A customer recently emailed me a photo of a garment she’d just finished.

Shawl knitted in Rowan Kidsilk Haze

This shawl/coat is knitted with Rowan Kidsilk Haze and the pattern was from Rowan Magazine 45.  It must have taken sooo much patience to complete.  It looks amazing!

Rowan Studio 19 has just arrived!

Rowan Studio 19 is inspired by the fresh pastel shades seen up and down the Spring/Summer 2010 catwalks. Light-weight floaty layers in sherbert shades and lace are this issue’s key themes, created in kidsilk haze and siena.  Designs are by Grace Melville.

Amongst the recent releases of Rowan pattern books are two books that you might like if you enjoy knitting for children.

Rowan Miniature Classics knitting pattern book contains 16 patterns for babies and toddlers aged from 0-3 months to 3 years.  The designs use Rowan Handknit Cotton, Rowan Calmer, Rowan Denim, Rowan Fine Milk Cotton and Rowan Cashsoft DK yarns.  All simply adorable in my opinion!

Rowan Miniature Classics

Rowan Kids is the second children’s knitting pattern book Rowan are releasing this Spring.  There are plenty of baby and toddler knitting patterns around, however there never seems to be much for older children.  To accompany Rowan Magazine 46, Rowan released some patterns on their website for teenagers, and then to fill the gap they have published this book which contains 18 designs for the 6 – 12 age range.

Rowan Kids

Children in this age group might not always like wearing hand knits, but I don’t think they would have many objections to some of these patterns.  Rowan have done very well here in my opinion.

Both books are only £7.95 each.

A nice surprise this afternoon… our shop copies of Rowan Studio 18 arrived.  The patterns remind me of the 80′s – I guess it’s the slouchy feel that they have.

Rowan Studio 18

All the patterns in this latest Studio book are made with Rowan’s Felted Tweed yarns.  Available to buy online on our website at only £4.95

To accompany Rowan’s latest magazine 47, Rowan have published a collection of Kaffe Fassett knitting patterns on their website, which you can download free of charge.  Renowned textile artist Kaffe Fassett has designed a charming collection of throws, cushions and hangings for Rowan Magazine 47 all using Rowan’s Summer Tweed yarn and all reflecting his unique style and bold use of colours.

You can download these and other patterns from Kaffe’s Summer House Collection on Rowan’s website

Rowan Magazine 47 featuring lots of lovely spring and summer knitting and crochet patterns has arrived!  With all the recent snow and ice around, it’s nice to be thinking of Spring and the warmer weather to come.

This issue contains pattern using all of Rowan’s beautiful summer yarns including Yarns used are Summer Tweed, Handknit Cotton, Fine Milk Cotton, Milk Cotton DK, Lenpur Linen, Pima Cotton, Organic 4 Ply and DK Cotton, Cotton Glace and Kidsilk Haze.

You can see pictures from Rowan 47 and order your copy from our website.

My Rowan Rep came to visit me last week and showed me all the goodies that will be coming out in the Spring.  There are several new books, including one totally dedicated to crochet.

But first up is Rowan Magazine 47, due to be published in mid-January NOW IN STOCK!  Whispers of all things feminine encircle Spring Summer 2010, with elegance, vintage and drape being the central qualities in the patterns for this issue of the Rowan magazine. These trends are reflected in the following three stories Serenity, Halycon Days and Jamboree.  (Click the pictures below for a larger image)

As was the case with Rowan Magazine 46, there will also be patterns to download from the Rowan website. To accompany Magazine 47, Rowan will be publishing a collection of knitting patterns by Kaffe Fassett, all of which use Summer Tweed and are for items for the home, e.g. cushions, bed spreads and blankets.  As always with Kaffe, the colour combinations he uses are stunning and any of the items would lovely in any home.

Yarns used are Summer Tweed, Handknit Cotton, Fine Milk Cotton, Milk Cotton DK, Lenpur Linen, Pima Cotton, Organic 4 Ply and DK Cotton, Cotton Glace and Kidsilk Haze.

There are a few new shades in some of these yarns, and some shades have been discontinued.  There’s also a new yarn coming out called Revive, which is made from recycled material.  More about the Rowan yarns for Spring later.

Until the 30th November 2009 you can get 15% off all Rowan Lima yarn at Hulu.

The beautifully soft Lima yarn is new for Autumn/Winter 2009 and is made up of 84% Baby Alpaca, 8% Merino Wool and 8% Nylon. It has a very unusual construction and looks like it has been plaited.  You might think it would be a bit odd to knit with, but I’m assured by a lady at our Knit ‘n’ Natter group that it’s really nice to handle.  When it’s knitted up, it does look great and you don’t notice the unusual nature of it. It’s available in 12 rustic shades varying from greys, greens, blues, browns and gold.

Lima from Rowan

The Lima Collection is the book to accompany the yarn and features a collection of 10 women’s designs and 4 men’s designs by Marie Wallin & Sarah Hatton.

The Lima Collection from Rowan

The Lima garments are mainly textured with cabling, ribs giving admirable stitch definition, such as Brendalynn a moss stitch overcoat photographed in a stunning lime green colour and Nathan, a stylish men’s jumper with cable and rib detail in Royal Blue. The styling reflects the traditional trend of the season including tweeds, checks and plaids.  Visit our site to see pictures from the book.

We finally got copies of Rowan Studio 17 in stock today.  It’s taken a while, but worth the wait because I think this is one of the best Rowan Studio books so far.  I’ve already decided on two of the patterns that I’m going to knit for myself as they’ll be perfect for Christmas parties.  (Other pictures available on the main website)

Satin Ribbon from Rowan Studio 17

Sparkle Bolero from Rowan Studio 17

You can grab yourself a copy of Rowan Studio 17 for just £4.95 on our website

Rowan sent me a preview of the next Studio knitting pattern book –  Rowan Studio 17 – so I thought I’d share it with you.

Rowan Studio 17

It’s due to be published on 1st October and I’ll be getting copies as soon as it is.