Rowan Knitting and Crochet Magazine No. 44 (ZM44) features handknitting and crochet designs from Marie Wallin, Erika Knight, Marion Foale, Sarah Hatton, Kaffe Fassett, Sarah Dallas, Martin Storey and Jennie Atkinson.

Winter 2008 is the season of big statements and knitwear takes the centre stage. Colour is strong and contrasting as well as beautifully graduating. Yarns are lighter in weight, textures are prominent and there is a triumphant return to pattern. Yarns are classic with soft handles and innovative blends. A return to tradition is translated into natural yarns with an old-fashioned feel. There is a growing trend for simplicity, created out of highly prized fibres, such as cashmere, superfine merinos and super kid mohair.

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With this trend for simplicity we see the rapidly increasing significance of sustainable fibres which highlights our social responsibility and our impact on the planet. Winter 2008 also celebrates the 30th Anniversary edition of the Rowan magazine. To reflect this important event Rowan is promoting three sumptuous stories: Nostalgia, Renaissance and Elegance. These stories herald a return to the type of design and photography that have become synonymous with Rowan. Colour, pattern and texture are all very prominent and the garment designs reflect the season’s important trends. Each of the stories is styled in a simple, wearable way which helps showcase the beautiful designs featured within the magazine.

Featured Yarns:
4 Ply Soft, Pure Wool 4 Ply, Wool Cotton, Kid Classic, Shimmer, Tapestry, Felted Tweed, Kidsilk Aura, Scottish Tweed 4 Ply.

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Story 1 - Nostalgia is inspired by the faded glamour of the 1930’s and 1940’s. An essentially neutral look which is warmed with clover pinks and russet browns. This is a vintage story brought into the 21st century. Old designs provide the inspiration for the new, revitalised with a modern twist. Nostalgia was beautifully photographed at the Villa Sjotorp, Ljungskile, Sweden by Peter Christian Christensen, and elegantly styled by Marie Wallin and Sarah Hatton. With art direction by Marie Wallin

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Story 2 - Renaissance is inspired by the rebirth of pattern. In this story we celebrate pattern and decoration in its many guises. Faded florals sit along side rustic checks, tweeds and fair-isles. Inspiration comes from the ornamental decorations of the Far East, the ethnic patterning of the Islamic world and the traditional folk designs of Northern Europe. Colour complements this heavily adorned look with rich and sumptuous contrasts between berry reds, purples, rusts, teals and faded neutrals. Magically photographed by Sheila Rock, in a style inspired by the Renaissance paintings of old. The location of this story was the haunting Gwydir Castle, Llanrwst, in North Wales. Styling by Louise Sykes and art direction by Marie Wallin.

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Story 3 - Elegance is inspired by the designs within ‘Nostalgia’ and ‘Renaissance’. In this story we show how changing a design slightly can create a different look. Seven designs from ‘Nostalgia’ and five from ‘Renaissance’ are the inspiration for twelve new modern and elegant designs. Photographed by Peter Christian Christensen against the beautiful wallpapers of the Villa Sjotorp, Ljungskile, Sweden; Styling by Marie Wallin and Sarah Hatton.

Other features include:

The British Wool Story:
This feature examines the plight of the British hill farmer and the growing awareness of our social responsibility for the products we buy. Under the Purelife label, Rowan is launching the British Sheep Breeds Wool which is grown, processed and spun here in the UK. Written by Margy Cockburn.

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How to knit Intarsia:
Our popular ‘How To’ feature this seasons shows the techniques for knitting intarsia patterns.

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.