January
The light is low and saturated; the mood somewhat reflective, it is January. But, I am convinced that all this bleakness makes the smallest of things far sweeter. When the sun slinks out from behind thick cloud and frost kisses the landscape, my heart leaps and for a moment everything in the world seems good and kind and full of promise. January is all about perspective.
In the Woods
Rain has been a bit of a theme this month. A perpetual stream runs down my window and waterproofs have become a second skin. I admit, it is a challenge to find positives in January’s rain, for it is the cold and damp sort that doesn’t offer much relief. That said, I have been enchanted by the way rain has dramatically changed the landscape this month. New meanders and ox-bows have formed in the woods behind my house, leaving scars when dried up. I have no doubt this will create new habitats and opportunities for wildlife. It has also created a new pausing point for me on my daily woodland wander. I usually stop several times on this route, to day-dream, observe and generally admire my surroundings. The drum of this new river, fierce with rushing water, drowns racing thoughts and quietens my mind, for that, I am grateful.
In the Cauldron
January’s short, damp days lure me indoors after gardening. The cauldron, therefore, does not get much rest. I am comforted by the site of a large pot slowly brewing on the stove. Even better if it is followed by the smell of something sweet bubbling away. This month I have been using local apples to make Apple and Cardamom jam. This is a combination I have not tried before but was thrilled by the outcome. The apple does not go mushy as you might expect, but instead stays in little cubes coated in a cardamom-y, sweet, jammy syrup. It is delicious on porridge! Marmalade is next up on the list. I have been baking bread in preparation because what is marmalade without toast? Loaves upon loaves, I am still undecided if it is the bread I crave or the process of making it. Not much is more calming than kneading dough and watching it rise. Not dissimilar from sowing seeds and watching them grow I suppose. In January, there is a lot of comfort to be found in nurturing.
Speaking of which, I have had very bad period cramps these last two months. I decided to infuse an organic vegetable oil with medicinal, cramp relieving herbs to massage into aching muscles next time. The bark of Viburnum opulus, appropriately named ‘Cramp Bark’ is excellent for this. I also added Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) and Seabuckthorn leaves (Hippophae rhamnoides). The oil draws out the plant’s medicinal chemicals, leaving a kind and effective medicine to ease pain.
In the Fire
January saw my first ever plant dye course and what a joy it was! I feel so fortunate to have observed people connect to plants and the season through this ancient and ever inspiring craft. Plant dyeing offers an opportunity to slow down and be in the moment. It forges a powerful relationship with surroundings and a deep awareness of material. I am continuously in awe and humbled by natural dyeing. To be able to share its magic with others was a dream come true. I am already looking forward to the next courses in February!
You’ll have to indulge me whilst we are on the topic of plant dyeing and let me share with you January’s vast array of colour. Soft blues, pinks and bright oranges. When I glance across a January landscape, I see not much more than bare trunks and muddy fields, but, at a closer inspection and a more curious mindset, I soon discovered barks, berries and cones all of which made their way into the cauldron and graced me with colour! Colour in Januray is precious and I feel so lucky each time I brew a dye pot.
Inspiration
I cannot write this blog post without mentioning one of the most significant moments for me this Januray… The Nettle Dress. A film that documents Allan Brown’s seven year journey to spin, weave and sew a dress out of Nettles gathered himself from the South Downs.
This dress is a radical act against fast fashion. The dress has zero carbon emissions and the source and hands of the worker are known from the beginning. The creation of this dress requires Allan Brown to connect with his environment and re-learn an ancient craft. Parallels can be drawn between Brown’s journey and the Hans Christian Anderson story, ‘Wild Swans’.
The Nettle dress is a fairy-tale. Just as the nettles are transformed to cloth, the process transforms Allan Brown too; his grief is transformed into beauty and protection. We are reminded of the healing power of nature and slow-craft.
