Tag Archives: Indigo Sweater

Knitting Techniques Videos

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After completing a weekend workshop in Finishing and Fairisle I held for Vestre Aker Husflidslag/Handicraft association in Oslo, I am preparing the next which is Lace knitting for Larvik Husflidslag. So my mind is set on knitting techniques at the moment, spurred on by questions e-mailed to me for assistance on my patterns. The most popular video which is all over the Norwegian knitting groups on Facebook is one called Tilbakestrikkingens Kunst/The Art of Backwards knitting. It used to be the colloquial term for unraveling a row or a round; stitch by stitch, but this is literally knitting backwards without turning your knitting and purling, hence creating stocking stitch by knitting into the back loop in the opposite direction. For all of you knitters out there who dislike purling, do watch this:

The Art of Backwards Knitting

I adore tucks and hems. They are both enjoyable to knit and give such a distinct look to a garment. Above is the Indigo Sweater with tucks (pattern available in English on ravelry and in Norwegian in my book) modeled by the beautiful Anna Pfeifer, photographed by Kim Müller. Using two needles held parallel to each other, also raises some eyebrows, but it is ever so useful not to have to pick up stitches several rows down on the wrong side of work when you make a tuck or a hem. You only cast on, or knit one row with 2 needles held next to each other, and then on the next row or round pull out the extra needle so the stitches stay on the cord hence it becomes a stitch holder, while you continue to work with the other needle until you are ready to close the tuck or the hem. Then you fold the second needle – the holder – at the back and work knit 2 together with one stitch from each needle. This is a video I have made, but even if you do not understand my Norwegian I think you will find the demonstration useful.

Tuck or Hem Making

An I-cord, and especially an attached i-cord, is a method I favour for edgings when a bit of extra volume is needed at the end. Like at the top front edge of my Aran Bolero, and at the hem of my Aran Skirt, just to mention two garments where I have used it. The name in Norwegian is knitted cord, but that removes the fun of the name. I for Idiot, in several senses of the word: so easy that even an idiot can do it, that is when you know how, obviously! Other knitters have been quick to add: So boring that only an idiot would actually do it… Yes, I agree it is not what I enjoy knitting the most, but then it does make a neat rounded cord finish. And even an idiot have to admit to it…

Attached I-cord

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3 Book Patterns in English

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I am delighted that my publisher Cappelen Damm has given me permission to release 3 patterns from my book “To rett en vrang. Designstrikk” in English on Ravelry. It was a fairly easy choice based on popularity of the designs, combined the number of pattern request messages sent to me. My chosen photographer Kim Müller has allowed me to use the photographs he took for the book, and I am thrilled to be able to add those to the downloadable patterns in PDF format. The 3 are: Mohair Poncho and Wrist Warmers, Milanese Lace Shawl – thank you, Janie for knitting a stunning one – and Indigo Sweater and Cowl.

Mohair Poncho. A poncho not reminiscent of the -70s but fashionable in addition to being warm, was my aim. It is easy to knit in 3 identical rectangular pieces but an intermediate challenge to sew together, and comes in one size. The yarn I have chosen is a mixture of alpaca and mohair with a little acrylic from Texere Yarns, now replaced by Destiny Mohair, texere-yarns. It is easy to knit since it is made up of 3 identical rectangles sewn together using a 5 mm/US 8. Why not chose a brushed alpaca instead: Plymouth Yarn Baby Alpaca, plymouthyarn or a mohair and wool mixture from Classic Elite Yarns called La Gran classiceliteyarns. A short front seam, a longer back seam, a bottom seam and a hem. Here stunningly worn by dancer Cristiane Sá.

Milanese Lace Shawl. Wollmeise has a large fan base and the phone glows when Loop receives a new delivery. Intense, glowing colors in a yarn with a fantastic stitch definition. All you can do is to become a member of Wollmeiseholics Anonymous on Ravelry. I chose the Wollmeise Lace in a popular color reminiscent of beetroot, in a lace pattern called Milanese Lace. Study all the shade at: shop.strato.de. You can also chose another thin fingering yarn such as Anzula Cloud from anzula or Malabrigo Sock: malabrigoyarn, for the shawl knitted using a 3 mm/US 2.5. With added buttons you can easily wear it as a shrug or a vest like Anna Pfeifer beautifully demonstrates.

Indigo Sweater and Cowl. The Tucks give a sculptural effect to an otherwise plain sweater knitted in Jaggerspun Zephyr Lace, in a dark indigo color which easily can be combined with the rest of your wardrobe. I have designed yet another party sweater, this time fitted  and with a regal cowl. In black in this luscious yarn, it would look like it was made of leather, see jaggeryarn. Knitted with 2 strands held together using a 3 mm/US 2.5 and available in S, M and L. I love the lightness of the yarn, the soft sheen of the silk and the denseness the double yarn creates. It can however be replaced for a single strand option such as Juno Fibre Arts; Alice Sock, available at loopknittingshop and at etsy or Heritage Silk from cascadeyarns.

All 3 patterns will shortly be available to buy and download on Ravelry, here is my designer page: ravelry. I am also proud of the “Merino Omslagsvest” Nina Hove Myhre has knitted from my book using Tosh Sock in a stunning green shade. See her photos and her button making on the previous blog post, here: fiberandart.

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