There are so many fabulous designers in the knit world and many of them spend some portion of their career at Rowan, an obvious giant in the hand knitting and crochet yarns. We had the opportunity to talk to one of the newest additions to the team, Grace Melville, about what it means to her to be a part of the Rowan team, her style, and her inspiration.

Grace, you just recently joined Rowan in September of 2009. Can you talk a little bit about how you came to join the team?

I graduated from Kingston University with a BA in fashion design in June, where I specialised in knitwear. I then was very fortunate in finding the Rowan Junior Design role online and applied straight away. I am a huge Rowan fan as my mother introduced me to the magazines from an early age. I have been very lucky to find myself in such a great position for my first job!

What does it mean to you as a designer to work with Rowan, which has promoted so many big named in the knit world?

It means a huge deal to me as a designer to work for Rowan especially for my first proper job in the fashion industry. I am learning an enormous amount in so many areas of the brand. I really feel my designing has developed greatly in the time I have been here. The design room at Rowan work very much as a team, so you get to see and be part of every stage of the design process from initial concept ideas to the proof reading.

Can you talk a little bit your first collection with Rowan Studio? How would you describe the collection? Your style?
Studio is a reflection of what is happening in fashion at the moment. So my first studio captured what was happening at that time. The trend then was slouchy, loose shapes and subtle pattern and fazed stripes. Obviously as a designer your own style is reflected in your designs. I think you can see my style in the silhouette of the pieces in studio 18.

What excites you these days from a design stand point? What do you think it going to be coming up next on the knit wear scene?
Everything around me has an influence on my designing. I love starting a new Studio and researching into current trends. There is a lot of lightweight layers and lace in the next Studio ready for spring.

Any sneak peak for your next collection or where your design style might take us knitters?
The next Studio is very feminine in fine yarns, I’m really happy and excited about this next Studio!

Quick Facts:
On your iPod right now: Poalo Nutini’s new album Sunny Side Up.
If you were a yarn what yarn would you be? That’s a toughy, hmmm I love the felted tweed family because of the lovely colours and how nice it is to knit with.
Favorite place to knit: With my mum on the sofa whilst having a movie marathon.
Current project on the needles: Swatches for up and coming projects.
Who taught you to knit? My lovely mum taught me to knit at the age of 6, she is still the best knitter I know!

Stay tuned for more designer interviews from A Yarn Tale that will bring you inspiration and ideas!