Welcome to Stash Dive with MFY where we take a deeper look at the brands we carry and the hearts behind them!

About Rowan

Stephen Sheard and Simon Cockin founded Rowan above a grocery store in a village in West Yorkshire, England in 1978. Weaving supplies and knitting kits were the first products, but the desire to provide a high quality yarn in a full spectrum of colors for hand knitters was the goal. Lightweight DK was launched in 98 colors and the core values of providing yarns for timeless design are still at the heart of what Rowan does today.

Rowan prides itself on creating designer-led projects and they have an exceptionally talented team of designers in their ranks. They consider this part of their mission as stated on their website:

Our ultimate mission remains the same as it’s always been—to offer a selection of high-quality yarns paired with designer-led inspiration that our followers will find a pleasure to knit with and to wear.

Still based in Yorkshire, Rowan now reaches more than 30 countries worldwide.

Where did the name Rowan come from?

As described on the Rowan website...

The Rowan name was inspired by the beautiful shrubs lining the banks of the Holme River in Yorkshire, an area deeply entwined with British textile heritage and traditions. There has always been a nod to the Rowan leaves in our logos as they have evolved.

The Rowan Magazine

Launched in 1986 - the bi-annual Rowan magazine has become a premier publication in the fiber world. Eagerly awaited by countless subscribers, the magazine has featured projects from iconic British designers, in-house talent and upcoming names like Kim Hargreaves, Louisa Harding and Debbie Bliss who have all established illustrious careers.

Rowan claims its most popular edition is Number 10 which features a young Kate Moss at the beginning of her career and includes one of the strongest lines of designs to date.

Meet the Rowan Designers

Rowan does a beautiful job highlighting their incredible design team. We encourage you to get to know not only the current team - including the one and only Kaffe Fassett MBE, but guest designers as well. You'll find gorgeous biographies on the Rowan website with photos and links to each designer's work. It is extremely inspiring!

Rowan's Core Values & Impact

We appreciate Rowan's commitment to inclusion, diversity and sustainability that extends throughout its supply chain - holding not only themselves, but their partners as well, to rigorous standards. This includes ethical farming practices from their wool sources that ensure animals are treated extremely well. You can read more about their values on their website.

Connect with Rowan

Rowan offers a digital newsletter you can subscribe to. They are also active on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, Twitter and Ravelry.