Sarah Hatton is a well known knitwear designer for Rowan. You will often see her name against many of the beautiful garments in the Rowan bi-annual magazine and in and amongst their fantastic array of pattern books. Sarah has an ever growing selection of books featuring solely her designs, always knitted in Rowan yarns. Her designs are aimed at all levels of knitter from beginners to the more advanced. Not only does she design fabulous patterns Sarah is also a Rowan consultant and teaches many different workshops. We are very excited to be holding Sarah’s ‘Understanding Lace’ workshop here at the Craft Barn in June. There are still a few places left if you would like to book. Read all about the workshop here.

Do you ever wonder what designers get up to when they are knitting? Listen to the radio watch TV? Do they have a favourite yarn? We have asked Sarah Hatton all of these questions and more to get an insight into the life of a Rowan designer.

Who taught you to knit? 

Both my mum and grandma.

What was your first ever knitting project?

I am not sure, I suspect the classic scarf for teddy!

Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

I am very inspired by street style as well as the catwalk fashions.

What is your favourite yarn to knit with?

Boring maybe but a classic 4 ply would suit me well .

Where is your favourite place to knit?

I am not sure i have a favourite but it tends to be on my battered red chesterfield sofa.

Do you ever watch TV or listen to music when doing your knitting?

Yes I watch quite a lot of films and listen to radio 4 or 6.

Do you have a favourite knitting snack?

I try not to!

What other knitwear designer do you admire?

Martin Storey, Kim Hargreaves, Jared Flood to name but a few.

What / who inspired you to become a knitwear designer?

I love the fact that you control so much of the design yourself, you get to create both the fabric and the shape and there are so many way to adapt a pattern how could you not be inspired!

Do you have a knitted treasure? A piece that you could never part with, a gift or maybe something you have made yourself?

I have the Evening Mist shawl I designed for The Knitter issue 28 that I treasure as the knitter has done such a beautiful job, its truly a ‘heritage’ piece.

Do you enjoy knitting for yourself?

When I get the time, yes!

Sarah’s latest books are 10 simple projects for cosy babies and Rowan studio issue 30. Below are images of Sarah Hatton’s books and designs featured inside them!

We would love to see your WIP’s (work in progress) of Thread bear. It would be great to share them all here on the blog. Please email photos to amy@blacksheepwools.com. Also if you have any other projects on the go and would like to share the before and after photos please send them in.

Gabriel is allergic to man – made fibres so Yvonne more often than not has to substitute yarns. This can sometimes prove tricky but Yvonne always manages to find lovely shades perfect for a little one. The adorable basket weave cardigan is a Sirdar Supersoft Aran pattern 1844. For this Yvonne chose to use the gorgeous Rico Essentials Merino Aran in the pistachio shade. The perfect outfit with his camel coloured trousers.

Not looking too impressed on this one!

The hat and cardigan set Yvonne has recently completed are also knitted in Rico Essentials Merino Aran. This is a fair isle pattern which Yvonne had tucked away in her stash. He was so well behaved and did seem pretty jolly whilst having his photograph taken.

To enter all you need to do is fill out the form on our competition page click here.

I love the circle shape used continuously throughout. This is a welcome change to your traditional granny square design.

Below are a selection of patterns that we have available to download for free from the Black Sheep Wools website. They are the perfect items for summer holidays and in juicy shades. There are others too, so don’t miss out! (see more patterns here). Both yarns are currently in the sale, SMC Pertinio is now £2.25 a ball RRP £4.50 and SMC Rosas £2.49 a ball RRP £5.25.

Striped top – knitted in SMC Rosas & Pertinio

Block colour top – knitted in SMC Pertinio

Cardigan – knitted in SMC Rosas

Crochet shawl – crochet in SMC Pertinio

Lace top – knitted in SMC Pertinio 

Striped top – knitted in SMC Pertinio

Sleeveless top – knitted in SMC Rosas

Block colour top – knitted in SMC Rosas

There was a lovely atmosphere in the Craft Barn, everyone eager to find all of our fantastic bargains. This year the yarn dive has been relocated to a spot in the warehouse, which has allowed more space for even more yarn (more like a yarn mountain!). Although it has been a busy day today, fear not there is still plenty of yarn and needlecraft for everyone!

To the yarn dive!

A happy customer out shopping for bargains.

A break in the tea shop before going back on the hunt.

The yarn dive at 4:00pm ready for tomorrow!

For directions to the Craft Barn and store opening hours head over to our Craft Barn page.

Lots of tickets in preparation for tomorrow!!

Emma said now Edmund is complete she is ready to begin knitting her very own ‘Thread bear’. I feel a little lost at the moment as I have had (Jem Weston’s original) Thread bear sat along side me, on my desk for the past few weeks. He is now sat in the Craft Barn on display. I may just have to knit one for myself to keep me company!

If you would like to download the bear pattern and knit one for yourself. Click here.