Rowan is an internationally renowned handknitting company, whose reputation for inspirational and creative handknit design is unsurpassed. Rowan was first established in 1978 by two Yorkshire men, Stephen Sheard and Simon Cockin. Initially with offices based above a grocery store, the business soon moved to Green Lane Mill, Holmfirth, where the Rowan team still work to this day. The aim was to develop colourful weaving yarns, as there was a lack of vibrant yarns on the market. With the help of colour expert Kaffe Fassett, these new Rowan yarns were targeted at designers and creative crafters so they could produce exciting contemporary designs. The focus quickly changed to handknit yarns, and the rest is history. The Rowan ethos over the years has always been to create inspirational and desirable handknit design. Although their designs reflect the fashion trends of the time they have become classics, with designs of the past still being worn today.