A belated Merry New Year to you. I do hope the last six weeks or so weren’t too beset with stress and that you were able to enjoy
- sitting down, at least now and then
- the correct amount of cheese*
- some making, even if it was simply making a pleasing and essential layer of blubber** to warm you on frosty mornings
- the good gravy
I confess I had creative droop just before Christmas and I considered writing to Gardeners’ World to see if they could advise me about this ailment. I think I was rather burned out, but I did all the things on the list above during Yule, especially number 2, and am now thankfully recharged (and happily rounded) and keen to draw robins again. I have started the new year with stitching of various kinds, a visit from a BBC director (see the reason for her visit later in this post) a new gig as the craft columnist for BBC Countryfile magazine (click for my first column) and a LOT of writing for a Big New Project.
I haven’t done a great deal of embroidery since I was 22, when I covered a pair of denim shorts in intricate lazy daisy and stitched leaves and would wear them to the lab. I was in my final year of University at the time. In retrospect this was the not the wisest outfit in which to do experiments: sometimes I used hydrochloric acid. Gawd.
The stitchy commission I’m working was working on in January has reminded me of the calm of needle and thread and using them to make patterns on linen. This project is inspired by British plants, as much of my work is, and in particular bluebells, wild fennel and blue fleabane (Erigeron acer), a small, humble yet very beautiful relative of garden asters that likes to grow in dappled shade.
Meanwhile huge apologies to those Making Winter readers who have been searching for my instructions for basic crochet stitches. They were in a bloggy backwater and admittedly tricky to spot. Click on the image below to take your first steps with hook and yarn:
These are the basic stitches you need for many, many patterns. There are ‘taller’ stitches such as double treble, cluster stitches such as the berry stitch in my hawthorn wrist warmer pattern and front/back post stitches which create ribbing or texture but these basic stitches saw me right for my first year or two of crochet adventures. I have been saying this for some time but I WILL make little films for Youtube soon, not only of crochet stitches but also of hibernating ladybirds, blackthorn buds in the wood behind our cottage and my hand drawing things, I promise.
I really wanted to thank those folk who have bought my book and let me know that they’ve been enjoying it on social media or via my contact page. I wrote it in the hope of helping those who might be struggling with stress, anxiety or winter blues. If you have been reading it or making things using my tutorials and it has helped to soothe or cheer you on tricky days I would so love to hear from you in the comments. It would make the crazed deadlines and all nighters last May worthwhile x
You may have heard me talking about all of the above to Jane Garvey on Woman’s Hour on Wednesday morning. You can listen on player here if you like.
I will be on the Countryfile Winter Special this Sunday 4th February 6.30 (towards the end of the programme), talking to Anita Rani about SAD and teaching her how to cast winter nature finds in silver. The programme will play live and can be watched here after that time.
*which is never less than all the cheese
**Important blubber-making tutorial. Materials: chocolate, roast potatoes, a sofa
Oh my goodness, Emma! That is all very special. I bought the book, read the book (obvs) & bought three more copies, reluctantly gifted them for presents to very happy recipients!
You’ve been on an amazing journey these last few years…and onwards and upwards still. Marvellous stuff.
Kxx
Well done you, that’s great news about the column, and very well deserved, I shall look forward to seeing you in the magazine and on Countryfile.. I agree about the cheese, in fact I am still eating all the cheese, can’t stop. Such beautiful silver creations, the details are exquisite. CJ xx
I stumbled upon your blog on Sunday morning and was instantly tempted to buy your book (logistics reasons why I didn’t straight away, but it’s on my list) so what a coincidence to see you on country file last night. Love your work. It’s inspired me to get my pencil and paper out. I live on a narrowboat so have the luxury of being surrounded by plenty of inspiration.
Duh… I watched you on Countryfile last evening, and never made th connection until Googling you and coming across your webpages. I bought your lovely book last year as soon as it came out, loved it, used it a lot, thank you. And watching the silver clay magic last evening, I wanted to have a go at it. And maybe sometime I will, but for now there’s the rest of your website to read.
A woman after my own hear5, yarn, cake, and did I see someth8ng about letter writing? Love, love writing letters with a nice pen, pretty stationery…
Sorry, can’t stop, must go and see what this is about… can we have piccies of the new-ish dog?
Best wishes,
Nina ❤️ X
Dear Emma, I am booked in fir your workshop on 30 June a.m. but would love to transfer to the p.m. session if that were possible?
Hi Emma
I’m not saying anything that hasn’t been said before but it’s good to read what works for you and it does for me too.
I knew I had my down days (who doesn’t)? and also some very down sometimes although I don’t think many would believe me – perhaps a little like you, go for a walk, pick up something, get my needles out in whatever form that takes on the day and bingo! get over my spat and carry on & feel good about myself again.
Reason for writing….do you have a stand-by list for any workshops as that would certainly be a booster & you’re all sold out as far as I can see??
Hi Emma,
I’ve tried to contact you a few times without success – hoping this is the best way to get in touch.
I’m booked on to the summer workshop and I need to book overnight accommodation.
Could you tell me whereabouts in north London the workshop is taking place so I can find somewhere nearby to stay ?
Thanks,
Jan
Hi Emma, What an absolute delight to find The Wild Remedy. It’s such a wonderful support and truly heartwarming to know I’m not alone with SAD and conforting to also know that it’s very real and all the walks I force myself on are justified and doing some tangible good! Thank you so much for sharing. Congratulations for managing to continue with your work through such difficult challenges – it is so very valuable and worthwhile. May you remain well and find joy when you can. You’ve brought some to me. I’m sure others will feel the same. All the best.
Hello Emma,
Thank you for writing your book and for being so unflinchingly honest with your reality. I have suffered from depression for a long time now and can sometimes feel totally overwhelmed by my life, job and the responsibilities of being a good Mummy and a wife. I’m finding that being in nature can really help me and it’s something that I want to explore and learn more about. I don’t have a working knowledge of plants and trying to learn can seem like it’s own mountain at times.