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.

New Design: Aylwen

Posted on December 28, 2016 by Linda Marveng

I am excited to show you my new design; Aylwen. Again I have been playing around with what appear like a short loop but actually is the overlapping fronts joined together. A divine alpaca and silk mixture yarn, Du Store Alpakka Baby Silk, was chosen for a soft stitch definition but a luxurious feel to the skin. The jacket is slightly shaped at the waist. While I was busy knitting another project, the skilled knitter Airin Hansen, aka Teodor on Ravelry, made this. The Norwegian pattern will be published in the special magazine Familien Kreativ and published in March, while the English pattern will be test knitted in my Ravelry group in July before its release.

Here is my introduction to the pattern: 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.

It is knitted in Du Store Alpakka Baby Silk made of 80% baby alpaca, 20% silk on 50 grams balls with 133 meters/145 yards in the shade Beige 347, using 3.5 mm/US 4 needles with a gauge of 24 stitches and 32 rows in stocking stitch measuring 10 cm/4″. The yarn was kindly sponsored by House of Yarn.

Here you see me demonstrating how difficult it is to style a garment on yourself, with cold fingers, as if you did not know that already. All parts are worked back and forth, then sewed together at the end. The loop parts are joined at the end. I am wearing size Small but it will be available in sizes XS to 2XL with a bust circumference of 86 to 126 cm/33.75 to 49.5″.

Above is a back view with the overlapping fronts hanging around the neck. All bands are worked in Garter stitch. In the top photo you can see a bit of the wrong side of the stitch pattern creating bobles. All these photos were taken by my husband in November, on a cold clear day with no snow at Ormøya by the Bunnefjord in Oslo, close to where we live.

Here is the arty shoot of my inside the covered benches. Again demonstrating that this is a lot easier in front of a mirror. I also discovered another way of wearing it during our photoshoot when I could drape it around the model and not on myself.

New Design: Hanasa

Posted on December 17, 2016 by Linda Marveng

Du Store Alpakka Baby Silk yarn is a divine mixture of alpaca and silk I wanted to test. I fell for this strong olive green colour and decided to make another a-line sweater with a split cable at the bottom of the body and sleeves. The yarn gives the pullover a lovely sheen. It is beautifully knitted by Grete Jenssen, aka ma9 on Ravelry, using 3.5 mm/US 4 needles and a gauge of 24 stitches and 32 rows. The yarn is made of 80% baby alpaca and 20% mulberry silk and comes in 50 grams ball with 133 meters/145 yards. The sample is knitted in Green 307, and the yarn has been kindly sponsored by House of Yarn. The Norwegian pattern will be published in Familien Kreativ in March, while the English pattern will be test knitted in my Ravelry group in June next year.

Here is my introduction to the pattern: 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. You may have noticed that the cable on the sleeve is a smaller version of the one on the body and does not have the bordering garter stitches on each side.

As usual I have chosen to knit it in part and sew it together for a better fit. The vent at the bottom is made by making each part and each sleeve in two parts before they are joined together. Part two is made first, in order for part one to be worked first when they are joined together. The collar became more generous than I initially had planned so I had to make a cowl to go with it with four of the central body cable. It was finished just in time for the photo shoot so it has only been photographed indoors so far and the colour is so off it does not even look green. You will just have to wait and see the stunning photos of model Silje Andresen/Team Models wearing instead. The cowl I only made in one size but you can easily adjust it if you want to. The sweater is graded in sizes XS to 2XL, with a bust circumference of 84 to 126 cm/33 to 49.5″ and a hip circumference of 98 to 140 cm/38.5 to 55″. I am wearing size S.

My husband photographed me wearing it in late November at Ormøya by the fjord. It was his suggestions that we take som arty shoots in this boxed in bench. Above you see the result. Unfortunately the shadows of the tree covered the whole bench on both sides, so I could not escape.

New Design: Cavallo

Posted on December 10, 2016 by Linda Marveng

I wanted to have another go at designing an a-line sweater with a rounded hem, this time with a Henley neck. This comes after my most successful pattern to date; the Oydis Sweater. Just as last time I found an attractive cable to be the focus point, but chose a solid yarn this time instead of a home made tweed mix; Dale Pure Eco Wool in a stunning soft sea-green colour. I tend to get easily bored knitting stockinette stitch, hence the row gauge is slightly off (28 rows instead of 30 rows) and it has become 3 cm/1.25″ longer than intended. The fit is based upon the Oydis Sweater, and it is meant to be worn with around 5 cm/2″ ease. The Norwegian pattern will be published in the special issue called Familien Kreativ which will be published in March next year. While the English pattern will be test knitted in my Ravelry group, beginning in May, before its release.

Here is my introduction to the pattern: 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.

Cavallo is knitted in Dale, Pure Eco Wool made of 70% wool, 30% alpaca in 50 gram balls with 112 meters/122 yards, using a 4 mm/US 6 needle. The gauge is 21 stitches and 30 rows in stockinette stitch measures 10 cm/4″ square. The yarn was generously sponsored by House of Yarn. I choose to work all parts back and forth, then sewed it together. Each side on all parts has a few garter stitches as a side band. You can easily knit the sleeves and also the body in the round after the rounded hem.

I found the cable too large to fit on the sleeves and chose a check pattern which looks like fake cables on the center of the sleeve. It adds a bit of texture and makes the sleeves more fun to knit. I knitted both flat at the same time. I have graded the sweater in sizes XS to 2XL with a bust circumference of 84 to 126 cm/33 to 49.5″. I am wearing size S in the photos above taken by my husband at the end of October at Ormøya by the fjord in Oslo, close to where we live.

New Design: Gaylia

Posted on December 3, 2016 by Linda Marveng

Finally, I can begin to show you my latest designs and first out is 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. The Norwegian pattern will be printed in Familien Kreativ in March next year, together with 3 other new designs, while the English pattern will be test knitted in my Ravelry group before its release.

I wanted to test this new yarn called Dale Pure Eco Wool, and House of Yarn kindly sponsored it. It is made of 70% wool, 30% alpaca with a 112 meters/122 yards on each 50 gram ball and takes a 4 mm/US 6 needle with a gauge of 21 stitches and 30 rows to 10 cm/4″ square. I fell in love with the dark brown melange colour named Espresso 1207. Since I was busy knitting another sample, I asked Airin Hansen, aka Teodor on Ravelry to knit this for me. It is beautifully knitted, as always. Thank you, Airin!

You know how much I love accessories to go with my sweaters, and because I live in a climate where you have to dress in layers I made a short scarf with the same Check pattern as on the sleeve to crown the sweater so to speak.

The front and back are worked back and forth while sleeves are worked in the round. Each side has a few garter stitches as a side band and the sleeve has a false seam made of garter stitch. Scarf is worked in two parts ending in garter stitches and then bound off using a 3-needle bind-off.

Here is a detail of the v-neck and the join on the scarf which is made in two parts so that the Check pattern leans to one side each just as on the sleeves. Instead of having what appeared as a loose rib facing each other on the scarf, I choose to use garter stitch.

The opposite side of the scarf looks even more like checks than the front. Above you can also see the 3-needle bind off edge. The scarf is one size, but can easily be adjusted to a larger or a smaller size by adding or removing pattern repeats, while the pullover is graded in sizes XS to 2XL with bust circumferences from 84 to 126 cm/33 to 49.5″. I am wearing size S with no ease around my bust. The hip circumference is 14 cm/5.5″ wider than the bust. My husband photographed me on a lovely autumn day in October at Ormøya by the Bunnefjord, close to where we live in Oslo.

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.

Helka Pattern Released

Posted on July 13, 2016 by Linda Marveng

The successful test knit of Helka ended a week ago, and I am very pleased to release the English pattern. My skillful test knitters have improved the pattern, and I added their useful notes. The Norwegian pattern was first published in Familien Kreativ in March. Above you see it worn by the gorgeous model Alexandria Eissinger/Sweden Models, with beautiful hair & make up by Sissel Fylling and jewelry by Kaja Gjedebo Design, all brilliantly captured by Eivind Røhne. The buttons are bespoke and like jewelry designed by Siri Berrefjord, you can see them close-up in this blogpost. Here is my introduction to the pattern: 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.

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

Finished measurements: Bust circumference: 84 (92, 100, 108, 116, 124) cm/33 (36.25, 39.25, 42.5, 45.75, 48.75)”. Length: 79 (80, 81, 82, 83, 84) cm/31 (31.5, 32, 32.25, 32.75, 33)”. Sleeve length: 49 (50, 51, 51, 51, 51) cm/19.25 (19.75, 20, 20, 20, 20)”

Yarn: Hifa, Huldra Kamgarn 8, 5/2 (100% combed wool, 200 g, 850 m/929 yds). Sample is knitted in Unbleached White 428026; 3 (3, 3, 3, 3, 3) cones; 1892 (2012, 2131, 2251, 2371, 2492) m/2069 (2200, 2330, 2462, 2593, 2725) yds. http://www.ull.no/garn/maskinstrikkegarn/huldra-kamgarn-8-5-2-tykt Du Store Alpakka, Dreamline Soul (68% baby alpaca, 32% nylon, 25 g, 177 m/195 yds). Sample is knitted in White DL201; 11 (12, 13, 14, 14, 15) skeins; 1892 (2012, 2131, 2251, 2371, 2492) m/2069 (2200, 2330, 2462, 2593, 2725) yds. http://dustorealpakka.no/garn/soul/?sf_paged=2

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

Needles: 4 mm/US 6 circular needle (80 cm/32″). 3.5 mm/US 4 circular needle (120 cm/47″ or 2 sets of 80 cm/32″) for button band. 4 mm/US 6 DPNs. Adjust needle size as needed to match gauge.

Notions: 14 buttons (18 mm/0.7″). Bespoke buttons on sample are made by Siri Berrefjord, siri@fredenshavn.no see http://epla.no/shops/sirisskattkammer/, cable needle, 8 Stitch markers, 4 stitch holders and yarn needle.

Gauge: 20 sts and 28 rows in st st using both yarns held together measures 10 cm/4″ square blocked. 42 sts and 28 rows in Woven Cable; 1 pattern repeat measures 13 cm/5″ across and 9 cm/3.5″ high.

Notes: The body is knitted from the bottom and up in 3 parts, back and forth, while the sleeves are worked in the round. The Woven Cable pattern ends in a rib at the sleevecap and at the v-neck shaping on the fronts, as well as on shoulders at the back.

Shinju Pattern Released

Posted on July 6, 2016 by Linda Marveng

My wedding shawl design, Shinju, is now released in English in my Ravelry Store. The shawl is knitted in the divine Mondial Perle yarn with beads on the yarn itself for extra glamour. The yarn comes in several other classic colors which will make the shawl wearable for any party and not only a wedding. I am pleased to say that the pattern has been test knitted in my Ravelry group before its release. Shinju was brilliantly photographed by Eivind Røhne at Ekebergrestauranten for the Norwegian special magazine Familien Kreativ, published in March. Gorgeous model Alexandria Eissinger/Sweden Models is wearing the shawl. Hair and make up is by Sissel Fylling. The stunning jewelry is by Kaja Gjedebo Design: KGD. Here is my introduction to the pattern: 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.

Size: One size

Finished measurement: Width: 51.5 cm/20.25″. Length: 150 cm/59″

Yarn: Mondial, Perle (55% polyester, 30% kid mohair, 15% silk, with beads, 25 g, 85 m/93 yds). Sample is knitted in Cream 0944: 13 skeins; 1054 m/1152 yds. http://www.lanemondial.it/home/en/filati-5/fall-winter/185-deluxe-eng/1632-perle

Alternative yarn: Art Yarns, Beaded Mohair and Sequins (60% kid mohair, 40% silk, with glass beads and sequins, 50 g, 104 m/114 yds). http://www.artyarns.com/patterns/beaded-mohair-and-sequins/ Or another Worsted/10 ply yarn.

Notions: Stitch markers and yarn needle.

Needle: 4.5 mm/US 7 circular needle (60 cm/24″).

Gauge: 19 sts and 24 rows in Window lace measures 10 cm/4″ square. 17 sts and 24 rows in st st measures 10 cm/4″ square. 17 sts and 24 rows in garter st measures 10 cm/4″ square.

Notes: The shawl is made from one short end to the opposite, with a ruffled bell border at each end, and garter stitch side stitches. Adjust the length and width of the shawl by adding or removing stitch patterns as preferred, e.g 9 pattern reps of Window Lace and a cast-on of 171 sts.

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!

Linda Marveng

Knit wear designer and author

Tag Archives: Familien Kreativ