I just had a notification from WordPress that it is apparently eight years ago today since my first blog post here. This is a pretty significant anniversary, and I’ve spent the past couple of hours thinking about how important this online space has been for me. Many of you will recogise the old needled header and layout above (for which I confess I harbour a nostalgic affection). So much has happened since I put up that picture of the crewel-work pouch I’d completed as a present for my sister, and wrote a post about knitting a feather and fan scarf! This blog began, like so many other blogs around that time, as a place to document my knitting projects, but it evolved to become so much more than that. As well as documenting my projects, and writing about the many knitterly and textile-related things that I loved and that inspired me, I found that I could use this space to write about pretty much anything that interested me – this was rather exciting, as was the significant discovery that there were folk out there who actually read my posts! Since then, I’ve written about so much here: the places for which I hold a long-standing affection: (The Fylde coast, Edinburgh, Philadelphia) and places new to me by which I’ve been inspired (Madeira, Iceland). I’ve produced posts about many different aspects of design and textile history: the allure of the miniature, the significance of pockets, the history of broad cloth and British socks. I’ve also explored my love of walking: in my favourite American city, around Scotland and the lake district, and in many different contexts following my stroke. I’ve found that pretty much anything can find a place here:, an evil potato peeler, a cup of tea, camping an attempt to vote in the wrong election, and whisky (which I sadly can no longer enjoy). This blog has allowed me to be serious or silly, to be critical or celebratory. And through methods I cannot begin to fathom, now my dog has somehow also found a voice here.
In personal terms, I’ve also found this space to be incredibly stimulating and supportive. Sometimes my posts are a mere starting point for what turns into a really interesting conversation, and honestly, just thinking about the wonderful cards, letters and gifts you all sent when I was in the Astley Ainsley brain injury unit brings an immediate tear to my eye. This blog has brought me into contact with some of the best friends I’ve ever made, and allowed me to seriously consider doing something very different with my life when my stroke forced upon me a change of direction. So I want to thank you all sincerely for being with me over these eight years. So much has changed for me: my career, my body, the place in which I live – but this blog and its readers have always been there.
So here’s a small something to say thankyou: until noon tomorrow, you can purchase anything in my Ravelry store for half price. If you enter the code EIGHTYEARS at the checkout, you’ll receive 50% off everything.
Cheers everyone! Here’s to the next eight years!
Like everyone, I just love that you are so willing to share about your life and recovery. I enjoy looking into your Scottish world. I appreciate your struggles and sharing how it has made you feel as these thoughts have opened my mind up to those suffering from health issues. How important it is to show compassion and to lend a hand to all!
LikeLike
Congratulations and thanks for sharing your life with us. Always something to think about and now my mind got stuck on mindful raisins.
LikeLike
Congratulations. I always enjoy your posts and yours is the only blog I have gone back and read from the start – such inspiration!
LikeLike
Congratulations, Kate. You have been a source of great inspiration to me, on things knitterly and on living with physical limitations like my own. I still remember when you first got your trike and could fly! I’ve shared your move, your garden, your walks, and the emergence of your new career. Many thanks for this friendship across the miles!
Katherine
LikeLike
Thanks enormously for great reads and great patterns and inspiration Kate. If it wasn’t for you I would not have known to go to New Lanark, or the Owl Centre when my daughter and I visited Scotland about 18 months ago. I now have some beautiful souvenir yarn and great memories of seeing bats at Craignethan castle, sun rising over the trees seen from the YHA at New Lanark, and walking the paths at the falls of Clyde. Wishing you many more years of success. Cheers
LikeLike
Eighty ears! Congratulations! I love reading your work, always interesting, sometimes challenging and with an intellectual gravitas that is rarely found in knitterly writing. That said, the post that stays with me most, and the one I talk about at work (as a psychologist) is the one about the mindful raisins….I agreed entirely!
LikeLike
YAY! I love you patterns! Thanks for the discount!
LikeLike
Congratulations ~ Kate, I discovered your blog in the late summer of 2009, when this post brought me to Needled from an internet search for Fair Isle, and from there I loved those craggy mountains you walked, and tried my hand new at colorwork right along side of you, thoroughly stitched to Needled and your life of novelty which I have since admired so. I found that my own connection to my ‘highlands’ of Northern California and knitting somehow brought us together, and like so many other of your followers, I found a sort of ‘friendship’ in your blog, though I never really had any conversations with you, but felt drawn to leave strings of encouraging comments over the years following. Well, your Needled evoked in me a personal best, thus Yarnings emerged and so now I still peek in again to see what you’re up to (garden design , knitwear design, house interior design…) and I once again feel we are so similar, yet divided merely by a big ocean, but mostly I want to thank you for your inspiration. :)
LikeLike
Congratulations on eight inspirational years! I need to go back to the beginning because I think I missed the early days (although I remember “Needled” for sure). I have recommended your blog to a couple of people, including another young stroke patient. So sorry that I missed your discount because of the time difference–it was a nice thing for you to do for us!
LikeLike
Congratulations on your anniversary! And while I, too, love Philadelphia and would love to go back to Edinburgh, you really should come to Chicago. Yes, there are places here, too, that I wouldn’t walk, but the Lakefront and Mag Mile are spectatcular. I love your blog and whilst I will never be the artisan that you are, I really love your designs and creativity. Take care and knit on!!
LikeLike
Here’s to another wonderful 8 years!
LikeLike
Kate this is such a wondrous celebratory post – thank you for writing it and for linking back to those amazing Kate Davies classics. I used your Whisky essay in my University teaching days and have often thought about your piece on familiar trees… and the late discovery of your monkey peeler post was brilliant! I will never forget the epic joy of meeting you in real life after we had met online through blogging. HURRAH FOR NEEDLED AND NOW KATE DAVIES DESIGNS DOT COM, and long may your illustrious blogging continue XXX
LikeLike
Congratulations!
And thanks for your great designs and wonderful posts.
LikeLike
Congratulations!! I love reading your blog, you are an inspiration. You have overcome some major difficulties and are still so upbeat and forward looking. I have learned so much from you, though I’m still not brave enough to attempt steeking; it is on my bucket list.
I can’t believe I missed your generous gift, but then it was a holiday weekend here in the states and I did have grandchildren and a granddog staying. Who, by the way would love to play with the ever adventurous Bruce.
Oh and keep the garden pictures coming. Your garden is lovely!!
Here’s to many more years of wonderful blog posts and awesome designs.
LikeLike
Bless you Kate!
LikeLike
Best blog ever!
Congratulations and Thank You!
LikeLike
Congratulations on your anniversary! I don’t read many blogs, but I always read yours. It is worth my time. Your photos are beautiful, patterns are always tempting and your on going recovery is inspiring. Thank you for your willingness to share.
Alas, discovered your post was over the weekend and have missed out on this amazing opportunity. Next time!
LikeLike
Happy eight years! So awesome! I’ve certainly enjoyed your blog :)
LikeLike
I see that I read this after the code expired! Blasted time zone difference on a holiday weekend here. No worries though. I think these designs are more than worth the full price anyway and I’ve been ogling my copy of Yokes since it arrived months ago. My queue is full enough!
LikeLike
Wow 8 years congrats. I tried using the code for a pattern and it did not work. Anyone else having issues?
LikeLike
Thank you so very much for all you do. You are an inspiration to all of us. Congrats and best wishes for many more years online and in creations. Best of health to you!
LikeLike
I like your blog but I have to say I didn’t like the Domestic in Drag post. I thought it was unkind.
LikeLike
I had the same problem all morning on Ravelry, discount code not valid. I just love your blog and was so excited to purchase yokes. I machine knit as well and couldn’t wait to buy that. Code didn’t work though so if there’s a fix I would love to know! Thank you for the blog, it’s my favorite!
LikeLike
Hi Diane – really sorry – it was a 24 hour code and expired, as I say in the post, at noon.
LikeLike
Congratulations Kate. And thanks a million for this opportunity. Your blog is very inspiring. I wish I can visit Scotland one day.
LikeLike
Congratulations to you! It’s some of your designs that motivated me to get over the learning hump and eventually enter this wonderful world of knitting. I thank you for that! Sadly, your promotion didn’t last long enough for the late risers on the west coast of the U.S. (expired by 9am) perhaps a silent blessing for my queue. Regardles, kudos!
LikeLike
Love the original Needled design and its wit, too. Thanks for sharing your stories, designs, images over the years. So beautiful to behold!
LikeLike
Yes, I do recognize that header! Congratulations on 8 years. Grateful for your perseverance after your stroke, it’s enabled us to watch, read, and learn as your adjusted life takes form. To many more years! Sorry about the whiskey?
LikeLike
Congratulations on the anniversary, and evn more so on the journey of your last eight years. The lives of your readers have been enriched by your generosity and your openness to sharing your life with us in the way you have. Now, I guess I have to shop!
LikeLike
congratulations kate!
i always look forward to your posts, thank you for sharing your life with us. you are truly inspirational and my absolute favourite knitwear designer.
God bless you!
LikeLike
Congratulations Kate. I love your patterns and, like you, have raised beds in my garden to make it easier for me to grow veg.
I have tried to download your Manu pattern on Ravelry using the discount code EIGHTYEARS but Revelry isn’t accepting the code. Can you please advise me on what I’m doing wrong? Thank you!
LikeLike
I had the same problem, though I hate to complain on this celebratory occasion. If there’s a fix, would love to know.
LikeLike
I keep trying and it keeps not working. First world problems, right? It has provided me with some amusement, though. Every time I type it in, I think “Is it 8 years or 80 ears??”
LikeLiked by 1 person
really sorry, Susan – it was a 24 hour code that expired (as mentioned above) at noon.
LikeLike
Kate – can it really be so long? Tempus fugit a bit too fast methinks. Anyway, just to say your writing is something that fits in a special part of my life, somehow calling to me across all those miles and oceans and miraculously arriving here for me to read. Just lately I find you outside joyfully admiring your fantastic new raised beds – how absolutely glorious. Each day will bring new changes in those little seedlings as you watch them grow… I can’t imagine anything more lovely. So, from Over Here to Over There with grateful thanks and a “Gidday” or two from Woody for Bruce… Looking forward enormously to joining in the next eight years and beyond…… Lydia
LikeLike
Hello Kate- I learned of your blog from The Knitter magazine article and it was an immediate hit with me. As so many have mentioned, you are an inspiration and education; mostly I just want to have a cuppa with you and knit and laugh. Thanks for being the bright light you are and congratulations on your milestone.
Also, all hail Tom and Bruce for being your stalwart supporters!
LikeLike
Congratulations! A special anniversary indeed. You have been nowt but inspirational and I always look forward to reading your posts.
LikeLike
Also, my discount code isn’t working at all…not that your patterns aren’t worth the full price and more…
LikeLike
Many congratulations on 8 years! Your blog is one of my favorites, Next month my family is traveling to Scotland for 10 days and we’re very excited about it :)
LikeLike
Congratulations on your eighth anniversary – what mountains you have climbed in that time in so many ways, not only with your design and knitting achievements!
As I’ve mentioned to you before, Bruce is now my surrogate/virtual dog since I lost my beautiful collie Sorca – I also had a Bruce! – so, best wishes to you Bruce as well as you are a very important addition to this blog, though I have to say I would like to hear more from you,
Thank you SO much Kate for your generosity in giving us a 50% discount – wow!! Even though I shouldn’t have, I have just had a bit of a binge shop on your patterns … crikey! Though I have many of your patterns already, I have wanted more of them for so long. I was tried to buy the pattern for Richard The Round Head Tam as well as all the others. At first I couldn’t see it listed – the same with some of your other patterns – I was not to be deterred however, I kept looking and did find it. I tried several times to buy it, sadly the discount code wouldn’t work so, I couldn’t buy that pattern, such a pity as I really wanted it.
I wish you many more wonderful years surrounded with wonderful yarn, fabric and inspiration, beautiful scenery and trees, the company of good friends and loved ones … and last but not least Bruce!
LikeLike
Hi Saoirsé – to explain – the Richard the Roundhead tam was a commission for Gawthorpe textiles – they receive all the profits from the pattern; because I don’t actually sell or profit from that pattern n the discount wouldn’t be applied.
Thanks for your kind words – Bruce sends wags xx
LikeLike
Hi Kate! Thank you very much for explaining. I did wonder when it didn’t work initially and thought it was me. I was confused, as when I read your post Eight Years it said you can purchase anything. I did notice – eventually – that it was part of the Gawthorpe Textiles Collection but then, I also saw that it was available as an individual pattern and so, I hoped … thought it would work. Again, thank you for taking the time to explain, I appreciate it.
Did you bake a cake for your eight year anniversary? I feel there should have been cake! xXx
Oh Bruce – thank you, thank you so much for the wags _ there is nothing like a handsome lab for a waggy tail though it can resemble a big stick in my experience! I do wish I could take you for a niece long w-a-l-k A big hug and kiss to you – and your human companion! xXx
LikeLike
Dear Kate- although I read every post, I don’t often comment. So many times I do plan to, but then I see my exact words and/or sentiment repeated a number of times in the comments section and I feel that adding a ‘me too’ is silly. I love seeing what you are up to and interested in. Your designs are a great pleasure and inspiration. I hope you will continue to share your life with your readers for many many more years to come.
LikeLike
Dear Kate, congratulations on your blog aniversary.
LikeLike
Dear Kate, congratulations on this special anniversary! It has been a privilege and joy to follow your journey here on your blog for the past eight years. Your blog posts have been both inspiring and, in a sense, humbling to me. I admire how you’re able to share both your highs and your lows, I vividly remember the day that I read Tom’s post bringing us the news of your hospital admission but also your account of riding a bike (trike?) again. I’m looking forward to the next eight years of designs, of walks, of writings and, obviously, of Bruce.
LikeLike
Dear Kate, congratulations on this special aniversary! It has been a privillege and joy to follow your journey here on your blog for the past eight years. Your blog posts have been both inspiring and, in a sense, humbling to me. I admire how you’re able to share both your highs and your lows, I vividly remember the day that I read Tom’s post bringing us the news of your hopsital admission but also your account of riding a bike (trike?) again. I’m looking forward to the next eight years of designs, of walks, of writings and, obviously, of Bruce.
LikeLike
Congratulations, heres to many more years of blogging from yourself. I love reading your posts and seeing your beautiful creations. Thank you for being an inspirational knitter and thank you for the discount code, I look forward to knitting Owls for my friend and Paper Dolls for me :D.
LikeLike
congratulations ! and here’s to the next eight.
LikeLike
Happy birthday fro your so wonderful blog Kate, it’s always a real pleasure to read you, because it’s always instructive and I learn every time something new, even for my poor english. I hope that you continue to write here still long time. Many thanks for your ravelry’s gift !
LikeLike
Thanks, Kate, for your dedication to the blog these past eight years. I follow it through Ravelry, and frankly, your posts are the ones I never, ever miss. They are interesting because of their variety and because of the depth of the articles, especially on textiles and design. I hope you will continue and I hope, someday, to meet you in person. I travel to the UK regularly to visit my daughter.
LikeLike
Thank you SOOOO much for the discount – just downloaded Colours of Shetland.
LikeLike
Kate have read all your blog posts and really enjoyed them have wanted “Colors of Shetland “for awhile but the transfer rate made it double the price so figure if i dont buy now i never will thanks so much for all the years of enjoyment and look forward to many more, and other people have had said how hard ablog is to keep going so thankyou for all the hard work, i have found other blogs and other people through you and today knitted the Shetland week hat loved it again thanks to your information.
LikeLike
Happy anniversary! I always enjoy your writing and designs. And thank you for the generous Ravelry discount!
LikeLike
I haven’t been following for eight years, but I’ve enjoyed every word I’ve read. Congratulations on a lot of blogging, here’s to many more posts from Kate and Bruce!
LikeLike
Bon Anniversaire Kate !!! pour nous aussi ton blog est un vrai cadeau ….
And just a small present for this birthday … if you don’t know this song … please, look all the video :
The title is : “my mother has knitted everything for me”.
LikeLike
Very funny!
LikeLike
Thank you Kate for such a wonderful gift! I have followed your blog and your designs for years, but given that our exchange rate is so ridiculous, seldom allow myself to purchase patterns – and WHAT a treat when I downloaded Yokes – so much more than just a pattern book – thank you for your insight and research and inspiration and stunning designs. Here’s to many more years of blogging and design.
LikeLike
Congratulations Sweetie and 8 thousand thanks for the Anniversary Gift. “Port O Leith”… You shall be mine!
LikeLike
Congratulations, dear Kate! Eight years of blogging in this short-living world of the internet is remarkable. I’m a regular reader of your blog (and proud owner of your two books), and I hope you will add some more years of blogging.
Thank you for all the knitting inspiration, background information and your breathtaking photographs.
(And thank you, of course, for your generous discount offer)
LikeLike
Happy eight years! And many, many more
Lxx
LikeLike
Congratulations on eight years of interesting, inspiring, and thought provoking posts.
And many thanks for the generous discount — I love your designs!
LikeLike
Purrs Kate!
LikeLike
I must confess that I haven’t been reading your blog that long, but in such a short time you have touched my soul. I have shared the knitted fence with all my family and told them of several other things learned in the blog. I love that you are also a gardener–that is one of my all time loves and one that I have mostly given up because of my COPD. I also admire that you are such a good blogger–as I sit and ponder, for a month now, what I should write about on my WordPress account. Happy 8th and many more!
LikeLike
THANK YOU Kate. I love reading your blog I find your writing so comforting and inspirational . I have learnt so much, and of course Bruce is just a delight. Here’s wishing you continued good health and may all your wishes come true.
LikeLike
Give you joy of your lovely blog! Full bumpers and no heel taps now!
LikeLike
Congratulations, Kate! A milestone, indeed :-) You are such a talent, and I am excited for the years to come. Thank you for all the inspiration!
LikeLike
Congratulations and best wishes for the future. Thank you so much for sharing your talents, insights, your life, and your dog with us. We appreciate every post, pattern, and picture! Looking forward to the next eight…
LikeLike
Congratulations and thank you so much for sharing both your patterns and a little bit of yourself with us!
LikeLike
Thank you for your generous gift to us. Reading your informative posts and knitting your wonderful designs seem like gifts in themselves, but I did purchase Fantoosh which I’ve been admiring since you gave us the first peek at it. Thanks again. Also for your wonderful photographs and for sharing the lovely Bruce with us. Here’s to the next 8 years. Doreen.
LikeLike
Thank you for your well written, learned and wonderful posts. I got on the bandwagon just a few years ago. Thank you for making us think and making us better artists and knitters.
LikeLike
Best wishes for the anniversary, and thank you. I’ve had my eyes on several of your designs, and this was the moment to get at least some of them.
LikeLike
Has it only been 8 years? I am very grateful for your blog, my friend. Cheers!
LikeLike
Congratulations Kate. I enjoy your writing very much. You are a wonderfully remarkable woman.
LikeLike
Congratulations Kate! You have achieved a lot in those eight years. I feel like I know you thanks to your blog. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself, your beautiful work and home. It is a joy to get your blog and feel this connection! Also thanks for the great patterns and the generous discount!
LikeLike
Congratulations Kate! As important as this blog has been to you, I can say personally it has helped me through many a joyous or difficult time in my life. Whether understanding and commiserating with your life or knitting/fiber experiences or something as simple as enjoying your beautiful landscape photos throughout the year that take me away from my sometimes hum drum day to day. I have been a good girl, putting off buying Yokes until I was actually going to knit something from it but can’t pass up your generous offer. Thanks so much!!!
LikeLike
Here’s to the next 8 years! You are a daily inspiration (and my husband says Bruce is his soul mate)!
LikeLike
Congratulations on eight inspiring years, Kate! I look forward to many, many more.
LikeLike
Happy Blogiversary! Thanks for the high quality posts. Every. Single. Time. I haven’t been around for all 8 years (although I’ve gone back and read most) but plan on being with you for the next eight, and beyond. Not only are you an inspiration, you are a font of knowledge and I have learned so much about fiber and knitting and even (gasp!) mending from your informative posts. Thanks, thanks, thanks.
Mary in Seattle
PS Thanks too for the discount. How typically sweet of you to think of this for us all.
LikeLike
Congratulations and best wishes for,the future – you, your words, and your work have been influential for so many.
I look forward to many more posts to come – take good care – Joan
LikeLike
I’ve been here from the start, and here’s to another 8 years! Thank you for your generosity – the Peerie Flooers mittens and hat patterns have just been added to my Rav basket.
LikeLike
Happy eighth blog anniversary and hearty congratulations! I have been reading you since the Needled days and have treasured all of it. Your two posts today have inspired me to great feats of ordering in your Ravelry store and in working very hard in my garden!
Liz in Seattle
LikeLike
Thank you for designing such beautiful garments that are so unique, stylish and a pleasure to knit.
Thank you also for your generous celebratory discount, I’ve just had a fun hour buying lots of patterns that have been on my to buy/knit list for ages – irresistible with your lovely present to us😄
LikeLike
Thank you- your blog is inspirational.
LikeLike
New to your blog site and I knew from the start that your blog would be an inspirational one. With so many of your followers wishing hearty Congratulations just proving how popular you are.
LikeLike
Bless you Kate. I’ve been following your blog for only a couple of years, but have 2 of your books, a wonderful tea towel and made a Betty Mouat cowl (other things in progress). Thanks to you I follow Ella Gordon & Friends of Fair Isle (and watched Shetland on TV to see the Peerie hat). You are an inspiration. Love & hugs to Bruce & Tom. I SO enjoy Bruce’s posts! One of these days I hope to return to Scotland. I’ve been to Iceland & share your enthusiasm.
LikeLike
Congratulations !! Your designs and patterns are a joy to knit. Thank you
LikeLike
Dear Kate, I’m just adding to the long list of well deserved congratulations! I’ve been reading your posts since 2008 and enjoyed every single one. I like the beautiful photos and the passion with which you take us from Iceland to Madeira, from british wool to the economics of knitting, from carefully constructed patterns to tea sampling, all along your everyday life with its ups and downs.
Thanks for sharing with us! All the best to you, Tom and Bruce.
LikeLike
Such a generous offer to celebrate your 8th blogging anniversary. Congratulations! like so many who have left comments I really look forward to your posts and thank you so much for all your inspiration.
LikeLike
Cheers to you, my dear! i have enjoyed each and every one of your new posts over at least the past 4 year, and gone back to catch up on all the others. It’s been exciting to see so many of your projects come to fruition, and you certainly deserve all your success. Thanks, also, for discounting the patterns–the Tea Jenny cosy shall be mine at last ;)
LikeLike
You say ‘we’ have given to you but you have given SO much to us and for this I thank you many times over!! Cheers!
LikeLike
The pattern discount is so generous, Kate. Thank you!!
LikeLike
Thank you for writing! I enjoy your blog so much.
LikeLike
Thank for both the discount and your wonderful writing. I always enjoy your posts, and Bruce’s too, of course! Congratulations on your anniversary.
LikeLike
Kate, I have been silently following your blog for about a year and indeed binge-read through your archive when I first came across it. As an engineering student, I had quite a few of your patterns bookmarked but have finally made the leap to purchase some, and am really looking forward to getting stuck in.
Please keep doing what you’re doing for as long as it still gives you pleasure!
LikeLike
Congratulations on eight years and these beautiful designs. Just completed my owl cardi, needing only to put the eyes on. Beautifully written pattern. Thanks to your generous discount, purchased a few more patterns today.
LikeLike
Congratulations and happy bloggiversary! I’m a newer reader so I’m still having a read back through all the archives to ‘catch up’, so to speak. Wishing you many more years of wonderful conversations and amazing journeys. And as a newbie knitter, thank you for all the insights you’ve shared – I learn something (yarn related or not) every time you post. Many thanks for the discounted pattern as well!
LikeLike
Kate, your blog is my favourite one! Happy anniversary and I hope you’ll keep on designing and blogging for many years more. You are an inspiration to so many people. My Keith Moon is nearly ready. I can’t wait to start another one of your projects.
Thank you and cheers! Now off to ravelry :)
LikeLike
Thank you, Kate, for your inspiration and I wish you a happy eighth anniversary. I have been reading your blog for over two years now and I really thank you for all the insight and background you have given me about everything that interests me: history and knitting. I have nearly finished my Keith Moon and can’t wait to start another of your projects. Thank you for your gift on Ravelry, too!
Wish you all the best and hope you keep on blogging and designing for many years more!
Isabel from Leuven, Belgium.
LikeLike
“You’ve come a long way, baby!”
Teri
Oregon
x-x-x-x-x-xO
LikeLike
Kate, I have only been following your blog for a just over couple of years after I discovered you via Ravelry. Not only is it always a joy to read but I’ve learnt a lot through it and have a long list of your designs in my knitting queue. Thank you for your discount I am off to add some more to my queue. Best wishes for many more years of happy blogging. Jo
LikeLike
Congratulations, dear Kate! I remember how I first found your blog – 2 and a half years ago. I opened it and didn’t stop reading until I read every single post on your blog. I love everything that you write about – yarn, textiles, design, history, nature and Bruce. Bruce is my favourite though :) His posts beat even yarn posts for me! Looking forward to next blog years to come!
LikeLike
Thank you for all your posts (Bruce’s are an especial favourite, no offence!), and the discount :)
LikeLike
Thank YOU for providing such lovely eye candy for all us nutty knitters out here in cyberspace :)
LikeLike
Kate, there are so many people sending you congratulations and you deserve every one. Thank you for the generous discount. Although I do not live in Scotland at the moment, I use your designs for hats, cowls etc for my daughters who parade them proudly in Edinburgh and St Andrews.
Your generosity and courage in the face of all that has happened to you inspire many others and what a pleasant thought to have in your head as you “flee aroond in that muckle beast tractor” o’ yours.
Aw the best Helen McInnes
LikeLike
Congratulations from one of your newer readers. Now I must find a way to quit visualizing the “eighty ears” as I misread the discount code!
LikeLike
Many congratulations. I enjoy your posts immensley, your integrity, courage, wit and joy of life shines through, a pleasure to read x
LikeLike
:- sb immensely
LikeLike
Congratulations on eight years Kate. I think I’ve been reading pretty much from the beginning. Yours is one of my favourite blogs. I love that you write about anything and everything. And it’s wonderful how Bruce has found his voice on your forum:) I am also inspired by your career transition in the face of the challenges associated with your stroke. Here’s to at least eight more!
LikeLike
thanks so much Kate – because of you, I have become a knitter who is more aware, I’ve learned to see things in a wonderful light and am wonderfully challenged with your designs!
LikeLike
I think it is we who should thank you for such informative, entertaining and educational posts. (Very BBC!)
LikeLike
Congratulations Kate and thank you for the discount code, I’m hot footing it over to Ravelry now! I thoroughly enjoy reading your posts and look forward to each one. I have learned a lot from them and not just about hand knitting. Here’s to the next 8 !
LikeLike
Congratulations on your milestone! I really enjoy your various posts, whether about knitting, gardening, or history. I particularly enjoy your guest-blogger, Bruce. Best wishes on many more posts!
LikeLike
Happy Blogiversary! I just went back and read all the posts mentioned here (and many of the links within those!). What a treat! I’m in the U.S., but have never been to Philadelphia. Thank you for excellent recommendation! And I so appreciate all of the history and scenery shared in your posts. Scotland is very high on my “to-visit” list! I’m new to your work thanks to a Shinybees podcast a few months ago. Love. Love! Your photos, amazing colorwork, style, passion and writing. I’m getting ready to embark Fantoosh – my first shawl/lace project. I’m terrified, but very much looking forward to it. From there, I hope to move on to my first color work – preferably your sixareen cape. Thank you so much for the 50% off code! Wishing you continued health, happiness and success for years to come!
LikeLike
Congratulations to you for all your interesting posts, fantastic historical writings, fun stuff for us arm chair travelers and for your amazing perseverance and writing such wonderful patterns!!
LikeLike
Thank you for your blogs Kate, I enjoy them immensely. I was fascinated to hear you on the Shiny Bees podcast, as I had expected you to have a Scottish accent! I love your designs and sho lately approach to your work. You inspire me.
LikeLike
Congratulations, Kate! Yours is one of the few blogs which I never miss, and which I frequently read out loud to others. Best, Kelly
LikeLike
You are an excellent writer and a brilliant designer, and you live in a place many of us fantasize about, of which you post many beautiful photos. “Actually read your posts?” How sweetly modest of you. They are the highlight of my inbox, and always bring me great joy and food for thought! Thank you!
LikeLike
Congratulations Kate. I love to read your posts, and see the beautiful landscape from Scotland.
LikeLike
cheers to you, lady!!
LikeLike
Congratulations Kate !! It’s always a pleasure to read you !
8 years more ? ;-)
LikeLike
Congratulations, Kate! Here’s to many more years of blogging & knitting. You are our inspiration.
LikeLike
Thank you for sharing so much with me: from your life’s journey to your glorious knitting, I have been blessed to read your musings.
LikeLike
Wonderful achievement Kate! Getting to ‘know’ you has been rewarding and your posts have motivated me to keep going!
I did get a giigle when i saw your code! :-)
Eighty ears! :-)
LikeLike
Congratulations! Thank you for all the wonderful information you share, I have to confess I read the blog completely about 4 months ago! The whole thing! and it is wonderful!
Also thank you for the coupon code, I took advantage of it!
LikeLike
Congratulations and many thanks for all of your musings. Best wishes for the next eight years and beyond! :-)
LikeLike
Congratulations! It’s always a pleasure to read you on this blog and to discover all the different things you share with us! Many thanks too for the discount code!
LikeLike
Thank You for enriching us – congrats – and here’s to many more!!
LikeLike
Congratulations on the first eight years! Thank you for all your lovely work and writings, it’s so inspiring!
LikeLike
What a lovely post, with all the lovely links to visit/revisit your other writing. Thank you also for the discount. I just went over to Ravelry and bought some of your individual patterns that I had been thinking of buying for s while!
LikeLike
Congratulations on 8 years! I absolutely love reading all of your blog posts Kate and I find Bruce’s quite enjoyable too!
LikeLike
Thank you, Kate! And congratulations!
LikeLike
What an eight years it has been. Always an inspiration whether you write about knitting, life, academic stuff. Here’s to the next eight. X
LikeLike
Congratulations on eight years, Kate! I’ve been along for most of them and enjoy your writing and honesty. You’ve been inspirational and comforting in ways you will probably never know. Thank you for the Ravelry discount gift! I have stocked up on enough patterns to keep me busy! Blessings to you!
LikeLike
Happy blogiversary, Kate! I’ve enjoyed every moment of your blog – long may it continue.
LikeLike
Eight years of inspiration Kate. Keep up the good work and sharing your knowledge and good cheer!
LikeLike
Eight years is a fine chunk of time. And it seems like a significant bit of journeying has been done. Your story is a marvellous illustration of the saying…”when Life hands you a lemon,make Lemonade” Cheers!
LikeLike
Congratulations!!! :-)
And many many thanks for the code!
LikeLike
Ps And thank you for the generous 50% discount! I am so going to enjoy the ‘Colors of Shetland’! Love and Peace, Johanna
LikeLike
Congrats Kate! I love your posts and projects. You are one amazing woman!
LikeLike
Huge congratulations Kate! You never fail to inspire me….. xxx
LikeLike
Yowser Kate! Thanks so much for that. I’ve just had a frenzied shop. I think I pretty much own the entire collection now.
LikeLike
Dear Kate, I do not talk much on your blog but I read it always and with much interest. The photos are beautiful and even often soothing. I can relate to your ‘journey for good health’ and your knitting…just the best!!! ATM I am knitting the Fantoosh with so much pleasure and dream of wearing it on a coming trip to Yellow Stone park. Thank you so much for your gorgeous, interesting blog, many more to come I hope! I wish you love, health and good fortune. With warm regards from Ohio, Johanna
LikeLike
Congratulations Kate, always a pleasure to visit you!
LikeLike
Congratulations and thank you for the generous discount code!
LikeLike
congratulations on your 8 years posting. You are an inspiration and a very entertaining and thought provoking read. Keep going.
LikeLike
Congratulations Kate. You’re an inspiration. With love, Rosey.
Sent from my iPad.
>
LikeLike
Congratulations Kate! It’s been such an enriching experience being exposed to your smart, talented, complex world! I can’t wait to get my copy of Yokes (which, as luck would have it, I bought yesterday before this deal, but I sincerely do not care, as I am thrilled to support your amazing work. Worth every penny!)
Here’s to AT LEAST another 8 years of needled inspiration!
LikeLike
What a wonderful post. Congratulations on your eight years. I love reading your blog.
LikeLike
My heartiest congratulations and best wishes on this day!
LikeLike
Congratulations Kate. You’re an inspiration. With love, Rosey
LikeLike