Behind the walls of Baa!, 43 Evan Street, a frenzy of activity has been happening over the last month(s) of confinement. Fresh coat of paint, new storage units, re-organisation of shelves, full inventory, new samples, new window display… We cannot wait to welcome you again in our wee shop! Of course, we will take all precautionary measures to ensure a safe experience for you and for us. But we look forward to sharing with you the fresh layout and augmented ranges of colour of our favourite yarns. We hope you will also enjoy our new yarns, books and notions. Are you excited? We sure are!
But while we bring the last finishing touch to the décor, tidy up this shelf, reorganise that one, let us share a little bit of “what’s new” at Baa!
BREAKING NEWS!
The new hat pattern for Shetland Wool Week, Da Crofter's Kep, by Wilma Malcolmson, has been published just a few minutes ago! Just like last year, for Katie's Kep, also designed by Wilma, Baa! will be happy to host a knit-along and offer advice and encouragement to help you create the perfect project. Stay tuned as we prepare a blog post specially for the occasion, complete with kits, inspiration for colours, and more.
Let's get ready for Summer!
Over the last few weeks, Baa! has been getting ready for Summer, with new, exciting yarn, and new pattern books! Here is a glimpse into our favourites...
Having worked for Rowan for a long time, as a pattern designer, and as a workshop tutor and design consultant, it was only natural that, as a shop owner, Janice would be an official stockist of the Rowan brand. The biannual Rowan Knitting and Crochet Magazine is always a much-expected release and we are happy to announce that it has arrived at Baa!
As we peruse through the latest Spring/Summer magazine, a few patterns have caught our eyes, and we immediately paired them with our favourite yarns. Here are just a few of them…
Madeline looks so cosy and light, knit with two strands of the iconic Rowan Kidsilk Haze held together! The pattern, designed by Galina Carroll, features a little bit of colourwork at the bottom of the body and sleeves, and would be perfect for the intermediate knitters. It would look stunning in Grace (shade 580) and Majestic (589)!
Available in a range of sizes from 32-34” to 48-50” (81-86 cm to 122-127 cm), the finished garment measures 37.75” to 54.5” bust circumference (96 cm to 138 cm) for approximately 4-6” (10-15 cm) positive ease. You will need 7-11 balls of the main colour, as well as 2 balls of the contrasting colour to knit Madeline.
Knit in stunning Rowan Softyak DK, Piper, by Martin Storey, is the perfect garment for these alfresco dinners. Knit in pieces with a simple, soothing all-over eyelet pattern, this oversized garment is a perfect knit for the adventurous beginners or more advanced knitters alike.
With its blend of cotton, yak and nylon, and its chainette construction, Softyak is soft, yet warm and light. It is also static-resistant and anti-microbial, which means the fabric stays fresher for longer. Imagine lounging in the garden, enjoying the longer days, a glass of your favourite beverage in hand, book or knitting on your lap. The light breeze is announcing the upcoming evening, you don’t mind, as you are cosily wrapped in your deliciously soft Piper (yes, I want to make one!). I told you, perfect for summer indeed!
You may choose to knit Piper in its original colour Submarine (shade 251). It would look equally beautiful in soft colours like Plain (shade 232) or Shell (shade 247).
Available in a range of sizes from 32-34” to 48-50” (81-86 cm to 122-127 cm), the finished garment measures 67.75” to 83.5” bust circumference (172 cm to 212 cm) for approximately 32” (80 cm) positive ease. You will need 11-15 balls of Rowan Softyak DK depending on the size selected to knit Piper.
Are you looking for a smart, striking summer top? Look no further than the very graphic Maggie, by Arne & Carlos. Knit in laceweight for an extra light and soft fabric with amazing drape, this feminine top features elbow-length sleeves and a gentle boat neck. The deep ribbing at the waist paired with the dolman sleeves gives a beautiful silhouette.
Rowan Fine Lace is available at Baa! in the original colours (Noir 934 and White 944). Maggie would look equally striking in Dark Burgundy (shade 951) paired with White (944) or Cameo (920) for a softer look. It would also work beautifully in the rich shades of West Yorkshire Spinners Exquisite Lace, like Savoy and Viscount, or Windsor and Capri.
Available in a range of sizes from 32-34” to 48-50” (81-86 cm to 122-127 cm), the finished garment measures 34.75” to 50.5” bust circumference (88 cm to 128 cm) for approximately 0.75-2.5” (2-7 cm) positive ease. You will need 3-4 balls of Rowan Fine Lace in the main colour (shown in 934 Noir) and 2-3 balls of the contrasting colour (shown in 944 White), depending on the size selected to knit Maggie. If knitting with West Yorkshire Spinners Exquisite Lace, you will need 2 skeins of the main colour, and 1-2 skeins of the contrasting colour.
Mode at Rowan - Collection Four is a lovely book of summery knitting patterns. It features a selection of garments and accessories by Quail Studio, Annika Andrea Wolke, Chloe Thurlow, Georgia Farrell, Jen Geigley, Lisa Richardson and Martin Storey.
Flicking through it sends us straight away on a trip to a warmer climate, and makes us dream of holidays under the sun, cocktail in hand on a deserted beach, or hair in the wind during a safari. The garments and accessories are light, wearable, comfortable yet refined and delicate. It is hard to pick a favourite, so we picked a few...
Powder, designed by Martin Storey, caught our eye straight away. The delicate feminine lace and the broad statement of the hood, give this pullover a definite modern look... What's not to love?
Available in a range of sizes from 32-34” to 48-50” (81-86 cm to 122-127 cm), the finished garment measures 44” to 59.75” bust circumference (112 cm to 152 cm) for approximately 12-14” (30-35 cm) positive ease. You will need 12-14 balls of Scheepjes Catona, or of Cotton Silk Cashmere by Rico, to knit Powder, depending on the size selected.
Would you like to knit it in striking blue? Message us for a special offer on Rowan Cotton Glace in shade Cobalt (pictured above). You will need 13-15 balls of Rowan Cotton Glace, depending on the size selected.
With its feminine silhouette and flattering V-neck, Cotton is a versatile summer top which looks smart and comfortable. Designed by Quail Studio, it would look amazing knitted with Rowan Softyak DK!
Available in a range of sizes from 32-34” to 48-50” (81-86 cm to 122-127 cm), the finished garment measures 37.5” to 53.25” bust circumference (95.5 cm to 135.5 cm) for approximately 4-6” (10-15 cm) positive ease. You will need 7-9 balls of Rowan Softyak DK, or of Scheepjes Stone Washed to knit Cotton, depending on the size selected.
Dijon, by Georgia Farrell, is a sleeveless top featuring an overall textured pattern, easily accessible to the adventurous beginner. With a gentle A-line, it offers the comfort of a relaxed fit, while remaining very feminine.
Available in a range of sizes from 32-34” to 48-50” (81-86 cm to 122-127 cm), the finished garment measures 35.75” to 51.5” bust circumference (90 cm to 130 cm) for approximately 4-6” (10-15 cm) positive ease. You will need 7-8 balls of Scheepjes Catona, or of Cotton Silk Cashmere by Rico, to knit Dijon, depending on the size selected.
Guaranteed to bring a pop of colour to your pattern library, Essential Brights is a beautiful collection of ten modern and easy to wear handknit garments and accessories. Published by Rowan, it features an array of summer tops, cardigans and pullovers, knitted in a variety of cotton yarns, as well as the iconic Rowan Kidsilk Haze, and Rowan Fine Lace.
Here are some of our favourites...
Cobalt is a casual, cosy jumper, available in a striped or plain version. Knitted with two strands of Rowan Kidsilk Haze held together, it is lightweight yet warm, and grows really fast on your needles!
Available in a range of sizes from 32-34” to 48-50” (81-86 cm to 122-127 cm), the finished garment measures 44.5” to 60.25” bust circumference (113 cm to 153 cm) for approximately 10-12” (25-30 cm) positive ease. You will need 6-8 balls of Rowan Kidsilk Haze to knit Cobalt in its plain version, depending on the size selected. To knit the striped version, you will need 3-4 balls of Colour 1 (shown in Candy Girl 606), 3-4 balls of Colour 2 (shown in Eve Green 684) and 2-3 balls of Colour 3 (shown here in Laguna 685)
And here is Aqua. Cute and summery, this sleeveles top has a pretty lace edging along all edges. and a flattering A-line shape. The charm of this top lies however in its back, which is worked in two pieces and constructed into a distinctively feminine wrap at the right shoulder! Whether you use a bright colour for a happy top, or a more neutral colour for a more subdued look, you will create a unique number!
Available in a range of sizes from 32-34” to 48-50” (81-86 cm to 122-127 cm), the finished garment measures 35.25” to 50.5” bust circumference (88 cm to 128 cm) for approximately 1-3” (3-8 cm) positive ease. You will need 7-9 balls of Scheepjes Catona, of Cotton Silk Cashmere by Rico, to knit Aqua, depending on the size selected.
Would you like to knit it in striking blue? Message us for a special offer on Rowan Cotton Glace in shade Cobalt (pictured above). You will need 7-9 balls of Rowan Cotton Glace, depending on the size selected.
Feeling inspired? What will jump on your needles?
We look forward to seeing your progress!
Janice and Aurelie