With a mix of emotions, we’re announcing that co-founder Kate Atherley is permanently stepping away from Nine Ten Publications. Kate navigated a very intense and challenging year personally; so much so that she went on leave back in March. This summer, Kate came to understand that while she loves Digits & Threads, the work and stress of helping to run a business that’s still not able to pay its founders is simply untenable. While we’ll miss her terribly, we support her decision and wish her all the best of luck and healing in the weeks and months to come.
Kate will remain a part of D&T this fall, however, by writing a column (look for her first next week) and by helping with some tasks behind the scenes.
The Future of Digits & Threads
D&T’s fabulous interim editor, Michelle Woodvine, who stepped in last spring, will continue in the role through the end of 2024. However, with heavy hearts, we’ve made the difficult decision to conclude the Digits & Threads journey after that time.
We know this is probably very disappointing news. Digits & Threads has come to play an important role in Canadian fibre and textile arts and crafts. We haven’t hidden that the magazine has been a labour of love that broke even financially only because Kate and co-founder Kim Werker volunteered our time, without pay. While it’s been an incredible journey, it’s simply not a path we can continue on indefinitely.
To each and every one of you who joined, participated, read, shared, contributed to and supported Digits & Threads—thank you. You’ve been more than readers; you’ve been our community and partners in this adventure, and we’re profoundly grateful for your support.
Turning the Page
While this chapter is coming to a close, we’re excited about the story yet to unfold. Kim will continue to channel her energy into our books division, working with brilliant authors to create books that celebrate and amplify Canadian art, craft, and creativity. Being able to focus entirely on this challenge, without also having to juggle running the business of the magazine, will enable her to bring Canadian craft and art books into the world more effectively, and with far less stress.
What’s Next?
For now, nothing will change at Digits & Threads. We have a packed editorial calendar for the fall, and we are very excited for a final season of fabulous content. The magazine will not disappear after 2024 comes to a close—we’ll keep the site and all content available at least through August of 2025.
In the coming weeks, we’ll be reaching out to all Digits & Threads members with more details about their memberships and a special offer we’re putting together as a token of our appreciation. We’re committed to making this transition as smooth as possible.
We will begin work to ensure that annual memberships will not renew automatically; this work will start immediately. For those whose annual memberships will extend beyond the end of 2024, you will retain full access to the site and to all archives through the expiry of your membership.
In April, we switched to offering new members monthly renewals only; monthly renewals will continue through the end of 2024.
While preparing to say goodbye to Digits & Threads is bittersweet, we’re excited about the future and the beautiful books Nine Ten will continue to create. We hope you’ll join us for the next part of our journey.
With heartfelt thanks and warm wishes for an autumn full of yarn, fibre and fabric,
Kim & Kate
Co-Founders
