History of Knitting Scottish Culture; Chimney Disaster! Restoration Scotland; Day in the Life

[@TheScottishIsle]

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[@OuilmaEnyaGypsey]

10:50 ❤ You're so admirable yet humble with it. My mum was a knitter. I have a few pieces by her; jumpers and cardigans, with matching leg warmers 🤭 Her hands now arthritic 😔

[@margaretlynch1494]

🙋‍♀️❤️. So sorry your having so much trouble with the damp. I dont know your arrangement wth the land owners, but I think you both deserve an olympic medal for doing the best you can! Your SHetland lace is beautiful, Katie!

[@tinawelch3005]

you guys deserve a break...you have accomplished so much. Reflect on this, have a pint and take a holiday tomorrow. Your care and nurturing of the cottage and island is a monstrous task. Your tenacity will see you through!!

[@AndrewKendall71]

You two re-win me over with each video - the work, the accomplishment, the challenges to face, the educational narrations. Truly wonderful.

[@aruvielevenstar3944]

I live in a medieval castle in the Netherlands and we also have huge damp problem. We recently found a leak in the cellar in a pipe we didn’t know we had. We have to dig out the floor to see where it comes from, a huge task. I love the knittings from Kate. Beautiful ❤I only embroider. Oh, and we have chimneys too but a kind of a roof or a hat above it, so the rain can’t come in

[@stewartmackay]

I'm from the highlands, the north coast of Sutherland, but for the last 15 years I have lived on the Greek island of Rhodes. however, in my dreams, I am always at home, in the glen, in my dads house with a big pan of soup on the rayburn. My father passed away 30 years ago, but I can still taste that soup in my dreams. Now, when I go back to lands of Mackay, there are no Mackays there, I am the stranger. Thank you for bringing a little life to me, a small package of charm from my home. Thank you. (BTW, you need to repoint the chimney, not just render it) :)

[@Victoriakennedy1972]

Ahh I’m not crying at your clip about knitting ♥️ I guess that’s what happens when you wear your knitted heart on your knitted sleeves of those lovely ancestors that came before you ❤ Keep up all the good work, I love watching the two of yall from Mississippi in the US ❤

[@lyndathespiritualalchemist]

I would like to add re the knitting. My Great Grandfather was the family knitter. Made many jumpers/sweaters scarves, beanies. His was from Partick Glasgow Scotland. Emigrated to Australia in 1919. After serving many years in the Army. Black Watch. India. After the passing of his parents and sister emigrating to Canada. Very clever man. Should have seen his handy work with his back garden. Don’t see gardens like that anymore. Anyway love your show. Sometimes I try to let them stack up then binge. But most times I’m hanging for the next upload. Nice work. Blessings to you all. 💜

[@LC-d5h]

I was taught to knit by my granny at 8 years old and later my mum taught me to crochet..,I've made hundreds of things with the skill they taught me. Thanks for the knitting section Katie . I agree with you about the wet walls Scott that is so bad for causing pneumonia.I hope it gets put right soon.Love to you both 💕

[@AmoPawfectPastimes]

Knitting was also a huge source of income. I was brought up with a mother knitting fisherman’s sweaters and have always knitted. Now it’s common to wax lyrical about the ‘modern’ mental heath positives of such rhythmical pastimes but we all had the pulse of our mothers heartbeat ingrained in us and the pulse of knitting or crochet and sewing, to me, reminds me of that heartbeat. A calming and basic need for peace.

[@melodygranny4883]

I agree. I have always loved the "old crafts" spinning, knitting, weaving, sewing... can feel my old granny looking over my shoulder

[@ceahorse56]

I love that! I crochet and just started quilting again I’m just not happy with idled hands

[@DebStyles]

Katie your knitting is beautiful.

[@irenefitzpatrick6480]

My Great Grandma and my Grandma and her sister, used to do ‘tatting’ which is a form of lace making. They worked in the mills in Lancashire, so had many links to the production of textiles. Knitting and sewing were also a way of producing home and fashion goods, often reusing fabric from older clothing. I remember holding skeins of wool while my Grandma wound the wool into balls ready for knitting into a new garment. She unravelled old jumpers very carefully, washed the wool and dried it before starting a new project. Old scraps of fabric were knotted into canvas or netting to make rag rugs for the house. I love your knitting by the way! The finer the wool, the more like lace it looks. ❤❤

[@TheScottishIsle]

What a lovely memory, Irene. Thank you for sharing. Kx

[@judithstonier9872]

These are my memories too ❤

[@reneecolman1450]

Hello i watch a channel on youtube called sean’s world. He is working on a cottage like yours and has some of the same moisture issues you have. He has some solutions that may work for you love your videos Renee from Arizona

[@barbarakloise6790]

Sean's humidity problems are nothing at all like their humidity problems tho'. It doesn't help that they live right next to the ocean either.

[@gracegalarya7957]

I hate it when your vlogs end I could watch all day 😫

[@AmoPawfectPastimes]

@@reneecolman1450 there’s also The Irish Homestead and they’ve just had to tank their floors but they are on mainland, they have access for big machinery and ceiling height to alter floors down as well as up and they don’t currently live in the buildings so not too many comparisons other than damp under floors and using lime products.

[@thereandbackagain9082]

I remember watching an Irish woman talking about her little cottage she had lived in all her life, asked would she ever leave and she replied. No these cottages need heating or they fall apart quickly. Suggest a small fire in the room or a tarp over the chimney to help keep water out. You are both stars in so many ways. Sleep on it.

[@sonyagair1219]

The Cottage renovation is going to be a real labour of love and massive amounts of patience. Please hang in there. Soon you'll be over the 100k mark and that would help you guys a little with the financial aspects of reaching your goals ❤️

[@gjmiller138]

love that you’re sharing your journey and your knowledge of knitting with us in the stories you tell. . I’m a relatively new knitter, and I just learned how to do lace knitting. My great-grandmother taught me how to knit when I was 10, and she could make the most beautiful lace shawls. She was Nova Scotia Scots, and her grandparents were from Shetland. She passed down so many stories of her childhood and stories told to here by her grandparents. She taught me the basics, and I’ve only just picked it back up again in the last few years. I hope to be able to make something as beautiful as the lacework you show in this video. I love that you’re keeping these traditions alive, and I can’t wait to see what you do next. Please take care of your lungs around the extreme dampness. I know you and Scot will figure it out and get it fixed, you two are amazing couple. Hugs to you both and a scratch to the critters.

[@meryle.hawkins880]

I’m a knitter and I loved your knitting section. I have watched the Shetland knitters on you tube in absolute awe. Your shawl is beautiful.

[@WeeMac538]

We had the same problem. We bit the bullet, demolished the old chimney breast and installed a wood burning stove. The pipe chimney goes up through the bedroom and out the side of the wall, not the roof so it helped heat upstairs House was toastie warm and dry after that. We replaced the roof to over the old chimney after removing part of it. We sold it a year later due to my husband's health deteriorating due to diabetes. I loved it there but it was three years of extremely hard work! Love the channel.

[@WeeMac538]

p.S. I cooked on the top of the stove. Stew did away while I got on with other things!

[@joyceglaister2086]

Hi second time I have watched this. As I expressed before you have a lot to contend with but you will win through and the final result will be amazing. More knitting please Katie showing us some of the lovely cardigans you wear. Historical aspect was excellent bringing back a memory of myself knitting socks at 7 years old with my Mam’s help in 1947. 🐏🐑🐑🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛

[@melaniehoshall6942]

You could use some of your grandmother's lace as a mat for a picture or just frame the lace itself. I have a hand-knitted quilt from my grandmother I've kept. She asked what colors I liked and I told her green and purple (still do). So, she made me a quilt in two different shades of yellow. I've never used it, but I keep it in the closet in a vacuum storage bag because she made it by hand and we are very long past the point where she will ever make another.

[@louiseoconnor8071]

Really enjoyed the knitting photos, as a knitter I love seeing and hearing of past knitters. With regards to the dollies, I have some from my grandmother and use them as milk jug and bottle covers. I’ve weighted them with old glass buttons, from her sewing box,lightly stitched on, which I remove for hand washing. It gives them a new life and remind me of her and my family.

[@brynapizzo]

I will not comment on the problems with the house.😢 The lace shawl you are knitting is beautiful. 😊❤

[@judithstonier9872]

As well as loving watching your channel I love reading the really interesting comments from other subscribers and have realised how many of us were knitting whilst watching this episode ! 😊❤

[@marinagauthier4597]

Once the chimney is rendered and a chimney cap put on you will likely see a world of difference I would think. So much work ahead of you. I'll be praying for good results.

[@David-mo5jw]

Hat on the lum ,re point outside wall where rain hits and put a chimney liner up the lum .It worked for me and my cottage is much the same as yours

[@22marketst]

Yay Katy !! I have been waiting for you to do a knitting segment which fits in perfectly with your world. As others have said here it is meditative as well as creative process and produces practical as well as beautiful outcomes - and yours looks great. I would love to see your grandmother's lacework - which could be framed. Also as I mentioned recently here on Ronaldsay their sheep eat only seaweed and produce lovely wool - hope to see you spin some from your sheep (in your 'spare time' ha ha !!). You will get your damp stuff sorted - I admire your perseverance.

[@ianrawlins2231]

So sorry to see this you guys. I'm sure, as ever, you will find a way, and that the amazing TSI community will have some great ideas. Wishing you both the best, Ian.

[@Rescueluv]

Wow the opening video was outstanding video of the island. Watched on iPad but on weekend will watch on tele big sCreen.Reality is cottage is so old and works people did so poor. Please accept doing works to fix all that will be heartbreaking and heartwarming. We have an old house in Australia and you have highlighted to me a lot of things we need to deal with. We have beautiful sandstone walls, a chimney like you that leaks when rains too much and also dirt floors. But your cottage is so much older with what seems little love for years, don’t give up show me what to do. Hang in there Scott.think of the beauty of the island overall. House, waters, landscape and when you get the funds for the metal detector. I have donated to this and hope soon you will have one. What’s that song don’t give up xxx

[@micam.1136]

You are really blessed on your remote - and absolutly beautiful island! Peace and nature surrounding... who could ask for more? ❤

[@marilynharris1749]

I'm knitting while watching this! I learnt from my mother and Grandmother too.. 😊

[@judithstonier9872]

Me too! ❤

[@robertdonaldson6584]

My late mother used to knit sweaters for me from different colors of Icelandic sheep. Hello from the rocky mid-coast of Maine, US...

[@tammyking3857]

You hit the nail on the head Katie when you said our home is our refuge and that is why it is so upsetting when a situation like this happens. On the bright side your Shetland lace knitting is beautiful, I have a very old book in my "library" called simply Shetland Lace with so many patterns that I am now encouraged to try knitting a shawl or maybe a scarf for starters and think of all the tradition behind the stitches.

[@denisearens3347]

If the water is leaching thru from chimney, then there definitely is soot. It's sooty water. Yuck. Bless you for tackling this old cottage's issues.

[@deborahcopeland384]

Thank you for the knitting episode. Your work is so beautiful. I have been knitting on a Shetland lace shawl made with cobweb yarn. I will probably never finish it, but the work is satisfying. I usually knit while I watch you and always enjoy the sheep and the lovely knitted sweaters you wear. Many wishes for a good outcome for the fireplace.

[@hanneliewiese3477]

Katie your knitting is stunning. The lace would make stunning curtains if not too heavy.

[@judymcgovern8454]

It’s heartbreaking discovering one problem after another but you are the couple that can make this cottage beautiful. I am not a builder or an expert but I would repair and refurbish the chimney stacks and roof first. Make the water tight then start again inside. You will get there, try and keep strong ❤

[@marypasco2213]

Sounds like Scott needs an off-island holiday, for a couple days. ❤

[@celi4887]

Thank you for the lovely segment on knitting! ❤

[@hansbehrmann8152]

One small suggestion to clean your fireplace is a very, very light solution of Muriatic Acid aka Hydrochloric Acid. Masons have used this for years to clean heavily sooted and creosoted fireplaces . I stress very, very light solution as this stuff is a very powerful cleaner and does the job quickly and efficiently. The downside is that the solution has an acrid smell and you do need protective gear like goggles, rubber gloves and a protective apron as well as good ventilation . This solution also kills any type of mold that may be there and clean your grout to almost like new condition, just a suggestion for thought. I love your knitting. I come from a family whose female population are prodigious, knitters,sewers, tatters, crochetters weaving and bobbin lace makers. I often when reading glance over to see my wife knitting and admire her skill in producing not only warm but beautiful wearable items. I also love the lace table runners and tablecloths she has made for each season of the year, as well as the delicate Christmas decorations for the tree that she has tatted. These skills are being lost at an alarming rate and I am very pleased to see that your are promoting them. My daughters (3) who were taught from a young age have never ending requests for their , knitting, tatting, lace and crochet items( are making a very comfortable side earning from them , my sons (2) make knitting boxes , sewing boxes and wool bowls which are sold just as quickly ) Hopefully from your video younger people will give it a try as it is a skill that crosses age and genders.

[@sandimcdaniel2668]

Lovely knitting sequence, Katie. Thank you!❤

[@jenhanlon3840]

Lovely piece about knitting and I’m usually doing such as I watch you. The photos are amazing. I think it’s become something that people are proud of doing and enjoy again. You are totally right to, that it brings us back to our grandmothers and reliving skills that are so important and ancient. Look forward to seeing your shawl complete. I’m sure eventually you will solve the water problem but totally feel your frustration as things happen. It must be heartbreaking to keep discovering these things when you think you have found a solution. Power on and one day you will have the house that you want and the house will be happy too…

[@karencrawford7796]

I sitting watching your channel, listening to the history lesson on knitting you’ve given and I’m knitting, something I too learned in my teens.

[@jeffr2643]

​​You need chimney hat to to keep the water out of your chimney. Just saying

[@DomingoDeSantaClara]

I think it would be better in winter because you're more likely to have the fire on, drying the air and stonework, keeping the moisture at bay.

[@sarahdearborn9191]

How true Katy. Beautiful shawl you're making. Sorry for your moisture troubles, success with the solutions. ❤

[@YolaWells]

Your beautiful lace knitting .you could sell it especially as you are in Scotland and many people love Scotland. I live in east Sussex but remember when I was first married I loved knitting and made my husband drive me to Scotland to visit as many woolen mills as I could. Scotland is so special I came home with lots of wool .heather plants.and lastly I spotted bag pipes in shop window which I would of bought but hubby said it's a no.also your lovely scenery .I would definitely buy large photos from you ps I do not have computer so rely on family

[@dottiebaker6623]

Another 10% humidity and it would be raining in the room. The steam cleaner works a treat, though, doesn't it? I can sympathize - You'll find a solution, not to worry! It just takes a lot of time and research. I can sympathize - it's been the rainiest summer I ever remember here in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. My garden is a mess... Like you, Katie, my mom taught me to knit when I was a girl. All my sisters and I knit, and now one of my great nieces has learned. A very satisfying skill to be passed down from generation to generation. My best wishes to you both!

[@chrissiemorton4126]

Steaming is doing the job! Shona is so Katies Girl!

[@susannoonan1]

Beautiful needle work. Don't be afraid to put Granny's knitting in a frame, they look beautiful on a wall.

[@bethdasecke4679]

thank you both for another amazing vlog . your knitting is just beautiful thank you for showing more of it .hugs Beth

[@LB-gr7gu]

Thank you for letting us in .. enjoy the rest of your week

[@antoinettebouchet5971]

I get what you're saying. Here in Nova Scotia, the unbearable humidity goes from the beginning of July until September. The dehumidifier is absolutely mandatory. Sleeping is a tough business and the walls have to be scrubbed every year.

[@marilyn4098]

When we lived in Germany we purchased small thermometers for each room from Amazon that told us the temperature and humidity. They sold them in sets of four. It was the best way we could manage the heat and moisture fluctuations. Each room required different lufting/airing and window coverings. You’re doing very necessary repairs.

[@chrissiemorton4126]

My grandma origionaly from Aberdeenshire was a great knitter!

[@iamshotty]

The damp problem is not good. I have faith that you will find a solution. Love your knitting. I knit and crochet too. It calms my racing mind. Big cuddles to the fur/wool babes xx Teresa 🇦🇺 ❤🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛🐑🐑🐑

[@user-lf1qo5hj1z]

I use doilies all the time. I have some from my grandma, and some from my husband's grandma. Also some from my aunt. I love them. :)

[@laurelscott4466]

I have collected some beautiful lace pieces & like you wondered what to do with them. The best piece I backed with a good quality cotton & made myself a nightdress with lace bodice & lace bands on the sleeves. I always enjoy wearing it because of its handmade quality.

[@garry1450]

Guy's you need to put and it sounds obvious but all your effort into fixing roof and chimney stacks to 100% watertight and the stones will slowly dry and even quicker once fire is put in it but until then your pissing against the wind as they say

[@garry1450]

Sorry for sounding abit harsh but it's the only way to get stone dried out but please stick at it

[@Carolynfoodforest355]

My grandmother knitted lace too. I wish she had taught me.

[@nadineveitch5837]

Loved hearing about the knitting. I've got into knitting in the last few years as a way of feeling productive when stuck on the couch with chronic pain. My sweater count is out of control! 😂 Can imagine how important it would have been back then.

[@brianstewart5560]

Bought a house on skye 2 years ago, which has similar chimney leak. We have had a lot of work done to the chimney and the slates all around it and the guttering. Still it leaks when the wind is just right (wrong). Hope you find a solution quicker than us. Maybe you have already as i am a few months behind in the channel.

[@melodygranny4883]

I love knitting and spinning. In fact I am spinning some Shetland wool blended with angora bunny right now. It is wonderful. I am looking forward to watching you spin. Thankyou so much for the reading on our grandmothers. I also love the reading from Proverbs.

[@kellinomnom]

Beautiful! Love the rain. I have a few vids like this too. So lovely

[@liesavillandre3481]

We are bracing for hurricane Debby here in the south (Virginia) and it has been raining for a few days, but the forecast is a downpour tomorrow. Crazy about your chimney. Hope you can get it under control. I have been crocheting too, my grandmother taught me when I was really young. Now I make baby blankets for the local charity for mothers and babies in need of clothing. I enjoy it, I find it calming. (along with my paintings. Your landscapes would keep me very busy.)

[@yvonneward]

Another great video x

[@allisondennis8257]

Katie - can you share the knitting pattern for your shawl, or tell us where to find it? It's lovely, and I'd love to knit along!

[@TheScottishIsle]

Took me ages to find it again! But here it is... www.knitting-and.com/crafts-and-needlework/knitting/patterns/shawls-shrugs/shetland/ Kx

[@allisondennis8257]

Thank you so much! ​@@TheScottishIsle

[@rosielee8381]

So sorry you are having these problems. I hope you can find a solution. Xx

[@saudilass]

OMG I would never have thought of a domestic steam cleaner on mortar on stone but that was a pretty impressive lift of dirt, well done 👏

[@rokett67]

For dampness problem. I suppose if you had a fire going during the rain season the dampness would be less. I'm referring to the chimney problem. Luv your videos. Keep going don't give up.

[@piperlynne1]

Could the stones be wicking the moisture out of the air? If you put a hat on the chimney stack it should stop most of the rain from coming down. If there are gaps around the chimney and roof it may be slowly leaking down the outside of the chimney and into the house. I hope you can find an easy solution.

[@johnandsandraholton3131]

I have seen framed doilies as pieces of art on walls…certainly in keeping with your home.

[@smiley9872]

Protect your hands, those steamers can give a nasty burn. Enjoyed the video.

[@carolynstewart5825]

The power of nature where you are is both frightening and exciting. I think that is what you are up against in the house! Knitting is a great pass- time...have you seen the images of Tom Daley ( the diver) knitting during each Olympics?

[@TheScottishIsle]

No, but that sounds great! Kx

[@colleenmckinlay2916]

So hope capping that chimney will dry out that fireplace face. I can fully understand why this is so upsetting.🥺 I love to knit. Could you share that pattern that you are knitting. It looks lovely. Like you my Mom taught me to knit when I was around 9. I treasure her crochet work. So detailed. I have two sweaters that she knit for me as a teenagers. The patterning is so detailed. Also the baby sweaters that she knitted for my brother and me. Treasures! Fingers crossed that you solve the humidity/wetness problem. 💦👍🏻

[@SShellbee]

i’d purchase a shaw or scarf from you Katie & Scott…

[@dennismatthews6660]

Thank you. Stay dry!

[@lindafrank7670]

We framed my Grandmother's doilies and I now have them on my walls

[@irmibullinger1421]

Do I detect that you are sorry you took on this remodel? Well just a bit? I learned to knit and crochet when I was a girl. Later in life I took up crocheting again and made a lot of things mostly fancy blankets for my family. I had to stop tho because I was having lot of trouble with my hands and wrist. I do miss it!

[@Brittanysjoy]

I was thinking similarly. So many issues and so remote with no neighbour's to help out. That would be a very hard life.

[@chrissiemorton4126]

My knitting has holes too...not intentionally....Now I'll call it "LACE"!!!

[@pulchralutetia]

I feel for you with the damp issues. I have damp issues in my flat. Can you put lots of non-electric dehumidifiers in there as well? Put your records and books in dry bags in the meantime (Exped or cycling panier drybags). Take care and stay safe. ❤❤❤

[@jackhooper3927]

curtains on window? Wee tablecloth? Rain coming down chimney? Chimney cap o'' tin inserted inside chimney. flashing o' tin where chimney adjoins roofing material? A water leak is challenging whether it's a vessel or home ashore, Good Luck and keep your humor.

[@terrythomas2735]

It’s both. 🙂

[@Bjmc4uk]

Look at magazines today and see the “doilies” are being used. But i have used them for over 50 yrs. And collected the best. Vintage is coming in again.

[@nancyraymond3381]

Hello, can you use dawn dish washing liquid? They use it to get oil off the animals in oil spills. And the other thing is my mom used to do something called tatting to make lace, she saved my old baby dresses for my daughter and made her somethings of her own. My daughter has no children, so I took the lace my mom made off everything and had a shadowbox made and put a lot of stuff that was hers in it, oh and the little knot things are in there. I really admire the sweaters you wear. I can only knit a little, but I crochet every day. Good luck with that fireplace, can you get black mold from it?

[@Traveller69]

As I've always said to people, it's not the winters that break you the Highlands, it's the 'summers'.

[@Traveller69]

P.S ...the historic knitting montage was a thing of beauty worthy of a wider audience. ❤

[@TheScottishIsle]

Thank you, Feel free to share! Kx

[@Dore60]

👍

[@chrisallen7068]

Hi folks, one day, you will look back at these trying times and have a big laugh. Support each other, work together and persevere. You will succeed. 🙏

[@christinehodge3608]

Do enjoy your videos, Leaky chimney ,lets hope you can mend that,

[@bs6281]

I have seen some hand made lace mounted with a mat in a shadow box frame and displayed as a picture

[@bronwyn-f8w]

Stitch your doilies together. Back them with something. You can make bedspreads or curtains or just a wall hanging to show off their pattens. I have many from my granny too, so I’ve been looking up crafts using them.

[@jonathanclarke9263]

To combat the moisture in the house,tank all the walls from top to bottom, don't forget to do the floor.then use a dehumidifier and this will regulate the moisture inside.i have always used dehumidifiers since the 80s .

[@jamesprentice5503]

Its gonna be a cold harsh winter if the winds blow like this!

[@whiskeycook3323]

Beautiful history on the knitting

[@63pumpkin]

Maybe you could frame samples of your grandmother's lace.

[@uralrider88]

I think you need an friendly older and experienced builder to have a look and give you some advice.

[@mojogaucho]

Is the moisture coming down the chimney or down the outside of the chimney? If it's coming down the outside I'd be having a serious look at how the chimney has been flashed and whether the flashing has failed. If it's down the inside then maybe some sort of chimney hat might solve your problem.

[@allonesame6467]

Would a chimney caps help keep rain out of the chimney? Understandably frustrating. But, Keep On and do your best. Something will give. My mother knitted, but I didn't pick it up right away...too many moving parts for me, so she taught me crochet to great success.

[@wendymcdaniel2483]

When the rain lets up, put a tarp over the area so it'll dry out.

[@dudleysdad]

The staining is creosote, can be dangerous sometimes causing chimney fires. Do not discount the amount of condensation that can form in warm damp high humidity summer days both inside and outside the chimney. There is most likely some water penetration from above but that can be relatively easily fixed. the creosote is a very difficult problem to remove. Look up creosote staining of chimney breasts.

[@kellyharrah11]

U need full strength stuff we have in the U.S. its called Awesome its the best grease and stain cutter I have ever used