kidsilk haze

TNNA recap: the Rowan adventures /  by jen geigley


I have a few more TNNA photos to share, and this time it's all about Rowan. I was invited to attend the trade show with Rowan via Westminster Fibers, which was a super cool experience. The highlight of the weekend was getting the opportunity meeting some of the Rowan team from the U.K. One of my favorite knitwear designers of all time is Martin Storey, and it was a real treat to be able to chat with him over the weekend. Pictured above is my wonderfully talented TNNA roommate, Kristen from Knitionary, Martin and I. He is one of the head designers at Rowan and learning about what goes on behind the scenes (the photo shoots, design stories, pattern design, putting together collections) was absolutely fascinating. He's such a nice guy!


There was a knitwear fashion show on first evening of TNNA which featured 75 designs by various yarn companies. Rowan showed four designs – a vest, a fair isle sweater, a wrap and a wedding dress. This gorgeous Kidsilk Haze bridal gown was saved for the finale and was a showstopper! 



The next day, we got to check out the Rowan booth which was bursting with brand new designs and new yarns.


One of my new favorite yarns for fall is Hemp Tweed, which feels a bit squishy and seems to have great memory/stretch to it. I loved all the designs that were showcased using this yarn and can't wait to knit with it this fall. (I believe it's available beginning July 2015.)



And Kristen and I had fun checking out the new Swarovski + Rowan collaboration, which includes yarn pre-strung with Swarovski crystals and packages of crystals/baubles/beads that are available for purchase on their own.



Martin Storey and the lovely Kate Buller brought out champagne and chocolate covered strawberries for everyone during their knitting with Swarovski demonstration, which was really neat. Martin showed us all how to knit with pre-strung crystals.


And they had a sweet little baby garment display showcasing Rowan's Super Fine Merino 4ply, which is another favorite of mine. It feels so nice and will be amazing to knit with. It's washable, too.


And that's it! I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to meet these sweet and talented people and spend the weekend with other knitting enthusiasts, doing what we do best. A huge thanks to Rowan for everything – I had such a great time!

Still /  by jen geigley


My three favorite things this winter are: hot Tazo Passion tea, knitting while watching 'Lilyhammer' on Netflix, and looking at pattern collections by Kim Hargreaves. HA. But seriously, check out 'Still' by Kim Hargreaves. This soft and cozy collection includes 21 designs using Rowan Brushed Fleece, Mohair Haze, Kidsilk Haze, Fine Lace, Kid Classic, Kidsilk Haze Stripe, Cocoon, Lima, Felted Tweed DK and Felted Tweed Aran. Here are some of my favorites. 

Comfort

 Cold

 Darkness

 
Cosy (sweater) and Mist (hat)

 Hushed

Comfort (cardigan) and Mist (hat)

 Black

 Light

Mist
 
 Intense

 Tranquil

 Silence

'Still' is available at Kim's website and also at local knitting shops. Such a phenomenal collection;  gorgeous and soft. This might make a lovely gift for any knitter on your holiday list, fyi. Happy December!
You can purchase the book on Kim's website or at your local knitting shop. - See more at: http://knitionary.blogspot.com/2014/10/still.html#sthash.NIjh4a5I.dpuf

Rowan Loves /  by jen geigley


Wow, right? I just received a new stack of gorgeous Rowan publications on my doorstep, and I wanted to share this collection right off the bat. It's called 'Rowan Loves Kidsilk Haze & Felted Tweed' by Sarah Hatton, and it's kind of a big deal because this book is like no other. All 9 designs can be knitted in either Felted Tweed DK – or – Kidsilk Haze (held single or double) and all of the designs can be customized. It's so much fun to see the two yarn usage options and dream of all the possibilities. Just look...

9 designs, all classics with updated twists, have multiple options for customizing.  Plus every pattern can either be knit in Felted Tweed DK for a more casual look, or for a more glam look, knit in Kidsilk Haze single or doubled. - See more at: http://www.knitionary.blogspot.com/#sthash.eg84eO4D.dpuf
all 9 designs, all classics with updated twists, have multiple options for customizing.  Plus every pattern can either be knit in Felted Tweed DK for a more casual look, or for a more glam look, knit in Kidsilk Haze single or doubled. - See more at: http://www.knitionary.blogspot.com/#sthash.eg84eO4D.dpuf
all 9 designs, all classics with updated twists, have multiple options for customizing.  Plus every pattern can either be knit in Felted Tweed DK for a more casual look, or for a more glam look, knit in Kidsilk Haze single or doubled. - See more at: http://www.knitionary.blogspot.com/#sthash.eg84eO4D.dpuf
Sarah Hatton.nd it's a particularly unique collection because

The first pic (top) is of 'Gemma' knit in Kidsilk Haze ... and here is 'Gemma' in Felted Tweed DK. I love both looks! (Do you see how much fun this is?)


This is 'Karla' in Felted Tweed DK and 'Kate' in Kidsilk Haze.


Here's 'Kate' again, but in Felted Tweed DK and with a contrast edging + alternate neckline! 

 

This is 'Andrea' in Felted Tweed DK with long sleeves.

 

 And here's an adorable short-sleeved version of 'Andrea' in Kidsilk Haze.


Check out 'Jamie' in this gorgeous blue shade of Kidsilk Haze, called 'Trance.'


And this comfy, cozy version of 'Jamie' in Felted Tweed DK.

 
But 'Rowan Loves' isn't all sweaters! Check out 'Davina,' a gorgeous wrap.


 And 'Paula,' a hat that would look fantastic in both yarns.


You can pick up a copy of 'Rowan Loves Kidsilk Haze & Felted Tweed' at your local Rowan stockist or look for it amongst the many yarn shops online. And keep an eye out for more 'Rowan Loves' books in the future – we've heard that this will become a series. I've been poring over new Rowan designs each night before bed and I can't wait to share more soon!
Rowan Loves by Sarah Hatton will be available soon at your Rowan stockist, if not there already. Rowan Felted Tweed DK and Rowan Kidsilk Haze are very popular yarns and very easy to find.  Your local Rowan stockist will most likely carry a good selection.  My local yarn store, Uncommon Threads in Los Altos is always my first option, support your LYS!  If you don't have that option, there are many many many excellent online stores you can visit worldwide.  
I heard from Rowan that there will be a series of books called Rowan Loves.  I don't know what yarns they will be loving next, but as soon as I know, you'll know!
- See more at: http://www.knitionary.blogspot.com/#sthash.eg84eO4D.dpuf

Rowan Studio 33 /  by jen geigley


Pop by Amanda Crawford

I just had to share images from Rowan's Studio 33: The Last Hurrah – the final collection of Rowan's Studio publications. While saying goodbye is sad (I'll really miss Studio!) they're really going out with a bang. Check out all of the spectacular designs and gorgeous photography for this rock-and-roll inspired collection. Using Kidsilk Haze, Anchor Artiste Metallic, Kidsilk Haze Eclipse, Angora Haze and Kidsilk Haze Glamour, this final group of patterns covers all knitting skill levels from beginner to experienced. Get ready to be inspired.


Blondie by Grace Melville



Daltrey by Gemma Atkinson

 

Hendrix by Gemma Atkinson



Jagger by Lisa Richardson



Jett by Lisa Richardson



Joplin by Lisa Richardson



Tyler by Martin Storey




Quattro by Sarah Hatton



Springsteen by Marie Wallin


One more thing! Through January 31st, Rowan is offering up a chance to win the yarn to knit a Rowan garment, a Rowan subscription and tickets to Stitchtopia! Pretty amazing. Rowan will be adding new competitions every month and they’re all FREE to enter. Click here to check it out.