I recently received a copy of the latest Rowan Knitting & Crochet Magazine, Number 73, from the lovely people at Rowan.

The magazine is divided into two design stories, which in this issue are titled Old Town and Shell Seekers. It is filled with 38 designs that are sure to get me, and maybe you, knitting through this spring and summer. Here is a quick rundown of some of my favourite designs.

Old Town

Old Town is a collection of 14 resort-inspired designs. Choose from cute vest tops, casual sweaters and summery cardigans worked in a variety of Rowan’s most popular cotton yarns.

How about this cute cardigan Simone from Martin Storey…

Knitted using Handknit Cotton and shown here in the shade Gooseberry. If you don’t feel like being a ‘gooseberry’ choose from 27 other colours.

Or this lovely lightweight vest Camille from Anna Hull…

Knitted using Summerlite DK and shown here in the shade Coral Blush. Or maybe you prefer another colour – choose from 29 different shades.

Or maybe this fringed tunic Clarisse from Erika Knight…

Knitted using Summerlite DK and shown here in the shade Lagoon. Clarisse seems like an adaptable design  – wear it as a cover-up over a bikini or, make it shorter and wear it over shorts.

And my last pick from Old Town, is this cotton lace-knit sweater Adele from Erika Knight...

Knitted using Summerlite 4ply and shown here in the shade Coral Blush. If you prefer a different colour, there are 29 to choose from.

Shell Seekers

Shell Seekers is a collection of 25 designs for all the family inspired by the seashore. Choose from cardigans, sweaters and even a beach bag, with each piece capturing the essence of coastal living.

One of my favourites is the Sea Stars cardigan from Martin Storey…

Knitted using several shades of Summerlite DK. Choose your favourite shades to knit the fish, crab and star motifs. This pattern is available in both child and adult sizes.

Another design available in both child and adult sizes is Rock Pool, again from Martin Story...

Knitted using Softyak DK which is available in 23 different shades. Choose to knit plain or add one of several motifs: a starfish, a shell, a turtle or an angel fish.

I quite like this zip neck jumper, Zennor, from Anna Hull knitted using a yarn I’ve been longing to try – Cotton Cashmere…

You could decide to knit this plain – no stripes. Or maybe using 2 colours – alternating stripes. Or how about many different coloured stripes as there are 23 shades to choose from?

Lastly, I’ve chosen to make the Beach Bag from Anna Hull.

Knitted using 3 shades of Handknit Cotton and shown here in the shades Sea Foam, Turkish Plum and Celery. I’ve decided to go for 3 blues – Turkish Plum, Cloud and Ice Water.

I haven’t started my beach bag yet and not sure when I will but I hope to do so before the end of the summer.

If you are inspired and want to take a look at all the designs and maybe even buy the magazine, click here and let me know which one you’ve decided to knit.

Please leave a comment by scrolling down to “Leave a Reply” below.

Happy spring and summer knitting!

Esther x