I’m so grateful I said no to most opportunities this summer. Yes it means sales have been minimal, but trying to sell woollen goods in a heatwave is pretty tricky.

It feels indulgent. Advocating for my own mental and physical health is hard. Taking time to try to support my child feels like a luxury after 12 years of rushing and compromising and trying to please bosses and failing to support my family. .

So no big projects, no big holidays, just time to get on with family stuff, and rest and craft when I’ve had the chance. Quite a lot of wool has been washed. There’s more to do though. quite a lot of wool has been carded and spun. There’s been some weaving, some experimenting for upcoming shows.

A wonderful opportunity to exhibit at Textile Junction 2026 in St Leonards also led to a surprise sale – thank you! And participating in Led by the Wild summer festival felt meaningful and useful. I have had the pleasure of working with their wool and turning Basil’s fleece into heirloom pieces for the organisers. It felt like a perfect conclusion to the process of volunteering on the land, getting to know Ali, Tom and Eric as well as the many other volunteers who make Led by the Wild the special place that it is.

Time has been punctuated by Lisa Everest‘s Moon Altars, held at new and full moon’s at Burmarsh Bridge. It’s been a lovely opportunity to pause and share a reflective moment with like minded women.