Small-scale making is often seen as a temporary phase, yet it fosters a rich studio ecology where materials are reused and cherished. It minimises waste and prioritises mindful decision-making, allowing for a sustainable practice that deepens respect for existing resources. Ultimately, working small enhances relationships with materials and the creative process.… Read More When Small is a Strength, Not a Limitation
Trying to explain FND, fear, and the need to be believed One of the hardest parts of living with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) isn’t always the symptoms themselves, it’s trying to explain them. FND doesn’t sit neatly inside familiar categories. It doesn’t behave in a consistent way. It doesn’t always show up on scans. And… Read More When Your Illness Has No Clear Language
Tithe maps, created between 1837 and the mid-1840s, are essential historical records that detail land use and ownership in rural England prior to industrialisation. Accompanied by tithe apportionments, they list specific plots, owners, and their uses, preserving ancient field names and patterns, offering invaluable insights for researchers and historians.… Read More Tithe Maps: What They Are & Why They Matter
Land, labour, fields, paths, and memory Before the mills, chapels, and terraces transformed the landscape, Gee Cross and Werneth Low belonged to a much older pattern of land organisation: the manorial system. For centuries, this framework shaped how people lived, worked, and interacted with the land. Its traces remain visible today in field boundaries, footpaths,… Read More The Manorial Landscape of Gee Cross and Werneth Low
There has been a small pause here over the past week or so. Not an ending — just one of those quieter stretches where life asks for a little more care and attention, and words take longer to arrive. I’ve learned not to force those moments anymore. Some things need to be steadied before they… Read More On Quiet Gaps & Gentle Continuity
What Common Land Is Common land is land that is privately owned, but over which other people, known as commoners hold long‑established, legally recognised rights. These rights vary from place to place and may include grazing livestock, collecting wood for fuel or repairs, cutting turf, or turning out pigs in autumn. Although the land has… Read More Common Land and Early Governance
Sustainability often emphasises scale, but true practice exists in small, intimate settings where materials are reused and relationships with them evolve over time. This approach prioritises attentiveness over demand, fostering accountability and patience. It’s about understanding when to pause rather than constant output, creating meaningful results despite its quiet nature.… Read More Sustainability Without Scale: Why Small, Local, and Slow Still Matter
Gee Cross, established long before Hyde’s industrialization, is rooted in history as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Key landmarks, such as The Big Tree and The Old School House, reflect the village’s identity, embodying community values and shared experiences that define its character before industrial changes altered the landscape and daily life.… Read More Gee Cross Before the Mills: Quiet Landmarks of an Older Village
As the year turns, I wanted to take a moment to gently let you know that I am in the process of moving this work to a new home. This transition isn’t about leaving anything behind, but about making space — for clarity, accessibility, and care. Over time, this writing and research has grown, and… Read More A Quiet Transition
This post explores the intimate relationship between textiles and human experience, emphasising their role as everyday companions that provide comfort during challenging times. Cloth allows a slower, gentler engagement with life, fostering healing through presence and repair. It underscores the importance of care in our choices while inviting mindfulness in how we live with fabric.… Read More Living With Cloth: A Slow Practice For Uncertain Times
Rachel Bakewell 