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…
SUMMER 2018
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SUMMER 2018
………………………
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
SUMMER 2018
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MAY’S
MEMBER’S PATTERN
………………………
Rua
By Sarah Hatton
Using Handknit Cotton
DOWNLOAD
6 ROWAN

Upcoming in
June & July
JUNE’S
MEMBER’S PATTERN
………………………
Charita
By Marie Wallin
Using Softyak DK
JULY’S
MEMBER’S PATTERN
………………………
Willow
By Martin Storey
Using Handknit Cotton
SUMMER 2018
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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
SUMMER 2018
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

SUMMER 2018
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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.
SUMMER 2018
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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
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Owners Anina & Lindsay
SUMMER 2018
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
SUMMER 2018
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…
SUMMER 2018
21

Stafford
by Lisa Richardson
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.
SUMMER 2018
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),
SUMMER 2018
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.
SUMMER 2018
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).
Repeat the following until the last two stitches:
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).
Repeat the following until the last two stitches:
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,
slip the next stitch purlwise.
(c) Yarn round the needle.
(d) Purl together the slipped stitch from
the previous row and its paired yfwd.
(e) Continue as set until all stitches have
been worked.
SUMMER 2018
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
the previous row and its paired yfwd.
(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,
slip the next stitch purlwise.
(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
SUMMER 2018
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
Knitting & Crochet Magazine 63
SUMMER 2018
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!
What is your favourite Rowan yarn?
It’s impossible to choose only one…. I must go with three:
Kid Classic, Felted Tweed and of course, Kidsilk Haze.
What is your favourite design from the
Rowan SS18 collections?
The beautiful crochet shawl by Jane Crowfoot. I adore
that there is so much more crochet in the latest collection.
What is your favourite Rowan design ever?
Rainey by Sarah Hatton from Knitting & Crochet
Magazine 60.
What are you knitting at the moment?
Rainey by Sarah Hatton from Magazine 60. A gorgeous
Fairisle jumper.
Which subject/technique do you enjoy
teaching the most and why?
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.
What do you enjoy the most about teaching
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
What is your favourite Rowan yarn?
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.
What is your favourite design from the
Rowan SS18 collections?
Eshana by Lisa Richardson. A very versatile, elegant
addition to any wardrobe
What is your favourite Rowan design ever?
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
by Lisa Richardson
using Cretive Linen, Softyak DK
Knitting & Crochet Magazine 63
Bottom Right
Rainey
by Sarah Hatton
using Kid Classic
Knitting & Crochet Magazine 60
What are you knitting at the moment?
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.
Which subject/technique do you enjoy
teaching the most and why?
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.
What do you enjoy the most about teaching
workshops?
I get great pleasure from seeing people develop their skills
at all levels of ability.
Are you planning any new workshop subjects
for 2018?
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.
What is your favourite Rowan yarn?
I love the Summerlite cottons, 4ply and DK. There is a
gorgeous colour palette. They are great for knitting and crochet.
SUMMER 2018
35

Melanie Boocock
What is your favourite design from the
Rowan SS18 collections?
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.
What is your favourite Rowan design ever?
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.
What are you knitting at the moment?
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.
Which subject/technique do you enjoy
teaching the most and why?
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.
What do you enjoy the most about teaching
workshops?
I love teaching. I really enjoy sharing my passion for
crafting beautiful, handmade items.
Are you planning any new workshop subjects
for 2018?
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
SUMMER 2018
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

SUMMER 2018
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
Saturday 5 th May
Dee Hardwicke Book
Signing – Oxford Yarn
Store, Oxford
01865 604112
Sunday 6 th May
Intarsia with Dee
Hardwicke – Oxford
Yarn Store, Oxford
01865 604112
Saturday 12 th May
Introduction to Fair
Isle Knitting with
Suzanne Strachan –
Liberty, London 0207
7341234
Saturday 12 th May
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
Saturday 26 th May
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 –
Liberty, London
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 –
Liberty, London
0207 7341234
Saturday 13 th October
Quilt As You Go with
Lyn Scoulding – Liberty,
London
0207 7341234
Saturday 27 th October
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
SUMMER 2018
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