For the past six months I’ve been designing a collection. I have developed the ideas for six garments and six accessories, made swatches, knit prototypes, re-knit prototypes, re-knit again; drawn charts, produced grading spreadsheets, written patterns, re-written patterns, written patterns once again; edited the patterns, styled the designs, and, finally, modelled them myself. I’ve by no means been alone in these endeavours: Mel works alongside me at every stage and her creative input and her superlative knitting skills are both completely invaluable parts of my process. I simply could not do what I do without her. Then there is Tom – who shoots the photographs, draws schematics and puts together individual pattern layouts – and the skills and expertise of my two tech editors play a completely essential role as we consider the group of patterns as a whole as well as individually. . . and all of this happens before we even start to think about releasing the patterns as part of a club, or putting them together into book form. Creating the West Highland Way collection has been lots of fun (and I think this shows in the finished group of patterns), but it also is quite a lot of work.
Often, when I’ve finished work on a collection, I get a yen to knit something completely different. Sometimes that something is a hat, sometimes it is a garment. This collection has involved quite a lot of fine-gauge knitting for me – including one really epic project that took several months of work. I was determined to get this project right, and I’m now very pleased with it, but, having completed it, I was definitely needing to work on something speedy and satisfying at a much larger gauge.
I had an idea for a cropped jumper to go with my new skirt (each year I treat myself to a single piece from Cabbages and Roses). I knew that the Islay shade of Buachaille would look fantastic with the skirt, and thought I could knit a cropped jumper pretty quickly if I worked with two strands of yarn held double. So I designed the jumper in a sitting and knit it over four days – a very quick project for me! The results were pleasing: I liked what I’d knitted so much I decided to knit another, in a different colour . . . and now, it seems, I’m working on a third. Right now, for me, this jumper feels like the perfect winter garment . . . I’m not sure three will be enough?
Anyway, I was wearing the original jumper yesterday when we went out for our local boxing day walk. I had not intended to take any pictures of the jumper or anything – but Tom had his camera with him (like he always does) – and the light and conditions were – not to put too fine a point on it – bloody extraordinary.
So I took off my coat and we took some pictures of my boxing day outfit.
Hold on Tom . . .here comes a swan! Like we needed something else to complete this crazy technicolour winter scene!
Would you like to know more about the jumper?
It is a super simple stockinette knit, worked from the bottom up at 3.5 stitches to the inch, cropped in the body, with a cosy roll neck.
The key to the whole garment is the yoke shaping, which is calculated to allow all the stitches to be decreased away from the body over the full depth from underarm to shoulder. No stitches are decreased from the sleeves at all – they simply transform themselves into the neck at the appropriate point. Because of the way the shaping works, the garment hangs, slightly bell-like, from the shoulders, creating a neat early 1960s sort of silhouette.
The other important factor to this garment fitting and sitting correctly is ease: I’m wearing the jumper here with five inches of ease at the bust, and I don’t think the straight lines of the garment would hang so well with too much less than that.
This amount of ease means that it is straightforward to fit a few layers underneath . .
. . .and that the jumper is supremely comfortable to wear.
So this is my boxing day jumper!
I know that showing it here means that I now have to write a pattern. . . . can I have a couple of days off first, please?
My best festive wishes to you all! xx
Would love to know where you got your skirt. I bought a golden yarn to make Carbeth that matches. So beautiful…everything!
LikeLike
you choice a gorgeous setting to do your display
LikeLiked by 1 person
Would love to knit this, let us know when available! Thank you
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Jean – its now available on Ravelry and its name is “Carbeth”
LikeLiked by 1 person
And the swan! What gorgeous everything … so inspiring. The last thing I need is another cropped jumper but this one … so lovely and I love the bell shape. Maybe I DO need another little sweater?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful sweater in that perfect shade of blue-green, and fantastic pictures! :)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, love the short boxy sweater, and the colour is divine. I’ve started knitting again after nearly 40 (!!!) years and really enjoying it. Your post has really inspired me!
LikeLiked by 1 person
All I can say is, “it is practically perfect in every way!” I must knit this ASAP.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fantastic and beautiful photography. Love cropped, boxy sweaters, and the colour suits you so well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good god, Kate, these photos! They are extraordinary! Well done Tom for always being armed with his camera as who knows if those conditions may ever be replicated. And to top it off, the frosty highland scene is just a backdrop for your knitting genius! And YES I’m afraid you MUST write a pattern for your new jumper now…thank you for sharing it with us knowing full well we’d be clamouring for it. Happy New Year! xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have been looking for a sweater like this!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fantastic photos and a gorgeous design. Thank you for your posts and work! Best wishes to all there for 2018!
I will definitely be looking out for the pattern – if you do ever find yourself wondering what to work on next something with a similar structure for those of us who couldn’t carry off the cropped look would be fab! Like you my daughter can so I will be making one for her.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will buy the pattern and the yarn required as soon as you have it ready. Would love to knit and wear this.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m looking forward to this pattern! And Holy Moly, what a beautiful day!!! -Jelly, jelly over here in Texas.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is such a beautiful jumper. I have been thinking of it since I first read the post and will wait excitedly for the pattern !
LikeLiked by 1 person
Super… yes you should have some days off! A pattern would be great, maybe also a longer version for those of us who don’t suit cropped sweaters?
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wow Kate – I love, love, love your Boxing Day jumper and Tom’s pictures show it off a treat in such stunning scenery. I am very inspired by your work – thank you so much! Happy New Year to you all. XX
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just love the innovation of this pattern. My daughter has two very similar shape sweaters which she purchased from French Conection in their colle tion of this year one in navy and one in mustard – she wears them constantly as they are so versatile. Can’t wait for this pattern so that I can ask her one! Loving your creative work also the stunning photos.
Happy New Year
Sue
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gorgeous! A bloody extraordinary day indeed… glorious!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The pictures are amazing…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for the lovely pictures – a beautiful walk into the new year. Meanwhile, what’s the gauge for the sweater? I’m already looking over my stash . . .
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! What a stellar backdrop for these photos and a glorious day to make the colours pop! Kudos to Tom for the stunning photography. And the JUMPER, what an amazing design. Perfect for a winter walk with layers underneath to shelter from the chill. Brilliant all around. New fan for sure!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have blend with the nature Kate. Tom deserves huge credit to painting pictures with camera.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Everything about this post is unbearably lovely!
PS – I totally volunteer to test knit. ;)
LikeLiked by 1 person
wow. that is so lovely. really itching to make it now.
pattern please when you’ve finished your holidays.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So glad to’ve wandered into your winter wonderland. I love the jumper and miss the cold ever so much down south in florida. But we had a few days nip and even needed a jumper! Thank you and happy new year Kate!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I found your blog through the WordPress website . . . your sweater is SO beautiful! Having sewn some clothes of my own, I really appreciate all the time and thought that goes into designing a garment. I love the triangle in the back and all the details. It is really a blessing to find women that don’t dress like everyone else in the world, and a blessing to find modest yet beautiful dressing inspiration, too! Thanks for sharing! :)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nature here is not like nature, there.
As an artist, I’m drooling over both the scenery and your jumper..I’m new to your blog..but..looking forward to
Knitting up some of your designs.
Sandi
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the photos and the jumper. You look so beautiful in it!! I love saying jumper instead of sweater!! I do have a question – as my waistline is not quite as it once was do you think this could be knit longer and still look nice? I don’t think I could “pull off” a cropped jumper.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Please can you not release the pattern until after we are well into the WHW otherwise I may have too much going on at the same time. That said, I can’t wait to see it. bx
LikeLiked by 1 person
..one can almost breathe the crisp air…it looks like you’ve walked into a fairy story, with just the right outfit! What a stellar day that must have been. It looks like perfection!
Looking forward to what 2018 surprises you have for us in wool and photographs. Best wishes for a wonderful 2018!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great photos and scenery!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kate, you and Tom create magic! Love the photos and especially the jumper. Enjoy your holiday! I would definitely buy that pattern, so you know, no pressure or anything……
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the pattern but it us far too short. As a mature lady I would prefer it to at least cover my bittom6.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s really lovely. Great shaping on the back.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The jumper is to die for….as they use to say in the 60’s!!! Love the style so much!!! I would love to knit this!!! The perfect stylish comfy sweater!!! The Scenery is unbelievable and Tom’s photography is amazing as usual!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful jumper which perfects a lovely ensemble. 👍👘👢😄
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is beautiful Kate, and I’ve got some lovely turquoise alpaca in my stash (which has been in my stash for ten years!) that would be perfect for this. Do release a pattern soon!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love love love it!
You, Tom, and Bruce may now take off for the next week or so. You deserve it! Don’t forget to come back, tho. ;)
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s beautiful and even more beautiful knowing the story behind it with the lovely photographs. X
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am just (hopefully) starting out on the the big long road of pattern writing. It’s a bit scary, especially when you dont have much money for test knitters, tech editors etc. I think your Boxing Day jumper is lovely! It looks exactly the right kind of jumper for layering with a longer top or a dress underneath. Yes, a pattern would be lovely and, I suppose, you could probably take a few days off if you must ;)
LikeLiked by 2 people
Stunning on all counts
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful jumper and photography. What great surroundings you live in as well. So looking forward to the new collection.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are so blessed to live where you do. We are slightly further South in the Pennines and whilst our landscapes are beautiful, yours are truly spectacular! (And the sweater is pretty awesome too!). Best wishes to you all. xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love it!
And the photographs are stunning.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Brilliant! I love the shape and wait with anticipation for the pattern. Happy New Year !
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stunning! You are an amazing model and Tom know how to create magic with his camera!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That sweater. That skirt. Absolutely perfect. …
LikeLiked by 1 person
Simply beautiful–I’ve never knit a sweater before, but this could be my first, I really love it! When the pattern is ready, you can count on this buyer! Most Happy New Year to you & yours.
P.S.- Wonderful photos, as usual!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Day off?! Er…no! You can’t show us a beauty like that and then bugger off for a break….😆 As ever, it is stunning, along with the place you live and the photographs Tom takes. Take all the time you need but hurry back because that jumper is FAB 😮😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
So beautiful! Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stunning, as always. You continue to be such an inspiration, both as a knitting designer, and as a strong woman. May 2018 bring you and Tom, and Bruce of course, only the very best in health and joy and love, and continued success !
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely lovely ! The detailing, the yarn, the style …can’t wait for this pattern. Thank you for sharing such amazing photos.
To you and yours … A happy new year !
LikeLiked by 1 person
fantastic jumper and I love your skirt!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the clever decrease.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your patterns, your knitting, your outfits, the landscape, and the photography are all so gorgeous. It’s akin to, and far better than, being in a sweet shop when I view your blog. Thank you for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I LOVE this! The photos are stunning too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Of course, do take a well-deserved rest before sharing this oh-so-tempting pattern!! I knitted my second Fantoosh as a gift for Christmas and really loved again how smooth a knit it was, thanks for doing such a great work on your patterns!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love it! Can’t wait for the pattern – but will gladly give you a few days off, as it only seems fair :)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just love this. Can’t wait for the pattern. Would like something similar in a cardi. I.e. Short and wide.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Spectacular weather for a Boxing Day walk. Exceptional photography. Gorgeous sweater design and yarn color which I can’t wait to knit. And lovely model with her dog, in her favorite landscape:) Happy holidays, Kate and Tom and Bruce. I hope 2018 brings you much happiness. Thanks for a wonderful post to wake up to this morning.
LikeLiked by 1 person
i love the structure of this boxing day jumper. For all of us fluffier knitters, would you consider writing a pattern for a longer sweater that can be worn over long skirts or pants? Ha! I would be your first customer!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Trudy…I love your description “fluffier”. A longer length option would be marvellous, I agree!
LikeLike
Meri Kirihimete – Merry Christmas to you and your whānau. The Boxing Day sweater is fabulous and the scenery – a day out of the box! Very best wishes for a happy New Year, and every day beyond.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a beautiful jumper and story! Looking forward to the pattern release.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful sweater!
And the scenery is stunning!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gorgeous! Will patiently await. Enjoy your holidays and your time off!
LikeLike
Happy happy holidays to you and the gang! Love love love the jumper and will look forward patiently to its pattern. Enjoy your time off, especially in that gorgeous wonderland!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a beautiful sweater! And the weather-I so envy you. Here in Denmark on my small lovely island the rain never seems to stop. Looking forward to the pattern AND the new book/patterns!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful shape and love the detail on the back. lpLooking forward to the pattern.
LikeLiked by 1 person
it’s beautiful and the colour suits you really well and I love the skirt x x x best wishes
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love it. I think I can knit this. No hurry tho. Xo’s. Happy New Year from NC.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love this design. It makes we wish that I lived in a cold winter climate!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Another brilliant group of photos!!! I look forward to these moments of splendor… Absolutely breathtaking!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is really beautiful, Kate! And the photography is just supreme!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely and ingenious sweater design! BEYOND phenomenal photography!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That top photo is stunning and the jumper popped immediately. I love a crop-the CYA (cover your arse) tunics take a lot more time and yarn. I look forward to the pattern Kate!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful, perfect jumper! Waiting now for you to post information on getting the pattern!
Kristin
LikeLiked by 1 person
Everything about this post is dazzling and brilliant — the sweater, the light, Bruce, Tom’s photography, you, and the team we cannot actually see. This will be a fun knit, someday, when I can fit it in among the club items! And, bonus for when I get to the sweater — I shall be a bit slimmer because of all the walking for the WHW virtual walk! Happy New Year to all!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh Kate, the photos are lovely and the sweater is a perfect piece to pop on and keep warm.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ohhh gorgeous! The perfect layering piece! How long do we have to wait for pattern? Biting at the bit here in canada😆
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very cute sweater! Love it with the skirt and also love the color. Really like how you designed it.
And the photos are gorgeous. The first one after the copy starts with you looking
back down the trail is absolutely stunning. I think you should offer that one for
sale in Tom’s photography site.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You look stunning ! And big ups for Tom, those photo’s are blooy marvellous…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Please have a lovely break and then get right to the Boxing Day jumper pattern – it is too wonderful!
Thank you for the lovely knits and photos and Happy New Year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s beautiful! And *cute.* I don’t get what you said about the shaping AT ALL. That’s why you’re the knitwear designer and I’m not. ;-) I have been inspired by you and cheering for you for 6 or 7 years now. I’m very happy to see that you are so happy. Take care of yourself and your health, and enjoy your holidays! P.S. You go out for a walk in a gorgeous new skirt and sweater??? IMPRESSIVE.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fantastic! Photos are beautiful…..the colors, the happiness.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just beautiful
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gorgeous pattern (I would just need to make it a little longer), gorgeous landscape! Please consider publishing the pattern when you have the time. All the very best to you, Tom, Bruce and Mel for 2018.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gorgeous pictures of a gorgeous sweater. I’m trying not to feel too peeved that you didn’t come up with the pattern beforehand as I have little time off, but had a crazy idea that I would knit a sweater while I am off between Christmas and 30th Dec when I go to the seaside. Alas, my Bingham is not going to make it that fast, but this wonderful creation probably would have done. However, such ungenerous thoughts are particularly inappropriate for the season so I’ll simply say how delighted I am to think of you wearing the perfect sweater to make your outfit and for the weather. Enjoy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
My Boxing Day was made so happy by the arrival of the Milarrochy Tweed yarn. Can’t wait for the club to begin!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s fantastic. I love the drape and the ease. I also love that the collar does not directly lie on the neck. As I age, my skin gets more sensitive so the collar is perfect. Especially when paired with a lovely scarf?
I’m ready. It is now -10 in Wisconsin. Perfect weather to start a new sweater.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for creating another wonderful design. Looking forward to the pattern when you have time to write it. Thanks for all the beautiful pictures and all the information you provided about the sweater and also your wonderful team. Enjoy the rest of the year and all the best to you, Tom, Mel, and Bruce in 2018.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Brilliant and beautiful as always. And yes, pattern please! Once you’ve had your break, of course. 😊❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stunning and the shaping is extraordinary. Very impressive work with the skirt is Perfect!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
OK, that jumper is lovely, really! BUT that scenery!!! You couldn’t have ordered a more perfect day. The photography captures it beautifully!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Looking forward to the pattern! I am hoping for a return to a more boxy fit for layering and you are ahead if the curve!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such beautiful colours and stunning backdrop. Hope it will be released as a pattern.Best wishes for 2018!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fabulous. I wish I was slim enough to wear it but I think I too might make it longer. A very guid New Year to you when it comes!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I LOVE the construction – what a clever idea! As I have never been the right shape for boxy tops, I am wondering if this could also be knitted with a longer body, more like a tunic?
The photos are superb!
All good wishes to you and yours for the New Year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was wondering about a longer sweater, too. I am much taller than Kate, and not at all short-waisted. And I’m not slim anymore (pout pout.)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love it! And I was really happy to read that you saw your local as being extraordinarily beautiful, because as I started reading your post I said to Dan, “people in Scotland just have no idea how lucky they are to live in such beauty.” So, ok, I guess you do. But I am still quite jealous.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a glorious series of photos…yes please, a pattern would be nice. I have my own boxing day knitting queue…so take as much time as you like! ;)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love this post; the jumper, your skirt, the photos are beautiful! Yes, a pattern would be lovely after a much needed break. Happy New Year ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amazing Kate, I love the shape and that is my very favourite Buachaille colour!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful jumper, perfect with your new skirt – and oh, those photographs!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A belated Happy Boxing Day to you, dear Kate. The photographs of you in that splendid landscape are truly beautiful. Such a great spirit is apparent. Tom’s photos are always so good, but there is something special in this collection.
Of course, the jumper design is marvelous and will be a delight for many others to knit for themselves. Do have a bit of a rest though. Look forward to seeing you again in the New Year! xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gorgeous colour match and a beautiful new
design;I’m looking forward to it and wishing
you all some relaxing days
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah that is lovely. Lots of things to love about it. Many thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is a stunning jumper, Kate. The colour, the construction and design elements. I so love it. I’m going to browse your colourways because I promised myself a sweaters quantity of your yarn in the new year. (Just receive my West Highland Way club yarn. Swoon!!!) Happy holidays to you, Tom, and Bruce. xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! Can I say how much I appreciate how your designs are so compatible with someone who is petite 😍 I really like this jumper – thank you
LikeLiked by 1 person
Can’t wait for the pattern! Exactly the style I love!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful! And, I will patiently wait for the pattern! Such amazing photos!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A gorgeous post, a treat for the eyes, which holds the promise of a lovely new pattern for 2018. Please enjoy your two days off, then set to work on that pattern post haste!
Thank you for all you and yours bring to us. It’s always a treat to see KDD pop up in my email inbox.
Warmest wishes for a brilliant new year! xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
The construction is intriguing. The garment looks fun too knit and to wear!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love this pattern and would love to stand in line here once again for it’s release, take a week or two off…. no need to be so miserly with yourself.
Happy New Year Kate and company!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! And I just bought the perfect yarn – really! just yesterday! So yes! A pattern please!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful. Can’t wait for the pattern. Looks lovely with your skirt.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just beautiful!! Love the sweater and the pictures and the skirt!! very pretty….best wishes for you all!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a fun looking jumper! And the loch and photography are gorgeous! The light and hoarfrost are magical! Tom is an excellent photographer. It is very interesting to hear of all the pieces and contributors to designing your new collection (I’m a club member).
LikeLiked by 1 person
The pictures are incredible!!!
All the best for 2018!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are right, Kate, the light is extraordinary. My favorite time of the year for photographing the landscape. And the jumper is perfect. The back detail is beautiful. Will the knitting details be available soon?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Please think about releasing the pattern! Happy Hogmanay to you and your family
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ooh I love love love it so much, and then some because I’m a Boxing Day baby with issues about my birthday being perpetually overlooked. Anyhoo, when will it be published? I need to have one for all of my tweed skirts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ohhh. Gorgeous. I would love someday to hear how you and Mel met and began working together. And of course the jumper pattern?
LikeLiked by 3 people