Selvedge Recommends: The Nettle Dress Film

The Nettle Dress: Weaving Stories of Nature and Resilience

When you think of nettles, what comes to mind? Perhaps the sharp, itchy sting of a stem brushing a bare ankle on a woodland walk, a steaming cup of nettle tea, or the earthy comfort of homemade nettle soup? This ubiquitous weed, often overlooked or avoided, takes on an extraordinary new significance in Allan Brown and Dylan Howitt’s film The Nettle Dress.

This independent documentary is more than a tale of textiles. It’s a meditation on craftsmanship, sustainability, and the intimate bond between maker and material. At the heart of the story is Allan Brown, a textile artist who embarks on a seven-year journey to craft a dress entirely from foraged nettles. Through his meticulous process, the film weaves a narrative of healing and resilience, mirroring Brown’s personal journey of grief and renewal.

Nettles, often dismissed as a nuisance, are revealed in the film as an abundant, versatile resource with a rich history in textile production. Historically, nettle fibre has been used in clothing and fishing nets, valued for its strength and durability. Brown’s project breathes new life into this ancient craft, demonstrating its relevance in today’s world of fast fashion and ecological crisis...

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