Rowan Winter 2017 Newsletter

Winter Newsletter
WINTER 2017
1

Hello and welcome to the second issue of our new look
quarterly newsletter!
The Autumn/Winter season is well underway and there has
been lots of mid-season activity keeping us busy! We review
the last couple of months which have seen the launch of two
new Rowan Selects yarns – Camello and Sultano – and new
publications including titles from Kim Hargreaves and Georgia
Farrell.
The Knitting and Stitching Show at Alexandra Palace is always
an important date in our autumn calendar and this year was no
different. It was a great show and the whole team thoroughly
enjoyed the week!
Also in this issue we catch up with designer Jem Weston whose
latest title ‘Cute Comfort Knits’ is perfect for those cosy winter
evening knitting projects and we talk to Quail Studio about
their exciting Rowan restyle project.
Don’t forget to check out our technique ‘How To’ pages, which
in this issue focuses on Intarsia, with helpful step-by-step tips
and images.
Finally we hear from Debbie Abrahams and Jane Crowfoot
about their exciting 2018 projects and we also catch up with
two of our retailers The Wool Merchant and Web-sters.
As always, we hope you enjoy your new issue. We’d love to hear
what you think of the new website and collections, why not
visit our Facebook page to tell us your thoughts!
The Rowan team
Cover: Wilkie Hat & Scarf
by Martin Storey
Knitted in Cashmere Tweed
Cashmere Tweed
Rowan Yarns
17F Brooke’s Mill, Armitage Bridge,
Huddersfield,
West Yorkshire, HD4 7NR
CONTACT
All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or
any part of all material, including illustrations
and designs, in this publication/pattern is
strictly forbidden and is sold on the condition
that it is used for non commercial purposes.
No part may be reproduced, stored in a
retrieval system, or transmitted in any form
or by any means electronic, electrostatic,
magnetic tape, mechanical, photocopying,
recording or otherwise without prior
permission of the copyright owners having
been given in writing. Yarn quantities
are approximate and are based on average
requirements. Images and shades are for
guidance only as colours may not display
accurately on screen or in printed format.
Contact your local stockist to view a fringed
(not digital reproduction) yarn shade card.
© Copyright MEZ Crafts UK Ltd., 2017.
MEZ Crafts UK Ltd., 17F, Brooke’s Mill,
Armitage Bridge, Huddersfield, HD4 7NR,
Web: www.knitrowan.com
2 ROWAN

CONTRIBUTORS
………………………
Katie Calvert’s background is
in fashion and textiles, with
previous experience in trend
forecasting, public relations and
events before joining the closeknit
Rowan team as a freelancer
in September 2015. Although
her knitting skills leave much to
be desired, she loves fashion and
writing for Rowan means that
she is able to pass that passion
onto you!
Katherine Lymer is a knitting
tutor, designer and writer based
in the inspirational countryside
of the Scottish Borders. She
enjoys travelling throughout the
UK, giving workshops on all
aspects of knitting and teaching
people of all ages and skill levels.
Follow us on Social Media…
WINTER 2017
3

13
8
20
6
10
14 22
28
4 ROWAN

WINTER 2017
………………………
Contents
24
Novemeber Member’s Pattern
- Askham 6
December & January Members Patterns Preview 7
Bohemian Blues
- Jane Crowfoot Crochet Along 8
Jem Weston
- Designer Interview 10
Events
- Knitting & Stitching Show 13
Debbie Abrahams
- Mystery Blanket 2018 14
Trends Round Up
- New York Fashion Week 20
Retailer Focus
- Web-sters 22
Mid Season Round Up
- Autumn Winter ‘17 24
ROWAN Style Edit 28
Retailer Focus
- The Wool Merchant 30
Festive Knits
- A Round Up of Festive Knits Past & Present 32
Tips & Techniques
- How to Knit Intarsia 34
34
WINTER 2017
5

NOVEMBER’S
MEMBERS PATTERN
………………………
Askham
By Martin Storey
Using Hemp Tweed
DOWNLOAD
6 ROWAN

Upcoming in
December &
January
DECEMBER’S
MEMBERS PATTERN
………………………
Duskiness
By Martin Storey
Using Kid Classic
JANUARY’S
MEMBERS PATTERN
………………………
Sutton
By Sarah Hatton
Using Kid Classic
WINTER 2017
7

8 ROWAN

CROCHET
ALONG
………………………
Bohemian Blues
Over the last 10 years we have seen a massive
rise in the popularity of crochet with Crochet
Along (CAL) style projects in particular having
a huge impact on the market. Jane Crowfoot has
been designing crochet along projects since 2011
and we are so excited to be able to show you Jane’s
newest project ‘Bohemian Blooms’.
Jane has based her new design on various
inspirations including English country gardens and
London’s garden squares, but the main catalyst for
her design was the paintings and iconic interior
designs of turn of the Century artists Vanessa Bell
and Duncan Grant at their home ‘Charleston
Farmhouse’ in Sussex and their murals at the nearby
Berwick Church. The project uses various yarns
from the Rowan palette including Baby Merino
Silk DK, Soft Yak, Felted Tweed and Summerlite
DK and Jane has also used beads from the Debbie
Abrahams range.
Rather than release this new crochet along style
project in the usual way - where the design is
issued in pieces monthly or fortnightly – Jane has
decided to release this project in book form giving
crocheters the chance to work through the project
at their own speed. The pattern book, which
accompanies Jane’s yarn kits, are laid out in a logical
order so that the crochet patterns get progressively
more challenging and can be worked through in
a CAL type way or in a more random sequence
depending on the preference of the crocheter.
The patterns include step-by-step images and are
WINTER 2017
written in Jane’s distinctive and informative style.
The design includes crochet flower motifs,
butterflies, circles and striped stitch motifs and
Jane has included an array of techniques, including
beading, 3D work and bobbles. To help with crochet
techniques and in order to offer crocheters a little
more guidance, Jane has also added technique
downloads to her website making this a perfect
learning tool.
The kits for this project are currently available
exclusively from Jane’s website, and a pattern only
option (in book form) will become available in the
New Year. Jane’s project packs include 31 balls of
Rowan yarn, 2 packs of beads, a sew in label and the
pattern book and are available at just £175, a price
which is based on the recommended retail price of
the yarns only which means that the beads, patterns
and label are included for free! Jane is also offering
free UK standard postage and reduced rates for the
rest of the world.
If you want to order a kit or take a look at Jane’s
portfolio of crochet design click the button below.
MORE INFO
9

DESIGNER
INTERVIEW
………………………
Jem Weston
Jem Weston is a freelance designer, author
and workshop tutor who has worked closely
with Rowan for several years. Jem’s latest book
‘Cute Comfort Knits’ is a charming collection of
homewares and accessories in Jem’s wonderfully
distinctive style. We caught up with her for a chat
about her new title and to see what else she has
been up to recently.
Cute Comfort Knits is your third book,
following on from the very successful
Cute Little Knits and The Knitted Nursery
Collection. What was your inspiration for this
latest title?
For me, there is nothing more comforting than
curling up on the sofa with my cats, a hot chocolate
and some knitting. I wanted Cute Comfort Knits
to capture the feeling of that contented sigh at the
end of a long day with projects that are comforting
to knit and add cosiness to your home.
You use a variety of Rowan yarns in your
work. Do you have a favourite and why?
Can I have more than one favourite?! I love working
with Felted Tweed – I think tweedy toys look
adorable. The colour palette is gorgeous, it goes a
really long way and it’s fabulous for colourwork as it
10 ROWAN
plumps into the stitches and is very forgiving.
I also adore Kid Classic. Canard is the most amazing
shade in the world! Kid Classic is the ultimate
fluffy, cosy yarn – it’s light, warm, quick to knit and
washes beautifully.
Cute Comfort Knits is a collection that
instantly makes you want to snuggle up with
your knitting on a cold winter night and
includes, cushions, throws, socks and toys.
Do you have a favourite project from the
collection?
I think I would have to say Haggis the Hedgehog
& Family are my favourites! I became a little bit
obsessed with hedgehogs when one temporarily
moved into our garden. They’re a nice quick project
that you can get done in a weekend and they make
lovely gifts.
I also really enjoyed knitting the Comfort Blanket.
It’s a very simple project, but sometimes that’s just
what you need. It’s made in three strips so it doesn’t
feel too challenging, it keeps you super warm and
cosy whilst knitting and it really is comforting to
knit and comforting to snuggle up in when it’s
finished!
You use a variety of techniques in your

1
2 3
collections, from colourwork through to
texture. What do you enjoy knitting the most
and why?
I like to have at least a couple of projects on the
go at any time so that I can choose what I’m in
the mood for. I love colorwork, such as the Deer
and Pheasant Cushions, but sometimes I just want
to knit something really simple that I don’t have to
think about – like the Comfort Wrap or Blanket.
The Cosy Floor Cushions have a good balance
with the cables across the centre requiring enough
concentration to keep it interesting…and then you
can switch off your brain to do the stocking stitch!
You recently exhibited at Yarndale and K&S.
How did it go? What do you enjoy most
about the shows?
I love everything about the shows! I enjoy the
planning, creating kits, playing with displays,
meeting lots of enthusiastic knitters and spending
time with my friends and colleagues.
Whether it’s a small show where I’m exhibiting
independently or as part of the Rowan team on
a larger stand at K&S – the shows are always hard
work but fantastic fun!
Do you have a favourite design from the
current Rowan AW collection? What are you
knitting at the moment?
My favourite deign from Magazine 62 is Buttrick
by Martin Storey. It’s a lovely relaxed shape and I’m
keen to knit a garment in Hemp Tweed as I’ve only
used it for accessories so far.
I have a few things on the needles at the moment
– but the main project I’m knitting is the Meriden
wrap by Amy Herzog from Rowan Loves no.5. I
can’t wait to finish it - It’s going to look perfect
with my winter coat.
What’s coming up in 2018? Do you have any
new projects coming up?
I will be launching some new single patterns in
2018 and refreshing some old favourites….watch
this space!
Pop over to Jem’s website to follow her weekly blog
and social media and keep up to date on her new
designs, events and knitty ponderings.
1. Deer & Pheasant Cushions
2. Haggis & Family
3. Comfort Blanket
Cute Comfort Knits
JEMWESTON.
CO.UK
WINTER 2017
11

R O W A N
S E L E C T S
SULTANO
4 designs for women by Quail
using ROWAN Selects Camello
Visit www.knitrowan.com for more information
12 ROWAN

EVENTS
………………………
Knitting & Stitching Show
Alexandra Palace
The Knitting and Stitching Show at Alexandra
Palace has always been an important date in
the Rowan calendar and this year was no different.
Joining forces with our partner retailer, Lady Sew
and Sew, weeks of planning led us to set up day
where the team worked tirelessly to create what we
believe to be one of our strongest stands to date!
Admittedly we are biased, but we did have lots of
lovely compliments and so we hope that you agree!
During the course of the show we were joined on
the stand by some wonderful designers including
our very own Lisa Richardson, Georgia Farrell
who was launching her new book ‘Inspired Knits’
(see page 26 for more info), Jem Weston with her
latest title ‘Cute Comfort Knits’ (see our designer
interview with Jem on page 10), Martin Storey
with his fantastic new cable titles, ‘Easy Cable Knits’
and ‘How to Cable’ and his fantastic menswear
collection, ‘Journeyman’. Dee Hardwicke also
joined us on the stand to promote her current title
‘A Story in Yarn’. Dee then hot-footed it over to
Liberty where she spent the next day at our flagship,
followed by a Rowan workshop at the Liberty
Sewing School.
A particular highlight for us was being nominated in
the Aceville Awards and we were absolutely thrilled
to win ‘Best Luxury Yarn Brand’ and ‘Favourite
Pattern House’. What a great way to round off a
fantastic few days!
All in all, it was a busy show but we all thoroughly
enjoyed it and hope you did too!
WINTER 2017
13

DEBBIE ABRAHAMS
………………………
Mystery Blanket
2018
14 ROWAN

After celebrating a decade
of Mystery Blanket
designs in 2017, Debbie is
back in the studio working
on her eleventh Mystery
Blanket creation for 2018. For
her tenth anniversary blanket
this year she took inspiration
from all her previous Mystery
Blanket designs, reworking
some of her favourite patterns
in new colourways. However,
for 2018 Debbie promises
her members a brand new
knitting challenge inspired
by a theme that promises a
rich mix of colours, patterns
and textures. The concept of
the Mystery Blanket Club
remains unchanged, and it’s
a very simple one. Members
…………………………
The concept of the
Mystery Blanket Club
remains unchaged
…………………………
receive the knitting kit in two
instalments which include all
the yarn and embellishments
needed for the whole project.
They then receive the patterns
in ten monthly instalments,
beginning in February and
finishing in November. The
theme of the project is kept a
secret, only to be discovered as
the squares are completed and
the blanket takes shape. And to
keep the Club exclusive and
more desirable to join she limits
the number of memberships
each year - when they have
sold out she closes the Club
so that the patterns are only
available to those who have
signed up to it. Debbie writes
a monthly blog on her website
which keeps the members up
to date with all the latest news,
advice and knitting tips for the
project.
All ten of Debbie’s Mystery
Blankets have used yarns from
the Rowan collection, but for
her next Mystery Blanket she
is thrilled to have been offered
the opportunity to have her
own colours dyed up in one
of her all-time favourite yarns.
This is what Debbie has to say
about her exciting new design
challenge for 2018:
“I have many favourite yarns
in the Rowan collection, but
one of my all-time favourites is
Cotton Glacé. It is a lightweight
double-knitting mercerised
cotton that has a fabulous
colour range and it knits up
beautifully, resulting in a very
flat, smooth, opaque fabric. So
imagine my excitement when
this year Rowan gave me the
opportunity to have my own
choice of unique colours dyed
up in it for my 2018 Mystery
Blanket! It’s been great fun
choosing the colour palette,
and I’ve opted for seventeen
shades, plus two shades from
the existing range. It’s a strong
vibrant collection of colours
for next year, combining deep
indigo blue with terracotta,
rich red, sunshine yellow and
Opposite
A French Romance
2016
WINTER 2017
15

emerald green – plus many
other shades which I am
going to keep a secret until
the launch in February! And
of course there are many of
Debbie Abrahams Beads in it too!
…………………………
Its a strong vibrant
collection of colours for
next year,
…………………………
These are the sorts of colours
that really inspire me because
of their vibrancy and depth. I
feel so excited about my new
Mystery Blanket design – the
inspiration, the colours I have
chosen and all of the new
textures and patterns I am
working on. Blanket squares
are the perfect vehicle for
my designing, giving me the
freedom to explore colour,
texture and embellishment
within a set number of stitches
and rows for each block –it’s
just pure adventure! “
The process of creating the
design for each of Debbie’s
Mystery Blankets is a lengthy
one, usually taking from eight
to twelve months to complete
each one of her blanket
designs. Her starting point is
a source of inspiration, from
which she takes all of her ideas
for colour, texture and pattern.
After creating a colour palette
she then works on a colour
layout to determine roughly
where the colours are going
Nordic Adventure
2013
16 ROWAN

to be used in the forty-nine
squares of the blanket. Then
a rough sketch is drafted up
of the whole design so that
she has a plan to work to for
the placement of pattern and
texture. When all of this prep
work has been done, it is only
then that Debbie picks up the
knitting needles and starts to
knit samples of each square in
the blanket. And this can be a
lengthy process in itself, with
…………………………
Designing a blanket is
all about balance and
harmony,
…………………………
many of the squares being
revised and reknitted several
times over before she is happy
with the results:
“Designing a blanket is all
about balance and harmony,
and my challenge is to create
something that is not only
visually pleasing to the eye,
but also has enough exciting
stitch patterns in it to keep
the knitter motivated for ten
months. I take care of the
design side of the blanket, but
I have a team of other people
that work alongside me,
without whom there would
be no Mystery Blanket Club.
I have three test knitters who
each knit a complete blanket,
three postal teams who deal
with the packing and posting
of the parcels, a local printer
who looks after all the printed
patterns, two graphic designers,
a web and technical support
team, plus my mother-in-law
who is my all-round assistant!
So there’s a lot that goes on
behind the scenes to make it
all happen for the hundreds of
knitters worldwide who take
on my challenge each year.”
Debbie’s Mystery Blanket
Club is open to all knitters, and
it has become a truly global
project with members joining
her from all over the world:
“It is such a joy for me to see all
the different countries across
the world that my Mystery
Blanket kits have been sent
to, from as far afield as South
Africa to New Zealand! And
what is really lovely is the
number of new friendships
that have been made through
the Mystery Blanket Club,
with many people meeting
up regularly to knit up their
blanket squares together.
The Club has also been
especially useful for people
with disablements or mobility
issues as all of the materials and
patterns are sent directly to
your door, so you don’t even
need to leave the house to take
part in it!”
If you are interested in joining
Debbie’s 2018 Mystery Blanket
Club then you can sign up
straight away by visiting the
online shop on her website.
Memberships can be purchased
for UK, Europe and the World.
Top
Perugian Perspectives
2015
Bottom
Arabian Nights
2009
EMAIL
WEBSITE
WINTER 2017
17

Winterscapes
…………………
12 designs for women, by Sarah Hatton, using
Alpaca Merino DK.
Now available from knitrowan as digital
purchasable patterns.
VIEW
COLLECTION
18 ROWAN

Etherow
by Sarah Hatton
using Alpaca Merino DK
Winterscapes
CLICK TO
PURCHASE
WINTER 2017
19

NEW YORK
FASHION WEEK
………………………
Trends Round Up
By Katie Calvert
This September, New York delivered another
great fashion week for spring summer 2018.
Floral designs were in evidence, it wouldn’t be
spring without them, but, this time, the romance
they created was more modern and colourful, like
those seen at Tory Burch. Although it’s doubtful that
there will be many people challenging Moschino’s
all-in-one flower look...
NYFW is such a fast paced week, it would be
impossible to talk about every trend, but a select
few really shone through, in particular, the colour
yellow. It was everywhere, dominating the catwalk.
Not a light shade, but a bold spring daffodil yellow,
illuminating any item. At Calvin Klein, satin
yellow trousers were the order of the day, whilst at
Matthew Adams, yellow cable knits, usually more
suited to the winter season, were present. We all
know that springtime doesn’t always bring us the
warmer weather that we yearn for, but this yellow
will shine through.
Last season was all about embellishment, and this
season echoes that. Yellow embellished dresses
could be seen at this season’s Marc Jacobs and
Prabal Gurung shows. Usually a bold evening
statement for winter, adding a touch of decoration
to spring shades makes it perfect for day. Just take a
look at the shades that Coach 1941 has used with
embellishment. So don’t save your embellished
knitted shawl for evening, throw it over a dress for
daytime.
You might need a cover up for your fancy garment.
With spring comes spring showers, so what better
piece than a trench coat. It’s both lightweight and a
good cover up. Why not go a bit bolder and ditch
the sleeves. It’ll let you show off your summer
sweater and still keep you dry, just don’t forget your
umbrella. Phillip Lim has a few to choose from, and
one even comes in yellow! If you don’t fancy that,
the traditional trench could still be seen at plenty
of shows, including Michael Kors and Derek Lam,
who has even designed one in, yes you guessed it,
yellow.
20 ROWAN

Trench coats are often belted, but this won’t be the
only thing that you’ll want to add a belt to. For
spring summer 2018, belts are a core accessory. The
size and style is your choice and it can be worn over
any piece of knitwear. A comfy, oversized sweater
can be transformed into a statement evening, or
day, piece with just the touch of a belt. Diane von
Furstenberg steers away from their famous wrap
dress by defining the waist with a belt over shirt
dresses and romantic styles.
Romance is another firm favourite for spring
summer 2018, illustrated by many floral designs,
bringing these trends full circle. Oscar de la Renta
and Marchesa showcased some of the most beautiful
pieces, with eye watering prices to match, no doubt.
More subtle romantic looks were seen at Victoria
Beckham and Carolina Herrera, with long skirts
the go to style. But Brock Collection typified just
why florals never go out of fashion. Their romantic,
floral, lace designs are so versatile that they could be
worn for a wedding or simply thrown on for the
beach. They even feature belts!
All images sourced from vogue.com ready-to-wear
www.vogue.co.uk/shows
WINTER 2017
21

RETAILER
FOCUS
………………………
Web-sters
USA
Now in their 34 th year, centered in beautiful
Ashland, Oregon, The Web-sters began as a
retailer of yarns and supplies for knitting, spinning
and weaving. Owner Dona Zimmerman, who
raised sheep (and continues to do so), sought to
marry her love for the fiber arts with the growing
population of her community – new residents
who mirrored the New Age trends of healthier,
thoughtful and natural living.
Taught to knit at the age of seven, Dona was one
of the first retailers to embrace the Rowan brand
in the Pacific Northwest. From the beginning,
she was drawn to the way that the colour palettes,
story stylings, yarn construction and pattern designs
inspired her and her customers to create their own
signature knitting styles. 30+ years later, with a full
Rowan library, Dona still believes that these factors
are key to the quintessential Rowan brand.
Tweed yarns have always been popular at The Websters.
Dona believes that they are more visually
interesting to use and confided that her favourite
Rowan yarn was Edina Ronay’s Silky Tweed. She
has great hope for Rowan’s new Cashmere Tweed
and featured it at her stand at Vogue Knitting Live
in Seattle this November.
The Web-sters has a full schedule of classes and
special events monthly. Currently there are beginners
classes in knitting, socks and needle felting, as well
as drop-in classes for spinning and knitting. Trunk
shows from suppliers revolve around each season to
keep the shop, which also sells handmade jewelry
and wearable art, looking fresh.
Ashland, Oregon (population 25,000) hosts over
350,000 tourists each year, many for their Oregon
Shakespearean Festival. To stay in touch with
visitors, the Web-sters started producing a catalog
in the 1990’s, which is still updated twice annually.
With the addition of a comprehensive website, the
shop can easily stay connected to knitters across the
world.
Rowan is pleased to have partnered with The Websters
and looks forward to supplying their customers
for years to come.
MORE INFO
22 ROWAN

WINTER 2017
23

AUTUMN WINTER ‘17
………………………
Mid Season
Round Up
Arabian
by Lisa Richardson
using Camello
Rowan Selects Camello
24 ROWAN

ROWAN Selects
Camello
……………………………...
ROWAN Selects
Sultano
……………………………...
Camello is a limited edition yarn for AW17/18.
A beautiful blend of 68% extra fine merino, 18%
baby camel and 14% nylon, which was added to
give strength to the chainette structure of the yarn.
This lofty yarn has long yardage and is available in
ten beautiful shades, including rich jewel-like tones.
It is accompanied by a collection of 8 designs by
Lisa Richardson and Sarah Hatton.
Sultano is a highlight of the Rowan autumn/winter
collection and like Camello, it is a limited edition
for AW117/8. Composed of 38% silk, 38% kid
mohair and 24% cashmere this is a super soft and
luxurious yarn ideal for small exclusive accessories.
It is available in 4 stunning shades. We have recently
introduced the Rowan Pom Pom to our range
and this is a perfect fit with the Sultano collection,
especially the classic beanie hat!
VIEW
YARN
VIEW
YARN
VIEW
COLLECTION
VIEW
COLLECTION
WINTER 2017
25

ROWAN
Pom Poms
……………………………...
Inspired Knits
by Georgia Farrell
……………………………...
Rowan Pom Poms… are handmade, using 100%
vegan fibres & 100% animal friendly.
A wonderfully tactile and soft alternative to fur.
Each Pom Pom has a ribbon, so it can be easily
attached, and offers the perfect finishing touch to
any knitted hat, scarf , shawl or simply as a bag
accessory. Available in five natural shades
Inspired by her love of modern architecture and
mathematics, the result is a fabulous collection of
knitwear with a strong, modern aesthetic. Georgia
has used a range of Rowan’s core yarns including
Felted Tweed, Kid Classic, Hemp Tweed, Cocoon
and Big Wool.
VIEW
COLLECTION
VIEW
RANGE
26 ROWAN

Grey
by Kim Hargreaves
……………………………...
4 Project
Booklets
……………………………...
This is the latest collection from Kim Hargreaves
and features 21 designs including garments and
accessories. Kim has used Kidsilk Haze, Fine Lace,
Brushed Fleece, Alpaca Merino DK, Superfine
Merino 4ply, Cocoon and the new Alpaca Soft DK.
The ‘4 Project’ booklets from Quail Studio have
been a great success and this season has seen the
launch of three further titles, all capturing the latest
high street trends – Mohair, Colour Block and
Ruffles.
VIEW
COLLECTION
COMING SOON
TO KNITROWAN
WINTER 2017
27

THE ROWAN
STYLE EDIT
By Quail
Autumn/Winter 17 and Rowan Magazine 62 sees
the launch of the ‘Rowan Style Edit’ by Quail
Studio. Taking current Rowan designs, Quail
Studio re-style the collection to offer a different
take on the original Rowan photography.
Drawing upon streetstyle trends, styling choices are
aimed to allow you to take your wardrobe favourites
and pair them with your hand knitted garment to
get the complete look!
Launched twice a year, for the spring/summer and
autumn/winter seasons, selected designs will feature
seasonal trends as well as timeless classics.
Hutton
by Lisa Richardson
originally from
Knitting & Crochet
Magazine 62
In this first edition, a selection of designs from
Magazine 62 including the stunning Hutton Scarf,
Georgia Farrell’s Wilshaw Coat and the fabulous
front cover garment by Galina Carroll have all
been restyled to create an alternative look. Designs
using our new Valley Tweed yarn – Braden, Dearne
and Wold have also been styled to offer another
perspective. Other garments to be given the restyle
treatment include Irma in our new Alpaca Soft DK
and our eye-catching ‘Rowan Yarns’ cardigan in the
ever popular Pure Wool Worsted.
Quail Studio bring to life the designs with catwalk
videos and a technical hints & tips youtube channel
Watch out on social media for behind the scenes
sneak peaks and exclusive additional content.
ROWAN STYLE
EDIT
Brekkan
by Martin Storey
originally from
Cashmere Tweed
28 ROWAN

Imra
by Martin Storey
originally from
Timeless DK
Whispered
by Sarah Hatton
originally from
Knitting & Crochet
Magazine 62
Farnley Scarf
by Emma Wright
Wilshaw
by Georgia Farrell
both originally from
Knitting & Crochet
Magazine 62
Mackintosh
by Martin Storey
originally from
Cashmere Tweed
WINTER 2017
29

RETAILER
FOCUS
………………………
The Wool Merchant
UK
The Wool Merchant is located
in picturesque Dartington,
Devon, on the edge of the
rural Dartington Hall Estate
near Totnes. It is situated in the
arts and crafts shopping centre
‘The Shops at Dartington’, with
history and the beauty of nature
right on the doorstep, along
with some great places to find
coffee and cake and of course the
wonderful shop itself crammed
with woolly goodness!
The Wool Merchant stocks a
wide range of yarns, patterns and
accessories and Dawn and her
team, Chris and Jane, are always
on hand to offer help and advice
and to share their experience
and knowledge. They hold a knit
group on Friday mornings which
is continually growing and new
members are always welcome!
They also offer a workshop
programme which covers a
broad spectrum of subjects from
Fair Isle and Lace to Weaving and
Crochet. Next year’s programme
is currently in the pipeline and
so keep an eye on the website.
Dawn offers popular one hour
session for beginners.
Dawn shares her thoughts with
us on the craft, the sharing of
knowledge and skills and knitting
consciously:
“A strong tradition of creativity
combined with the need to
provide protection from seasonal
changes in the weather have over
generations produced a wealth
of knitting techniques which
until recent developments in
information technology have
been confined to within each
geographical and social area of
their conception. Now however
there are fewer barriers and I
am constantly discovering that
my personal dislike of modern
technology is rapidly being
replaced by excitement and
curiosity as I discover how these
advances are working hand
in hand (literally) with many
crafters desire to search for new
ideas to bring many hitherto
little known traditions and
fascinating techniques to greater
numbers of people than could
ever previously been envisaged.
A generation ago it would have
been the norm to learn from
mother, grandmother, aunt
orneighbour the local traditions
of knitting or crochet and to
continue for the rest of your life
in blissful ignorance of any other
methods, variations or traditions.
The advantage of this isolation
was that over generations some
very diverse and beautiful
30 ROWAN

techniques and traditions
developed. What I see now daily
in my shop The Wool Merchant
at Dartington Devon is the way
that social media and the internet
have given knitters access to
countless traditions from all
corners of the globe. The effect
this is having is to enlighten and
embolden the once insular craft
knitter.
Another aspect of change I have
seen over the course of my 56
years of knitting experience is that
now rather than knitting being a
necessity to provide cheap warm
clothing for every member of
the family it has become a leisure
activity of choice. This has meant
that the type of knitting that
my customers do has changed.
There are some who wish to
create heirlooms to be passed
down through their families and
others who just want to be able
to knit something simple whilst
watching the television.
In a world of mass produced
goods produced from synthetic
materials in far flung places it is
becoming more important than
ever to a lot of my customers to
make something unique and to
choose yarns made with love and
care from natural fibres.
I specialise in yarns made from
natural fibres which are not only
better for the environment but
are more enjoyable to knit with
and more comfortable to wear.
We all need to think hard about
the effect our wasteful society
is affecting the natural world
so let’s do our bit and knit
conscientiously and thoughtfully.
By supporting your local shops,
spinners and dyers and farmers
you are helping the environment
and the local economy. MAKE
IT ONCE, MAKE IT WELL,
MAKE IT LAST. Be mindful of
how you knit and what you knit.
The Wool Merchant has over
4,500 lines for you to choose
from. Come and enjoy the
colours and textures.”
MORE INFO
WINTER 2017
31

FESTIVE KNITS
………………………
A Round up of
Festive Knits Past &
Present…
For the Home…
This Christmas Bauble by Lisa Richardson is
crocheted in Rowan’s Kidsilk Haze. Choose from
over 30 shades to create a stunning addition to
your tree! There are plenty of festive shades to
choose from and so you’ll be spoilt for choice!
DOWNLOAD
Sarah Hatton’s Christmas Wreath is the perfect
addition for your home this Christmas!
Choose five shades of Kid Classic to create this
wonderfully festive decoration!
What could be mor
Isle scarf! This stunn
Richardson is work
Rowan Selects Ca
of extra fine merin
ensures the lucky
warm and cosy this
DOWNLOAD
DOWN
32 ROWAN

Knitting for a gift…….
The Charlotte Beanie Hat in our luxurious
Rowan Selects Sultano would make an ideal
gift this Christmas. Sultano is available in a
range of four shades from a frosty grey to a
rich deep plum and one of our new Pom-
Poms would make a perfect finishing touch.
DOWNLOAD
e festive than a Fair
ing design by Lisa
ed in six shades of
mello. This blend
o and baby camel
recipient will be
Christmas!
Rowan Felted Tweed is the
perfect choice for these Fair Isle
leg warmers by Jem Weston. Her
signature style combined with her
wonderful eye for colour, these are
a welcome addition to any winter
walk!
DOWNLOAD
LOAD
WINTER 2017
33

34 ROWAN

Tips & Techniques
………………………
How to To
Knit Intarsia
by Katherine Lymer
Jensen
by Martin Storey
using Pure Wool Superwash Worsted
Timeless Worsted
Intarsia, Its mere mention
can prompt strong,
polarised opinions: We
seem to love it – or hate it!
Years of teaching knitting
workshops suggest that any
negative reactions are often
due to a fear of falling foul
of the commonly cited, yet
avoidable, pitfalls. We hope to
debunk some of these in this
article.
Sometimes known as “picture
knitting”, intarsia is often
associated with bold motifs
where the contrasting colour is
concentrated to specific regions.
Unlike stranded knitting, this
provides greater control over
pattern placement and produces
a fabric of single-thickness –
perfect for worsted-weight yarns
or garments for our springsummer
wardrobes. Yet this isn’t
the limit of its uses. Martin
Storey’s striking “Jensen”, in
“Timeless Worsted”, uses the
intarsia technique to create a
WINTER 2017
stylish diagonal stripe where the
edges of each colour are locked
together in a satisfyingly even,
seamless line.
As with any successful project,
thorough preparation is essential
and this is particularly true for
intarsia. Before casting-on, we
need to study the chart, identify
which yarns are worked where
and in what order, estimate the
amount of each yarn that will be
used and wind shorter lengths as
needed. Embrace the process:
You’ll better know your pattern
and your yarn – allowing for
a more satisfying and pleasing
process and, ultimately, an
improved finished object.
The chart is key to intarsia. It
is the most effective method
of displaying the shape, size
and position of the motif (or
colour change) within the
knitted fabric. Each square of
the chart represents a stitch.
We start reading the chart from
35

the bottom, right-hand corner
square and then read across, from
right to left, as we work our right
side (RS) row. After turning our
needles, to work the wrong side
of our fabric, we “turn” direction
on our chart, now reading from
left to right – and so continuing,
in a smooth, “Ƨ” type pattern.
For the meaning of the symbols
used in the chart, consult the
key provided in the pattern. In
colour knitting, symbols (or
coloured squares) indicate the
yarn colour to be used.
The chart also allows us to
plan ahead by winding-off the
required length(s) of yarn into a
bobbin(s) – an approach that can
be essential when working the
same colour multiple times across
the same row, as in the wonderful
“Rowan Yarns Sweater”, also
from “Timeless Worsted”: Of the
ten colours used in the jumper,
only two of these are required
in quantities of more than one
ball. Hence bobbins become
our friends, particularly when
we learn how to reliably estimate
the length required: Try counting
the squares on the chart to be
knitted in the contrast colour
and then wrap the yarn around
the needle (of the same size as
specified in the pattern) the
appropriate number of times.
For example, to knit the letter
“O” block from the “Rowan
Yarns Sweater”, the chart shows
that there are 88 knitted stitches
in the contrast colour to form
the letter. Rather than wrapping
88 times, instead wrap the yarn
around the needle eight times
and then multiply this length by
11 to calculate the initial length
36 ROWAN
Left:
Rowan Yarns Sweater
by Martin Storey
using Pure Wool Superwash Worsted
Timeless Worsted
Right:
Kukiko
by Brandon Mably
using Cocoon
Timeless Cocoon

a
b
Working intarsia in straight, vertical
lines
a, Drop working yarn at position of
colour change
b, Pick up the new yarn from
underneath the old
a
b
Working intarsia on a diagonal with
the slope to the left
a, Pick up the new yarn from
underneath the old, knitwise
b, Pick up the new yarn from
underneath the old, purlwise
required for all 88. A “wrap”
uses less yarn than a “knit” so
we can refine our estimate by
multiplying that number by
1.25 (increase by 25%). We also
need to add additional lengths
for each tail (perhaps another 2
x 10cm) to provide us with the
total length of yarn needed for
that section (remembering that
too much yarn is better than
too little!). Then wind into a
bobbin – or onto a commercially
available plastic version. For a
demonstration on how to wind a
bobbin, watch the Rowan Yarns
YouTube video, “Calculating
yarn amounts and making a
bobbin”. Repeat for all other
yarns in your chart/chart section.
Ends – and their sewing in –
can quickly become a timeconsuming
side-effect of
working with multiple colours,
so it is advantageous to try to
eliminate these as we work. One
method is to introduce the yarn
a stitch before the chart specifies
and weave-in its end, in a similar
method to weaving-in our floats
in stranded knitting (please see
“How to knit Fair Isle” in the
last newsletter). Thus, at the
point where the chart states to
start working the new colour, it
is already secured into our work.
A similar approach can be taken
to weave-in the “tail” of the
contrast colour at the end of its
section.
When it comes to changing
colours, care needs to be taken
to ensure that no gaps form
between the two colours by
twisting together the yarns at the
point of the colour change. In
WINTER 2017
37

Working intarsia on a diagonal with
the slope to the right
a, Pick up the new yarn from undeneath
the old, knitwise
a
b
b, Pick up the new yarn from
underneath the old, purlwise
vertical blocks of colour, such as
Brandon Mably’s “Kukiko”, we
work to the position of the new
colour. Drop the working colour
yarn and then pick-up the new
colour from underneath the old
colour and continue to knit (a)
/ purl (b). By “catching” the old
colour at the back of the work,
we ensure a tight join between
the two sections.
A similar approach is taken for
colour changes on the diagonal,
such as in “Jensen”, though here
we have to resist the temptation to
over-twist the yarns, which could
distort the work. With RS facing,
when the colour on the right is
increasing (shown here as blue),
we adopt the same procedure of
dropping the working yarn at
the colour change and picking
up the new from underneath
it knitwise (a) and purlwise (b).
When the colour on the left is
increasing (shown here as pink),
we do the same again knitwise
(a) and purlwise (b).
Blocking is an essential step
in producing a professionally
finished piece of intarsia. Use a
method in keeping with the care
instructions on the yarn’s ball
band before pinning-out your
work to the correct dimensions
and leaving to dry. In doing
so, your stitches will sit evenly
together creating a smooth,
unitary finish.
For consolidation of these
techniques, consult the Rowan
calendar for a workshop
convenient to you.
38 ROWAN

ROWAN
………………………
Workshops
To view a full list of workshop dates visit
www.knitrowan.com by clicking the button
below.
WORKSHOPS
WINTER 2017
39