January 2012 - 1

June 2017

2 - June 2017

CONTENTSWelcome Letter 4

Monthly Free Pattern 5

Kaffe Fassett at The Fibreworks 6

Debbie Abrahams 2017 Mystery

Cushion Club 7

Coastalyarns Kaffe Fassett Exhibition 10

Trending Mens sweaters on Ravelry 11

Yarn in the Spotlight… Cotton Glacé 16

Rowan Knit Club 18

Workshops 19

Yeadon Blanketby Lisa Richardsonusing Creative LinenRowan Loves…Handknit Cotton & Creative Linen

June 2017 - 3

4 - June 2017

Hello and welcome to the June enewsletter!

This month, we hear from retailers Coastalyarns and The Fibreworks about some fabulous and iconic events they have been hosting, look at what’s trending in the menswear sector at the moment and bring you news of the 2017 Mystery Cushion Club from Debbie Abrahams.

Finally, don’t miss your new and exclusive pattern this month, a pretty design by Sarah Hatton in Handknit Cotton.

The Rowan team

Front Cover:Shuffle Kimonoby Kaffe FassettHandknit CottonRowan Selects KaffeCotton Colours

Click on the symbol where it appears for a link to further information

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June 2017 - 5

Lilaby Sarah HattonHandknit Cotton

For this and hundreds of FREE patterns exclusive to members, click the button

below:

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6 - June 2017

On April 29th, retailer The Fibreworks held a special event and workshop, celebrating the famous Kaffe Fassett and his extraordinary relationship with colour.

Many of the iconic garments from the Rowan archive dating back to the 1980s were on show, shimmering with the wonderful use of colour Kaffe is so famous for. Also on display were the exclusive shades of Handknit Cotton selected by the man himself, now available alongside a collection of eye-catching designs for women.

This was followed by an afternoon workshop, hosted by Rowan’s Avril Best, where participants could gain the confidence to tackle the intarsia technique.

For further information on The Fibreworks, visit their website:

Kaffe Fassett at The Fibreworks Chipping Norton

FIBREWORKS

June 2017 - 7

This year, Debbie Abrahams has been celebrating ten years of her mystery blanket Club, which has seen memberships rise to over seven hundred knitters worldwide – a record for her Mystery Clubs. Her next mystery project in line and ready to launch on 1st July is her seventh Mystery Cushion Club – a smaller project than the Mystery Blanket that takes place over five months from July to November.

Debbie is passionate about her Mystery Clubs and each year she sets herself exciting new design challenges with different combinations of stitch structures, colours and yarns in her cushion and blanket projects. These accessories are the perfect vehicle for Debbie to work on, as she loves to experiment with several different techniques in one project, offering the knitter a unique and inspirational knitting adventure.

Debbie says: “I love the challenge of a new design, and the Mystery Cushion is a lovely small project into which I can pour all my passion for colour, stitch texture and embellishment. This year’s project uses some of Rowan’s most beautiful 4ply yarns, Summerlite 4ply, Superfine Merino 4ply and Pure Wool

4ply. I usually work with double-knitting weight yarns in my mystery projects, but this year I was keen to try something different, plus for the theme I have chosen I need to achieve a lot of fine detail with stitch and colour work, so the finer weight yarn will be better for this. I never like to give too much away about my mystery projects, however, I am happy to tell potential members a little bit about the colour palette for this year’s cushion. I have chosen what I would call a “vintage” colour palette which combines shades of deep plum, navy, soap-green, teal and heather with stone. The theme is of course a mystery, but I always take inspiration for the Mystery Cushion from a current Spring/Summer trend. The design mixes intricate fairisle patterns with a variety of stitch textures and striped patterns, and there are plenty of Debbie Abrahams beads in it too, just to add that essential sparkle! If you have never joined my Mystery Blanket Club before, but are curious about my Mystery Clubs, then the Mystery Cushion is a great way to try out my designs in a small project that is both achievable and enjoyable to do. It gives you the opportunity, as well, to try out various knitting techniques, some of which you may have never

Debbie Abrahams 2017 Mystery Cushion Club Nautical

2015

8 - June 2017

tried before. I write a monthly blog and there are plenty of handy tips and advice in my patterns to help you if you get stuck. And you can email me too if you have a question at any point during the project – I always love to hear from my Mystery Cushion members!”

You can purchase a membership for Debbie’s 2017 Mystery Cushion Club now from the online shop on her website: www.debbieabrahams.com. There are a selection of different packages to choose from, and you can join the Club wherever you live – there are packages for UK, Europe and the rest of the world. However, there are limited places in the Club and once all of the memberships have sold, Debbie will close the Club and nobody else will be able to join. So if you fancy taking part in Debbie’s new knitting adventure and being part of a very exclusive KAL, then it is advisable to secure your membership as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. The deadline to secure your membership by is before 1st July, when the 2017 Mystery Cushion Club will begin.

The good news for all 2017 Mystery Blanket Club members is that they are entitled to a 10% discount on the price of their Mystery Cushion membership. So, if you are a current Mystery Blanket Club member, you need to input the code MC170301 in the coupon box at checkout and your discount will be processed. (Please be aware that the discount only gets applied at the point of payment and not when you tap in the code and press update).

FAQ’S What is the Mystery Cushion about?The Mystery Cushion is a unique project that is split across five months. The cushion-cover is constructed from individually knitted panels that are assembled together to create a finished block. The mystery is that you won’t be told the theme of the project, so part of the fun is to discover this while you are knitting it up!This cushion design will not be published or re-produced in other form, so you will be part of a very special one-off project.

Geometric Jungle2016

Tropical Paradise2013

June 2017 - 9

How many months will the project run for?The project begins on July 1st and runs for five months. Patterns are sent monthly by email. Yarn and beads are sent in one parcel at the beginning of the project. There is an option to have printed paperwork which is posted to members each month and for which there is an extra cost.How do I subscribe to the Mystery Cushion Club?Membership is strictly on a first-come-first-served basis and there are a limited number of places in the club. So once applications for the Club are open it is best to sign up as quickly as possible to avoid disappointment.You can purchase your membership in Debbie’s online shop where you can make your payment using a credit or debit card, American Express or Paypal. Then all you need to do is sit back and wait for your first package to arrive in July.What if I don’t have an email address?If you do not have an email address you can send an application form by post. Send your order with payment by UK Sterling cheque to: Mystery Cushion Club 2016, 26 Church Drive, Carrington, Nottingham NG5 2BA. Please make your cheque payable to Debbie Abrahams Ltd.How will the parcels be sent to me?Parcels are sent by Royal Mail. For UK customers they are sent First Class. All European and World customer’s parcels are sent using International Tracked &/or Signed For delivery. There is an option for UK customers to have SPECIAL DELIVERY (guaranteed next day delivery), for which there is an extra cost.What will be included in my materials parcel?Your parcel will include enough yarn and

embellishments to knit up the whole cushion. The yarns used for the project will be from the Rowan Yarns collection and include Rowan Summerlite 4-ply, Rowan Super Fine Merino 4-ply and Rowan Pure Wool 4-ply. It will also include size 6 and 8 beads from the Debbie Abrahams Beads collection.You are sent whole balls of yarn and packets of beads. If you have any left over, it is very important that you keep it safe because you will need it for other squares and panels later on in the project.Can you give me any clues as to what the theme is going to be?It is important that the theme of the cushion is kept a “mystery” until you guess it yourself. However, Debbie can tell you that she always themes the Mystery Cushion to a current Spring/Summer trend and it is always a different theme to the Mystery Blanket.What if I get stuck and need some advice?In every mail-out there is an information page which gives lots of important information about the techniques that are used in the cushion. In addition to this Debbie also has a dedicated blog on her website for the Mystery Cushion which is updated monthly and includes extra tips and techniques that she feels will be helpful to you. Another place to get help is on the Ravelry forum. It is easy to become a member (if you have not already joined) and there is a dedicated thread for Debbie Abrahams Mystery Clubs through which you can “meet” other members and pick up lots of useful advice. You can also contact Debbie to ask a specific question by emailing her at debbie@debbieabrahams.com.

DEBBIE ABRAHAMS.COM

10 - June 2017

Guaranteed to lift the mood as well as encourage people to get knitting - this exhibition focused on the work of Kaffe Fassett’s classic and iconic designs.

Coastalyarns were privileged to host this exhibition of 30 of his designs at The Castle in Bude over the recent Bank Holiday.Entrance to the The Castle and the exhibition was free of charge and the event was a great success. Colour and pattern addicts, knitters, quilters and artists and a huge amount of visiting tourists came along looking for inspiration to get their creative juices flowing or just to see these classic vintage garments.

Alongside the exhibition Avril Best - Rowan Design Consultant - ran three two hour colour workshops in The Castle Blanchminster Room.

For further information on Coastalyarns, visit their website.

Coastalyarns Kaffe Fassett Exhibition – 30th April – 1st and 2nd May

COASTAL YARNS

June 2017 - 11

Cumbria – This diamond-inspired aran sweater was designed for Rowan by Marie Wallin. This traditional design was updated with a funnel neck and moss stitch on the shoulder and underarm. This would work beautifully in Rowan’s Pure Wool Superwash DK.

Trending Mens Sweaters on Ravelry.

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12 - June 2017

Mossdale - Martin Storey’s masterpiece from the Dalesmen Collection. Originally knit in Rowan Lima, this intricate cable pullover would also be great in Pure Wool Superwash Worsted.

Garter Stitch Hoodie – From American designer Josh Bennett, this fitted mens hoodie is casual fashion at its best. This pullover knits quickly in Rowan Cocoon and is perfect for the cool autumn and winter months.

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June 2017 - 13

Noah – This casually elegant sweater, featuring detailed cable work, was designed by Sarah Hatton. Originally knit in Rowan Summer Tweed, it would be equally as distinguished in Rowan Felted Tweed Aran.

Kenmare – This slightly oversized traditional gurnsey knit by Martin Storey is a perfect long-lasting knit. Featuring a crew neck and slightly dropped shoulders, this sweater could be worked in Rowan Handknit Cotton.

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14 - June 2017

Barry - Using yarnovers and dropped stitches, Martin Storey has created a unique and wearable vertical chevron stripe pullover. Barry would knit up well in any shade of Rowan Handknit Cotton.

Inishmaan - This comfortably oversized cable pullover with rope-inspired crossings is again perfect in Rowan’s Handknit Cotton. Featuring a funnel neck and slightly dropped sleeves, this would be a masterpiece project for any knitter.

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June 2017 - 15

Granville – An impressive cardigan-jacket, Granville features a variety of cable-work and set-in sleeves for a more formal garment. This jacket could easily become a long-term wardrobe staple.

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16 - June 2017

Yarn in the Spotlight…Cotton GlacéHaving been part of the Rowan range for years, Cotton Glacé is a massive favourite here with the design team and continues to provide the perfect solution for pretty summer knits. 100% mercerised cotton, the yarn gives a great stitch definition and is available in 24 shades, ranging from natural Ecru to fresh Ivy and intense Poppy.

Bleached726

Ecru725

Oyster730

Ochre833

Mineral856

Persimmon832

Blood Orange445

Poppy741

Dijon739

Shoot814

Ivy812

Black727

Dawn Grey831

Aqua858

Winsor849

Cobalt850

Shell845

Rose861

Precious867

Heather828

Blackcurrant862

Nightshade746

Twilight829

Midnight868

June 2017 - 17

Caminoby Marie Wallinusing Cotton Glacéfrom Summer Crochet

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18 - June 2017

Rowan Knit Club – John Lewis Oxford Street

Rowan monthly knit club at John Lewis Oxford Street. The club will meet on the first Monday of the month in the Haberdashery Department on the 4th Floor. The next meeting is Monday 3rd July. Please bring your latest Rowan project and join us for a couple of hours of knitting and indulgence in all things Rowan!

Monday 3rd July 2017 – 10.30amFocus - Rowan Loves…Handknit Cotton & Creative Linen is a collection of knit and crochet homeware pieces designed by Lisa Richardson using Handknit Cotton and Creative Linen. These modern designs offer something for crafters of all skill levels. Come along and see some of the knitted pieces and try out the yarns.

June 2017 - 19

StockistsTo find your local stockist view our store locator at www.knitrowan.com by clicking the button below

WorkshopsTo view a full list of workshop dates visit www.knitrowan.com by clicking the button below

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or any part of all material, including illustrations and designs, in this publication/

pattern is strictly forbidden and is sold on the condition that it is used for non commercial purposes.

No part may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, electrostatic,

magnetic tape, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without prior permission of the copyright owners having

been given in writing. Yarn quantities are approximate and are based on average requirements. Images and shades are for guidance only as colours

may not display accurately on screen or in printed format. Contact your local stockist to view a fringed (not digital reproduction) yarn shade card.

© Copyright MEZ Crafts UK Ltd., 2017.

MEZ Crafts UK Ltd., 17F, Brooke’s Mill, Armitage Bridge, Huddersfield, HD4 7NR, Web: www.knitrowan.com

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