‘A treasure trove of beautiful things’

With its tranquil pastel colours and carefully curated window displays, it’s hard to resist stopping for a look at Hume Sweet Hume, on Albert Street, Kirkwall.

This home-grown, family-run enterprise began in 1998, when sisters Lizza and Jenna Hume started making a range of cushions and throws from their kitchen table in the island of Westray.

They’ve moved on a lot since then, and the sisters’ range of isles-inspired designs now includes a selection of beautiful clothing and accessories.

Their Orkney-made knitwear is crafted from luxurious natural fabrics, like silk, lambswool and geelongorra — a combination of geelong lambswool and angora — to give the items a sumptuous feel.

Hume Sweet Hume’s luxury, easy-wear designs are complemented in their Kirkwall shop by Scandi-style clothes, homewares and gifts.

“We are proud of our Nordic heritage, so many of our products stocked in the shop have a northern twist,” says Lizza.

Alongside the knitwear from local designers — Kirsteen Stewart, Quernstone and Ingrid Stout — they stock simple, yet eye-catching clothing from brands ICHI and Byoung from Copenhagen.

Ceramics, from Hubsch and Hkliving, also bring some Nordic style.

“We are also very keen on ethical and fair trade products,” says Lizza, who makes sure the shop features a wide range of ethical products, including Earth Squared bags and Nkuku ceramics and giftware.

This year, Hume Sweet Hume’s knitwear found itself in the spotlight, when it was worn by British acting legend, Joanna Lumley OBE. The actress and national treasure can be spotted modelling the Orkney-made garments in a trailer for her upcoming feature film Falling for Figaro.

Lizza said that she and the team were thrilled to see their designs adorning such a well-known star.

“We are very excited — we absolutely love Joanna Lumley,” she said.

“We were approached by one of the designers in their wardrobe department last year. We have been very lucky, as she is a friend from art school, and extremely keen to use and promote Scottish designers and producers.

“So we are indebted to her, and grateful for this fantastic opportunity!”

Hume Sweet Hume really is a treasure trove of beautiful things, with an emphasis on quality.

It’s the perfect place to visit, whether you want to adorn yourself or your home.