Strikkefestivalen/Knitting Festival in Fredrikstad 2017

Posted on September 27, 2017 by Linda Marveng

I was back in Fredrikstad last weekend for the second Strikkefestivalen/Knitting Festival located in Fredrikstad Old Town – the oldest fortified town in Norway (founded in 1567) and in the Nordic countries, and one of the best-preserved fortress towns in Northern Europe (see more photos from last year here). Michael was with me – which means I have some good photos to share from the event. We were booked into the Hotel Victoria on the opposite side of the river Glomma from the Old Town. That was not a problem at all, since there is a free ferry across the river. Yes, there are only 2 free ferries in all of Norway and they are both in Fredrikstad. It did not take many minutes before I had spotted the first knitter staying at our hotel. Above is a photo taken Sunday morning, as I walked towards the workshop building just off the ferry.Most of the workshops were held in the Commandor’s building, dated 1768. On Saturday afternoon I taught Smart Knitting Techniques and on Sunday morning I taught Cable Knitting Master Class, both in Norwegian. I met several knitters I knew from previous workshops and presentations as well as other Norwegian designers, agents and shop owners I knew. Rarely have I had such posh surroundings for a workshop nor the amount of space. Coffee and tea were on offer from the kitchen, and I did find the kitchen but I found the wrong one, it was the bigger one they used. So you get the picture. See below the room where I held my workshops. Annemor Sundbø had a workshop before me, and we found wool tops left over from her class.

Here is the room where I held my workshop with a lovely view of the river. Michael is my “roadie” as well as photographer when he joins me at these festivals. I met two lovely groups of knitters in my workshops and spent a weekend in their company. We did not finish all the tasks I had given them in the new Cable Knitting Master Class so the remaining tasks were given as their homework.

On Saturday afternoon before my workshop I met up with designers Tove Fevang and Nina Granlund Sæther – who I tend to meet at International airports, these days; as we met at Preveza Airport in Greece a few weeks back. I also met Annemor Sundbø again as well as finally meeting the founder of Koftegruppa on Facebook (the group has nearly 100 000 members celebrating traditional stranded colourwork sweater knitting) Tone Loeng, who I have only met and worked with through Facebook and e-mails. Above is a photo of one of the exhibitions; strømper/knee highs from Annemor Sundbø’s collection (initially bought by the shoddy factory for recycling).

In the center in the photo above is Mette Hovden one half of the design duo called Pinnedans/Needle-dance, next to Tone Loeng at the Norwegian Designer Stand. We also met at the Strikkefest/Knitting Party the evening before. I am wearing Helka (read: I did wear another design on the Saturday – Yellow Gold Pullover) with the Saqqara shawl. The market hall was jam packed all Saturday, so we gave up trying to have a look and came back on the Sunday, when it was possible to see the stands and the yarn, patterns, buttons and jewellery on offer.

Here is another stand, a local yarn shop called Garnhuset and a great photo showing some action as well as sweater on display.

I also wanted to take a photo of all the beautiful colours in Cascade Heritage on display with Wollmeise yarn in the background from the Projo stand. We discovered two more knitters who stayed at our hotel at the Strikkefest/Knitting Party, who we sat next to. The party was in the same room where the market hall was last year, inside the fortified wall, previously the Provianthus/Provision House. Above you see me wearing my Adoe design, knitting on a new design. As you can see from the photo, it was easy to count the ones that did not knit. One of the organisers, Marit Larsen is a member of the acknowledged choir called KorLuren who sang after our dinner. She is also the founder of the tour operator Explore Travel and used to organising events such as this. The program included a knitting cruise as well as a knitting church service in addition to the exhibitions, talks and workshops on offer. I had a wonderful weekend! Thank you to the organisers, designers, and all the knitters I met!

Bornholm Art Museum

Posted on September 10, 2016 by Linda Marveng

Bornholm Art Museum, located outside of Gudhjem – which literally translates to God’s Home – was bound to be spectacular. The building itself certainly was with its play of light inside, with its unexpected window placements, making it a spiritual experience, and that is before we even consider the art exhibited, the viewing tower, the walking bride. “The museum building was built in 1993 and expanded in 2003 and is regarded – even by someone other than ourselves – for some of the best in modern Danish architecture.” The architectural firm is Fogh & Følner, who wanted to create a building with a series of view points to the magnificent landscape outside as well as to the wide angle ocean view. Do take a look at the stunning architecture gallery photos: bornholms-kunstmuseum.dk. The art museum is located by the sea without any other buildings in sight, so it is hard to miss it arriving by car or by – the preferred means of transport at Bornholm – bicycle.

I was wearing light colors, despite the rain, and fitted well into the interior. If you are a knitter you might be able to spot that I am wearing Adoe knitted in the lush Rowan Truesilk. The two brilliant photos above are taken by my husband. There were many visitors equipped with cameras on our visit. As for the art collection, it ranges from the early 1800s to the present day with emphasis on the Bornholm painters, a group of artists who worked on the island in the first half of the 1900s. Their works give a full impression of Modernism in art. Not only in painting but also in sculpture. You can take a virtual tour here: www.google.com.

A water well began at the entrance and ran through the amazing central hallway or Museum Street as it is called like a spine down 3 levels to the exit to the walking bridge and ending in a wishing well. Above you see it running down the last set of stairs.

We did need a break after touring this museum and located the café. Yes, it did have delicious cakes as well as lunch offerings. A perfect place for a meeting, in my opinion. Here you see it from the museum street and looking down into it, with the sculpture park outside. Do not miss Bornholm Art Museum if you go to Bornholm, that is my advice.

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.

Familien Kreativ with My Designs

Posted on March 16, 2016 by Linda Marveng

Familien Kreativ is a new Norwegian magazine, which replaces Familien Håndarbeid, released on Monday 14. March with 4 of my Designs to my delight: Helka the long cardigan you can see the back of on the cover, Shinju the shawl, Elora the bolero and Adoe the jacket. Even though the picture on the cover is small, the coverage I have received inside is fantastic. I will show you the 6 pages that show off my designs with the brilliant photos by Eivind Røhne of stunning model Alexandria Eissinger with hair and make up by Sissel Fylling, jewelry by Kaja Gjedebo Design and dresses by Judith Bech Design.

The heading says “Ready for a Party”, and continues; “Romantic and beautiful garments that add the finishing touch to the outfits for both bride and guests.” The introduction to Elora is mine: A beautiful reversible lace pattern adorns this bolero with a slightly longer scarf collar you can fold and pin as you desire. Garter stitches make up the edges of the bolero and divide the stitch pattern from the stocking stitch sides. Named after the giving of the laurel; the crown of victory and ideal for this garment made in a wool and cashmere mixture by Mondial. The bolero is worn by Alexandria Eissinger over the wedding gown “Secret”, designed by Judith Bech.

Adoe: 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 Yarns, and intended for those special times. Adoe means time, and it seemed entirely appropriate. Close the jacket with a beautiful brooch. The jacket is worn with a skirt designed by Judith Bech.

Shinju: 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.

Helka: 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.

The magazine is available at newsagents, selected supermarkets and by SMS – Kreativ16 til 2205 – if you are in Norway. If you are abroad you can order the Norwegian magazine by e-mailing customer services: kari.bachke@egmont.com. Thank you to Familien for accepting my designs. You can also find my designs presented by former editor of Made By Me editor Mary-Ann Astrup on the blog “Tusenideer” by Egmont Publishing: http://tusenideer.no/familien-kreativ-for-deg-som-elsker-lage-ting-selv/

Photoshoot at Ekeberg Restaurant: Adoe

Posted on March 9, 2016 by Linda Marveng

Last design and series of photos from our photoshoot is Adoe, worn by the gorgeous Alexandria Eissinger over a fringe skirt by Judith Bech, with hair and make up by Sissel Fylling and jewelry by Kaja Gjedebo Design. The scene was brilliantly captured by photographer Eivind Røhne. The jacket looked best with this amazing skirt with a train – yes, I have borrowed the black one previously – instead of the wedding gowns due to its color and style. The Norwegian pattern will be published in the special issue Familien Kreativ out on 14. March, while the English pattern will be test knitted in June in my Ravelry group before its release.

Here it 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 Yarns, 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.

Rowan Truesilk is made of 100% mulberry silk with 150 meters/164 yards on each 50 g ball. It is of a chainette type construction and holds its shape unlike silk yarns in general. The jacket is knitted using a 4 mm/US 6 with a gauge of 22 stitches and 32 rows in stocking stitch measuring 4″/10 cm after blocking. The yarn was generously sponsored by Permin, Rowan Yarns’ Scandinavian agent.

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. The yarn is a chainette type construction which means the garment will hold it shape.

We tried out several backdrops for this garment including Alexandria standing on the high window sill in the Ball Room, sitting next to the window in a portrait style but this worked the best. She also tried to place her arm on the window but it appeared way too surreal through Eivind’s lens. It just goes to show that we never run out of ideas!

New Design: Maith

Posted on January 20, 2016 by Linda Marveng

The new silk yarn from Rowan, called Rowan Truesilk, captivated me in an instant. In addition to making a jacket in the cream color called Adoe, I decided to make a shrug with a cowl for collar. The pure mulberry silk has a generous 150 meters on each 50 gram ball, and for the shrug I choose the shade Hush 333 which I believed to be like a gold shade. It was more green than I anticipated but still divine. The shrug is worked from one sleeve cuff, across the back to the opposite sleeve cuff, with gracious cables all along it. The set was beautifully knitted by my sample knitter Grete Jenssen, aka ma9 on Ravelry. The yarn was kindly sponsored by Permin, Rowan’s Scandinavian agent. I will self publish the Norwegian pattern in my Ravelry Store in February, but have the English pattern test knitted in my Ravelry group before its release in the late autumn.

The shrug and cowl are both available in 3 sizes: XS/S (M/L, XL/2XL) and both are knitted using a 4 mm/US 6 needle with a gauge of 23 stitches and 30 rounds in stockinette stitch to 10 cm/4″ square. Only the width varies between the different sizes, not the length. You can easily adjust the length by removing or adding pattern repeats to each sleeve if desired. The shrug is worked from cuff to cuff in one piece. The cuff and sleeve is worked in the round, then worked flat across the back to the opposite sleeve where it is worked in the round to the final bind off at the cuff. The increases on the sleeve is first worked into the purl stitches between the cables in reverse stocking stitch, then in garter stitch at each end of round.

All the photos above are taken by my husband on our terrace a few days before the photo shoot. I planned to show the shrug and cowl over one of Judith Bech’s divine wedding gowns but due to time constraints it was professionally photographed by Eivind Røhne on Alexandria Eissinger in the same top but different silk trouser than I am wearing above. I cannot wait to show you those photos but first I will reveal the last design in this bridal series I have made.

New Design: Adoe

Posted on January 6, 2016 by Linda Marveng

I am pleased to present the last of 4 designs that will be published in Norwegian in the special magazine Familien Håndarbeid in March. Adoe means time and it seemed entirely appropriate for this delicate jacket with wavy lace focus and garter stitch edging. The deep v-neck is adorned with scallops made by the wavy lace patterns. It is knitted in the stunning chainette yarn: Truesilk by Rowan Yarns, and intended for those special times. Use a beautiful brooch to close the jacket. I knitted the body of this jacket straight and in pieces, while the sleeves are knitted in the round. The English pattern will be released after test knitting in my Ravelry group late this fall.

The wavy lace pattern is a variation of the well known Feather and Fan pattern, with garter stitches inside the lace it became an obvious choice for the bands and also as a divider to the stocking stitch in the sides as well as next to the side seam and the fake seam on the sleeves. The silk yarn fits the lace pattern and highlight it, in addition to making it wonderful to wear. The chainette construction of the yarn keeps the knitted silk yarn from dropping as silk yarns usually do. The Rowan Truesilk yarn has 150 m/164 yds on each 50 g skein and using a 4 mm/US 6 knits to a gauge of 22 stitches and 32 rows in stockinette stitch to 10 cm/4 inches after blocking. The yarn was generously sponsored by Permin, Rowan’s Scandinavian agent.

I have graded the jacket in sizes XS to 2XL, with a bust circumference from 83 to 124 cm/32.75 to 124″ and a length (which can be adjusted easily by adding or removing a pattern repeat) of 54 to 59 cm/21.25 to 23.25″. Above you see me wearing size S, photographed by my husband a few days before our photoshoot in October. The jacket looked best with Judith Bech’s fringe skirt in beige, and not with any of the intended wedding gowns. That is my fault and not Judith’s since I had chosen only 5 from her extensive collection since she lives a plane ride away, much further north in Norway. Anyway, it looks fantastic on Alexandria Eissinger, and I cannot wait to show you the photos Eivind Røhne took…

Linda Marveng

Knit wear designer and author

Tag Archives: Adoe