Today I received the OK from Rowan to start previewing the 2015/16 Fall/Winter yarns and books.  As a Rowan Ambassador, I receive a preview pack each season containing sample skeins of the Rowan new yarns and the supporting pattern books.  It's HEAVEN! I was swooning and you'll be swooning too, so stay tuned because in the next two weeks I'll share them all. 

Alpaca Merino DK has a chain construction of 83% baby alpaca and superfine alpaca, 7% extra fine Merino wool and 10% nylon added for strength.  Whenever you see the words baby, superfine or extra fine, it means it will be super soft, and this yarn is indeed super soft.  Alpaca is warm, and because of the chain construction, it is very lofty and lightweight.  I imagine it will be very comfortable and lightweight to wear.  There are 10 colors in the shade range; two whites, several warm autumn colors and several jewel tones.  Winterscapes by Sarah Hatton has 12 designs supporting the new Alpaca Merino DK.  I'm adding 3 to my queue!

Rhodeswood above is perhaps my favorite.  I love full dolman sleeves when they neatly finish at the forearm with deep ribbing.  Because the Alpaca Merino DK is so lightweight, this big blousey sweater will feel like a cloud to wear.   I will be making it in either these two colors shown; the body is a deep purple and the ribbing is in navy, or I was thinking of making it in the two whites!  Hmmm, must give this some thought!

Langsett below has side insets of a ridge pattern that I think will make a very flattering silhouette.  In my stash I have some Rowan Fine Art and Rowan Kidsilk Haze, that when knit together get perfect gauge for this pattern.  It's almost the same lovely shade of blue.  I like the wide neck opening too.  I've already cast on.

Above is Millstone.  

At first I thought it was a vest, but nope, it's a sweater.  Ingenious use of fairisle colorwork.

Below is the Wheatland Hat and Cowl.

Above is Crowden with a classic cable pattern.  Etherow below is quite gorgeous.  First, love the color (Hoby) but also love the vintage ski-party look.  It is worked bottom-up in the round up to the armholes where you'll join the sleeves.  The yoke decreases are next with some shaping, then fairisle technique for the white snowflakes. 

Above is Padfield, a peplum jacket
and below is the cover project, Wedenshaw Hat and Scarf.
Wearing this yarn around the neck would be heavenly.

And speaking of covers, too bad this model is not simply GORGEOUS!
I love her haircut!  Her hair color is very retro.  Reminds me of Kim Novak.