Rowan Summer 2018 newsletter with links Opt

Summer Newsletter 

SUMMER 2018 

1

Hello and welcome to the Summer issue of our quarterly newsletter! 

The Spring Summer season is well underway and we hope you are 

enjoying the latest Rowan collections. Rowan Magazine 63 is packed 

with projects to take you from spring through to the warmer summer 

months and here at Rowan we have our summer knits firmly on the 

needles. 

The last couple of months have seen some exciting new publication 

launches (see page 12) including ‘Colourwork Knits’ by Dee 

Hardwicke. We caught up with Dee at the launch event at our Flagship 

store, Liberty – see page 8. 

Also in this issue, we learn how to master brioche knitting with 

Katherine Lymer (a must-read for those of us who want to tackle the 

fabulous ‘Stafford’ in Rowan Magazine 63). Plus we catch up with 

the rest of the Rowan Workshop Tutors in part two of our ‘Meet the 

Team’ feature. You will also remember that in the Spring newsletter 

we introduced you to a new column charting the journey of a Rowan 

knit, so do make sure you catch the second part of ‘A Yarn’s Tale’ and 

of course, there is our regular retailer spotlight which pays a visit to 

UK based Lady Sew and Sew and Canadian retailer, Urban Yarns. 

Finally, earlier in the season we were absolutely delighted to be named 

‘Brand of the Year’ at the British Craft Awards 2018! These awards are 

voted for by the crafts readers of several UK magazines and so we’d like 

to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to those of you who 

might have voted for us! It is an honour to receive such an accolade 

in what is a very special year for us – it’s our 40 th Anniversary! We 

turn 40 in the autumn and we of course have lots of exciting things 

planned – make sure you read all about it on page 16! 

As always, we hope you enjoy your latest newsletter! We would love to 

hear your feedback on the new collections, so do please visit our pages 

on Facebook and Twitter to leave your comments. You can follow us 

on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to see what we are up to during 

the season ahead! 

The Rowan team 

Cover: Arini 

by Lisa Richardson 

Summerlite 4ply 

Cotton Crochet 

Rowan Yarns 

17F Brooke’s Mill, Armitage Bridge, 

Huddersfield, 

West Yorkshire, HD4 7NR 

CONTACT 

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or 

any part of all material, including illustrations 

and designs, in this publication/pattern is 

strictly forbidden and is sold on the condition 

that it is used for non commercial purposes. 

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. Yarn quantities 

are approximate and are based on average 

requirements. Images and shades are for 

guidance only as colours may not display 

accurately on screen or in printed format. 

Contact your local stockist to view a fringed 

(not digital reproduction) yarn shade card. 

© Copyright MEZ Crafts UK Ltd., 2018. 

MEZ Crafts UK Ltd., 17F, Brooke’s Mill, 

Armitage Bridge, Huddersfield, HD4 7NR, 

www.knitrowan.com 

2 ROWAN

CONTRIBUTORS 

……………………… 

Katie Calvert’s background is 

in fashion and textiles, with 

previous experience in trend 

forecasting, public relations and 

events before joining the closeknit 

Rowan team as a freelancer 

in September 2015. Although 

her knitting skills leave much to 

be desired, she loves fashion and 

writing for Rowan means that 

she is able to pass that passion 

onto you! 

Katherine Lymer is a knitting 

tutor, designer and writer based 

in the inspirational countryside 

of the Scottish Borders. She 

enjoys travelling throughout the 

UK, giving workshops on all 

aspects of knitting and teaching 

people of all ages and skill levels. 

Rosee Woodland is a knit and 

crochet designer and technical 

editor, who is fascinated by 

Britain’s textile heritage. She’s 

currently writing her first book 

and previously edited The Knitter 

and Knit Today magazines. 

Follow us on social media… 


3

7 

10 

12 

6 

14 

22 38 

4 ROWAN


……………………… 

Contents 

18 

May Member’s Pattern 

- Rua 6 

June & July’s Members Patterns Preview 7 

Feature 

- Colourwork Knits 8 

The British Craft Awards 

- Brand of the Year 10 

Mid-season Round Up 12 

Retailer Focus 

- Urban Yarns 14 

Events 

- ROWAN 40th Anniversary 16 

A Yarns Tale 

- From Origin to Design, Development of the Yarn 18 

How To 

- Brioche 22 

ROWAN Workshops 

- Meet the Tutors part 2 32 

Retailer Focus 

- Lady Sew and Sew 38 

Workshop & Event Schedule 41 


5

MAY’S 

MEMBER’S PATTERN 

……………………… 

Rua 

By Sarah Hatton 

Using Handknit Cotton 

DOWNLOAD 

6 ROWAN

Upcoming in 

June & July 

JUNE’S 


……………………… 

Charita 

By Marie Wallin 

Using Softyak DK 

JULY’S 


……………………… 

Willow 

By Martin Storey 

Using Handknit Cotton 


7

FEATURE 

……………………… 

Colourwork Knits 

By Rosee Woodland 

When Dee Hardwicke decided to launch her new 

book Colourwork Knits at Liberty in London, the 

chance of snow was the last thing on anyone’s mind. 

Of course, fast forward to the big day itself and fans 

of the designer were fighting through freak weather 

conditions to make it to the historic store. 

Dee said: “The event went brilliantly despite the 

fact that people had to battle through a blizzard to 

get there! We were posting photographs and videos 

on social media throughout the day so everyone 

knew we were there and made an amazing effort to 

come along, which was wonderful. 

“It was lovely to see some old friends and to meet 

some of my social media followers who I haven’t 

met before. Garments from the collection were on 

display throughout the day, and I spent most of the 

afternoon in the Pom Pom Shawl.” 

In fact the shawl, adorned with charming butterflies, 

is one of Dee’s favourites from among the 12 

patterns in her new book. “You can quite literally 

throw it on and it looks fabulous, instantly adding a 

glamorous touch to any outfit,” she explains. 

“A shawl is also really handy as an extra layer when 

you’re not quite sure what the weather’s up to, so 

the Pom Pom Shawl has been going everywhere 

with me recently … and has been much-admired, 

which is lovely.” 

Dee is an exciting addition to Rowan’s stable of 

regular designers. With a background in ceramics 

and fine art, her work now encompasses everything 

from creating beautiful chinaware, rugs, flooring 

and stationery, to dreaming up unique heirloom 

knits. 

She said: “Colourwork Knits brings together 

three of my passions; designing, knitting and 

clothes. I’d been planning a debut knitwear 

collection for quite some time, and my love 

8 ROWAN

of the natural world inspired the motifs.” 

Colourwork Knits realises Dee’s painterly 

interpretation of flora and fauna in a series of 

stunning garments peppered with motifs using 

both stranded and intarsia colourwork. She drew 

on a selection of much-loved Rowan yarns to help 

her express her vision. 

She said: “I’ve used Rowan’s Valley Tweed for 

several of the designs in the book – including the 

Circle Flowers Sweater shown on the cover and the 

Dee Motif Cardigan – since it’s really fine it’s ideal 

for ‘drawing’ motifs with. I’ve fallen in love with 

the palettes, and they’ve been a fantastic source of 

inspiration. 

“Rowan’s Alpaca Soft DK is irresistibly tactile and 

so it was a perfect choice for the Boyfriend Sweater 

and the Spring Blossom Cardigan designs … they’re 

almost impossible to take off because they feel so 

gorgeous to wear!” 

The day after the launch Dee hosted a special 

workshop at Liberty, where she demonstrated 

how to make an intarsia purse and walked knitters 

through her ‘painting with yarn’ technique. 

Attendees created their own motifs or used one of 

Dee’s, then worked with the designer to select the 

right Rowan yarns and colours to realise their idea 

in stitches. On both days knitters also got the chance 

to look at Dee’s original sketches and swatches for 

the Colourwork Knits book, a fascinating insight into 

the inspiration that drives one of knitwear’s most 

exciting designers. 

Colourwork Knits is published by Quail Studio and 

is available from Dee’s website and all good yarn 

shops. 

MORE INFO 


9

THE BRITISH 

CRAFT AWARDS 

……………………… 

Brand of the Year 

By Rosee Woodland 

Rowan is loved by knitters for its luxurious 

yarns and beautiful pattern collections. And 

now we’ve got proof! 

Here at the mill we’re in a celebratory mood after 

Rowan won Knitting Brand of the Year at the 

British Craft Awards. 

The awards are voted for by readers of craft titles 

published by Immediate Media, including The 

Knitter, Simply Knitting, Simply Crochet and Mollie 

Makes. 

Kirstie McLeod, commissioning editor of The 

Knitter and Simply Knitting, said: “Rowan has been 

at the forefront of yarn innovation for 40 years, so 

it was no surprise to see it had been named as our 

readers’ favourite brand. 

“It offers so many much-loved yarns, from personal 

favourites such as Felted Tweed and Kidsilk Haze, 

to exciting new blends for 2018, including Cotton 

Cashmere and Denim Lace. 

“Rowan is also hugely admired for its gorgeous 

pattern collections, and is a well-deserved winner 

of this award.” 

Rowan’s Brand Director Sharon Brant and Brand 

Manager David Macleod accepted the award on 

behalf of the whole Rowan team at a glittering 

ceremony at the Stitches craft show at Birmingham’s 

NEC. David said: “Rowan are delighted to win the 

brand of the year – it’s all the more special as it was 

voted for by the public. 

We have put a lot of work into the brand over the 

past two years and so this award means so much to 

all of the team behind Rowan.” 

Not only did Rowan win Knitting Brand of the 

Year, we were also a runner up in Product of the 

Year for our Alpaca Soft DK yarn. This deliciously 

luxurious yarn comes in 16 stunning shades and has 

quickly become a favourite with Rowan knitters, 

thanks to its plump round spin and dreamy feel. 

A mixture of super-soft alpaca and pure wool, It’s 

a fantastic yarn for cables, thanks to its crisp stitch 

definition, and the wide colour palette makes it a 

perfect choice for Fair Isle knits too. 

Crochet designer Jane Crowfoot, whose new 

Bohemian Blooms blanket kit features exclusively 

Rowan yarns, was chosen as Crochet Designer of 

the Year. 

The British Craft Awards began as a small event 

at Stitches and has grown to be the biggest awards 

ceremony in the crafting calendar. Each year 

Immediate’s magazine teams draw up a shortlist 

of nominees, based on reader feedback, popular 

products and current trends. Voting then takes place 

online, with readers able to support their favourites 

from each list. 

10 ROWAN


11

Mid Season Round Up 

……………………… 

Colourwork Knits 

by Dee Hardwicke 

A collection of 12 hand knit designs inspired 

by nature. Dee Hardwicke takes you through 

the techniques and inspirations behind her first 

knitwear collection. 

The garments are based on the shapes she loves to 

wear, from a perfectly fitted cardigan in rich colours 

that evoke thoughts of a sunny evening walk, to 

gorgeous, roomy sweaters to wrap yourself up in 

on colder days. Dee’s butterfly pom-pom shawl is 

the perfect piece to add a warm splash of colour to 

an outfit, and you’ll always have happy memories 

of chilly days spent wearing the textured and stylish 

hydrangea knitted coat, hat and scarf. 

Dee has created this collection in Rowan’s Valley 

Tweed, Felted Tweed, Felted Tweed Aran and 

Alpaca Soft DK. 

We caught up with Dee at the ‘Colourwork 

Knits’ launch event at Liberty – see page 8. 

Calm 

by Kim Hargreaves 

‘Calm’, is the latest collection from Kim 

Hargreaves. Twelve stunning designs created in 

Rowan Handknit Cotton, Kidsilk Haze, Softyak 

DK and Summerlite DK, taking you effortlessly 

from spring into mid-summer including some 

transitional pieces to wear all year round. 

The colour palette is simple and very wearable, 

with bleached whites, greys and khaki green. 

12 ROWAN

Cotton Cashmere Accessory Designs 

by Annika Wolke 

Annika Wolfe from the Rowan Design Team has 

created a collection of four stunning accessories in 

our new yarn Cotton Cashmere – Ida and Henny 

shawls, Marike cowl and Lina scarf. Henny is 

available in two colourways, a simple plain version 

or a stunning striped version, whilst Marike uses 

fun coral cables. 

Simple Shapes 

by Quail Studio 

Simple Shapes is the latest collection in the ‘4 

Projects’ series from Quail Studio. Four aspiring 

designs created in one yarn – Rowan Softyak DK 

– all of which are wearable simple, classic shapes 

to see you through spring and into the summer 

months and beyond. 

Softyak DK has quickly become a firm favourite 

within the Rowan range. Introduced in the Spring 

of 2016, it has assuredly taken its place as an all year 

round yarn. 


13

RETAILER 

FOCUS 

……………………… 

Urban Yarns 

CANADA 

Young professional mums and knitters Anina 

Hansen and her friend decided that if 

they couldn’t find high quality beautiful yarns 

in their home city, they would bring them 

in themselves! Urban Yarns opened in May 2004 

to much fanfare by likeminded knitters. Their 

goal was to share their inspiration by sourcing fine 

yarns and designs from around the world and bring 

them to the Point Grey Village in Vancouver, British 

Columbia. 

One of the first yarn lines purchased was Rowan, 

destined to become a staple in the store. Customers 

were pleased to find a source for Rowan magazines 

and delighted to be able to purchase their entire 

project at the shop. From the beginning, their 

clientele loved browsing through the colourful 

wall-to-wall shelves of yarn in this bright, stylish, 

chandelier-lit store. 

The business continued to thrive and Urban Yarns 

expanded to a second store, now located in the 

Central Lonsdale area of North Vancouver. A few 

years later, their online presence expanded with 

a web store designed to bring the same trusted 

consumer experience online as it is when in one of 

their brick and mortar stores. Now Anina’s current 

business partner Lindsay Schafer is busy with the 

web store, social media, and their famous in-store 

events, while Anina manages their now extensive 

inventory database and keeps their yarn offerings 

true to the company’s motto, “Always Something 

New!” 

Urban Yarns offers a range of smaller-sized classes, 

concentrating on individual attention and support. 

Their top classes are their Beyond Beginner classes 

– which offers students the opportunity to build 

skills by choosing their own project and learning 

any new techniques required with the instructor’s 

support. Classes are always warm and inviting, 

especially around the working fireplace and leather 

club chairs in the Lonsdale store. 

Throughout these fourteen years, the Rowan 

brand continued to be an important factor at 

Urban Yarns. Over the years, Urban Yarns has 

welcomed Kaffe Fassett and Brandon Mably to 

the store for workshops, celebrated 2014’s Rowan 

and Swarovski collaboration in high style with a 

champagne reception, and continue to make the 

seasonal launches of the brand an important event 

in their marketing. 

Current popular Rowan yarns include new and old 

classics such as Kidsilk Haze, Felted Tweed, Hemp 

Tweed, Softyak DK, and Lindsay’s favourite Kid 

Classic – a perfect yarn for knitting in this cool 

and breezy oceanside city. Anina’s current passion 

is Rowan Selects Camello, saying the yarn is “light 

as air and butter-soft and the colour richness is out 

of this world.” Whatever their customer’s Rowan 

aspiration, Urban Yarns is sure to help make it a 

reality. 

URBAN 

YARNS 

14 ROWAN

Owners Anina & Lindsay 


15

EVENTS 

……………………… 

EST 1978 

2018 is a special year for Rowan as we 

turn 40 in September! To celebrate, 

we’re creating a wealth of opportunities 

so that everyone can get in on the 

birthday action and help us really have 

a year to remember. 

At the beginning of September, we 

will be launching our celebrations 

with a fantastic travelling exhibition 

of the Rowan archive. The exhibition 

launches in London and will showcase 

iconic garments of old alongside 

exclusive displays of past yarns and 

publications. Visitors will get a chance 

to see the AW18 ‘Ruby’ collection 

which is being specially released for 

the anniversary. There will be a unique 

chance for visitors to see every single 

yarn that Rowan has ever produced; 

as well as exclusive comments from 

designers and members of the Rowan 

family who have worked with us over 

the last 40 years. 

For those of you unable to visit the 

London exhibition, we’re bringing 

the party to you! An edited version 

of the exhibition will tour some of 

Rowan’s global markets and Rowan 

retailers globally will also be holding 

birthday parties in our honour. With 

special events planned across the 

autumn winter months (there will be 

some anniversary fashion shows and 

workshops too!), make sure to keep an 

eye out for your nearest one! 

To really celebrate the 40 th anniversary, 

we have created some limited edition 

products: we have commissioned a 

unique mug for the occasion as well as 

knitting notebooks and Rowan pens. 

All would make the perfect gift for the 

Rowan lover in your life or, even, as a 

little treat for yourself! 

Follow us on social media and 

check out our event listing on www. 

knitrowan.com in the run up to the 

celebrations. 

16 ROWAN

AVAILABLE 

SEPTEMBER 

40 years of iconic 

hand knitwear design 

The Rowan Yarns design studio have hand selected 

40 designs from their archives that are all still 

wearable and relevant today. 

From classic styles to statement front cover pieces, 

ROWAN – 40 years of iconic knitwear design is a 

historical placeholder in the brands rich and vibrant 

heritage. 

Using current yarns and shades, some designs have 

been rephotographed to offer a new exciting look 

on the classic design. 

Own your own piece of Rowan Yarns history with 

this limited edition publication 

RRP: £20.00 


17

18 ROWAN

A YARNS TALE 

Part 2 

……………………… 

From Origin to 

Design, development 

of the Yarn 

By Katie Calvert 

In part 2, Katie Calvert discovers how Rowan 

chooses which yarn you’ll be coveting this season. 

The sheep have been sheared, the silk has been spun 

and the cotton harvested. But how does it become a 

part of the Rowan collection, to be lovingly crafted 

into your treasured garment? 

Each season, there may be a few Rowan yarns that 

have to make space to accommodate newer, fresher 

ones, giving way to more of the wide variety of 

luxury yarns that we’ve all admired over the years. 

The discovery of these new yarns takes time and 

passion, and involves both travelling abroad to trade 

shows and staying closer to home for more locally 

spun yarn. Textile trade shows take place across the 

world in order for companies within the industry to 

showcase and demonstrate their latest products to 

both trade partners and customers, with few open 

19

to the public. As a company with yarn to showcase, 

Rowan attends these shows during launch season, 

but, in this instance, Rowan is the customer, looking 

to find what suits your taste and the Rowan brand. 

An important trade show for Rowan to attend is 

Pitti Filati, taking place in June. Based in Florence, 

Italy, filati is the Italian word for yarns and is part of 

Pitti Immagine, a group of trade shows that include 

Pitti Uomo (meaning man), a popular destination 

for trendsetters and street style bloggers. Since these 

trade shows take place so far in advance, up to 14 

months ahead of season launch, it is important that 

the Rowan team recognises which trends will be 

important to you when you begin knitting, and 

that the yarn chosen is suitable for the season. 

Thinner yarns, like cotton, will not be as sought 

after when searching shows for the autumn winter 

season. That said when spun with other yarns, such 

as Yak, cotton can be a great transeasonal yarn. 

The H&H show in Cologne, in March, plays a 

significant role in meeting with spinners and other 

yarn companies. It is the world’s biggest trade fair 

for creative handicraft and hobby supplies, so its 

importance is undeniable in the textile calendar. 

However, these trade fairs take up just a short 

period of time in March and June. To make sure 

that Rowan is always one step ahead, they are in 

contact with spinners all year round, with meetings 

taking place throughout the year. It is not simply 

that Rowan discovers a great yarn and markets it 

under the Rowan name; Rowan works with these 

spinners to blend fibres and colour effects that not 

only suit the brand, but that are also enticing to the 

knitter and retailer, alike. 

Whilst it’s important that Rowan keeps on top of 

trends, exploring the world for yarn that is right for 

you and supporting the industry globally, sometimes 

that yarn is right on their doorstep, demonstrating 

the fantastic resources that the UK has to offer. Valley 

Tweed, a 100% wool tweed yarn, new to autumn 

winter 2017/18, has been spun and dyed just down 

the road from the Rowan offices, at Gardiner Yarns 

in their Yorkshire home, Albert Mills. There really 

is something extra special about a yarn that shares 

the same home as us. I can remember being in the 

20 ROWAN

Oppostie Page 

Pitti Filati, Florence 

This Page 

H&H, Cologne 

office on the day when it was first suggested as a 

potential Rowan yarn. I’m sure you can imagine 

the ‘oooing’ and ‘ahhing’ that goes on when these 

yarns are delivered to the team... Its light and airy 

feel combined with some truly sumptuous colours 

and the feeling of pride that it was locally sourced, 

made it an instant winner! Although the European 

team plays an important part in the whole yarn 

process, it’s vital that the UK team gets the chance 

to see and feel these prospective Rowan yarns. 

Many of the designers are based here, as are our 

loyal team of knitters, and our photoshoots take 

place across the UK. 

In addition to having control over visiting trade 

shows, meeting with spinners, choosing yarn 

and further developing the yarn, colour is very 

important to Rowan, and, thus, they manage the 

overall colour look of the Rowan palette. When 

Rowan was first launched in 1978, it became wellknown 

for their paintbox colour palette, placing 

value on yarn shades, something which is still at the 

core of Rowan today. 

Besides Valley Tweeds luxury, winter warming feel 

and locality to the area, the shades put forward 

for Valley Tweed made it further enticing. Earthy 

natural shades combined with deeper jewel tones, 

all named after the surrounding valleys, were clearly 

the perfect accompaniment to any winter outfit. 

And on closer inspection the subtle colour effect 

created using an additional thread of lambswool 

added to its luxuriousness. Often shades for spring 

summer tend to be brighter than shades for the 

autumn winter yarns. Yet, a quick peek at Alpaca Soft 

DK, which was new for autumn winter 2017/18, 

reveal it would be difficult to call ‘Deep Rose’ and 

‘Mulberry’ anything but vivid and beautiful. The 

same can be said of some of the transeasonal yarns, 

such as ‘Purplicious’, from Kidsilk Haze, and ‘Leaf’ 

in Baby Merino Silk DK. 

With the yarns chosen, the colour picked, the next 

step of creating the perfect piece can take place. 

To be continued… 


21

Stafford 


using Handknit Cotton 

Knitting & Crochet Magazine 63 

22 ROWAN

HOW TO 

……………………… 

Brioche 

By Katherine Lymer 

In the absence of a known history or discernible tradition, brioche 

became rather obsolete. Not now! Brioche knitting is enjoying 

a welcome resurgence in creating accessories and garments in bright, 

bold colours. Its thick fabric is gloriously textured and squishy and, 

when worked in two colours, can create a reversible ribbed fabric 

– perfect for shawls and scarves. Rowan have featured a number of 

brioche patterns in the past and the most recent in Magazine 63 is Lisa 

Richardson’s striking “Stafford” jumper, and so this provides a timely 

opportunity to explore some of the techniques and terminology 

associated with brioche knitting. We’re going to start our journey 

looking at brioche in one colour – and then apply the newly learnt 

principles to two-colour brioche. 


23

Figure 2. Working one colour brioche: Foundation Row 

a) Using the thumb method, cast on an 

even number of stitches. 

(b) With the yarn at the front of the 

work, slip the first stitch purlwise. 

(c) Knit the next stitch while creating 

the yfwd. 

(d) On the right hand needle, the total 

stitch count = 2 (the yfwd is not counted). 

(e) Continue work by holding the yarn 

at the front of the work and slip the next 

stitch purlwise. 

(f) Then create the yfwd as the next 

stitch is knitted. 

(g) Continue in set pattern until the 

entire row has been worked. 

When casting on for brioche knitting, it is important 

to use a method that produces an elastic edge and 

Lisa suggests using the long tail thumb method to 

achieve this. (For those unfamiliar with this cast on, 

Sarah Hatton demonstrates the method on Rowan’s 

YouTube channel.) To ensure a loose cast on, you 

may also wish to consider going up a needle size. 

The inviting squishiness of the fabric is created using 

a combination of slipped stitches and yarn forwards 

(yfwds), known more commonly to our American 

knitters as “Yarn Overs”, and referred to as “bars” 

24 ROWAN

Figure 3. Working one colour brioche: Row 1 

(a) With the yarn at the front of the 

work, slip the first stitch purlwise. 

(b) Knit together the yfwd with its 

paired slipped stitch. 

(c) On the right hand needle, the 

total stitch count = 2 (the yfwd is not 

counted). 

(d) Continue work by holding the yarn 

at the front of the work and slip the next 

stitch purlwise. 

(e) Then create the yfwd as the next 

stitch and its paired yfwd are knitted 

together. 

(g) Continue in set pattern until the 

entire row has been worked. 

in Rowan Mag 63. The basic pattern for one colour 

brioche can be written as follows: 

Cast on an even number of stitches, Fig 2(a). 

Foundation row: *Yfwd, sl1, k1*, rep to end. 

Row 1: *Yfwd, sl1, k tog next st with its yfwd, yfwd, 

sl 1*, rep to end 

Repeat Row 1. 

Cast off when desired length worked. 

The stitches are always slipped purlwise, with the 

yarn at the front of the work, Fig 2(b), which means 

that we create the yfwd as we knit the next stitch, 

Fig 2(c). At this stage, there will be two stitches 

on the right hand needle and one yfwd, Fig 2(d). 

Repeat this paried combination of “yfwd, sl1”, Fig 

2(e) and knit stitches, Fig 2(f) until you have worked 

the entire row, Fig 2(g). Even after working even 

a single row of brioche, the needle can look quite 

over-crowded with all the worked stitches, slipped 

stitches and their accompanying yarn overs. When 

counting these stitches, the yfwds do not contribute 

to the overall stitch count. So, for example, for a 

count of four stitches, there will actually be six loops. 

Row 1 starts similarly by holding the yarn at the 

front while slipping the next stitch, Fig 3(a). In this, 

and all proceeding rows, the yfwd is knitted together 

with its paired slipped stitch; Fig 3(b), often referred 

to as a “brioche knit” (brk) or “bark”. In “Stafford”, 

the instruction is written out long hand similarly to 

above. Again, the total stitch count on the right hand 

needle is two as the yfwd isn’t counted, Fig 3(c). 

Continue the pattern of slipping the next stitch (this 

is the knitted stitch from the previous row), Fig 3(d), 


25

Figure 4. One colour brioche 

(a) RS facing. 

(b) WS facing. 

and working the brioche knit, Fig 3(e), to the end of 

the row, Fig 3(f). When working in a single colour, we 

can use our preferred needles for knitting back and 

forth as there is no sliding stitches from one end to 

another: The work is turned, as normal, at the end of 

every worked row. 

Once you are happy with the single-colour version 

of brioche, shown on both the RS, Fig 4(a), and 

WS, Fig 4(b), it’s time to include a second colour. 

When casting on to work in two colours, again use a 

method that results in a stretchy edge and, if casting 

on in only one colour, always use the darker colour – 

as is shown in “Stafford” with the very pleasing, solid 

edge in “Thunder” blue. 

Two-colour brioche follows a similar pattern of 

slipped stitches and yfwds (or “bars”), except that 

each row is worked twice: The first time the row 

is worked, the darker colour is worked (and the 

lighter colour stitches are slipped); the second time 

of working this same row, the lighter colour is 

worked (and the darker colour stitches are slipped). 

For this reason, we always knit two-colour brioche 

on a circular needle (or, for smaller projects, double 

pointed needles) as these allow us to work the first 

row in the first colour and then slide the stitches back 

to the start, without turning the needle, to work the 

first row in the second colour. 

In addition to the “brioche knit” stitch, we also need 

26 ROWAN 

to “brioche purl”, where we purl the stitch that was 

slipped in the previous row together with its yfwd. 

Creating brioche fabric in two colours is a two-row 

pattern, with each row worked twice: On row 1, we 

first work the lighter colour and brioche purl; we 

then work the darker colour and brioche knit. On 

row 2, we first work the lighter colour and brioche 

knit and then we work the darker colour and brioche 

purl. 

We are going to introduce two-colour brioche using 

“Stafford” as our template and this sampler could 

also form a test swatch for the garment: Given that 

the stated tension for the pattern is 15sts on 4.5mm 

needles, we’ll follow the recommended procedure for 

knitting a tension square and cast on an extra 5-10 

stitches. For the purposes of this work, we need to 

maintain an odd number of stitches; for the swatch 

shown below, I have cast on 19 sts also in Handknit 

Cotton “Thunder”, Fig 5(a). Now work the 

foundation row twice, once in each colour, as follows: 

Foundation Row worked in Yarn B 

Knit the first stitch, Fig 5(b). 

Repeat the following stitch pattern until the end of 

the row: 

With the yarn at the front of the work, slip the next 

stitch purlwise, Fig 5(c), and knit the next stitch, Fig 

5(d), creating the yfwd, Fig 5(e). 

Once the row has been worked, Fig 5(f), slide the 

stiches back to the start of the needle ready to work 

the same row again, Fig 5(g).

Figure 5. Working two colour brioche: Foundation Row in Yarn B 

(a) Using the thumb method, and Yarn 

A, cast on an odd number of stitches. 

(b) Using Yarn B, knit the first stitch. 

(c) With Yarn B at the front of the work, 

slip the next stitch purlwise. 

(d) Knit the next stitch while creating 

the yfwd. 

(e) On the right hand needle, the 

total stitch count = 3 (the yfwd is not 

counted). 

(f) Continue in pattern until all stitches 

have been worked. 

(g) Slide the stitches back along the 

needle in preparation to work the row 

again. 


27

Figure 6. Working two colour brioche: Foundation Row in Yarn A 

(a) Using Yarn A, knit the first stitch. 

(b) Purl together the slipped stitch from 

the previous row and its paired yfwd. 

(c) With the yarn at the front of the 

work, slip the next stitch purlwise. 

(d) Yarn round the needle. 

(e) Continue in pattern until all stitches 

have been worked. 

Foundation Row worked in Yarn A 

Knit the first stitch, Fig 6(a). 

Repeat the following until the last two stitches: 

Purl together the next stitch and its paired yfwd, 

Fig 6(b); keeping the yarn at the front, slip the next 

stitch purlwise, Fig 6(c) then yarn around the needle 

(“yrn”), Fig 6(d). 

Work the last two stitches with a brioche purl 

followed by a k1, Fig 6(e). 

Now we start working the first row of the two-row 

pattern as follows: 

Row 1 worked in Yarn B 

Slip the first stitch knitwise, Fig 7(a). 


With yarn held at the front, slip the next stitch 

purlwise, Fig 7(b), yrn, Fig 7(c); purl together the 

next stitch and its paired yfwd, Fig 7(d). 

28 ROWAN 

For the last two stitches, and with the yarn at the 

front to the work, slip the next stitch purlwise, yrn 

and k1, Fig 7(e). 

Slide the stiches back to the start of the needle ready 

to work the same row again. 

Row 1 worked in Yarn A 

Slip the first stitch knitwise, Fig 8(a). 


Knit together the next stitch and its paired yfwd, Fig 

8(b) – this starts to form a column of “V’s” in blue, 

Fig 8(c); then, with the yarn in front, slip the next 

stitch purlwise, Fig 8(d). 

For the last two stiches, knit together the next stitch 

and its paired yfwd, k1, Fig 8(e). 

Turn the work ready to work row 2. 

Row 2 is worked in a similar manner, except that we

Figure 7. Working two colour brioche: Row 1 in Yarn B 

(a) Slip the first stitch knitwise. 

(b) With yarn B at the front of the work, 


(c) Yarn round the needle. 

(d) Purl together the slipped stitch from 


(e) Continue as set until all stitches have 

been worked. 


29

Figure 8. Working two colour brioche: Row 1 in Yarn A 

(a) Slip the first stitch knitwise. 

(b) Knit together the slipped stitch from 


(c) Note how a column on blue “V’s” are 

started to form as a result of the brioche 

knit stitch. 

(d) With yarn A at the front of the work, 


(e) Continue as set until all stitches have 

been worked. 

perform brioche knits in yarn B and brioche purls in 

Yarn A – and we will start to see a column of “V’s” 

forming in “Ballet Pink” (yarn B), Fig 9. 

Once all the knitting is complete, weaving in ends 

can be less onerous in brioche fabric as we can hide 

our ends beside the yfwds – taking care not to distort 

the fabric or make the ends visible on the right side 

of our work. In terms of blocking, you may wish to 

consider not blocking at all in order to maintain the 

elasticity of your fabric. Any steam or wet blocking 

should be performed with care as it can cause the 

brioche fabric to stretch. As always, follow the care 

instructions on your ball band together with the 

pattern instructions, to produce your own vibrant 

and textured brioche fabric. 

Figure 9. Working two colour 

brioche: After completing row 2. 

30 ROWAN

AVAILABLE NOW 

FROM YOUR LOCAL 

STOCKIST 

CALM 

By Kim Hargreaves 

12 Designs using Handknit 

Cotton, Softyak DK, Kidsilk 

Haze & Summerlite Dk 


31

ROWAN 

WORKSHOPS 

……………………… 

Meet the Tutors 

Part 2 

Here at Rowan we are passionate about passing on hand knitting and crochet skills. This is reflected in 

our very successful workshop programme which has been running for many years. The programme 

provides great opportunities to learn a new skill, brush up on an existing skill or simply enjoy spending 

the day with like-minded people! 

Expert advice and guidance is provided by our team of Rowan workshop tutors who offer a wide range 

of both knitting and crochet workshops, from the very basics of ‘Learn to’ through to ‘Professional Finishing’ 

and ‘Design’. 

Our tutors have a wealth of knowledge to share and genuinely enjoy the opportunity to pass on their skills. 

A Rowan workshop is an experience that time and again many people choose to repeat knowing that they 

can develop their skills in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. 

In the last issue, we caught up with some members of the team to find out what they enjoy most about 

being part of the Rowan workshop programme, what their Rowan favourites are, and of course the 

question that we all want to know the answer to…what they have on their needles at the moment! In this 

issue we meet four other members of the team and put the same questions to them. 

Donna Grossman 

Donna specialises in teaching crochet and has 

extensive crochet experience which she has 

acquired over many years. Donna offers crochet 

workshops from basic through to more advanced, 

many of which are project based and she particularly 

enjoys colour work and beading. 

What is your favourite Rowan yarn? 

My favourite Rowan yarn is Kidsilk Haze. 

What is your favourite design from the 

Rowan SS18 collections? 

My favourite design from the Rowan SS18 is Nabeela. 

What is your favourite Rowan design ever? 

I have so many favourite Rowan designs that it’s 

impossible to narrow it down to just one! 

What are you knitting at the moment? 

At the moment I am knitting the Trinny Scarf design by 

Lisa Richardson. 

Which subject/technique do you enjoy 

teaching the most and why? 

I enjoy teaching crochet the most as I am passionate about 

the craft and am delighted to pass it on. 

What do you enjoy the most about teaching 

workshops? 

I enjoy teaching workshops as it is very rewarding seeing 

people’s progression and accomplishments. 

32 ROWAN

Above 

Donna Grossman 

Opposite 

Nabeela 

by Martin Storey 

using Softyak DK, Felted Tweed, 

Kidsilk Haze & Fine Lace 



33

Far Left 

Anna Nikipirowicz 

Opposite 

Gina Couch 

Anna Nikipirowicz 

Anna is an author, designer and workshop tutor, 

teaching knitting and crochet across the UK. She 

teaches a great range of all levels of knitting and 

crochet workshops such as fairisle and steeking, 

sock knitting, toe-up and cuff down, toe-up 

crochet socks, finishing techniques for crochet and 

knit, crochet mandalas, short rows, lace knitting and 

many more! 


It’s impossible to choose only one…. I must go with three: 

Kid Classic, Felted Tweed and of course, Kidsilk Haze. 



The beautiful crochet shawl by Jane Crowfoot. I adore 

that there is so much more crochet in the latest collection. 


Rainey by Sarah Hatton from Knitting & Crochet 

Magazine 60. 


Rainey by Sarah Hatton from Magazine 60. A gorgeous 

Fairisle jumper. 



All of them, but if I had to choose, it will have to be 

Fair Isle and steeking. Especially the trembling hands and 

holding of breath before cutting into beautifully knitted 

colourwork swatch, followed by a big sigh of relief that the 

steek has worked…priceless. 


workshops? 

Every class brings something new and exciting. With 

beginner workshops, it’s most enjoyable seeing people 

making their first stitches and falling in love with knitting 

or crochet. The more advanced classes bring a great sense 

of satisfaction when crafters expand their knowledge and 

learn or perfect a new technique. 

Are you planning any new workshop subjects 

for 2018? 

I have lots of new great classes planned this half of a year. 

I have the old favourites such as sock knitting, crochet 

mandalas and I’m also introducing Mosaic knitting, 

Tunisian crochet and crochet flower class, based on 

techniques used in my new book, Crocheted Flowers to 

Wear. 

Gina Couch 


Softyak DK. I love this yarn as it is so soft to handle and 

very easy to work with creating beautiful stitch definition. 

Plus it can be worn for most of the year and is easy to care 

for being machine washable. 



Eshana by Lisa Richardson. A very versatile, elegant 

addition to any wardrobe 


So hard to choose…Have to say my first Rowan jumper 

that I made back in the 1990s! Black and white Fair 

Isle by Kim Hargreaves – I still have it and use it as an 

example for Fair Isle workshops. 

34 ROWAN

Top Right 

Eshana 


using Cretive Linen, Softyak DK 


Bottom Right 

Rainey 

by Sarah Hatton 

using Kid Classic 



I have several items on the go! This evening I have been 

making a mug cosy from Softyak DK as a project for 

a Rowan workshop, Introduction To Cable Knitting for 

Yarn O’Clock in Mold. 



I enjoy so many topics/techniques. Advanced workshops 

are wonderful but I love teaching beginners. Taking 

someone who has never crocheted or who has forgotten 

from their first faltering stitches to their first piece of crochet 

work is very rewarding. 


workshops? 

I get great pleasure from seeing people develop their skills 

at all levels of ability. 



Cable knitting and cable ‘Aran’ style crochet plus colour 

work in both knitting and crochet. 

Melanie Boocock 

Melanie is an experienced workshop tutor teaching 

knitting, crochet and sewing workshops. Melanie 

teaches a wide range of subjects from ‘Learn to’ 

through to more advanced techniques including 

Professional Finishing, Sock knitting and even Fair 

Isle and Steeking. 


I love the Summerlite cottons, 4ply and DK. There is a 

gorgeous colour palette. They are great for knitting and crochet. 


35

Melanie Boocock 



It’s too hard to narrow it down to just one. There are 2 

gorgeous crochet wraps that have really caught my eye, 

Eshana and Wiremu. My favourite garment is Coalport. 

I don’t have any boys to knit for, so I’m planning a Bug 

Cowl for myself. 


This is a really hard question. There are so many beautiful 

designs. The cardigan I wear most is Armandier by Martin 

Storey, in Summerlite 4ply. 


I’m just finishing a pair of Cable Wristwarmers by 

Martin Storey from his Learn to knit Cables book and 

I’ve just made a Weeton Scarf from Magazine 62 for a 

friend’s birthday. I am working on 4 projects from the 

Spring Summer range - the 2 two beautiful crochet wraps, 

one by Lisa Richardson and one by Jane Crowfoot. 



I don’t really have a favourite. I enjoy teaching knitting, 

crochet and sewing, everything from beginners through to 

more advanced techniques. If I had to choose, maybe fair 

isle techniques. 


workshops? 

I love teaching. I really enjoy sharing my passion for 

crafting beautiful, handmade items. 



I’m planning to host some mini sessions in the flagship 

area at Black Sheep Wools and I’m also planning sessions 

36 ROWAN 

around specific techniques from the Spring Summer 

collection. 

Our team of tutors are based all around the UK. 

To find out if they are teaching at a store near you, 

please see our latest listing on page 39, or click the 

button below. 

WORKSHOPS

Armandier 

by Martin Storey 

using Summerlite 4ply 

Summerlite 4ply Collection 


37

RETAILER 

FOCUS 

……………………… 

Lady Sew and Sew 

U.K 

Lady Sew and Sew started nearly 40 years ago 

with market stalls across the South East of 

England, later opening its first shop selling fabric, 

yarn and haberdashery. Since then it has grown into 

Europe’s largest patchwork and quilting retailer, with 

a huge warehouse open to the public in picturesque 

Henley-on-Thames, home of the famous Royal 

Regatta. 

Some six years ago it moved into its current premises, 

a former Victorian laundry complete with a well 

and a WWII air raid shelter in the basement, but 

maintains a presence in its original retail location – 

neighbouring Marlow, Buckinghamshire – with a 

small but highly popular shop. This remains a family 

business, run by sisters Judy, Vanessa and Sarah and 

Sarah’s husband Jon, with their mother, Lady Sew 

and Sew founder Joy, still taking a keen interest. 

Its thriving online business, ladysewandsew.co.uk, 

offers a huge range of yarn, fabrics, wadding and 

other essentials for knitting, crochet, patchwork, 

38 ROWAN


39

quilting and dressmaking, and Lady Sew and Sew is 

one of the country’s foremost retailers of Kaffe Fassett 

Collective designs. Both Kaffe Fassett and Brandon 

Mably are frequent visitors to the warehouse, giving 

workshops for groups of enthusiastic quilters and 

knitters. 

In 2016 online yarn sales started, and a dedicated 

wool room was added to the Henley premises 

offering a wide range of yarns, patterns and 

publications from Rowan. Leading Rowan designers 

are frequent visitors to Henley, their classes and talks 

always attracting capacity crowds, and the Lady Sew 

and Sew Knits team is continually exploring new 

ways of spreading the word about the joys of knitting 

and crochet. 

There’s a fortnightly ‘Knit and Natter’ group, where 

knitters can meet up for a chat and to exchange 

ideas and inspirations, and Lady Sew and Sew 

Knits welcomes everyone from newcomers to the 

most experienced knitters, who will find the staff 

knowledgeable, enthusiastic and keen to help and 

advise. One of the secrets of the success of Lady 

Sew and Sew has always been that the owners are 

enthusiasts too – when they’re not running the 

business (and often when they actually are), you’ll 

find them knitting, cutting or sewing! 

But then that’s all part of the appeal of Lady Sew 

and Sew: the sisters encourage customers to come 

and spend time browsing and choosing yarn and 

patterns for their latest project, with free tea and 

coffee always available, and an atmosphere that’s 

the exact opposite of high-pressure sales. As Judy 

Edwards puts it, “We love seeing our regulars – 

they’re not just our customers, but also our friends 

– but we’re even happier when someone comes to 

us who’s never knitted before, and we can send 

them on their way with everything they need, and 

the confidence to tackle whatever they’ve decided 

to make. 

“We keep in close contact with our customers 

through newsletters and social media, ensuring 

they’re the first to know about new yarns, patterns 

and trends, and we love receiving visits from knitting 

groups and similar organisations – we’ve become 

something of a destination for crafty coach-parties!” 

To keep up with those trends, Judy and the team 

are always planning new workshops and events, and 

recently held a Brioche knitting workshop inspired 

by a design in Rowan Magazine 63. They’re looking 

forward to visits from leading designers including 

Brandon Mably, Arne & Carlos and Rowan tutor 

Avril Best, and in November will have an exhibition 

to mark the centenary of the end of World War I, 

with classes on wartime knitting. There’ll also be 

special events in September to celebrate Rowan’s 

40 th anniversary. 

LADY SEW 

AND SEW 

40 ROWAN

ROWAN 

……………………… 

Workshop & Event 

Schedule 

Friday 4th May Crochet 

Lace Edgings with 

Sophia Reed – Black 

Sheep Wools, Warrington 

01925 764231 

Saturday 5 th May 

Patchwork Floating 

Triangles with Janet 

Goddard – Liberty, 

London 

0207 7341234 


Dee Hardwicke Book 

Signing – Oxford Yarn 

Store, Oxford 

01865 604112 

Sunday 6 th May 

Intarsia with Dee 

Hardwicke – Oxford 

Yarn Store, Oxford 

01865 604112 


Introduction to Fair 

Isle Knitting with 

Suzanne Strachan – 

Liberty, London 0207 

7341234 


Knitting with Colour 

with Sara Thornett – 

House of Haby, Worcester 

07771 243976 

Monday 21 st May Make 

A Purse Fair Isle and 

Intarsia with Melanie 

Boocock – The Knitter’s 

Yarn, Harrogate 

01423 816618 

Saturday 26 th May Quilt 

As You Go with Lyn 

Scoulding – Liberty, 

London 

0207 7341234 


Professional Finishing 

Techniques with Sara 

Thornett – House of 

Haby, Worcester 

07771 243976 

Wednesday 6 th June 

Rowan Yarn Tasting 

and mini workshops 

‘Painting Pictures 

With Yarn’ – Spin A 

Yarn, Bovey Tracey 01626 

836203 

Saturday 16 th June Knit- 

A-Long Sweater in 

the Round – Handmade 

Studios, Rowlands Castle 

02392 412901 

Sunday 24 th June Mystery 

Blanket Club Workshop 

with Debbie Abrahams 

– Ewe Wool Shop, Stamford 

01780 763838 

Saturday 7 th July 

Working in the 

Round/Fake Cables 

with Sara Thornett – 

The Knitting Corner, 

Lichfield 

01543 415837 

Saturday 8 th September 

Free Form Patchwork 

with Lyn Scoulding – 

Liberty, London 

0207 7341234 

Thursday 13th September 

Rowan AW Launch 

Event - Lady Sew and 

Sew, Henley 

01491 572528 

Saturday 22 nd September 

Knitting in the Round 

with Georgia Farrell – 


0207 7341234 

Saturday 29 th September 

Crochet Motifs 

(Intermediate Level) 

with Donna Grossman 

– Liberty, London 

0207 7341234 

Saturday 6 th October 

Create and Design 

with Georgia Farrell – 


0207 7341234 


Quilt As You Go with 

Lyn Scoulding – Liberty, 

London 

0207 7341234 


Professional Finishing 

Techniques for Knitters 

with Suzanne Strachan 

– Liberty, London 

0207 7341234 

Saturday 24 th November 

Intarsia with Dee 

Hardwicke – Black 

Sheep Wools, Warrington 

01925 764231 

To view a full list of 

workshop dates visit 

www.knitrowan.com 

by clicking the button 

below. 

WORKSHOPS 


41

AVAILABLE NOW 

FROM YOUR LOCAL 

STOCKIST 

COTTON CASHMERE 

b y A n n i k a A n d r e a W o l k e 

Four FREE Shawl & Cowl designs 

using Cotton Cashmere

Rowan Summer 2018 newsletter with links Opt

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?