Imra Pattern Released

Posted on May 4, 2016 by Linda Marveng

The long vest, Imra, has been released after a test knit in my group on Ravelry. As always I am curious to see what changes the test knitters do. This time it was a question of length and closure; one chose to make a short version and another added a buttonhole at the top. You can see some of the results on the pattern page. The Norwegian pattern was first published in Familien Strikk last August, and the magazine is still available to order in print or digitally, see klikk.no. Above you see the Vest modeled by the gorgeous Anne Dorthe/Team Models with hair & make up by Sissel Fylling, fantastic jewelry by Kaja Gjedebo and brilliantly captured by Eivind Røhne at Henie Onstad Kunstsenter. Here is my intro to the pattern: Poetic cables framed by reverse stockinette stripes and double seed stitch, was my idea for this straight long vest. I named this piece after the Arabic Poet, Imra. A small round neck has the same I-cord treatment as the armhole, front, and bottom edges. Match with a pair of loose sleeves that can also be worn around the waist or one as a neck tie. To achieve popping cables two yarns were combined to make a rich colored tweed yarn. I used the bouncy Hifa Ask and Rowan Fine Tweed.

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

Finished measurements: Bust: 84 (91, 98, 106, 116, 126) cm/33 (35.75, 38.5, 41.75, 45.75, 49.5)” Length: 81.5 (81.5, 81.5, 84, 84, 84) cm/32 (32, 32, 33, 33, 33)” Loose sleeve: Length: 49.5 cm/19.5″

Yarn: Hifa, Ask (100% wool, 100 g, 315 m/345 yds). Sample is knitted in Corn Yellow 6502. http://www.ull.no/garn/ullgarn/ask-melert Vest: 3 (3.5, 3.5, 4, 4, 4.5) skeins; 882 (954, 1025, 1120, 1216, 1323) m/965 (1043, 1121, 1225, 1330, 1447) yds. Loose Sleeves: 1 (1, 1.5, 1.5, 1.5, 1.5) skeins; 279 (313, 329, 362, 395, 428) m/305 (342, 360, 396, 432, 468) yds. Rowan, Fine Tweed (100% wool, 25 g, 90 m/98 yds). Sample is knitted in Leyburn 383. http://www.knitrowan.com/yarns/rowan-fine-tweed Vest: 10 (11, 12, 13, 14, 15) skeins; 882 (954, 1025, 1120, 1216, 1323) m/965 (1043, 1121, 1225, 1330, 1447) yds. Loose Sleeves: 4 (4, 4, 5, 5, 5) skeins; 279 (313, 329, 362, 395, 428) m/305 (342, 360, 396, 432, 468) yds. Note: Yarns are held together throughout.

Alternative yarn for Hifa, Ask: Cascade 220 Sport (100% wool, 50 g, 150 m/164 yds). http://www.cascadeyarns.com/cascade-220Sport.asp Madeline Tosh, Pashmina (75% superwash merino, 15% silk, 10% cashmere, 100 g, 329 m/360 yds). http://madelinetosh.com/pashmina/ Alternative yarn for both: Brooklyn Tweed, Shelter (100% wool, 50 g, 128 m/140 yds). http://www.brooklyntweed.com/shop/shelter/ Berroco, Blackstone Tweed (65% wool, 25% mohair, 10% angora, 50 g, 119 m/130 yds) http://www.berroco.com/yarns/blackstone-tweed BC Garn, Loch Lomond (100% wool, 50 g, 155 m/169 yds) http://garn.dk/en/wool/loch-lomond/

Needles: 4 mm/US 6 circular needle (80 cm/32″ and 40 cm/16″). 4 mm/US 6 DNPs for I-cord cast-on. Adjust needle size as neede to match gauge.

Notions: 1 m/1 yard thin round elastic for loose sleeves, cable needle, stitch markers, stitch holders, and yarn needle.

Gauge: 18 sts and 28 rows in st st and Double Seed st measures 10 cm/4″ square, blocked. 1 cable measures 8 cm/3.25″ across, blocked. 1 cable repeat measures 21.5 cm/7.5″ blocked. 28 rows in Cable measures 10 cm/4″ blocked.

Notes: The vest is worked in rows in one piece to the armhole where it is separated. Each front has a 3-sts I-cord edge that is worked at the same time as the vest. Both the narrow neckline and the armhole band has an I-cord bind off but the armhole band is worked in the round with a Double Seed stitch band. If you prefer a smaller armhole band continue working decreases. To achieve a looser bottom band, use a provisional cast-on method, and then make an I-cord bind off instead.

Hennika Pattern Released

Posted on December 12, 2015 by Linda Marveng

I released the Hennika pattern in English several weeks ago, so it is about time I let you know. The Norwegian pattern was published in Familien Trend in February this year, with the gorgeous Alexandria Eissinger with hair and make-up by Sissel Fylling, dress by Judith Bech, shoes by Monica Stålvang all brilliantly captured by Eivind Røhne. The bolero is knitted in the bouncy Hifa Ask, and can easily be made longer as several of the test knitters choose to do. Here is my introduction to it: A lace pattern with Gothic shapes adorn this bolero, which has a scarf collar where the pointed arches reign. Hennika is a name with Gothic origin and means master of the house. The bolero is tapered and worked in pieces, while the sleeves are worked in the round. Wear the collar lying flat or folded in half lengthwise to add volume and close it with a shawl pin or a beautiful brooch.

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

Finished Measurements: Bust: 83 (90, 97, 105, 115, 125) cm/32.75 (35.5, 38.25, 41.25, 45.25, 49.25)” Length: 37 (38, 39, 40, 41, 42) cm/14.5 (15, 15.25, 15.75, 16.25, 16.5)” Sleeve length: 49 (50, 50, 51, 51, 52) cm/ 19.25 (19.75, 19.75, 20, 20, 20.50)” Scarf collar width: 12.5 cm/5″ Loose extra scarf length: approx 28 cm/11″

Yarn: Hifa, Ask – Hifa 2 in melange farmblue (100% wool, 100 g, 315 m/345 yds). http://www.ull.no/garn/ullgarn/ask-melert 3 (3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5) skeins: 882 (1008, 1134, 1292, 1481, 1670) m/965 (1102, 1240, 1413, 1620, 1826) yds.

Yarn alternatives: Cascade 220 Sport (100% wool, 50 g, 150 m/164 yds). http://www.cascadeyarns.com/cascade-220Sport.asp Madeline Tosh, Pashmina (75% superwash merino, 15% silk, 10% cashmere, 100 g, 329 m/360 yds). http://madelinetosh.com/store/index.php/yarns/pashmina.html Rowan, Wool Cotton (50% merino, 50% cotton, 50 g, 112 m/123 yds) http://www.knitrowan.com/yarns/wool-cotton Shalimar Yarns, Breathless DK (75% merino, 15% cashmere, 10% silk, 100 g, 247 m/270 yds) https://www.theloopyewe.com/shop/g/knit-crochet/yarn/shalimar-yarns/breathless-dk/ Or another sport weight/5 ply or thin DK yarn.

Needles: 3.5 mm/US 4 circular needle. 3 mm/US 2.5 circular needle (80 cm/32″) for hem. Adjust needle size as needed to match gauge.

Notions: Waste yarn, stitch markers, stitch holders and yarn needle.

Gauge: 20 sts and 28 rows in st st using 3.5 mm/US 4 measures 10 cm/4″ square. 18 sts and 28 rows in Hennika Lace using 3.5 mm/US 4 measures 10 cm/4″ square.

Notes: The body of the bolero is worked in pieces from the bottom up, and is sewn together, while the sleeves are worked in the round. The collar is knitted in two parts that are joined and then attached around the neck, with extra length to hang loose. Throughout the pattern, when shaping in lace, only work an inc (yo) if you can work the corresponding dec.

Gyda Knitted by Dorothy DesRoches

Posted on September 9, 2015 by Linda Marveng

I am so delighted to show you my design Gyda knitted by Dorothy DesRoches who live near Toronto, Ontario in Canada. Dorothy did not knit this for herself but for her granddaughter Hilary Scoffield, who lives in France and models it in these marvelous photos. The jacket is knitted in Sublime Baby Cashmere Merino Silk DK (75% merino, 20% silk, 5% cashmere, 50 g, 116 m/126 yds) in Dark Turquoise – a total of 12 skeins used – in a size Medium with a finished bust size of 98 cm/38.5″. Dorothy would have preferred to knit it in a tougher yarn like the Madeline Tosh Yarns which she has used for other projects.

Dorothy has knitted several of my patterns, and I am very proud that she has knitted not one but three versions of the Tyrol Jacket – for herself, her daughter Elizabeth and for a close friend. Thank you so much, Dorothy!

Gyda was first published in Norwegian, with the sample knitted in Hifa Ask, in the magazine Familien Trend in February 2015, then in English on Ravelry where it is available digitally. Yesterday, I had a new pattern published in Sweet Georgia vol 1 Fall 2015 collection, see issuu.com and Aine. Blog post is coming.

Familien Strikk August 2015

Posted on August 22, 2015 by Linda Marveng

The special issue Familien Strikk is now available in print in Norway with 6 of my designs and 69 other patterns. On the cover in the right corner is my Quamara jacket with loop closure worn by gorgeous Anne Dorthe/Team Models with hair & make up by Sissel Fylling, jewelry by Kaja Gjedebo and brilliantly captured by Eivind Røhne. Ok, it is a small photo on the cover but there is a large photo on the contents page, see below.

Quamara is knitted in the lovely wool and silk mixture called Permin Zenta, and available in sizes XS to 2XL. The English pattern will be published after a test knit in my group. In the editorial Åse Myhrvold Egeland writes about how she became “bitten by the bug” or hooked on knitting in other words.

My series is called “Flott med fletter/Great with cables”, and the introduction reads: “The garments Linda Marveng designs are not for new knitters but they are so magnificent. So if you are an intimidate knitter, just get started.” The introduction to each pattern is mine, and first out is the Alva in one size: A feminine poncho with a deep shawl collar in a reversible diamond pattern worked only in knit and purl stitches. Close it at the front or pin both fronts together at the back with a beautiful shawlpin. Or you can throw one front across your shoulder or wear it hanging loose. If you prefer, make buttonholes along the double seed stitch edge. The wide shoulder makes it drop down so, add a pair of long wrist warmers to make the outfit complete. The set is knitted in a luscious merino called Tropical Lane Woolissimo.

Next is Quamara, like the remaining patterns are all available in sizes XS to 2XL: A combined lace and cable stitch pattern adorn the back, sleeves, and the generous loop closure on this straight cardigan named after a beautiful elf. The loop collar can be worn loose, folded once behind the neck or twice in front or three times around the neck in a ballerina style. A fake garter stitch seam add a bit of structure to this cardigan. I knitted it in the luscious wool and silk mixture Permin Zenta.

Imra: Poetic cables framed by reverse stockinette stripes and double seed stitch, was my idea for this straight long vest. I named this piece after the Arabic Poet, Imra. A small round neck has the same I-cord treatment as the armhole, front, and bottom edges. Match with a pair of loose sleeves that can also be worn around the waist or one as a neck tie. To achieve popping cables two yarns were combined to make a rich colored tweed yarn. I used the bouncy Hifa Ask and Rowan Fine Tweed.

Mistale: The vivid lime green in the stunning pelt yarn, Norsk Pelsull, from Hifa intoxicated me. I discovered that cross cables with round cables in the middle made a gorgeous texture. By framing the cables with a rib, the sweater becomes figure hugging and is the perfect accompaniment to your favourite jeans or trousers. It ends with a squarish narrow neckband and you can choose if you want to add the matching cowl.

Oili: Playful cables are the focus of this classic straight top, knitted in the round with each side marked by garter stitches. Narrow bands of garter stitch band frame the armholes, neckline and bottom edge. The top has a matching cowl, with cables all around. The set is knitted in a soft cotton tape yarn by Permin, called Bonnie, to make you feel like a divine woman – the meaning of the name Oili.

Sculpted Frost: A beautiful frost flower lace pattern adorns this a-line jacket. The cuffed sleeves only have a central lattice panel, while the frost flowers reign on the body. The coat is framed by a shawl collar in garter stitch divided with a tuck and finished with an I-cord bind off. A vivid lilac color was made by combing the divine mélange lace weight Du Store Alpakka, Dreamline, Soul with the beautiful light fingering comb wool Hifa Huldra Kamgarn. Together they create a stunning stitch definition as well as a slight halo.

In Norway you can find the magazine in newsagents and selected supermarkets or order it by SMS, for more details and a preview of other patterns in the magazine see: www.klikk.no. The Norwegian magazine will be available on iPad, for more details see: www.klikk.no. All patterns will be available in English after a test knit in my Ravelry group.

Today, I am off on a week’s holiday to Turkey. I tend to spend a lot less time in front of the computer than I usually do, hence I will only bring my iPad and my next blog post will be on Wednesday 2nd of September! Yes, I will definitely be bringing my knitting needles and enjoy myself!

Familien Photoshoot: Imra

Posted on August 12, 2015 by Linda Marveng

I am proud to show you the photos of gorgeous model Anne Dorthe/Team Models wearing Imra, with beautiful hair & make up by Sissel Fylling, fantastic jewelry by Kaja Gjedebo and brilliantly captured by Eivind Røhne at Henie Onstad Kunstsenter. Here is my introduction to Imra: Poetic cables framed by reverse stockinette stripes and double seed stitch, was my idea for this straight long vest. I named this piece after the Arabic Poet, Imra. A small round neck has the same I-cord treatment as the armhole, front, and bottom edges. Match with a pair of loose sleeves that can also be worn around the waist or one as a neck tie. To achieve popping cables two yarns were combined to make a rich colored tweed yarn. I used the bouncy Hifa Ask and Rowan Fine Tweed. The Norwegian pattern, together with 5 others will be published in the special issue Familien Strikk, while the English pattern will be test knitted in my Ravelry group before its release.

The vest and the loose sleeves are knitted using 4 mm/US 6 to create a dense fabric with an Worsted/Aran yarn gauge of 18 sts and 28 rows in stockinette stitch and Double Seed stitch. The set is available in sizes XS to 2XL with a finished bust measurement of 84 to 126 cm/33 to 49.5″. It can easily be adjusted by changing the stitch numbers in the sides in the reverse stripes (welt pattern) and by making the bottom band longer or removing pattern repeats. The sample made by sponsored yarn was knitted by Grete Jenssen, aka ma9 on Ravelry, with her usual amazing speed with recommended modifications such as adding extra rows to the I-cord edge along each front.

The vest is worked in rows in one piece to the armhole where it is separated. Each front has a 3-sts I-cord edge that is worked at the same time as the vest. Both the narrow neckline and the armhole band has an I-cord bind off but the armhole band is worked in the round with a Double Seed stitch band. If you prefer a smaller armhole band continue working decreases. To achieve a looser bottom band, use a provisional cast-on method, and then make an I-cord bind off instead.

Both loose sleeves can be used as a belt, merely by pinning them together or you can use one as a neck tie. To close the vest, I figured out I could easily use one of Kaja Gjedebo’s large earrings called Magnolia in oxidized silver. It fits well together with Ivy hanging earrings with fresh water pearls and with the wide Caprifol ring, also in oxidized silver.

Above you see one loose sleeve used as a neck tie, perfect on a cold day as on our photo shoot day late in May. Well at least it did not rain. Next photos in this series are the ones of the Sculpted Frost Jacket, the last of the 6 designs to be included in the Familien Strikk magazine.

New Design: Imra

Posted on July 4, 2015 by Linda Marveng

I found this cable pattern online and instantly adored it. The pattern repetition is long hence length and cable placement had to be carefully planned. This is my introduction to it: Poetic cables framed by reverse stockinette stripes and double seed stitch, was my idea for this straight long vest. Named after the Arabic Poet, Imra. A small round neck has the same I-cord treatment as the armhole, front and bottom edge. Match with a pair of loose sleeve that can also be around the waist or one as a neck tie. To achieve popping cables two yarns were combined to make a rich colored tweed yarn; the bouncy Hifa Ask and Rowan Fine Tweed. The mix as well as the color is one I have used before (read: hooked on) in my Shawl Sleeves. I also choose to knit them with a dense gauge using a 4 mm/US 6. I was delighted that Grete Jenssen – aka turbo test knitter, aka ma9 on Ravelry – knitted the sample vest and the loose sleeves for me! The Norwegian pattern will be published in “Familien Strikk” at the end of August, while the English pattern will be test knitted then released on Ravelry this autumn.

I-cord bind off on the neck and the armhole was essential to me. Why not give the fronts and the bottom I-cord edgings too? I thought. For the bottom one, I tested out a new method to me, make an I-cord and pick up and knit stitches from it. There is an I-cord cast on, but as you may know it does create a very loose first row, hence a different solution had to be found. I found it on YouTube. It has elasticity but holds in the bottom at the same time. Another solution would have been to use a provisional method and then afterwards use the I-cord bind off. The I-cord at the front is worked at the same time as the front using this method: newstitchaday.com/how-to-knit-the-i-cord-edge-stitch. Grete suggested adding a few extra rows in even intervals on the I-cord edge to avoid it holding in the edge, and tested it out, to my utter satisfaction.

I choose double seed stitch as the main contrast stitch and reverse stripes – a welt pattern – in each side bound off for the armhole. To make the armhole smaller, a band was made by picking up and knitting rounds in double seed stitch while decreasing. I could easily have continued to do so to make the armhole even smaller. The vest is graded to fit sizes XS to 2XL, with a finished bust measurement of 84 (91, 98, 106, 116, 126) cm/33 (33.75, 38.5, 41.75, 45.75, 49.5)”. Both yarns have been kindly sponsored by Hifa and Permin, Rowan’s Scandinavian agent.

Above, I have joined the loose sleeves with 2 shawl pins and wear it as a belt. All the photos above where taken by my husband a few days before the professional photo shoot at Henie Onstad Kunstsenter. I look forward to showing you those stunning photos.

Gyda Pattern Released

Posted on July 1, 2015 by Linda Marveng

I am so pleased to announce that I have released both Gyda – the jacket – and Gyda Cowl – the cowl and belt – patterns in English after an exciting test knit in my Ravelry group. Take a look at all the different versions and the modifications including into a sweater on the links above. Gyda, knitted in the beautiful Hifa Ask, for my collaboration with shoe designer Monica Stålvang and dress designer Judith Bech, created for Made by Me – now Familien Trend – modeled by gorgeous Alexandria Eissinger/Pholk, hair and make up by Sissel Fylling, and brilliantly captured by Eivind Røhne at Hvalstrand Bad. Familien Trend with the Norwegian pattern was published in March. Here is my introduction to the pattern: Cables that create diamond shapes adorn this fitted jacket on all its parts. A deep v-neck and a button band with three bespoke buttons by Siri Berrefjord make it suitable to wear on top of any treasured outfit. The fronts and back are knitted flat, while the sleeves are knitted in the round, all in the bouncy pure wool melange Hifa Ask.

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

Finished Measurements: Bust: 84 (91, 98, 106, 116, 126) cm/33 (35.75, 38.5, 41.75, 45.75, 49.5)” Waist: 69 (76, 83, 91, 93, 113) cm/ 27.25 (30, 32.75, 35.75, 36.5, 44.5)” Hip: 84 (91, 98, 106, 116, 126) cm/33 (35.75, 38.5, 41.75, 45.75, 49.5)” Length: 54 (55, 56, 57, 58, 59) cm/21.25 (21.75, 22, 22,5, 22.75, 23,25)” Sleeve length: 50 (50, 50, 51, 51, 52) cm/19.75 (19.75, 19.75, 20, 20, 20.50)”

Yarn: Hifa, Ask – Hifa 2 (100% wool, 100 g, 315 m/345 yds). Sample is knitted in Melange turquise 6584: 3 (3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5) skeins: 900 (1023, 1147, 1273, 1462, 1650) m/984 (1119, 1254, 1392, 1599, 1804) yds. http://www.ull.no/garn/ullgarn/ask-melert

Alternative Yarn: Cascade 220 Sport (100% wool, 50 g, 150 m/164 yds). http://www.cascadeyarns.com/cascade-220Sport.asp Madeline Tosh, Pashmina (75% superwash merino, 15% silk, 10% cashmere, 100 g, 329 m/360 yds). http://madelinetosh.com/store/index.php/yarns/pashmina.html Rowan, Wool Cotton (50% merino, 50% cotton, 50 g, 112 m/123 yds) http://www.knitrowan.com/yarns/wool-cotton Shalimar Yarns, Breathless DK (75% merino, 15% cashmere, 10% silk, 100 g, 247 m/270 yds) https://www.theloopyewe.com/shop/g/knit-crochet/yarn/shalimar-yarns/breathless-dk/ Or another sport weight/5 ply yarn.

Needles: 3.5 mm/US 4 circular needle (80 cm/32″). 3 mm/US 2.5 circular needle (80 cm/32″) for hem and button band. Adjust needle size as needed to match gauge.

Notions: 3 buttons (13 mm/0.5″). Special ordered buttons on sample are made by Siri Berrefjord, siri@fredenshavn.no see http://epla.no/shops/sirisskattkammer/, 10 stitch markers, 4 stitch holders and yarn needle.

Gauge: 20 sts and 28 rows in st st using 3.5 mm/US 4 measures 10 cm/4″ square. Cable Panel across 84 sts measures 31 cm/12.25″. Cable Panel across 36 sts; 1 pattern measures 11 cm/4.25″.

Notes: Each front is 1 cm wider than 1/2 the back circumference, to achieve symmetry, usual in typical vintage garments. This jacket is fitted, please compare your waist measurements to the size you need and adjust if necessary, to make sure it will fit.

Butterflies adorn this generous Gyda Cowl, in the shape of a lace pattern divided by a rib. A rich melange brown color has been created by combining the pure wool of Huldra Kamgarn by Hifa with the tonal alpaca mixture of Dreamline Soul by Du Store Alpakka. A tweed belt made for the Gyda jacket introduces the brown shade together with farmblue Hifa Ask. The belt, just like the jacket, has bespoke buttons by Siri Berrefjord.

Sizes: Belt: XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL) Cowl: One size

Finished Measurements: Belt: Bottom: 80 (90, 100, 110, 120, 130) cm/31.5 (35.5, 39.25, 43.25, 47.25, 51.25)” Top: 68 (78, 88, 98, 108, 118) cm/ 26.75 (30.75, 34.75, 38.5, 42.5, 46.5)” Height 30 cm/11.75″ Cowl: Height 46 cm/18″, circumference 92 cm/36.25″

For more info, see Gyda Cowl on Ravelry. The yarn for this set was kindly sponsored by Hifa and Du Store Alpakka.

Familien Photoshoot: Hennika

Posted on April 18, 2015 by Linda Marveng

Hennika, named after the lace patterns Gothic shapes, was designed cropped to fit with Judith Bech’s long light blue halter neck tulle gown in our series Nordic Vintage in Familien Trend. The gown makes the lacy bolero appear even more delicate, and looks divine on gorgeous model Alexandria Eissinger at Pholk with beautiful hair and make up by Sissel Fylling, worn together with stunning flat Elisabetta shoes by Monica Stålvang, all captured by Eivind Røhne. Hennika is tapered and the body worked in pieces while the sleeves are worked in the round in the bouncy pure wool Hifa Ask. The scarf collar is longer than the bolero and meant to be closed with a shawl pin or a beautiful brooch. Above it is folded in to create more depth.

The inside of the sleeves are worked in stocking stitch while the body parts have extra Girlander lace in each side to minimize the stockinette parts. The body and sleeves have hems at the bottom which are worked at the same time, unlike the scarf collar which is made separately in two parts to make each side identical and then joined. The hem is knitted using a 3 mm/US 2.5 needle while the rest is knitted using a 3.5 mm/US 4.

The photo above is another of those I desperately wanted from Eivind. The dreamy look on Alexandria’s face is so iconic. I also love how the texture of the tulle gown is such a stark contrast to the pure wool bolero. The English pattern will be test knitted in my Ravelry group before it is released. The planned test knit order is as follows: Next is Saga, then Hillevi, Freja, Atika, Hennika and Bech last in the series. In the mean time I will design some more.

Easter Knits

Posted on April 1, 2015 by Linda Marveng

Ideal colors to illustrate that Easter is upon us, as well as an essential color injection I crave at the moment after a long winter. I am planning to knit a lot, and know I am not the only one. The combination of these two yarns is one that I have used previously and love too much to let it go, at least not yet. I used Hifa Ask held together with Rowan Fine Tweed for my Shawl Sleeves first published in Norwegian in Familien Strikk last August. So another cable project is in the works, again for the same special issue. I am also working on a couple of design submissions for the new blogzine called “Around the World in 80 Skeins“. Their website is up and running, but the blogzine with its collection, inspired by the city of Paris, will not be launched until early autumn, then with both individual pdf patterns and an eBook with the entire collection available to buy. One quick look at their mood board, filled with stunning pictures of Parisian fashion and architecture (you can see it here: niice.co), made my head spin with ideas. So my submission will be finished in good time before the deadline of 15th of April. I wish you a happy Easter with plenty of sunshine and knitting time!

New Design: Hennika

Posted on March 11, 2015 by Linda Marveng

A lace pattern with Gotic shapes adorn this bolero, which has a scarf collar where the pointed arches reigns. Hennika is a name with Gothic origin and means master of the house. The bolero is tapered and worked in pieces, while the sleeves are worked in the round. Wear the collar lying flat or folded in half lengthwise to add volume and close it with a shawl pin or a beautiful brooch. Hennika is knitted in the bouncy Hifa Ask in a lovely Melange Farmblue color using 3.5 mm/US 4. Hennika was designed cropped to fit with Judith Bech’s long light blue halter neck tulle gown in our series Nordic Vintage in Familien Trend.

I chose to knit the sleeves in the round while the body parts are worked in pieces from the bottom and up. On both fronts and back I added columns of lace as found inside the main lace pattern, I named Girlander to avoid solid stockinette stitch parts. On the sleeves on the other hand I worked the inside in stockinette stitch. The collar is knitted in two parts, joined using a 3-needle bind-off or grafting, then sewn in place.

The collar looks even better when it is folded as above, I think. As you can see I did not use a mirror when I put it on, hence the fronts are not level, and the bolero is not pulled down as it should be. The body and the sleeves have hems while the scarf collar has only a few rows of garter stitch to keep it flat. To make the bolero appear longer I decided to photograph it together with Gyda Cowl, initially called Butterfly Cowl based on its butterfly lace panels. The cowl is straight and one size but can easily be adjusted by adding or removing lace panels as well as reverse stockinette stitches in between those to make it fit you.

The bolero appears very cropped on my long back, and looks better worn with a wider skirt or dress, in my opinion. The photos are, as usual taken by my husband in our garden, in early September last year. I will release the English pattern after test knitting in my Ravelry group, date is not yet set but it will be after Honeysuckle Shawl and Saga Jacket which are the next test knits to begin. Now that you have seen all the new designs as they look on me, I am ready to show you each one gorgeously worn by model Alexandria Eissinger, brilliantly captured by photographer Eivind Røhne.

Linda Marveng

Knit wear designer and author

Tag Archives: Hifa Ask

Imra Pattern Released

Hennika Pattern Released

Gyda Knitted by Dorothy DesRoches

Familien Strikk August 2015

Familien Photoshoot: Imra

New Design: Imra

Gyda Pattern Released

Familien Photoshoot: Hennika

Easter Knits

New Design: Hennika