Life LackaDaisiCal

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 Yarns  Fine Art ARAN! Rowan Yarns Fine Art ARAN!  A close cousin to the Fine Art Sock yarn, the Aran weight is Wool: 50%, Mohair: 20%, Silk: 5%, Alpaca: 25% This yarn has just popped up on the Knit Rowan web site - it's so new, they don't even have any patterns listed with it yet - it hasn't  hit the stores - but it looks drop dead gorgeous! 8 shades with names like Bolero, Conga, Rumba, Foxtrot, Flamenco, Fandango, Bachata and Azonto - all dances! Most of these are familiar to me, but I had to look up Bachata and Azonto. Bachata is a dance which originated in the Dominican Republic, while Azonto originated in Ghana! I can't wait to see these yarns knit up......there are lots of Rowan designs that are done for aran weight yarns...I'm sure that Rowan will pick great designs for a Mini Collection for this new yarn.  When will it hit the stores?  I don't know, but it won't be here fast enough for me!