Traditions have to start somewhere.
For a long time, we've been notoriously bad at gathering at the customary end of year. Between production deadlines, markets, orders and the busy rush of family commitments that accompany December, finding a moment to pause together has often felt just out of reach.
So this year, we decided to do things differently.
As a business grounded in natural fibres and seasonal rhythms, it felt fitting to gather for Winter Solstice instead. A moment in the year that invites reflection, rest and reconnection. The shortest day offers a timely reminder that slowing down is worthwhile, and necessary.
Last week, our small Brood team and families came together for what we hope will become an annual tradition. This year we gathered on Dave's property in the Yarra Valley. It felt particularly significant to return to the place where it all began almost five years ago, with Hatch + Make. At the time we were in a small shed with a single knitting machine, a linker and a work table.
We spent the afternoon gathered around the fire, cooking a humble meal over the coals to share, with provisions sourced from our local friends at Woori Yallock Butchers. All with a side of local wines, toasted marshmallows and star spotting as the evening settled in.
Small businesses can be all-consuming. There is always another garment to finish, another email to answer, another task demanding attention. But the work of building a sustainable business is also the work of building relationships, with our customers, our suppliers, our community, and of course with one another.
Winter Solstice felt like the right time to honour that. Here's to new traditions, and to making the time for them.
