Good morning, everyone. I just wanted to say a few words about how things are here against the backdrop of the extraordinary situation in which we all find ourselves.
As some of you may know, Tom has a PhD in immunology, and before he joined the business, spent 20 years researching infections and immunity. He’s had a clear sense of how things were likely to pan out for many months now, and we’ve been preparing on that basis. For example, we pre-emptively suggested my at-risk parents put themselves into self isolation many weeks ago, and are happy that they are safe in their Argyll home with its quiet routine and regular Asda food deliveries.
We have also thought very carefully about how we are able to manage the business through this, and have arranged things so that we now operate as a group of entirely separate households, working from different locations, without ever coming into contact with one another. We don’t meet or share each other’s spaces and our warehouse is a completely self-contained environment, in which just one person is now able to work alone – that person is Sam (thanks, Sam!). Sam’s dedicated one-man show means that we are able to continue processing orders, dispatches and deliveries while following strict procedures of hygiene, distancing and isolation, ensuring everyone stays protected. Our online shop remains open.
I’d also like to say something briefly about me, and this business. KDD began 10 years ago at a moment of personal crisis when I suffered life-changing disability following my stroke. Living with the effects of stroke has, in essence, been one long lesson in managing uncertainty, and I’d say if that experience has equipped me with anything it is an ability to deal with difficult change. It has also made me unusually cautious as a businesswoman. KDD has never operated beyond its means, never sought external investment, never carried any debt, and (I’m proud to say) has always been able to pay its bills and invoices when presented. I see the principal purpose of this business as being here to support the lives, livelihoods and creative activities of a small group of people (who are also my dear friends) and to celebrate the power of making among the wider communities of whom we are a part. I’m confident that we’ll be in a position to continue doing this whatever the next months bring. And here, in this space, the whole KDD team will continue to share the creative things that bring us joy, and hope that our simply being here is some small use to you, our friends and readers, wherever in the world you are.
Love to you all, stay safe, and look after one another.
Tom’s image at the top of this post shows a “hailbow”: a rainbow through a hailstorm over Loch Fyne
KDD & Co 
I loved that piece and the image too. Magic. You know, you’ll get through this. It’s not unprecedented. Let’s also remember that our efforts to tackle this virus depend entirely on the steps of this man: https://thethinkingwasp.wordpress.com/2020/04/07/exemplar-jenner/
LikeLike
I shared your post with my daughter today. I gave her Wheesht for Christmas this year, because she is an artist, because our family spent a magical month last year exploring Scotland, because she is hoping to attend law school in Glasgow, and because she has brought herself through the long tunnel of figuring out and managing bipolar disorder, after seven challenging and sometimes scary years. She is home with us now, but will go back to her apartment to volunteer in a food bank and finish her college studies (via internet), because I am too high risk to be around anyone who is not self-isolating. Your post was a balm against the thoughts of her leaving the safety of home and going out into the swirling unknown. Both she and I were soothed by your very calm and well-reasoned response to the crisis so many governments have failed to address, and the thoughts of you all, snug in a beautiful place, carrying on. Thank you, be safe and well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
thankyou, Kathleen – thinking of you and your daughter – we will all get through this.
LikeLike
Thanks Kate: here’s wishing you – and all of the KDD team – continued health and happiness, during this difficult time. I hope to try some of the gloves, soon … but have to admit that as (more of) a dressmaker, I have the sudden urge to plan and produce a wild tarten-ish smock dress, like the wonderful pink one in the photos
I am also particularly glad to have received this newsletter, as – for quite some time, now – I have not been receiving my usual emails from KDD, and have been able to connect with the KDD site. If this ‘send’ proves successful, I do hope that I will find normal service has been resumed.
NB I did email about this, and Mel could not find a problem at your end. Meanwhile ‘Atlas’ (my all things pc and life/love stalwart) could find no explanation at this end.
So (with fingers and toes crossed), all the best to you all,
Carole (aka: Dr.Mama / Grittyreads)
LikeLiked by 1 person
hope these weird connection issues are sorted out for you now, Carole. The skirt of that dress is a full circle, pleated up through the body – I love it!
LikeLike
Thanks Kate for the words-both sensible and inspiring, and Tom for the image of hope. Like so many, I am one of the vulnerable so am taking self isolation and physical distancing very seriously indeed. I’m a home based worker so the adjustment for me is minimal. But as a family we are working out ways to be together apart. Without knitting I would not cope at all. I found it the one calming activity during the horror summer we have just endured when our area was surrounded by four major bushfires over a period of 6 weeks. Who would have thought that this was just a practice run for the uncertainty faced by the whole world. As we in Australia felt the love and support of the world in the last four or five months, we now send our love and support to the world. Amanda xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Australia has certainly already been through an awful lot in past months, we’ve been thinking of you all. Please look after yourself, Amanda. Sending a virtual hug from Scotland x
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m an English teacher and passionate knitter from Germany. Your essays are both inspiration to my knitting and to my reading in English. Thank you so much!
Right now we are all in home office teaching the students via e-learning. The demand of work feels completely different and somehow strange and distant right know – being used to them on an everyday basis. But still, I think it’s the only way we have right now – isolating us from each other, but staying in contact on a non-personal level.
Stay safe and in good health
LikeLiked by 2 people
I think all teachers are doing such amazing jobs right now, adapting to these new strange conditions and supporting their students. Thankyou, Elke, for your work.
LikeLike
Thank you for this post, Kate. I did not see cannot find Tom’s photo. It might be my complete ineptitude!
LikeLike
it may simply be a browser issue – if you are viewing on an ipad or phone rather than a desktop?
LikeLike
I didn’t know Tom has a Ph.D in Immunology – I feel a connection because so do I (seems long ago now though). Thank you for this lovely post and the photograph, I hope everyone continues to be safe. I live in France where the lock-down has been in force for over a week already and although more stringent than UK, it appears to be better tolerated. It makes me sad to see how some people are putting themselves first and not thinking of vulnerable people, and I’m afraid the virus won’t respect any rebellion and show of strength in the form of a pub lock-in, it’s a different kind of war. I’m so happy to know that business carries on for you and long may it continue, my mum and mother-in-law were lucky recipients of KDD gifts for mother’s day. Mother-in-law received a cowl but my own mum is a knitter and received some wool – so she’ll have to knit her own. Stay safe and keep knitting!
LikeLike
“It makes me sad to see how some people are putting themselves first and not thinking of vulnerable people” – absolutely! Look after yourself and I hope your mum enjoys her wool!
LikeLike
Like many I am at home, for the first time in my adult life I don’t have work to go to (there was a government ordered shut down of my service) and I’m finding it hard – like so many others. At the moment my knitting and my garden are my saviors, so I really appreciate what you and other knitting businesses are doing to keep us going. Your business model is one of the best, built on sound common sense, I wish others would follow this. Thank you for the posts and the photos which brighten my day and give us a glimpse of the bigger world – take care.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Magnificent photograph Tom!
We are being as isolated as possible – difficult in the middle of suburbia with the medical needs of a 97yr old father and my disability but a bit of thought actually solves most issues. The good thing coming out of all this is that there is actually more time for writing and craft and I intend to use it well. You two are obviously doing that – stay safe and well!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have certainly thought things through with clear heads better than a lot of people (ahem, my stupid President…I did not vote for him for reasons that should be clear to the blindest of people now, ahem). Thanks for the ‘hail-bow’ photo, that is so unique and a once in a life-time shot. He was clever to take advantage of that opportunity. I’ve got enough yarn to open my own store, but will keep you guys in mind. Take care!
LikeLike
Look at that image! Just wonderful.
It comforts me in my little isolated patch of the Southern Hemisphere to think of you all in your interdependent little pockets of isolation up there.
Enjoy Spring.
Autumn certainly is feeling like the perfect accompaniment to isolation.
Thank you and good health to all.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Kate…for all you do! It is comfort to know you and your creativity are there….and will sustain us. Be well!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am always glad to hear people have understood the seriousness of the issue and prepared. I remember SARS and even though I was lucky enough to live in a city that did not get a case, my mother was in long term care in an area with many cases. Toronto was especially hard hit. So I, too, started to prepare when I heard the first word from the WHO. I am relieved by trips outside, walks in a neighbourhood that is nice to be in and a building surrounded by some small gardens just starting to give into spring. I have a lot of Milarrochy tweed in my closet meant for a crocheted afghan. So this just might be the time to get a start on it. School is out indefinitely so I have some time. Take care of yourselves. Thanks for your continuing posts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful that you have thought this out in advance and are following through. You and Tom with his photos are keeping us afloat! thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
First thanks for Tom’s perfect picture for this article. My daughter and I are in the high risk group and I am scared. I am scared for family, friends and everyone in the world.but I am also hopeful things will eventually will be all right. I live in the United States and am really upset with the people who are taking this lightly and do not care if they infect other people. It is so sad! I am aware of how selfish Americans can be, but we can also be loving and kind and generous and am waiting to see that more. God Bless all the Doctors, Nurses, Medical Care people, etc. for doing all they can for us in these trying times.
LikeLike
I understand your fear, Chris, and your anger at so much evident selfishness. But we will get through this (with the help of those in the caring and medical professions – surely the best of humanity)
LikeLike
Thank you for such a positive, uplifting message during these times. So nice to read on a day full of depressing information. So happy to read of your business plan and that you are able to bring joy to people during these times. Thank you.
LikeLike
Kate, your words are both calming and inspiring to me, as is all that you do.. Thank you very much for these words… Further, delighted to know that your business is sustainable. Your work has always been amazing to me… sending love to all of you at KDD, Susan
LikeLiked by 2 people
I heard something on a podcast yesterday – about choosing how we envision the future. We can choose to worry, or we can choose some other way of thinking. I have pondered the depth and breadth of this thought for the last 24 hours. It has brought me a lot of relief because it feels true to me. Obviously, you have chosen that other way of thinking and have prepared yourselves for the war; within your boundaries you are thriving. This is very meaningful to me – that example – and thank you very much for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This feels absolutely true to me too, Angela. There’s power – and courage – in that choice
LikeLike
I’ve come back to this post about five times so far today to breathe in this beautiful photo. I am so happy to hear that you are all well and well-prepared; keep safe and best wishes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Kate, for your words. You are always so calm and measured. Aren’t we lucky to have such soothing hobbies? Thank you, and all at KDD for keeping the shop open.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Tom’s image of the hailstorm couldn’t come at a more appropriate time. Thank you, everyone at KDD, for your work, your art, your compassion. Long may you flourish.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Waiting while my doctor daughter helps those suffering from this horrible virus has been a very difficult parental moment. The USA is very short on basic protective gear for doctors and nurses. It is extremely scary for us at home waiting and watching. Knitting and spinning are my safety valve. Thank you for being there for us. Stay home and safe.
LikeLike
Laurie, your amazing daughter (and all those on the frontline of managing this) are true heroines and heroes – especially for continuing their courageous work in the face of government negligence regarding basic PPE (the situation here is similar). Wishing her and you my very best.
LikeLike
Thanks Kate. It’s great to see how people can pull together even when staying apart. Or is it only when our own circle is threatened? “1.5 million people died of TB last year. But bedaquiline is one of only three new TB drugs developed over the past forty years.” This from MSF. I wish we could show as much concern for those people.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Tom feels similarly – we continually fail to “see” the populations of poor people all over the world dying from diseases that should be much better researched and managed. Perhaps we may learn to see better.
LikeLike
We wonder about one another, don’t we? It is such a pleasure to know you and your KDD family are there and are exhibiting a model of sensibility, compassion, and good business sense in the midst of this. Like another commenter I have not commented before, but since reading Handiwoman I have wanted nothing more than to support you in everything that you do. You enrich my life. Thank you.
LikeLike
thanks so much
LikeLike
It is so good to read this, Kate. I have really really appreciated the regular posts from you and team these last weeks (and Claudia’s blog too!), it makes a big difference. Always something to make one look beyond the immediate horizon. Thank you!
LikeLike
Thank you. I am a pastor, and as a “helper” who is not a medical professional, it is a humbling experience to be unable to be physically present for others in a crisis. Like you, I am trying to be a digital presence of calm and joy and beauty. I know it makes a difference.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Now that I have a wee bit more time I’m re-connecting with you and enjoying the reminder of your ethos, generosity of spirit, cleverness, creativity and beauty (Tom big time!). Thank you.
LikeLike
Thank you for your constant encouragement to those of us progressing with our knitting. If only all businesses had your ethos!
Take care x
LikeLike
So good to have you and Tom and all your lovely staff and friends to come into my life via the internet – so grateful for it and for the communication.
Thank you.
LikeLike
Please thank Tom for that beautiful and apropos photo. I am hopeful that we will see the glimmer of a rainbow through the tail end of this hailstorm. It is true, many of us have lived in a safe, secure bubble for most of our lives. My parents and grandparents lived through the terrible insecurity of world wars , pandemics and the depression. Many people like you have had their lives changed instantly by calamity. We are a resilient bunch and you and the generations before us are testimony to that! The rainbow will come as it has so many times before. I am glad to hear that you and yours are safe and healthy.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I always read your posts, and never, ever respond (probably like many others) …. but I really enjoy them – I love the images, projects, stories, wise words, anecdotes etc.. So, I just wanted to express my appreciation and say keep up the good work. Virtual communities have never been so important. Stay safe
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks for being there, Diane x
LikeLike
Oh Kate, your words have often helped me in the past but none more so than these. Thank you. I would expect nothing less of you as a business than never carrying any debt, a lady after my own heart. Tom’s image is utterly beautiful, will it be available as a print at all? Glad to hear you are all safe and well. Keep in touch xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Kate – I am always cheered to see a post from you in my inbox! I am currently knitting with Milarrochy Tweed, enjoying the sensation of the yarn sliding through my fingers, and sending my love and good wishes to you all.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Kate since retiring in December I went to my first W I meeting but as that has stopped now I am able to knit the “traffic light” hats for preemie babies so it’s good to be able to do something helpful during these difficult times.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Each day I look forward to your words of wisdom. If we have to makes this journey, I’m soothed that we are sharing it.
What would I do without knitting?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautifully said, and love the “hailbow” — thank you.
LikeLike
I have followed your posts since the beginning and am always struck by your thoughtful, considered words. I have always thought that words too can be so powerful for the greater good (well said Mary). The feelings of solidarity and support amongst the crafting community on whatever platform have been uplifting to me. Long may this support continue for we are in for a long haul. I would love to be able to knit some of the beautiful things you design Kate, but alas I am not so talented. I love looking and wishing though. Tom’s photography is so beautiful it makes me want to live in Scotland! Keep safe all x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for a beautifully calm and considered post in this time of mayhem and madness. I always find such solace and peace when I read your posts. Stay strong and love to you all.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Kate, Tom and everyone at KDD for being there!! I’ve always loved my association with you and expect to continue for many years to come.
Stay safe.
LikeLiked by 1 person
thankyou Elaine. Look after yourself
LikeLike
This is so encouraging. KKD has provided me with so much over the years & reading this & reflecting on all that goes on behind the scenes has brought on another dose of weepies! It doesn’t take much in these tumultuous times & I am so grateful for all that is being done by people near & far to steer us through the crisis. We can all do something to add to the greater good whatever our own personal situation. This is guiding my actions just now – I am unable to run around doing shopping for others but have set up an online knitting & book sharing group, a family prayer circle & am sending encouraging words to those less fortunate. It is hard to concentrate with so much going on – the afterthought thumb on my Reminiscent mitt is today’s challenging activity. With love & heartfelt gratitude to you all. I have never had less than 100% service from any of you.
LikeLiked by 2 people
“we can all do something to add to the greater good whatever our personal situation” – wise words, Mary.
LikeLike
There is no end to your talents! Thanks for talking good sense. As a GP I am used to managing uncertainty, but always on behalf of others. This is unusually challenging for our staff who are amazing! Meanwhile I am working the yoke of my Greis to wind down after work
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kate, our thoughts are with you and your dedicated colleagues. I don’t know if you or any of your staff need extra yarn . . . but if so just let us know.
LikeLike
Thank you so much for that kind offer it made me feel cherished and I’m very grateful. I think I’m the only knitter in our team, and my stash is – well let’s just say I’m not short! I’ve also been making scrubs out of old curtains which has been good therapy and proves that things do eventually come in handy if you keep them long enough
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for the update and insight into how KDD is working through and managing the business within the current constraints.
All the very best to all at KDD. Keep safe & keep your chins up! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you
LikeLike