Vintage Rowan Knitting patterns

I have just found a huge box of Rowan knitting patterns (designed by Kim Hargreaves) stashed away in the roof space. They are all single leaflets and unused. The patterns are for Rowan Magpie Aran, Chunky Chenille, Fine Chenille, Denim and Chunky Fox Tweed. All these yarns are now discontinued except for the denim, however the patterns can all be used with current yarns. See the full selection here.

Debbie Bliss A Tweed Story

A new book of knitting patterns by Debbie Bliss for autumn 2010. A Tweed Story has 7 designs that include women's sweaters and jackets and even a fabulous coat for a small to medium sized dog. The yarns used are Debbie Bliss Fez, Luxury Tweed Aran and Chunky. Order the book and yarns here.

Kangaloonies member Sally

When did you start knitting? I used to knit years ago, but then it became so much cheaper to buy knitted things rather than knit them yourself, especially for the kids, so I stopped.

What made you join the Kangaloonies? I'd started knitting again and was doing the Rainbow cardigan in Rowan's Kasbah Collection, but I had got in a mess with it. In fact, the dog had decided it served a much better purpose as a nest! So I came to Kangaroo to see if anyone could help me sort it out. We decided to change to the Sunshine jumper in the same book and I am delighted with the result. I even had enough Rowan Summer Tweed to make a matching scarf out of all the left-overs!

Was this your favourite project this year? Well, I also made some Noro gloves, the frilly ones from Mini Knits Two and the child's hat with ear flaps for my grand-daughter, they were great fun.

Favourite yarn? Noro - I love the colours and textures and it's great to knit with.

What other projects have you tackled? I've done a few of the KnitKits bags from Kangaroo which I've enjoyed doing - the Rosebud one in moss stitch and also the mitred purse in denim yarn.

And now? Well, I have an on-going project knitting squares (mainly when I'm travelling) for the Picnic blanket in Debbie Abraham's 'More Blankets and Throws' book, but have also just started a project using Rowan Siena which is lovely.

Favourite needles? Skinny Prym's - they'r my favourite needles as I love fine, plain knitting.

Aspirations for 2010? That's easy - learn to knit faster!

Rowan magazine 47 competition

The prize draw for this months competition has been won by Catherine Moores and a £50 voucher is on the way! Thank you so much to everyone for all your lovely emails. The two favourite designs from Rowan 47 (both receiving exactly the same amount of votes) were Blithe (knitted in Summer Tweed) and Serene (knitted in Milk Cotton DK), closely followed by Halcyon (knitted in Fine Milk Cotton) and then Margate (knitted in Handknit Cotton).