I’m particularly excited about this year’s club and design collection. This is because it takes its inspiration from my home landscape and daily stomping ground: the West Highland Way.
The West Highland Way is a long distance walking route of just under a hundred miles that travels from Milngavie in the south to Fort William in the north. Around fifteen thousand people complete the route each year, and walkers come from all over the world to experience it, in whole or part. The route gives a wonderful introduction to this part of Scotland, and allows you to experience a wide variety of stunning landscapes on foot, from gentle lochsides to boggy moors, from the picturesque environments of lush woodlands to the sublime drama of rocky highland peaks. I live right here and every day feel lucky to walk around these landscape: how could I not want to design a collection inspired by the West Highland Way?
If you participated in last year’s club, you’ll have a sense of the sort of thing that we have planned: each week you’ll receive a pattern, together with an essay introducing you to an area or theme. The themes range from poetry to geology, from social history to the natural or built environment. Please be aware that this club is emphatically NOT peddling some sort of shortbread, Outlander fantasy of Scotland: the West Highland Way is a place of great beauty, but not one of romance. The themes the club will be exploring have their basis in the ordinary realities of my home landscape.
Because this is where we live, and because we’ve been planning this club for the past twelve months, we’ve been able to think about some interesting ways of documenting and communicating what’s so special about the West Highland Way. You will discover several places that you are unlikely to find in many guidebooks and can expect to see stunning photography from Tom, as well as some innovative footage and short films.
So how will the club be structured? The club begins at the start of the West Highland Way, with a trio of accessory patterns that I’ve designed for our new yarn, Milarrochy Tweed, in several different colourways. These patterns have been created specifically to enable club members to creatively explore the new tweedy palette. Everyone will be encouraged to play with colour, and to develop their own ideas, and there will also be a competition (and prizes). Make sure you join my Ravelry group (if you’ve not done so already) to participate!
We’ll spend the next three weeks travelling along the West Highland Way to Loch Lomond, exploring my local landscape, together with three further designs for Milarrochy Tweed, two of which are garments. I’m particularly proud of one of these designs, but all I can really say about it at this point is that I think of it as this year’s Oa. I hope this means something to some of you.
The next group of designs take us along the north shore of Loch Lomond, and into the West Highlands, past the iconic mount of Beinn Dorain. These designs all feature Buachaille (my sport / DK weight yarn), and again there is a balance between garments and accessories. The textured elements of these designs reflect the surrounding environment as we explore the relationship between loch and mountain, together with the human presence in the landscape.
The final design group carries us over the vast expanse of Rannoch Moor, down into Glencoe, up the Devil’s Staircase near Altnafeadh (so named by the English soldiers who clearly did not enjoy its challenges), down into Kinlochleven (the Highlands’ first “electric village”) and around the foot of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain, where the West Highland Way concludes. Forming a contrast with this increasingly rugged landscape, the designs in this part of the club all feature openwork, and use Fyberspates Cumulus. This beautiful light, soft yarn has a wonderful new colour range (not yet publicly released) whose design potential I’ve recently been enjoying. If you’ve not yet come across it: Cumulus is sort of like Kidsilk Haze, only better. This section of the club features two garments and two accessories, including a hap design.
So what does a club subscription involve? How much does it cost?
The club has two options: one for those of you who would like to sample Milarrochy Tweed (subscription numbers for this option are limited), and one for those who would just like to participate in the weekly pattern element and receive the West Highland Way book at the end (subscription numbers for this option are unlimited).
In more detail, then:
Option 1: yarn sample pack / weekly patterns / West Highland Way book – £80.
12 balls of Milarrochy Tweed, exclusive 8oz canvas Milarrochy tweed project bag (posted prior to club commencing).
Access to all patterns, newsletters, videos, other extras
10% discount on all items in KDD shop for the duration of the club, including Milarrochy Tweed (January through March)
120 page print book (posted out at the club’s conclusion)
2 x shipping (yarn pack and book) anywhere in the world.
The number of available subscriptions for this option is limited.
Option 2: weekly patterns / West Highland Way book – £30
Access to all patterns, newsletters, videos, other extras
10% discount on all items in KDD shop for the duration of the club, including Milarrochy Tweed (January through March)
120 page book (posted out at the club’s conclusion)
1 x shipping (book only) anywhere in the world
The number of available subscriptions for this option is unlimited.
For those who would prefer option 2, but who are keen to try a skein or two of Milarrochy Tweed, you will be able to purchase the yarn upon its general release separately later in January 2018.
I hope this has answered any questions you might have. If there is anything else you’d like to know, please leave me a note in the comments and I’ll try to respond tomorrow . . .when I’ll also be able to show you one of the special multi-colourway patterns I’ve created with Milarrochy Tweed (for those who are interested in participating in the yarn element of the club). I’ll also let you know about the timing and full arrangements for subscriptions (opening in the shop on Friday, November 17th).
Hi Kate, I am too late, sorry! But is it possible to join Option 2: weekly patterns / West Highland Way book – £30?
Best Regards!
Lisbeth Ravlosve
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Hi Lisbeth – yes absolutely – you can catch up with the first week very easily (you’ll receive all the emails / newsletters and the patterns will be added to your Ravelry library)
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Thanks,
I have tried to order in your shop, but when i add to basket I did not came further. Thats why i though i was too late.
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Thanks,
I have tried to order in your shop, but when I add to basket I did not come further. Thats why i though i was too late.
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Hi Lisbeth, I’m so sorry to hear that! Can you email us at info@katedaviesdesigns.com and we will try to resolve this for you
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I have just received my first installment – I’m a happy woman! Merry Christmas to you all!
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I got mine too! So excited and the colors are so lovely! I can’t wait for the patterns. I’m going on a two week trip on Jan 2 and am considering taking the yarn with me
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Hi Kate,
Can you tell me when the club starts.
I,m sure i had read that it stars 1st Dec and ran for 12wks.
TIA
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Hello – I can’t find the option to join either club in the shop! Help! I really wanted to join the club with yarn but I only just read your blog post tonight. This is so sad.
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Hi Amber, the yarn option is now sold out but the book / pattern option is available: https://www.shopkdd.com/books/west-highland-way-club—book-option
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Hi Kate.
I’m in Australia and would like to buy the yarn for the projects that are using Cumulus and Buachaille so I can start as soon as the pattens arrive. Is it possible to have an indication of colours and quantities that are needed?
Tracey Haynes
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I see the option for the West Highland Way Club that is already full but wish to do the 30 one and there is not a place to purchase. Please advise. I did register for the newsletter.
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Hi – the book / pattern option is available in the shop: https://www.shopkdd.com/books/west-highland-way-club—book-option
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Thanks so much for the link. I am so looking forward to the club. We have a family wedding in France next August and plan to visit Scotland at that time so this will be great travel information and I love to knit!
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I’ve looked to find a date when this all starts (very hard to wait patiently, as others have said!).
Can you please confirm for me, Kate? And also could you confirm the amount of wool in each colour for Option 1?
Apologies if I’ve missed your postings on both these things, but I’m keen to get my head round this delightful ptoject.
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I too missed the sign up for option 1 , I am sooooo disappointed ,will you add my name to the waiting list if you have one, please , I love your yarns and patterns , should I sign up for option 2 in order to get started on a project and the book? G.
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Hi Georgia please send us an email: info@katedaviesdesigns.com
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Hello , I might have missed the bit about when we should expect our little woollen delivery? If it’s not for a few weeks then I’ll stop looking out expectantly when I get home from work.
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Heartbroken that I missed this as I was on vacation last week and just returned. Hopefully this will open again and I will be able to join in. Beautiful, as always!!
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Hi Linda, if you are interested in the yarn option could you please email us at info@katedaviesdesigns.com so you can be top of the list if a place becomes available?
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When is the deadline for signing up? Can I still sign up for the book only in january 2018? I am hinting my DH and kids that this would be a nice Xmas present, but if they do not get the hint, I would like to buy it anyway…
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Hi Dominique, yes, the good thing about the book-only option is that you can sign up when you like
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Wow. I can’t seem to find the web site to sign up for option 1 on the west highland way club. Please,I want to do this. Help please.
Get Outlook for Android
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I got in!! So excited to be a part of the club, receiving the yarn and book! Even though I am in the states, i will proudly knit up and show up your beautiful projects💕
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I just want to thank you all for the behind the scenes work that made signing up this morning so stress-free. There were difficulties with the Buachaille club but this was brilliant. I look forward to the club starting – your designs, yarn and photos are always inspiring and will bring a much need optimism to life. Thank you to the whole team again. I hope you are not too exhausted.
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Received the announcement e-mail yesterday. Spent the day pondering which club to join. I missed out last year.
As I awoke this morning my first thought was a quote from Oscar Wilde, ” I have never regretted my extravagances,
only my economies!”.
Decision made. Payment (gulp) sent. Awaiting yarn, patterns and all……
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LOVE that citation – but decided for the book only option… I am not able to knit at the moment because of an elbow injury (the mere thought hurts…), but Kate’s designs are always sooo stunning I could not resist. Besides, I plan to walk the West Highland Way next year with my daughter, quite apart from this new book. I am really looking forward to the addtional information about this beautful part of Scotland from the club.
Many greetings from Germany to you all, especially to Kate, Tom and Bruce!
Susanne
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I am as excited about this new club as anyone else. Really looking forward to learning about the Highland Way, week by week, and to exploring new patterns for a new yarn. I’ve signed up to get the yarn as well as patterns, but realise I dont know how much yarn there is in each ball.
Can you tell us please, Kate?
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I’m in! Just sent in my payment; am going to be so excited to see the yarn! Hope it will be shipped soon!
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I’m so excited for this club! I walked the WHW with my husband and kids this past June, and it was spectacular. Your picture of the “Tuck Shop” at the top of Devil’s Staircase brought a smile to my face. It was such an amusing thing to find an unmanned “shop” right there, (and frankly was greatly appreciated). I can’t wait to receive your fabulous patterns and see the stunning photography in the book. It will let me relive our trip all over again!
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Hi Kate, I love your patterns and writing. I enjoyed the inspired by Islay club so much I hope to sign up for option 1 but also sign up for a gift subscription for my sister. Are gift subscriptions possible?
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So excited, I walked the Wets Highland Way this summer for the first time and had such a great time. What a bonus that it’s the club’s theme now! Can’t wait :)
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Hi Kate, I always like to read your letters and also take a look in your beautiful country by Tom s fotos. Now I will like to participate very much to the first the first option.
Thanks a lot for your inspiring ideas,
Theresia
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Hi! It looks gorgeous all of it! And I really enjoy your written stories as well as the patterns and yarns. I’m really looking forward to this year’s club!
I have a question about your new tweed yarn;: where does the wool come from? Which country? And from which sort of sheep ?( I understand that the mohairgoats isn’t so common in the UK …)
Thanks
Erika
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I hope to grab a subscription 1…… I will watch for the timing announcement!
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WOW ! Many thanks to you for everything Kate We all love your writing, designing and knitting. I’m looking forward to try your lovely yarns on my needles and I’m ready to embark with you and so many of your fans on this second travelling and knitting adventure. Merci à vous, à Tom et à Bruce for sharing with us the magic of your beautiful country.
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So torn! I really don’t need to buy more yarn – I need to use more of my handspun, and spin more. There is no shortage of fleece and dyed wool in this househould.
On the other hand, that Millarochy looks wonderful. And perhaps a bit more my thing than Buachaille (wonderful though it is) which I find a tad heavy for colourwork which is what stymied me on The Oa, though I’m so pleased with Ardmore.
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I’m in! I walked the WHW in June, and had to skip a few bits in the middle due to a severe blister situation. Now I can catch up by knitting those… how convenient.
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I do so hope that I make it , I would love Option 1 , wonder what my chances will be, best wishes x x
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Just happen to have some Cumulus sitting in my stash so very excited to see your patterns! And try the new Milarrochy tweed of course. For many years I used the train to travel to Mallaig for short breaks through the area you describe – it is utterly captivating. I’m no longer able to do so due to my husband’s stroke but will delight in travelling that way through your patterns and club.
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Oh how exciting! As I’ll be walking the West Highland way in 2018 participation in the club is a no brainer for me. And “this year’s Oa” is just the icing on the cake! Thanks Kate, I know I’ll enjoy this a much as last year!
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Hi, This looks really fun. We love Scotland and go to Glencoe every year. Are the 12 skeins 25 grams each?
kind regards
Irene kwinten
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Hi Kate, looking forward to the new book. I’m interested on option 2, will there be an option to purchase a sheep with small selection of samples to be able to get a feel for the colours and wool when the orders open on Friday?
Many thanks
Anne
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I’m definitely going to sign up for this. I will be ready with fingers in the keyboard first thing Friday. Thanks Kate
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Looking forward to signing up for this one, hopefully it won’t sell out. Worried about the time difference as I am in Australia.
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And me too , from France, is possible ? nikole
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Darn it! I was hoping to enrol in number 1, but I’ll be off grid in the omani desert on Friday and Saturday. 😢🌹
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I am looking forward to signing up for the West Highland Club while on holiday here on Maui. I loved being part of being Inspired by Islay and look forward to being similarly transfixed by your and Tom’s combined efforts on the West Highland Way.
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O Kate, I’m so looking forward to this, I so enjoyed your last club, I can’t wait to spend the winter with you ❄️❄️.
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Looking forward to this so much! And I agree with the other comments, I hope limited means lots! Thanks for all the work and attention to details that you put into your designs and yarn.
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How much is this in American dollars?
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Mary, I looked at todays exchange rates and 80 British Pounds = $105.30 US dollars.
30 British Pounds = $39.48 US dollars. The rate may be different when the club is open. At least this gives you a ballpark idea.
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Woo hoo! Will the yarn included in the club
Be enough to knit all of the patterns?
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Ive just committed to walking the WHW next year. ( I lived on it for 5 years and only every managed the part near our house). I will be doing it in October so definitely need some warm accessories . How fortuitous!
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How much yarn is in a skein of Milarrochy Tweed, please?
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Whoop! Can’t wait! I will be waiting anxiously for these patterns. Thank you.
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I’m so excited about your new club. Last year it was such a joy to receive the weekly patterns. Especially I like the combination of knitting beautiful patterns with interesting background stories of a famous way which I’ve not travelled so far.
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Fabulous. Last year it was a joy and surprise to receive the weekly patterns. It will be so exciting to follow your journey, especially I’m interested in the background stories of a famous way which I’ve still not travelled. The combination of knitting beautiful designs with the historical background of the West Highland Way will be so delightful.
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I was wondering if early sign up was going to be offered for newsletter folks but apparently not. Hmmmm. As a US Pacific Time knitter, seems like it might be tough to get in on the yarn club but I’ll be sure to give it a try!
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When do we sign up? I’m in for #1.
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I too am wondering about the limited part. But I suppose we shall see.You mentioned the WHY (and club) is not one of romance, leaning more towards the history and local culture of the people and places of this region. But as someone who is not from there, who hiked the West Highland Way on our honeymoon, the misty, cool, empty walk over Rannoch Moor was lovely..and romantic. The Kingy, Glencoe, Devils Staircase, Whiskey in Ft William (is that part of the club?:)….I cannot wait to see what lies in store for those weeks.
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I have no issue with your personal experience of the ‘romance’ of the highlands (it is without doubt a beautiful and atmospheric landscape) – who could possibly deny just how amazing that section of the WHW is? But I do have concerns over the pipes in the glens, shortbread tin and yes – Outlander – fantasies which have very little to do with the real history of this landscape, and often indeed do it a disservice by glossing over its discontinuities. I’m sure you know exactly where I am coming from . . .
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Last year was such fun. And your offer for this year seems utterly delightful. I’m queuing already.
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I would love to participate! Looking forward to your posts and especially to Friday!
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All I can say is that I hope “limited” is a LOT! :)
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I am so excited about the Option One Yarn Option West Highland Way Club and am so hoping (hoping, hoping, hoping…..) to get a spot this year!! Can I ask what time the subscriptions will be open USA Eastern Standard Time? What a wonderful way to travel through Scotland through your narratives; new yarn and colours; and patterns; and through Tom’s photography!
Best regards,
Celia Edwards
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How exciting! You are truly amazing!
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How exciting!
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Sounds great! Just hope I’m speedy enough. :)
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Oh my!! Here we go again!!! I have always wanted to “do” the West Highland Way – but, would have loved to have shared it with late dh. So, this is brilliant. Kate, you are a genius, I can “do” the Way – in way that combines love of Scotland, things woolly, knitting, wonderful writing, beautiful designs, evocative photography, and wonderful memories …………and I can sit by my fire the whole time. Magic
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Such beauty!
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Thank you, Kate, for what looks like another fine adventure, I do hope there will be a map included along the way. I am already standing in line for this one. Cheers, Anna :-)
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I have re-read this post several times, lingering over the images, the descriptions, the details, the yarn and the photography. I can’t wait to begin the journey. Will Friday EVER come?? Think I will be getting up with the stars, here on the west coast– an appropriate beginning for a new adventure.
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Hi Kate, it looks fabulous. Will the Millarochy yarn be on those pretty sheep or was that just for the photo? Thank you! Johanna
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I’m a newbie and have fallen in love with your new color palette of yarn. I have loved your patterns for several years and am now getting into more 100% wool and color work. Fingers crossed I can sign up for the yarn version of the club. My question is do I sign up on your shop site? Typically when does the sign up open? 9am Scotland time?
Tom’s photo’s are exquisite.
Thank you for your time.
Kind regards
Jenny Knott
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