Rowan Studio 23 landed at the shop yesterday. I’d forgotten that it was due actually.

The Studio 23 collection shows the move towards clean and fresh resort looks. Preppy inspired knits are worked into simple sporty shapes with classic tipping and striping details.

The brighter colours of Panama and Lenpur Linen with a hint of Shimmer contrast against the natural tones of Savannah giving a warm and inviting feel to the new summer season.

Alison Crowther-Smith, the author of Little Luxury Knits, has just published a second book devoted to knitting with Rowan Kidsilk yarns, called Lacy Knits.

Alison says: “When I designed the projects for Little Luxury Knits, the basic principles were to keep it fairly simple in order to introduce knitters to the beauty of the yarn… These principles still apply to this new book, plus lace!”

The 21 delightful lace knits in this collection take you from the simplest projects, such as a glowing two-tone lacy scarf to more challenging items, like an exquisitely fine traditional circular shawl.  Alison also combines the kidsilk yarns with other yarns to create texture, embellishments and little bit of sparkle!

She has also thought to include some tips and advice about knitting lace and knitting with Kidsilk Haze.

A lovely book to have on your shelf, even if you don’t knit anything from it!

Rowan Summer Baby is a beautiful brochure full of fun and colourful knits for little girls and boys. Featuring designs by the Rowan design team in their favourite cotton yarns, this lovely pattern books is sure to be a hit with parents and grandparents alike.

Designs range from pretty floral dresses and party dress cardigans to graphic animal stripes and star patterns for the boys.

Rowan Studio 22 is about pushing the boundaries and being inventive with knitwear, by using simple techniques to produce striking end results.

Rowan Big Wool, Kid Classic, Kidsilk Haze and Felted Tweed Aran are combined to create a variety of dramatic effects. Tubular and three dimensional knitting, laddering and felting are a few of the techniques used to create this exciting collection. This issue is for the adventurous knitter!

One of the highlights in January is the publication of Rowan’s Spring/Summer Magazine.  Rowan Knitting and Crochet Magazine 49 will celebrate knitwear through the form of extreme ultra fine and see through pieces, contrasting with more dense, textured and natural yarns.

Fine, hazy and draping styles in lace, crochet and cut out details will feature heavily throughout, with transparency being the key trend.

These trends are reflected in the following three stories:

• Illusion is inspired by mysterious atmospheres and draws from a veiled colour palette of time-worn pales, spectral greys, powdered pinks and green shadows.
• Homespun celebrates fresh, sunny hues and modest rural simplicity. This story is all about easy, unstructured designs and fun, loose fitting garments perfect for bright Summer days.
• Summer Essentials is part of a brand new addition to the Rowan magazine. Each edition will now include this groundbreaking section where the season’s key looks are translated into simplified, easy to wear styles.

The yarns used in the book include Lenpur Linen, Pima Cotton, Purelife Revive, Denim, Kidsilk Haze, Summer Tweed, Cotton Glace, Siena, Fine Milk Cotton and Organic Cotton 4ply

Rowan Studio 21 has arrived at the shop.

Rowan Studio 21

Subtitled City Shapes, this collection of eight patterns by Grace Melville is inspired by the 50s icons and is very contemporary.  the yarns used are Rowan Cashsoft 4 Ply, Rowan Cashsoft DK and Rowan Baby Alpaca DK.

We’re running a special offer for October only – 20% off Rowan Pure Wool DK yarn, which brings it down to just £3.00 a ball!  (Offer is only for current stock)

Rowan supports Wool Week with an exclusive online collection – British Sheep Breeds Homeware, using their 100% British Wool. This collection celebrates Wool Week, which starts on the 11th October 2010. The collection comprises of 10 designs of cushions, throws, mats and hot water bottle covers.

To view the online collection, browse the free patterns section on Rowan’s website in accessories from pages 1-4.

Rowan Winter Kids is a gorgeous new book with 20 patterns for children aged 3-12 years.  There are new takes on traditional patterns using an array of yarns Cocoon, Felted Tweed and Colourscape to name a few.

Rowan Winter Kids

This is just a sample of the patterns in the book.  More pictures are on the website.

Due in stock at the beginning of October. Now in stock!

If you’ve not seen it yet, then you might be interested in the preview photos from the next Rowan Studio pattern book – Rowan Studio 21.

With inspiration from 1950′s icons, Studio 21′s theme is desirable staples. Established stitch details in sophisticated colours using Cashsoft 4ply, DK and Baby Alpaca Cotton DK yarns combined with sleek urban silhouettes and modern details make these designs both fresh and timeless.

Rowan Studio 21

Due out at the beginning of October.  Keep an eye on the website and sign up to receive an alert for its arrival.