We’re seeing denim everywhere at the moment, both on the high street and on the catwalk.

This collection is Rowan’s interpretation of  what to wear with your denim favorites using Wool Cotton 4ply. 

In a subtle palette of blues, greys and creams, these pieces can be used to work your denim for any occasion with sloppy joes and granddad style cardigans for lazy Sundays to pretty polka dot cardigans and lace fronts for playsuit cover-ups. – - Rowan Yarns

I just received my review copy of Rowan Studio, Issue Thirty-One Into the Blue and what a fun collection for summer!   Inside this booklet is eight brand new designs by Lisa Richardson that have been created using Rowan Wool Cotton 4 Ply,  blend of 50% Merino Wool and 50% Cotton that is perfect for summer wear.  To those of you new to Wool Cotton, this particular yarn breathes, is cool, is comfortable and perfect for all types of garments.

So, what is inside of Studio 31? From simple, to sophisticated, this collection offers something for all levels of knitters.   I have to say that my favorite is Kentucky and I think it would be great paired up with a comfy pair of jeans.

Alabama  – Knit this ladies lace front cardigan suitable for beginners.

Carolina – A round neck, cropped cardigan with three-quarter sleeves suitable for the average knitter.

Kentucky – A sleeveless funnel neck top suitable for the average knitter.

Louisiana – A moss stitch v neck sweater suitable for beginners.

Tennessee – A lace cardigan, with fabric pocket detail suitable for the average knitter.

Georgia – A sleeveless, belted cardigan with a zig zag design suitable for the average knitter.

Texas – A short-sleeved polka dot effect cardigan suitable for the average knitter.

Virginia – A long-sleeved sloppy joe sweater suitable for beginners.

Be on the watch over the next few months  as Rowan will be adding two FREE patterns to their member website, Arkansas, a textured striped long-sleeved sweater and Mississippi, a short sleeve tee.  You can find these patterns online at Rowan and on Ravelry. And to stay informed of the latest designs and yarns, be sure to follow Rowan Yarns online at Facebook.

If you like to chat, share and learn more about Rowan, check out the three groups on Ravelry too!

Rowan Love

 All Things Rowan

Rowan Yarns

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Do you love denim and cotton as much as I do?

If you answered yes, please enter for a chance to win my review copy of Issue Thirty-One  Into the Blue designed by Lisa Richardson.  To enter, simply leave a comment and let me know what your favorite design might be, as well as your favorite yarn to use for summer time knitting.

This giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on Sunday, May 27th with the winner being selected by Random.org and announced on Monday, May 28th.  As an extra bonus for this giveaway, I will also be giving away my review copy of Rowan Studio Issue Thirty, Folk Designed by Sarah Hatton.   So who wouldn’t want to add two new booklets to their library!

Disclaimer: This copy has been sent to me by Rowan Yarns for review. Please note that the above opinions are my own.

Filed under: All Knitting, Rowan Corner Tagged: Denim, Rowan, rowan corner, Wool Cotton ]]> http://peacefullyknitting.com/2013/05/21/summertime-knitting-with-studio-31/feed/ 7 azknitter http://peacefullyknitting.com/2013/05/20/berry-colored-petals/ http://peacefullyknitting.com/2013/05/20/berry-colored-petals/#comments Mon, 20 May 2013 11:18:55 +0000 Tina http://peacefullyknitting.com/?p=9367 Continue reading →]]> First and foremost, I have to share that I absolutely love my skein of Rowan Fine Art sock yarn and to be honest, at first I was not quite sure about the color.  However, once I caked my yarn and started crocheting, I soon realized the colors are truly fantastic and remind me of berries.

It took me a full day to find just the right pattern for this particular color of yarn.  I really didn’t feel like knitting socks, or even a shawl.  I wanted something to crochet that would be easy, fairly quick and simple.  I personally feel that sometimes the most simple of patterns truly can show off the beauty of a yarn, especially if it’s hand-painted yarn.  So with that though in mind, I decided to crochet a Spring Petals Scarf, perfect for beginners and easy to memorize.

The original design calls for worsted weight but it’s perfect for fingering weight too.  To compensate for the size, I doubled the stitches for the pattern  and went down three hook sizes, opting for a size US E (3.5 mm).   I also wanted something to give a bit more interest to the pattern and give a softness to the colors of the yarn.  After going through my stash, I found that I had two skeins of Rowan Kidsilk Haze in the color Dewberry (#600), a perfect complement to the Raven.

I plan to work on this scarf over the next few weeks, along with a few other projects I’ve got going!

As mentioned I substituted Rowan Savannah.  For this particular project I used 9 skeins (783.0 yards/716.0m) and only had a very tiny portion left over.  The pattern instructions are very well written and easy to follow, a huge plus for me.  It was a super fun project, so much so I have decided to hook yet another project!  I must keep you in suspense to the pattern but I will say I plan to use my skein of Rowan Fine Art sock yarn in color#304, Raven.

Do you enjoy crochet projects?

Have you ever made any of the Rowan projects?

Filed under: All Crochet, Crochet, Rowan Corner Tagged: crochet, rowan corner, rowan savannah, Sarah Hutton ]]> http://peacefullyknitting.com/2013/05/17/cabazon-southwestern-style/feed/ 24 azknitter 017 020 022 http://peacefullyknitting.com/2013/05/16/off-the-hook-cabazon/ http://peacefullyknitting.com/2013/05/16/off-the-hook-cabazon/#comments Fri, 17 May 2013 03:16:35 +0000 Tina http://peacefullyknitting.com/?p=9350 Continue reading →]]> Today I finished my Cabazon crocheted tee and I LOVE it!   I really enjoyed the pattern, as well as the  Rowan Savannah .  I even have to say it was fun to learn a few new crochet techniques too!  .

A bit about  Rowan Savannah .  I found the more I worked with it, the softer it became.  I also like how it holds it’s shape and doesn’t stretch out like most cotton yarns seem to do.  One word of caution, it does bleed when washed, so make sure to hand wash separately. I do recommended it for any style garment, knitted or crocheted.  Once my project is dry, I will take a photo for you all!

Since I truly enjoyed this crochet project, I decided to use my stash of Elsebeth Lavold Cable Cotton in the color putty and will be starting  a very unique and beautiful design called Abigail by Jenny King.  Jenny’s design give instructions for both a vest and a cardigan, and I’ve chosen to make a vest.

For a size medium/large vest, this project will require approximately 1,360 yards of worsted weight yarn and an US size G crochet hook.  I will have enough yarn and may consider adding short sleeves.

Back view – courtesy of Jenny King

Front View – Courtesy of Jenny King

What are you working on?

Current Projects on the Needles and Hooks:

• Abigail – Hooking today
• On Stranger Tides – Haven’t done much.
• A Niced Ribbed Sock - Working on the first sock still and should be finished by the weekend.
• Cabazon – Completed May 16th!
• Posies Shawl - Haven’t done much.
• Angels and Pearls Scarf - Haven’t done much.
• Amaranth Kernel Scarf - Haven’t done much and wondering about frogging. Not too sure about the yarn choice and it’s been on the needles for a very long time! Nine months to be exact .. yikes, that’s the longest WIP I’ve ever had.
• Less is More - A spinning project.  Finished with two bobbins!

So to keep me motivated with spinning, my friend Elseline sent me a package containing 8 oz of a gorgeous BFL blend (Blue Faced Leicster and Tussah Silk) by Adelaide Walker that she picked up when she went to  Wonderwool 2013 in Wales.  Oh goodness this fiber is soft!!!

Of course I too have to keep myself motivated to finish spinning so I can not only spin the fiber Elseline sent to me, but fiber I just bought from Mary Ann of Three Waters Farm.  I love BFL, it’s so soft and yummy to spin, and this 8 oz  in the colorway called Rags and Bones will be perfect for a shawl!

What have you been spinning lately?

Measuring at 437 yards (400m), one skein of  Rowan Fine Art is perfect for a pair of socks, a scarf, an infinity cowl, a shawlette and more.  Now to decide what my skein will become, such a challenge for a knitter!

Do you have a favorite so far from the  Fine Art Collection ?  If yes, which pattern do you love the most?

Here’s your chance to give Rowan’s Fine Art yarn a try with this FREE pattern for a stunning lace scarf, designed exclusively for the Rowan website by Lisa Richardson. This stylish scarf shows off the beauty of this yarn perfectly and the pattern is suitable for beginners.

Courtesy of Rowan Yarn

Be sure to login, then just click the link to download your FREE pattern: http://www.knitrowan.com/designs-and-patterns/patterns/robin-scarf

You can pre-order Fine Art online at Webs and  Jimmy Beans Wool.  Better yet, you can pre-order  the entire eight color collection at Simply Socks Yarn Company.  Be sure to ask your local shop if they will be carrying Rowan Fine Art too, I know mine will be!

I have to share that I’m very excited with a beautiful Delft plate I found that portrays a shepherdess knitting among her flock of sheep.  The transfer was from an original painting entitled La Bergere  and I am trying to decide where to hang my new find!

My second find, a vintage set of circular needles that are brand new and still in the original box.  The needles were manufactured by P.G. Roberts Co. and are called “Countess”.  I have searched the web and cannot find out when these needles were made.  I can tell you that the tips are metal, sizes US 5 to 16, and that the four cables screw into the tips.  I have to say too that this set rather reminds me of the Denise interchangeables and if anyone has an idea of their age or when they could have possibly been manufactured, I would appreciate it.  I’m thinking the early 60′s, what do you think?

Now it’s time to relax a bit and enjoy some crocheting!  I’ve just finished one side of my Cabazon crocheted tee and I will be starting the second side. I can’t wait to finish so I can wear it!

Until next time, happy knitting, crocheting, spinning and crafting!

I’ve had my lovely skein of Rowan Kidsilk Haze Glamour sitting on my desk staring at me wanting to be knitted up but I didn’t quite know what I should make out of it, especially since I only had one skein that measures 177 yards (162m).  After searching through countless patterns, magazine and books, I found the perfect design on the Rowan website, the Glamour Cravat, Scarf and Throw designed by Louisa Harding.

Knit this beautiful lace cravat, scarf or throw, a free download as  part of the launch of our new yarn Kidsilk Haze Glamour(super kid  mohair and silk). This pattern is from the Rowan archive, originally  designed by Louisa Harding and re-worked in Kidsilk Haze Glamour, this  knitting pattern is a simple yet elegant knit and is for the  intermediate knitter. ~ Rowan

Rowan Kidsilk Haze Glamour in Smoke

This pattern is a free download from the Rowan Member site that is available in four languages.  I also love the fact, that the designer included three sytle options:

• Completed wrap measures approx 40.5 cm (16 in) wide and 220 cm (86½ in) long and requires 5 skeins of Kidsilk Haze Glamour
• Completed scarf measures approx 21.5 cm (8½ in) wide and 173 cm (68 in) long and requires 2 skeins of Kidsilk Haze Glamour
• Completed cravat measures approx 16.5 cm (6½ in) wide and 100 cm (39 in) long and requires 1 skein of Kidsilk Haze Glamour

Since I only had one skein, I decided to knit the cravat and modified the original design ever so slightly.  I did not knit the garter stitch borders and I added a section of garter stitch for the middle of the cravat, which will rest at the back of my neck.  My finished blocked piece measures 6″ wide and 38 1/2″ long, and has very nice lace points at each end.  This will be a great accessory piece this fall and winter to wear with my jackets and cardigans, adding just the right amount of feminine sparkle at the throat.  I plan to wear mine using a 1928 Company  Marcasite pin to hold it in place.

For inspiration on how to use a skein or two  of Kidsilk Haze Glamour, check out my fellow Rowan Ambassadors and their projects:

• Anne created gorgeous mitts
• Esther created the most beautiful capelet
• Linda created an elegant scarf
• Ute added sparkle to a blouse

What are your favorite lace one skein projects?

Still reading  The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher and I’m happy to say I’m half way through the book.  I’ve had too many distractions lately that have been keeping me away from this book, maybe this evening I’ll just sit and read and give myself a knitting break!

My project bowl is overflowing but I’m working on  each project a little at a time.  Keeps one motivated to have a few WIPs going!  I should be done with the front of my Cabazon soon, just four more rows and then I will start the back piece.

So, what are you knitting, crocheting or spinning?

Any good books lately?

For those of you who love and treasure Jane Austen, you may or may not know about Jane Austen’s World, a wonderful blog dedicated to everything “Austen” and the Regency period.  One of my favorite parts of this particular blog is the page dedicated to podcasts and audio books for Jane Austen, and so much more.  Another wonderful website that will get you lost in Austenland, is the Jane Austen Centre.  Be sure to take a look at their newsletter and their online magazine, both full of the Regency period and everything Jane Austen.

Austenatious Crochet features thirty-two original crochet projects focusing on women’s wear, such as dresses, sweaters, cardigans, and capelets, as well as handbags, scarfs, pillowcases and clothing for children.

Inspired by the  novels of Jane Austen, this collection is sure to please even the most devout Austen fan out there.  Inside, crocheters will love how each project contains an introduction that includes favorite bits of dialogue from the original novels, fully illustrated with photos, Regency-style illustrations, and step-by-step schematics.

I also have to tell you I love Interweave’s Jane Austen Knits, a once a year special issue featuring designs inspired by Jane Austen’s novels.  So far Interweave has published three, Jane Austen Knits Premiere, Jane Austen Knits, Summer 2012 and Jane Austen Knits, Fall 2012.  I truly hope they continue with this special issue, fingers crossed for a summer 2013 issue!

Do you like a bit of embroidery now and then?  This delightful PDF download pattern, Jane Austen,  designed by Pam Jones, From the Craft Room,  is sure to inspire you to pick up your needle and embroider while listen to a bit of Sense and Sensibility.  Pam’s download comes with stitch instructions,  a template and more.

Courtesy of Pam Jones – From the Craft Room

While searching Pinterest for more Jane Austen inspired needlework projects,  I came across this piece of embroidery designed by Creative Carmelina,  I love it, a portrait of Jane Austen!

Courtesy of Creative Carmelina

Of course you must remember to think about stitch markers for your knitting.  The Jane Austen Emma markers by Knit Girl in Idaho are very cute, as well as the set of Jane Austen Pride and Prejudice markers by Knit Cubby.

Courtesy of Knit Girl in Idaho

Courtesy of Knit Cubby

If you like simple shawls with just the right amount of lace, then Lizzie Bennet’s Shawl designed by Annie Riley might be perfect for you! This sweet little shawlette is perfect for stash busting as it only requires one skein of fingering weight yarn at approximately 400 yards.  Got to love one skein projects!

Courtesy of Annie Riley

So, are you an Austen fan?  What’s your favorite novel?

Until next time, happy knitting, crocheting and crafting!