Nest Notes March 2023

“I am thinking of all the trees in the world, flying birds, their nests with eggs, abandoned nests,

And in that moment, I too become a tree, a bird, an egg in a nest, an abandoned nest. “

Maria Bartuszova

Welcome to my new newsletter!

It is almost four years since the first ANOGM retreat. I sent the first ‘Full Moon Musings’ in February 2020. Since then, there have been over 30 newsletters. I am hugely grateful to all those of you who have taken the time to read them! If you didn’t catch them, they are all archived on the ANOGM website on the Newsletters page.

I have had a little newsletter break since the last ANOGM retreat, in October 2022. During this hibernation period involving Christmas and a personal journey through Covid, I have had a good think about the future of ANOGM and the newsletters moving forward. And so, ‘Full Moon Musings’ have retired and ‘Nest Notes’ have emerged.

The artist above, Maria Bartuszova, considered the nest -or home- as a space that could support creative and spiritual development. This is exactly what I envisaged for A Nest of Gentle Makers Retreats. ‘Giving you space and time to feed your creativity’ was the original tagline and still rings true.

What will we be doing with ANOGM in 2023?

As the cost of living bites, so we have had to say goodbye to Boconnoc. The most comfortable and welcoming stately home I am ever likely to visit, I adored bringing ANOGM to Boconnoc. Clare, Elizabeth and the team were so kind and accommodating; it will hold a special place in my heart: Wandering the house in slippers, waking to early morning meditation and yoga, creating to our hearts content, swims in the lake and firepits in the evening. Heavenly. Thank you x

Exciting news of a retreat and several day workshops!

This year there will be one ANOGM residential retreat and several day workshops. Today’s newsletter is a ‘save the date’. I will open bookings shortly but if something grabs your eye just email me: anestofgentlemakers@btinternet.com and I will pop your name on the list. Spaces are limited! The Clothkits workshops are only bookable through Clothkits (phone or online) Booking is open now for those workshops.

Saturday April 15th: Beginner’s Rigid Heddle Workshop 1 day £90 The Arc, Winchester

Saturday May 27th: Am Visible Mending Workshop 1/2 day £49 Clothkits, Chichester (bookable via Clothkits)

Saturday May 27th: Pm Darning Workshop 1/2 day £49 Clothkits, Chichester (bookable via Clothkits)

Saturday June 10th: A Day of Mending Techniques 1 day £90 The Arc, Winchester

Friday 22nd-Sunday 24th September Autumn Retreat at Hazel Hill Wood pricing TBC , approx £350 pp, £450 single occupancy. Hazel Hill Wood, Wiltshire

Ahh, it feels good to be back in the ‘Newsletter Saddle’!

That’s all from me today, some fun things happening this month as I turn 50. But more on that later and when I see you face to face at a workshop or retreat.

Go well and travel lightly (as long as you pack your knitting).

Charlotte xxxx