I picked up the autumn/winter 2010 Rowan magazine while at Romni Wools last weekend. I drooled over the pattern preview and couldn’t resist the chunky cables of the Nomad collection and vibrant colours of Russian Doll. I think I might have to tackle the Tamara mitts (in a different colour scheme) – just the thing to try out some colourwork!

[All photos from Rowan Magazine 48. Patterns clockwise from top left: Meander, Rover, Rambler, Tamara, Maya, Wayfarer]

I started this cardigan way back in September. During the many months between then and now, I came full circle on bottom-up seamless construction.  It was my Moch Cardi, another bottom-up sweater, that turned it all around. I loved the neatness of the underarm seams and how effortless the yoke felt after finishing row upon row of the body. So I picked it back up and finished the sleeves and yoke, and I’m happy I did. I love it – the smocking, the I-cord edging and cuffs, and the Rowan Felted Tweed that I used. The pattern is Ysolda Teague’s Coraline – highly recommended!

[Ravelled]

The Looped Loop by Kirsten Johnstone is a simple, sculptural variation on the cowl. It’s knit in a ribbed stitch pattern and grafted together at the end with a full twist to the fabric.  So it’s technically not a Möbius but a loop upon loop when worn. The pattern is available as a free download on Ravelry (membership required). I used Rowan RYC Cashsoft so it is very soft indeed.

[Ravelled]

Photos courtesy of Rowan

I love all of the juicy cables in Rowan Magazine No. 46. Plenty of inspiration for fall knitting! Above are three patterns from the Shadowlands story, inspired by the industrial revolution and photographed in atmospheric Thwaite Mills. I love the Chorley Wrap by Marie Wallin (far left); and Cheadle (far right), also by Marie Wallin, looks like it has an interesting crossover construction.

Photos courtesy of Rowan

One of the other stories in the magazine is Heritage, inspired by the privileged upper classes of 1920s England. Bourne (left) and Buckling, both by Sarah Hatton, call for Kidsilk Haze. From what I’ve heard, this yarn is highly addictive. Kid mohair and silk . . . this could be dangerous.

I’m back home after a wonderful week in the Netherlands and Belgium. I met up with my knitting partner for life in Amsterdam and we spent some quality coffee-drinking-wine-drinking-knit-time. We stumbled upon de Afstap yarn shop on our way to the hotel before the sun came up on Saturday morning. It’s the only yarn shop I’ve seen in central Amsterdam and I was overjoyed.

We made it back later that same afternoon looking for some local yarn. It turns out they carry almost entirely Rowan yarn and some needlework supplies. So no Dutch yarn but still a lovely little shop! I must admit that I did make a second trip to pick up a few balls of Cashsoft 4 Ply in navy . . .

de Afstap is conveniently located next door to a chip shop, as well as a whole string of boutiques stretching west to the Jordaan. But after travelling by train to and from Belgium and seeing many, many sheep along the way – where is all the Dutch yarn???