Strik Bornholm 2016

Posted on September 7, 2016 by Linda Marveng

I was delighted to be invited back to Strik Bornholm, 2 years after the first knitting festival on the divine sunshine island in the Baltic Sea. Just as last time my husband wanted to join me and take on the long drive from Oslo to Ystad, Southern Sweden – 6 hours but since we needed several breaks it took us close to 7 hours. We stayed one night at Hotel Continental from and were thrilled to find it upgraded to pure luxury. The next day, Thursday 1. September we were ready for the ferry – an Australian catamaran – from Ystad to Rønne, which takes only 1 hour and 20 minutes. Strik Bornholm was held in the small town of Allinge, approximately 20 minutes drive from the largest town Rønne at Bornholm. Above is the Woolspire stand with designer Charlotte Kaae talking to Diana Belea and Ann Vindelev from Woolspire. Ann, the Woolspire intern, learnt to knit while at Strik Bornholm, have a look at the photos in this blogpost: woolspire.com

Some of the 16 workshop holders – in charge of the 53 workshops – met up on Thursday evening just before the first of two evening knit cafés. Charlotte held a short talk and demonstration on the different cast-on methods. Yes, she does have her own YouTube channel in Danish. Above you can see me demonstrating how my Quamara jacket can be worn in 3 different ways depending on how you fold the long attached loop collar. Next to me is Mary-Ann Astrup, editor of the largest handicraft blog in Norway www.tusenideer.no and now also part of the Woolspire crew. I was so happy to be able to look at all the Brooklyn Tweed yarns and colors displayed at their stand. Of course I had to order some that will arrive in my mailbox very soon.

Strikkehjornet is the local knitting shop from Allinge which I discovered last time I visited. Owner Jette Jensen has for the first time made her own yarn, pelt wool from Bornholm, displayed at the front in three natural colors. Yes, it was one that had to follow me home. I was holding four workshop this time, all in Norwegian. Design your own sweater in part 1 and 2 as well as Japanese Patterns twice in one day. An extra Japanese Pattern workshop was added due to popular demand, while my Lace workshop was cancelled of the opposite reason. I was happy to meet several of the participants from the previous Strik Bornholm and even got to see some completed projects based on my workshops I held in 2014. Pure bliss! This time I was not teaching at Allinge Røgeri/Smokehouse on the beach but we were tempted and had to go there the first night for a portion on fish and chips.

Instead I was teaching at the old schoolhouse now called “Kærnehuset” but still marked as “Borgerskolen” on Friday and at Høiers Iscafe on the Saturday. As you can imagine the old school was perfect for a workshop while the Iscafé was a bit busy with ice-eating customers on the Saturday afternoon. Above is another photo from the large sportshall, Nordlandshallen where the sales area was offering a total of 24 shops. The yarn on offer is the locally hand dyed Fredsmindegarn. This year a number of German knitters visited the event together with a few Norwegians, a large number of Swedes and Danes. A total of 1750 visitors came by the sales hall during those three days.

Here is another photo of me and Mary-Ann, taken on the Saturday since I am wearing Oydis sweater with the cowl. I was so happy that Mary-Ann was coming and that I had the opportunity to meet the Woolspire crew myself since I now have a number of my patterns for sale in both Norwegian (on their Danish and Norwegian site) and English (on their English site).

This year the evening knit cafés and the party dinner on Saturday was held in a party tent at Storløkken Feriesenter. On Friday evening, Michael and I stayed in the same apartment hotel as last time, Klintely, with a lovely sea view as you can see from above. Unlike last time we did not have the opportunity to have breakfast with Norah Gaughan. And she was sorely missed by many of us. The star attraction this time was the Danish designer Vithard Villumsen, also known as the Prince of Knitting and as one of the judge on the Danish television series “Den Store Strikkedyst/The Great Knitting Challenge”. You will find a few episodes with English subtitles here on YouTube. He offered four different workshops, but the only one I had the opportunity to attend was an introduction to English knitting terms and that is one that I do not need. But to sum up the knitting festival: I had a great time! Thank you to all of you who I met, and to the organizers Team Bornholm!

I had some time on Thursday when we arrived and also on the Sunday to do a spot of sightseeing together with my husband. Here is one of the many lovely beaches on Bornholm, on the southern coast. But what really left a lasting impression was the Bornholm Art Museum, and it is coming next.

Quamara Pattern Released

Posted on March 19, 2016 by Linda Marveng

The test knit of the English pattern is over and I have released Quamara in my Ravelry store. I am delighted to see the different versions of made by the test knitters. Above you see it worn Anne Dorthe/Team Models, with hair & make up by Sissel Fylling, jewelry by Kaja Gjedebo Design, brilliantly captured by photographer Eivind Røhne at Henie Onstad Kunstsenter. The Norwegian pattern was first published in Familien Strikk last August. Here is my introduction to the pattern: 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 Zenta by Permin.

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

Finished Measurements: Bust (incl loop): 86 (92, 98, 106, 116, 126) cm/33.75 (36.25, 38.5, 41.75, 45.75, 49.5)” Loop closing: 17 cm/6.75″ wide and 300 cm/118″ long Length: 55 (56.5, 57, 58.5, 59.5, 60.5) cm/21.75 (22.25, 22.5, 23, 23.5, 23.75)” Sleeve length: 49 (50, 50, 51, 51, 52) cm/19.25 (19.75, 19.75, 20, 20, 20.5)”

Yarn: Permin, Zenta (50% wool, 30% silk, 20% nylon, 50 g, 180 m/196 yds). Sample is knitted in Lime 883302: 7 (8, 9, 10, 11, 12) skeins; 1256 (1404, 1535, 1667, 1847, 2027) m/1374 (1535, 1679, 1823, 2020, 2217) yds http://www.permin.dk/uk/knitting-yarn/permin-knitting-yarn/zenta.html

Alternative yarn: Elsebeth Lavold, Silky Wool (45% wool, 35% silk, 20% nylon, 50 g, 176 m/192 yds). http://knittingfever.com/elsebeth-lavold/yarn/silky-wool/ Harrisville Designs, Silk & Wool (50% silk, 50% wool, 50 g, 160 m/175 yds) http://harrisville.com/silk-wool-yarn/

Needles: 3.5 mm/US 4 circular needles (80 cm/32″ and 40 cm/16″). 3.5 mm/US 4 DPNs for sleeves. Adjust needle size as needed to match gauge.

Notions: 4 Stitch markers, 6 stitch holders, cable needle and yarn needle.

Gauge: 22 sts and 30 rows in st st measures 10 cm/4″ square. 22 sts and 30 rows in Lace measures 10 cm/4″ square.

Notes: The body is knitted in one piece to the armholes, then divided into 3 parts. The loop collar is knitted separately in two pieces, bound off on 3 needles and sewed on from the back neck, while the cast on edges are joined by mattress stitches. The sleeves are knitted in the round and set-in. If you choose to adjust the body length, remember to adjust the length of each part of the loop with the same removed/added length.

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: Quamara

Posted on July 25, 2015 by Linda Marveng

I am thrilled to begin the presentation of the brilliant photos Eivind Røhne took of gorgeous model (and a photographer herself – no less – see cargocollective.com) Anne Dorthe/Team Models, with beautiful hair & make up by Sissel Fylling, jewelry by Kaja Gjedebo, at location; Henie Onstad Kunstsenter. First garment out is Quamara, knitted in Permin Zenta, a luscious wool and silk mixture, with a long loop closure attached at the front. The jacket, knitted in kindly sponsored yarn using 3.5 mm/US 4, is available in sizes XS to 2XL and the Norwegian pattern will be printed in the separate issue Familien Strikk, out on Monday 24. August. The English pattern will be test knitted in my Ravelry Group before its release.

Several of our planned backdrops had to be ruled out due to the strong sunshine on Friday 29th May. I liked the look of this wall, which did not take any focus away from the lace pattern nor compete with the bright lime color. There are three lace repeats on the loop and on the sleeve, while the back has a panel of five pattern repeats. In the first photo the loop collar is worn hanging around the neck, just as you would put the jacket on. In the photo above the loop is crossed at the front and then folded around the neck.

I have made the fronts narrow since the loop is wide, especially when worn around the neck at least once in addition to the already attached part. All the borders on the straight jacket are worked in garter stitch including a fake side seam. Anne Dorthe is wearing statement jewelry by Kaja Gjedebo: Karakoram earrings and Hekla ring, both in oxidized silver. I desperately wanted to borrow more jewelry from Kaja after shoe designer Monica Stålvang introduced me to her modern work with crispy clean lines at the previous photoshoot. I was invited home to see her workshop, and to pick what I wanted to borrow. Needless to say, that I picked a lot and did not dare try any of it on since I knew it was a press loan and not a shopping spree.

Above is my favorite way of wearing the jacket like a ballerina wrap, with the loop twice around the neck, making the straight jacket figure hugging and tight. The loop is made in two parts so that the lace pattern is identical on both fronts. It is knitted together with a 3-needle bind off at the neck while the cast-on edges are joined using mattress stitches creating a neat but visible stocking stitch seam, see above. At the end it is attached along each front to center neck, while the remaining parts are left to hang loose – see bottom photo.

Just as the loop reigns on the front, I wanted the lace panel to reign on the back. As you might have noticed I am not a knitter that enjoys knitting large parts in stocking stitch, hence it will be kept to a minimum. The body is knitted flat in one piece up to the armhole, then separated, while the set-in sleeves are knitted in the round to the armhole, then flat.

It was important to show how the loop looks when it is hanging loose, hence its full length. That also gives me an excuse to show off Monica Stålvang’s Daniela boots I borrowed for the shoot. And yes, I did deliver them back the following day!

New Design: Quamara

Posted on June 6, 2015 by Linda Marveng

I discovered Zenta by the Danish yarn company and agents Permin last December, and was instantly drawn to the vivid lime color as well as their full shade card in a luscious wool and silk mixture: 50% wool, 30% silk, 20% nylon, 50 g, 180 m/196 yds. I decided to design a straight cardigan with a combined lace and cable stitch pattern to adorn the back, sleeves and the generous loop closure named after a beautiful elf, for the special issue called Strikk by Familien to be published at the end of August. 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. I thought the idea was brilliant until I realized how long I actually need to knit the loop to make it work as I wanted: 300 cm/118″ consisting of two parts joined together at the neck and at the front. Permin could sense my stress, when I phoned them desperate for 2 more skeins to be able to complete the loop to my preferred length. Above you see me wearing it with the loop twice around my neck.

Place the loop around your neck to put the cardigan on, and leave it like that, see above. The photos are taken by my husband, but only give an indication of the cold and the strong wind we experienced at the end of May. Hence I do not look my best. The cardigan has garter stitch edges at the bottom, at the end of the front, as well as a fake garter stitch side seam to add a bit of structure to the cardigan.

The sleeves, knitted in the round, have one pattern repeat with what looks like 3 panels of lace, just as the loop which is knitted flat in two parts and then joined. The back has two pattern repeats with what looks like 5 panels of lace. The garter stitches in the side are divided by one stitch in reverse stocking stitch which give the appearance of a side seam.

The body is knitted in one piece to the armholes, then divided into 3 parts. The loop collar is knitted separately in two pieces, bound off on 3 needles and sewed on from the back neck, while the cast on edges are joined by mattress stitches. Maybe some knitters will opt to make a loop closure at the bottom instead of sewing it together? Or make a shorter scarf collar? The sleeves are knitted in the round and set-in.

Above you see it worn in ballerina style, three times around the neck and with a safety pin at the bottom of the fronts to make it stay flat. With the loop worn like this the cardigan gathers around the bust and the back, making it appear more like a fitted cropped bolero. Hence you have two cardigan in one: a straight casual one and a close fitting one.

The best way to illustrate the length of the loop is having it hang loose as above. I am sure there are more ways to wear the loop if you want a more avant-garde style. I plan to have the English pattern test knitted in my Ravelry group this autumn before it will be released. But long before that I will share the marvelous professional photos Eivind Røhne took of modell Anne Dorthe/Team models.

Behind the Scenes: Familien Strikk Photoshoot

Posted on June 3, 2015 by Linda Marveng

Would it stop raining for our scheduled photoshoot for Familien Strikk on Friday 29th May? It did, it was sunny but still cold. To plan the event I had booked photographer Eivind Røhne, hair & make up artist: Sissel Fylling and model: Anne Dorthe from Team Models. Then I convinced former Made by Me editor Mary-Ann Astrup to join us to for her essential advice. That my husband would be part of the team was obvious from the start. Next on the agenda was picking a location venue, and it is not easy, but I opted for Henie Onstad Kunstsenter because of the building itself and its location with a nature trail and marina. For styling, I borrowed from dress designer Judith Bech her magnificent fringe skirt, jewelry designer Kaja Gjedebo a selection of gorgeous jewelry and then obviously also Monica Stålvang some stunning boots. Above you can see Eivind and Dorthe in action with my husband assisting. Dorthe is wearing Quamara, a jacket with a loop closure knitted in Zenta by Permin in a mixture of wool and silk.

It was no surprise to hear that Sissel wanted to cut Dorthe’s hair, and that she was allowed. Just as last time, we could easily have formed a line wanting just that. The meeting room, Onstad, was our base for the day and the storage for all our suitcases packed with equipment and clothing. While Sissel was working away on Dorthe’s make up and hair, we discussed photo locations and order of garments. The strong sun was an issue we had to resolve at times, as well as the strong wind. As a result a couple of our prime locations such as the pier and next to the sculpture in the water with the Marina in the background had to be given up. Above, you can see how Mary-Ann is providing necessary shadow for Dorthe whose legs are covered in blankets, while she is wearing Nuala, a shawl buttoned up with a cowl knitted in Rowan Softknit Cotton.

Sissel is busy putting on nail varnish on Dorthe’s nails, just as we are ready for the first project to be photographed: Hertha shawl with loose sleeves knitted in Jaggerspun Zephyr Lace held double, worn together with Judith Bech’s fringe skirt. The stair case on the side of the building was first out as first back drop. If you look closely on the photo above, over the roof of the black tent you will see part of the sculpture of a banana. Now, using that as a backdrop would have made a very different photoshoot, we agreed!

Here we are looking at locations; 3 geniuses at work as Eivind put it, photographed by my husband. The marina is just in the background but also in the sun, unfortunately. But we did find another suitable location instead. We photographed 9 new designs for Familien, and a secret project. Sissel made sure we had a plan allowing only 30 minutes for each garment so that we would have time for a delicious lunch at Bølgen & Moi as well as finish before we needed to vacate the meeting room at 16.30. We made it, thanks to brilliant co-operation. A marvelous team work, thank you all!

Linda Marveng

Knit wear designer and author

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