Rowan Knitting and Crochet Magazine No. 49 (ZM49) features handknitting and crochet designs from Marie Wallin, Martin Storey, Kaffe Fassett, Erika Knight, Sarah Dallas, Brandon Mably, Grace Melville, Lisa Richardson, Amanda Crawford, Sarah Hatton and Jennie Atkinson.

The new spring 2011 season sees knitwear at the heart of the major clothing trends – somewhat unusual for a summer season. Yarns explore the extremes of ultra fine and the sexily see through to the more dense textured and natural yarns. In fashion knitwear design, this is translated into diaphanous, lingerie-like, draping styles in fine and hazy yarns. Lace (open and fine), crochet (antique and freeform) and cut out neckline, sleeve and shoulder details all form an intrinsic part of being transparent. Transparency is a key direction for the season and is shown in its many guises in all the main trends.

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Featured Yarns:
Fine Milk Cotton, Organic Cotton 4Ply, Organic Cotton DK, Cotton Glace, Siena, Kidsilk Haze, Purelife Revive, Summer Tweed, Lenpur Linen, Pima Cotton and Denim.

We are starting to demand transparency in our day to day lives, not only from our politicians and bankers but from society in general. As a contrast, a major trend emerges from the need to return to simplicity and lead a more sustainable life. This trend has been steadily increasing over the last few years and is fast becoming a life philosophy for many people. As we aim to be more honest, we invest in craft to create beautiful items that will be cherished and kept as well as being durable and functional. Yarns with imperfections, irregularities and having a raw appearance are important with cotton, linen and hemp being the fibres of choice. Dry touch handles and rustic coloured effects, also add to this influential trend. The layered silhouette and the general overall look will be the major factor for garment styling this season. Garments will no longer be perceived as single, unique pieces but as elements incorporated through layering into the total silhouette.

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Story 1 - Illusion is inspired by a fragile and secret world that is difficult to define. Past, present and future come together in the form of ghostly memories, mysterious atmospheres and imaginary premonitions. Colour dissolves in light with time-worn pales and spectral greys being tinted with powdered pinks and green shadows. Fragile and light weight knits made up in layers of veiled transparency create an ethereal look. Historical lacework, float, ladder and crochet stitches appear barely there when viewed from a distance but are beautifully intricate on close inspection all help to create a very feminine, delicate collection of exquisite knits. Draping tunics and cardigans, loose tanks, smocked peasant tunics and toga style wrapping are the key shapes. Sheila Rock photographed Illusion at the beautiful hill top town of Deia and the atmospheric ancient town of Sinue in Majorca with art direction and styling by Head Designer, Marie Wallin.

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Story 2 - Homespun is inspired by the growing need to return to the simple life - honest, pared-back, but beautifully designed. Colour is a naïve collection of sunny tones that are fresh and intuitive with reliable and familiar warmth. Dairy creams and oaty neutrals work neatly alongside chambray blues, laundered reds, leafy greens and rose pinks for a modest rural simplicity. Easy, unstructured and loosely fitted garments perfect for bright sunny days are worked in natural textures and handcrafted stitch details. Sturdy heirloom crochet, laundered textures, embroidery and wicker openwork all combine to create a collection of relaxed knits for both women and men. Provincial apron wraps, tablecloth tunics, tie fronted country tees, puritan smock dresses and peasant blouse tops are the key shapes. Illusion was photographed by Sheila Rock in a lovely rustic Majorcan finca with art direction and styling by Marie Wallin.

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Story 3 - Summer Essentials. ESSENTIALS is the new addition to the Rowan Magazine. In each spring and autumn edition the design team will identify the key shapes and translate them into more simplified, easy to wear styles that will compliment the season’s essential looks. For SUMMER ESSENTIALS, the key trends for hankerchief, ruffles, string, cut outs, asymmetric, peasant and relaxed loose shapes are designed into beautiful knits in a clean, pure colour palette of white, cream and stone neutrals. Predominately a plain knitted and solid coloured collection, SUMMER ESSENTIALS also combines the key fabric trends of lace, crochet, textured stitch and stripes in an uncomplicated but modern way. Photographed in a studio with a very pretty floral theme by Peter Christian Christensen with art direction and styling by Marie Wallin.

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Other features include:

Sustainability – The Rowan Design Award this season shows the talent of 5 students from the Royal College of Art in the form of their wonderful inspired garment designs. They give us an insight into their personal views of sustainability and ethical fashion and how it affects their own work now and in the future. Photographed by Peter Christian Christensen and words written by Dr Margy Cockburn.

Kaffe’ Homeware – As follow on from the successful ‘Kaffe’s Summer House’ feature in Mag 47, we decided to give Kaffe the new challenge of creating new designs that can be used as individual art pieces for wall display and for throws and cushions alike. Photographed in a beautiful country home in Wiltshire by Moy Williams.
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Make do and Mend – An interesting feature investigating vintage knitting and the make do and mend culture of the 1940’s, a trend returning for the 2010’s. Written by Dr Kate Davies.

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.

Order code: ZM49

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.