Uh oh.
I just got my Rowan 40 in the mail today. It’s worse than I thought… I love everything in this issue. _Everything._ The Big Wool sweaters. The crocheted corset. The Kid Silk Haze knitted ballgown (that’s a minimum of 27 balls of KSH — um, yes, I’ll knit that with my next spare $600). Absolutely divine.
It seems like all the complaints that were raised during the last few issues have been heard and addressed by Rowan. There’s a multi-page feature entitled “I could wear that” that shows three women (20-, 40- and 60-something) modelling the same six sweaters… Normal people styling the sweaters with jeans, casual skirts, etc. A great sell. It had crossed my mind that I should knit up all six sweaters for myself. Doh.
Another aspect they addressed is the basics of *gasp* crochet. Nice illustrations of all the basic techniques that you need to complete any of their crocheted projects. It’s really excellent support, I think.
The article “Design Diary” opens with _”Twice a year the Rowan team wait with a great sense of anticipation as their designs are sent out to you. What will you think? Which will be your favourite? It is a nerve wracking time as the yarns and patterns that the designers have invested such hard work and passion in are scrutinised, the colours chosen and lovingly knitted up.”_ and goes on to describe the creative process that lasts about 18 months per issue. Oh, I feel almost a little guilty — it’s hard work and the designers pour themselves into these designs… and then we rip them apart.
We, knitters, are a fickle and demanding crowd, eh? Last Fall, I think we, Rowan readers, in general were quite brutal about the patterns and the freaky photostyling… we all lamented the departure of [Kim Hargreaves](http://www.kimhargreaves.co.uk) (_omg_, have you seen her [beautiful new autumn collection?!](http://www.kimhargreaves.co.uk/acatalog/Touching_Elegance.html))… So this issue interviews five of the new designers at Rowan, introducing them as “The New Generation”. Yes, change is afoot and it feels so fresh and optimistic.
Tags: rowan
I have to agree with you I too love the new Rowan…I was about to post a little review myself lol…trying to figure out what SGY I can get for what
Yes I’ve seen Kim’s fall Collection. I’ve fallin’ in love with Lush and Heather…
Oh man, I knew this issue was going to be a feast for the eyes but that “I could wear section” pushes it over the edge. Thank you so much for showing those sections.
Oh man, I knew this issue was going to be a feast for the eyes but that “I could wear section” pushes it over the edge. Thank you so much for showing those sections.
Thanks for posting the review and “I Could Wear That” section of Rowan’s new collection! I was thinking about getting it, but now I definitely will. And why can’t Kim sell her gorgeous designs in just patterns for those of us too broke to knit everything with the most expensive yarn possible?!?!
So it would appear that I have let my membership lapse! Thanks for the reminder Felicia (not)!
I have got to have that Kaffe pattern! Gorgeous!
Off to the Rowan site with credit card in hand (we’ll pretend that I don’t have the number memorized)!
Well, dammit. Now I have to buy that issue. This, combined with the rumor that they might have extended their sizing, just pushes me off the fence smack into “Give Rowan My Money” territory.
Nice post, thanks for talking about it. It’s great to hear that you really like this issue. So now we’ll get to see you knit more, yay!
Glad to see them getting back to more wearable patterns and more “normal” photo styling! I may actually consider a subscription!
Kim’s collections are always SO beautiful. It’s a shame she left Rowan and now her patterns are so much more expensive!
I still feel like RYC is where the wearable Rowan patterns are going. I don’t think anyone will make the KSH gown. Can you imagine the sewing that would have to happen to produce a lining to make it decent? I saw a sample of it and it was BIG.
And SPARKLY.
It does seem like they have taken the criticism in stride. It’s definately looking like the old rowan again! Definately a lack of freaky styling in this issue.
Thanks for the great review. I don’t subscribe and no one around here carries Rowan, so I always have to decide if I want to order it. It sounds like they’re really changing things. I LOVE Kim’s new designs. Like I need another 5 or 6 projects on the list!