Uh oh.
Thursday, August 10th, 2006I 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 (omg, have you seen her beautiful new autumn collection?!)… 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.
