Tag Archives: Wa

Wa Knitted by Karen

Posted on by

Karen, aka Knittywarbler on Ravelry & Instagram, has knitted Wa for her gorgeous granddaughter who is modelling it in these photos. This is another of the many test knits that Karen has done for me in my Ravelry group. Karen is retired and has knitted since she was a child and does not let her illnesses, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus, stop her.  Wa is knitted in Berroco Ultra Alpaca Light in Lilac using a 3.5 mm/US 4 needles to the gauge specified in the pattern: 21 stitches and 30 rows in stockinette stitch measures 10 cm/4″ square.

Wa, was made for Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk and their Tinde pelt yarn. Here is my introduction to the shawl: “A shawl turned into a vest with a back piece, named Wa; Eskimo for ”here it is”. A large Celtic Cable adorns the center with Round cables on each side and small framing cables, on both parts; the shawl and the back piece which is sewn onto main piece at the end. Wear it as a vest, a wrap or a generous shawl around your neck.”

Karen made both parts of the shawl, unlike some of my testers who decided only to make the long top part and not the bottom part for the back or vest part. In the photo above you see the back piece.

Not only has Karen done an amazing job test knitting this shawl, she has also taken these stunning photos! Thank you so much, Karen!

Share

Easter & Wa KAL

Posted on by

Easter is here with sunshine and warmer temperatures at least during the day. We still have close to -10 degrees Celsius/14 Fahrenheit at night. Michael and I will be staying at home. I have plenty of knitting to do as well as less enjoyable jobs as translations and formatting to do. Above is a image Michael has made: God Påske means Happy Easter. He calls our house the British Embassy because Michael still is a British citizen as well as a Norwegian one (read: dual citizenship). As for our address here in Ørje, I have discovered it is so much easier to say we live in Tore’s old house than giving the street address. Apparently, everybody here in town knows Tore. So Michael is the Englishman that has bought Tore’s house. That is Ørje in a nutshell.

An Easter egg can be so many things, and I know that a knitter’s one is usually not filled with sweets but with yarns & patterns. Nice with an Easter egg that is not fattening and comes in lovely colours, wrote one Instagram user hoping to win a gift voucher from a yarn store. In her Easter egg was my Wa shawl pattern for the upcoming knit-along (read: KAL) beginning 2. April. That was such a brilliant idea that I decided to offer to help her fill her Easter egg with an extra free pattern of her choice from my Ravelry store.  Join us for the Wa KAL in the Never Enough Lace group or the Arcade Vest KAL in the A Place to KAL  My Own (read: KALMYO) group, both on Ravelry.

I wish you all a Happy Easter and hope you will receive an Easter Egg, regardless whether you have to fill it yourself or not.

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

Share

Apiri Collection E-book

Posted on by

Apiri Collection is my third E-book, made after I received several requests for gathering these four patterns on Ravelry. First out is the English version, the Norwegian version will be added shortly. Apiri is a collection of knitting designs made in collaboration with Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk in their gorgeous pelt wool yarns called Tinde and Sølje. The names of the garments are inspired by the Eskimo-Aleut languages. Apiri means ”to ask” and seamed perfect since two of the designs are garments that can be worn in different ways and hence change their character and silhouette completely. On the cover is the Wa shawl, which means ”here it is” as it can be transformed into a vest or a wrap. The divine lime colour, and casual elegance that model Alexandria Eissinger wears the shawl made it the cover shoot.The collection has four designs; the poncho Iglu, the shawl Wa, the cardigan Suli and the pullover Aki. Iglu is oversized and available in one size, just like Wa, while the more fitted garments; Suli and Aki are available in six sizes.

The Ingierstrand Bad Restaurant, on the outskirts of Oslo is a functionalistic building with a view of the Bunnefjord. It is an icon in Norwegian modern architectural history and a popular place to celebrate weddings. As a background we choose the diving tower on the nearby beach and the quay, where the ferry from Oslo used to dock. Photographer Eivind Røhne was chosen to capture the brilliant moments of model Alexandria Eissinger, with hair & make up by Jens J. Wiker, as well as statement jewelry by Kaja Gjedebo Design.

I wish to thank this amazing team for their co-operation, as well as tchnical editor Corrina Ferguson, sample knitters; Airin Hansen & Kristin Nygård, 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.

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

Share

Wa Pattern Released

Posted on by

Do you remember the funny instagram video that Eivind Røhne made of me pinning the shawl together on stunning model Alexandria Eissinger? The one where it looks like I have ten thumbs, Alex is pulling faces and make up & hair artist Jens J. Wiker is spinning around us? Well I am happy to tell you that I have released the pattern for that shawl vest called Wa in English. It has been test knitted in my Ravelry group, so different versions of it can be seen on the pattern page. Wa is made for Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk, knitted in the divine Tinde Pelsull in Lime and photographed at Ingierstrand Bad in late May. Here is my introduction to the pattern: A shawl turned into a vest with a back piece, named Wa; Eskimo for ”here it is”. A large Celtic Cable adorns the center with Round cables on each side and small framing cables, on both parts; the shawl and the back piece which is sewn onto main piece at the end. Wear it as a vest, a wrap or a generous shawl around your neck.

Size: One Size

Finished measurements:
Width: 50 cm/19.75”
Length: 156 cm/61.5”
Back piece: 60 cm/23.5” wide and 40 cm/15.75” long

Yarn: Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk, Tinde Pelsull (100% pelt wool, 260 m/284 yds, 100 g). The sample is knitted in Lime 2107; 7 skeins;
1716 m/1876 yds.
https://www.ull.no/produktkategori/garn/ullgarn/norsk-pel…

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…;
The Little Grey Sheep, Gotland DK (100% wool, 100 g, 230 m/259 yds)
https://www.thelittlegreysheep.co.uk/collections/gotland-dk
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 circular needle (80 cm/32”).
Adjust needle size as needed to match gauge.

Crochet hook: 3.5 mm/US E/4 (for seaming).

Notions: Stitch markers (removable), cable needle and yarn needle.

Gauge: 21 sts and 30 rows in st st, after blocking measures 10 cm/4” square.
1 Round Cable 24 sts after blocking measures 7 cm/2.75” across.
1 Celtic Cable 34 sts after blocking measures 13 cm/5” across.

Notes: Shawl is knitted in one piece, and worked sideways. Back piece knitted separately and sewn onto center of shawl. You can adjust width by removing or adding cable repeats and/or adjust the number of side stitches in rib.

SaveSave

SaveSave

Share

Photoshoot at Ingierstrand Bad: Wa

Posted on by

I am thrilled to begin to present the wonderful photos Eivind Røhne took of the stunning Alexandria Eissinger/Nordic Model Agency with hair & make up by Jens J. Wiker and gorgeous jewellery by Kaja Gjedebo Design at Ingierstrand Bad at the end of May. First out is Wa, one of four designs; a small collection made for yarn kits in collaboration with Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk to be launched at Oslo Design Fair at the end of August. Eivind, Michael and I agreed to photograph this series on the pier by the fjord. It is a fabulous way to enter the restaurant. But unfortunately there are no ferries from Oslo to Ingierstrand Bad any more, so you have to take a fjordtaxi, if you want to arrive by boat that is.

I chose slim black pencil trousers, a tube top and sculptural sandals by Camilla Skovgaard  – yes, I have been bargain hunting secondhand shoes online – to accompany Wa: A shawl turned into a vest with a back piece, named Wa; Eskimo for ”here it is”. A large Celtic Cable adorns the center with Round cables on each side and small framing cables, on both parts; the shawl and the back piece which is sewn onto main piece at the end. Wear it as a vest, a wrap or a generous shawl around your neck.Wa is knitted in the luscious Norwegian pelt wool yarn called Tinde Pelsull from Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk in the divine shade called Lime 2107. Yes, it is not the first time I have used that colour, it is an addictive shade. I used it in my sweater Mistale. Each 100 gram skein has 260 meters/284 yards and is made of 100% pelt wool. The sample is beautifully knitted by Kristin Nygård, aka Quiltefeen on Ravelry and Instagram, using a 3.5 mm/US 4 circular needle due to the number of stitches.

Above you see it worn pinned together in three different ways with a lovely Abelia brooch in oxidised silver with pearls by Kaja Gjedebo Design. You can also pull it tighter around the neck and make a shawl collar or pin it at the back if you prefer. As always I struggled to pick the best photos, as they were so many too choose from. I asked – read: begged – both photographer Geir Arnesen and previous editor of Made by Me now Marketing Manager at House of Yarn for their help to pick the best. Both of them obliged and gave me their selection, as I was working on picking the final one. Eivind also has to work extra hard as a reward for taking so many brilliant photos.

I try to cover all views of the garment and most ways, if not all, on how to wear it. Here is another version of Wa worn as a shawl, I simply could not resist. I am so thrilled and cannot express how much I love working with this team! This time we were fortunate to have jewellery designer Kaja Gjedebo with us as well. Check out the funny video photographer Eivind Røhne made of Alex pulling faces and me fiddling with the brooch on Instagram) as well as the video Kaja made from the restaurant here.Here is the side view of the shawl vest, where you see a bit of the wrong side of the back piece. The pattern is in one size with the shawl measuring: 50 cm/19.75″ wide and 156 cm/61.5″ long, and the back piece measuring 60 cm/23.5″ wide and 40 cm/15.75″ long. You can adjust the width by removing or adding cable repeats and/or adjust the number of side stitches in rib.

Finally the full back view. The Norwegian pattern will only be available in the yarn kits to be launched in early September. While the English pattern will be test knitted in my Ravelry group, it is scheduled to start 4th of September and will be released approximately 6 weeks later. Do join us. In the meantime you can look forward to seeing more garments worn by gorgeous model Alexandria Eissinger as well as my two designs made for The Fibre Company. Stay tuned, enjoy the summer and keep knitting!

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSaveSaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

Share

New Design: Wa

Posted on by

My collaboration with Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk that started last autumn continues and I was delighted when they asked me to make four new designs for yarn kits to be launched at Oslo Design Fair at Lillestrøm 30. August to 2. September. The result is one shawl, one poncho, one pullover and one jacket, each with character of its own. First out is Wa:  A shawl turned into a vest with a back piece, named Wa; Eskimo for ”here it is”. A large Celtic Cable adorns the center with Round cables on each side and small framing cables, on both parts; the shawl and the back piece which is sewn onto main piece at the end. Wear it as a vest, a wrap or a generous shawl around your neck.

I know the wet-look is not best suited to show off knitwear, but what do you do when the rain pours down day out and day in. I am wearing Wa as a vest, photographed by my husband in our front garden in mid May. In these top photos I am just using my hands to hold it close.

Wa is knitted in the luscious Norwegian pelt wool yarn called Tinde Pelsull from Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk in the divine shade called Lime 2107. Yes, it is not the first time I have used that colour, it is an addictive shade. I used it in my sweater Mistale. Each 100 gram skein has 260 meters/284 yards and is made of 100% pelt wool. The sample is beautifully knitted by Kristin Nygård, aka Quiltefeen on Ravelry and Instagram, using a 3.5 mm/US 4 circular needle due to the number of stitches. Kristin suggested a change to the edges from garter stitch to rib, and it was an improvement. Thank you, Kristin!

Above you see the shawl worn crossed at the front and pinned together using a shawl pin. Yes, our grass did appear close to a shade of lime green for a short while and seemed to grow several centimeters each time we looked at it. I am happy to report that the rain did take a break on our photoshoot day, we were blessed with warm sunshine. And the weather has improved since but is still very unpredictable, like most Norwegian summers are. The pattern is in one size with the shawl measuring: 50 cm/19.75″ wide and 156 cm/61.5″ long, and the back piece measuring 60 cm/23.5″ wide and 40 cm/15.75″ long. You can adjust the width by removing or adding cable repeats and/or adjust the number of side stitches in rib.

Here you see it worn as a generous shawl. If you study this photo closely you can probably also see the rain has started to drip from my hair.  So it was a good thing that it was the last of the photos taken at home. The Norwegian pattern will only be available in the yarn kits to be launched in early September. While the English pattern will be test knitted in my Ravelry group, it is scheduled to start 4th of September and will be released approximately 6 weeks later. Do join us. In the meantime you can look forward to seeing this worn by gorgeous model Alexandria Eissinger (for a sneak peek check out the funny video photographer Eivind Røhne made on Instagram) as well as more new designs. Stay tuned and keep knitting!

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

Share

Behind the Scenes: Photoshoot at Ingierstrand Bad

Posted on by

On Monday I had a photoshoot at Ingierstrand Bad, just outside of Oslo, with an amazing crew. The weather was perfect; warm and sunny. The restaurant, open for private parties during the weekdays and for the public at the weekends, is a popular spot for weddings due to its location next to one of the most popular beaches with a diving tower in Oslo. In fact jewellery designer Kaja Gjedebo, who came to join us, had her wedding party here 11 years ago and this was the first time she was back. You can find a video she made at Instagram. While Jens J. Wiker worked on gorgeous model Alexandria Eissinger‘s hair & make up, photographer Eivind Røhne, second photographer/roadie/technical manager Michael Marveng-Puckett looked at possible back drops. As always it was a day filled with laughter and breath taking results. Eivind always gives everything, above you see how him delivering on his promise to make Alex taller. Jens, next to him is checking his mobile.

Here you see Kaja and Eivind sharing Instagram tips. It was marvellous to have the whole place to ourselves. On the to do list was taking photographs of a total of 10 designs where 5 are new designs; 4 for yarn kits for Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk and 1 secret design; 3 designs returned from Interweave Knits and knit.wear in the US and 2 designs only photographed by the Norwegian magazine Familien previously. Judith Bech had as usual sent me a selection of dresses and skirts to choose from. One day I hope she will be able to fly from Northern Norway to join us. I find her dresses magical, hence I am spellbound and ask for more than I need so that I can see how they look together with the knitted garments. Just as with my ideas, some work better in my head than in real life. I ended up using only 2 of those.

Eivind and I are talking strategy, while Alex with Jens’ assistance is ready for action. We speak partly in Norwegian and partly in English all day, even though Alex speaks Danish and Michael Norwegian, they both prefer English. But Alex knows me very well and know that I want front, back and side photographed. Eivind is living in the hope that I will not demand full length photos of all designs, but I rarely give in. Alex is ready for photography of the back of Kathe Cardigan, made for Interweave Knits Fall 2016.

Alex heard a double set of camera clicks as Michael joined Eivind and photographed as well. Thankfully, neither Eivind nor Alex had any issues with that and knew that the Eivind was indeed the photographer of the day. Even Alex joined in and took a selfie, here she is, captured by Michael. Above she is wearing Aki, a new pullover designed for Hillesvåg and below wearing an old design Patent Poncho. Despite the heat, Alex managed to look incredibly cool and only suffered for a brief time when I added 3 cowls on top of each other. Yes, that would only be useful on a very cold day and not on a hot day, with women in bikinis nearby. Kaja wished that she had brought her swimwear.

Unlike me, Alex is always in control of her face when she is being photographed and do enjoy pulling some faces. I have reached the age where I tend to do so unwillingly so much of the time. That is why the back of my head as well as the side feature so much in the photos Michael take of me.

Take a look at the photo above and you understand the tone we have during the day as well as the fun! It took a few second before I saw her face! Alex is wearing Wa, a shawl vest as well as Kaja’s Abelia earring with pearls and Abelia necklace. I saw a number of Eivind’s photos during the day and know it will as usual be extremely difficult to choose photos from the hundreds of magical moments he has captured. Yet, I cannot wait to see them all!

Share