In recent weeks, this new spot has become something of a second home. Just miles from my house, office, the kids’ schools, the ins and outs of our daily routine lies a field, where golden grasses ascend to a fairytale thicket just inches from the edge of craggy ocean bluffs. I hadn’t known it too well before this, but thanks to my business photographing children and families {and the frequency of it now at holiday time}, I’ve spent the last four Sundays in this place, the same time every week. So now I know just the spot where the sunlight comes through the eucalyptus branches at the bottom of the hill; where exactly to start hiking up so the golden light will fall perfectly on the field; at what precise moment to enter the “magical forest” so the sun will shine in like a spotlight, creating visible rays and casting long shadows.

The children I’ve photographed here have been wowed, particularly in the thicket. My own daughter was no exception last week when I took her up during a break between clients to capture not just the gorgeousness that exudes from the Ellwood Bluffs, but that which lies in these stunning knits. I became familiar with Toto Knits last year and have since remained taken by founder Erin Brennan Allan’s mission for her company. I’ll introduce it this way: my order confirmation email stated not that they’d retrieve my items for shipment, but that my request would be handed over to “the knitters” to begin work.

Toto Knits is a line of organic, handmade cotton knitwear made by a group of single mothers in Kenya, who sign each piece upon completion. The knitters are paid by the item, which gives them the freedom to work as much or as little as they like. As Erin says, “It’s all about putting family first, especially for moms. This makes our work fun. We love what we do and we hope it shows.”

The quality and uniqueness of the sweaters, beaded crown and scalloped bonnet I received from Toto Knits is really something special. These are items I’ll tuck away after my daughter outgrows them and save for my grandchildren some day.

Photography: Kelly Sweda Photography || Facebook || Instagram

Toto Knits: Website || Facebook || Instagram