Rowan Loves
November 04, 2014
I've got a new book to share with you today, one that is destined to become a well used classic that should be in every knitter's library: Rowan Loves by Sarah Hatton. When I saw Sarah over the summer she mentioned this book that was coming out in the fall. She was particularly excited because they have done something quite different from any other knitting book; all 9 designs, all classics with updated twists, have multiple options for customizing. Plus every pattern can either be knit in Felted Tweed DK for a more casual look, or for a more glam look, knit in Kidsilk Haze single or doubled. These two particular yarns are favorites here at Knitionary. Let me take you on a little tour of the book!
Never underestimate the beauty of the most simple cardigan knit up in gorgeous yarn. KATE is an all around classic; above knit in KSH double and below knit in a two color option with Felted Tweed DK. Options include the 3 yarn choices of FTDK and KSH single or doubled, plus sleeve length and one or two color option. I have similar cardis knit with Kidsilk Haze in my closet and they are worn more than any other sweater. Cozy and glossy, I can't say enough about KSH.
Adorable. |
ANDREA above goes weekend casual with FTDK and a textured yoke ..OR.. Saturday night with KSH, lace and shorter sleeves below. It's the same sweater! You can make either design in the same 3 fabric options as before with Kate.
Man, I love this sexy slouchy GEMMA, below in FTDK in Duck Egg and above in KSH doubled. Have you ever knit KSH doubled? It is by far my most favorite yarn to knit and creates the most scrumptiously delicious fabric to float across your shoulders. A very easy knit in just two pieces.
Perhaps my favorite. I feel like dropping everything else and casting on immediately for JAMIE. Shown above knit with doubled KSH in Trance, and below in FTDK in Ancient. I adore the wide ribbed neckline and the split hem with longer rib in back. Love that the pattern can be both sweatshirty or elegant.
Vicky above and below, again with all three fabric options and a vest option as well. VICKY is an open cardigan that uses the wrap and turn technique to create the lower peaked fronts. Moss stitch details on the hems and front bands.
There are two scarves as well. DAVINA above, shown in the FTDK option uses 4 skeins of FTDK or 2 to 3 skeins of KSH depending on whether you knit it single or double. A simple technique of increasing a stitch at the beginning of the row and decreasing a stitch at the end, creates an interesting scarf with a diagonal ridge row of purls.
LISA below is shown using only 2 skeins of KSH single. The FTDK version uses only 2 skeins too. Short rows create the slim crescent shape. Remember lace, simple like this, looks difficult but is not. OK, so you have to count a bit! If I can make lace, you can make lace!
There is a classic cable design too, shown above in FTDK in color Scree. Cables truly pop in the Felted Tweed. KARLA has raglan sleeves and a funnel neck. If you don't care for a funnel neck, it's easy to shorten it.
There's a hat too. PAULA uses only one skein of FTDK. There is a seamed version if you are terrified of dpn's and a knit in the round seamless version. Thank you Sarah for those two options!
Rowan Loves by Sarah Hatton will be available soon at your Rowan stockist, if not there already. Rowan Felted Tweed DK and Rowan Kidsilk Haze are very popular yarns and very easy to find. Your local Rowan stockist will most likely carry a good selection. My local yarn store, Uncommon Threads in Los Altos is always my first option, support your LYS! If you don't have that option, there are many many many excellent online stores you can visit worldwide.
I heard from Rowan that there will be a series of books called Rowan Loves. I don't know what yarns they will be loving next, but as soon as I know, you'll know!
Thank you for stopping by and I hope you
enjoy these designs as much as I do. I took it to bed with me last
night and read over every pattern. They are all well written and easy
to follow. I went to sleep dreaming of knitting! Ha! xo
4 Comments
Beautiful sweaters. I love the Lisa scarf, however, does this mean the short rows that I can't master because of the European way that I knit?
ReplyDeleteCarole
Hmmm, I think we did short rows with you before, but I can't remember. Let's try it again.
DeleteI'm a Rowan fan…it shows in my stash and in my bookcase. However, I wonder WHY they don't take the time to block some of their knitting before the photo shoot….for instance the blue vest. Geeeez, guys, it would look fabulous properly blocked. :(
ReplyDeleteCarmen, I so agree. I looked at that picture and scratched my head. Is this a look they are going for? Especially since FTDK is so easy to block.
DeleteYou make my day when you make a comment!