Today's Unallied Artist: Kate Whiting Designs.

I have a mad love for shawls, shawlettes, ascots, wide scarves, any kind of wrap for the neck and shoulders. I am also a genealogy and history buff.   Today's designer, Kate Whiting, combines clothing history with rich color combinations and enticing stitch attributes to create patterns any knitter would be proud to wear. 

With the hope of Spring whispering in my ear specifically looked for a designer who created beautiful shawls and neckwear for this blog.  What is better for spring than a lovely shawl to throw over your shoulder?  Kate Whiting seemed to combine everything I love. 

Kate Whiting is a busy mom of 6 living in Buckingham, UK.  To quote her own words: "My inspiration is very much from nature and folklore for my hats and many of the shawl designs stem from the interest I have in Scottish and Cornish clothing history in the 17th and 18th century, as well as the colours of Scotland’s nature and landscape. 
Both Outlander and Poldark play a part in my fascination and inspiration." Kate Whiting 

Without doubt this is why I found Kate Whiting Designs called out to me from a sea of design choices.   

Shawls reminiscent of history are not only interesting to knit but also create a point of conversation.  One of the things I appreciate about knitting and crocheting is that it tends to invite questions from non-knitters/crocheters.  This is especially true if one is working on or wearing a piece based on a television program.   I honestly do not know how she comes up with such magnificent designs time after time.  Speaking of time, these specific designs caught my eye (be sure to check out all of Kate Whiting's designs however) 

• The Versailles Shawl, inspiration taken not only from the television program "Outlander" and created from Honey Girl Farms Outlander Yarns, is a beautiful shawlette with lace features. 
• Castle Walls is a lovely shoulder shawl that Kate Whiting  created in the colors of the Highlands heather and textures reminiscent of bricks that make up castle walls.  It too is an Outlander inspired creation.  
• Because I have been gifted some beautiful fingering weight yarns, I particularly like "The Past" wrap.   The pattern calls for holding two strands together which creates a tweed look perfect for my gifted yarns. 

Cowls are a versatile accessory.  I've created many cowls since learning to knit and crochet.  Recently I've purchased a few new basic pieces for my wardrobe and intend to make a couple cowls to give them a fresh look.  Kate Whiting blends the new with the old in her cowl patterns. 

• The Sapphire and Jewels Cowl is gorgeous!  Designed with a delicate picot edging and open stitches this cowl is a beautiful accessory. 
• I definitely want to try my hand at the Highland Ridge Cowl! The texture is lovely and can be created in two different ways making, two patterns in one.  Kate Whiting Designs is imagination nearly unlimited. 
• Many knitters own a special skein of yarn that they've been waiting to use on the perfect project.  (I have one or two LOL) The Mary Cowl is that project!  Kate Whiting's pattern uses just 232 yards (212 meters).  It would also make a great gift for the Outlander fan! 

I do like the fact that Kate Whiting's designs include scarves and even a beautiful cape.  It is testament to how she's incorporated history and fantasy into knitted beauty.  

• The I Will Find You cape is made with the Highlands of Scotland in mind.  The mind's eye sees the beautiful hills and moors in the look of this cape.  If you desire a little of that far away quiet for yourself, this cape is a must. 
• I live in a village where Winter is long and cold but beautiful.  I find myself making scarves for family and friends.  The Shades of Brianna scarf is such a visually stunning pattern.  Using a variety of stitch patterns the scarf reflects the nature of the Scottish rolling countryside. 
• Of course men need warmth against the cold of the Winter wind.  The Sweet Roger scarf pattern is a very nice textured scarf that both men and ladies will appreciate!  Newlyweds might appreciate matching scarves as a gift.  It would be in keeping with the romance of Outlander. 

Kate Whiting's designs are so gorgeous.  I could hardly give the designs the justice they are due in one blog post.  However, my readers should see them for themselves.  Please do drop Kate Whiting a note if you take the time to get lost in her patterns as I did.  I know you'll appreciate her talent.  
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