske pinner. We were joined by designer Sidsel Janne Høivik, Ellen Andresen (see sisodesigns.blogspot.no) and jewelry designer: Siri Berrefjord (see Siris Skattkammer) whose beautiful brooches Kristin has used on her garments. Even Editor-in-Chief Jan Swensson was suitably dressed in a cool garment from the 40 in the book, see above. Below you can see the end of the fashion show, that finished way too quickly since we all craved more, with Kristin at the back. Earthly tones, yoked jackets, chunky sweaters, funky accessories and all styled in Kristin’s vintage style with a trendy undertone.

You can see inside the book here: To raske pinner. Just as her last book, it is photographed by her daughter Sofie Ødegård while her other daughter is on the cover. The sweater worn by the man is based on the successful “Retro Kofta” (read: kofta = traditional jacket in colorwork) she designed for women in her previous book. You can find the book in selected book stores and online at e.g. Haugen Bok in Norway. Follow the updates to see if the book rights have been sold abroad on the Gyldendal Agency here: eng.gyldendal.no/Illustrated-Non-Fiction.

Even Jan Swensson could not resist making the joke that her next book will be published next year, and given the title; “Tre raske pinner/Three Speedy Needles”. It would not surprise me if Kristin did manage to deliver her third book within the year, but I am convinced that she would insist on a different title than the one suggested.

Newly Released Norwegian Patterns

Posted on January 14, 2015 by Linda Marveng

I have just released 4 of my patterns in Norwegian: Nora Sweater/Nora Genser, Tyrol Jacket/Tyrol Jakke, Regal Purple Jacket/Kongelig Lilla Jakke and Lace Ridge Top/Hullkant Topp on Ravelry and on Loveknitting (shortly). All were first published in Norwegian in Familien Håndarbeid, a special edition in March 2014. Beautifully modeled on dancer Francesca Golfetto and brilliantly photographed by Kim Müller. The patterns have been tech edited and test knitted prior to their release on Ravelry, and they all include detailed schematics, video links and charts. The Nora Sweater, available in sizes S to XL, is knitted in BC Garn, Semilla Fino an ecological 4-ply/fingering yarn using 3 mm/US 2.5, can be knitted with puffed sleeves or with set-in sleeves. It is knitted in the round to the armhole, then flat to the end.

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 Tyrol Jacket, available in sizes S to XXL, is knitted flat in two different dyelots of the stunning hand dyed Tosh DK – a pure merino – using a 4 mm/US 6 needles: Inspired by the mélange soft pink color – not unlike the evening sky – and adorable Tyrol cables with their flower-bud shapes, I have designed an elegantly fitted jacket with a V-neck. The saddle sleeves allow the cables to flow all along the shoulder. A loose scarf with cables sewn into a tube works as a second shawl collar and adds textured volume.

The Regal Purple Jacket, available in sizes S to 3XL, is knitted flat in the lovely Hifa Perle using a 3 mm/US 2.5 needles: 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 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.

The Lace Ridge Top, available in sizes S to XXL, is knitted in the same Hifa Perle held double using a 4 mm/US 6: A casual, stretchy long sleeveless top in an open lace ridge pattern, with a boat neck and a high twisted rib over the hips. The top is easy to knit in the round. It is worked in a divine mercerized cotton from Hifa, called Perle which is held double to emphasize the structure of the lace pattern. The cable cowl accentuates the design and gives the top a more dressy look.

Tyrol Jackets Knitted by Grete Jenssen

Posted on January 10, 2015 by Linda Marveng

I am far behind when it comes to showing off all the marvelous garments knitters have made from my patterns. Grete Jenssen, an avid knitter who designs for her own use, took part in the test knit of the Tyrol Jacket last winter, and made not one but three (yes: 3 – it is called Turbo Testing) during the testing period! All because the first one was tight around the waist (hence given to a friend) and the other two were adjusted to fit her waist and in different lengths, all equally beautiful in size medium! Here, I am proud to show the latter two, modeled by Grete (aka ma9 on Ravelry) with one of her cats, who take part in cat shows, with a lot of snow in the background and 10 degrees celsius below zero/= 14 degrees Fahrenheit at her home in Storsteinnes, Northern Norway. Brilliantly photographed by her husband: Jan Sverre Jenssen. The stunning lime green version is knitted in 7 Veljestä from Novita bought at her mums yarnshop: Bestemors Hjørne and so is the blue version further below. First the back.

The sleeve width was adjusted to a slimmer fit, than I had first calculated showing how useful these test knits are. I also decided to include one of Grete’s photos of how to gather or nip in the cables at the hems in the pdf pattern. Below is her final version of the Tyrol Jacket in a bright blue, in my Ravelry group we have call the color Grete Blue since it is a trademark of hers and so close to the color of her eyes as well as those of her cat. Thank you, Grete!

The Tyrol Jacket sample was knitted in the American hand dyed Tosh dk using 4 mm/US 6 in two different dye lots, the darker pink version chosen for the sleeves, ordered from Eat.Sleep.Knit, since it was first but unsuccessfully submitted to the American digital magazine Twist Collective. The pattern was first published in Norwegian in the special issue called Håndarbeid/Handicraft published by Familien in March last year, it is available in English from my Ravelry Store and will shortly be available in Norwegian. I will keep you posted.

Lattice Back Jacket Pattern Released

Posted on January 7, 2015 by Linda Marveng

It has been awhile since the test knit of the Lattice Back Jacket was finished, but I have finally released the English pattern in my Ravelry Store with video links and a detailed schematic. You can see all the different versions and the different yarn the test knitters selected on the pattern page (see the first link). The pattern was first published in Norwegian in the magazine Made by Me 2/2014. Above it is gorgeously worn by Pia Cecilie/Team Models, beautifully hair and make up styled by Janne Skarpeid Hermansen, stunningly styled by Makeløs/Remarkable Kristin Elise Halkjelsvik and brilliantly photographed by Eivind Røhne/Beyond the Ice. Here follows my introduction to it: An intricate panel of rocking cables adorns the back of this elegantly fitted jacket, hence each front and sleeve has a series of accompanying small cables. The body of the jacket is knitted flat with hems, while the sleeves are worked in the round. The sample is worked in a beautiful heathered color in the bouncy Ask – Hifa 2.

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)” Waist: 65 (72, 79, 87, 93, 113) cm/25.5 (28.25, 31, 34.25, 36.5, 44.5)” Hip: 84 (91, 98, 106, 116, 126) cm/33 (35.75, 38.5, 41.75, 45.75, 49.5)” 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, 20.50)”

Yarn: Hifa, Ask – Hifa 2 in melange purple 6657 (100% wool, 100 g, 315 m/345 yds). http://www.ull.no/garn/ullgarn/ask-melert 3 (3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5) skeins: 882 (1008, 1134, 1292, 1481, 1670) m/964 (1102, 1240, 1413, 1620, 1826) yds.

Yarn alternatives: 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/store/index.php/yarns/pashmina.html Shalimar Yarns, Breathless DK (75% merino, 15% cashmere, 10% silk, 100 g, 384 m/420 yds). http://www.shalimaryarn.com/item/Breathless/237/c21 Rowan, Wool Cotton (50% merino, 50% wool, 50 g, 113 m/123 yds) http://www.knitrowan.com/yarns/wool-cotton Or another sport weight/5 ply yarn.

Needles: 3.5 mm/US 4 circular needle. 3 mm/US 2.5 circular needle (80 cm/32″) for hem and button band. Adjust needle size as needed to match gauge.

Notions: 11 buttons (13 mm/0.5″), stitch markers, stitch holders and yarn needle.

Gauge: 20 sts x 28 rows in st st using 3.5 mm/US 4 measures 10 cm/4″ square. Rocking Cable Panel across 66 sts measures 22 cm/8.75″. Rocking Cable Panel over 36 rows measures 12 cm/4.75″. Small Back Cable Panel across 30 sts measures 10 cm/4″.

Notes: Each front is 1 cm wider than 1/2 the back circumference, to achieve symmetry, usual in typical vintage garments. This jacket is like vintage jackets very fitted, please compare your waist measurements to the size you need and adjust if necessary, to make sure it will fit.

The pattern will also shortly be available at Loveknitting.

New EU Law about VAT on Sale of Digital Property

Posted on January 3, 2015 by Linda Marveng

The new EU law about VAT on the sale of digital property went into effect January 1st, and I am so pleased that Ravelry (where I sell my digital patterns) has decided to co-operate with the British website Loveknitting, blog.loveknitting.com/loveknitting-ravelry-team-up-for-hassle-free-eu-digital-pattern-sales, who will deal with paying VAT to all the different EU countries, dependent on the buyer’s country, on my behalf. The announcement of this VAT led to an outrage because it affects not only the intended large internet companies such as Amazon but all of us micro businesses (I think nano businesses, fits even better for some of us) too. This article explains it well: How-the-EU-is-throttling-online-business-with-idiotic-VAT-reform. Here is a blogpost about the co-operation between Loveknitting and Ravelry: blog.loveknitting.com/update-loveknitting-ravelry-team-up-for-hassle-free-eu-digital-pattern-sales.

I have chosen to continue to sell my patterns to EU citizens – Norway is not part of the EU, only the EEA (European Economic Agreement; working with the EU) – through Loveknitting, while other designers have decided to block sales of patterns to customers in the EU (temporarily or permantly), or stop selling patterns completely, or pay the VAT themselves. I checked my Ravelry sales by country, and discovered that I sell 3 times as many patterns to the US as I do to Norway and Denmark, followed by Germany.

So any EU customer can either buy any of my patterns from Ravelry and be re-directed to Loveknitting where they will need to pay the added VAT according to their country’s VAT percentage, or log on and buy it directly from Loveknitting.

I was in the second selected batch of testers on Ravelry, and have used a considerable amount of time during Christmas editing my pattern descriptions to fit with Loveknitting’s formatting. There are still a few glitches that needs to be fixed before it is up, and running perfectly. If you are a member of Ravelry you can follow the discussions, the options and the testing in the Ravelry Shopkeepers Group. The Loveknitting option is giving me an additional 6 months (free trial period) to look into other solutions such as picking an EU country (unless you are a resident in one, that is), e.g. UK and Ireland, and register with the VATMOSS (Mini One Stop Shop) – nicknamed VATMESS – or hoping that Ravelry’s programmer Casey (code monkey is his preferred title) will figure out a smart technical solution to this mess. In the meantime I will try to focus on designing instead. Here is more recommended reading:

Happy New Year

Posted on December 31, 2014 by Linda Marveng

Takk for det gamle/Thank you for the old one, we say to each other when the new year approaches in Norway! It is a good custom, in my opinion to thank friends and family for making the year richer, and so much better. So thank you for following me this last year, and I wish you a happy and healthy new year! I hope it will be one that makes us grow, not physically but mentally, that is! I also hope it will bring lots of happiness and shared pleasures. The lovely photo above is of my youngest nephew; Kristoffer aged 2, and his sister; Martine aged 7, but not showing their beloved older brother; Fredrik aged 16. They are having fun assisting their dad, my brother, refurbishing the basement of their house that is going to be Fredrik’s new room. In the meantime, the empty floor space is a perfect playground for Kristoffer. I will be welcoming the new year at home with my husband and my knitting! Bring it on!

Curvy Check Cowl Pattern Released

Posted on December 27, 2014 by Linda Marveng

I am finally ready to release the Curvy Check Cowl and Wrist Warmers in English in my Ravelry store. Above it is gorgeously worn by dancer Francesca Golfetto, beautifully styled by Line Sekkingstad, and brilliantly photographed by Kim Müller. The Norwegian pattern was published in Familien Strikk in August. Here is the introduction to it: A beautiful orange tweed, made of combining Rowan Fine Tweed together with Hifa Ask for a perfect color with sheen and depth, ideal for accessories such as a cowl and wrist warmers. A check pattern shows off the tweed to its best.

Size: One Size

Finished measurements: Cowl: Circumference 88 cm/34.75″, height: 31.5 cm/12.5″. Wrist warmer: Circumference 22 cm/8.75″, height: 27 cm/10.75″

Yarns: Rowan Fine Tweed (100% wool, 25 g, 90 m/98 yds) sample is knitted in Col A: Tissington 386. knitrowan.com Hifa, Ask (100% wool, 100 g, 315 m/344 yds) sample is knitted in ull.no. Col B: Melange orange 6570. Cowl: Col A: 4 skeins; 347 m/380 yds. Col B: 1.5 skein; 347 m/380 yds Wrist warmers: Col A: 2 skeins; 142 m/155 yds. Col B: 0.5 skein; 142 m/155 yds Note: Col A and B are held together throughout. 5 skeins of Col A is sufficent for the set.

Alternative yarn: Brooklyn Tweed, Shelter (100% wool, 50 g, 128 m/140 yds) brooklyntweed.com

Needles: 4 mm/US 6 circular needle (80 cm/32″) for cowl. 4 mm/US 6 DPNs for wrist warmers. Adjust needle size to match gauge.

Notions: Stitch markers and yarn needle

Gauge: 18 sts and 26 rnds in st st, 18 sts and 26 in Check pattern using Col A and Col B held together, steamed and stretched measures 10 cm/4″ square.

Notes: Both cowl and wrist warmers are knitted in the round. The hem is folded in two and attached on the WS, but could easily be made using two circular needles.

Christmas is Here

Posted on December 24, 2014 by Linda Marveng

I cannot believe how quickly Christmas approached this year. I had plenty of time to buy Christmas presents, not! Yesterday was Lille Juleaften/Little Christmas Eve, and I did my last present shopping. I have been in my own little world of new designs, and studying the stunning new cones of Zephyr Lace plus a complete set of shade cards I have received from Jagger Spun. They will sponsor me to my utter delight, and I had to start knitting with one of the cones, but it would go even quicker with another pair of arms! Above is a recent view from our terrace photographed by my husband. Today is Christmas Eve which will be celebrated with my brother and his family, my mum, my husband and me. I will squeeze in as much knitting time as I possibly can during Christmas! I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Wonderful New Year! May it bring lots of happiness to you all!

Design in Progress: Sculpted Frost Coat

Posted on December 20, 2014 by Linda Marveng

I love the frost flower lace pattern with its lattice panels and want to create a a-line coat with lattice panels on the sleeves and the frost flower pattern on the back and the fronts. It is a design that has evolved from its beginning as a design submission to the Japanese magazine Amirisu. Now it has been given cuffs, and I am planning a shawl collar. I found that by combining the divine melange lace weight Du Store Alpakka, Dreamline, Soul with the beautiful light fingering comb wool Hifa Huldra Kamgarn a stunning stitch definition as well as a slight halo was created. The color that appeared was an extra deep pink color with lilac tones. This design is one of a series I am planning for the Norwegian magazine Familien’s special issue Strikk/Knit due out in late August next year, then in English on Ravelry.

Other great design news is that one of my designs for Interweave Knits have been excepted and will be published in the 2015 Fall issue.