Chunky for Winter . . . . . . . . . .

Have you noticed the amazing choice of sweaters around for this

autumn. . . . .and for the coming winter months?

Hefty but soft and drapey come to mind - and coziness and 

comfort can't be denied from the way these cuddly beauties look.

I grew up in England and we called our sweaters 'jumpers'.

Every British child had at least one jumper - often hand-knitted

by mum or grandma. Even when school uniform was everyday 

dress, it usually included a v-neck, snug fitting, fine wool jumper,

worn over a white blouse/shirt with a school tie for both girls and boys.

 Remember there was no such thing as a school building with central

 heating back then in the fifties! A coal burning stove around which we

 warmed our hands after outdoor playtime was about it when I was in

 elementary school.

Winter could be cold even where I lived in the south - how

those up north managed to hold a pen to write their essays

in freezing classrooms is beyond imagination.

During inclement weather we were not 'babied'. Teachers shooed

 us out into cold, often rain-soaked, playgrounds at playtime to 

gasp fresh air and do rudimentary exercise such as a game of

tag whilst sloshing through puddles. Needless to say, footwear in

 winter often included rubber 'wellies', the basic rubber Wellington

 boots. . . . . . . not elegant Hunter boots seen more as a fashion

 statement these days.

Yes, growing up in what was definitely a more Spartan lifestyle

was tough at times - but we had no idea it could have been

any different. To be honest it was fine, made stronger

people out of us I believe. . . . . . . . and I have no regrets, 

having loved every minute of childhood and school days 

no matter the weather.

Do you knit?

If so, can you share any good pattern sources for chunky jumpers please?

I used to be good knitter as a teen, making many sweaters and cardigans. 

Now I'm getting a bit tired of knitting only scarves while watching TV - perhaps

 I need to get the jumbo needles out and try my hand at something chunky

 while enjoying cozy evenings by the fireplace later.