New pattern release: Arcade Vest

Posted on April 5, 2014 by Linda Marveng

The Arcade Vest pattern is now available in English, to download from my Ravelry Store, with chart, schematic and useful video links. Beautifully modeled by dancer Francesca Golfetto and photographed by Kim Müller. I am so grateful to the 11 test knitters who have checked and improved my English pattern in addition to my tech editor, thank you! The Norwegian pattern was published in the magazine “Familien”/The Family in January in issue no 3, and will be added to Ravelry when the rights revert to me. A straight vest inspired by Haider Ackermann’s architectonic style and jewel colours. It features arcades knitted by cables, framed by double moss/seed stitch and ends with an I-cord trim around the neck and armholes. The double front gives the vest weight – close it as you prefer with a shawlpin or a belt. Close it at the top for a trendy look and an asymmetrical opening. The sample is knitted in the beautiful Hifa Norsk Pelsull/Norwegian Pelt yarn from Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk in a turquoise mélange color.

Size: S (M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL)

Finished measurements:
Bust: 92 (96, 102, 116, 124, 134) cm/36.25 (38.25, 40, 45.75, 48.75, 52.75)”
incl overlap: 6.5 (6.5, 6.5, 6.5, 8.5, 8.5) cm/2.5 (2.5, 2.5, 2.5, 3.25, 3.25)”
Length: 77 (77, 77, 79, 79, 79) cm/30.25 (30.25, 30.25, 31, 31, 31)”

Yarn: Hifa, Norsk Pelsullgarn in turquoise sh 1106: 4 (4.5, 5, 6, 6.5, 7.5) skeins;
1014 (1144, 1300, 1508, 1664, 1846) m/1109 (1251, 1422, 1649, 1820, 2019) yds (100% Norwegian pelt wool, 100 g, 260 m/284 yds). Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk

Alternative Yarns: Berroco, Ultra Alpaca Light (50% alpaca, 50% wool, 50 g, 133 m/144 yds). Berroco
Anzula, Kern (100% alpaca, 50 g, 160 m/175 yds). Anzula
Or another DK/8 ply yarn.

Needles: 3.5 mm/US 4 circular needle (80 cm/32″)
3.5 mm/US 4 circular needle (40 cm/16″)
3.5 mm/US 4 DPNs (2 for I-cord bind off)
Or size needed for gauge.

Notions: Cable needle, 3 stitch holders and yarn needle

Gauge: 20 sts and 24 rows in Arcade Pattern, 20 sts and 26 rows in double moss/seed stitch measures 10cm/4″ square.

Notes: The vest is worked in rows in one piece to armhole, where it is separated. The armhole band is worked in the round.
Dec: When decreasing for neck and armhole only for XL and 2XL, change first and last Arcade Pattern repeat into reverse stocking stitch to avoid decreasing in pattern.
Length: Adjust length by knitting additional rows in double moss/seed stitch at the bottom and/or more/fewer Arcade Patterns before armhole decrease.

Familien Håndarbeid

Posted on March 12, 2014 by Linda Marveng

I am delighted to have four of my latest patterns published in the Norwegian special issue magazine called Håndarbeid/Handicraft by Familien/The Family. I designed two of them last summer; Regal Purple Jacket and Lace Ridge Top both with a cowl to complement the design, both knitted in the beautiful Perle/Pearl mercerized cotton yarn by Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk, see ull.no. The Tyrol Jacket, here on the cover, was initially sent as design submission to Twist Collective but only made it as far as their short list, while the Nora Sweater was hibernating until last autumn’s photo shoot, and I was not certain whether they would be accepted by Familien. I believe Kim Müller’s brilliant photos of the stunning dancer Francesca Golfetto modeling the garments made the offer hard to resist, and I was thrilled when the editor wanted to use the photos of all four designs in a separate issue. Two of the designs; Regal Purple Jacket and Tyrol Jacket are available in English to download. The remaining two will be available after test knitting in my Ravelry group, do join if you would like to.

The heading “Flott med fletter” translates to “Gorgeous with Cables”. The Madeline Tosh dk yarn, the Tyrol Jacket is knitted in, is not easily available in Norway but can be ordered online or replaced by e.g Sandnes Garn, Merinoull or Garnstudio Drops Merino Extra Fine. The BC Garn Semilla Fino 4 ply/fingering yarn the Nora Sweater is knitted in, can be replaced by Rauma, Røros Lamullgarn.

One of my favorite summer yarns is the mercerized 4-ply/fingering cotton Perle/Pearl from Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk, which comes in 62 gorgeous colors on 200 g cones, see ull.no. I used it in Mørk fiolett/Dark violet in the Regal Purple Jacket and Røsslyng/Heather held double in the Lace Ridge Top. As a matter of fact I would like to knit the cable cowl in a large selection of marvelous colors for the summer!

Tyrol Jacket Pattern Released

Posted on March 8, 2014 by Linda Marveng

I am delighted to release the English pdf pattern of my Tyrol Jacket in my Ravelry store after completed test knitting, see; tyrol-jacket. The Norwegian pattern is available in print on Monday in the separate magazine called “Familien Håndarbeid”/The Family Handicrafts. Inspired by the mélange soft pink color – not unlike the evening sky – and adorable Tyrol cables with their flower-bud shapes, I have designed an elegantly fitted jacket with a V-neck. The saddle sleeves allow the cables to flow all along the shoulder. A loose scarf with cables sewn into a tube works as a second shawl collar and adds textured volume. The Tyrol Jacket is knitted in the hand dyed Tosh dk using 4 mm/US 6 in two different dye lots, the darker version chosen for the sleeves, ordered from Eat.Sleep.Knit. Brilliantly photographed by Kim Müller, modeled by stunning dancer Francesca Golfetto.

Sizes: S (M, L, XL, XXL)

Finished Measurements:
Jacket: Bust: 91 (98, 106, 116, 126) cm/35.75 (38.5, 41.75, 45.75, 49.5)”
Waist: 72 (79, 87, 93, 113) cm/28.25 (31, 34.25, 36.5, 44.5)”
Hip: 91 (98, 106, 116, 126) cm/35.75 (38.5, 41.75, 45.75, 49.5)”
Length: 54 (55, 56, 57, 58) cm/21.25 (21.75, 22, 22.5, 22.75)”
Sleeve length: 42 cm/16.5″
Scarf: Circumference: 20 cm/7.75″
Length: 130 cm/51.25″

Yarn: Tosh dk (100% merino wool, 206 m/225 yds, 100 g): madelinetosh.com

Jacket: 7 (7, 8 , 9, 10) skeins in Posy: 1257 (1428, 1560, 1728, 1900) m/1373 (1562, 1706, 1890, 2078) yds. Scarf: 2 skeins in Posy: 392 m/428 yds.

Yarn alternatives: Tabby Cat Fibre Arts, Merino DK Tabby, (100% merino, 225 m/246 yds, 100 g) http://tabbycatyarns.de/products/dk/merino-dk-tabby
Drops Merino Extra Fine (100% wool, 105 m/115 yds, 50 g) http://www.garnstudio.com/lang/us/yarn.php?id=82
Fyberspates, Scrumptious DK (55% merino, 45% silk, 220 m/241 yds, 100 g) http://www.fyberspates.co.uk/mall/departmentpage.cfm/Fyberspates/_512086
Or another DK/8 ply.

Needles: 4 mm/US 6 straight needles. 4 mm/US 6 circular needle (80 cm/32″) for button band. Or size needed for gauge.

Notions: 10 buttons (13 mm/0.5″), 8 stitch markers, stitch holders and yarn needle.

Gauge: 25 sts and 30 rows in Tyrol Cable measures 10 cm/4″ square. 19 sts and 30 rows in garter stitch measures 10 cm/4″ square.

Notes: The cables are nipped together at the bottom so they continue through the hem. Each front is 1 cm wider than 1/2 the back, to achieve symmetry, usual in typical vintage garments. The scarf is worked flat and then joined into a tube. This jacket is like the Tyrolean jacket very fitted, please compare your waist measurements to the size you need and adjust if necessary, to make sure it will fit.

Photo Shoot Pics – Last Part: Lace Ridge Top & Cowl

Posted on March 5, 2014 by Linda Marveng

The final photos from last autumn’s photo shoot by Kim Müller show stunning dancer Francesca Golfetto wearing the Lace Ridge Top/Hullkant Topp with cowl knitted in the beautiful Perle/Pearl, a 4-ply/fingering mercerized cotton held double in the shade Røsslyng/Heather using 4 mm/US 6. The cotton comes in a large selection of lovely colors delivered on a 200 gram cone with 670 m/732 yds from Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk, see www.ull.no. The Norwegian pattern will be published on Monday in a separate magazine from Familien called Håndarbeid/Handicrafts, while the English pattern will be test knitted in my Ravelry group, set to start in April, before publishing in my Ravelry Store.

A casual, stretchy long sleeveless top in an open lace ridge pattern, with a boat neck and a high twisted rib over the hips. The top is easy to knit in the round. It is worked in a divine mercerized cotton from Hifa, called Perle/Pearl which is held double to emphasize the structure of the lace pattern. The cable cowl accentuates the design and gives the top a more dressy look.

The top comes in size S to XXL with generous ease, and a tight twisted rib while the cowl is one size. Above you can see the top worn with the rib pulled up. The body is knitted in the round up to the armholes and then flat to shoulders. The Lace Ridge Pattern creates a ladder at the join. There is no neckband nor armhole bands which help to make this a quick knit with minimal finishing required.

The cowl can be worn once or twice around the neck. The braid is too wide and difficult to work without a cable needle, as I would otherwise recommend. The cowl, worked in the round on a short circular needle, has a temporary cast on so that the ends can be easily grafted or sewed together.

I already long for my next photo shoot, but know I need to knit a substantial amount of garments before I am ready. But as you might have guessed, I am working on it…

New pattern release: Lace Top & Cowl

Posted on February 19, 2014 by Linda Marveng

I am delighted to release the English version of the Lace Top & Cowl, called “Blondegenser” in my Norwegian book, in my Ravelry Store, see Lace-Top. Above is the pattern cover, with photos of the beautiful dancer Francesca Golfetto brilliantly captured by Kim Müller. I have written a more detailed English version of the pattern, while my Creative Director (read: husband) has made a new chart, and a schematic. Just to make sure I did not add any mistakes, I sent it to my technical editor Heather Zoppetti to check, see Stitchsprouts. From the intro to my pattern: I have been searching for a fitted party sweater for awhile, since I have not found one, I have designed one. Inspired by Missoni’s collections I have chosen a yarn made of tencel that has a fabulous drape and shine. The yarn can be pulled into shape and hides all unevenness. The sweater is knitted in Valley Yarns 8/2 Tencel held double which comes in a large selection of color that makes it possible for you to create your own.

Sizes: S (M, L)

Finished measurements: Top: Bust: 90 (94, 99) cm/35.5 (37, 39)” Waist: 78 (82, 87) cm/30.75 (32.25, 34.25)” Hip: 90 (94, 99) cm/35.5 (37, 39)” Length: 54 (55, 56) cm/21.25 (21.75, 22)” Sleeve length 46 cm/18″ Cowl: 32 cm/12.5″ height and 54cm/21.25″ circumference.

Yarn: Valley Yarns 8/2 Tencel in Black (100% Lyocell, 1lb/454 g, 3360 yds/3675 m): 1 (1, 1) Cone: 2346 (2670, 2993) m/2565 (2920, 3273) yds for top and an extra 770 m/842 yds used for cowl. Note: Yarn is held double throughout pattern. Yarn

Alternative yarns: Jaggerspun Zephyr Wool-Silk 2/18 held double (50% merino, 50% tussah silk, 454 g/1lb, 5040 yds/ 4609 m) Jaggeryarn Drops, Lace held double (70% alpaca, 30% silk, 800 m/ 874 yds, 100 g) Garnstudio

Needles: 3mm/US 2.5 straight needles, 3 mm/US 2.5 80cm/32″ circular knitting needle, and 3mm/US 2.5 40cm/16″ circular knitting needle for cowl or size needed to obtain gauge.

Gauge: 24 sts and 38 rnds in Lace Panel using 3 mm/US 2.5 needles and 2 strands of yarn held together measures 10cm/4″ square. 29 sts and 36 rnds in st st using 3 mm/US 2.5 needles and 2 strands of yarn held together measures 10cm/4″ square.

Notes: The sleeves are knitted first and worked flat to learn the stitch pattern, while the body and the cowl is knitted in the round. The pullover has puffed sleeves, made by increasing each side of the middle Lace Panel. Increasing and decreasing is done between the Lace Panels in reverse stockinette stitch. The sleeves have 2 stitches in reverse stockinette stitch while the body has 5 stitches. Size M and L have additional stitches in reverse stockinette stitch after 6th and 12th Lace Panel.

Oriel Ballerina in Made by Me

Posted on February 5, 2014 by Linda Marveng

I have made it into the Norwegian magazine Made By Me, and since it is the first time I am contributing, they have presented me as well as my book. I am delighted. The heading is “Hooked on Knitting”, and the introductory paragraph reads: “Linda Marveng learned to knit as a 10-year old, but many years later, via a detour in business management, and a job as Design Consultant for Rowan, she is finally in her right element. Now she has the great recognition as a designer.” They have included the introduction to my book; and referred to my freelance work for MbyM, my blog and my Ravelry group.

The design they chose was the Oriel Ballerina, my wrap over, stunningly modeled on Francesca Golfetto, photographed by Kim Müller. The delicate teal colour filled my mind with visions of ballerinas in tulle petticoats. Perfect for a ballerina wrap with oriel lace sleeves, and a garter stitch belt to tie one or two times around your waist. With all the focus on the sleeves the body is knitted in stockinette stitch in the divine Zephyr Lace; a mixture of merino and tussah silk. The divine yarn is available at Handweavers Studio in London or can be replaced by Drops Lace by Garnstudio. See the pattern page on Ravelry for more details. The English pattern will be released after test knitting set to begin in mid-February on Ravelry. I look forward to seeing it knitted in different colors and yarns!

New Design: Oriel Ballerina

Posted on January 22, 2014 by Linda Marveng

I was instantly drawn to this light turquoise color in the stunning Jaggerspun Zephyr Wool-Silk 2/18, a merino and tussah silk mixture in lace weight, at Handweavers Studio in London, many years ago. The delicate color filled my mind with visions of ballerinas in tulle petticoats. Perfect for a ballerina wrap with oriel lace sleeves, and a garter stitch belt to tie one or two times around your waist. With all the focus on the sleeves, the body is knitted in stockinette stitch, and the belt in garter stitch. The wrap was intended to be part of my book, but it was not finished on time, nor needed to fill the book, so instead it will be my first pattern printed in the Norwegian magazine Made By Me, also published in Swedish, in the next issue out on the 3.rd of February. The first three issues are now available in an English-US version as an app, see MbyM Magazine. The English pattern will be released on Ravelry, after test knitting, set to begin in February. The Oriel Ballerina is knitted flat and seamed, using a 3 mm/US 2.5 knitting needle. I was delighted to model it on a stunning ballerina; Francesca Golfetto from the Norwegian National Ballet and brilliantly captured by photographer by Kim Müller.

Instead of decreasing into the lace pattern on the sleeve cap, I decided to make a pleat at the top, see the detailed photo above. I also wanted to show the beautiful Oriel lace pattern in detail. The front band is a continuation of the garter stitch belt and makes the fabric lie flat. I cannot wait to show you how it looks in the MbyM magazine.

Photo Shoot Pics – Part Three: Regal Purple Jacket

Posted on December 18, 2013 by Linda Marveng

Test knitting of the English pattern of Regal Purple Jacket & Cowl is nearly complete, and I will release the pattern on Ravelry at the end of the month. But first I would like to show you the stunning photos Kim Müller took of the amazing dancer Francesca Golfetto during our photo shoot in September. You have already seen it the setting with Kim, Francesca and my husband in action at Aker Brygge/Wharf in Oslo. Above is the jacket showing the v-neck shaping, garter stitch and rolling stocking stitch neckband, and the short sleeves. It is knitted in the beautiful mercerized 4-ply/fingering cotton yarn called Perle/Pearl from Hifa, see ull, using 3mm/US 2.5, and will be published in Norwegian by Familien in their separate magazine Vårens Strikkebok/Spring Knitting book with Kim’s photos together with 3 other of my designs; Tyrol Jacket, Nora Sweater and Lace Ridge Top. I am very pleased with this, as you can imagine!

Here is the long cowl, knitted in the round in stocking stitch with reverse stocking stitch stripes, where I turned instead of purling several rows at a time and to hide the hole where I turned I made a yarn over which I decreased with the last stitch on the round. The cowl is plain to emphasize the lace pattern on the jacket itself and fits two times around if you want it closer around your neck, see below. As for the lace pattern it does look more complicated than it is, since half the pattern repeat is garter stitch and half of the lace rows are repeated twice within the pattern repeat. I have chosen to end the lace pattern where the shaping begins on around the armholes, neck and on the sleeve cap since I find it hard to keep the stitch count in lace otherwise. But you are very welcome to adjust the pattern to your own preference. The English pattern comes with instructions with optional 3/4 and long sleeves while the Norwegian one in Strikkeboka only has the short sleeves since they are the only ones photographed. And it will not be long until you can see the test knitted versions linked to the pattern on Ravelry, but in the mean time I hope you are enjoying this før-jul/pre-Christmas time!

Jacket in Cross by Tone Camilla

Posted on November 2, 2013 by Linda Marveng

I am delighted to show you the Jacket in Cross made by Tone Camilla in a thin beautiful red alpaca yarn. She shortened the sleeves and worked fewer rows on the collar than stated in the pattern. I met Tone Camilla last weekend at the Finishing and Fairisle workshop I held in Larvik. As ever it was a thrill to see one of my designs knitted and worn. Thank you Tone Camilla! It is one of my favorites from my knitting book available in Norwegian and Finnish. Below is a photo from the book of the stunning Francesca Golfetto captured by Kim Müller. Missoni’s thin and featherlight garments inspired me to design this jacket that can be tied at the back. I chose a neutral but fashionable color, namely Taupe. The pattern creates an intricate cross effect and look a lot more complicated than it is to knit. The stitch pattern is stretchy and knitted loose to create a sculptural effect. The sleeves are knitted with double yarn in the round, while the body is knitted flat. It is knitted in Valley Yarns Tencel 8/2 with 2 strands held together (100% Lyocell, 453 g/1lb cone, 3072 m/3360 yds) and available to order from WEBS in the US; yarn and Handweavers Studio in the UK; handweavers. Tencel is a delight to work with a sheen and touch similar to silk but less slippery. Like a magic trick it only needs a light stretch to create a machine knitted resemblance and an evenness you thought you could only dream of.

Photograph: Kim Müller

Photo Shoot Pics – Part One: Tyrol Jacket

Posted on October 16, 2013 by Linda Marveng

After my recent photo shoot, I received 173 photos from photographer Kim Müller. I did manage to narrow it down to 50 photos but really struggled to pick the agreed 20 and ended on 22 photos of the stunning Francesca Golfetto which he then optimized. The first ones I would like to show you is of the Tyrol Jacket, knitted in the hand-dyed Madeline Tosh DK – see madelinetosh – since I have just announced the test knit on Ravelry. Indeed, a very popular one since there are only spaces left in the larger sizes; L, XL and XXL if you want to join, see Ravelry. My aim with the photo shoot was to have marvelous photos displaying an artistic elegance and sensuality. I achieved my aim, thanks to dancer Francesca Golfetto, photographer Kim Müller and my husband; the photo assistant!

I had asked Francesca to wear her hair in a loose bun and smoky eyes. Of course she obliged and looked divine despite taking part in the 3,5 hour long premier performance of the ballet I Fokines Verden/In Fokine’s World the evening before, see photos here: Operaen. All she needed was an extra cup of coffee!

Francesca is a smaller size than I am, she is a typical XS; 30-32″ while I am a S; 34″, hence the Tyrol Jacket is worn with more ease on her than on me. I did find these cables with parts of reversible stocking stitches addictive hence I had to make a matching scarf. The bordering garter stitch do seem to make the cables pop out and I love that!

The Tyrol Jacket pattern will be released in my Ravelry store after the completed test knit, in January. I hope you enjoy the photos as much as I do!

Linda Marveng

Knit wear designer and author

Tag Archives: Francesca Golfetto