Knitting & Crochet Magazine 52 Preview - Rowan

Introducing... Gemma Atkinson
8 - July 2012
What is your role within the Rowan design
team?
I’m the Assistant Designer here at Rowan,
designing for Rowan publications and www.
knitrowan.com. I also set out the charts which
go into the publications (some can be beasty
ones which take hours!). I also swatch with
possible new yarns, help out at shows like The
Knitting & Stitching Show, and assist at photo
shoots.
What is your design background?
I’ve studied textiles from being at school, but
it was at college where I learned to knit and
crochet. I did a course in printed textiles at
Huddersfield University and graduated in
2009. When the job came up to be Assistant
Designer at Rowan, I applied, and here I am!
What are your favourite parts of your job?
Getting to work with such a lovely bunch of people, going on photo shoots and
swatching with gorgeous and exciting new yarns!
What’s your favourite Rowan yarn and why?
Mmmmm, tough one…I think it’s got to be Lima, the colours are so beautiful and it’s
such a soft, luxurious yarn – I love it!
Tell us something we don’t know about Rowan (we’ll keep it a secret!)
Oooooh, there are lots of exciting things coming your way…but I couldn’t possibly
elaborate! Let’s just say watch out for a glamorous NEW yarn this Autumn.
Knitting or crochet?
It’s too difficult, can I say that I love them both equally???