Shawl Sleeves Pattern Released

Posted on August 16, 2014 by Linda Marveng

I am delighted to release my Shawl Sleeves pattern in English. The Norwegian pattern will be published as one in a series, in the special issue of Familiens Strikkebok out on the 25th August. The finished result is more abstract than I had in mind, but still fun to drape around your body or merely use one as a generous scarf. You can easily make it longer by adding pattern repeats, just keep in mind that you will need more yarn. I made my own tweed by holding one strand of Rowan Fine Tweed together with one strand of Ask – Hifa 2. Here it is; brilliantly worn by dancer Francesca Golfetto, beautifully styled by Line Sekkingstad and photographed by Kim Müller. Here is my introduction to the pattern: A sleeve that ends in a shawl, worked in reversible cables with two very different sides and lined by checks, made to drape and pin together as you wish. The cables are worked half in rib, half in reverse stockinette stitch, and provides a soft contrast to the curvy checks. Knit in the round to the armhole, then flat on the shawl to the hem at the end. This is a conceptual accessory with a modern shape.

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

Finished measurements Sleevelength: 52 (52, 54) cm/20.5 (20.5, 21.25)” + Shawl length: 80 (84, 88) cm/31.5 (33, 34.75)” Sleeve width bottom: 21 (24, 27) cm/8.25 (9.5, 10.75)” Sleeve width top: 32 (34, 36) cm/12.5 (13.5, 14.25)” Shawl width: 36 cm/14.25″

Yarn: Rowan Fine Tweed in Leyburn 383: 12 (13, 14) skeins (100% wool, 25 g, 90 m/98 yds); 1080 (1170, 1260) m/1181 (1279, 1378) yds. Rowan Fine Tweed

Hillesvåg, Ask – Hifa 2 in Melange Corn Yellow 6502: 3.5 (4, 4.5) skeins (100% wool, 100 g, 315 m/344 yds); 1080 (1170, 1260) m/1181 (1279, 1378) yds. Ask Melert

Note: Yarns are held together throughout.

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

Needles: 2 sets of 4 mm/US 6 circular needles (100 cm/40″) for hems and sleeve part. 4 mm/US 6 straight needles for shawl part. Adjust needles to match gauge.

Notions: stitch markers, cable needle and yarn needle.

Gauge: 18 sts and 26 rows in st st and Check pattern using a strand of each yarn and 4 mm/US 6 measures 10 cm/4 square (steamed and stretched). Rib and purl cable across 32 sts measures 11 cm/4.25 wide.

Notes: The sleeves are worked in the round from the bottom with a hem to the armhole bind-off. Then you cast on for a shawl edge and increase a few stitches to reach full shawl width. The only sewing required is attaching the beginning of the shawl edge to the armhole. You can easily adjust the length of the shawl if you prefer.

Scarftex Pattern Released

Posted on August 13, 2014 by Linda Marveng

I am delighted to release one of my last series of design, the Scarftex in English in my Ravelry Store. The Norwegian pattern will be published together with 5 other designs, all brilliantly photographed by Kim Müller, gorgeously modeled by dancer Francesca Golfetto and perfectly styled by Line Sekkingstad, in Familiens Strikkebok out on 25th August. Here is my Scarftex introduction and details: To make cables really pop I love working them in double yarns. Usually I use two strands of the same yarn but this time I chose to hold a pure wool, Rowan Fine Tweed, together with an alpaca mixture, Rowan Lima, to add bounce to the cables. This is a chunky jewelry scarf just like the type of statement jewelry I prefer. The stitch pattern I choose is a combination of reversible cables, from Lily Chin, to make a scarf with a lot of texture; a Scarftex!

Size: One Size

Finished measurements: 21 cm/8.25″ wide 140 cm/55″ long

Yarn: Rowan, Lima (8% merino, 84% baby alpaca, 8% nylon, 50 g, 110 m/120 yds) in Lima sh 888: 5 balls; 530 m/580 yds. Rowan Rowan, Fine Tweed (100% ull, 25 g, 90 m/98 yds) in Bedale sh 361: 6 balls; 530 m/580 yds. Rowan Note: Both yarns are held together throughout. Or another dense Worsted/Aran (10 ply) yarn with or without a Fingering (4 ply) yarn.

Needles: 5.5 mm/US 9 straight needles. Adjust needle size as needed to match gauge.

Notions: Cable needle, 2 stitch markers, yarn needle.

Gauge: 20 sts and 30 rows in garter st measures 10 cm/4″ square.

Notes: The scarf and each cable is not as difficult to work as it looks since all stitches are worked as they appear either in garter stitch or 1 by 1 rib on all on rows even during crossings.

Familien Strikkebok Photoshoot: Shawl Sleeves

Posted on June 28, 2014 by Linda Marveng

Last but certainly not least in this series of patterns to be printed in the separate issue Strikkebok by Familien in the end of August is the Shawl Sleeves. I knew the color of melange corn yellow in Ask by Hifa, combined with Leyburn – a yellow ochre – in Rowan Fine Tweed would suit dancer Francesca Golfetto brilliantly, since I had seen her perform in an evening gown of the same color, and attract knitters. If you wonder how they work here is my introduction: A sleeve that ends in a shawl, worked in reversible cables with two very different sides and lined by checks, made to drape and pin together as you wish. The cables are worked half in rib, half in reverse stockinette stitch, and provides a soft contrast to the curvy checks. Knit in the round to the armhole, then flat on the shawl to the hem at the end. This is a conceptual accessory with a modern shape. Wear one around your neck and the other one on your arm, or both as sleeves and drape as you please. You can also easily adjust the length of the shawl. Stunningly photographed by Kim Müller and gorgeously styled by Line Sekkingstad. The English pattern will be published in my Ravelry Store.

I have made the Shawl Sleeves pattern in sizes: S/M (L/XL, 2XL), with differences in sleeve width, length and shawl length. Check the length by draping and pinning towels – yes, a common approach for me – before you buy your yarn so that you are able to adjust the length of sleeve and shawl.

Using 4 mm/US 6, the sleeves are worked in the round from the bottom with a hem to the armhole bind-off. Then you cast on for a shawl edge and increase a few stitches to reach full shawl width. The only sewing required is attaching the beginning of the shawl edge to the armhole.

I am very grateful to Airin Hansen who knitted these shawl sleeves for me. I believe they would look magnificent in a much finer yarn with a much longer shawl part too, but I feel in love with the color and yarn combination I had discovered.

And of course: a photo with the Benedetta boots by Monica Stålvang, who made this outfit so marvelous in my opinion.

Familiens Strikkebok Photoshoot: Zest Shawl and Cowls

Posted on June 21, 2014 by Linda Marveng

I had Francesca’s dark colors in mind when I chose the yarn colors and I knew the dark lime color as well as the cable structure of the Rowan Softknit Cotton yarn would look fabulous on her. I was not mistaken. The shawl is rectangular so that it can easily be buttoned into a shrug with 8 two toned colored mother of pearl buttons from Perlehuset – spot on color – hence making it look like a bolero. As a decorative collar why not add a cowl or two. I decided to make a smaller one in addition for those extra cool evenings when layering is best. The shawl and large cowl are knitted, using 4.5 mm/US 7, by test knitter Airin Hansen, who I could not have done without, since I was busy knitting the coats. The Norwegian pattern will be published in the separate issue of Familien, called Familiens Strikkebok out in late August while the English pattern will be published in my Ravelry Store. Dancer Francesca Golfetto was brilliantly photographed by Kim Müller and had her make up and hair beautifully styled by Line Sekkingstad. The gorgeous boots, perfectly named Benedetta-Boots, are by Monica Stålvang.

The shawl and cowls are made in a two row lace pattern with garter stitch edges in the cotton which is soft to knit with, and rather quick with due to its cable structure. I chose to knit both cowls flat and sew them up instead of changing the stitch pattern.

The stitch pattern is one of those that looks great on the wrong side too, even though it is flatter in structure than on the right side. You can easily adjust the width and the length of the shawl and the cowls. I discovered that I needed to bind off with a few extra yarn overs on the small cowl to make the bind off as elastic as the cast on.

I have named the set “Zest” for its color and the vigor I believes it gives. There are two more designs in this series, one I have not shown you previously, and the Shawl sleeves.

Familiens Strikkebok Photoshoot: Carla Coat

Posted on June 14, 2014 by Linda Marveng

I know some of you have been waiting to see this coat finished, and I am proud to present my Carla Coat: My Carla Shoes in wine by Monica Stålvang needed a coat to accompany them on an evening out. However, the shoes demanded quite a bit of drama to make the coat as stunning as the shoes. Norsk Pelsull/Pelt wool by Hifa in burgundy with its lustre was my first choice, but more volume and texture was necessary so combining it with Rowan Lima created the perfect texture and a rich color. Ideal for a voluptuous braid framed by reverse stocking stitch and double seed stitch. The coat is crowned by a large shawl collar in double seed stitch. Brilliantly captured by photographer Kim Müller, stunningly worn by dancer Francesca Golfetto, excellent hair & make up by Line Sekkingstad. The Norwegian pattern will be published in Familiens Strikkebok in late August, while the English pattern will be released in my Ravelry Store after test knitting in my group.

The coat is knitted using 5.5 mm/US 9 to a gauge similar to a chunky yarn (12 ply) with 14 stitches and 22 rows in stockinette stitch measuring 10 cm/4″ square. But it does feel denser and also lighter in weight since I have combined two thinner yarns; one Worsted/10 ply (Lima) and one DK/8 ply (Norsk Pelsull). The density makes the braid pop out and the coat to keep its shape. As well as giving a brilliant stitch definition, which I adore! The Carla Coat pattern will be available in sizes S to 2XL, with bust circumferences of 92 to 126 cm/36.25 to 49.5″ excluding collar width to v-neck of 7 cm/2.75″.

The body of the coat is knitted flat, while the sleeves are worked in the round. The a-line shaping is done in stockinette stitch. Each cable has been gathered to keep its texture to the end. The shawl collar is picked up and shaped by short rows. I had initially planned for it to end in an i-cord bind off, but it pulled the collar out of shape, so I abandoned that idea. I decided that a bind off in pattern would have to suffice. You are however welcome to chose a different solution. I was running out of time for the photo shoot…

We obviously had to take a number of photos where the fabulous Carla shoes were included and here is my favorite among those.

Familiens Strikkebok Photoshoot: Conic Coat

Posted on June 11, 2014 by Linda Marveng

The triangles and blocks stitch pattern by Lynne Barr, creates shadows and a dense texture perfect for a long a-line coat with a soft and generous shawl collar, a seeded rib pattern, and a clever tuck. I have achieved my goal of designing a coat with architectonic elements you want to knit and wear. At least I do hope so. The Conic Coat first planned for Brooklyn Tweed has been knitted in Embla – Hifa 3, in a stunning purple beige color using 4 mm/US 6 and will be published in Norwegian in the separate magazine Familiens Strikkebok out in late August. Here is the coat finished, not that many hours before the photoshoot at Aker Brygge actually. My chosen photographer is Kim Müller, model is beautiful dancer Francesca Golfetto and make up & hair stylist is Line Sekkingstad, they all made my knitting projects look so gorgeous! This is how dreams come true.

The coat is worked flat in pieces and then sewn together. Stitches are picked up for the collar and a tuck is worked before you begin with the Seeded Rib pattern. The shawl part of the collar is worked with short rows and ends with an I-cord bind off. The a-line decreases are worked in stocking stitch, while you discontinue the Folded Triangles pattern when you shape neck, armhole and sleevecap.

Initially I imagined it in a blue tweed, but since my design did not make it into the Brooklyn Tweed selected few, and I spotted Monica Stålvang’s stunning brown shoes, I knew that the coat had to match those. Hence I wanted a photo of Francesca sitting showing off the shoes too!

I have made the coat in sizes S to 2XL, with a finished bust measurement excluding collar of 92 cm to 126 cm/36.25 to 49.5″. Francesca is a size XS, Norwegian clothes size 34/UK 6/US 2 but wearing size S. I will show you photos of me wearing it too since I am a size S, Norwegian clothes size 36-38/UK 8-10/US 4-6 but they will not be as marvelous, obviously. I plan a test knit of the English pattern in my Ravelry group in August.

New Design: Zest Shawl and Cowls

Posted on June 7, 2014 by Linda Marveng

Dark lime is the name of this attractive shade of Rowan Softknit Cotton, a deliciously soft cotton ideal for a summery shawl to be worn over a dress in the cooler evenings. An easy lace pattern shows off the cable structure of this lovely yarn with garter stitch edges all around. The shawl is rectangular and I added 8 beautiful two toned colored mother of pearl buttons from Perlehuset, 4 on each end on opposite sides and used the holes in the pattern to make it into a shrug. A large cowl was essential and why not add a small one too? All parts are knitted back and forth in rows using 4.5 mm/US 7, the samples by test knitter Airin Hansen, aka Teodor on Ravelry. The Norwegian pattern will be published in late August in Familiens Strikkebok, a separate issue, while the English pattern will come on Ravelry. I am delighted that it has been professionally photographed on dancer Francesca Golfetto by Kim Müller and I will show you the photos shortly.

New Design: Shawl Sleeves

Posted on June 4, 2014 by Linda Marveng

A sleeve that ends in a shawl, worked in reversible cables with two very different sides and lined by checks, made to drape and pin together as you wish. The cables are worked half in rib, half in reverse stockinette stitch, and provides a soft contrast to the curvy checks. Knit in the round to the armhole, then flat on the shawl to the end; a hem. Conceptual accessories with a modern shape. This was my idea for a design submission that I presented to the American yarn company Brooklyn Tweed, but it was not among the chosen ones, probably because it did not fit into their magazine collection.

Anyway, it has been beautifully knitted by my test knitter Airin Hansen, aka Teodor on Ravelry, and will be published in Norwegian in Familiens Strikkebok, their special issue magazine in August, and the English pattern in my Ravelry Store. The Brooklyn Tweed yarns are not available in Norway so I made my own tweed with the added lustre from Ask-Hifa 2 made by Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk knitted together with Rowan Fine Tweed on a 4 mm/US 6 to make the cables pop. The finished result is more abstract than I had in mind, but still fun to drape around your body or just use one as a generous scarf. I did wonder whether to build in shoulder shaping in form of short row shaping and thought how marvelous it would be in lace weight and with a super long shawl part but since I had to be practical I went for maximum texture and shorter shawl length.

The shawl sleeves have already been professionally photographed on Francesca Golfetto, and they look stunning on her. I look forward to showing those photos to you.

Design in Progress: Carla Coat

Posted on May 17, 2014 by Linda Marveng

My Carla Shoes in Wine by Monica Stålvang needed a coat to accompany them on an evening out, I decided. For awhile the design was a dress, but a coat is easier to wear and combine with other outfits. However, it did take me awhile to find a color and texture I loved, since I felt the shoes need quite a bit of drama to make the coat as stunning as the shoes. Norsk Pelsull/Pelt wool by Hifa in burgundy – ruby really – with its lustre was my first choice, but more volume and texture was necessary. So I tried to knit it double, which was closer to what I had in mind but still not perfect. I needed to go yarn hunting, and knew I did not have any contestants in my stash so no need for a stash dive.

The revelation dawned on me when I saw Rowan Lima yarn in La Paz, a subtle darker plum semi-solid shade, and knew it would add the essential volume and texture to the Pelsull. Next, what needle size do I choose; I wanted it dense and tested 5 mm/US 8 which was hard to knit with, I tried 6 mm/US 10 (read: mega size for me who likes to be on a size 3 mm/US 2.5) which made the fabric too loose; finally the winner: 5.5 mm/US 9 and the recommended needle size for Rowan Lima.

The sleeve has a braid framed by reverse stocking stitch and double seed/moss stitch, then stocking stitch under the arm. I have worked the sleeves in the round but will make the A-line body flat, possibly with 3 braids on the back. The fronts on the other hand have not agreed on their pattern yet, but will very soon since the pattern will be available late August in Familiens Strikkebok in Norwegian, then in English on Ravelry. The photo shoot is currently being planned. To be continued.

Linda Marveng

Knit wear designer and author

Tag Archives: Familiens Strikkebok