I’ve always been more of a spring and summer kind of girl. There’s just so much colour everywhere, and as a keen gardener, that’s when life in the garden feels most alive. Spring is full of promise, and I spend those months imagining what’s to come – the seedlings I’ve coaxed from tiny seeds, the new plants settling into the soil, and that wonderful anticipation of seeing how all the shades and textures will mingle together once summer arrives.
Of course, autumn has its own charms. The turning leaves put on a brief but brilliant show, and I do appreciate those golden days while they last. But before long, the trees are bare, the days grow shorter (boo), and the garden begins to fall quiet. Still, cooler weather does bring one thing I truly love: jumper season. There’s something so comforting about pulling on a warm, soft knit when there’s a chill in the air.
I’ve often wished I could knit my own. I’ve given it a go – I can manage the basics – but the next step in the process always seems to elude me. I’m in awe of those who can take a skein of yarn and a pattern and somehow conjure up a beautiful sweater or hat.
Thankfully, I have a little help from a shop we have here called Toast. I adore their sweaters. I own a few of their Orla Donegal Wool jumpers (though, sadly, that range hasn’t appeared this year). This season, I’ve fallen completely for their Donegal Diamond Yoke sweaters. Just look at them – so timeless, so gorgeous. And I love that Toast stands behind the slow fashion movement. Their collections are small, but there’s always a piece or two that feels made for me.
So, while I count the weeks until spring colours return to the garden, I’ll happily wrap myself in a jumper or two and make the most of this cosy season.
