Helka Pattern Released

Posted on July 13, 2016 by Linda Marveng

The successful test knit of Helka ended a week ago, and I am very pleased to release the English pattern. My skillful test knitters have improved the pattern, and I added their useful notes. The Norwegian pattern was first published in Familien Kreativ in March. Above you see it worn by the gorgeous model Alexandria Eissinger/Sweden Models, with beautiful hair & make up by Sissel Fylling and jewelry by Kaja Gjedebo Design, all brilliantly captured by Eivind Røhne. The buttons are bespoke and like jewelry designed by Siri Berrefjord, you can see them close-up in this blogpost. Here is my introduction to the pattern: A long straight classical jacket with woven cables in a diamond pattern that ends in a rib. The cables are erased into a rib, then into stockinette stitch in the sides. Named after Helka the prosperous one, it has a deep v-neck and a double button band, leaving all the glory to the cables. Use it with a belt or adorn it with beautiful buttons like these jewelry ones by Siri Berrefjord.

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

Finished measurements: Bust circumference: 84 (92, 100, 108, 116, 124) cm/33 (36.25, 39.25, 42.5, 45.75, 48.75)”. Length: 79 (80, 81, 82, 83, 84) cm/31 (31.5, 32, 32.25, 32.75, 33)”. Sleeve length: 49 (50, 51, 51, 51, 51) cm/19.25 (19.75, 20, 20, 20, 20)”

Yarn: Hifa, Huldra Kamgarn 8, 5/2 (100% combed wool, 200 g, 850 m/929 yds). Sample is knitted in Unbleached White 428026; 3 (3, 3, 3, 3, 3) cones; 1892 (2012, 2131, 2251, 2371, 2492) m/2069 (2200, 2330, 2462, 2593, 2725) yds. http://www.ull.no/garn/maskinstrikkegarn/huldra-kamgarn-8-5-2-tykt Du Store Alpakka, Dreamline Soul (68% baby alpaca, 32% nylon, 25 g, 177 m/195 yds). Sample is knitted in White DL201; 11 (12, 13, 14, 14, 15) skeins; 1892 (2012, 2131, 2251, 2371, 2492) m/2069 (2200, 2330, 2462, 2593, 2725) yds. http://dustorealpakka.no/garn/soul/?sf_paged=2

Note: One strand of each yarn is held together throughout.

Needles: 4 mm/US 6 circular needle (80 cm/32″). 3.5 mm/US 4 circular needle (120 cm/47″ or 2 sets of 80 cm/32″) for button band. 4 mm/US 6 DPNs. Adjust needle size as needed to match gauge.

Notions: 14 buttons (18 mm/0.7″). Bespoke buttons on sample are made by Siri Berrefjord, siri@fredenshavn.no see http://epla.no/shops/sirisskattkammer/, cable needle, 8 Stitch markers, 4 stitch holders and yarn needle.

Gauge: 20 sts and 28 rows in st st using both yarns held together measures 10 cm/4″ square blocked. 42 sts and 28 rows in Woven Cable; 1 pattern repeat measures 13 cm/5″ across and 9 cm/3.5″ high.

Notes: The body is knitted from the bottom and up in 3 parts, back and forth, while the sleeves are worked in the round. The Woven Cable pattern ends in a rib at the sleevecap and at the v-neck shaping on the fronts, as well as on shoulders at the back.

Familien Kreativ with My Designs

Posted on March 16, 2016 by Linda Marveng

Familien Kreativ is a new Norwegian magazine, which replaces Familien Håndarbeid, released on Monday 14. March with 4 of my Designs to my delight: Helka the long cardigan you can see the back of on the cover, Shinju the shawl, Elora the bolero and Adoe the jacket. Even though the picture on the cover is small, the coverage I have received inside is fantastic. I will show you the 6 pages that show off my designs with the brilliant photos by Eivind Røhne of stunning model Alexandria Eissinger with hair and make up by Sissel Fylling, jewelry by Kaja Gjedebo Design and dresses by Judith Bech Design.

The heading says “Ready for a Party”, and continues; “Romantic and beautiful garments that add the finishing touch to the outfits for both bride and guests.” The introduction to Elora is mine: A beautiful reversible lace pattern adorns this bolero with a slightly longer scarf collar you can fold and pin as you desire. Garter stitches make up the edges of the bolero and divide the stitch pattern from the stocking stitch sides. Named after the giving of the laurel; the crown of victory and ideal for this garment made in a wool and cashmere mixture by Mondial. The bolero is worn by Alexandria Eissinger over the wedding gown “Secret”, designed by Judith Bech.

Adoe: Wavy lace with garter stitch edging is the focus of this delicate jacket. The deep v-neck is adorned with scallops made by the wavy lace pattern. It is knitted in the stunning chainette yarn; Truesilk by Rowan Yarns, and intended for those special times. Adoe means time, and it seemed entirely appropriate. Close the jacket with a beautiful brooch. The jacket is worn with a skirt designed by Judith Bech.

Shinju: Love, affection and beautiful are all parts of the Japanese word for pearl and was perfect for this lacy shawl knitted in a luxurious fiber mix with both mohair and silk with beads attached on an Italian yarn from Mondial called Perle. Ruffled bell borders grace each end of the shawl and highlight Judith Bech’s Secret; a divine felted wedding dress with a mermaid tail.

Helka: A long straight classical jacket with woven cables in a diamond pattern that ends in a rib. The cables are erased into a rib, then into stockinette stitch in the sides. Named after Helka the prosperous one, it has a deep v-neck and a double button band, leaving all the glory to the cables. Use it with a belt or adorn it with beautiful buttons like these jewelry ones by Siri Berrefjord.

The magazine is available at newsagents, selected supermarkets and by SMS – Kreativ16 til 2205 – if you are in Norway. If you are abroad you can order the Norwegian magazine by e-mailing customer services: kari.bachke@egmont.com. Thank you to Familien for accepting my designs. You can also find my designs presented by former editor of Made By Me editor Mary-Ann Astrup on the blog “Tusenideer” by Egmont Publishing: http://tusenideer.no/familien-kreativ-for-deg-som-elsker-lage-ting-selv/

My First E-book is Out

Posted on March 12, 2016 by Linda Marveng

Time flies, so much in fact that I have not only released one e-book but two in the last few months. The first one: Nordic Vintage Collection is in English and contains the 11 patterns that were published in Norwegian in Familien Trend last February, all photographed at Hvalstrand Bad. Below you can see a look book page of the introduction, bio and contents pages.

Here is my introduction: Nordic Vintage is a collection of knitting designs made to enhance shoe designer Monica Stålvang’s Spring/Summer collection and dress designer Judith Bech’s selected coctail dresses. Former editor of the Norwegian magazine ”Made by Me”, Mary-Ann Astrup, now in charge of Egmont Publishing’s handicraft blog ”Tusen ideer”, instantly agreed to my idea and a meeting was organized to pick dresses, discuss colours and garment silhouettes. Judith brought several suitcases of her fairytale gowns, Monica brought her drawings of her outstanding shoes and I brought my knitted swatches. We chose ten dresses and color co-ordinated the ten knits.
In the introduction to these garments Mary-Ann wrote:
”The stitch patterns in these unique garments have clear lines going back to Norse tradition and the intricate pattern we see in the Dragon Style. Paired with gorgeous dresses in Norwegian design, the goddess look becomes complete.”
The eleven designs were published in ”Familien Trend”, a magazine initially planned to take over from ”Made by Me” in February 2015.

Hvalstrand Bad, an art deco restaurant on the beach with a diving tower, in Asker on the outskirts of Oslo, was the perfect location for the photoshoot. Photographer Eivind Røhne was chosen to brilliantly capture the garments worn by the stunning model Alexandria Eissinger with gorgeous hair & make up by Sissel Fylling. I choose to order bespoke buttons from jewelry designer Siri Berrefjord and Monica suggested jewelry from Kaja Gjedebo Design in addition to my own Monies jewelry.

I wish to thank this amazing team for their co-operation, as well as technical editor Heather Zoppetti, sample knitters Grete Jenssen, Airin Hansen and Karin Elise Placht, my test knitters for improving the patterns and last but not least my husband, whose support and technical aid I could not have done without.

Gyda, cabled jacket is the most popular of these 11 designs, which are all available individually as well. My next task, as well as working on new patterns, is to make this e-book available in Norwegian. So if you are waiting for just that, keep knitting for now!

Photoshoot at Ekeberg Restaurant: Helka

Posted on February 20, 2016 by Linda Marveng

The time has come to show you the stunning photos taken by Eivind Røhne of Alexandria Eissinger with hair and make up by Sissel Fylling and jewelry by Kaja Gjedebo Design wearing Helka over a tulle skirt by Judith Bech. The Norwegian pattern of Helka will be published in the special issue Familien Kreativ out on 14. March, while the English pattern will be test knitted in my Ravelry group, late Spring, before its release. The Helka sample is knitted in a combination of a pure combed wool in 3-ply Hifa Huldra Kamgarn and an alpaca mix in a chainette lace yarn: Du Store Alpakka, Dreamline Soul held together using a 4 mm/US 6 needles by Grete Jenssen, aka ma9 on Ravelry. Here is my introduction to the pattern: A long straight classical jacket with woven cables in a diamond pattern that ends in a rib. The cables are erased into a rib, then into stockinette stitch in the sides. Named after Helka the prosperous one, it has a deep v-neck and a double button band, leaving all the glory to the cables. Use it with a belt or adorn it with beautiful buttons like these jewelry ones by Siri Berrefjord.

Helka is knitted with a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rows in stockinette stitch with both yarns held together. Both the yarns were generously sponsored. The Woven Cable has cable crossings on every second row, so it is time consuming, but also very rewarding to knit. I also wanted to add the most beautiful buttons I could think of, so I ordered bespoke buttons by Siri Berrefjord. You can study the details in the photos, Siri herself took of them in this blogpost. There are 14 buttons attached on the jacket, but you can easily adjust it to your own preference.

The body is knitted from the bottom and up in 3 parts, back and forth, while the sleeves are worked in the round. The Woven Cable pattern ends in a rib at the sleevecap and at the v-neck shaping on the fronts, as well as on shoulders at the back. The sleeves have one cable pattern repeat and rib on the remaining part.

I did consider making the sides in rib too, but realized that the Woven cables only need a frame and that stockinette stitch would highlight them more than a rib would. Hence the sleeve could easily have been made with stockinette stitches on the inside instead of rib.

The neckband was picked up and knitted the evening before the photoshoot, so I did not have time to adjust the number of stitches in the back neck to the rib below, but I have decreased a number of stitches in the pattern to make it lie flat. The brilliant idea to wear Helka only over the tulle skirt – intended as an underskirt/petticoat by dress designer Judith Bech – was Sissel’s since it did not work out as I had hoped with any of the wedding gowns I had borrowed. I am ever so thrilled with the resulting photos, and extremely grateful to be able to work with such a magnificent team!

Helka Buttons by Siri Berrefjord

Posted on January 13, 2016 by Linda Marveng

I wanted to add the most stunning buttons I could think of to my Helka, the long jacket with cables that looks woven, so I sent a request to jewelry designer Siri Berrefjord to check if she was willing to make me some bespoke buttons. I am thrilled to say that she was happy to oblige, so I sent her my knitted swatch and told her about my design plans to make garments to fit with dress designer Judith Bech’s wedding gowns. I had decided that I wanted to adorn the button band with an excess of buttons and ordered 13 buttons from her, all in the size small with a diameter of 18 millimeters/0.7″, all in cream with gold on the center top. Included, I wanted a set of photos taken by Siri, a trained photographer, that shows the immaculate details on these handmade buttons molded in plastic after old traditional national costume/bunad silver.

Siri played around with the color and decided to go for a foggy white color – a thinner layer of white – so that the button would look cream and at the same time absorb the background color of the knitted jacket. She also tested covering more of the button in gold but discovered it would remove all the details of the pattern below.

As always I am impressed by the composition of the photos, making sure the background matches the object in the photograph. These beautiful buttons also work equally well as button cufflinks or earrings or small brooches. Makeløs/Remarkable stylist Kristin Elise Halkjelsvik – yes, she is – proved this on our photoshoot in Fredrikstad for the magazine Made by Me. Take a close look at the cufflink in orange worn by Pia Cecilie/Team Models in this photo: www.marveng-puckett.com.

I love how all the rounded details on the buttons stand in contrast to the straight lines created by the cables. These photos also show a bit of the texture of the numerous cables that make up the pattern on Helka. The Norwegian pattern will be printed in the special magazine called Familien Håndarbeid out in March, while the English pattern will be test knitted in my Ravelry group late April before its release.

In the photo above you can clearly see the cable in all its glory while the buttons look less textured than they are. I wanted to show you all these photos so you had the chance to study the buttons. You will find a selection of her buttons available in her shop on Epla here: Siris Skattkammer. Siri sent me 14 buttons in the end, and I am ever so pleased that she did, since I decided to use them all! The professional photos of Helka taken by Eivind Røhne will soon be revealed here, but first I will show you 3 more new designs…

New Design: Helka

Posted on January 2, 2016 by Linda Marveng

I was instantly captured by these intricate cables that look woven with such a sculptural feel to them. They needed a lot of space so I decided to make a long straight jacket with those diamond shaped cables covering all central parts of the jacket. I loved the idea of the cables vanishing first into a rib then into stocking stitch in the sides of the body and into a rib on the top of all the parts. The sleeves are made in cables and rib, but the increases could easily be made in stocking stitch if preferred. Named after Helka the prosperous one, the jacket has a deep v-neck and a double button band, leaving all the glory to the cables. Of course, I wanted bespoke buttons and Siri Berrefjord obliged. I initially planned to make this long jacket to go with a wedding gown with a straight skirt hence I choose white Dreamline Soul from Du Store Alpakka and held it together with the Huldra Kamgarn from Hifa for a slight tweedy structure to it. With cabling on every second row and round, I need help to knit the sample and Grete Jenssen, aka ma9 on Ravelry, was ready to assist and knitted it to my utter satisfaction. The Norwegian pattern will be published in the special magazine: Familien Håndarbeid out in March, while the English pattern will be test knitted in my Ravelry group late spring before it is released.

The jacket is knitted with the 2 yarns held together using a 4 mm/US 6 with a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rows in stocking stitch measuring 10 cm/4″ square. The body is knitted from the bottom and up in 3 parts, back and forth, while the sleeves are worked in the round. The Woven Cable pattern ends in a rib at the sleevecap and at the v-neck shaping on the fronts, as well as on shoulders at the back. I have graded the jacket from size XS to 2XL, with bust circumference from 84 cm to 124 cm/33 to 48.75″. The length is from 79 cm to 84 cm/31 to 33″, but it can easily be adjusted to preferred length. I am wearing size S (sample size) in these photos taken by my husband on our terrace on a cold November day. Both yarns were generously sponsored by Hillesvåg and Du Store Alpakka.

I was uncertain how many buttons I wanted. Personally, I would probably only use 3 around the bust area, but also loved the idea of of filling the double button band with Siri’s jewelry buttons to adorn the jacket even further. In the end I reasoned that it was better for me to calculate too many buttonholes and for the knitter to remove those not wanted. First, I thought 13 buttons would be enough but ended up adding all the 14 buttons Siri had made. The rib at the top of the back also required that I decrease the number of stitches of the button band at the back neck. This was not done on the sample since I was knitting the button band the evening before the photo shoot and had no time to undo the more than 400 stitches and re-do. The pattern has been corrected to decrease 8 stitches, and is now in a queue with my American tech editor Corrina Ferguson of Picnic Knits. I ended up choosing 5 of Judith Bech’s wedding gowns for the photo shoot and which one suited the Helka best? The tulle petticoat/underskirt which I preferred to use on its own and not under any of the wedding gowns…

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.

Cable Round Sweater Pattern Released

Posted on May 9, 2015 by Linda Marveng

I am pleased to announce that I have released the Cable Round Sweater pattern in English, after the test knit in my group on Ravelry. Stunning model Pia Cecilie/Team Models with hair & make-up by Janne Skarpeid Hermansen, vintage clothes styled by Kristin Elise Halkjelsvik of Makeløs/Remarkable, ankle boots by Monica Stålvang and cufflinks by Siri Berrefjord, all brilliantly captured by Eivind Røhne. The Norwegian pattern was first published in the Jugend Love series in Made by Me in the autumn of 2014. Here is my introduction to the pattern: The light denim blue colour in the stunning pelt yarn from Hifa, captivated me. I chose a round cable with a band on. By framing the cables with a rib, the sweater became figure hugging and a perfect accompany to your favourite jeans or trouser. It ends with a square narrow neckband so that you can choose if you want to add the matching cowl.

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

Finished measurements: Bust: 86 (92, 98, 104, 116, 128) cm/ 33.75 (36.25, 38.5, 41, 45.75, 50.5)” Length: 54 (55, 56, 57, 58, 59) cm/21.25 (21.75, 22, 22.5, 22.75, 23.25)” Sleeve length: 46 (46, 47, 48, 49, 50) cm/18 (18, 18.5, 19, 19.25, 19.75)” Cowl: Circumference 34 cm/13.5″, length 124 cm/48.75″

Yarn: Hifa, Pelsullgarn in sh 1113 Light Denim Blue (100% Norwegian pelt yarn wool, 100 g, 260 m/284 yds). http://www.ull.no/garn/ullgarn/norsk-pelsull Sweater: 4 (4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6.5) skeins; 884 (988, 1092, 1196, 1404, 1616) m/967 (1080, 1194, 1308, 1535, 1767) yds. Cowl: 2.5 skeins: 637 m/697 yds

Alternative Yarns: Berroco, Ultra Alpaca Light (50% alpaca, 50% wool, 50 g, 133 m/144 yds). http://www.berroco.com/yarns/berroco-ultra-alpaca-light Jamieson’s, Double Knitting (100% wool, 25 g, 75 m/82 yds) http://www.jamiesonsofshetland.co.uk/spindrift-and-double-knitting-1-c.asp Rowan, Tweed (100% wool, 50 g, 118 m/129 yds) http://www.knitrowan.com/yarns/rowan-tweed Malabrigo, Arroyo, (100% superwash merino, 100 g, 306 m/335 yds) http://www.malabrigoyarn.com/subyarn.php?id=29 Or another DK/8 ply yarn.

Needles: 3.5 mm/US 4 (80 cm/32″) circular needle for sweater body. 3.5 mm/US 4 (40 cm/16″) circular needle for neck band and cowl. 3.5 mm/US 4 DPNs for sleeve or circular needle for magic loop.

Notions: Cable needle, 11 stitch markers (2 for side, 9 for pattern) and yarn needle.

Gauge: 21 sts and 28 rows in st st measures 10 cm/4″ square. 20 sts and 28 rows in rib measures 10 cm/4″ square. 1 Cable measures 5.5 cm/2.25″ across. 3 Cables with 3 sts rev st st on each side measure 17 cm/6.75″ across. Or needle to match gauge.

Notes: The Sweater, both the sleeves and the body are worked in the round to the armhole and then worked back and forth in rows. The cowl is worked in the round as a long tube, and then the ends are joined together.

Familien Photoshoot: Saga Jacket

Posted on April 8, 2015 by Linda Marveng

I am thrilled to show you how gorgeous Alexandria Eissinger at Pholk looked in my design Saga, a result of my obsession with cross chain link cables with beautiful bespoke buttons by Siri Berrefjord, hair and make up by Sissel Fylling, the stunning faux suede dress is by Judith Bech, the magnificent shoes are by Monica Stålvang, all captured brilliantly by Eivind Røhne at Hvalstrand Bad last October. The Norwegian pattern was part of my Nordic Vintage series printed in Familien Trend in February.

This is my introduction to the pattern: Inspired by the ancient sagas, I have designed a warm jacket with cross chain link cables that prepares you for the battle of the winter or for a cold Northern summer day. The jacket is straight and closed with three large bespoke buttons at the top, with cross chain link cables continuing across the saddle shoulders. The standing collar is a cable knitted separately and attached at the end. I knitted a second loose collar you can use as a belt if you prefer. The vivid melange color and lovely texture is created by holding Rowan Lima and Hifa Norsk Pelsull/Pelt wool together.

The body of the jacket is knitted flat, while the sleeves are worked in the round with increases in st st. Each cable has been gathered to keep its texture to the end. The Belt/Extra Collar is made in one size but can easily be adjusted to required length and with added snap fastners if desired. I had intended it as a belt but soon discovered I preferred wearing it as an extra collar instead.

The cables are in three parts and hence requires 2 cable needles, while they are highly addictive they do require a bit of practice before they become easy to make. I love how they pop in this yarn mixture of Rowan Lima and Hifa Norsk Pelsull worked on a tight gauge using 5.5 mm/US 9 the recommended needle size for Lima on its own.

This last photo is one that is not part of the Familien Trend magazine but another one I requested from Eivind. It illustrates the vivid blue color of the combined yarns, as well as showing of the saddle shoulder in all its textured glory. The English pattern will be released after the test knit, which is the next one to start in my Ravelry group. I am so delighted that I have a list of testers who have expressed their interest in taking part.

Familien Trend February 2015

Posted on February 25, 2015 by Linda Marveng

The new Norwegian magazine; Familien Trend that takes over from Made by Me came out on Monday. My series called Nordic Vintage which includes 10 designs is part of it, and Saga has made it on the cover, worn over a stunning dress by Judith Bech with outstanding shoes by Monica Stålvang, by gorgeous model Alexandria Eissinger at Pholk, beautiful hair and make-up by Sissel Fylling, captured by brilliant photographer Eivind Røhne at Hvalstrand Bad. In addition to jewelry by Kaja Gjedebo and bespoke buttons by Siri Berrefjord. I am so thrilled with the result as well as the feedback I have received for this series, and hope to work with this fantastic team again! Thank you!

The series was commissioned by the skilled former editor Mary-Ann Astrup of Made by Me, now in charge of Egmont Publishing’s handicraft blog Tusenideer.no, and presented by her: “The stitch patterns in these unique garments have clear lines going back to Norse tradition and the intricate patterns we see in the Dragon Style. Paired with gorgeous dresses in Norwegian design, the goddess look becomes complete.”

Freja Top and Chocker: A stunning skirt with a train by Judith Bech, deserves a top with a train. Freja, named after the goddess of love with the added meaning of like a lady, is knitted with a longer back shaped at the bottom. Three Lace panels adorn the sleeveless top with garter stitch bands and vents in the side. A fine tweed yarn is held together with an alpaca lace yarn, with a chain construction, to create a fabric with beautiful stitch definition and a slight halo.

Yarn: Du Store Alpakka, Dreamline Soul held together with Pickles Merino Tweed. Sizes: XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL). Model is wearing size S. Difficulty level: 4.

Eira Cowl and Belt: A sporty looking cowl with a matching belt knitted in a reverisble rice pattern closed with snap fasteners was the idea for Eira; A Norse name meaning merciful. A thin drapey mercerized cotton called Hifa, Perle, held doubled, seemed ideal for these accessories.

Yarn: Hifa, Perle held double. Size: One Size. Difficulty level: 2.

The bangle is privately owned. Shoes by Monica Stålvang.

Honeysuckle Shawl, Cowl and Belt: Inspired by the climbing of the Honeysuckle is this lace pattern which adorns a soft summer shawl that can be buttoned into a shrug. Like Honeysuckle it is equally beautiful on both sides. Wear it with a cowl as a collar and a stylish belt in stockinette stitch. The belt is worked as a hem and can either be tied or pinned together with a stunning brooch. Knit all parts in the cozy Rowan Softknit Cotton.

Yarn: Rowan Softknit Cotton. Size: One Size. Difficulty level: 4.

Atika Cowl and Loose Sleeves: A cowl to warm your shoulders or your neck. Or why not wear it as top with matching loose sleeves gracing a stunning dress like this designed by Judith Bech. Both the cowl and the loose sleeves are knitted in the round using a beautiful reversible stitch pattern called Hearts of Oak with both texture and a drapy edge. Make your own perfect yarn by combining a lace weight yarn like the luscious Dreamline Soul from Du Store Alpakka with a fingering yarn like Merino Tweed from Pickles.

Yarn: Du Store Alpakka, Dreamline Soul held together with Pickles Merino Tweed. Sizes: XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL) Model is wearing size S. Difficulty level: 4.

The divine jewelry:
Kaja Gjedebo
The earrings and ring you see worn by the model above is designed by Kaja Gjedebo under the brand KGD. Kaja says she is not lead by trends, but by personal interests. The result is elegant and timeless jewelry that combines natural shapes with delicate constructions. See more on www.kgd.no.

Hillevi Scarf : A reversible scarf with a large shawl collar in a self-made tweed mixture of Rowan Lima and Rowan Fine Tweed. Two staghorn cables form the stitch pattern combined with garter stitch edges and shawl collar. Wear it as a scarf with the collar tight around your neck, or as a shawl with the collar around your shoulders. You can even wear it upside down with the collar as a shaped curve, or as a top around your bust pinned together with a shawl pin.

Yarn: Rowan Lima held together with Rowan Fine Tweed. Size: One Size. Difficulty level: 3.

Gyda Jacket: 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 Ask – Hifa 2.

Yarn: Hifa Ask. Sizes: XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL). Difficulty level: 4.

Gyda Cowl and Belt: A belt in tweed pattern lengthens the jacket and introduces the brown cowl. You can also wear the cowl as a belt and the belt as a large collar.

Yarn: Hifa Ask. Huldra Kamgarn held together with Du Store Alpakka, Dreamline Soul. Sizes: XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL). Difficulty level: 4.

The nice buttons:
Siri Berrefjord
The buttons on this set are designed by Siri Berrefjord. They are casts of antique national costume silver. The jewelry is available for sale at Designerkollektivet, Norway Designs in Oslo and Trondheim, Sugarshop Bislett and Briskly, Maihaugen at Lillehammer and Galleri Osebro in Porsgrunn. See more at www.fredenshavn.no.

Saga Jacket with Extra collar/Belt: Inspired by the ancient sagas, I have designed a warm jacket with cross chain link cables that prepares you for the battle of the winter or for a cold Northern summer day. The jacket is straight and closed with three large bespoke buttons at the top, with cross chain link cables continuing across the saddle shoulders. The standing collar is a cable knitted separately and attached at the end. I knitted a second loose collar you can use as a belt if you prefer. The vivid melange color and lovely texture is created by holding Rowan Lima and Hifa Pelsull together.

Yarn: Hifa Norsk Pelsull/Pelt wool held together with Rowan Lima. Sizes: XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL) Model is wearing size S. Difficulty level: 4.

The standing collar is knitted in cables separately, and attached afterwards. The extra collar is loose, and it can be worn as a belt if you prefer.

Hennika Bolero: 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.

Yarn: Hifa Ask. Sizes: XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL). Model is wearing size S. Difficulty level: 4.

The lovely dresses
Judith Bech Designs
Judith designs fairytale bridal gowns and ballgowns with cool details and beautiful silhouettes. She likes to combine new and old style, and the fabrics are either made by her or antique Victorian fabrics from England. Do you want to see more of what she makes? Check out her Facebook page: Judith Bech Design.

The belt made of tucks can also be worn around your neck as knitted jewelry, pinned together with a delicate brooch.

Bech Shawl, Loose Sleeves and Belt: A stunning halterneck silk dress with a high waist and bare back, handprinted by Judith Bech inspired Linda to design a shawl, loose sleeves and a matching belt to accessorize it. By combining a beautiful pure combed wool called Huldra from Hifa with the luscious Dreamline Soul from Du Store Alpakka, she found a rich yarn shade and texture. Use the shawl with a shawl collar around your neck, shoulders, bust or upside down, just as you prefer.

Yarn: Hifa, Huldra Kamgarn held together with Du Store Alpakka, Dreamline Soul. Sizes: S/M (L/XL, 2XL) Difficulty level: 3.

The knitted garments
Linda Marveng
Intricate and beautiful cable patterns characterizes Linda’s knit designs. See more on her blog: www.marveng-puckett.com/wordpress/ and www.ravelry.com/groups/linda-marveng.

The divine shoes
Monica Stålvang Lange
The shoes in this series are by Monica Stålvang Shoes. They are clear-cut and urban in their style. The collections are designed in Norway, but produced in Italy in the best leather quality and often in uncommon combinations. www.monica-stalvang.com.

Jacket in Cross: Missoni’s thin and featherlight garments inspired me to design this jacket that can be tied in the back or front. I chose a neutral but fashionable color, namely Taupe in a thin Tencel yarn, a newer form of viscose, knit double with a divine gloss. The pattern creates an intricate cross effect and looks a lot more complicated than it is to knit. Extra long sleeves adorn the hands.

Yarn: Valley Yarns, Tencel 8/2 held double. Sizes: XS (S, M, L, XL). Difficulty level: 3.

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The magazine, Familien Trend, is available in selected supermarkets and newsagents all over Norway. If you live abroad and read Norwegian, or simply are desperate to get your hands on it, you can order a copy and receive an invoice for the magazine plus postage from Customer Services by e-mailing: kari.bachke@egmont.com. Do also check this link to see if it has become available as an iPad app: www.klikk.no/produkthjemmesider/familien/.

The photographer Eivind Røhne has also written a blogpost about the photo shoot with additional new photos available here: erohne.wordpress.com/2015/02/23/nordic-vintage/

All the patterns will be released in English. I will publish Jacket in Cross and Eira shortly, but want to organize test knits for the remaining patterns, beginning with Gyda in the beginning of March.

Linda Marveng

Knit wear designer and author

Tag Archives: Siri Berrefjord