Rowan Knitting and Crochet Magazine No. 48 (ZM48) features handknitting and crochet designs from Marie Wallin, Martin Storey, Kaffe Fassett, Erika Knight, Sarah Dallas, Brandon Mably, Grace Melville, Lisa Richardson, Amanda Crawford.

The trends for hand knitting yarns for the new winter season have been developed during a complex time within the global economic market. Due to the worldwide recession the move towards handicraft, recycling and sustainability remains very strong. Consequently crafted yarns continue to be popular, especially recycled and carded yarns. Developed to be rustic, tweedy, felted, slubbed or generously rounded roving, these yarns provide soft, comforting and enveloping looks which promote the sense of security. Luxury blends of super kid mohair, alpaca and cashmere are forever popular and are being seen this season in more boucles and felted yarns. Mélanges, marls, prints and degrades are the key colour effects.

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Featured Yarns:
Felted Tweed Chunky, Felted Tweed Aran, Felted Tweed, Cocoon, Big Wool, Wool Cotton, Kidsilk Aura, Kidsilk Haze, Silky Tweed, Kid Classic, Cashsoft DK, Cashsoft 4Ply, Pure Wool DK, Pure Wool 4Ply.

The important fabric and stitch trends for the season are patterning with floral central European folk designs, tartans, tapestries, flag checks, fairisles and stripes providing the inspiration. Historical references such as armour, heraldry and medieval fashion inspire structural and complex cabling that fit and contour the body. Enveloping and cocooningshapes in warm, comforting big knits provide the easy to wear and relaxed looks that are key to the season.

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Story 1 - Nomad is inspired by the spiritual landscapes of remote and far off places. The natural rugged textures of secluded, lonely beaches inspire a peaceful story with a relaxed nomadic spirit. A soft and understated colour palette of grey and blue tints, sand and pebble tones, combine with organic cabling and 3D techniques to create a collection of inspiring knitwear that both envelopes and defines the body shape. Bulky yet lightweight coats and jackets form an important part of the key layered look for the season. Sheila Rock photographed Nomad at the awe inspiring Holkham beach and estate in Norfolk with art direction and styling by Head Designer, Marie Wallin.

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Story 2 - Russian Doll is inspired by the romantic folkloric design epitomised by the Russian matryoshka nesting doll. Rich and sumptuous forest greens, berry reds, plums and gold compliment the duck egg teals, mid tone blues and rustic camel shades found in central European traditional design. Russian Doll is a beautiful collection, which combines floral jacquards with eclectic mixes of clashing tartans and flag symbolism with colourful effect. The cocooning body shape of the nesting doll with long tunic and sweater dresses form the key looks for the story. Russian Doll was photographed by Peter Christian Christensen with art direction and styling by Marie Wallin.

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Story 3 - Timeless is inspired by a renewed interest in investment dressing. Mother to daughter-inherited style reinvents the meaning of the design classic. Charming heritage colours of aged pastels, classical brights and traditional mid tones, evoke a palette with a nostalgic feel. Timeless is essentially a ‘plain’ story with the body silhouette clearly defined with emphasis on contemporary sleeve and shoulder details. Chanel-esque knits, pretty stripes and gossamer day to evening wear designs all add feminine charm to a mother and daughter collection of accessible design. Photographed in London by Sheila Rock on 4 ages of women, ranging from 19 years to 81 years; with art direction and styling by Marie Wallin.

Other features include:

Jewellery Knit & Crochet – The Rowan Design Award this season sees undergraduate students of Nottingham Trent and Huddersfield Universities creating exciting jewellery ideas using knit and crochet.

At Home with Martin Storey – An insight into the home life of one of Rowan’s favourite designers. In this feature, Martin explains how and where he gets his design inspiration from and gives us a brief glimpse of his new book. Written by Susan Berry.

Sandra Backlund - A rare interview with one of the most inspiring knitwear designers in the world today. Written by Sabrina Gschwandtner.

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Quilts en Provence - A fun article about Kaffe’s latest book, written by the photographer, Debbie Patterson from her own view point.

Travel Journal - Giving information on the photo shoot locations.

What’s New - Taking a look at the new Rowan books, exciting exhibitions and other new inspiring items.

Editor’s Letter - Kate Buller comments on the forthcoming season.

Sizing - The Rowan sizing guide.

Gallery - Our reference guide for all the designs and yarns used within the magazine.

Order code: ZM48

Format: 314mm x 240mm perfect bound

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Our staff have had many years experience of working with Rowan yarns. Rowan designs never date but sometimes the colours and qualities that were once the original designs, have to be substituted; we can advise on the nearest shades.

We stock the entire Rowan handknitting range. Please see our Rowan stock list.