Greenwich

I finished a sweater! Okay, it took way longer than it should have (cough, I started last October) but things come up. I kept putting this on the back burner but no one's keeping score ... no one exactly wins the knitting race, right? This pattern is Greenwich by Martin Storey, knit in Rowan Super Fine Merino DK in a colorway called Zing. (Such a super rad color!) This still needs to be blocked but I couldn't wait to try it on to see how it feels/looks. This yarn is amazing if you're at all sensitive to wool or tend to get itchy. Super Fine Merino DK is smooth, squishy and extremely soft ... it glides through your hands when you knit with it and I swear it almost feels like rubber. In a good way. This is definitely a extra comfy everyday knit!

The side slits on the bottom edges are a fun detail. And that stitch pattern is created with a k1 below rib which takes a bit to get used to, but goes pretty quickly. (Says the girl who took six months to knit the sweater.)

Want to make one of your own? You can find this Martin Storey pattern in Rowan's Easy DK Knits at your local yarn shop or online. You can also find more info on Ravelry and on Rowan's website.

Okay, I'm going to go block this now and maybe take better pics when I'm done. ;)

Happy knitting!

Stour – a Rowan cardigan by Martin Storey

Last weekend, I finished up this ultra cozy cardigan and I already can't wait for cooler weather so I can wear it all of the time. The pattern is 'Stour' by Martin Storey and I knitted it using Rowan Brushed Fleece, which is a gorgeous, warm, lightweight wool that's extremely soft (and not itchy whatsoever.) You have to feel it to believe it.

'Stour' is technically a mens' cardigan, but I really wanted to knit something for myself that was a little bit oversized and easy to throw on. I made the smallest size (which I believe was a 38" chest) and it's really quite perfect.

I fell in love with this hazel-green color (called 'Moor') as soon as I saw it on the shade card. I can see myself throwing this on over practically anything in my closet. I took my time with this cardigan (because I was busy finishing projects for my book) but it really didn't take long at all to knit. Quick knits are my favorite!

I'm totally in sweater mode right now; I have two projects (for myself) that I want to cast on next and can't decide which one to do first. But I also have a sweet little sweater pattern picked out for Bowie. So maybe I'll start with that.

What are you making this fall? If you can decide what to knit right now, check back soon for WEEKEND knit along details – it's going to be fun!

Rowan Loves: Pure Wool and Creative Focus Worsted

Take a peek at another one of my favorite collections from Rowan's 2015 A/W releases – Rowan Loves: Creative Focus Worsted & Pure Wool Superwash Worsted. This is the third brochure in the Rowan Loves series, and features nine designs that can be knit in either yarn, giving you lots and lots of options. I am absolutely in love with the photography and styling of this collection, and no surprise, these were all designed by the talented Marin Storey. See for yourself why I adore all of these gorgeous sweaters and accessories. So wearable with fun details ... and it's so much fun seeing the design variations and differences between the two yarns! Enjoy.

 

Let's start off with Bellerose, a classic striped cardigan or sweater. The contrasting colors in the cuffs and bottom edge are so cool; I'm in love with both versions of this sweater.

 

Use either yarn to knit Rockette, too. This casual sweater has ribbed edgings, semi set in sleeves and a pouch pocket. I would wear this all of the time.

 

Bergen would clearly be gorgeous in either Creative Focus Pure Wool Superwash. This boyfriend style cardigan has contrasting pocket and cuff detail. I love the shape of this and again, the color-blocked sections are super fun.

Corona is a textured cardigan or sweater. The longer length cardigan has placement pockets and the longline sweater has a deep rib collar and edgings.

Astoria is a chunky cable sweater with a roll neck and raglan sleeves. It can be knitted in either a shorter or longer length version.

Driscoll is a classic sweater with semi set in sleeves. It has a stand up rib collar and can be knitted in either a shorter or longer length version.

Haven is a boxy sweater or jacket. Both of these loose-fitting designs are knitted in moss stitch with delicate, contrasting lace panels.

Skyland is a scarf or shawl! How clever. Knitted in garter stitch and finished with pom poms, you can choose either a shorter length scarf or a longer length shawl. (I love pom poms.)

And finally, Union is a slouchy hat knitted in garter stitch. It uses just one ball of yarn!

Keep an eye out for Rowan Loves this fall at your local or online Rowan stockists ... you'll love this collection!

Rowan A/W Preview: Martin Storey's Easy DK Knits

Rowan is launching three brand new DK yarns this Autumn/Winter season, and I'd love to give you a quick preview of two of them: Pure Wool Superwash DK and Super Fine Merino DK. These two new yarns are showcased beautifully in Martin Storey's collection, Easy DK Knits.

A little bit of info about these two yarns: Super Fine Merino DK has a natural elastic quality for movement when wearing. The knitted fabric is soft and smooth and feels great to wear. Super Fine Merino will also be available in 4-ply and Aran.

Pure Wool Super Wash DK is hard wearing, making this yarn idea for the whole family and perfect for household knits. It's superwash, too!

This book is quite possibly my favorite this season and has so many perfectly wearable sweaters in it. My absolute favorite is this simple pullover, Greenwich, which I plan on making (right away) in Super Fine Merino in a bright chartreuse shade called 'Zing.' Check out more photos below of my favorite designs from Easy DK Knits.

Greenwich – Super Fine Merino

Barbican – Pure Wool Superwash DK

Mayfair – Super Fine Merino DK

 Brixton – Pure Wool Superwash DK

 Dulwich – Super Fine Merino DK

 Hampstead – Super Fine Merino DK

Kew – Pure Wool Superwash DK

Keep an eye out for this gem this fall at your local Rowan stockists ... it's sure to be a classic go-to collection that you'll turn to again and again.

TNNA recap: the Rowan adventures

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!

Latest infatuation: Rowan Felted Tweed + Easy Fairisle Knits

Fairisle kittens and stripes on a scarf! I'm kind of obsessed. If you're still working on perfecting your colorwork skills (like me,) you have to see Martin Storey's newest collection using Rowan Felted Tweed DK. It's called 'Easy Fairisle Knits' and it's a ton of fun.

Fairisle is everywhere this season and I'm convinced that this scarf is the perfect accessory.  

And check out the rest of Martin's contemporary simplified fairisle designs. This collection includes 14 designs – hats, socks, scarves, cushions, a slipover, bag, throw and garland – all with only two colors in a row.

 

 

If you're new to the world of Felted Tweed, I'll let you in on a few details. First of all, this yarn is available in 28 perfect shades (and you will love them all.) Second, these adorable little balls of merino/alpaca/viscose are the perfect yarn for colorwork. You'll want to collect them all because the color combinations are endless. Truly. Third, this yarn is lightly pre-felted which knits up into a gorgeous fabric that's light yet warm, but also looks a tiny bit felted. Felted Tweed is a favorite amongst knitters for a reason and the projects in 'Easy Fairisle Knits' are the perfect way to give it a try.

Rowan Autumn/Winter 14/15 collection preview: Brushed Fleece

I recently had a chance to check out some of the new Autumn/Winter yarns from Rowan, and one of my favorites (hands down) is Brushed Fleece. I always have a weakness for chunky yarns, but this one stands out. Brushed Fleece is a super soft blend of extra fine merino wool and baby alpaca. Softness? Check. It's also quick to knit and light as a feather – and it's very warm, without that heavy-sweater feeling. Take a peek at the new Brushed Fleece collection of outdoorsy, richly-colored designs for men and women by Martin Storey.

Such a gorgeous collection, right? I am obsessed with the wraps, shrugs, capes and cardigans. All of it. And trust me – you really have to see and feel Brushed Fleece to see how wonderful it is. Lightweight and warm, quick to knit? Yes please. I want to knit a sweater with it ASAP. Be sure to check out all of the Brushed Fleece colorways right here.

Fresh off the needles

Welcome to my wardrobe, new chunky oversized sweater! I just finished knitting this guy over the weekend. This pattern is called 'Ranch' and was designed by the wonderful Martin Storey. I used my favorite bulky yarn, Rowan Big Wool in color 17/Smoky. It's one of those colors that sometimes looks gray and sometimes looks kind of navy. I love it.

I have a weird tendency to accidentally knit things that are a little bit too large for me, and I made this in a size medium. The sleeves are pretty long and the fit is definitely loose. I love big comfy sweaters, so I'm cool with it ... but I can't help thinking about ripping back and knitting a small instead. We will see.

I absolutely love this sweater and pattern in every way; the fit and shaping is really well done. I'm just wondering if I'd wear it more if it was a size smaller. It's such a fast knit that I know I could re-knit it relatively quickly! 

(What do you think? Leave it as-is or re-knit?) 

Also ... photo creds go to Lotus. Isn't she a great photographer? I think she's pretty great. :)