Rowan Knitting and Crochet Magazine No. 45 (ZM45) features handknitting and crochet designs from Marie Wallin, Erika Knight, Sarah Hatton, Kaffe Fassett, Sarah Dallas, Martin Storey, Jennie Atkinson, Amanda Crawford and Brandon Mably.

All things natural are the main driving force behind the yarn trend for Spring 2009. The knitwear eco trend is ever expanding with the introduction of a wider choice of environmentally sound yarns. These yarns have become finer and more sophisticated as yarn spinners have begun to take the growth in the sustainable yarn market seriously. The trend for finer, light weight yarns continues with emphasis placed on drape and comfort.

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Surface shine is a prominent trend with an overall look which is sophisticated and elegant. The natural perspective of the main yarn trend translates itself in relaxed, textural casual pieces as well as an ultra fine, smart urban look. Raised surfaces and textures are important with the look achieved by inconsistencies in the yarn or by stitch structures. Open lace and mesh patterns provide interest in knitwear using non textural yarns. These three major themes are reflected in the following three design stories: ‘BLOOM’, ‘EVERGREEN’ and ‘DRIFTWOOD’.

Featured Yarns:
Fine Milk Cotton, Shimmer, Cotton Glace, Kidsilk Haze, Summer Tweed, Calmer, Handknit Cotton, Denim and All Seasons Cotton.

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Story 1 - Bloom is inspired by the spirit of 1950’s glamour with a touch of the Japanese Orient to give the season’s florals a feminine and ultra sophisticated look. Pure white and very pale pastels form a clean base for flashes of highlight colours, such as fuchsia pink, jade green and cool lime. The overall look is very pretty with fine floral patterning, embroideries and embellishments with hints of lace and crochet. Bloom was beautifully photographed by Peter Christian Christensen in his Parisian studio, with styling by Marie Wallin.

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Story 2 - Evergreen is inspired by the rustic charms of the French and Italian countryside in mid Summer. Ancient country villages in a landscape dotted with cypress trees which seem to have remained unchanged for centuries. Faded, decaying village buildings, and the colours of dried and preserved flowers provide the perfect backdrop to a folk inspired story which has a hint of 1970’s hippy chic. Colours range from soft buttermilk tones through to a whole palette of greens warmed by berry reds, purples and terracotta. These intensely saturated colours are then enriched by golds and petrol blues. Photographed against the timeless backdrop of Manoir Des Rosiers, Noyant La Plaine, France by Peter Christian Christensen. Styling and art direction by Marie Wallin.

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Story 3 - Driftwood is inspired by the colours and textures found along a rugged shoreline. This casual, castaway story has a handcrafted and reclaimed feel which evokes a relaxed atmosphere of walking along a wind blown rocky beach. Old fishing villages with crumbling sea walls provide the perfect backdrop to this easy to wear collection of mainly textured designs for both men and women. Colours range from the bluish greys found on a pebbled beach to natural sand tones with highlights of faded blues. The perfect match of location to story sees Sheila Rock photograph in the coastal town of Staithes, North Yorkshire, England. Styling by Elaine Briggs and art direction by Marie Wallin.

Other features include:

Biore Feature:
Following the success of our Organic Cotton – certified by Biore this feature takes a more in-depth look at the founders of Biore, why the started it, their own history, the history to date of the Biore project and their hopes and aims for the future. Written by Margy Cockburn.

Book Feature:
Little Luxury Knits by Alison Crowther Smith (Kid Silk Haze).

Designer:
An interview with Erika asking her about her design history, her association with Rowan and her beliefs, ideals and passions. Written by Margy Cockburn.

Clever ideas:
An inspirational feature showing how to make simple, tasteful and exciting homeware using our Rowan Denim yarn.

Travel journal:
A feature giving information on the photo shoot locations.

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How To:
Our popular ‘How To’ feature.

What’s New:
Little Luxury Knits by Alison Crowther Smith
Sewing Skills for Boys and Girls by Alison McNichol
Stitch Divas - Charlotte Liddle and Rachel Henderson.

Sizing:
The regular Rowan sizing guide.

Editor’s Letter
A regular item with in magazine with comments from our Editor In Chief, Kate Buller.

Gallery:
Our new look reference guide for all the designs and yarns used within the magazine.

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Our staff have had many years experience of working with Rowan yarns. Rowan designs never date but sometimes the colours and qualities that were once the original designs, have to be substituted; we can advise on the nearest shades.

We stock the entire Rowan handknitting range. Please see our Rowan stock list.