2021 has been somewhat challenging – and I honestly doubt that anyone running a business in the UK right now would say otherwise. I frequently feel that we are in a very fortunate position – both in terms of the way that KDD is structured and the nature of the things that we create and distribute – but the combined effects of Brexit and the ongoing pandemic has meant that 2021 has been, in many different respects, an unpredictable and tricky year. In the course of what I do I speak to a lot of other businesses, and I certainly know that we are not alone in feeling rather tired of having to rapidly react to very difficult situations and devise creative solutions to try to take things forward.

But then, devising creative solutions is kind of what we do, and we completed some wonderfully rewarding projects in 2021. There were three big releases:

First up was Inkling – a new collection of designs in Milarrochy Tweed.

Then there was Bluestockings, in which my old friend Nicole Pohl and I got together to celebrate women writers and knit some socks! Bringing together my old field of eighteenth-century cultural, material and literary history with my new work in design, this was a hugely rewarding project for me personally, and I feel incredibly proud of the book that Nicole and I, with the help of our expert contributors and the indefatigable KDD team, put together.

We also began a brand new woolly adventure with the development and launch of Ooskit. This is a yarn I love deeply, and I also loved creating a brand new group of patterns to support it.

Here on the KDD blog, we developed several new series of posts: the My Place project, celebrating the work of talented designers like Rebecca Osborn (you’ll hear more from My Place in 2022); interviews with creative women like Marina, Flora, Aoife and Thea; and Sock of the Week – a group of pieces with a historical focus that I really enjoyed researching and writing.

2021 was also a year for discovering new places

. . . new arrivals. . .

. . . and a wee bit of experimental fun.

I love what I do, and I honestly thrive on working hard, but 2021 has often felt like a year in which I’ve had very little spare capacity; a year in which there have been few opportunities to take a proper break. The last four months have been quite difficult for me mentally, and, without the reflective space to focus on the basic things I need to do lift myself out of a depressive episode, this dark patch has proved quite hard to shift. I suspect that many of you have had similar experiences, or perhaps felt similarly this year. So if I had one wish for us in 2022, it would be for a little more of this:

and this:

May we all enjoy more creative play, more general silliness, and much more time in the inspiring spaces that we love in 2022!

Thank you all, so much, for your support this year. Onward!
If I had just the tiniest percentage of the creativity you have, I would feel so blessed. I marvel at the things you share with the world. I so love all of Tom’s photos. They make me feel as if I have just traveled to your part of the world. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Joan
LikeLiked by 1 person
Creative play … yes, I think a lot of us could do with a bit more ease and playfulness in the coming year. Thank you for everything you do, Kate – the Bluestockings club was wonderful and I’m so looking forward to the next one.
Wishing you a brighter and more playful 2022! xx
LikeLike
Thank you Kate and all the team for what you do – shining a light in often dark times, creating and inspiring us always! Here’s to better times in 2022!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy New Year, Kate and all at KDD. It’s been a challenging year here and I’m not starting the new year filled with optimism. But one of the things that got me through last year was the burst of joy that happened every time there was a blog post from you. I’m spending my brief period of downtime seeing how many of your blue stockings I can knit. It’s a really lovely book and an inspiring piece of textile history. Thank you. What you do really matters.
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks, Sarah – that means a lot to me x
LikeLike
Wishing you, Tom, labs and wonderful staff a Happy New Year from a hot and sunny South Australia.
Always look forward to your posts and are enjoyed immensely.
Thank you all for your dedication, commitment and entertainment, be it in the form of knitting patterns, essays and blog posts from four footed friends!
Just endured a 40 degree day, so what do you do on a day like that – you stay inside and knit!
Currently working on Lilias Day, it’s so exciting to see the pattern emerge.
Looking forward to the new club next week.
Take care, all the best for 2022, cheers, Sue xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
happy new year to you, Sue!
LikeLike
You put it beautifully, Kate. You’ve touched all of us in ways you’re probably not even aware.
Much love to both the two-legged and four-legged creatures in your world.
From my world in Roma,
Susan
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Kate,
As many have already written, thank you for the steadying hand through 2021, your posts and creativity are most welcome. Wishing you and everyone at KDD a more uplifting 2022 ahead. Argyll awaits!
And I must ask: what hat and gloves are you wearing in the opening photo – and where are you walking? All the best as we continue to move on.
LikeLike
Thanks, Anna. I’m wearing the Peerie Flooers hat and Dathan mitts . . . and an OA underneath as well! We are walking on Ben Hiant, in Ardnamurchan – there was snow that day.
LikeLike
Wishing you a Happy New Year, and sending thanks for the newsletters, the patterns and wonderful yarn. 2021 was the year I decided to retire from work, after watching the public service I worked for decline because of Covid, the thought of having to start again re-building was just too much, so I really feel for everyone who has to carry on and deal with all the issues of the moment. I wish with all my heart that 2022 is a great year for everyone, and people are able to come together physically to share, encourage each other and laugh – we all need more laughter.
LikeLiked by 1 person
more laughter indeed, Chris. Enjoy your retirement and a happy new year to you!
LikeLike
Yes, Celebrating IS a discipline.! be well with all your family around you, Tom and doggers :)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a beautiful, inspiring and wonderful post Kate! I’m all in for “stillness” next year. Have a happy and blessed New Year !
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for all that you share, all you write, and, all you design.
You bring cheer to us all.
Happy New Year!
LikeLike
I don’t have a business, but 2020 and 2021 kept me apart from family and my partner (other than one visit), who was caregiving for an elderly parent under difficult circumstances, in another country, until the parent’s death in September. Our plans to be reunited this week were scrapped, given Omicron. Combined with the fact that I work on pandemic relief fiscal policy, and so have often been on deck for long long work days, that it has been grueling is an understatement. What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger? Really, I don’t know. I always enjoy your blog and am grateful that you bring your erudition to what is often an enlightening space. I share your hopes for a brighter, lighter 2022, and on some level I actually believe that this will happen! I hope you are able to care for yourself and pivot to a lighter mental space quickly as the days grow longer. I wish this for myself and for your readers, too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
goodness, Stephanie – your work will have made such a difference to so many people, but I cannot imagine how gruelling it must have been. I really hope you can be reunited with your partner very soon – here’s to longer, lighter days indeed! x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Kate. Yes, I feel honoured to be able to do my job, and have for many years. It’s a bright light in a dark space to know that the work I do helps people. (Although, honestly, my brain is very very tired.)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your energy, creativeness and generosity. To make and produce what you and your team have done in this one year is truly amazing. Two books and a new yarn – with patterns!!!!! Take time to relax and heal. There are a lot of folk out here wishing you well.
LikeLike
Thank you, Kate. Your reflections on 2021 ring true for me and your “2022 wish photos” made me chuckle and brought a tear to my eye. May the year ahead have many more moments of fun, friendship, silliness, new places (especially wild places) to explore, and adventure… but above all, lots of love and kindness. ~ Chris in London, Ontario 🇨🇦
LikeLiked by 1 person
There is much light ahead. Celebrating is a discipline! Thanks for keeping it real. I’m so glad your business is surviving and thriving, and I pray you get some rest and refreshment in the new year. Cheers!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Kate! The Bluestocking adventure was such a bright spot in my year. Thanks for all you do to keep us going and here’s to a brighter and lighter New Year!!! Love you!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sharing joy, creativity, beauty, sadness, challenges and life with pups, young and old…you are a a cherished thread in my year.
LikeLiked by 2 people
thanks for reading, Nan!
LikeLike
I could go on & on…but simply put you, and your crew( Hubby, Coworkers and Pups) have been a positive and creative part of this crazy scary depressing situation we are all in. (Including the “dark subjects”) I am always happy when I see a note from you in my email. I am grateful for all of you and the amazing people who reply with comments.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Your postings bring me such joy and your talent is so inspiring. You, Tom and the boys take a good long rest. (Although there is not much rest with Labs!)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Totally up for silliness!
LikeLike
As with others, I have to thank you and your wonderful team (including the four legged members). KDD has helped keep me sane during the past year…..creative, thoughtful, fun….musings that have brought light at times that have been sooo grey.
As we go into a New Year take care of yourselves, plenty of rest and pampering (which might includ some wonderful walks with plenty of stick throwing). Bless you all🙃
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m all for silliness! Knitting has absolutely saved me in 2021. It allowed me to remember…one foot (or row) at a time. Thank you for keeping me engaged and motivated during this difficult time. And thanks to Tom for his wonderful photography. Scotland is #1 on my bucket list. Can’t wait to visit someday soon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kate, your honesty and openness, combined with your amazing creative and generous spirit, have helped so many of us in these past couple of years. Know that we support you, even when you need your space or some time apart. Wishing you, Tom, and those lovely black pups a happier and healthier 2022!
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you, Beth! x
LikeLike
Hi Kate,
Your blog/ club / products / always give me a joy!
Thank you!
A Happy New Year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am an 18th century reenactor and have been living in the USA since 1990.
Whilst searching online for yarn for a project for my grandsons baby shower I discovered KDD,just in time to sign up for Bluestocking!
It has been a beacon of light in a time of loss of those things in life that one looks forward to. Thank You So Much!
Equally, I have enjoyed your personal posts of life feelings and emotions and truly appreciated your honesty. Knowing one is not alone on a down day is one of the greatest gifts!
Thank you for all this and more!
Looking forward to an even better 2022!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You mention support of your readers but please remember we feel so supported by you. You definitely helped me through 2021 with your fascinating writings and patterns. I so look forward to your 2022 venture.
Happy New Year
Barbara
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you, Barbara – happy new year to you
LikeLike
Thank you Kate. You are an inspiration, some of your blogs inform and certainly make me go and do my own research. I have created my own design based on one of your back catalogue of blogs. They have cheered me on bad days, some have made me laugh. So please take some time for your self, I have worried at your out put of work, ‘be kind to yourself’. My husband is always telling me that!
Happy New Year to all at KDD and give those four legged friends of ours lots of tickles.
Merinda
LikeLike
thanks, Merinda x
LikeLike
In these difficult times I have been very conscious that I am the wife of a stroke survivor and need to avoid bringing something home that I didn’t mean to. My very sensible, grounded GP asked me how I would know anyone was infected making me realise I just need to act in a way that involves least risk as far as possible. My escape from thinking about this has been my knitting and reading various related blogs. I have knitted items that would not have happened had it not been for the bonus of lockdown including the Lincoln Imp, an orangutan and a gargoyle. I think the Barbeth Creature is an absolutely wonderful creation, here’s to more fun!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Merci beaucoup pour chaque instant dépaysant que vous nous apportez
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Kate, Happy New Year from Australia. Thanks for keeping many followers engaged during some difficult times.
May 2022 be kinder to all of us. By the way, I won’t make it to midnight, I’m sitting in bed knitting Balahama 🧶with my greyhound on the end of the bed!
Looking forward to the club. Stay safe and well. Regards Shell x
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks, Shell, and happy new year to you!
LikeLike
Wishing you, Kate, and the whole KDD team health and happiness in 2022!
LikeLiked by 1 person
and to you too, Vivienne x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Kate for your honesty and openness about your physical and mental health throughout your contact with us – your fans and fellow travellers, along sometimes very difficult paths. I look forward to, and relish, your writing and so enjoy reading your regular messages. I too am currently knitting one of your designs and when I chose the yarn the (lovely) owner of my regular yarn store was wearing one of your designs too.
My very best wishes to you and Tom and of course the dogs for their regular input.
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks, Ros – this is lovely to hear!
LikeLike
Thanks Kate and team for keeping knitting fun in our lives during the last two years. I’ve certainly knitted more than normal and knowing that there’s a little pile of wool in a KDD bag to look forward to after a long day of zooming has been a bright light.
Wishing you space and fresh air in the months to come.
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks Mhairi – knitting is the best!
LikeLike
Thanks for a year of information and inspiration – I particularly enjoy the way that your academic background and historical knowledge brings a whole new dimension to what is already a fascinating knitting practice, and I’m really looking forward to getting stuck into the new Club next year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are right Kate, not enough fun going on has made us all rather too serious and this dark time of year does not help. Look after yourself so that we can enjoy your glorious creativity without feeling that it has drained you on our behalf! Happy New Year for later tonight! Alisonx
Ps my sister was extremely puzzled by her new Quirl hair and. “How on earth…..? Result!
LikeLiked by 1 person
We love what you do here’s to 2022 and more of it xx
LikeLike
Thank you for this honest and uplifting post. I have been wondering how you were coping with these difficult times
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the words ‘More creative play and more general silliness’.
Until I read that I hadn’t realised that’s what I had been missing during the last two years. I had just felt sorry that I seemed to have got more boring and serious. I thought it was just getting older (which I’m usually very positive about) .. but I’m now happy to think that it might just relate, at least partly, to the strange world if the last couple of years.
It is nice to look forward to 2022 and hope for, or aim for, ‘more creative play and more general silliness’.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Kate for all the pleasure you have brought this year as with many previous years. I’m knitting one of your designs at the moment and look forward to knitting many more this year. Please keep the space that you need to be really well and I wish you, Tom and the labs and all your team the best 2022 possible.
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you, Cheryl xx
LikeLike