hello again!

—

by

Kate Davies Designs
in

Hello again! I really didn’t mean to disappear there . . . I’ve been rather unwell, and these days if I get any sort of infection I always seem to end up with the dreaded tonsillitis, which can really take the wind out of my sails. Happily, I am now rattling with penicillin and have started to feel much better. Since I was last here . . .

The weather has been cold . . .

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but rather beautiful!

tree

With the sounds of song thrushes and woodpeckers, and the welcome sight of snowdrops, there are definite signs that Spring is on the way.

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Bruce’s buddy, Scout, was here for a brief sojourn.

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Tom did this to the van . . .

VAN1
van2

ahem . . .

van3

HURRAH!

. . . and between times, I’ve been doing my level best to keep up with work while feeling distinctly under the weather. I’ve been knitting and continuing with my haps research and today I was at last able to get out to photograph one of my new designs – a yoke sweater and gauntlets, which was inspired by a wonderful shawl I saw in the Gawthorpe textile collection (of which much more later).

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This design is one of the new releases I have planned for Edinburgh Yarn Fest, and will be available as a kit.

This will be the first time I’ve been to Edinburgh Yarn Fest, in any sort of capacity, and I’m feeling a wee bit nervous about it! We will have a stand in the marketplace, loaded up with masses of Buachaille, books, patterns and kits.

If you are in Edinburgh the weekend of 18-19 March, please do drop by our stand and say hi (but don’t worry if you can’t be there – there will be a coincident special offers for all newsletter subscribers.)

Right – I’d better get back to work. I hope you are all very well and enjoying this last blast of Winter!

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Comments

70 responses to “hello again!”

  1. Suzan Minton Avatar
    Suzan Minton

    I am pleased to hear you are better. I can’t wait for your sweater and gauntlets patterns to be released.could you tell me about the skirt you are wearing with them? I love to know more information about the clothes you are photographed in … The skirts .. On the blog. Kate, you have such style

    Reply
  2. Mieke Avatar
    Mieke

    Edinburgh was for years on my ‘to do’-list and I am already for years enjoying your blog and a big fan of your patterns, so I decided to come and visit Edinburgh in the weekend of the fair (I live in The Hague). Hope that it won’t be too busy to say hello to you, I am sure it will be a hugh succcess for you.

    Reply
  3. Meredith McL Avatar
    Meredith McL

    Kate—Found an old photo of your mountain for sale on etsy! Knowing how you love vintage things I am fantasizing that that is even your house in it!

    https://www.etsy.com/listing/254816779/kingshouse-buachaille-etive-mor-1950?ref=shop_home_active_14

    In case the link is lost in translation it is in at Impala Prints.

    Reply
  4. woollyadventures Avatar
    woollyadventures

    I’m going to EYF for the first time this year (on the Friday) and I will be buying that lovely yoke – look forward to seeing you there Kate. Make sure you’ve plenty of supplies! Hope you feel much better soon .

    Reply
  5. thatpaula Avatar
    thatpaula

    Here’s a salute and best wishes for feeling well again. Love the sweater and gauntlets, and can’t wait to hear about all the fun at Edinburgh Yarn Fest. Wish I could be there with you.

    I’m working on the Rams & Yowes blanket, it’s some of the most enjoyable knitting I’ve ever done.

    Reply
  6. janstebarra Avatar
    janstebarra

    Glad you’re feeling better, Kate. The van looks excellent!! You must be very proud of it. The sweater looks great, even more temptations for EYF! I’m looking forward to saying hello and seeing the pattern in close-up!

    Reply
  7. Kerry Avatar
    Kerry

    Lovely photos! The colours in every one is so enchanting! By the way…my daughter used to get tonsillitis constantly when she was little until we discovered Propolis. It is what bees use to seal the cells of the eggs in the hive and is a powerful natural antibiotic. When we discovered this, no more tonsillitis for her. There are many forms to use it but we found that the tincture mixed with honey worked the best. Lovely yoke and gauntlets…I so admire your work…not a knitter at all! I have tried but needle felting is more my thing.

    Reply
  8. Gretchen (aka stashdragon) Avatar
    Gretchen (aka stashdragon)

    Spectacular sweater and gauntlets, and the photostyling does them full justice.

    Sorry to hear of the tonsillitis. I’ve had it twice and can attest that it is NO FUN. Get well quickly!

    Reply
  9. June & Tommy Hutchinson Avatar
    June & Tommy Hutchinson

    Glad you are on the mend. Tom,s made a great job of the van also the wonderful photos scenery is wonderful. Tommy would love to paint some pictures from your photos please put more on. Any sign of your new fruit trees? Think you are very busy with your buisiness. Take care

    Reply
  10. Nancy Avatar
    Nancy

    Love that new sweater design and am itching to see a close up photo of the yoke. Happy to hear you are feeling better and wish I could just pop over from Alaska to the Edinburgh Yarn Fest!

    Reply
  11. Alina Avatar
    Alina

    I am really sorry you have been feeling down, dear Kate! And I really admire you – no matter what you keep working hard! I love the design and this photo looks absolutely amazing! Get well.

    Reply
  12. Duni Avatar
    Duni

    So glad you’re feeling better! And the new van design is fantastic! Well done, Tom. Just started my first Buachaille project and I’m loving it.

    Reply
  13. Janet Avatar
    Janet

    The photograph of your new yoked sweater is such a tease! I’m anxiously awaiting the newsletter for details.
    Tell Tom the van is lovely!

    Reply
  14. Claire Avatar
    Claire

    Hope you are feeling better now Kate. That terrible bug is knocking people down like skittles at the moment and it seems to last forever as well. Tom has done an amazing job on that van and must admit I’m with catdownunder and would be tempted to follow it if I saw it. Which is not likely as I live in Kent, probably about as far from you as it is possible to get in the UK :). Love that sweater and gauntlets, can’t wait to see the pattern and kit.

    Take care now, love to you, Tom and Bruce

    Reply
  15. helenknits Avatar
    helenknits

    Love your van! You have great products, so I am sure you will do really well at EYF,

    Reply
  16. Anne Armstrong Avatar
    Anne Armstrong

    Well done. As usual, lovely photography which shows off the beauty of your area so well. I love that jumper! I doubt it would look as good on a larger lady though 😣

    Reply
  17. catdownunder Avatar
    catdownunder

    I’d pedal madly to follow that van!

    Reply
  18. Doreen Avatar
    Doreen

    Glad you are feeling better. All the best at EYF. I’m sure it will be fun. Sorry I can’t be there. I love Edinburgh. Can’t wait to see more of the new design. And also looking forward to the new book on haps. Take care.

    Reply
  19. Max Avatar
    Max

    The van!!! OMG! I love what Tom did and congratulations, again on winning microbusiness of the year! Unfortunately, I will not be at Edinburgh, but I will probably get a kit when they come out on your website.

    Reply
  20. elaine Avatar
    elaine

    Good to “see” you Kate! Your new sweater is just gorgeous! Love the colors. Can’t wait to see more ~
    Your van is awesome! Yea for you guys!
    Hope you are feeling much, much better :-)

    Reply
  21. Dixie Avatar
    Dixie

    I’m glad you are feeling better! Your new sweater and gauntlets look fabulous!
    Lovely pictures.

    Reply
  22. Marci Avatar
    Marci

    lovely! just finished my goars of inversnaid hat and love it – can NOT wait til that haps book comes out. I’ve declared 2016 “the year of the sweater” – 2 vests and 3 sweaters on the dockett… I’m now anticipating 2017 to be “the year of the hap” – thanks for all the fabulous images of your lovely Scotland! Edinburgh festival?.. some day!

    Reply
  23. sophy0075 Avatar
    sophy0075

    I love your photos, especially the snowdrops. Gosh, I love them all- the dogs, your wonderful van designs (hooray for Tom!) Please rest and take your meds and get well soon. Enjoy Edinburgh!

    Reply
  24. Lydia Avatar
    Lydia

    Tonsilitis is very horrid, I hope you are feeling better today. Meanwhile, creativity has been afoot. Such a beautiful new design as always.

    Reply
  25. Claudia Avatar
    Claudia

    The sweater and gauntlets look amazing, and I anxiously await the kits (while trying to move some things out of the knitting queue). Sorry to hear about your recent illness; I had my tonsils out many moons ago because I had tonsillitis at least twice a year. Not a lot of fun. Also, kudos on the van; I’d follow that!

    Reply
  26. jeansdaughter Avatar
    jeansdaughter

    Your posts always lift my spirits! I’m so pleased you’re feeling better but don’t overdo it, hard though that may be.

    Reply
  27. Ann Avatar
    Ann

    What a busy family, even with one member under the weather! Love the van. Love Bruce (Doggie Host with the “Most” — you may have to google that reference). And of course, love the yoke & photos.

    Reply
  28. Lisa Avatar
    Lisa

    Love receiving your posts Kate. Glad you are on the mend. Stunning photography…. And knits as always… Look forward to visiting your stall soon x

    Reply
  29. Laura Avatar
    Laura

    I’m glad that you are feeling better. I am going to hope that you are all well by the time of the Edinburgh Yarn Fest. The scenery, the van, the dogs and the new design in this post are all wonderful! Please take care of yourself, and feel free to share anything here that your time and health permit!

    Reply
  30. Christine Avatar
    Christine

    I look forward to see/knit your new design. Hope you recover well. Congratulations to you all with the award.
    Christine

    Reply
  31. castingnasturtiums Avatar
    castingnasturtiums

    What a gorgeous sweater, I can’t wait to get a proper look at it! Take care, Kate.

    Reply
  32. pnrichkus Avatar
    pnrichkus

    The van looks great! SO glad to learn you too will be at the EYF.

    Reply
  33. alifeinscience Avatar
    alifeinscience

    I am so looking forward to meeting you at EYF. Plus, squishing Buachaiile. You have and continue to be an inspiration to me.
    Also, love that Bruce had his friend over, they make such a lovely pair of adorable eejits (I say that as someone who used to own a lab and know they have their own daftness).

    Reply
  34. Candice in Georgetown ON Canada Avatar
    Candice in Georgetown ON Canada

    Love the sweater, love the van, love the dogs.

    Reply
  35. baamekniits Avatar
    baamekniits

    That is fabulous news and so deserved! Congratulations Kate you are an inspiration!

    Reply
  36. Jo Avatar
    Jo

    Sorry to hear that you’ve been unwell but glad that you’re on the mend now. Yet another reason why I am gutted to be missing the Edinburgh Yarn Festival this year. I’ve got to work all weekend and there is absolutely no chance of getting the time off. I am sure your appearance there will be a resounding success and I look forward to reading all about it.

    Reply
  37. lorief1 Avatar
    lorief1

    So glad you are on the mend! Hang in there!

    Reply
  38. virginia Avatar
    virginia

    Glad you are on the mend and out and about in such a stylin’ ride!

    Reply
  39. Kathy Bernett, Michigan USA Avatar
    Kathy Bernett, Michigan USA

    Looking forward to the pattern for the new yoked sweater. The colors are so pretty. Glad to hear that you are feeling better & it seems that Bruce is better as well. Good luck at EYF. May you sell out, but do save some for those of us who can’t attend.

    Reply
  40. Rene Walkin Avatar
    Rene Walkin

    Nice wheels, Kate! Feel better soon.x

    Reply
  41. Kathy D Avatar
    Kathy D

    Tom is a jack-of-all trades, he is a keeper! Glad you’re feeling better. The sweater looks beautiful, can’t wait for the kits to be announced. Have fun at EYF and make sure to takes breaks and keep rested.

    Reply
  42. Diane Hughes Avatar
    Diane Hughes

    Sorry to hear that you have been poorly, I hope. You feel better really soon. The van looks lovely 😄
    I was hoping to be at Edinburgh Yarn Fest but we now have visitors so am really sad that I will be missing all your wonderful pattrpern, books and yarn! I am sure that you will be very very busy and you really deserve your success. Get well soon and enjoy the adulation at .EYF. Xx

    Reply
  43. Sue Stickler Avatar
    Sue Stickler

    Glad you are feeling better. The photos are beautiful and the new sweater is now on my ever growing to do list. Colours really complement each other. Look after yourself

    Reply
  44. Catherine Freeland Avatar
    Catherine Freeland

    When i was a girl, ‘having your tonsils out’ seemed to happen a lot. I’ve been wondering lately if tonsilitis still happens, and you’ve just proved that it does, alas. After anti-biotics you’re supposed to replenish the good bacteria in your gut – just found this out, after similar symptoms, and it seems to do the trick energy-wise, as well as slowly returning light. Make no mistake, Edinburgh will bring crowds to your stall, to meet you and to buy lovely yarns and designs, so take care but enjoy. Best wishes for your Edinburgh trip!

    Reply
  45. Peggy Avatar
    Peggy

    Wow, the photo of the new yoke design is stunning! You look so good in this photo. So like to see Bruce with his friend. Hope you are feeling all better soon. Looking forward to more photos of your beautiful new sweater and gauntlets.

    Reply
  46. Susan Avatar
    Susan

    OH, 2 labs…what fun. But what better news that you are BETTER!!! Yoke sweater looks a treat and that van!!!! What a great job on that. The Festival will be a blast for you, hope you sell OUT!!! 7,000 KM away but will be thinking of you and yours!

    Reply
  47. bizzilizzikelso Avatar
    bizzilizzikelso

    Glad you are feeling better, Kate. I will be at EYF ( on the Ripples Crafts stand) so hope to be able to say hello if we are not both too busy!

    Reply
  48. Bridget Danby Avatar
    Bridget Danby

    Glad you are on the mend! We love to see your beautiful photos and read your anecdotes. The sweater and gauntlets are absolutely beautiful!!

    Reply
  49. volyooms Avatar
    volyooms

    Glad you’re feeling better. The van looks AMAZING! You’ll need to get used to drivers flashing you as we recognise it.

    Reply
  50. Nancy Avatar
    Nancy

    I have missed you! Bruce seems to enjoy the snow as much as my Angus, a sweet wheaten terrier. Does Bruce make snow angels? Nice to have you back. Be healthy.

    Reply
  51. debrielle Avatar
    debrielle

    Glad you’re feeling better. Love the new sweater and gauntlets. Always love your beautiful pictures.

    Reply
  52. Bridget Avatar
    Bridget

    I’m sorry to hear you were sick, but I’m very glad you are feeling better. It always takes more time than yuo think it should, you know?

    I love Bruce’s friend – I bet it was entertaining to watch them together. :-)

    I hope the Yarn Fest is great and that you get lots of enthusiastic customers. (And I can’t wait for the newsletter special!)

    Reply
  53. Penny Jenkins Avatar
    Penny Jenkins

    Wow, the sweater looks fabulous! Enjoy EYF – I’m sorry it’s too far away for me to go but I’m looking forward to the special offer for your newsletter subscribers.

    Reply
  54. Maggie C Avatar
    Maggie C

    So glad your feeling a bit stronger and please look after yourself. This pattern looks beautiful.

    Reply
  55. Rachel McFie Avatar
    Rachel McFie

    What a super post. So glad you are feeling better. I have loved your past posts about Gawthorpe Hall and how it’s collection has inspired your work. I grew up next door and was lucky enough to be part of the first couple to get married in its Great Barn. All the best with your current projects.

    Reply
  56. viola422 Avatar
    viola422

    Thank goodness for antibiotics, I am just getting over bronchitis, my own Achilles heel. Glad to hear your creativity mojo is back! Best wishes

    Reply
  57. greenrabbitdesigns Avatar
    greenrabbitdesigns

    Glad you’re on the mend!
    Your new designs is lovely and how amazing does your van look!

    Reply
  58. miss agnes Avatar
    miss agnes

    This is really a tease. Close-ups, please! The van looks great. Hope you feel much better real soon.

    Reply
  59. janemoxey Avatar
    janemoxey

    Ah the wonders of modern anti biotics. So glad you’re feeling better! Any chance you are going to do extended sizes for your lovely new yoked sweater? I might have to be content with the gauntlets if not! Can’t wait to see a closer shot of what you’ve designed! I’m sure your stall will be mobbed in Edinburgh! In my own experience at quilt show merchant malls, the attendees get a special sort of glassy-eyed look when they wander through. Most likely they’re In awe of all the lovely stuff on offer! And some were inclined to be pushy in fears that there wouldn’t be enough left for them to buy! One suggestion, which I’m sure you’ve already considered, is that if you SHOULD run out of a particular color, take orders and payments from customers and ship the goods to them after the show. The high feelings of excitement in the air at such an event can be tiring. Hopefully you’ll have some helping hands so you can escape the madness from time to time! I wish you a happy and successful time and look forward to reading your thoughts post event!

    Reply
  60. Knitlass Avatar
    Knitlass

    Love the van! And currently plotting about Edinburgh Yarn Fest, to see if I can come and squish some yarn :-)

    Reply
  61. Huelo Avatar
    Huelo

    I’ll be there! Really excited to meet you and see your beautiful yarn.

    Reply
  62. Claire Avatar
    Claire

    Glad you are feeling better. LOVE the new jumper!

    Reply
  63. knitigatingcircumstances Avatar
    knitigatingcircumstances

    This yoked sweater is stunning! I feel the need to clear the decks in anticipation. I hope you’re up to full speed soon.

    Reply
  64. bcb61 Avatar
    bcb61

    You could convince me that the first picture is really the lunar landscape.

    Reply
  65. Marybeth Farris Avatar
    Marybeth Farris

    Kate, thank you for publishing and posting such beauty. Thank you also for offering newsletter subscribers an opportunity to purchase the sweater kit if we will be unable to attend the festival.

    Reply
  66. smonakey Avatar
    smonakey

    Get well soon! The van looks lovely – you must be so proud! Looking forward to the new sweater pattern. My fingers are itching to get that kit.

    Reply
  67. Trine Avatar
    Trine

    Such beautiful photography! Over time, you have posted so many beautiful shots of the tree in the lake – could they be used as inspiration for a yoke sweater design?

    Reply
  68. Tamara Avatar
    Tamara

    I read your blog almost as much for the beautiful scenery and glimpses of your Scotland as I do for your knit designs (which I adore). Can’t wait to see how the haps research comes out–I just had my LYS wind a skein of lace weight yarn in anticipation!

    Reply
  69. Danielle Avatar
    Danielle

    The dogs together are so charming!

    Reply
  70. Carolyn Avatar
    Carolyn

    I’m glad you’re feeling better! So amazing the things you are accomplishing! I’m really intrigued by your new sweater and can’t wait to try and give it a go! I’ve never made a yoke style sweater and was just thinking this morning how I need to try it out. :-) Brava, my dear, please keep up the wonderful work!

    Reply

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