Rowan Knitting and Crochet Magazine No. 43 (ZM43) features handknitting and crochet designs from Kaffe Fassett, Marie Wallin, Erika Knight, Sarah Dallas, Antoni & Alison, Sarah Hatton, Lisa Richardson, Brandon Mably, Sharon Miller and Stella Claxton.

Spring 2008 is inspired by a return to simplicity. The need for clothing which is comfortable to wear but also made from basic and classic materials is becoming more and more important. The growing demand for products which have a hand made quality reflect this trend and hand knitting is the perfect muse for this.

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As fashion moves towards simpler and cleaner forms, the real trend for the season is based on colour. This is the season of the palest neutrals, warm sun dried brights and library greys. To reflect these trends, Rowan is promoting three stories for Spring 2008; Heavenly, Weekender and Elemental. Each of the stories is styled in a simple, wearable way which helps showcase the beautiful designs featured within the magazine.

Featured Yarns:
Cotton Glace, Kidsilk Haze, Kidsilk Spray, Kidsilk Night, 4 Ply Cotton, Bamboo Tape, Damask, Handknit Cotton, Summer Tweed, Rowan Denim, Calmer, All Seasons Cotton.

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Story 1 - Heavenly is inspired by an unconscious and dreamlike world. This ethereal and feminine look is influenced by the soft, almost invisible tones found on the human skin. This pretty story is mysterious and ghostly with a historical feel and a hint of decay. Colours are bleached pales with a translucent and precious look. Dusty, decaying and crumbling whites combine with neutral marble tones, with highlights of faded rose petals to create a story which is celestial and heavenly. Beautifully photographed and styled in the atmospheric grounds of Jervaulx Abbey in Wensleydale, North Yorkshire by Kristin Perers.

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Story 2 - Weekender is inspired by the relaxed and fun atmosphere of a weekend break away. This colourful story has a slight influence of fashion from the 1960’s and 1970’s with the playful use of warm bright reds, oranges, greens and blues contrasting against black and off white. The retro combinations of colours and striping effects help create a story which is both light hearted and a pleasure to wear. Charmingly photographed by Peter Christian Christiansen and simply styled by Marie Wallin & Sarah Hatton.

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Story 3 - Elemental is inspired by the serenity of anonymous natural materials such as rock, slate and wood. Colouring is quiet and unassuming with tones of greys set against the lightest silver or the darkest earth tones. This relaxed and casual story is an invitation to peace and quiet with an air of gentle sophistication. Dramatically photographed by Chris Bracewell at Hades Wood in Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, and beautifully styled by Louise Sykes.

Other features include:

Think Clean, Knit Green:
This feature examines the growing trend for global ecological responsibility and its relation to the hand knitting market. Rowan also introduces the new naturally dyed organic cotton and the ethos behind the launching of the ‘Purelife’ identity. Written by Margy Cockburn.

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How To – Tension & Making Up:
Our popular ‘How To’ feature this seasons shows the importance of tension in hand knitting and the best way of making up finished garments.

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

What’s New:

Sizing:
The regular Rowan sizing guide.

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.