Tag Archives: Cardigan

Leylak Knitted by Irina

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Let me introduce you to Irina, the knitting-princess on Ravelry and Instagram, who has test knitted this stunning version of my Leylak design. Irina is indeed a knitting princess as she does “… a lot of charity projects, and some for gifts. I also really like doing test and samples, because it makes me feel like I’m more a part of the process of a pattern”, as she writes on her profile page on Ravelry. To make sure you remember her name, Irina is wearing a crown in her finished project photos. She test knitted size XS for me and used the soft Schurwollkammgarn by Seehawer & Siebert in a divine royal blue colour. The yarn is thicker than the sample yarn I used so Irina used much smaller needles to achieve gauge (22 stitches and 30 rows in stockinette stitch measures 10 cm/4″ square); 2.25 mm/US 1, 3.25 mm/US3 and 3.5 mm/US 4 instead of 4 mm/US 6 and 4.5 mm/US 7.

If you wonder how long it took her to make it, I can reveal that it took her “…57 hours and 40 minutes to knit including weaving in ends and sewing pieces together.” That is an impressive speed! I did not track my hours, but I can tell you that I used a lot longer making the sample with bigger needles.

I love these playful photos, which were taken on a playground close to her previous home in Germany, by a friend. Irina moved to Georgia in the US, recently. It shows the sidewing construction of the cardigan so well! In the notes part of the pattern you will find this information: The asymmetric lower body has extra width in each side – sidewing – that is bound off. Each front has 3 cm/1.25” extra width at center front that is bound off at the same time as the wing, then joined with the buttonband at the end.

Irina, the knitting princess, writes that it fits perfectly and that she is super pleased with it! I am so honoured to hear it! Thank you so much, Irina!

The Leylak pattern, in sizes XS to 5XL, is available in both English and Norwegian on Ravelry and on LoveCrafts. I look forward to showing you more stunning versions of my Leylak design!

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New Designs: Senna & Seneka

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The idea for the Senna design came from my test knitter and patron Nivine who liked the diamond shaped cable I used for the Gyro dress and wanted a long cardigan with pockets in the  cable pattern. I thought this was a brilliant idea as the cable is fun to knit. Now what yarn should I use? I heard about the Neighborhood Fiber Co. Organic Studio Worsted in several podcast and was very keen to try it out. I found their vivid hand dyed colours inspiring and wanted to test the hard twist knits up, so I picked the Woodberry shade. I sent a request to the yarn company and wondered if they would sponsor yarn for a design and I had a long oversized cardigan in mind. The Neighboorhood Fiber Co. agreed to sponsor yarn for the cardigan.

Each sleeve and front has one cable repeat, while the back has four cable repeats at the center. I began knitting the sleeves, then the back and finally the fronts. What happened next is that I ran out of yarn less than halfway up the fronts and ordered more, this time enough to make a matching straight skirt to go with it. In the end I made the skirt with an a-line instead and had to undo my swatch to have enough yarn to finish it. Running out of yarn is a familiar issue, indeed!

In the mean time Neighborhood Fiber Co. had replaced worsted yarn base with an organic base and the yarn was only available in 4 ounces/113 gram skeins not 8 ounces/226 gram skeins, so I bought 6 more skeins to have enough… I used my first oversized cardigan Irpa as a template for the Senna pattern. The rib should be looser, hence I changed the stitch pattern for it. I liked the tuck as a transformer from one stitch pattern to the next. The stitch count is the same for the bottom pattern as for the cable pattern hence the tuck is not dead straight.

The gauge for both the cardigan – Senna – and the skirt – Seneka – is 20 stitches and 28 rows in stockinette stitch using a 4 mm/US 6 needle measures 10 cm/4″ square. I knitted both the cardigan and the skirt in size Small, but have graded both in sizes XS to 5XL. The bust measurement for the cardigan is from 102 to 191 cm/40.25 to 75.5″ with + 20-30 cm/8-11.75″ intended ease. The sample shown is 110 cm/43.25″ and I wearing it with + 22 cm/8.75″ ease, I stand 175 cm/5’8″ tall. The waist measurement on the skirt is from 76 to 132 cm/30 to 52″, while the hip measurement is from 86 to 156 cm/33.75 to 61.5″. I am wearing it with no ease on my hips.

Senna is a botanical name of Arabic origin meaning brightness and suited this long oversized cardigan with a deep v-neck and A-line shaping. Elaborate cables cover the center back, while only one single cable adornseach front and sleeve. A wavy tuck introduces the cables from the check rib bottom. Senna is knitted in the divine Neighborhood Fiber Co. Organic Studio Worsted with side pockets worked together with the front. Bespoke buttons act like small gems and highlight the beautiful hand dyed shade. Wear Senna with the matching Seneka; as a skirt or a poncho or a maxi hood.

The cardigan is knitted in pieces and seamed. The second part of the v-neck decreases on the fronts moves to the opposite side of the cable in order for the cable to continue to the shoulder. The two vertical side pockets are worked at the same time as the front with extra stitches for the pocket band, with the lining attached horizontally at the bottom and top of the pocket. 

Seneka, a nickname for Senna meaning brightness in Arabic. This is an A-line skirt with an elaborate cabled center that ends in a waistband; knitted like a hem in one piece with boot laces placed inside. Seneka is knitted in the divine Neighborhood Fiber Co. Organic Studio Worsted and can be worn as a skirt or a poncho or a maxi hood – all together with the matching Senna cardigan.

The skirt is knitted in pieces and seamed. If you want to adjust the length of the skirt, remove up to 8 cm/3.25″ or add an extra length before shaping the hip. The waist band is worked like a hem, with boot laces laid inside it before it is closed.

I made sure that all sizes have stockinette stitches in the sides of the skirt to avoid adding too much volume around your hips. Hence I did increase the number of cable repeats at the center for the different sizes.

The bespoke buttons are made by Siri Berrefjord and she has taken a number of brilliant photographs of them on the swatch, see the previous blogpost: Happy New Year! Welcome 2021!. A separate blog post is coming with all of those. You can also look forward to seeing this set worn by Olivia Lindtein during our photoshoot in November 2020.

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New Design: Gocce

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I have two more new designs to show you, and here is the first: Gocce, a lace cardigan with a cowl. The poetic introduction to Shibui Knits’ Rain, a stunning chainette cotton yarn, inspired the name choice of this fitted summery lace cardigan. ”Fleeting drops fall…” not unlike the lace pattern on this jacket. Gocce is Italian for drops and selected to give this v-neck cardigan the sophistication it deserves. A cowl crowns the cardigan and can be worn loose or twice around your neck. Gocce is knitted in pieces for the ultimate fit and seamed.

Shibui Knits contacted me at the end of last year, and asked if I wanted some their yarn. If you are a knitter, you know the answer to that. Did I have a favourite yarn or did I want a mix kit? I went for the second and after several months, my verdict was clear. I loved the lustre, the rustic look and the chainette construction of Rain. I have been wanting to try out their yarns for quite a bit, and did order one skein of Maai, an alpaca mix, for the White Mountain Ruana  made for Interweave Knits Winter 2018.

The lace pattern is one I discovered on Pinterest and placed in my ideas folder. I do prefer my lace patterns not to be too complicated, nor the charts too large. In addition it has to look pretty. I did plan to make a size small but measured the lace panel wrong and ended up with a small size extra small, I can just about button up as you can see from these photos taken by Michael at the The Halden Canal Museum in Ørje. Size XS and sample measures only 77 cm/30.25″ but has quite a bit of ease in both yarn and lace. I am wearing it with 11 cm/4.25″ negative ease. I have graded it up to 2XL with a 125 cm/49.25″ bust circumference.

I wanted a stylish (or elegant, if you prefer) v-neck cardigan that would fit with a dress, skirt and trousers. I choose a v-neck since I feel that fits better on top of a dress and makes it look more dressy. And if you do want to cover the neckline, I made the cowl to go on top, either hanging loose or twice around your neck.

The cardigan is knitted flat in pieces while the cowl is worked in the round, all using 3.5 mm/US 4 and a 22 stitches gauge in stockinette stitch measuring 10 cm/4″ square. Thank you to Shibui Knits for sponsoring the lovely yarn for this! The English pattern will be test knitted in my Ravelry group starting 29th July before it is released. I look forward to showing you how it looks on Em!

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New Design: Ena

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I love the Acadia yarn from The Fibre Co. and this amazing Orange Storm shade. Yes, it is my colour! A long cabled cardigan with a high collar was my aim. The result is Ena: Ena is Celtic for fiery. As you need to be passionate about cables to make this jacket. The woven cables lean towards the left and the right hence the spine has been accentuated with a twisted stitch at the center back and along front opening. Ribbing in the sides make the jacket appear casually fitted. The collar in rib can be worn open or closed and folded over. Ena is knitted in the rustic Acadia with silk noil from The Fibre Company.

The cable I chose is from Norah Gaughan’s brilliant Knitted Cable Sourcebook, so no surprise there, as I have found a lot of inspiration in it. The Acadia yarn, made of 60% merino wool, 20% alpaca, 20% silk with 133 meters/145 yards on each 50 gram skein, makes the jacket quite dressy so I wanted bespoke jewellery-like buttons. So I sent a request to Norwegian designer Siri Berrefjord, aka fredenshavn.no, and she never disappoints… In addition to the wonderful buttons I also received a series of close-up detailed photos, which I look forward to showing you.

The jacket is made in pieces and seamed. The collar is picked up and knitted before the buttonband. The last buttonhole is on collar before fold over. The cardigan is knitted using a 4 mm/US 6 needle with a 21 stitches and 30 rows  in Stocking stitch measuring 10 cm/4″ square gauge.

My husband has photographed me at the outdoor stage next to Ørje Brug, today a museum called Haldenvassdragets Kanalmuseum on a very windy day in October. I am wearing size S with a bust circumference of  92 cm/36.25″, worn with 4 cm/1.5″ positive ease. The cardigan is graded in sizes XS to 2XL with a bust circumference of 84 to 124 cm/33 to 48.75″. The English pattern will be test knitted in my Ravelry group, beginning on March 12th, before it is released at the end of April. Ena was photographed by Eivind Røhne at Bøler Church in October, worn by the gorgeous Emma Ross and I look forward to showing you those photos. Next of the new designs to show off is Donia, a poncho made for Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk.

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Photoshoot at Architecture Museum: Embrae

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@Eivind Røhne

I am so happy how my design Embrae turned out. The colour Iris, in the stunning yarn; Anzula Squishy is perfect for the lace pattern. I decided to style it with Judith Bech’s divine silk dress. The outfit suited model Silje Andresen/Team Models even beyond my expectations. Since I was planning to ask photographer Eivind Røhne to capture this garment sitting at our photoshoot at National Museum – Architecture, I had to ask Michael if I could borrow his reindeer hide for Silje to sit on. I was granted permission to borrow it for the day. Hair and makeup stylist Sissel Fylling with assistant Nora checked the placement of the skin as well as Silje’s look. Silje is also wearing beautiful silver rings, necklace, brooch and earrings all designed by Kaja Gjedebo Design.

@Eivind Røhne

Of course, Eivind was again instructed to include the shoes in the photos. They are not new, and were first used in my Norwegian knitting book published in 2012. The shoes are designed by Camilla Skovgaard. Yes, I do love shoes, especially sculptural ones – like these.

@Eivind Røhne

Embrae, a fitted cardigan with a lace collar, is like a flowery embrace. A lacy leaf pattern adorns the sleeves and the back of the cardigan. The lattice at the center of the lace pattern continues on each side of it and covers the collar. The collar can be worn flat or overlapping and pinned together or folded.

@Eivind Røhne

The Norwegian pattern will be printed in Familien at a later date, while the English pattern will be test knitted in my Ravelry group before its release. The cardigan is knitted flat in pieces and then seamed. There are two pattern repeats on the back and one on the sleeves. The collar is knitted at the same time as each front. I have graded the pattern from size XS to size 2XL with a bust circumference of 84 to 126 cm/33 to 49.5″, and waist circumference of 74 to 116 cm/29.25 to 45.75″. Silje is wearing size S.

@Eivind Røhne

The lovely hand-dyed yarn Anzula, Squishy is made of 80% superwash merino, 10% cashmere, 10% nylon and on 114 gram skeins with 352 meters/385 yards. I ordered it online from www.jimmybeanswool.com. The sample is knitted in Iris with a gauge of 24 stitches and 32 rows in Stockinette stitch using 3mm/US 2.5 needle measures 10 cm/4″.

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New Design: Embrae

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I am proud to show you my new design called Embrae. I initially submitted the design to SweetGeorgia Yarns awhile back but it was rejected – while the second submission was chosen instead – so it was left aside while I contemplated its future. I have for a long time wanted to test the American yarn Anzula, especially their yarn called Squishy, because of its fibre mix and its beautiful hand-dyed colours. My choice for the sample was Iris, that only took a few seconds to decide. Embrae, a fitted cardigan with a lace collar, is like a flowery embrace. A lacy leaf pattern adorns the sleeves and the back of the cardigan. The garland at the center of the lace pattern continues on each side of it and covers the collar. The collar can be worn flat or overlapping and pinned together or folded. The Norwegian pattern will be published in the magazine Familien, the date to be confirmed, while the English pattern will be released  on Ravelry, after test knitting beginning in mid-August.

Anzula Squishy is a luxurious fibre mix of 80% superwash merino, 10% cashmere, 10% nylon with a generous 352 meters/385 yards on each 114 gram skein. I ordered the yarn from Jimmy Beans Wool online store, and had it shipped from the US. I choose a 3 mm/US 2.5 needle and found a gauge of 24 stitches and 32 rows in stocking stitch measuring 10 cm/4″ square. The cardigan is worked flat in pieces and then seamed to give the best fit and structure to the garment.

The leaf lace pattern is easy to knit and to learn by heart. Part of the lace pattern is a garland pattern which I choose to use on the collar. There are two pattern repeats on the back and only one on the sleeve. The collar is knitted at the same time as each front. The pattern is graded from size XS to 2XL with a bust circumference of 84 to 126 cm/33 to 49.5″, and waist circumference of 74 to 116 cm/29.25 to 45.75″. The sample is knitted in size S and worn on me with no ease at the bust.

I chose garter stitch for the bands, even though it does flare a bit at the back, due to the stretchy lace pattern. The stocking stitch parts show off the semi-solid colour of the yarn. The photos are taken by my husband in late November, less than a week before our photoshoot, at Ormøya by the Bunnefjord, close to where we live in Oslo. The last photo is the arty one. I cannot wait to show you the stunning professional photos of this cardigan, styled with Judith Bech’s cream silk dress, taken by Eivind Røhne. But there is one more new design to show off before I begin to show off the professional photos taken at the end of November at the Architecture Museum in Oslo.

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