January 2012 - 1

November 2015

2 - November 2015

CONTENTSWelcome Letter 4

Monthly Free Pattern 5

Aran Influences AW15 6

Free Rowan Shine Patterns 8

Lisa Richardson Week Workshop

In Tuscany 10

Debbie Abrahams’ Mystery Blanket

2016 12

Rowan & Swarovski CREATE YOUR

STYLE Design Talent Competition 16

ROWAN Day Out 18

Christmas Is Coming… 20

November 2015 - 3

Yellby Gemma Atkinsonusing Felted Tweed &ColourspunKnitting & Crochet Number 58

4 - November 2015

Hello and welcome to the November issue of the eNewsletter.

The nights are getting longer, so what better way to fill them than to get the needles out? We bring you some fab gift ideas for the festive season to get you started!

This month’s issue also contains details of Debbie Abrahams’ brilliant Mystery Blanket Club 2016, tells you about a stunning week long workshop in Tuscany next year with Lisa Richardson and takes a look at the origin of some of today’s cable and textured knits.

Finally, we bring you news of our sparkling design competition – read on to find out how you could win a year’s supply of yarn!

We hope you enjoy your new issue.

The Rowan team

Front Cover:Frozenby Marie WallinAlpaca Colour & ChenilleKnitting & Crochet Magazine 58

Click on the symbol where it appears for a link to further information

Keep in touch with us on social media…

November 2015 - 5

Polarby Heather DixonLima

For this and hundreds of FREE patterns exclusive to

m e m b e r s , click the button below:

E X C L U S I V E

DOWNLOAD

6 - November 2015

Aran Influences AW15Aran style knitting has long been a popular style, and this Autumn Winter sees yet further influences surface from the traditional techniques used in the past. Aran knitting is well known globally for its signature cabling, textured pattern and honeycomb effects and originates from a group of rocky islands off the west coast of Ireland; Inishmore, Inishmaan and Inisheer.

Originally, Aran designs were knitted for practical reasons, providing warmth and protection from the elements. Inspiration for the designs came from the daily lives of the island women. Today, the chunky nature of the traditional knits translates perfectly into both mens and womens fashion trends, providing iconic, statement detail and style.

Blusteryby Gemma Atkinsonusing Lima ColourKnitting & Crochet Magazine 58

November 2015 - 7

Shannonby Marie Wallinusing Kid ClassicKnitting & Crochet Magazine 52

Leith Guernsey & Flintby Martin Storeyusing Original DenimDenim The Next Generation

Dartmoorby Martin Storeyusing Hemp TweedHemp Tweed

Fynby Marie Wallinusing CocoonKnitting & Crochet Magazine 58

8 - November 2015

Free Kidsilk Haze Shine PatternsRowan Kidsilk Haze Shine composes of 61% mohair, 27% silk & 12% cotton with a meterage of 10m per 6g ball. Glittering and luxurious, each ball includes around 100 sparkling Swarovski Create Your Style crystals.

Download our FREE designs today, from garments featuring Rowan Kidsilk Haze Shine edging detail to accessories. Take out a Rowan Subscription and receive enough Kidsilk Haze yarn and crystals to make a shawl design as a free gift!

Sheer Topby Jennie Atkinsonusing Kidsilk Haze Shine & Kidsilk Haze

DOWNLOADPATTERN

CLICK TOVIEW

1

Seven designs for women using Rowan Kidsilk Haze Shine

To view the lookbook of this collection, click the button below.

ROWAN SUBSCRIPTION

November 2015 - 9

Flowerby Jennie Atkinsonusing Kidsilk Haze Shine

DOWNLOADPATTERN

Cardigan With Neck Tieby Jennie Atkinsonusing Rowan Finest & Kidsilk Haze Shine

DOWNLOADPATTERN

Pattern Yoke Sweaterby Jennie Atkinsonusing Rowan Finest & Kidsilk Haze Shine

DOWNLOADPATTERN

Sleeveless Top With Collarby Jennie Atkinsonusing Rowan Finest & Kidsilk Haze Shine

DOWNLOADPATTERN

Spiky Bangle by Jennie Atkinson using Kidsilk Haze Shine & Kidsilk Haze

DOWNLOADPATTERN

Bobble Cuffby Jennie Atkinson using Kidsilk Haze Shine

DOWNLOADPATTERN

10 - November 2015

Lisa Richardson Week Workshop in TuscanyThe Watermill, Posara, September 2016Saturday 10th September to Saturday 17th September 2016

During her workshops, Lisa will be working on two specially designed projects. She tells us what the inspiration behind them is:

November 2015 - 11

Cafe curtain/table runner“I wanted to create something influenced by the area in which the workshop will be held. I chose beautiful Italian lace and could picture myself sitting in a rustic Italian café, looking out through the café, curtain at the passers by whilst

drinking my espresso! I have used the super soft Rowan Fine Lace yarn which, although fine, I find a pleasure to crochet with. Two basic motifs are used and can be learned during your time on the workshop. If you have little crochet experience, it may be worth bringing some slightly chunkier yarn to practise with.If the cafe curtain is not for you, then the motifs also make a wonderful table runner or scarf.You will be supplied with the yarn to make the project. You will just need a 2mm crochet hook, plus a larger hook if you are bringing along some practice yarn.”

Slip stitch bag“I love slip stitch patterns! You can create intricate colour work very easily simply by slipping stitches. This bag will show you this process, but also how changing colour placement can dramatically alter the

overall look of a project. The bag could easily be adapted to a cushion if desired.You will be supplied with 5 balls of Rowan

Felted Tweed to make the project. You will need to bring two pairs of needles – 3¼ mm and 4mm.”

More about the Watermill,by Lois & Bill Breckon“Our beautiful and historic watermill stands beside the River Rosaro in the small village of Posara. Peaceful and secluded, yet part of the village, the mill is just a mile or so from the walled medieval town of Fivizzano with its cafés, restaurants and shops. This is the heart of Lunigiana, in the North-west of TuscanyWe have lovingly restored the historic buildings and created five self-contained apartments around a courtyard. These apartments come together for our painting and creative writing courses. When the courses aren’t on, the apartments are available for holiday lets. The bright and airy rooms are well decorated and tastefully furnished. All enjoy lovely views of the river, the gardens or the mountains.Around the mill, there’s a walled garden, a vine verandah, a winding rose pergola, and riverside gardens, all with tables and chairs and providing delightful spots for sun-kissed or shady relaxation and contemplation. Then there are further secluded, private gardens where you can stroll beside the millstream for about a quarter of a mile.”

Rowan Subscribers receive a discount of £100. Quote your subscription membership number at time of booking.

MORE INFORMATION

ROWAN SUBSCRIPTION

12 - November 2015

“My passion for designing knitting patterns has always been inspired by the infinite possibilities that colour, stitch and embellishment offer, and this has been the focus of my work for many years. I launched my first Mystery Blanket Club in 2008, and this project gave me the perfect vehicle to explore all of these things through the squares that I design for the blankets. Next year sees the launch of the ninth design in my Mystery Blanket collection, for which there are six-hundred memberships available to knitters worldwide. The patterns for each blanket are only available to the members that join, and as a consequence they have become very collectable items. The concept of the Mystery Blanket Club is very simple. Members receive the knitting kit in three instalments, which include all the yarn and embellishments needed

for the whole project. They then receive the patterns in ten monthly instalments, beginning in January and finishing in October. The theme of the project is kept secret, only to be discovered as the squares are completed and the blanket takes shape. There is a monthly blog on my website, which keeps the members up to date with all the latest news, advice and knitting tips for the project. Many of the members have created localised groups that meet up regularly to knit their squares and talk about the project. For the 2016 blanket, I am using some of my favourite Rowan yarns including Cotton Glacé, Kidsilk Haze, Truesilk and Tetra Cotton. Although I am not going to give you any hints about the theme, I can tell you that the colour palette is a mix of soft sweet shades, combining dove grey, coral pink, lavender, greengage and biscuit

Debbie Abrahams’ Mystery Blanket Club 2016

Back To The Country- 2014

November 2015 - 13

Nordic Adventure- 2013

14 - November 2015

with brilliant white. If you are interested in joining my 2016 Mystery Blanket Club, you can sign up straight away by visiting the online shop on my website.” -Debbie Abrahams

Mystery Blanket Club FAQ’sWhat is the Mystery Blanket about?The Mystery Blanket is a unique project that is split across ten months. The design follows the same format as Debbie’s other blanket designs in “Blankets & Throws To Knit” and “More Blankets & Throws”. It is constructed from individually knitted squares that are assembled together to create a finished block. The mystery is that you won’t be told the theme of the project, so part of the fun is to discover this while you are knitting it up!This blanket design will not be published or re-produced in any other form, so you will be part of a very special one-off project.

How many months will the project run for?The project begins in January and runs for ten months. Patterns are sent monthly by email. The first email is sent mid-January with subsequent emails sent on the first of the month (Feb to October). Yarn and beads are sent in three parcels: January March and May. There is an option to have printed paperwork which is posted to members each month and for which there is an extra cost.

How do I subscribe to the Mystery Blanket Club?Membership is strictly on a first-come-first-served basis and there is a set number of

places in the club. You can purchase your membership now in Debbie’s online shop and make your payment using a debit or credit card or Paypal. Then all you need to do is sit back and wait for your first package to arrive in January.Alternatively, if you would prefer to make a payment by BACS directly from your bank account then contact Debbie at debbie@debbieabrahams.com and she will give you her bank account details.

What if I don’t have an email address?If you do not have an email address you can send an application form by post. Please make sure that you include your full address details, telephone number, your choice of package and your payment. Cheques should be made payable to Debbie Abrahams Ltd.

How will the parcels be sent to me?Each parcel is sent by Royal Mail. For UK customers all parcels are sent by FIRST CLASS. All European and World customers are sent parcels by AIRMAIL.

A Celebration Of Sport- 2012

November 2015 - 15

There is an option for UK customers to have SPECIAL DELIVERY (guaranteed next day delivery), and for overseas customers to have tracked and/or signed for delivery, for which there is an extra cost.

What will be included in my materials parcel?Your three materials parcels will include enough yarn and embellishments to knit up the whole blanket.You are sent whole balls of yarn and packets of beads. If you have any left over, it is very important that you keep it safe because you will need it for other squares later on in the project. As a consequence, the quantities of yarn and beads in your parcels might differ, but in total you will have enough to complete the whole blanket.

But what if I am a novice knitter? Can I still join the Club and successfully complete the project?There are two options given for the same blanket design and everyone is sent the pattern instructions for both options. Most of the squares are the same for both options, but when there is a choice it is clearly stated. Option one includes textured stitches like cables and knit and purl stitch patterns, intarsia colour work, fairisle colour work, stripes and some beading. Option two includes all of the above, but any fairisle and intarsia squares are replaced by either stripes, beaded or textured designs.

What if I get stuck and need some advice?In every mail-out there is an information page which gives lots of important information about the techniques that are used in the blanket. In addition to this, Debbie also has a dedicated blog on her website for the Mystery Blanket which is updated monthly and includes extra tips and techniques that she feels will be helpful to you. Another place to get help is on the Ravelry forum. It is easy to become a member (if you have not already joined) and there is a dedicated thread for Debbie Abrahams Mystery Blanket, through which you can “meet” other members and pick up lots of useful advice. You can also contact Debbie to ask a specific question by emailing her at debbie@debbieabrahams.com.Debbie’s contact details are:Address: 26 Church Drive, Carrington, Nottingham NG5 2BA, UK

EMAIL WEBSITE

House Of Aphrodite- 2011

16 - November 2015

Rowan & Swarovski CREATE YOUR STYLE Design Talent Competition

This autumn, we haveteamed up with Swarovski CREATE YOUR STYLE to launch a sparkling design competition, which will enable crafting talent and skill to be recognised. Be inspired by the party season and design an original shimmering accessory piece using Rowan yarn and Swarovski Create Your Style crystals*. Simply create an accessory piece and photograph your idea.

Send this to us by email at mail@knitrowan.com and include details of which yarn and crystals you have used, along with colour choices. The winning entry will be professionally photographed on a Rowan shoot and the designer will be interviewed for www.knitrowan.com – there is also a year’s supply of yarn** and stunning collection of CREATE YOUR STYLE crystals up for grabs! The competition launches on 15th October and will close on 30th November 2015 at 5pm UK time.

For full terms and conditions, see www.knitrowan.com. *Designs must be original ideas and only use Rowan yarn and Swarovski CREATE YOUR STYLE crystals ** Ten balls per calendar month

November 2015 - 17

Triangle Shawlby Jennie Atkinsonusing Kidsilk Haze

PURCHASEPATTERN

18 - November 2015

Join us for another exciting Rowan Day Out in London this November. The day will include a guided tour of the Fashion & Textile Museum followed by a talk from Dame Zandra Rhodes. The afternoon will consist of a design workshop on colourwork with Dee Hardwicke.

Highlights will include:• Meet Zandra Rhodes, founder of the museum, hear about her exciting life in

fashion as a pioneering designer and her work with Rowan.• Enjoy an informative guided tour of the new Liberty Exhibition at the Fashion

and Textiles Museum. Liberty in Fashion celebrates the 140th anniversary of the company. The exhibition charts Liberty’s history as ‘the’ fashionable place to shop as well as its role as the source and originator of key trends in fashion history. Over 150 garments, textiles and objects demonstrate Liberty’s strong relationships with designers since 1875, from Arthur Silver of Silver Studio to collaborations with Jean Muir, Cacharel, Yves Saint Laurent and Vivienne Westwood.

• There is also a display of Susan Collier and Sarah Campbell’s work for Liberty from 1961 to 1977, including their iconic Bauhaus design.

R O WA N Day Out

November 2015 - 19

Learn intricate intarsia techniques and gain design inspiration in a workshop with artist and designer Dee Hardwicke, author of Little Colour Knits, who will show us how she gains inspiration for her colourful designs from the things around her. All materials will be supplied.

Places are limited so get in quick and book a slot for yourself and a friend for this exciting day out. Price includes private tour of the exhibition and lunch. It’s going to be a great day in like-minded company, so come and join us.

DetailsDates: 24th November 2015Price: £80To book a place call +44 (0) 1484 681881 Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm.

Schedule for the day10.30am Meet at the Fashion and Textiles Museum 11.00am Guided tour of the exhibition12.30pm Buffet lunch provided1.00pm Talk by Zandra Rhodes2.00pm Workshop with Dee Hardwicke4.00pm Pack up and browse exhibition6.00pm Gallery closes

Image Credited to Daniel Lewis

20 - November 2015

Christmas is a-coming…

Star Hat & MittsShine Collection

Cherish Scarf 10 Simple Cosy

Projects

MayvalaValerie Lenton Shawls & Capes

Designer Collection

Geometric Weave Poncho

Lexy Scarf Pure Wool Worsted Autumn Collection

Moldart Tartan Fingerless Mitts

DC and Tutor Competition Online Collection

Why not treat someone to a hand knitted gift this Christmas? Here are our suggestions of ideas which are bound to bring a smile on the big day.

PURCHASEPATTERN

PURCHASEPATTERN

PURCHASEPATTERN

PURCHASEPATTERN

November 2015 - 21

StockistsTo find your local stockist view our store locator at www.knitrowan.com by clicking the button below

WorkshopsTo view a full list of workshop dates visit www.knitrowan.com by clicking the button below

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or any part of all material, including illustrations, in this publication is strictly

forbidden. 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.

The designs in this publication are copyrighted and must not be knitted for re-sale. Reproduction of this publication is protected by copyright and is

sold on the condition that it is used for non commercial purposes. Yarn quantities are approximate as they are based on average requirements. Colour

reproduction is as close as printing will allow.

First published in Great Britain 2015 by Mez Crafts UK LTD 17F Brooke’s Mill, Armitage Bridge, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD4 7NR.

E-mail: mail@knitrowan.com Web: www.knitrowan.com © Copyright Mez Crafts UK LTD 2015

WORKSHOPS

STOCKISTS

Shireby Lisa Richardsonusing Hemp TweedHemp Tweed