Oslo Design Fair January 2020

Last Wednesday Michael and I went to Oslo Design Fair in Lillestrøm, to visit the yarn stands, as well as to meet fellow designers. The theme for this trade fair was Impossible/Possible. “What if we can make the impossible, possible? It is hard to imagine a society that is   different than how we have it just now. But if we look back in time, we know that the changes will come and with today’s environmental threat and technological development the changes will come quicker than ever. Think about everything we know that we still do not know yet? Large challenges also create large possibilities. Oslo Design Fair wants to promote Norwegian Design and industry, art, crafts and architecture.” The well-known quote from Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll: “Sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast!” was the inspiration for this theme.

I am wearing my Alva design, knitted in Tropical Lane Woolissimo, with a belt around the fronts, looking at the new samples from Rauma Garn. In the top photo the posters display the catalogue cover for the “Tumiyarn and for the “Tjukk Mohair” yarn. The yarn companies are in Hall B, which hosts the categories jewellery, Norwegian craftsmanship, textile, fashion, yarn & hobby.

The best stand, that stood out in its bright pink & flower glory, was in Hall C (Design & Interior Architecture) by the company “Lykke Blomster” and they wanted to spread the “Luck” in their name “Luck Flowers”. It worked, they did!

Now, this piano was not only for display, but was actually in use during the day, while we were there.

 Here are more of the samples on the Rauma stand.

Sandnes Garn display.

Järbo Garn, the Swedish company. The were more yarn companies there, but as you might have guessed, Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk did not have a stand (they usually do not on the January fair).

Cappelen Damm podium on the main street promoting some of their popular titles. We met designers Tove Lindtein, Bente Presterud and Familien editor Åse Myhrvold Egeland during the day. I enjoyed the fair, even though there were even less yarn companies than at the last fair this time, I always have the opportunity to see the new yarns and designs coming this spring.

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Alva Pattern Released

Alva Poncho COVERA few weeks ago I released the English pattern of Alva on Ravelry and on Loveknitting. I had the pattern both tech edited and test knitted. Everyone helped me improve and perfect the pattern. Alva was first published in Norwegian in Familien Strikk in August last year. It was brilliantly photographed by Eivind Røhne, worn by Anne Dorthe/Team Models with hair & make up by Sissel Fylling, jewelry by Kaja Gjedebo Design and boots by Monica Stålvang. You can see some of the finished ones on the pattern page. Here is my introduction to the pattern: A feminine poncho with a deep shawl collar in a reversible diamond pattern worked only in knit and purl stitches. Close it at the front or pin both fronts together at the back with a beautiful shawlpin. Or you can throw one front across your shoulder or wear it hanging loose. If you prefer, make buttonholes along the double seed stitch edge. The wide shoulder makes it drop down so, add a pair of long wrist warmers to make the outfit complete. The set is knitted in a luscious merino called  Tropical Lane Woolissimo, available at Det Mjuke in Norway.

Size: One size

Finished Measurements:                                                                                                      Bust: 177.5 cm/70″. Length: 77.5 cm/30.5″                                                                                  Shawl collar depth: 30 cm/11.75″. Shawl collar width at widest: 20 cm/7.75″ Wristwarmers: Bottom circumference: 18 cm/7″. Top circumference: 28 cm/11″

Yarn: Tropical Lane, Woolissimo (100% merino, 50 g, 125 m/137 yds). Sample is knitted in Wine 706:                                                                                                                                   Poncho: 18 skeins; 2188 m/2393 yds                                                                                             Wrist warmers: 2 skeins; 225 m/246 yds                                                                                   Note: 20 skeins is sufficent for set; 2413 m/2639 yds http://www.tropicallane.it/work.php?AREA=CHI&L=ENG

Alternative Yarn: Lang Yarns, Merino 120 (100% merino, 50 g, 120 m/131 yds) http://www.langyarns.com/index.cfm?a=spn&PageNum=3                                              Dream in Color, Everlasting DK (100% merino, 100 g, 251 m/274 yds) http://www.dreamincoloryarn.com/color-options-for-jilly-jilly-lace-everlasting-sock-dk-and-wisp/                                                                                                                                            Rico Essentials Merino DK,  (100% merino, 50 g, 120 m/131 yds) http://www.loveknitting.com/rico-essentials-merino-dk 

Needles: 4 mm/US 6 circular needle (80 cm/32″). 4 mm/US 6 DPNs or long circular needle for magic loop method for wrist warmers. Adjust needle size as needed to match gauge.

Notions: 8 stitch markers, waste yarn and yarn needle.1 m/1 yard thin round elastic for wrist warmers if desired.

Gauge: 22 sts and 32 rows in st st, Double Seed sts and Diamond pattern measures 10 cm/4″ square.

Notes: The poncho is knitted in 3 parts and the shawl collar is worked at the same time as the front. The selvedge st is knitted in Double Seed st. At the end the collar is attached at the center back neck and the shoulders are sewn together. Make buttonholes if you prefer. The pattern is reversible, so choose which side you prefer as the right side. You can easily thread a thin elastic through the top of the wrist warmers if preferred. The only sewing required is the join at the shoulders and at the center back neck.

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Familien Strikk August 2015

15_no_fao_2_cover_38597The special issue Familien Strikk is now available in print in Norway with 6 of my designs and 69 other patterns. On the cover in the right corner is my Quamara jacket with loop closure worn by gorgeous Anne Dorthe/Team Models with hair & make up by Sissel Fylling, jewelry by Kaja Gjedebo and brilliantly captured by Eivind Røhne. Ok, it is a small photo on the cover but there is a large photo on the contents page, see below.

innhold Famstrikk copyQuamara is knitted in the lovely wool and silk mixture called Permin Zenta, and available in sizes XS to 2XL. The English pattern will be published after a test knit in my group. In the editorial Åse Myhrvold Egeland writes about how she became “bitten by the bug” or hooked on knitting in other words.

15_no_fao_2_linda_marveng_34124_Page_1My series is called “Flott med fletter/Great with cables”, and the introduction reads: “The garments Linda Marveng designs are not for new knitters but they are so magnificent. So if you are an intimidate knitter, just get started.” The introduction to each pattern is mine, and first out is the Alva in one size: A feminine poncho with a deep shawl collar in a reversible diamond pattern worked only in knit and purl stitches. Close it at the front or pin both fronts together at the back with a beautiful shawlpin. Or you can throw one front across your shoulder or wear it hanging loose. If you prefer, make buttonholes along the double seed stitch edge. The wide shoulder makes it drop down so, add a pair of long wrist warmers to make the outfit complete. The set is knitted in a luscious merino called  Tropical Lane Woolissimo.

15_no_fao_2_linda_marveng_34124_Page_2 cropNext is Quamara, like the remaining patterns are all available in sizes XS to 2XL: A combined lace and cable stitch pattern adorn the back, sleeves, and the generous loop closure on this straight cardigan named after a beautiful elf. The loop collar can be worn loose, folded once behind the neck or twice in front or three times around the neck in a ballerina style. A fake garter stitch seam add a bit of structure to this cardigan. I knitted it in the luscious wool and silk mixture Permin Zenta.

15_no_fao_2_linda_marveng_34124_Page_3 cropImra: Poetic cables framed by reverse stockinette stripes and double seed stitch, was my idea for this straight long vest. I named this piece after the Arabic Poet, Imra. A small round neck has the same I-cord treatment as the armhole, front, and bottom edges. Match with a pair of loose sleeves that can also be worn around the waist or one as a neck tie. To achieve popping cables two yarns were combined to make a rich colored tweed yarn. I used the bouncy Hifa Ask and Rowan Fine Tweed.

15_no_fao_2_linda_marveng_34124_Page_4Mistale: The vivid lime green in the stunning pelt yarn, Norsk Pelsull,  from Hifa intoxicated me. I discovered that cross cables with round cables in the middle made a gorgeous texture. By framing the cables with a rib, the sweater becomes figure hugging and is the perfect accompaniment to your favourite jeans or trousers. It ends with a squarish narrow neckband and you can choose if you want to add the matching cowl.

15_no_fao_2_linda_marveng_34124_Page_5Oili: Playful cables are the focus of this classic straight top, knitted in the round with each side marked by garter stitches. Narrow bands of garter stitch band frame the armholes, neckline and bottom edge. The top has a matching cowl, with cables all around. The set is knitted in a soft cotton tape yarn by Permin, called Bonnie, to make you feel like a divine woman – the meaning of the name Oili.

15_no_fao_2_linda_marveng_34124_Page_6 cropSculpted Frost: A beautiful frost flower lace pattern adorns this a-line jacket. The cuffed sleeves only have a central lattice panel, while the frost flowers reign on the body. The coat is framed by a shawl collar in garter stitch divided with a tuck and finished with an I-cord bind off. A vivid lilac color was made by combing the divine mélange lace weight Du Store Alpakka, Dreamline, Soul with the beautiful light fingering comb wool Hifa Huldra Kamgarn. Together they create a stunning stitch definition as well as a slight halo.

In Norway you can find the magazine in newsagents and selected supermarkets or order it by SMS, for more details and a preview of other patterns in the magazine see: www.klikk.no. The Norwegian magazine will be available on iPad, for more details see: www.klikk.no. All patterns will be available in English after a test knit in my Ravelry group.

Today, I am off on a week’s holiday to Turkey. I tend to spend a lot less time in front of the computer than I usually do, hence I will only bring my iPad and my next blog post will be on Wednesday 2nd of September! Yes, I will definitely be bringing my knitting needles and enjoy myself!

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Familien Photoshoot: Alva

20150529 Linda Marveng HO 559 cropI am thrilled to show you the stunning photos of gorgeous model Anne Dorthe/Team Models, with beautiful hair & make up by Sissel Fylling and matching Carmen-wine boots by Monica Stålvang, as well as jewelry by Kaja Gjedebo, all brilliantly captured by Eivind Røhne on location: Henie Onstad Kunstsenter. Alva, a feminine poncho with a deep shawl collar in a reversible diamond pattern worked only in knit and purl stitches. Close it at the front or pin both fronts together at the back with a beautiful shawlpin. Or you can throw one front across your shoulder or wear it hanging loose. If you prefer, make buttonholes along the double seed stitch edge. The wide shoulder makes it drop down so, add a pair of long wrist warmers to make the outfit complete. The set is knitted in a luscious merino called Tropical Lane Woolissimo, available at Det Mjuke in Norway, who kindly sponsored both yarn and knitting. The Norwegian pattern will be published in the special issue Familien Strikk out on 24th August, while the English pattern will be test knitted in my group on Ravelry before its release.

20150529 Linda Marveng HO 586 cropThe poncho is knitted in 3 parts, using a 4 mm/US 6, and the shawl collar is worked at the same time as the front. The selvedge stitch is knitted in Double Seed stitch. At the end the collar is attached at the neck and the shoulders are sewn together. Make buttonholes if you prefer. The pattern is reversible, so choose which side you prefer as the right side. You can easily thread a thin elastic through the top of the wrist warmers if preferred. The only sewing required is the join at the shoulders and at the center back neck.

20150529 Linda Marveng HO 598The poncho comes only in one size with a bust circumference of 177.5 cm/70″ and a length of 77.5 cm/30.5″, just as the wrist warmers do; 18 cm/7″ at the bottom and 28 cm/11″ at the top with a length of 32 cm/12.5″, but both can easily be adjusted (by adding or removing pattern repeats or a longer or shorter bottom bands) to your preferred size. You will recognize the stunning jewelry from the previous design as the Karakoram earrings and Hekla ring, both in oxidized silver designed by Kaja Gjedebo. More divine photos to come…

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New Design: Alva

XT1A2750I wanted to design another poncho, since the first one I made – Mohair Poncho for my book – is so popular but whether it is due to the design or the styling or both, I am not sure. Just as last time, my aim was to make a more stylish poncho than the traditional triangular shaped ones: My Alva is a feminine poncho with a deep shawl collar in a reversible diamond pattern worked only in knit and purl stitches. Close it at the front or pin both fronts together at the back with a beautiful shawl pin, see above. Or you can throw one front loosely across your shoulder or wear it hanging loose (see below). If you prefer, make buttonholes along the double seed stitch edge. The wide shoulder makes it drop down so, add a pair of long wrist warmers to make the outfit complete. The set is knitted in a luscious merino called Tropical Lane, Wollissimo available in Norway from the online shop “Det Mjuke“. The Norwegian pattern will be published in Familien Strikk on sale from late August, while the English pattern will be test knitted in my Ravelry group before its release.

XT1A2773Not only the yarn but also the knitting is kindly sponsored by Tropical Lane and “Det Mjuke“. It was the Manager herself, Anne Magrethe Manzetti – yes, she is Norwegian but have spent 8 years in Italy and is fluent in Italian (read: yes, including all knitting terminology) – who organized the yarn sponsoring and knitted the sample poncho with the matching wrist warmers. Yes, it is big and the poncho takes 17 skeins to knit, each consisting of 50 grams with 125 meters/137 yards in pure merino, using 4 mm/US 6. Hence it comes in only one size with a bust circumference of 170 cm/67″ and a length of 80 cm/31.5″.

XT1A2775 cropThe poncho is knitted in 3 parts and the shawl collar is worked at the same time as the front. The selvedge stitch is knitted in Double Seed stitch. At the end the collar is attached at the neck and the shoulders are sewn together. Make buttonholes if you prefer. The pattern is reversible, so choose which side you prefer as the right side. You can easily thread a thin elastic through the top of the wrist warmers if preferred. The only sewing required is the join at the shoulders and at the center back neck.

XT1A2763I did at first intend to make short-rows across the shoulders, but since there are 6 parts to it, the interference into the pattern was too massive and an old-fashioned bind off was the easier option. I did not want the poncho to hang like it was made for a super hero, hence the numerous bind off on the shoulders and the shawl collar. You could also wear the poncho with a belt either with only the front tucked in, or all around the poncho if you prefer.

XT1A2757I choose the side with most stocking stitch as the right side but the reversible Diamond pattern looks equally beautiful with the reverse stocking stitch side out. So you can decide before you need to join in your second ball which side to have as your right side. All the photos in this post is taken by my husband a few days before the professional photoshoot at the end of May. The poncho looked stunning on model Anne Dorthe/Team Models and it has been captured by brilliant photographer Eivind Røhne. To be continued.

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