Interweave Crochet Summer issue arrived from the USA yesterday.

Interweave Crochet Summer 2010

This issue has a special emphasis on shawls. Also included are patterns for flirty skirts, easy-wearing tops and lightweight lacy garments by some of your favorite designers—Annette Petavy, Kristin Omdahl, Doris Chan, Lisa Naskrent, and more—as well as projects by emerging designers. In addition, Beyond the Basics introduces you to a variation of Tunisian crochet called double-ended crochet, with table mats to practice your technique. In the Craftivism column, Betsy Greer focuses on charities for homeless pets, including a pattern for a Cat Nap Mat by Laura Rintala. In all, there are 25 projects to keep you crocheting through the summer!

Click for larger version

The Spring 2010 issue of Interweave Crochet is here.

In this issue, there are special focus on shells. In Beyond the Basics, Doris Chan explains the structure of shell patterns and how garments are shaped with shells. There are seven patterns featuring shells, including a tunic by Robyn Chachula, a vest by Tracy St. John and a fabulous mother-daughter duo by Doris Chan.

There are also two Tunisian shawls and several great season-spanning cardigans, plus four mod projects for the home. Learn more about Kristin Omdahl’s designs in our profile and work her clever linked-motif shawl.

In the Craftivism column, Betsy Greer explores blanket charities. And Interweave Crochet launchs their year-long Chain Reaction Afghan Project, which brings together the work of established designers and reader designers (that could be you!) in a single project that will be auctioned for charity.

Interweave Crochet is one of the best sources for innovative crochet patterns—with diagrams, illustrations, and clear instructions—as well as news, tips, and insightful articles. Everyone from beginning to advanced crocheters will find something that inspires.

Just came across this FREE lovely crochet cardigan pattern from crochetme.com

Flame Scallop Cardi Crochet Pattern

I really am going to have to practice my crochet skills so I can have a go at this.

Rowan have released several new books for Spring and Summer 2010 and first up is Summer Crochet.

Rowan Summer Crochet pattern book

Crochet is definitely becoming more popular and crocheters have been asking for a long time for more patterns.  This new book from Rowan booklet focuses solely on summer crochet patterns. With 12 feminine designs which are both modern and easy to wear, the collection includes crochet lace panel tunics and summer tops to the chunkier openwork crochet of a shrug and a poncho.

Here are just some of the crochet patterns featured in the book.  More can be seen on our website.

Santorini from Rowan Summer Crochet

Crete from Rowan Summer Crochet

Corsica from Rowan Summer Crochet

All the patterns use either Rowan Cotton Glace or Rowan Siena 4 Ply yarn – both of which we’ll be getting in stock soon.

We’ve just started stocking Rowan Shimmer yarn.  This glittery yarn is perfect for giving garments a touch of sparkle and I’m currently knitting a bolero from Rowan Studio 17 which is knitted by holding together a strand of Shimmer and a strand of Kidsilk Aura.  It gives a lovely effect.

However you can use Shimmer just by itself and Rowan have just published two free crochet patterns on their website: one for a festive napkin ring, and one for a placemat and coaster set.

Free crochet pattern from Rowan

These patterns use Shimmer in shade 93 Titanium, which I have to say isn’t very accurately represented in their photo.  In the photo above it looks bronze, but in real life it looks more like a dark silver shade.

We’re delighted to announce the arrival of Rowan Magazine 46.

Rowan Knitting & Crochet Magazine 46 has three beautiful stories, Heritage, Folklore & Shadowland.  Heritage is eccentrically English and includes striped, patterned and lace womenswear designs.  Folklore explores traditional folk designs, including tartans, plaids, fairisle, tweeds and texture.  The final story surfaces in the form of oversized, chunky textures fashioned in dusky purple and deep red tones.  Designs are for both men and women.

Folklore (Click for larger image)

Heritage (Click for larger image)

Shadowland (Click for larger image)

Navajo is a special collection for children ages 11-16, inspired by the colours of the American wilderness. These can be downloaded from Rowan’s website: www.knitrowan.com

Navajo (Click for larger image)

The yarns used are Big Wool, Cocoon, Pure Wool 4ply, Pure Wool Aran, Shimmer, Wool Cotton, Kidsilk Haze, Kid Classic, Kidsilk Aura, Felted Tweed, Felted Tweed Aran and Felted Tweed Chunky.

This pattern book contains knitting and crochet designs by Marie Wallin, Erika Knight, Sarah Hatton, Amanda Crawford, Kaffe Fassett, Brandon Mably, Sarah Dallas, Martin Storey, Jennie Atkinson and Janice Anderson.