AW20 Digital Newsletter

Autumn Winter 

2020

WELCOME 

Cover Image | Skibo 

EST 1978 

by Martin Storey from Magazine 68 

Image | Smitten 

by Lisa Richardson from Pure Cashmere 

Dear Rowan Knitter, 

CONTACT US 

Over the last few months, here at Rowan we have been thinking about the entire knitting 

community and the impact that the global pandemic has had on everyone’s lives. Our thoughts 

have been and continue to be with friends, family, colleagues, working partners as well as the 

wider knitting community. The Rowan team continue to work following all relevant Covid-19 

guidelines. We wish everyone well and hope for good health, safety and wellbeing for all. 

The global lockdowns had an impact on the launch date of our Autumn Winter season 

and so we welcomed Rowan Magazine 68 and the new collections a little later than usual 

- MODE at Rowan Collection Three and new brochures from Martin Storey, Georgia Farrell, 

ARNE & CARLOS and Quail Studio. This season we also introduce you to three new yarns, 

including a very special Pure Cashmere, plus new shades from Dee Hardwicke and Kaffe Fassett. 

Read all about the new Autumn Winter collections over the coming pages. 

In this newsletter, we hear from local yarn stores ‘Born to Knit’ based here is the UK, and new 

Rowan Flagship stores ‘Ribbon Yarns’ in New Zealand and Seibu Shibuya in Tokyo. We also 

catch up with stores both in North America and here in the UK to hear how they have adapted 

to the changing retail landscape, whilst continuing to serve and inspire their customers during 

this challenging time. 

We also take a look back at the hugely successful Elder Throw Knit Along, which for so many was 

the perfect project to immerse oneself in whilst staying at home. We hear from the inspirational 

founder of Little Box of Crochet, Amanda Bloom, and Katherine Lymer reminds us of the 

importance of tension in our regular ‘How To’ column. Trisha Malcolm in conversation with 

Georgia Farrell is a great read and Trisha also took time out to catch up with Kerry Kimber 

about her new ‘Kids Knit’ book. 

Happy reading, happy knitting and stay safe. 

With best wishes from 

The Rowan team 

© Copyright 2020 

Rowan Yarns | Flanshaw Lane | Alverthorpe | Wakefield | WF2 9ND | United Kingdom 

Web: www.knitrowan.com | Email: mail@knitrowan.com | Tel: + 44 (0) 1484 668200 

www.knitrowan.com 

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or any part of all material is strictly forbidden. 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. 

3

CONTENTS 

EST 1978 

CONTENTS 

Autumn Winter 2020 

92 

Autumn Winter Review 

18 | Rowan Magazine 68 

34 | Todd & Duncan Pure Cashmere 

46 | MODE at Rowan - New Yarns 

50 | NEW Designer Shades 

64 | Rowan Selects 

72 | Designer Brochures 

80 | NEW from Quail Studio 

84 | MODE at Rowan 

90 | NEW from Kim Hargreaves 

18 

34 

Features 

8 | Yarn Tales from Lockdown 

16 | Elder Throw KAL 

26 | Meet the Team - Rowan at OSPREY HOME 

38 | Retailer Focus 

60 | Interview with Kerry Kimber 

68 | Little Box of Crochet 

76 | In Conversation with Georgia Farrell 

88 | #knitrowanbyme 

92 | Debbie Abrahams Mystery Blanket 2021 

96 | How to 

38 

68 

Free Pattern 

100 | Lucca by Lisa Richardson 

16 60 46 76 

4 November 2020 | Autumn Winter November 2020 | Autumn Winter 5

CONTRIBUTORS 

EST 1978 

Trisha Malcolm 

Trisha is the Executive Brand Strategist at Rowan, and has 

spent many years in the hand knitting industry, most notably 

as the Editorial Director at Vogue Knitting Magazine. 

She’s been a lifelong knitter, and dedicated to inspiring 

knitters all over the world to get their hands on Rowan yarn! 

Arabella Harris 

Arabella is a design consultant and writer with an innate 

knowledge of all aspects of the hand knitting industry. 

She proudly learnt her colours from the Rowan shade 

card as a child, and has experience of running a brand and 

collaborating with designers. 

Linda Pratt 

Handknitting industry veteran Linda Pratt has done it all 

- be it shopowner, designer, sales and/or marketing manager 

for three yarn companies in the United States. 

Currently Linda spends her days working for Rowan, 

and helps with marketing strategies and maintaining 

Rowan's presence on Ravelry. 

Chloe Thurlow 

Chloe Thurlow has a background in machine and hand 

knitting. She has been published by MODE at Rowan, 

as well as working day to day in the Rowan Design Office. 

Katherine Lymer 

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. 

6 November 2020 | Autumn Winter 7

YARN TALES 

EST 1978 

YARN TALES 

FROM LOCKDOWN 

The challenges of 2020 have affected us all in 

many different ways and everyone has their own 

personal experiences and stories to tell. 

We have been utterly inspired by the wonderful 

and positive stories we have heard about how the 

crafting and knitting community have worked 

together to keep people crafting, creating, 

inspired and in touch with one another. 

Here are just a few of those stories..... 

Sealed With A Kiss (Flagship) 

Guthrie, Oklahoma 

Keely Northup, who started Sealed With A Kiss in historic 

Guthrie, Oklahoma in 1997, saw the onset of COVID-19 

as a new challenge to conquer. When the shop closed to 

in-store traffic in late March, Keely supplemented her social 

media – daily posts on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – 

to include a daily You Tube Channel called House Party. 

Posting a new House Party video every day until the shop 

re-opened in June, Keely was able to engage with her 

customers locally and nationally with programs about new 

yarns, products and techniques, as well as some humorous 

episodes involving favorite songs, finding useable hand 

sanitizer, and the Top 10 positives about staying home, 

featuring Keely, her staff and her teenage son. 

Keely feels fortunate that she invested in a new website 

in 2019, complete with the full line of Rowan products 

available to order online. Because of the updated site, she 

could move her business rapidly to fully online and not 

lose business. 

For local customers, Keely established a hands-free pick up 

station in the rear of the store building. Located in an historic 

downtown setting, the store’s back door faces a picturesque 

re-done alleyway and is marked by a large rooster sculpture 

- so that her customers could continue shopping, knitting 

and crocheting while waiting for the store to re-open. 

Once the store re-opened on the first of July, House 

Party transitioned to SWAK TV, continuing the daily 

video platform, with fresh episodes every day. Keely was 

impressed by the number of people who contacted her 

after episodes and appreciated the efforts that the store 

made to help stay in touch. 

Website 

Due to the current global situation and the ever-changing retail landscape, 

please check with the store for current trading arrangements and services. 


Purl A Row 

Lincolnshire, UK 

At the beginning of the year we decided to move from 

Cornwall to Lincolnshire to enable our son to get the 

medical and educational help he needed…fast forward 

through lock down and various other road bumps and I 

have now found a new shop in a lovely market town called 

Horncastle. It’s not as big as I would have liked, but has 

potential and is accessible - with my ethos and personal 

wants, the shop has to be accessible and welcoming for all. 

I really can’t wait to get into it as I am missing my shop 

so much. 

How have I kept the business going during this time? 

Simple grit and determination is about it really. I have 

some amazing friends who have allowed me to throw out 

ideas and fine tune them to make them work. First off was 

Christmas in July. This was a surprise box full of Christmas 

delights including a knitting kit, chocolate, a Christmas 

DVD and lots more little goodies. Then came the 80 day 

sweater along. Make a sweater either crochet or knit in 80 

days and enjoy some fun in the chat group whilst we did it. 

Another Yarn (Flagship) 

Burlington, Massachusetts 

Finally I seemed to have found something that people 

wanted and I let the ‘Knit Lit’ boxes out. These are a 

different box every month with the theme of a knitting 

book and a kit to knit with a drink and sometimes other 

little trinkets. The idea was to have 6 months and all but 1 

month sold out in the first week of release. The boxes vary 

in genre but they are all about knitting in some way or 

another. They post out the first week of the month and are 

bringing a little bit of joy to people when they arrive and 

then they get the pleasure of reading and knitting. 

Now these boxes have not only brought in a little bit of 

money to help keep the business open but they helped 

keep me a little bit sane and distracted from what’s going 

on. They are a joy to put together and I can’t remember 

the last time I lost myself in a book before I did these. 

For the end of the year we have the Leyland shawl and the 

Bee things knit along. These are kits and lessons to learn 

new skills. I look forward to welcoming you to the new 

shop in Horncastle. 

Website 



As Teresa McGonagle penned the weekly newsletter for 

her store, Another Yarn, on Sunday March 15 th , the early 

spread of COVID-19 in the greater Boston area was her 

primary topic. The store had already reduced their hours, 

reinforced their online sales presence, curtailed all but a 

few classes and was disinfecting the premises regularly. 

Within the week that followed, a lot changed. While the 

store stayed open, customers were no longer allowed in the 

store. Teresa quickly organized virtual and phone shopping 

appointments and a hands-free pick-up program from 

the store’s parking lot. Knitting and crochet groups were 

organized daily via the ZOOM platform. 

That same week, Teresa took on another challenge. 

Her niece, Sarah, worked for Tufts Medical Center’s 

Community Care program. While facemasks and other 

PPE were given to front-line medical workers, Sarah’s 

team of health care and administration workers were in 

need of protective supplies. 

Teresa knew that many of her customers were sewists as 

well as knitters. Starting with her own fabric stash and 

then with donations and the purchase of 1600 yards from a 

local fabric distributor, she started making kits to give out 

to her customers to sew. Teresa worked into the wee hours 

of the night making these kits, so that all her customers 

had to do was to pick them up as they drove by the shop. 

Two virtual tutorials were held, with 135 customers logged 

into the first class, then 199 logged onto the second – 

all in one week! 

As of 8 April, 2000 masks had been completed and donated. 

Teresa increased the program to cover local hospices, senior 

centers, homeless and homeless care administrators. With 

the advent of the ear-saver patterns in knit and crochet, 

her non-sewing customers could participate with donated 

yarn and buttons. By the first of July, close to 6000 masks 

had been donated. 

At the same time, Another Yarn kept up with online 

groups and classes – including the store’s successful 

seasonal Sweater Club, virtual trunk shows and, of course, 

the weekly newsletter that continued engagement. Now 

re-opened, Teresa and her staff have her customer base 

ready for another new knitting adventure each week! 

Website 




Needle & Skein (Flagship) 

Minneapolis, Minnesota 

When COVID-19 caused Needle & Skein, located in the St. 

Louis Park area of Minneapolis to close, owner and local opera 

singer, Gilah Mashaal, jumped into action. She immediately 

enlisted the help of her daughter, Gabrielle Mashaal-Timm, 

to be her social media maven, and with the help of her shop 

staff began a regular schedule of Facebook, Instagram and 

weekly newsletters to stay in touch with her customers. 

Gilah and her staff created “Grab and Go” project kits, that 

were introduced every other day on social media. These kits, 

with many simple projects and free patterns were easy for 

customers to use their stash or pick up from the outside of 

the shop. Considered a life-saver by many of her knitters, 

Gilah’s kits covered Mother’s Day and graduation gifts, as well 

as something special for knitters during an uncertain time. 

Website 

Norfolk Yarns (Flagship) 

Norfolk, UK 

During the summer of 2020 the whole of the UK and 

further afield was affected by the COVID-19 virus, causing 

many of us to be contained within our own homes and 

separated from family and friends. Having hobbies to keep 

both hands and minds busy has been a major factor for many 

people who haven’t been able to get out and about, and we 

have been trying our best to help our lovely customers to 

keep going with their knitting and crocheting. 

As a business we had to close our doors, but due to the 

wonders of the internet we were able to carry on taking 

orders via our website and we really enjoyed getting out 

and about delivering the parcels. All local parcels were 

delivered by Boo and Simon on their bikes during their 

afternoon exercise hour with Rebecca delivering further 

afield in Norfolk by the bright red Norfolk Yarn delivery 

vehicle, discovering on the way the joys of rural Norfolk 

Sat Nav! 

It has cheered us immensely to hear from customers who 

have been happily working away with the yarns we’ve 

delivered, and we are looking forward to keeping going 

with postal deliveries as well as being back in the shop with 

the new season yarns to keep us busy through the winter. 

Being in close proximity to community events of unrest in 

late May, Gilah networked with others in her area to help 

those trying to get groceries through to the shut-down 

areas of the city, where grocery stores had been closed or 

were inaccessible. Partnering with local food banks and 

community organizations, Gilah reached out to the fiber 

community and her local customers with a list of groceries, 

baby items, and personal care items that were in short supply. 

The subject was not knitting, but a community-focused 

post detailing how her audience could contribute to their 

fellow citizens. 

Overnight, Gilah turned her store into a holding area and 

collected donations for four days. There were no yarn sales 

during that time, as customers dropped off bags and boxes 

of goods, covering the store’s sales floor, so that it was 

difficult to maneuver within the shop. Each day donated 

supplies would be distributed throughout the city to those 

in need. 

Gilah is proud to have found a way for the fiber community 

of Minneapolis to be involved and help during this crisis, 

yet feel safe. This reinforces her belief that Minnesotans 

are loyal, supportive people who are always ready to 

help others. 

Website 






FEATURE 

EST 1978 

A few other things which have been 

going on in the virtual knitting world... 

Rowan Flagship Ewe 

Rowan Flagship, Ewe, kept in touch with their 

customers during lockdown via email and text, 

delivering orders within 24 hours. Hungarian Vizsla 

Wilma kept a close eye on things and lent a helping 

paw to the creation and launch of their online shop. 

Ippikin (Flagship) 

Much Wenlock, Shropshire, UK 

Lockdown for me at Ippikin was never a case of trying to 

beat the boredom, as all knitters and crocheters probably 

felt - there was plenty to be getting on with! It all started 

with a crochet-along, trying to get people to learn how to 

crochet without having to leave the house. I had a lot of 

family and friends getting in touch and asking about how 

they could take up knitting and crochet during lockdown, 

and it got me thinking...how can I help teach them to 

crochet, without them having to come into the shop? So I 

decided to do a complete beginners crochet-along. I chose 

crochet as it is much easier to correct if you go wrong - 

especially not being able to show people face-to-face how 

to undo those pesky dropped stitches! 

I decided on a jumper and a range of yarns to suit everyone; 

knowing brushed fleece and chunky yarns would be perfect 

for a quick growing and super soft jumper. Thinking only 

a few friends would take part, I ended up with around 80 

people joining in and socialising over the Facebook group. 

It was great to see people taking up a new hobby, sharing 

help and tips during what could have been for some, a very 

difficult time. Definitely a bit of joy, positivity and some 

great jumpers to come out of lockdown! 

Website 

Addy and Katherine’s Skylark KAL! 

Our very own Addy Osborne and Katherine Lymer 

kept themselves busy with a weekly KAL! Skylark 

cardigan in Moordale by Martin Storey was the project 

and it looks like much fun was had! 

Rowan at OSPREY HOME 

The doors may have been closed, but our Global 

Rowan Flagship in St Albans kept the knitting 

community going with twice-weekly zoom knit clubs, 

some with special guests. The faces of Lisa Richardson, 

Georgia Farrell and Dee Hardwicke have all joined 

the knit clubs to talk about their ongoing projects and 

inspire knitters to pick up their needles. 

Website 

Website 




Jude Williams 

Janice Schaller Focosi 

Emma Savage 

Hazel Joy Morris 

LISA RICHARDSON’S 

ELDER THROW 

KNIT ALONG 2020 

In April this year, Lisa launched the Elder Throw 

Knit Along. Using Felted Tweed, the pattern was 

released in eight sections over the course of three 

months. Knitters all over the world picked up their 

needles and embarked on the journey, supported 

by Lisa in a dedicated Facebook group. 

Here are just a few of the amazing results. 

#elderthrow | #lisarichardsonkal | #rowanyarnskal2020 | #feltedtweedkal 

Website 

Kathy Davenport McClurg 

Anne the Chihauhua 

Majorie Burke 

Margarida Costa 


AUTUMN WINTER 

REVIEW 

SEAMLESS 

EST 1978 

MAGAZINE 68 

by Rowan 

Seamless, Homewear & City Tweed 

The Rowan Magazine is the cornerstone of every season and 

magazine number 68 doesn’t disappoint! This latest issue is packed 

full of design and inspiration from well-known Rowan designers, 

plus some new names too! Read more about the three design stories 

over the following pages. 

HOMEWEAR 

Collection 

CITY TWEED 


NEW FOR 

AUTUMN WINTER 

EST 1978 

MAGAZINE 68 

SEAMLESS 

by Rowan 

Felted Tweed, Felted Tweed Aran & Alpaca Classic 

Interesting construction and unusual shapes are the key 

elements of the Seamless story. Elegant designs using texture 

and colourwork, incorporating techniques such as ‘top down’ 

and ‘in the round’ with designs shaped in such a way that seams 

are not necessarily needed. 

Felted Tweed, Felted Tweed Aran and Alpaca Classic have all 

been used and designers include Martin Storey, Lisa Richardson, 

Georgia Farrell, ARNE & CARLOS, Emma Wright, Kristen 

TenDyke, Amy Gunderson, Galina Carroll, Cathy Carron and 

Vibe Ulrik. 

COLLECTION YARN STORE LOCATOR 


NEW FOR 

AUTUMN WINTER 

EST 1978 

MAGAZINE 68 

HOMEWEAR 

by Erika Knight 

Felted Tweed, Felted Tweed Aran, Alpaca Classic, 

Big Wool, Brushed Fleece and Creative Linen 

A comfortable collection of hand knits by Erika Knight, 

inspired by the 'hygge’ feeling of coming home. Soft, brushed 

and lofty wools, combined with plant based linens and cottons 

for drape and durability, are knitted in textures of ribs, stripes 

and woven style stitches. These designs celebrate the tactility 

of hand knitting to create modern pieces in which to cocoon, 

wrap and feel present. Knitted in neutral tones of warm beige 

and stone with shades of teal, highlights of chartreuse and a 

pop of orange. 



NEW FOR 

AUTUMN WINTER 

EST 1978 

MAGAZINE 68 

CITY TWEED 

by Martin Storey 

Felted Tweed 

Immensely popular Felted Tweed has been taken out 

on the town! Martin Storey has designed a wonderful collection 

of classic wardrobe essentials for everyday wear. Simplistic 

single-colour garments that will quickly become your new 

wardrobe staple. 



FEATURE 

EST 1978 

ROWAN at OSPREY HOME 

The Saddlery | Woodcock Hill 

Coopers Green Lane | St Albans | AL4 9HJ 

W: www.rowanatospreyhome.co.uk 

T: +44 (0) 7970880258 

E: rowanatosprey@icloud.com 

ROWAN AT 

OSPREY HOME 

- MEET THE TEAM - 

Our global Flagship Rowan at OSPREY HOME has recently 

reached a significant milestone, its first anniversary! We can’t 

believe that a year has passed since British lifestyle & accessories 

brand OSPREY LONDON invited us to create a new home for 

Rowan at their amazing brand location called OSPREY HOME, 

just outside St Albans. After much planning and a busy week 

spent moving in and creating a showcase of the Rowan yarns and 

collections, we opened our doors on the 1 st September 2019. 

The team quickly settled in and we have been thrilled with the 

response to our Flagship’s new home. Regular knit and crochet 

groups and classes were swiftly established, and a wonderful 

sense of community has been created. 2020 has of course had its 

challenges and our thoughts have been very much with Rowan 

stockists and knitters around the world as we deal with the impact 

of the pandemic. As shops closed, including Rowan at OSPREY 

HOME, it has been great to see the support that Rowan knitters 

have continued to give to their local yarn stores and how the sense 

of community has been kept alive online through virtual events 

and knit groups. The Rowan at OSPREY HOME knit and 

crochet group wasted no time in moving their regular catch ups 

to Zoom and they haven’t looked back! They have even had a few 

well-known designers dropping in to say hi too! 

We are thrilled that the store is now back open and with all social 

distancing and Covid-19 guidelines in place, we are delighted to 

be welcoming knitters back through the doors. Here, we take time 

out to find out more about the team behind this Global Flagship… 

Website 

Due to the current global situation and the ever-changing retail landscape, please 

check with the store for current trading arrangements and services. 


Donna 

Georgie 

How long have you worked for Rowan and Rowan 

at OSPREY HOME? 

I have been working for Rowan for 18 years, both as an 

advisor in store and as a tutor. I was part of the team at 

our concession in Liberty and have now been leading the 

team at Rowan at OSPREY HOME for the last year. 

Have you always knitted/crocheted? Who taught you? 

I have knitted from the age of 7 and crocheted from the 

age of 16 and continued ever since. My mother taught 

me both crafts. 

What do you enjoy most about your role? 

I really enjoy helping customers choose their new projects 

and talking about the various yarn ranges that Rowan 

sell. I also really enjoy tutoring various workshops; it is 

always wonderful to see a customer’s progression and their 

completed projects. 

What is your favourite Rowan yarn? 

That is a difficult question to answer as I have so many 

favourites! If I had to choose one range it would have to 

be Kid Classic. 

Do you have a favourite design that you’re planning 

to knit from the Autumn Winter 20 collections? 

Yes I do but I plan to knit more than one design. The first 

design I am going to knit will be Plume Poncho in Martin 

Storey’s publication Carousel using Rowan Alpaca Soft. 

Do you have a favourite Rowan design ever? 

My favourite design ever would have to be Perinone from 

Magazine 64. A stunning full length coat designed by 

Zandra Rhodes in Kidsilk Haze. 

What do you have on your needles right now? 

Currently I am knitting the Plush Poncho from the All 

Year Round publication by Martin Storey and have just 

finished knitting Nambu cardigan in beautiful Softyak DK. 

Do you have a favourite stitch or technique that 

you like to do? 

I really enjoy colourwork projects including fairisle 

and intarsia techniques and enjoy playing with lots of 

different colourways. I am also passionate about crochet 

and am always working on a crochet project as well as a 

knitting project. 

Is there a technique that you haven’t yet tackled 

but would like to? 

Yes and that is Brioche knitting. I am currently practising 

this technique and look forward to perfecting it in time! 

Aside from knitting, what have you been up to lately? 

I am currently learning to quilt and patchwork and have 

recently completed a course. I would also like to improve 

my dressmaking skills as there are such beautiful fabrics 

available. 

If you could choose one favourite moment from 

the first year of Rowan at OSPREY HOME, what 

would it be? 

I wouldn’t be able to choose just one favourite moment as 

there have been so many! It would have to be meeting all 

the lovely knitters and crocheters that have visited us 

as well as all the events that we have held with various 

knitwear designers. I did particularly enjoy meeting 

ARNE & CARLOS at a book signing event earlier on in 

the year at the store. 



I have worked with Rowan for 10 years and Rowan at 

OSPREY HOME since opening last September. 


I have always knitted since the age of 7/8 years old when I 

fell in love with Debbie Abrahams beading and stripes. My 

bedroom use to be full of beaded & striped cushions and 

blankets I had knitted. I didn’t start garments until I was 

about 18 as I always wanted quick accessories, I can’t tell 

you how many Big Wool hats I made. Studying Fashion at 

College and University my knitting grew into garments and 

making things for my friends. I used to host evenings with 

my friends at uni to knit beanies. During this time I started 

to work with Rowan and my knowledge and love just grew. 


Meeting customers and helping them choose their next 

project. I also LOVE helping customers choose colours 

for their projects. 


Oooooh this is a tricky question; for quick knits Big 

Wool & Brushed Fleece. But I also love the end result of 

Kid Classic & Alpaca Classic. I feel Kid Classic is a very 

underrated yarn, its soooo beautiful to knit with! 



This season is full of so many gorgeous designs. I am currently 

knitting the ‘Puff Sleeve Sweater’ from 4 Projects Haze. 

What is your favourite Rowan design ever? 

I have a Rowan black mohair cardigan with beaded hearts 

– I can’t remember the design name but I have lived in this 

for years! It’s such a classic but I don’t wear this in store as 

I know someone will want to knit it! 


I have three projects on the go – Mako baby blanket, a 

Brushed Fleece sweater & new for the season the puff 

sleeve sweater in Kid Classic and Kidsilk Haze (which 

is an amazing mix by the way!) I like having a mix of 

projects on the go as it depends on my mood as to what 

I like to knit, and I always need an easy project for the 

evenings to sit and watch Netflix! 



I love doing different rib techniques and simple texture 

stitches. 



I have never tried fairisle, this is something I’d love to 

tackle to say I have done it. 


I am busy running around after my 18 month old and 

photoshooting next season's collections! 



would it be? 

Our last season spring summer event, putting together the 

event for our customers to enjoy. Seeing our customer's 

reactions to all the hard work we put into a season is lovely. 


Alison 

Frances 



I joined last October after retiring from West End theatre. 


I begged my Grandma to teach me when I was about 

three. We made a cotton dishcloth which I still have 

somewhere. Crochet is still a mystery to me. 


Introducing customers to new techniques or yarn/colour 

combinations they’ve not come across before. That ‘Aha’ 

moment when it clicks for them is something I completely 

relate to. 


Kidsilk Haze. It’s so versatile. 



I adore Caerlaverock, in Alpaca Classic but it’s 

MAMMOTH! First up from AW20 will be Galbraith 

Sweater and Taymouth skirt in Treacle Felted Tweed. 


I couldn’t possibly choose ONE! But I know Edmund 

Easter Bunny pattern off by heart. Every newborn for 

family/friends gets one. 


A couple of Kim Hargreaves garments (Hanker and 

Feeling) that I’m desperate to wear! I’m also sampling 

some cable techniques I’ve not done before. 



I love cables. I am in constant awe of Martin Storey’s 

designs. 



I would also like to improve my skills in FairIsle knitting. 

There are some really nice smaller projects this season I’m 

looking forward to trying out. 


Making several tonnes of jam from the allotment. I’m 

about to harvest my grapevines. If the pigeons have left 

me any at all I’ll attempt some wine. 



would it be? 

Getting a call instore from a customer who’d be shielding 

for a long time and received her mail order that I’d helped 

her choose over the phone. She was so happy it made my 

day. Lockdown has been tough for everyone and I’m glad 

I could help her. 



I have just completed my first year, joining shortly after 

the store opened. 


I have knitted since I was very young, taught by my Granny. 

My friend Ali, taught me to crochet only 5 years ago. 


Inspiring others to knit wonderful things! 


Rowan Felted Tweed, knits up so well, responds beautifully 

to blocking and even felting! 



So hard to choose, but I especially love Cawdor by Martin 

Storey, a wonderful poncho in Felted Tweed Aran 


Lidiya by Kaffe Fassett. A stunning fairisle design in 

Rowan Felted Tweed originally in Magazine 48. 


Kinross by Georgia Farrell – the shawl on the front cover 

of AW20 magazine, knitted in Alpaca Classic. 



I find cabling very satisfying. 



It has to be Brioche knitting. 


If I’m not knitting you will find me in my garden or on 

long walks. 



would it be? 

The day ARNE & CARLOS visited for coffee and a chat 

with our customers- it was a lovely relaxing morning in 

great company! 



30 November 2020 | Autumn Winter 

31

NEW FOR 

AUTUMN WINTER 

EST 1978 

PURE CASHMERE 

by Lisa Richardson 

Pure Cashmere 

Introducing our new, very special, Pure Cashmere. We are 

delighted to have collaborated with world-renowned Scottish 

cashmere producers Todd & Duncan, a heritage mill nestled 

on the banks of Loch Leven, to craft a luxuriously soft yarn. 

Read all about this exciting collaboration over the page. 



FEATURE 

EST 1978 

TODD & 

DUNCAN 

Collaboration in cashmere 

The journey beyond the Scottish borders travelling east 

towards Perth to the heritage mill of Todd & Duncan is a 

pilgrimage for fibre lovers. We were fortunate to visit on a 

Spring day when the clear shallow waters of Loch Leven 

were still and the heady scent of Holy-grass hung in the 

air. The incomparable landscape of rural Scotland makes a 

lasting impression and plays no small role in the production 

of its most luxurious fibre. 

Pure Scottish water 

Natural cashmere 

Introducing… 

Pure Cashmere, with Todd & Duncan 

Words by Arabella Harris 

We are delighted to have collaborated with world-renowned 

Scottish cashmere producers Todd & Duncan, a heritage mill 

nestled on the banks of Loch Leven, to craft a luxuriously soft 

yarn. Made with the purest cashmere fibres, washed in the 

fresh water of the ancient loch and gently dyed and blended 

by dedicated craftspeople whose knowledge has been inherited 

from generations of Scottish cashmere experts; this precious 

yarn is pure luxury. 

Loch Leven is famous in Scotland’s social history, as the 

location of the castle which imprisoned the ill-fated Mary 

Queen of Scots, but equally in its rich and world-renowned 

textile history, having housed the site of Scottish cashmere 

spinners and innovators Todd & Duncan since 1897. Today 

the pure waters of the loch, declared a National Nature 

Reserve in 1964, still play a vital role in the unique 

production of the purest cashmere. The water’s natural 

purity and softness helps to open up the cashmere fibres, a 

process that is essential to achieving the consistent colour 

and soft handle for which Todd & Duncan is synonymous 

throughout the fashion and textile trade. 

Circular process 

The delicate fibres are dyed before spinning, a gentle 

process that gives a superior colour result and finished 

hand-feel. The dyes used are environmentally friendly, so 

that all of the water employed in the activity can be cleaned 

and returned to the loch in a circular process, ensuring that 

the wildlife including brown trout, pink-footed geese and 

some 35,000 wintering birds for which Loch Leven has 

become internationally known, can continue to thrive. 

Responsible sourcing 

This synergy with nature and respect for natural resources 

is carried through to the sourcing of the cashmere fibre 

in partnership with nomadic farming communities 

from Inner Mongolia. Todd & Duncan work with local 

de-hairers, encourage sustainable herding and grazing 

practices and promote high animal welfare standards, 

and in doing so help to preserve a traditional, nomadic 

way of life. 

The white, downy undercoat of the cashmere goat has been 

used to make yarn and textiles for hundreds of years, and has 

been associated with Sultans and Kings since at least the 15 th 

century. Cashmere fibre is finer, stronger and lighter than 

sheep’s wool and more insulating too. But even today the 

world production of the raw fibre is small and the gathering 

and processing are expensive. On average one goat will 

yield approximately 500g of raw, greasy fibre, which once 

scoured and de-haired will result in approximately 150g of 

pure fibre, that’s just about enough to knit a scarf. Working 

with this precious, pure fibre therefore is a privilege, and 

we wanted to honor this fibre by collaborating with true 

artisans in their field who have the skills, experience and 

knowledge to produce the best quality yarn for the hand 

knitter. This is why we are proud to share the Todd & 

Duncan brand name on the label of each hank of yarn: a 

true marker of authentic quality. 

Caring for your cashmere 

When you have invested the time to knit something by hand 

it is important to care for it to ensure its lifespan. Try not 

to wash your knits too often, but when you need to always 

use cool water, and a mild detergent designed for delicate 

wool. Soak for 10-15 minutes then gently squeeze out the 

excess water, reshape whilst damp and leave to dry flat on 

an absorbent towel or drying rack (and away from direct 

heat such as a radiator). Once your knit is dry, remember 

to store it flat or folded, never hanging. Due to the delicate 

nature of the fibres some pilling or bobbling may naturally 

occur, this is to be expected with the softest yarns and is 

caused by the friction of fibres rubbing together. You can 

use a pilling comb or stone to gently remove excess bobbles 

and you will find that this will lessen over time. 


Pure luxury 

Cashmere is silky-soft against the skin, moisture absorbent 

and extremely warm yet lightweight with an elegant drape. 

We have designed Pure Cashmere with the hand crafter in 

mind to knit beautiful, soft, refined garments and accessories 

that will become treasured items to last a lifetime. Take time 

to enjoy knitting with Pure Cashmere and sharing in the 

heritage of this uniquely Scottish yarn. 

An unmistakably soft hand-feel, excellent stitch definition 

and the purest 100% natural cashmere fibres, spun to create 

a DK weight yarn warmer than wool, light to touch and 

gentle against the skin. 

In a palette of classic colours, enriched with bold shades 

inspired by the seasonal hues of the Scottish landscape, and 

delicate marls for which Todd & Duncan are celebrated. 

A considered collection of classic garment shapes knitted 

in simple stitches and modern accessories, to be worn all 

year round. Lisa Richardson presents timeless designs with 

a relaxed style, refined by pure luxury. 


RETAILER FOCUS 

BORN TO KNIT 

Salisbury, UK 

Website 

Email 

Despite the news so far this year being dominated by the 

coronavirus, Born to Knit in Salisbury has had an eventful start 

to 2020 in other ways. After running the shop from an upstairs 

studio in a converted Victorian grain mill for the past eight 

years, the end of February saw it re-opening in a brand new 

larger location in the archway at the Mill on Fisherton Street, 

just two weeks before lockdown started! 

The shop is owned and run by Heather Addison, who started 

her working life in wool as a Rowan Design Consultant in a 

branch of John Lewis a decade ago. “I’ve always been a Rowan 

knitter and loved both the yarns and what the brand stood for. 

My experience on the other side of the counter gave me both 

the knowledge and confidence to branch out on my own.” 

Born to Knit stocks high quality yarn made from natural fibres, 

and also offers a wide range of knitting and crochet workshops, 

and one-to-one tuition. 

The newly-refurbished shop started life as the Manager’s office 

back in the 1880’s and features an impressive built-in dresser, 

which was where all the accounts and ledgers for the original 

grain mill were kept. It’s now home to a range of pattern 

books, a variety of vintage knitting accessories, and knitted and 

crocheted wildlife. 

Heather says that it will be a while before the memory of six 

months of man/woman/bear hours stripping 130 years of 

white paint off the dresser fades completely, but the end result 

really was worth it! 



The bear in question is Willoughby Brown, who was knitted 

by Heather (from Rowan wool, obviously) back in 2012. 

Willoughby has since won an award at the Knitting & Stitching 

Show in 2014, and been promoted to Customer Relations 

Manager at Born to Knit. He enjoys a unique relationship with 

Rowan’s wonderful Kid Classic yarn as he lives inside it - his fur 

is knitted in a shade aptly called bear! 

BORN TO KNIT 

Salisbury, UK 

Website 

Email 

Once restrictions lifted in June, the new shop opened its doors 

again and Heather has been delighted with the way it looks and 

how the space works… despite a few minor glitches to begin 

with remembering where things were stored! The wool wall 

has been extended to make space for even more yarn, and the 

new shop also has the advantage of a street level location with 

access for wheelchair users. 

As well as running the shop, Heather also designs her own 

knitting patterns; her most ambitious design to date was the 

wedding dress made for her own big day two years ago, and 

which she managed to finish without her fiancé guessing what 

she was up to! 

The day after the new shop opened, Heather was invited to model 

her dress on the catwalk on the final day of The Stitch Festival 

2020 at the Business Design Centre in Islington, along with the 

other short-listed finalists. The annual festival is one of the largest 

knitting and stitching shows in the country, attracting thousands 

of amateur enthusiasts as well as professional designers over the 

course of the four day event. Heather’s dress was chosen as overall 

winner in the knitwear category by a panel of industry experts. 

“I was absolutely thrilled to win the award,” Heather says, 

“although I must admit I found the catwalk a little daunting. 

As my wedding dress, it has particular sentimental value, and 

winning the competition was the icing on the cake!” 

Now that the cloud that was Covid has begun to recede, Heather 

is enjoying being back at Born to Knit, running workshops 

again and keeping the Rowan flag flying well into the future. 

We look forward to welcoming you if ever you are in Salisbury. 

W: borntoknit.co.uk E: info@borntoknit.co.uk T: 07557 985935 





THE RIBBON ROSE 

Auckland, New Zealand 

Website 

The Ribbon Rose is an amazing one stop craft shop located 

in Auckland, New Zealand. Often referred to by customers as 

the best craft shop in New Zealand, making the owners very 

proud. It boasts a wide range of knitting yarns and accessories, 

embroidery supplies, patchwork fabrics, sewing machines and 

notions, and papercraft supplies. This crafters haven has been 

lovingly curated by the Forlong family over the past fourteen 

years and is still very much a family run business today. 

Stephen and Heather Forlong purchased the business originally 

in 2006 when it was a quaint craft and gift shop located in 

an historical building in Ellerslie. The family, including two of 

their sons, lived in the upstairs rooms with the shop space below. 

Over time the couple found their feet in the craft industry and 

transformed the business into one of Auckland’s best craft shops! 

They utilized every aspect available in the small shop space, 

having many rooms to wander filled with ranges of threads, 

fabrics, embroideries, buttons and ribbons - a true treasure trove! 

Fast forward a few years and the decision was made to relocate 

to their current Mount Wellington location (a fantastic 5000 

square foot of retail space). With this decision came the long 

desired opportunity to add knitting yarns and accessories 

to their craft collection! The family and customers were 

delighted - more shopping space, more product variety, 

easy access car parking and most of all KNITTING YARN! 

Soon after this move Stephen and Heather’s son, Jonathan 

took over the day to day running of the family business. 

It was not long into the knitting journey that Jonathan began 

looking for a premier knitting brand to become a cornerstone 

range for the shop. After much research and deliberation, 

including customer demand, they decided that adding the 

ROWAN brand was definitely the way to go. The decision 

has been a resounding success, and the support from both 

Rowan and their New Zealand distributor has been fantastic. 

The Ribbon Rose team are very proud to be recently selected 

as Rowan’s newest and first New Zealand flagship store. They 

now stock a significant range of Rowan products: patterns and 

books, knitting needles and 14 complete collections of the 

yarns available. Big Wool, Kidsilk Haze and Felted Tweed being 

the most popular for their kiwi customers so far this winter. 

Jonathan sat down with a local designer and created the 

dedicated Rowan shopping space at the front of the store. 

Many hours went into creating the perfect look that would give 

customers that special feel when they entered ‘Rowan Lane’ 

as it is now referred to. Warm, dark timber shelves that make 

colour palettes pop, rows upon rows to house the extensive 

yarn options, space to display the elegant knitted samples 

and fantastic knitting patterns and books. It really is a special 

shopping experience and one that customers comment on daily. 

The business also has a user friendly website 

(www.ribbonrose.co.nz) making this extensive Rowan range 

available to its customers nationwide. 

The future looks incredibly bright for The Ribbon Rose 

and Rowan. 




FEATURE 

EST 1978 

ROWAN FLAGSHIP 

SEIBU SHIBUYA 

TOKYO 

We are extremely excited that our first 

Rowan flagship opened in Japan on Wednesday 

2nd September as part of the new DMC 

department in SEIBU Shibuya Department store. 

The store is located just 30 seconds from the 

world-famous Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo. 

Website 

The Rowan Flagship Store at Seibu Shibuya is displaying many 

samples both from the current season and our archive, and is 

selling many of our bestselling yarns from the Rowan range 

including Felted Tweed, Big Wool, Kidsilk Haze, Alpaca Classic, 

Alpaca Soft to name a few. 

Yoko Ouchi, Marketing Manager of Japan said: 

“Rowan’s heritage and it’s high quality yarns are much desired 

in Japan. Japanese knitters dream of being able to buy Rowan 

and until now there have been very few stores offering Rowan 

Yarns available for customers to purchase. Mature Japanese 

knitters love traditional fair isle designs and the younger knitters 

seem to prefer the more contemporary simpler designs which 

are quicker to knit. Felted Tweed, Kid Classic and Kidsilk Haze 

are very popular here at the moment and we are excited to 

have been able to create a new Rowan Flagship here”. 

Store details: 

7 th Floor of Building A, 21-1, Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo. 

Opening Hours 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 

https://www.sogo-seibu.jp.e.ld.hp.transer.com/shibuya/ 



The store is focusing on the newly launched Magazine 68 for 

Autumn Winter 2020 and some of its supporting brochures 

which include new collections from Kaffe Fassett, Martin 

Storey, ARNE & CARLOS, Georgia Farrell as well as the 

third collection from MODE at Rowan. 

New yarns available for Autumn Winter 20 are Rowan Pure 

Cashmere created by Todd & Duncan, a luxurious yarn perfect 

for those timeless classic knits, as well as a stunning Select Yarn 

Chunky Cashmere, perfect for accessories and gifts. 

FLAGSHIP STORE 


NEW FOR 

AUTUMN WINTER 

at 

MODE AT ROWAN 

NEW YARNS 

Introducing… Two NEW yarns 

Merino Aria and Soft Boucle 

Merino Aria is a chunky yarn with an amazingly lightweight 

feeling. Merino fibres are chained into a delicate tube that’s 

blown with air to create a wonderfully ethereal yarn that knits 

up into almost weightless garments. “Aria” is Italian for “air,” 

which perfectly describes this innovative yarn that is as light 

as air to hold. 

Soft Boucle, another lightweight chunky yarn made from a 

brushed blend of merino and superfine alpaca, adds instant 

texture to your knitting. Incredibly soft and cosy, it is perfect 

for snug winter jumpers, teddy coats and accessories to warm 

on the coldest of winter days. 

The MODE at Rowan team bring you a gorgeous collection 

showcasing these two fabulous new yarns. Turn over the page 

to see a selection of the designs... 



NEW FOR 

AUTUMN WINTER 

EST 1978 

KAFFE FASSETT 

FELTED TWEED 

COLOURS 

by Kaffe Fassett and Lisa Richardson 

Kaffe Fassett's Felted Tweed 

Twelve brand new shades of Felted Tweed from Kaffe Fassett, 

brought to life by both Kaffe and Lisa Richardson in a 

collection of stunning garments and accessories. Turn the 

page to read more about Kaffe's fantastic new additions to this 

well-loved yarn range. 



FEATURE 

EST 1978 

Introducing the fantastic new colours from Kaffe… 

NEW 

NEW 

NEW 

NEW 

Heliotrope 219 

Ciel 215 

Lime 213 

Sulfur 220 

NEW 

Peach 212 

NEW 

Astor 217 

NEW 

Fjord 218 

NEW French 

Mustard 216 

NEW 

Scarlet 222 

NEW Candy 

Floss 221 

NEW 

Ultramarine 214 

NEW 

Black 211 

Felted Tweed is one of Rowan’s best-loved yarns and so 

when colour guru Kaffe Fassett added new shades to 

the range previously you can imagine the excitement! 

This season Kaffe has gone even further and added another 

twelve brand new colours. Scarlet, Ultramarine, French 

Mustard and Lime are just a few of the delights that colourwork 

enthusiasts and Kaffe fans will love! 

A blend of merino wool, alpaca and viscose, this yarn has 

a beautiful tweed effect and is perfect for fair isles, striping, 

other colour-work and simple one-colour pieces too. The 

extensive colour palette consists of subtle neutrals through 

to vibrant brights, which combined with the stunning tweed 

effect makes it very easy to create endless and successful colour 

combinations. It is a yarn which is a pleasure to knit with – 

it glides along the needles effortlessly – and a pleasure to wear 

being lightweight, yet warm. 


FEATURE 

EST 1978 

DEE 

HARDWICKE 

Following the success of Dee Hardwicke’s 

first Rowan Seasonal Palette collection in 2019, 

this Autumn Winter sees the launch of three more 

beautiful palettes – Moordale, Cotton Cashmere and 

Kid Classic. All three celebrate Dee’s travels through 

the British landscape and her love of nature. 


NEW FOR 

AUTUMN WINTER 

NEW FOR 

AUTUMN WINTER 

EST 1978 

EST 1978 

MOORDALE 

COTTON CASHMERE 

by Dee Hardwicke 


British Wool & Alpaca 

Cotton Cashmere 

This wonderfully soft combination of British wool and alpaca 

was the perfect choice for a beautiful collection which includes 

a gorgeous wrap, cardigan, long scarf and gloves. Ideal pieces 

to bundle up in on a chilly day in the depths of autumn, Dee 

Hardwicke’s Moordale Seasonal Palette is inspired by the pinks 

and mauves speckling the hedgerows in the country lanes 

surrounding Dee’s home in the Welsh countryside. The palette 

features warm, earthy tones and flattering shades such as new 

Berry Pink, Turmeric and Pewter, set against the autumn-skyblue 

of Blue Moor. 

An all-seasons yarn, Cotton Cashmere is also equally suited 

to country and city dressing. Layering is key and designs in 

this collection include an elegant coat, turtle-neck sweater and 

wrap. The palette was inspired by Dee’s love of visiting city 

parks and garden squares when not at home in the countryside. 

The colours in early autumn tend to be less muted than 

those found in the natural landscape and this palette reflects 

that, featuring more saturated colours such as Indigo, Golden 

Dunes and new Myrtle. The shades are completely harmonious, 

working wonderfully however you choose to combine them. 

COLLECTION 

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COLLECTION 

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NEW FOR 

AUTUMN WINTER 

EST 1978 

KID CLASSIC 


Kid Classic 

Super-soft, Kid Classic grows really quickly and is a joy to knit 

with. Taking inspiration from autumn days and crisp winter 

nights, this palette is all about contrast. Bold Cherry Red 

and new Blue Hydrangea add punches of colour to shades 

including Pumice. The collection includes a throw, three 

geometric cushion cover designs and two beautiful knitted 

bags as well as a sweater, cardigan and wrap. Mix and match the 

shades to create a host of versatile designs. 

COLLECTION 

YARN 

STORE LOCATOR 

© Dee Hardwicke 


FEATURE 

EST 1978 

AN INTERVIEW WITH 

KERRY KIMBER 

We sat down with Knitting For All founder, 

Kerry Kimber, to talk about her new book, 

Kids Knit, publishing this Autumn. 

An ex high-school teacher, Kerry created 

Kids Knit in 2010, a teaching programme with 

age-appropriate projects and patterns that 

are simple, quick and fun. 

Knitting For All 


How excited are you to see your book in print? 

It’s a dream come true! I’m really over the moon at finally 

seeing the book in print. It’s amazing to see it in real 

life and actually hold it in my hands. I’ve always wanted 

to publish a book to reach children who can’t come to 

classes, and especially for kids who don’t have someone 

to sit with them as they learn. This is, I hope, the next 

best thing. 

Let’s go back to when you learned to knit. Who 

taught you? 

My Granny and Mum both taught me. I don’t remember 

it very clearly, I think I was about 7 or 8. When I was 

a teenager, my mother went to a workshop with Kaffe 

Fassett, which had a real impact on her. Her enthusiasm 

for colour and creativity was infectious! She shared her 

copy of Kaffe’s Glorious Knits book with me, along with 

her huge collection of wool in every colour imaginable. 

She said, “We can make anything with this!” It really was 

so inspiring. 

This led to me making my first cardigan. I striped it in 

many different colors against a grey base and I used lots 

of different thicknesses of yarn, plying them together so 

they ended up coming out to the same weight. I wore the 

cardigan all through art college and loved it so much. I 

wore it out once when I was about 25 years old and then 

I put it away. I’m not sentimental at all, but I still have it, 

and while I don’t wear it anymore, I will always keep it. 

How did having your own children impact you 

wanting to specialize in teaching kids to knit? 

My oldest two (boys) learned at 8 and 10 years old. 

I wanted them to have a creative outlet and to learn 

something they could do with their hands. I also wanted 

them to see themselves as creatively capable, to be able 

to make things, and to develop their spatial recognition 

(understanding of how shapes work together). Knitting 

fosters maths learning in a fun and relevant way too. 

As an Art and Design teacher I thought the process 

through very carefully before I began teaching them. I 

questioned what would motivate them and what would 

be the best approach and the right materials to guarantee 

success. I wanted them to have the opportunity to try 

out knitting in the best way possible—I wanted it to be 

attractive to them. Seeing the enjoyment knitting gave 

them, and the way they shared it with their friends, made 

me realize that there was an opportunity to start a business 

teaching kids to knit, and I realized I could recruit others 

to teach the methods I’d developed. 

My second son, has continued with knitting, and at 15 

years old did a knitted colorwork self-portrait for his Art 

and Design National 5 Qualification. Knitting is a way he 

relaxes (if there is no computer around!) 

Did your two daughters learn to knit as well? 

Yes, and they are both models in my book. One is a very 

keen knitter; she’s 13, and she adores Big Wool and Soft 

Bouclé. She makes lots of cowls and loves knitting moss 

stitch. 

You were a school teacher. How did that inform 

your knitting teaching methods? 

Understanding the natural progression of child and 

adolescent development gave me a solid background. 

Having a rough idea of the trajectory of growth helped 

me to determine the right age to begin to teach them, 

and when to build on this with new skills. Teaching also 

helped me develop motivators for the programme—things 

like stickers, folders, certificates, worksheets, and the fun 

of adding beads, buttons and basic embroidery. Classroom 

management skills really help too. It’s important to manage 

the learning environment so a class works well and fosters 

creativity. 

All this led to you creating Knitting for All. 

How many kids have been taught through your 

programme so far? 

About 2500 children have been taught through Kids 

Knit so far, and about 4000 signed up for the basic video 

tutorials I created at the beginning of lockdown. 

What are the three key pieces of advice you have 

for teaching kids to knit? 

Don’t correct them too much. Just keep them going and 

be encouraging. Help them to finish something quickly 

so they gain confidence. Start with a rectangle and get 

them to make it into something straight away, like a stuffed 

toy, hand puppet or little bag. Don’t begin with a scarf or 

hat—they take too long. Let them work up to that. 

Use good quality materials. Short wooden needles grip 

the wool well and are nice to hold. Smooth, chunky 

merino wool is satisfying to knit with because it grows 

quickly. Nice, bright colours make it more fun too. Wool 

is more environmentally friendly than using acrylics and 

this is another lesson for them. 

What are the features that make this book unique? 

The book is based on clearly presenting straight-forward, 

basic skills designed to build confidence. As the child 

moves through the book, it builds on the previously 

learned skills to develop more expertise. The how-tos 

are all photographed—we chose a larger photo format 

for clarity. I wanted to have children’s hands (we used my 

daughter’s) to show the steps to make it more relatable to 

kids. Every project has lots of step-by-steps and really clear 

instructions for sewing up. 

This is not just a how-to book. I have included lots of 

ideas for children to get creative and use their imagination. 

They already have ideas and with a little guidance and 

inspiration, they can create incredible things! All of the 20 

projects in the book have been tested by children in our 

Kids Knit classes. 

Which yarns do you use in the book and why? 

I’m a big fan of Rowan’s Big Wool for getting beginners 

started. It’s smooth, chunky, grows quickly, and most 

importantly, it’s easy to use for small hands. For the next 

level up, we used Rowan Pure Wool Worsted. It’s smooth 

and a little chunkier than DK, which makes it easier for 

children to use. Both yarns come in amazing colors that 

kids love. We used a variety of different yarns for the more 

advanced projects to introduce children to different fibres 

and textures. 

What is your favourite project in the book? 

I love them all – and they’re all much loved by the children 

in our Kids Knit classes. If I had to choose, I would say 

the Teddy because it was one of the very first patterns I 

wrote for our Kids Knit programme and has been knitted 

hundreds of times by children all over the country. It always 

makes me smile to see another little Teddy character being 

brought to life by one of our Kids Knitters! 


NEW FOR 

AUTUMN WINTER 

EST 1978 

ROWAN SELECTS 

SIMPLY SPARKLING 


Rowan Selects Patina 

Using new Rowan Selects, Patina, Martin Storey takes you 

from day to evening with his wonderfully versatile collection 

of designs which allow you to sparkle all day, every day. 

Patina is a limited edition yarn which is super-soft with an 

oh-so-subtle shine. 

COLLECTION 

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STORE LOCATOR 


NEW FOR 

AUTUMN WINTER 

EST 1978 

ROWAN SELECTS 

CHUNKY CASHMERE 

by Georgia Farrell 

Rowan Selects Chunky Cashmere 

This limited edition Chunky Cashmere makes the perfect 

choice for that special accessory. Oozing luxury and in a palette 

of five delectable shades, with Georgia Farrell‘s sophisticated 

designs, you‘ll be spolit for choice. 

COLLECTION 

YARN 

STORE LOCATOR 


YARN TALES 

EST 1978 

LITTLE BOX OF 

CROCHET 

Here at Rowan we have fallen in love with 

the wonderful Little Box of Crochet. 

What could be better than having a little box 

of loveliness delivered direct to your door? 

Owner Amanda Bloom tells us all about it. 

The idea for Little Box of Crochet came when I was on a 

lovely holiday in Barbados with my darling daughter Jenny. 

She’d been diagnosed with a grade 4 brain tumour 18 months 

earlier. She was doing well but I knew her time was limited and 

I wanted to spoil her as much as I was able. I was a single Mum 

and funds were running low, so we were trying to think of 

something I could do to earn a bit of money whilst still being at 

home to look after her. We’d run a few ideas past each other but 

nothing felt right. Then...I was scrolling about on the internet 

(like you do) and I came across an ad for a beauty subscription 

box. I signed up for Jenny and thought,’ How lovely to have 

a little treat each month’. I looked everywhere for a crochet 

subscription box but none existed anywhere! And that was it! 

I suddenly realised that this was something I could do and still 

be at home to care for Jenny. And so, Little Box of Crochet was 

born. Sadly Jenny died two years later. It’s so hard to carry on 

without her but having this business as her legacy is wonderful 

and the community we’ve built up around it is a beautiful thing. 

I think she’d be very proud if she could see how far we’ve come 

from that little idea on our sun loungers by the pool! 

We try to make the subscription process as simple as possible so 

you can sign up very easily on our website. We do a payment 

plan option so that you can spread the cost of the crochet 

boxes, which now go out every other month. Our knitting 

boxes go out every quarter. You’ll receive your box through the 

post all wrapped up safely in a stout cardboard wrapper. And if 

at any time you need to cancel or pause you can do that easily 

on our website. You aren’t tied in at all. 

The starting point for each of our boxes is the box itself. Each 

one is a different colour and design and they are all made in 

the UK. They are strong and beautiful. I don’t think anyone 

has ever thrown one out, which makes me very happy. They 

are great for storing all your crafty bits and bobs in. The boxes 

contain everything you need to make your project... the yarn, 

a hook or needles, a bodkin for weaving in your ends and stitch 

markers to help you keep up with the pattern. We include a 

pattern booklet, which also contains a U.K. terms/US terms 

conversion chart for our crochet. We tell you a bit about our 

designers and contributors. We’ve also started including a 

recipe just for fun. Each box also comes with a detailed video 

to help you follow the pattern. One of the aspects of my job 

that I love is sourcing all the little treats that we add to the 

box. Each box has at least one lovely little something as well 

as all the core items, often made by British independent small 

businesses. We always use really high quality yarns, including 

my beloved Rowan. Just over a year ago we made the change 

from small monthly boxes to bigger boxes, every other month 

and this has given me the budget to make bigger items using 

great quality yarn. 

Another aspect of my job that I love is finding and working 

with top class designers from all around the world. We use 

a different designer for each box, although we have some 

designers who are so popular that they design for us regularly. 

I look for people who write detailed accurate patterns and 

projects that are interesting, a bit quirky and beautiful. I’m so 

proud of the projects that have been featured in our boxes and 

the lovely family of designers we’ve built around us. 


Last September we launched our first Little Box of Knitting 

which has been a huge success. Most of the knitting boxes 

have featured Rowan yarns including Moordale, Felted Tweed, 

Alpaca Classic and Kidsilk Haze. And we have more in the 

pipeline. I’m so proud to feature these yarns in our boxes. 

One of our recent knitting boxes featured a delicious pattern 

by Claire Garland who is famous for her knitted creatures. 

She designed a Cinnamon Dutch Rabbit for us, using a mix of 

Alpaca Classic and Kidsilk Haze. This proved to be a best seller 

for us and I’m not surprised. 

I’ve used Rowan yarns since the first time I came across 

them over 10 years ago. I remember making a skirt using a 

combination of knitting and crochet....a pattern by Sarah 

Hatton I think. It had a knitted underskirt in Kidsilk Haze 

and a crocheted over skirt in Kid Classic. That was actually the 

first time I crocheted. I loved the pattern so much that I had to 

teach myself to crochet, in order to make it. Thankfully I had 

a very helpful local yarn store who held my hand throughout. 

I wish I could say that I still wear it but sadly there’s a lot more 

of me these days so I just wear the overskirt as a shawl now. 

Knitting and crochet have been constant comforts to me, 

particularly when Jenny was ill and since she died. I can lose 

myself in a pattern and turn the grief off for a few hours here 

and there. It’s been a life saver. And the community I’ve found 

here in the world of yarn has been incredibly supportive to me 

and to Jenny in her last months. There are some very big hearts 

around here aren’t there? 

At the moment we are very busy preparing for Christmas! 

We’re doing our annual Advent Box and I know I say it 

every year but it honestly just gets better and better each 

year. We also have a Christmas Crochet subscription box to 

prepare....I’ll let you in on a little secret it’s contains Rowan 

Alpaca Classic! But that’s all I’m telling you. Our Christmas 

Knitting subscription box is also jam packed with Rowan 

yarn. This time it’s Kid Classic. 

We’re all really excited about these boxes! I’m also working 

on a new venture which is Little Box of Embroidery! 

I’m hoping that we’ll be able to launch this in December 

this year as well. It’s following the same aesthetic and quality 

as our other Little Boxes and we have a wonderful designer 

working with us on the first one so watch this space!!! 

Website 


NEW FOR 

AUTUMN WINTER 

NEW FOR 

AUTUMN WINTER 

EST 1978 

EST 1978 

NEW NORDIC 

UNISEX 

COLLECTION 

CUSHION 

COLLECTION 

by ARNE & CARLOS 

by ARNE & CARLOS 

Softyak DK 

Felted Tweed, Kidsilk Haze and Alpaca Classic 

'New Nordic Unisex Collection' is the latest title from ARNE 

& CARLOS in their New Nordic series. It follows on from the 

success of New Nordic and New Nordic Mens and this time all 

of the designs have been created for both him and her. 

Using Felted Tweed, Kidsilk Haze and Alpaca Classic, ARNE & 

CARLOS have taken inspiration from traditional Norwegian 

Acanthus ornamentation used in Norwegian folk art. Such 

folk art can be seen in wood carving, rosemaling (rose painting) 

and as decorations in ARNE & CARLOS’ 1000 year old stave 

church home, the grounds of which also provided the backdrop 

for this wonderful photoshoot. 

A celebration of ARNE & CARLOS’ wonderful cushion 

designs, here we bring together both of their collections into 

one beautiful book. 

The designs have been influenced by ARNE & CARLOS’ rich 

textile heritage and reimagined using classic and contemporary 

colourways in Softyak DK. Floral and geometric patterns can be 

paired front and back to spectacular effect or paired with a plain 

back to create a contrast. The decorative blooms married with 

the more graphic geometrics make for a truly distinctive pairing. 

COLLECTION 

YARN STORE LOCATOR 



NEW FOR 

AUTUMN WINTER 

NEW FOR 

AUTUMN WINTER 

EST 1978 

EST 1978 

CAROUSEL 

MY LONDON 


by Georgia Farrell 

Alpaca Soft DK 

Alpaca Soft DK and Alpaca Classic 

Carousel is a glorious celebration of stranded colourwork, 

worked mainly in the round. Martin Storey has created a 

collection of beautiful accessories, plus the show-stopping 

Moonflower coat. All inspired by traditional Nordic and 

Folkloric patterning and brought to life with Alpaca Soft DK. 

Inspired by the architecture of London and using a bold and 

dynamic colour palette, My London is an accessories collection 

of geometric textured knits by Georgia Farrell. A mix of 

timeless, wearable pieces and bold statements, contrasting 

textures, angular shapes, abstract travelling cables and slip stitch 

details, all in Georgia’s signature style. 

COLLECTION 

YARN 

STORE LOCATOR 

COLLECTION 

YARN 

STORE LOCATOR 


FEATURE 

EST 1978 

TRISHA MALCOLM 

IN CONVERSATION WITH 

GEORGIA FARRELL 

Words by Arabella Harris 

The enormity of towering buildings, the rigidity 

of bricks and mortar: architecture is a seemingly 

abstract place to seek inspiration for the ultimately 

soft and fluid craft of hand knitting, but as Georgia 

Farrell reveals in conversation with Trisha Malcolm, 

the physical fabric of the city is all about pattern and 

texture for those who stop to look. 

Whilst studying for her degree in textile design at The School 

of Art, Architecture and Design (part of London Metropolitan 

University) in London’s East End it wasn’t the individuality 

of fellow student’s fashion nor the DIY style on the streets 

that the area has become synonymous for, but the physical 

landscape of her daily commute from the suburbs of Essex to 

the cosmopolitan hub of the city, that inspired Georgia. Rather 

than sleep walking, cocooned by headphones and looking down 

at the pavement with the crowds of city commuters arriving 

into London Liverpool Street, Georgia’s gaze was firmly 

skyward: wide eyed and amazed by the glass skyscrapers and 

tessellating patterns of the buildings that she viewed in motion 

through the train window. Georgia speaks passionately about 

the forms of architecture that inspire her, and her response to 

these monoliths is visceral and instinctive rather than dryly 

academic. The act of experiencing the buildings in person is an 

important factor for Georgia, “there’s nothing like seeing them 

in real life, the enormity and the way they layer up and interact 

with each other the shapes and the different angles”. It is this 

creative interaction with the buildings that she admires, that 

informs her design output. Translating the perceived mass and 

volume of architecture onto a soft and wearable garment takes 

vision, skill and time; and indeed, Georgia’s process has several 

parts. Looking and seeing is number one: walking around a 

building or viewing it from a moving window the shapes and 

angles are inevitably flattened and repeated on the mind’s eye. 

Sketching is another valuable exercise because, “you have to 

simplify when you make a quick drawing on site and actually 

that’s really helpful for then translating it into a knitting pattern, 

because you can’t knit every little detail of the building”. 

Photography too, then manipulating the photos with image 

software “cutting sections of the building out, repeating them”, 

isolating and abstracting shapes and playing with scale and 

perspective. The process is very fluid and experimental, but 

Georgia’s signature style is already cemented in her designs. 

Georgia describes herself as a textile designer rather than a 

knitwear designer, making an important distinction in reference 

to her interest in texture and pattern first and foremost. This is 

a personal preference but also perhaps a product of her training 

with its focus on machine knitting, which was more about 

preparing graduates for jobs in industry with big design houses 

or the high street. Georgia muses regretfully that this might be 

part of the reason that there are so few young designers in the 

hand knit industry, “they didn’t teach you any hand knitting 

at all on my course sadly, which funnels young textile design 

graduates away from the [hand knit] industry”. 


But this was something that Georgia actively 

circumnavigated, using her existing hobbyist skill of hand 

knitting for play and experimentation; using swatching 

as a method to explore ideas with more immediate and 

controlled results. So, stitch detail and surface texture 

became a product in and of itself, and Georgia admits 

that thinking about the garment that a knitted fabric 

will become is secondary in her design process. However, 

as her numerous published designs prove, Georgia has a 

deep understanding of form that enables her to adapt a 

fabric into a worn garment. This knowledge was learned 

through the practice of machine knitting larger pieces 

and constructing them in a modular way to create items 

that she describes as “sculptural”, taking geometric shapes 

such as hexagons and triangles and either folding them or 

connecting them to make functional garments, informed 

by studying the mathematical nets of the shapes. 

Today, however, Georgia’s knitting machines are left to 

gather dust at the back of a cupboard in her studio, as 

she prefers the tactile control of knitting by hand, which 

is at the heart of her design practice, a love affair realised 

during her four years working part time for Rowan at 

Liberty London, whilst building a portfolio of freelance 

work in both the fashion and hand knitting industries. 

This time spent in retail, which Georgia admits she 

came to as a “super fresh” graduate, was a chance to 

deepen her knowledge of different fibres and the ways 

that they behave, as she tried out all the yarns on the 

shelves, honing an “inside out” knowledge of Rowan 

yarns. Learning from the “fabulous ladies” she worked 

alongside and helping other knitters to unravel obscure 

pattern queries or choose a colourway for a new project 

was also an invaluable opportunity to connect with the 

wider knit community. Indeed, it is this sharing of skills 

and imparting of passion that Georgia hopes to do more 

of through teaching, having already discovered the “power 

of knitting” as an aid to wellbeing when leading knitting 

sessions for young people at a local mental health centre. 

So, what’s next on the horizon for Georgia? A concise 

capsule collection of accessory designs taking the knitter 

on a journey through the shapes and patterns of her 

favourite city, ‘My London’ provides an insight into 

Georgia’s creative thinking and encourages everyone to 

find inspiration in their own surroundings. 


NEW FOR 

AUTUMN WINTER 

EST 1978 

CLASSIC 

TWEED STYLE 

by Quail Studio 

Valley Tweed and Kidsilk Haze 

Featuring seven beautiful wardrobe essentials, this timeless 

collection of elegant designs epitomises the easy sophistication 

of the classic tweed look. The chic simplicity of tailored shapes 

is combined with subtle cables and charming colourwork. 

Valley Tweed is a traditional yarn, spun and dyed in Yorkshire. 

Its subtle, rustic luxury, occasionally combined with the 

softness of Kidsilk Haze, brings comfort to couture and is both 

fashionable and practical for day-to-day style. 

COLLECTION 

YARN 

STORE LOCATOR 


NEW FOR 

AUTUMN WINTER 

NEW FOR 

AUTUMN WINTER 

EST 1978 

EST 1978 

4 PROJECTS 

BIG WOOL 

4 PROJECTS 

ISLAND BLEND 

by Quail Studio for Rowan 

by Quail Studio for Rowan 

Big Wool 

Island Blend 

One of our best-loved yarns, Big Wool, is perfect for this 

collection of chunky oversized sweater, cardigan and accessories. 

We have introduced five bright new shades which have been 

combined with textured stitches, cables and pom-poms to bring 

these fabulous designs dazzling to life! 

A collection of relaxed, simple shaped sweaters and 

co-ordinated beanies, cowls and socks in a neutral colour 

palette. The essential sweater can be knitted with a choice of 

different necklines – crew neck or v neck – and the accessories 

have beautifully finished details including pom-poms. 


COLLECTION 

YARN STORE LOCATOR 


NEW FOR 

AUTUMN WINTER 

at 

MODE AT ROWAN 

COLLECTION THREE 

by Rowan 

Brushed Fleece, Big Wool, 

Alpaca Soft DK and Alpaca Classic 

The third MODE Collection celebrates classic wardrobe 

staples for the autumn season ahead. Garments and accessories 

that can be styled into a whole outfit or pulled out and worn 

separately, all coming together to complete a stylish look. 

Designers Lisa Richardson, Quail Studio, Annika Andrea 

Wolke, Georgia Farrell and Martin Storey have worked with a 

MODE at Rowan palette of Brushed Fleece, Big Wool, Alpaca 

Soft DK and Alpaca Classic. 

COLLECTION 

YARN 

STORE LOCATOR 


NEW FOR 

AUTUMN WINTER 

NEW FOR 

AUTUMN WINTER 

at 

at 

MODE AT ROWAN 

4 PROJECTS HAZE 

by Rowan 

MODE AT ROWAN 

THE 

BLOGGERS EDIT 

Kid Classic, Cashmere Haze, Kidsilk Haze 

by Quail Studio and Quail Bloggers 

Quail Studio have created this quartet of designs using Kid 

Classic, Kidsilk Haze and Cashmere Haze. In the case of the 

Kid Classic and Kidsilk Haze used for the Puff Sleeves Sweater 

and Lace Cardigan, the two yarns have been held together to 

form a beautifully soft and luxurious fabric. 

Kid Classic, Big Wool, Alpaca Classic, 

Kidsilk Haze and Brushed Fleece 

MODE at Rowan has joined forces with four Bloggers 

– Tiam Safari, Katharina Von Blumenthal, Samantha Hall 

and Lily Kate France. They have designed and styled twelve 

wonderfully stylish pieces using Kid Classic, Big Wool, 

Alpaca Classic, Kidsilk Haze and Brushed Fleece. 




#KNITROWANBYME 

We love seeing what everyone’s up to and your beautiful knitting projects. 

burfordgarden 

soniabknits 

lisahoffmanknits 

georgiafarrelldesign 

lostinknit 

sweetpeafamilycrochet 

maschenfein 

knittingoffbroadway 

craftsatno9 

Follow @knitrowanbyme and share your beautiful 

projects, yarn stashes and more by tagging 

@knitrowanbyme in your instagram posts or send us 

your WIPs directly by messaging us on Facebook. 

Each Friday we choose our #fridayfavourite where you 

could win a £5 voucher to spend on knitrowan.com. 

Make sure to share your Rowan pictures to be in with a 

chance of being featured in the next Rowan newsletter. 

Instagram Facebook Website 


FEATURE 

EST 1978 

H O P E 

by Kim Hargreaves 

Kidsilk Haze, Alpaca Classic, Merino Aria 

Brushed Fleece, Big Wool & Pure Cashmere 

The eleventh publication in her KIM series, Kim Hargreaves 

brings us a beautiful new collection for Autumn. Featuring 

texture, delicate lace and classic shapes worked rich browns, 

rusts, olives and joyous pops of cobalt blue. 



FEATURE 

EST 1978 

DEBBIE 

ABRAHAMS 

MYSTERY BLANKET CLUB 

2021 

In 2021 Debbie will begin her fourteenth Mystery Blanket 

Club knitting adventure, which invites knitters from all over 

the world to join her in a ten-month KAL. The concept 

of the Mystery Blanket Club has remained the same from 

when it first began in 2008 and is simple. Members receive 

the knitting kit in two instalments which include all the yarn 

and embellishments needed for the whole project. They then 

receive the patterns in ten monthly instalments, beginning 

in February and finishing in November. The theme of the 

project is kept a secret, only to be discovered as the squares 

are completed and the blanket takes shape. Debbie writes a 

monthly blog on her website which keeps the members up to 

date with all the latest news, advice and knitting tips for the 

project. Each year the design for the Mystery Blanket is sold 

with a limited membership with the patterns made available 

only to the members that join, making it a unique experience 

for those that take part. 

Website 

Email 


93

For Debbie’s 2021 Mystery Blanket she is using several 

of her favourite yarns from the Rowan Autumn/Winter 

collection including Felted Tweed, Kid Classic, Softyak 

and Alpaca Soft. Debbie opted for a soft, muted colour 

palette for her previous two Mystery Blankets, Winter 

Wonderland and her current Mystery Blanket (which she 

has yet to reveal the name of!). However, for next year she 

is returning to a vibrant colour palette using some of the 

brightest shades in the Rowan collection for her design: 

“Without giving the game away, the inspiration for next 

year’s blanket is a feast of colour with bright shots of 

fizzy orange, magenta, brilliant green and saffron yellow 

contrasted with deep shades of purple and midnight blue. 

These are my favourite colours to work with, I love rich 

vibrant shades, so the design has been an absolute joy to 

work on and thoroughly addictive to design. There are 

plenty of glass beads in the blanket as well to add that all 

important sparkle, plus I have also used shisha mirrors to 

embellish some of the squares. All in all it’s going to be a 

very colourful, sparkly journey next year with plenty to 

keep my members inspired and motivated!” 

Images are all of previous mystery blankets 

There are forty-nine squares in a Mystery Blanket, so it’s 

a great way to learn new knitting techniques and improve 

confidence with existing skills. Next year’s design combines 

together lace stitches, cables, textured stitches, stripes and 

beading with some intarsia and fairisle colourwork. But 

if preferred members can opt out of the colourwork and 

knit something a bit easier by choosing the Option Two 

patterns that are offered as an alternative. This means that 

knitters of all skill levels can take on the Mystery Blanket 

and never feel that they are out of their depth: 

“I think that it is really important for each member to 

feel that they are achieving great things as they knit each 

square. There is nothing better for me than hearing how 

much someone has learnt from knitting a Mystery Blanket, 

and how much their confidence has grown as a result. A 

project that grows square by square is the perfect way to 

try out new techniques without feeling the pressure of 

a bigger project like a garment. And that means that the 

project is portable too, so it’s perfect to take on trips away, 

or even to knit on the way to work – while using public 

transport, of course!” 

The process of creating the design for each of Debbie’s 

Mystery Blankets is a lengthy one, usually taking from 

six to eight months to complete each one of her blanket 

designs. Her starting point is a source of inspiration, from 

which she takes all of her ideas for colour, texture and 

pattern. After creating a colour palette she then works on a 

colour layout to determine roughly where the colours are 

going to be used in the forty-nine squares of the blanket. 

Then a rough sketch is drafted up of the whole design so 

that she has a plan to work to for the placement of pattern 

and texture. When all of this prep work has been done, 

it is only then that Debbie picks up the knitting needles 

and starts to knit samples of each square in the blanket. 

And this can be a lengthy process in itself, with many of 

the squares being revised and reknitted several times over 

before she is happy with the results: 

“Designing a blanket is all about balance and harmony, 

and my challenge is to create something that is not only 

visually pleasing to the eye, but also has enough exciting 

stitch patterns in it to keep the knitter motivated for ten 

months. I love playing with colour and texture, and the 

Mystery Blanket gives me the opportunity to do just that, 

so it’s the perfect vehicle for my work. I take care of the 

design side of the blanket, but I have a team of other people 

that work alongside me, without whom there would be 

no Mystery Blanket Club. I have two test knitters who 

each knit a complete blanket, three postal teams who deal 

with the posting of the parcels, a local printer who looks 

after all the printed patterns, two graphic designers, a web 

and technical support team and a personal assistant. So 

there’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes to make it all 

happen for the hundreds of knitters worldwide who take 

on my challenge each year.” 

With many people all over the world facing an increased 

amount of time at home, Debbie feels that her Mystery 

Blanket projects are more important now than they 

have ever been to keep people busy and motivated. All 

crafts have seen a massive boost during the pandemic 

and knitting has offered a much-needed distraction, with 

WIPs coming out on the cupboard and new challenges 

being taken on: 

“The Mystery Blanket kit is delivered to your door so 

if you are unable to leave the house you can still feed 

your knitting obsession and continue to craft. My Mystery 

Clubs have been a life saver for many people, and with 

more time being spent at home in the current climate it 

so important to have something exciting and new to look 

forward to. And with the Mystery Blanket Club spread 

across ten months, there is plenty to keep everyone going 

in 2021!” 

If you are interested in joining Debbie’s 2021 Mystery 

Blanket Club then you can sign up straight away by visiting 

the online shop on her website: www.debbieabrahams. 

com. Memberships can be purchased for UK, Europe 

and the World. There is a deadline of 31 st December or 

when the Club sells out – whichever comes first. There 

is a limited number of 600 memberships available for the 

2021 Mystery Blanket Club. 

Debbie’s contact details are: 

Address: 26 Church Drive, Carrington, Nottingham 

NG5 2BA, UK 

Email: debbie@debbieabrahams.com 

Debbie Abrahams website: www.debbieabrahams.com 


November 2020 | Autumn Winter 95

HOW TO 

EST 1978 

HOW TO 

THE IMPORTANCE 

OF TENSION 

by Katherine Lymer 

Understanding – and achieving – the stated knitting tension, 

or gauge, is an essential first step of your knitting project. 

Every pattern will provide information on the tension of the knitted fabric 

by specifying the number of stitches in a row and number of rows (or rounds) 

worked in a specific stitch pattern, using the specified needle size, to create a 

10x10cm square. Any differences between your knitting tension and that stated 

in the pattern can give rise to dramatic discrepancies between the expected 

and achieved size of the finished garment. This is why we always advise first 

working a tension square to ensure that you are knitting to the same gauge as 

that specified in the pattern – and the yardage specified in your Rowan pattern 

will accommodate the knitting of this test piece. 

At the beginning of every pattern, the tension will be stated in the form of: - 

TENSION 

22 sts and 30 rows to 10 cm measured over st st using 4mm (US 6) needles. 

However, when knitting a tension square, don’t just knit a 10x10cm 

square as this can be very hard to measure accurately. Instead, 

Image 1 

Image 2 

(1) Using the same yarn as you will be for the main project and the same 

needle size as given in the tension information, cast on* at least four 

more stitches than the number given. (In this case, we would cast on 

22 + 4 = 26 sts.) 

(2) Using the same stitch pattern as specified in the tension information, 

work at least four more rows than the number given. (In this case, 

we would knit 30 + 4 = 34 rows of stocking stitch.) 

(3) Cast off*. 

* using the same method as you intend to for the main project 

Once the square is completed, measure your tension as follows: 

(1) Using a solid (e.g. metal or wood) ruler (or similar, but not a fabric tape 

measure as this may stretch over time), place two pins exactly 10cm 

apart, horizontally, across the width of the fabric. Since the stitches at 

the row ends may be looser / tighter than those in the centre, measure 

across the middle of the fabric. See image 1. 

Count and record the number of stitches between the pins. 

(2) Using the same solid ruler, place two pins exactly 10cm apart, vertically, 

across the height/length of the fabric. Again, since the cast-on and 

cast-off edges may have a different tension to the rows forming the 

main body of the fabric, measure across the middle of the fabric 

without touching the edges. See image 2. 

Count and record the number of rows between the pins. 

(3) Compare your results to the stated tension. 


Once the square is complete, with the 

measured tension matching that stated 

in the pattern, we can cast-on our new 

garment with confidence. 

If your tension doesn’t match that specified, never try to alter 

your own natural knitting tension. You may be able to maintain 

the new tension by knitting tighter or looser for a short time, 

but soon your natural rhythm will take over and you’ll end up 

with unevenly knitted fabric. (If you’re a new knitter, it is likely 

that your knitting will change as your experience increases – so 

choosing a project where maintaining the same tension isn’t 

essential (such as a scarf) can be a good idea.) So instead, change 

the knitting needles: If you have one or two stitches more / less 

than the stated tension, consider changing your needles and use 

a pair one or two (US) size(s) smaller / bigger to knit a new 

tension square and re-measure the gauge. Once your tension 

matches that of the pattern, you can feel confident in castingon 

the main project. 

Knitting tension is also affected by the type of needle you 

use (wooden, metal or plastic; straight vs circular), so if the 

measured gauge is only slightly out (for example, by ½ st), 

it may be worth re-knitting the tension square using a different 

needle of the same size (e.g. switching from metal to wood). 

Sometimes, the change in needles can subtly alter the way we 

knit – and therefore impact on our knitting tension – and can 

provide the necessary remedy to small mismatches in gauge. 

For these same reasons, try to avoid changing needles part-way 

through your project. 

Although the main purpose of a tension square is to ensure 

that your tension matches that stated in the pattern, thereby 

providing the confidence that we will finish with a garment 

of the desired dimensions, there is always the question of what 

to do with the knitted square once we’ve finished with it. 

Sometimes, it can be useful to wash the tension square to check 

how the it behaves in water (is there any bleeding from the dye? 

Do the measurements change after blocking?). Other times, we 

may want to rip back the square and use the yarn for the main 

(or a different) project. Keeping the tension squares can be a 

pleasing curation of our knitting history in itself or they can be 

transformed into other projects, such as patchwork cushions or 

a fabric insert into greetings cards. Of course, the importance 

lies in actually knitting and measuring the tension square – but 

being able to make the knitted square into an individual piece of 

its own can provide an extra incentive to knit one! 

Starting a new project by knitting a tension square not 

only ensures that we have the correct gauge for the 

pattern but, when knitting colour work, also allows 

your chosen colour combinations to be tested before 

committing to the full garment. 

Keeping your old tension squares can 

provide a tactile record of the garments 

you have knitted. 


MEMBERS PATTERN 

EST 1978 

LUCCA 

By Lisa Richardson 

YARN 

Creative Linen 

A Mustard 647 1 x 100gm 

B Oasis 652 1 x 100gm 

C Natural 621 1 x 100gm 

D Teal 625 1 x 100gm 

E Straw 622 1 x 100gm 

CROCHET HOOK 

4mm (no 8) (US G6) crochet hook 

BUTTON – 1 x BN1368 (used showing reverse of button) 

from Bedecked. Please see information page for contact details. 

TENSION 

14.5 sts and 13.5 rows to 10 cm measured over patt using 4mm 

(US G6) crochet hook 

FINISHED SIZE 

Completed bag is 25 cm (9 3/4 in) wide x 8 cm (3 1/4 in) deep 

x 26 cm (10 1/4 in) high, excluding handles 

PATTERN NOTE 

The base of the bag is worked in rows. The sides are worked in 

rounds from the base up. 

For each new row or round, change colour on the last yarn over 

and pull through on the last st in the previous row or round. 

CROCHET ABBREVIATIONS 

ch = chain; dc = double crochet; BLO = back loop 

only; FLO = front loop only; htr = half treble crochet; 

htr2tog = half treble 2 together in same st; ss = slip stitch 


BASE 

Using 4mm (US G6) crochet hook and yarn A make 37 ch. 

Row 1 (RS): Using yarn A, 1 dc into 2nd ch from hook, 

1 dc into each of the next 3 ch, *htr2tog into each of the 

next 4 ch, 1 dc into each of the next 4 ch, rep from * to 

end, turn. 36 sts. 

Row 2: Using yarn B, 2 ch, 1 htr into the same st as 

2 ch (counts as htr2tog), htr2tog into each of the next 3 sts, 

*1 dc into each of the next 4 sts, htr2tog into each of the 

next 4 sts, rep from * to end, turn. 

Row 3: Using yarn C, 1 ch (does NOT count as st), 

1 dc into each of the next 4 sts, *htr2tog into each of 

the next 4 sts, 1 dc into each of the next 4 sts, rep from * 

to end, turn. 

Repeat rows 2 and 3 for a further 8 rows, in the colour 

sequence (D, E, A, B, C), ending with row 3 worked in A. 

Fasten off. 

SIDES 

With RS of base facing, using 4mm (US G6) crochet 

hook, join yarn B in the first dc of last row of the base. 

Round 1: 2 ch, 1 htr into the same st as 2 ch (counts as 

htr2tog), htr2tog into each of the next 3 sts, **(1 dc into 

each of the next 4 sts, htr2tog into each of the next 4 sts) 

4 times, now working in the row ends of the short side of 

the base, 1 dc into side of each of the next 4 rows, htr2tog 

into side of each of the next 4 rows, 1 dc into side of each 

of the next 3 rows, 1 dc into corner**, now working in 

the sts of the next long side of the base, htr2tog into each 

of the next 4 sts, rep from ** to **, ss to first htr to join. 

96 sts. 

Round 2: Using yarn C, 1 ch (does NOT count as st), 

*1 dc into each of the next 4 sts, htr2tog into each of the 

next 4 sts, rep from * to end, ss to first dc to join. 

Round 3: Using yarn D, 2 ch, 1 htr into the same st as 

2 ch (counts as htr2tog), htr2tog into each of the next 

3 sts, 1 dc into each of the next 4 sts, *htr2tog into each of 

the next 4 sts, 1 dc into each of the next 4 sts, rep from * 

to end, ss to first htr to join. 

Repeat rounds 2 and 3 for a further 32 rounds, in the 

colour sequence (E, A, B, C, D), ending with round 3 

worked in A. 

Fasten off. 

HANDLE 

With RS of bag facing, using 4mm (US G6) crochet hook, 

join yarn B in the first dc of one short side. 

Row 1 (RS): 2 ch, 1 htr into the same st as 2 ch (counts as 

htr2tog), htr2tog into each of the next 3 sts, 1 dc into each 

of the next 4 sts, htr2tog into each of the next 4 sts, turn. 

Row 2: Using yarn C, 1 ch (does NOT count as st), 

1 dc into each of the next 4 sts, htr2tog into each of the 

next 4 sts, 1 dc into each of the next 4 sts, turn. 

Repeat rows 1 and 2, in the colour sequence (D, E, A, B, C), 

until the handle measures approx. 110cm (or required 

length), ending with a row 1 in any yarn except A, do not 

fasten off. 

Next row: With WS facing, ss through the BLO of the 

first st on the handle and the FLO of the edge st of the 

short side of the bag to join, *ss through BLO of next st 

on handle and FLO of next st of bag, rep from * to end. 

Fasten off. 

MAKING UP 

Press as described on the information page if required. 

Button loop 

With RS facing, using 4mm (US G6) crochet hook, join 

yarn A to the 18 th st from the right (first st to the right 

of the centre point) on one long edge of the bag, make a 

length of ch measuring 7cm. 

Row 1: 1 dc into 2nd ch from hook, 1 dc into each ch 

to end. 

Fasten off. 

Join end of button loop to next st on the bag. 

See information page for finishing instructions. 


WINTER 

Collection No.12 by Kim Hargreaves 

Available November 2020 

978-1-906487-42-3 

Sweater | knitted in Merino Aria 

KIM HARGREAVES 

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