Life LackaDaisiCal

I am a knitter...who loves wool....not cotton, no acrylics here, prefers her wool to NOT be super washed, and definitely I don't knit with Linen or Silk. Until now... Part of being a  Rowan Ambassador is that you receive sample balls of new yarns that are being introduced by Rowan...and Spring/Summer 2014...yup, you guessed it, lots of Linen and Silk... So, I've decided to be brave, and give it a go! First up......Rowan's new Silkystones, which is 52% Tussah Silk, and 48% Linen.   The shades are gorgeous and rich....there is so much depth....I wanted to knit with them right away, but I was frankly a bit intimidated - Silk and Linen! So, I decided that I needed to knit something small and easy....something relatively pain free...if it doesn't work, not a big deal....but if it does...Bonus! Ravelry is a great resource for free patterns...and I recalled a "Kerchief" that I had liked, but hadn't knit yet.... The Age of Brass and Steam Kerc...

What? You don't like to swatch? Well, why not cast on and make a simple cowl swatch... Calculate how many stitches you need for your particular yarn.. (recommended gauge x the size you want your cowl!) cast on, and knit round and round.....let the yarn run through your fingers....how does it feel? Here is an easy, no stress way to "get to know" a new yarn... Does it split easily?  Does it catch? Do you like the colour transfers? Do a bit of rib and see what that looks like... The only way to KNOW a yarn is to KNIT with it! With a hand dyed yarn like Rowan's Fine Art Aran....it is interesting to see how it looks in stocking stitch, and in REVERSE stocking stitch ....I love how the reverse side really mutes the shade changes... Of course, without any rib, stocking stitch will roll...I don't mind, after all, it's a simple swatch cowl! After a quick press with a hot steamy iron, I LOVE IT EVEN MORE! It drapes, it's so soft a...

Rowan's Fine Art Sock yarn has been a spectacular success! Launched with 8 multi-hued hand-painted shades,  knitters commented that they'd love to see more monotone colourwayss.... well, RowanYarns listened! Coming soon.....6 more shades of Rowan Fine Art yarn! 6 "Blended" shades - more subtle and absolutely gorgeous! 309 Elm 310 Maple 311 Hornbeam 312 Oak 313 Yew 314 Rowan There is also going to be a new booklet of designs....  "Fine Art Accessories Collection"   - expected release date is November  Sometimes I can get a glimpse of "sample skeins" at my favourite Rowan Stockist... the Needle Emporium .... Remember this photo? Look at the colour of that skein...yes, the one right at the front! Amazingly, it is 314 and it is "Rowan" Purple! Yes, it is Purpliscious!  (is that a word?) How would you describe it? If Purple is not your thing, tell me whi...