It was a mad idea:
buying hectares of woodland and setting up a yurt there, along with a whole sewing and embroidery workshop. Far from the public road network and any other dwellings, we had to install electricity using solar panels, and bring in the sewing machines and Précieuse, my embroidery machine.
Since 2013, this small 6-metre yurt has overlooked a wooded valley, filled with oak, ash and chestnut trees. In this unspoilt and secluded spot, a spring gushes forth.
So this is where I have been working all these years.
Work and live off grid :
Then ,despite the difficulties in getting here, and the occasional setbacks… In 2018, heavy snowfall destroyed the roof of my yurt. I managed to rebuild it and have the equipment repaired.
During years, I’ve lost count of the times I’ve found myself without electricity during the dark days after Samhain, whilst orders were piling up and my deadlines had to be met.
To cope with these eventualities and be able to work all year round, I’ve equipped myself with vintage foot-powered sewing machines. As a result the bag that protects your tambour might well have been sewn on a machine that’s over 100 years old.
Therefore these events and setbacks haven’t discouraged me – quite the opposite, in fact. Because working and creating in these conditions is a rare luxury. When I settle down in the little sitting room of my yurt to choose thread colours, or ring a customer to discuss their project, with a view of the forest, I feel truly privileged.
I am fortunate to be able to observe the rhythm of the seasons and to appreciate all kinds of weather, even the dark, rainy days.
An hidden spiritual path :
But beyond the uniqueness of my workplace, settling here in the heart of the forest has been a great help to me in understanding and appreciating the pagan spirituality of our ancestors, which is closely linked to nature and the seasons.
In fact, the dark period after Samhain is truly dark; emerging from it at the Solstice is a relief; seeing the light gradually return in January and February is a blessing; understanding the times of harvest and when to chop wood.
Furthemore ,I ended up to understant all these holydays in the pagan calendar are not only rooted in an obvious natural reality, but also remind us that our inner journey is sometimes shaped by the rhythms of nature. In this radiant season of Litha, I hope you flourish and enjoy your summer.
I’ll leave you to appreciate how lucky I am with these few photos.
See more of my workshop on this page
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