Carla Coat Pattern Released

Posted on December 3, 2014 by Linda Marveng

I am proud to announce that the test knit of the Carla Coat is finished, hence the English pattern is now available in my Ravelry Store with video links and a detailed schematic. You can see all the different versions and the different yarn the test knitters selected on the pattern page (see the first link). Above it is gorgeously worn by dancer Francesca Golfetto, beautifully styled by Line Sekkingstad, and brilliantly photographed by Kim Müller. The Norwegian pattern was published in Familien Strikk in August. Here is the introduction to it: 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 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.

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

Finished Measurements: Bust: 92 (98, 106, 116, 126) cm excl collar/36.25 (38.5, 41.75, 45.75, 49.5)” Hip: 112 (118, 126, 136, 146) cm excl collar/44 (46.5, 49.5, 53.5, 57.5)” Length: 77 (78, 79, 80, 81) cm/30.25 (30.75, 31, 31.5, 32)” Collar width to v-neck: 7 cm/2.75″ Collar width (mid-neck) widest: 18 cm/7″ Sleevelength: 50 (50, 51, 51, 52) cm/19.75 (19.75, 20, 20, 20.5)”

Yarns: Hifa, Norsk Pelsull in shade Burgundy 1104 (100% pelt yarn, 100 g, 260 m/284 yds: 5 (5, 5.5, 6, 6.5) skeins; 1196 (1300, 1404, 1560, 1716) m/1308 (1422, 1535, 1706, 1877) yds. See http://www.ull.no/garn/ullgarn/norsk-pelsull Rowan Yarns, Lima in shade La Paz 891 (8% merino, 84% baby alpaca, 8% nylon, 50 g, 110 m/120 yds): 11 (12, 13, 15 ,16) skeins; 1196 (1300, 1404, 1560, 1716) m/1308 (1422, 1535, 1706, 1877) yds. See http://www.knitrowan.com/yarns/lima Note: 1 strand of each yarn is knitted together throughout.

Alternative Yarn for Norsk Pelsull: Berroco, Ultra Alpaca Light (50% alpaca, 50% wool, 50 g, 133 m/144 yds). See http://www.berroco.com/yarns/berroco-ultra-alpaca-light. Or another DK/8 ply yarn to be held together with Rowan Lima. Or another Bulky/12 ply yarn held singularly.

Needles: 5.5 mm/US 9 circular needle (80 cm/32″ and 120 cm/48″ for collar). 5.5 mm/US 9 DPNs for sleeves or a long circular needle for magic loop method. Or adjust needle size as needed to match gauge.

Notions: Cable needle, 8 stitch markers, 5 stitch holders and yarn needle.

Gauge: 14 sts and 22 rows in st st measures 10 cm/4″ square. 14 sts and 22 rows in Double Seed st measures 10 cm/4″ square. Braid across 12 sts measures 5 cm/2″.

Notes: The body of the coat is knitted flat, while the sleeves are worked in the round. The a-line shaping is done in st st. Each cable has been gathered to keep its texture to the end. The shawl collar is picked up and shaped by short rows. If you want a wider shawl collar continue with short rows as set, until it measures 22 cm/8.75″ at the widest point. You can also make it lie flatter by adding 1 center stitch worked in stocking stitch (making sure the knit stitch is out when folded), and increasing on each side of it on every 4th row, see Britt Grandin’s, aka brittg, notes on Ravelry and her other modifications.

Strik Bornholm Report

Posted on September 10, 2014 by Linda Marveng

My husband and I are just back from the idyllic island of Bornholm. Not only did I enjoy every second of the knitting event, I also loved every minute of my stay on the island. There were more than 450 knitters signed on in advance to the event, and a huge number that turned up to see the exhibitors hall as well as the all the knitting action during the weekend. Above is a photo from my first workshop on Friday in Japanske Mønstre/Japanese Patterns at Allinge Røgeri/Smokehouse located on the beach. I had an amazing group including the acknowledged designer Vivian Høxbro of Domino Knitting fame (read: with 2 books published in Japan), and they did not want to sit inside in the wonderful warm weather. We tested both the front terrace of the restaurant in the morning, and the beach at the back in the afternoon when we were joined by the ever colorful Danish designer Charlotte Kaae and her group in the background.

In the evening of our arrival, I received my name badge, list of participants on my workshops, and finally met Swedish designer Maria Gustafsson, initiative takers Heidi Beckmann and designer Bente Geil plus organizer Mikkel from Team Bornholm, in person, in addition to a number of other participating designers. Later on the knitters joined us and the knitting café. Apparently, it was Heidi that convinced Mikkel that knitters would come, he admitted during the party dinner on Saturday night (see photo above), that they had their doubts about organizing a knitting festival. But even the party dinner was so popular it was moved to a larger venue, and still the waiting list kept growing. Now, they are thoroughly convinced. The star attraction was American designer and former Creative Director of Berroco; Norah Gaughan whose love of cables leave knitters breathless, and addicted to her designs for life. Some knitters had booked all three of her workshops, while I was thrilled to take part in merely one on the day I was not teaching called: Pattern Stitch Development and Design Possibilities. My head is still spinning from all the knowledge she shared, and a separate blog post will come.

How was I supposed to restrict my buying of yarn and new books, was a common topic, as you can imagine. The temptations in the exhibitors hall was overwhelming, and hugely in-demand was the local hand-dyed yarn from Fredsminde Unika Design. I had already discovered the local yarn shop in Allinge called Strikkehjørnet who also with a stand in the hall, and spent more than I planned. A well known problem for us knitters. Here is the list of exhibitors at Strik Bornholm.

There were a total of 4 Norwegian knitters present at the Festival, 3 from the Stavanger Strikk & Drikk/Knit & Drink group and me, a few Swedish knitters and designers with the majority of participants from Denmark. The highlight of the party dinner was a presentation with slides by Norah Gaughan on her background and design. She was brilliantly translated by Heidi into Danish, giving us time to digest and admire each design. Editor Inga Walløe from the Danish magazine “Hendes Verden“/Her World, had a difficult act to follow but made an impressive attempt. Next, was a quiz filled with Danish questions my Swedish friends, and I found hard to answer hence we came second to last but still received a prize consisting of knitting magazines and hand-made buttons. Between the courses there was plenty of knitting to be spotted, I am happy to report. My husband was never given a choice whether he wanted to join the dinner or not – unlike a few others – I just told him to accompany me, and it would be worth it merely listening to Norah Gaughan’s presentation.

My second workshop on Saturday on Montering/Finishing only had 3 knitters signed on, and took place in the exhibitors hall. It was an ideal place to show off my book, Hifa yarn and a few selected garments. Curious knitters also wanted to know what the workshop was about. After the workshop, I made another tour in the exhibitors hall to make sure I did not miss anything. On the last day of the festival, Sunday, I was ready for Norah Gaughan’s workshop followed by a bit of sightseeing on the island. This was the first Strik Bornholm, but hopefully only the first of many. Thank you so much to Heidi, Bente and Team Bornholm for the invitation to take part! I would love to come back.

Ravelry Group Anniversary Draw

Posted on May 28, 2014 by Linda Marveng

My Ravelry group is 1 year already! I feared that only a few with join, but were utterly wrong; there are now 660 members, and I am so pleased to have attracted so many knitters! It has been a thrilling year with many test knits of my English patterns, showing off of finished garments, discussions of different knitting techniques, chatting and bi-monthly free pattern draws just to mention a few of the topics in this lovely group. I am delighted to have met new knitters. So it is time to celebrate that one year has passed. How can I best do this? By organizing a draw in my group with exciting prizes like yarn kits, a copy of my printed book with additional English patterns sent by e-mail, and free pdf patterns from my Ravelry store. All you have to do is join my group if you have not already done so, and answer my question (dead easy: what is your favorite knitting magazine?) in my Ravelry group. I will use Random org to pick winners based on the number matching the response/posting on Saturday 7th. June. Here is a list of the prizes, and a good reason to join, see ravelry.com/groups/linda-marveng, in my opinion:

Hifa Perle 4-ply/fingering (100% mercerized cotton, 200 g, 335m/366 yds) 5 cones in a color of your choice – 62 stunning shades to choose from, see ull together with the pdf pattern of my Regal Purple Jacket in English. The yarn has been generously sponsored by Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk.
Hifa Pelsull DK (100% pelt wool, 100 g, 260 m/284 yds) 8 skeins in a color of your choice – 20 beautiful shades to choose from, see ull – together with the pdf pattern of my Arcade Vest in English. The yarn has been generously sponsored by Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk.
Thomas Kvist, Amoretto 5-ply/DK (45% alpaca, 50% cotton, 5% polyamide, 100 g, 250 m/273 yds), now unfortunately discontinued, 9 skeins in soft pink 3161 from my stash together with the pdf pattern of my Japanese Lace Jacket in English.
A copy of my printed book in Norwegian with English patterns sent by e-mail.
A pdf pattern of your choice from my Ravelry Store, see ravelry.com/stores/linda-marveng.
A pdf pattern of your choice from my Ravelry Store.
A pdf pattern of your choice from my Ravelry Store

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.

Arcade Vest knitted by Marit Haugen Bergsrønning

Posted on May 7, 2014 by Linda Marveng

I am so pleased to show you Marit’s beautiful Arcade Vest, knitted in a stunning burgundy Norsk Pelsull by Hillesvåg – the original yarn, see Norsk Pelsull. The color is so vibrant is should really be called Ruby. If you are a knitter you will be drawn into the background – yes indeed, it is a yarn shop – Fortuna run by Marit’s daughter Ellen. No wonder, you can find a marvelous photo of Marit dancing around in the yarn shop on her Ravelry page. Her Ravatar is Marit, and she test knitted size 2XL. Marit has also test knitted the Tyrol Jacket for me, so I am honored. Thank you so much, Marit! Now, for the link to Fortuna, located outside of Trondheim in Norway, but with an online shop stocking Hifa yarn among others, here it is: Garnbutikken Fortuna. The Norwegian pattern for the Arcade Vest was published in Familien no 3, and the English pattern is available to download from Ravelry, see: Ravelry.

Summer Leaves Sweater by Siv Jorunn Hjellbrekke

Posted on April 19, 2014 by Linda Marveng

I am delighted to show you the beautiful Summer Leaves Sweater Siv Jorunn Hjellbrekke made during the test knit of the English pattern in my Ravelry group. It did not scare her off because she has taken part in many more test knits since then. Siv choose the same yarn, Hifa Luxor, a pure mercerized cotton, in the same color I choose; Wine Red, see Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk and knitted size XL. She shortened the sleeves to 3/4 long, after consulting me. It was the first time she made a hem using two circular needles held parallel as I suggest in the pattern and shown in my video no 5 here: Marveng-Puckett. You can also see more detailed photos on Sivjor’s Ravelry page. I love the matching nail varnish and shoes, the pose as well as the stunning view from her garden! Thank you, Siv! The Norwegian pattern will be published in Familien, date to be confirmed, while the English pattern is available to download from Ravelry.

Above is stunning dancer Francesca Golfetto, brilliantly photographed by Kim Müller.

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.

Cablewing Sweater by Yelena Malcolm Dasher

Posted on March 22, 2014 by Linda Marveng

I was thrilled to have Yelena Malcolm Dasher, aka ymalcolm on Ravelry, as a test knitter for my Cablewing Sweater, see projects/ymalcolm. She is a very popular test knitter because of her knitting skills, her sharp mind, photography and amazing knitting speed, just to mention a few of her skills. Yelena chose the marvelous LEDK (short for limited edition double knit) by Madeline Tosh in a shade called Astrid Grey and named her project Courchevel after the ski resort. Her stunning pictures attracted other test knitters to sign up to my delight. Like me, she found the stitch pattern addictive. Yelena had to adjust the row gauge to fit the pattern and chose to not fold the neckline down. Thank you, Yelena! The pattern has been released in English and Norwegian, where it first was printed in the magazine Familien, in my Ravelry Store.

I was very impressed with the matching nail varnish, a happy co-incidence apparently. Yelena has more photos on her project page on Ravelry. More results of brilliant test knitting will come soon.

A photograph from the back. Yelena was not daunted in any way by my pattern and has taken part in more of my test knits, I am pleased to say! Here is my introduction to the sweater: “Cablewings surrounded by lace gives this sweater a flowery expression. The A- line shape with lace along each side, paired with the double round neckband, is a flattering on many bodies. The pullover is knitted in the round to the armhole in a classic cream colored pure wool with bounce, Embla from Hifa. A large matching wrap gives the sweater a regal look and it is warm, practical, but also decorative”.

It is available in sizes S to XXL, and knitted using a 4 mm/US 6, for more information see the pattern page on Ravelry.

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…

Cablewing Sweater Pattern Released

Posted on February 26, 2014 by Linda Marveng

I am delighted to release the Cablewing Sweater pattern in both English and Norwegian in my Ravelry Store, see Ravelry. The English pattern has been through test knitting in my group on Ravelry, and the pattern improved. My test knitters made a whole series of stunning garments I will present later, with their permission. The Norwegian pattern was first printed in the magazine called Strikkeboka/Knitting book published by Familien in August 2013. The sweater, photographed by Esten A. Borgos, is knitted in the beautiful Embla – Hifa 3 from Hillesvåg and comes in a large selection of stunning colors, see Ull.no. Cablewings surrounded by lace gives this sweater a flowery expression. The a-line shape with lace along each side, paired with the double round neckband, is a flattering on many bodies. The pullover is knitted in the round to the armhole in a classic cream colored pure wool with bounce, Embla from Hifa. A large matching wrap gives the sweater a regal look and it is warm, practical, but also decorative.

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

Finished Measurements: Bust: 90 (96, 110, 116, 122) cm/35.5 (37.75, 43.25, 45.25, 48)” Hip: 110 (116, 132, 138, 142) cm/43.25 (45.5, 52, 54.25, 56)” Length: 72 (72, 75, 77, 77) cm/28.25 (28.25, 29.5, 30.25, 30.25)” Sleeve length: 46 cm/18″ all sizes. Wrap: Circumference: 100 cm/39.5″, height: 44 cm/17.25″

Yarn: Hifa, Embla – Hifa 3 in natural sh 6057: 6 (7, 8, 9, 10) skeins; 1260 (1470, 1680, 1890, 2100) m/1378 (1607, 1837, 2067, 2296) yds for sweater and an additional 3 skeins fro wrap: 567 m/620 yds (100% wool, 210 m/229 yds, 100 g). Ull.no.

Yarn alternative: Cascade, 220 (100% Peruvian Highland Wool; 100 g, 201 m/220 yds). Cascade Yarns.com

Needles: 4 mm/US 6 circular needles (80 cm/32″) and (40 cm/16″) for sweater and wrap. 4 mm/US 6 DPNs or circular needle for magic loop method.
3.25 mm/US 3 circular needles (40 cm/16″) for neck band. Or size needed for gauge.

Notions: Cable needle. 6 stich markers: 2 for sides, 4 for pattern. 6 stitch holders. Yarn needle.

Gauge: 22 sts and 28 rows in Cablewing Pattern, 20 sts and 25 rows in st st using 4 mm/US 6 needles equals 10 cm/4″ square. 20 sts and 25 rows in stockinette stitch using 4 mm/US 6 measures 10 cm/4″ square.

Notes:
The body is knitted in the round up to the armholes and then flat to shoulders. The lace panel incorporated in the cablewing pattern is worked on each side of the body to decrease in. When you decrease for armhole, neck and sleeve top work stitches along the selvedges in reverse stocking stitch to avoid decreasing inside Cablewing Pattern. The wrap is knitted in the round, and can easily be adjusted by adding or removing pattern repeats.

Linda Marveng

Knit wear designer and author

Tag Archives: Hifa