Autumn Symphony Pattern Released

Posted on July 26, 2014 by Linda Marveng

I am delighted to release the Autumn Symphony pattern after the test knit has been completed, with so many beautiful versions. The cover pictures are taken by Familien’s in-house photographer Petter Berg. The Norwegian pattern will be published later this autumn. The English pattern has been released in my Ravelry Store with helpful video links, schematics and charts. Here is the essential pattern info: Leaves cover this A-lined jacket knitted in one piece with a false seam in a middle of the stocking stitch panel. The sleeves are knitted in the round with leaves up to the shaping where the lace pattern is changed to reverse stocking stitch. A belt in autumn coloured tweed lengthens the jacket and introduces the orange wrap. Or why not wear the wrap as a belt and opposite. Choose your three favorite colours, then make your outfit.

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

Finished measurements: Jacket: Bust: 92 (97, 104, 115, 124, 137) cm/36.25 (38.25, 41, 45.25, 48.75, 54)” Hip: 112 (117, 124, 135, 144, 157) cm/44 (46, 48.75, 53.25, 56.75, 61.75)” Length: 67.5 (68.5, 69.5, 70.5, 71.5, 72.5) cm/26.5 (27, 27.25, 27.75, 28.25, 28.5)” Sleeve length: 50 cm/19.75″ Belt: Bottom: 90 (100, 110, 120, 130, 140) cm/35.5 (39.25, 43.25, 47.25, 51.25, 55)” Top: 78 (88, 98, 108, 118, 128) cm/ 30.75 (34.75, 38.5, 42.5, 46.5, 50.5)” Height: 30 cm/11.75″ Wrap: Height: 46 cm/18″, circumference 90 cm/35.5″

Yarn: Hifa, Ask – Hifa 2 (100% wool, 100 g, 315 m/345 yds). See ull.no. Col 1: Melange farm red 6513, Col 2: Melange dark terracotta 6503, Col 3: Melange orange 6570.

Jacket: Col 1: 3.5 (4, 4.5, 4.5, 4.5, 5) skeins. 1008 (1134, 1292, 1339, 1389, 1459) m/1102 (1240, 1413, 1464, 1595) yds

Belt: Col 1: 1 (1, 1, 1.5, 1.5, 1.5) skeins. 252 (284, 315, 347, 378, 410) m/276 (311, 345, 379, 413, 448) yds. Col 2 and Col 3: 0.5 (1, 1, 1, 1, 1) skein of each Col. 160 (189, 221, 252, 284, 315) m/175 (207, 242, 276, 311, 345) yds

Wrap: Col 3: 2 skeins. 504 m/551 yds

Alternative yarns: 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 Or another sport weight/5 ply yarn.

Needles 3.5 mm/US 4 (80 cm/32″) circular needle for jacket wrap and belt, 3.5 mm/US 4 DPNs or circular needle for magic loop method and 3 mm/US 2.5 (80 cm/32″) circular needle for button band. Adjust needle sizes as needed to match gauge.

Notions: 10 buttons for jacket and 7 buttons for belt (15 mm/0.62″), 6 stitch markers, stitch holders and yarn needle.

Gauge 20 sts and 28 rows in stockinette stitch measures 10 cm/4″ square. 19 sts and 30 rows in Leaf Pattern measures 10 cm/4″ square. 18 sts (1 pattern repeat) in Lacy Rib measures 9 cm/3.5″ square. 22 sts and 50 rows in Tweed measures 10 cm/4″ square.

Notes: The body is knitted in one piece to armholes, with a fake seam st in rev st st, then separated into three parts. The sleeves are knitted in the round. The leaf pattern is discontinued where the bind-off interferes with it on the sleeves and the fronts. The wrap is worked in the round and can easily be adjusted by adding or removing pattern repeats. If your k3tog on the wrap is loose work k2tog and move resulting stitch back to left needle and pass next stitch over. The belt is worked flat.

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 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.

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.

Seamless Knitting by Anna Verschik

Posted on January 11, 2014 by Linda Marveng

I have been waiting impatiently for this beautiful book to arrive from the Apollo Bookstore in Tallinn, Estonia. Anna Verschik is a linguistics professor, and an avid designer with her own blog; “kuduja” which means knitter in Estonian. It is fascinating reading, as you can imagine. Well, finally her book arrived: and I am ever so pleased to be able to study it in detail, especially the brilliant chapter on constructions. As Anna says in her introduction: “My knitting is guided by three keywords – construction, proportion, intuition.” She favors top down but also works sideways, or even combines the two. When it comes to proportion everyone knows what suits them, and what a suitable length is, especially easy to test when knitting top down, claims Anna. Quite often our intuition prompts whether a garment is suitable for you or not or whether a style is worth trying. “Quite naturally the knits in the book reflect my taste because I have created them. My style balances on the edge of minimalism, stitch patterns and adornments are not plentiful – I am always careful not to overdo it. However, if you like colourwork, busy patterns and rich style, this does not prevent you from trying out the constructions described here. The patterns in this book are meant as an illustration, and not a goal in itself. You can immediately pick a knit you like and make it. But before that I recommend that you read the read the overview of constructions that I have used.” There are 14 trendy patterns, all in size S to XL with generous charts, knitted using from a 3 mm/US 2.5 to a 5.5 mm/US 9, some with negative ease that stretches when worn while others with positive ease. See all of Anna’s gorgeous designs here: Ravelry.com/designers/anna-kuduja.

I was keen to see the rest of the pullover on the cover, and was very pleased to look at all the artistic photos on this website: siimvahur. Real Green is a sweater with a large neck opening and a central lace panel, knitted to be worn with negative ease. The pullover is knitted top-down and the pattern is easily divided into steps with clear instructions. The yarn used is Jil from G-B Wolle, 100% wool, 50 g/125 m, using 3.5 mm needles. Anna recommends “using several pairs of circular needles so that you can try on the garment as you go.”

Copyright: Siim Vahur, www.siimvahur.com/comseeriad/koolibri

Black glitter is a mohair and cotton-rayon blend top with positive ease, and a perfect example of how Anna’s minimalistic yet trendy style. Three yarns are used, but only two are held together at the same time to make up the strips: Rowan Kidsilk Haze (70% kid mohair, 30% silk, 25 g/210 m), Glitter (thin glittering thread suitable for embroidery or sewing) and Katia Brisa (60% cotton, 40% rayon, 50 g/125 m). The top is knitted using 4 mm, several pairs of circular needles are recommended for trying on, as it is knitted top-down.

Two in one. “Knits with the same construction and stitch pattern but made from different yarns. Gauge in width is the same in both yarns, which yields two-in-one effect.” Both the sweater and the top (sleeveless) are knitted sideways. Photographed here is the sweater knitted in a multicolored Aade Long 8/2 (100% wool, 100 g/400 m), using 3.5 mm needles. Anna is one of four designers in the Artemis Adornments Group on Ravelry, where she runs her test knits and knit alongs. You will find her there as “kuduja”, do join her!

New Released Pattern: Regal Purple Jacket

Posted on January 1, 2014 by Linda Marveng

Happy New Year! The test knitting is coming to an end, and I have released the English version of the Regal Purple Jacket in my Ravelry Store. I want to take this opportunity to thank all my test knitters! The Norwegian pattern will be published in “Vårens Strikkebok”, a magazine by Familien, due out in March. I am thrilled that it will be accompanied by photos of dancer Francesca Golfetto by Kim Müller, see above. The tech edited pattern includes the cowl, and the English version have 3 different sleeve lengths, chart, schematic plus video links. Here is a link to where you can buy and download the pdf : ravelry.com/stores/linda-marveng.

This vibrant rich purple is regal to me. I choose a lace pattern called Flower Wave, which is half lace and half garter stitch, hence easy to memorize. The Regal Purple Jacket has an A-line shape with added garter stitches in the side for decreasing, short sleeves and a V-neck with a garter stitch then stocking stitch band. It is knitted flat, in a divine 4 ply/fingering cotton called Perle/Pearl from Hifa, and then sewn together to give stability to the garment. Optional 3/4 length or long sleeves patterns are included in addition to a stripy stocking stitch cowl, knitted in the round and grafted together, to accentuate the lace pattern.

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

Finished Measurements: Bust: 92 (98, 106, 116, 126, 136) cm/36.25 (38.5, 41.75, 45.75, 49.5, 53.5)” Hip: 112 (118, 126, 136, 146, 156) cm/44 (46.5, 49.5, 53.5, 57.5, 61.5)” Length: 60 (62.5, 62.5, 65, 67.5, 67.5) cm/23.5 (24.5, 24.5, 25.5, 26.5, 26.5)” Short sleeves: 14 (14, 16, 16, 18, 18) cm/5.5 (5.5, 6.25, 6.25, 7, 7)” OR 3/4 sleeves: 36 (36, 33.5, 33.5, 31, 31) cm/14.25 (14.25, 13.25, 13.25, 12.25, 12.25)” OR long sleeves: 50 (50, 47.5, 47.5, 45, 45) cm/19.75 (19.75, 18.75, 18.75, 17.75, 17.75)” Cowl: Circumference: 33 cm/13”, length: 123 cm/48.5″

Yarn: Hifa, Perle in red purple sh 18357 (100% Egyptian mercerized cotton, 670 m/732yds, 200 g cone), see ull. Jacket with short sleeves: 2 (2, 2, 3, 3, 3) cones: 1005 (1172, 1340, 1507, 1675, 1843) m/1099 (1282, 1465, 1648, 1832, 2015) yds. Jacket with long or 3/4 sleeves: 2 (3, 3, 3, 3, 4) cones: 1340 (1507, 1675, 1843, 2010, 2178) m/1465 (1648, 1832, 2015, 2198, 2382) yds. 3/4 sleeves version uses approx 135 m/147 yds less in each size. Cowl: 1 cone: 600m/656 yds

Yarn alternatives: Filatura di Crosa, Dolce Amore (100% cotton, 181 m/198yds, 50 g), see tahkistacycharles. Fyberspates, Vivacious 4 ply (100% superwash merino, 365 m/399 yds, 100 g), see fyberspates. Anzula, Squishy (80% superwash merino, 10% cashmere, 10% nylon, 352 m/385 yds, 115 g), see anzula or another fingering/4 ply (14 wpi) yarn.

Needles: 3 mm/US 2.5 circular needle (80 cm/32”) for jacket, (40 cm/16”) for cowl or size needed to match gauge.

Notions: 2 stitch markers, 5 stitch holders, spare circular needle in same or smaller size than working needles, yarn needle and waste yarn for cowl cast on.

Gauge: 24 sts and 34 rows in Flower Wave Pattern measures 10 cm/4″ square. 24 sts and 36 rows in garter st measures 10 cm/4″ square. 30 sts and 34 rnds in stocking st measures 10 cm/4″ square. Or size needed to match gauge.

Next is my first test knit of 2014: The Nora Sweater.

Check Cable Cardigan Pattern Released

Posted on July 3, 2013 by Linda Marveng

It is now 6 months since the Sjakk Flette Kardiganen/Check Cable Cardigan pattern was first printed in Norwegian in the magazine Familien, and I am allowed to release the pattern this time also in English in my Ravelry store. The Check Cable Cardigan is knitted in a simple yet decorative stitch pattern which is reversible combined with a wide collar in a ribbed cable pattern. It has a generous fit and designed to make you feel comfortable yet smart. The cardigan is knitted in Dale Yarns’ Lerke a mixture of wool and cotton with an optimal stitch definition on needle no 4 mm/US 6, see dalegarn. An alternative yarn is Rowan Yarns’ Wool Cotton, see knitrowan. The pattern is available here: Ravelry.

Size: S (M) L (XL)

Finished Measurements: Bust: 102 (116) 130 (144) cm/ 40 (45½) 51 (56¾)” Length: 70 (70) 70 (70) cm/ 27½ (27½) 27½ (27½)” Upper arm: 50 (50) 50 (50) cm/ 19¾ (19¾) 19¾ (19¾)” Belt: width: 4 cm/1½”, length: 195 cm/76″

Yarn: Dale Yarns: Lerke (52% fine merino, 48% Egyptian cotton, 50g/1.7oz, 115m/125yds): 14 (15) 16 (17) balls: 1730 (2200) 2420 (2650) m/1892 (2406) 2646 (2898) yds needed (incl double belt: 180 m/197 yds). Alternative yarn: Rowan Yarns: Wool Cotton (50% merino, 50% wool, 50g/1.7oz, 113m/123 yds)

Needles:
Circular needle 4mm/US 6 (80 cm/32”) and an additional ndl for 3 ndl cast off. 2 circular needles 3mm/US 2.5 for belt. 2 dpns 3mm/US 2.5 for i-cord belt loops
Notions: Stitch holders, stitch markers, cable ndl and darning ndl.

Tension:
22 sts and 30 rows in curvy checks pattern using 4mm/US 6 equals 10cm/4” square.

Notes & Video links:
The collar is knitted together with the fronts to the end of the shoulder shaping and then left on a stitch holder for a 3 needle cast off. Both fronts have 5 garter stitches for selvedge, incl 1 stitch to knit & pick up collar band in, 4 garter stitches between cables and as a divider to the curvy check pattern. Choose between a Cabled Belt, that stretches, or a Double Belt or knit both. The belt loops are made of i-cords.
Pattern includes video links to techniques used: Short row shaping with wraps, 3 needle cast off, hem making, I-cord. As well as charts and schematic.

Milanese Lace Shawl by Nina Hove Myhre

Posted on June 26, 2013 by Linda Marveng

Does the name sound familiar? Yes, Nina is nearly ready to start on project no 4 from my book and this is her Milanese Lace Shawl knitted in the original yarn Wollmeise Lace in beautiful shades of brown called “Tollkirsche”. The tension is looser than the original making the shawl wider, covering her back which she is exactly what she wanted and with lesser repeats. Again, Nina knitted a small piece in stocking stitch to make covered buttons to match the shawl. She prefers wearing the rectangular shawl buttoned up as a shrug, see above. You can find more photos on her blog: fiberandart. The pattern is available in Norwegian in my knitting book “To rett, en vrang. Designstrikk” (and Finnish: “Nyt neulomann!”) but also in English to download from Ravelry: stores/linda-marveng.

Nina, aka FiberAndArt on Ravelry, is one of my two group moderators together with Jane Brindley, aka JanieB, and she is currently test knitting Summer Leaves Sweater (here are work in progress photos: fiberandart), so I can promise you more photos to come. If you want to join us on Ravelry, we are here: groups/linda-marveng. Another Milanese Lace Shawl I am excited to see, is Karen’s, aka Sweaty Knitter who is using Anzula’s ”Cloud” in a divine blue (100 g, 575 yds/525 m). Cloud is one of the alternative yarns I suggest in the pattern and is made of 80% superwash merino, 10% cashmere and 10% nylon. Do read Karen’s blog post: marvengs-milanese-shawl-road-trip-project. I was thrilled: “Not only do her patterns evidence careful attention to detail, but her designs make sophisticated garments that are equally at home with a pair of jeans or the favorite outfit you put on when you need a bit of a boost.” Below is the stunning Anna Pfeifer photographed by Kim Müller illustrating the different ways you can wear the shawl.

I also wanted to share crime writer Val McDermod’s posting on The Guardian: “Don’t disrespect Julia Gillard – knitters are not to be messed with. We knitters wield a lot of power with our needles and yarn. My own knitting career began with an act of defiance and now I have graduated on to the hard stuff… My latest adventures in knitting involve translating patterns from Norwegian. Because knitting in English is for wimps.” Read the full article here and enjoy: guardian!

Stitch Maps

Posted on June 22, 2013 by Linda Marveng

“Stitch maps are a new form of knitting chart that use traditional symbols in a novel way: without a grid. The symbols within a stitch map clearly show what stitches to work. And – not being confined within grid squares – they also show which stitches of the previous row should be worked. The end result? Charts with unparalleled fluidity, authenticity, and beauty.” According to designer JC Briar and her recently launched website Stitch Maps, stitch-maps.com. Who is she, I had to check and found this: jcbriar. It does make the knitting charts look more like the crochet charts which do follow the shape of the fabric. But how do you follow a long row? One of the most ingenuous features of it is that you can add a row guide as well as a column guides. Knitters and designers have responded to her through her group on Ravelry: Can you add a highlighter through the row you are working on? Yes, you can but only with a basic subscription and Stitch Maps will keep track of your current row. JC Briar is a puzzle solver at heart and will continue to develop Stitch Maps, which at the moment contains 145 stitch patterns. I, for one will be watching! What do you think? Would you subscribe?

Group on Ravelry & Our Independence Day

Posted on May 18, 2013 by Linda Marveng

I did it! I have set up a group on Ravelry and one of the responses was “Finally!”. Oh, I must admit I am enjoying this! To call the group “Linda Marveng Fans” was way over the top for me so I chose just to stick with my name without “Fans”. I am delighted to have Nina Hove Myhre and Jane Brindley with me as moderators (read: + moral support)! The group was set up on 16. May, the day before our Independence Day so I have been celebrating for days now – see photo above taken by my husband. From the introduction to the group: “Welcome! This is a group for all those who love Linda Marveng’s beautiful knitwear designs from her book “To rett en vrang. Designstrikk” and other designs. We will have test knits and KAL’s you can take part in. We hope to inspire by enjoying each others pictures, comments and friendly discussions. As well as supporting each other and ask questions regarding any of Linda’s patterns.

Just as in the introduction to her book, this group want to share this intention on a lager scale:
“I hope the book will inspire you to knit one, preferably more, garment and that you will enjoy the photos. Create your own personal expression by choosing color or make your own melange color in double yarn. Follow the pattern laboriously or make the adjustments you find necessary, if you prefer. I love long sleeves but you are welcome to make them shorter, for instance. Do check all measurements and gauge before you start knitting even though it is time consuming, it is worth it and will make the garment fit as it should. You will become a knitting expert quicker that way and develop your potential as well as your own creative abilities. Enjoy the photos, be inspired, knit the patterns and use the garments you have knitted with pride and pleasure.”

Please come and join us if you have not already done so! Our first test knit will start on Monday. Here is the link: ravelry.com/groups/linda-marveng. The banner is made by my Creative Director aka Photographer aka Husband!

Linda Marveng

Knit wear designer and author

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