Rowan Yarns introduces a new knitting and crochet magazine twice a year filled with their new original on trend designs captured with stunning photography.  Rowan's hallmark of beautiful designs with well written instructions features their in house designers Martin Storey, Kaffe Fassett, Marie Wallin, Sarah Hatton and other names familiar to knitters.  These twice yearly magazine debuts are terribly exciting to Rowan enthusiasts!  The magazines are collected and treasured and the subjects of endless debates in knitting forums; such is the impact Rowan magazines have on knitters around the world.  You won't see any ads in this magazine, instead you'll find stories that inspire.  Best bed time reading ever!  Let me take you story by story through the new Rowan Magazine 54 and highlight a few of my favorites. 

Romancing has feminine, lacy designs with an Edwardian flair.  Luxury in lace and brocade makes this my favorite story. 

The gorgeous cover girl in the BERENICE WRAP by Marie Wallin.  Intarsia at it's loveliest in Kidsilk Haze.

LA BOHEME by Marie Wallin.  Subtle intarsia using Fine Lace, Kidsilk Haze and Anchor Artiste Metallic.

Stunning VERDI by Martin Storey in Fine Lace and Kidsilk Haze.

Too beautiful for words!  VIVALDI by Vibe Ulrik in Kidsilk Haze.

Sigh. SALOME by Vibe Ulrik in Kidsilk Haze.

MADAME BUTTERFLY by Marie Wallin.   A true beauty in Kidsilk Haze and Anchor Artiste Metallic. I just came back from having coffee with my friend and tried this on  (half finished made by my friend Leah, aka yarnstylist) and it is beyond BEAUTIFUL.  Immediately went to yarn shop to purchase!

Next there is an article on Kate Davies, one of the contributing designers for Magazine 54.  You know her from her grown up version of OWLS and PAPERDOLLS.  The next article is a how-to on Steeking. (shudder)

Essentials   Easy to wear styles in a soft autumn color palette.

LAURA in Felted Tweed Aran by Vibe Ulrik.

MARY in Felted Tweed by Julia Frank.

SHERRY by Marie Wallin in Kidsilk Haze.

Oversized tunic vest, STACY in Kid Classic and Anchor Artiste Metallic by Gemma Atkinson.

There is also a fact filled article on MOHAIR with lovely pictures of these curly haired charmers.

The last article is about the winners of the Rowan Design Awards from the Winchester School of Art.  The challenging theme was "between the wars" where students had the Knitting Reference Library (see above) at their fingertips.  The six designs are free pattern downloads available on the Rowan website.  Here's two.

Harpers Twinset in Felted Tweed by Meghan Lewis.

Land Girl's Moving Cable Sweater in Felted Tweed by Lucy Jones.

The Romancing story was shot at Haddon Hall.

I hope you've enjoyed the tour of the new Rowan 54 Autumn/Winter Magazine and are inspired to pamper yourself with a new project.  I've been a Rowan Magazine collector for years and love to leaf through them and occasionally knit from the archives.  This winter I plan on knitting a long vest from a magazine that is at least 5 years old.  Do you have a collection of Rowan Magazines?  If not, or if your collection is small, I have some good news for you.  I was gifted 8 vintage Rowan Magazines in pristine condition, the earliest one is #35 and the latest one is #46.  I already own and treasure all of them and know them to be TERRIFIC!  Starting on Friday I'll be giving away two at a time and will continue every Friday in October, then they'll be gone!  Please come back on Friday and enter.

KNITROWAN.COM  has several free pattern downloads as a supplement to the lovely Magazine 54.  You must be a member of Rowan, it's easy to sign up and it's free.