Monday, February 25, 2008

Still Waiting for Spring


I really look forward to the Spring Rowan magazine every year. It heralds the fact that Winter has reached about the half way point and reminds me that any casting on from here on in should be for warm weather projects. Julie sent my Rowan out to me on Feb. 1 and I received it as I was shoveling the driveway with freezing rain crystallizing on my glasses. I'll come clean here and state that I think this issue of Rowan was a big miss for them. It was technically adequate in most places but it lacked - emotion. My grandmother used to point out how some musicians could bang out a tune on the piano while others had a "nice touch". That makes all the difference.



Rowan 43 has three "stories". They've given them fancy names but I think of them as "Cavorting in the Gardens", "Grunge" and "Katie Couric discovers Pentax".






The grouping of Kid Silk Haze garments is pretty. I do love this lacy tee. This pink cardigan has wonderful eyelet detailing along the seams.













This appeals to my inner Stevie Nicks.





I applaud Sharon Miller for continuing to re invent the shawl issue after issue.








On the grunge side, this black crochet wrap cardigan has some cool beading. I hope someone on Ravelry makes this.




This last grouping is positioned as "London in the sixties and seventies". The styling just isn't clicking for me.







This reminds me of a toilet paper roll cover.






Kaffe rocks and I bet this would really shine if shown with a red T-shirt and a pair of jeans. The dress underneath seems like a blah styling choice.


I would wager that Rowan deems an issue a success if people buy lots of their yarn because they're inspired by the issue. It's also been suggested that alot of the creative attention has already shifted to the 30th anniversary issue due out this fall. As always, I will love seeing real knitters make this stuff and post their pictures on line so we can really see the garments.



Perhaps in six months I should report on those designs we dismissed a bit too early. If you see any diamonds in the rough here - let me know.

2 comments:

Patti said...

I've heard a few people say they don't like the new Rowan Mag. I'm the opposite. I found several things in here I would love to make - and wear. This just hasn't been the way of the last couple of issues. I have resisted buying a copy so far. I have so many other projects in mind for the next few months that I don't need the complication of any more. (Not sure how long this logic will last though!)

Trust me to be contrary. Do you like the little specialist books of patterns they have just issued? There are some goodies in there too.

Anmiryam said...

I am so making Kaffe Stripes and for this season too!! I've got the yarn and will cast on as soon as I can feel the light of spring breaking.