Let’s talk about Autumn.
Warm apple crisps, pumpkins on doorsteps, trips to the orchard to taste, smell, see and hear that which best captures the beauty of this season. Perhaps one of my favorite fall memories is pulling our woolen cloths out of my grandmother’s old cedar trunk. To me, wool evokes childhood memories and speaks of times gone by - simpler times where mothers knit beautiful garments with intention and care.
While the pace of life does not allow me to hand-knit these heirloom pieces, I go out of my way to discover shops that value organic fibers and source handmade clothing ethically.
This journey lead me to CLOTH, its name originating from owner Justine’s “love of fabric; everything from texture, to the way a garment is constructed - organic cotton gauze, linen, embroidery, seams, pleating, buttons…” The attention to detail brings me back to my grandmother’s cedar trunk.
In an effort to bring practicality to children and woolen garments, we must consider the time and energy it takes to care for these heirloom pieces. My secret? It’s not hard. And it doesn’t take an exorbitant amount of time. Here are my 4 steps to hand-washing my son’s alpaca wool Omibia cardigan:
It’s as easy as (eating) pie. While I someday look forward to knitting these heirloom pieces for my children, the weekly task of washing their woolen clothes allows me to feel close to and appreciate the intentionality with which they were made. And, of course, I hope that someday my children and grandchildren feel the same nostalgia when pulling these same pieces out of my cedar trunk.
Written by Autumn Landrum. Follow her adventures and beautiful photography on Instagram @autumnsjoys