When you say Rowan to a knitter or crocheter, don't be surprised to hear a sigh and see a dreamy look come over her face! Over the past three decades, Rowan has set the standard for elegance. Rowan first began operation in Yorkshire, England in the 1980s by producing yarns for rug-making kits. At that time, knitting and crochet experienced a renaissance, and owners Stephen Sheard and Simon Cockin realized they could provide materials for the handknitting market as well. Since then, Rowan has come to represent the very finest in yarns and patterns to many people.

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At River Colors Studio, we carry many of Rowan's continually growing and changing yarn offerings. Every line is characterized by a range of lovely and sophisticated colors. Each season, we see new colors of old favorites like Felted Tweed, as well as brand-new yarns, such as Lima, an ultra-soft chained yarn of baby alpaca, merino, and nylon. While the company has generally focused on producing traditional yarns from natural materials, it has also offered unusually textured yarns in innovative fibers. In the spring of 2010, the company introduced the Purelife Recycled Collection, a beautiful line of yarns made from recycled silk, cotton, and other fibers.

From Kidsilk Haze (which Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, a.k.a. the "Yarn Harlot" , has likened to an illicit drug) to Calmer, these yarns are highly desired by knitters and crocheters alike. Whether you are working a lacy crochet shawl, an intricately cabled sweater, or exquisite intarsia pattern, you will find a Rowan yarn perfectly suited for your project. If you choose a Rowan yarn, you will honor your work with a truly high-quality yarn. As a result, you'll have created a timeless heirloom.

Those seeking pattern support for these gorgeous yarns needn't look far. You could make Rowan projects for years and barely put a dent in their yarn or pattern catalog. Twice each year, Rowan publishes its evocative and inspirational magazine. Each oversized issue is full of intriguing patterns for both knitting and crochet. The look of Rowan's beautifully photographed and romantically styled magazine is often imitated, but rarely duplicated. Many acclaimed designers are or have been associated with Rowan, including Kaffe Fassett, Debbie Bliss, Kim Hargreaves, Sasha Kagan, Martin Storey, and Louisa Harding. Out-of-print copies of Rowan Magazines are so coveted and collectible, they can sell for several hundred dollars! The company also offers the Rowan Studio brochures, which focus on fashion-forward patterns inspired by the latest looks from the catwalks.

Whether your taste is classic, romantic, edgy, or fashionable, Rowan offers patterns and yarns for you.