There is nothing more exciting than sewing on the last button of a cardigan, only to try it on as a finished garment! After all the planning and knitting and dreaming, today Victoria has come to life!
Who doesn’t love making their own clothes? But I think the true satisfaction of knitting is the ability to transform a dream of oneself, clothed in a piece representing the person you want to be, into a real-life moment. This is why I often photograph my knits in the garden because in that light-filled space fragrant with yellow roses, I feel inspired and free.
Inspirational Chanel cardigan
I suppose freedom is the same reason I am drawn to Chanel—Gabrielle was essentially a self-made woman. An orphan, she used her sewing skills, charm, and cunning to build a business from the ground up. And the knit fabric she used, reclaimed from cast-off war material, allowed 1920’s women a freedom of movement and independence they had never experienced before. Embellishing my knits with a hint of Chanel style reminds me to be bold and to take risks with my own creative projects.
As a nod to Gabrielle, I used black and gold buttons with a heraldic image which is typical of earlier Chanel knits. In an attempt to emulate the careful couture finish of a designer cardigan, I adapted Victoria’s border pattern, twisting all the knit stitches in the ribbing on the right side and twisting the corresponding pearl stitches on the reverse to create an even appearance. The problem with normal ribbing is that the knit stitches are often larger and more open than the pearl stitches, creating the impression of gaping holes intermittently between the even purl bands of the ribbing. Anna Zilborg, the anarchist knitter, taught me this technique and I have adapted it to many of my knits, especially those made in silk or cotton fabric, which does not block or fuzz over evenly.
I also added waist shaping to this pattern, originally intended to be made straight up and down. Overall, I found Sarah Hatton's pattern easy to follow and fun to knit.
While in Paris, I could not resist celebrating Father’s day with my father and step-father at the Laduree Patisserie on the Champs Elysées.Nothing can exceed the elegance of this establishment or the scrumptiousness of its pastries! Our festive party of six ordered the full brunch, which allowed us to mix and match pastries. The delectable croissants, savory seed and nut buns, and housemade jams were presented on three-tier stands on the table.
Brunch was also served with orange juice, tea, hot chocolate, and a choice of omelette or scrambled eggs.
But even more spectacular are the petits fours that Laduree displays at the front of their shop
We managed to resist these, but succumbed to a chocolate pistachio croissant to share at the table, and I purchased a box of meringues to go.
Someday I am going to meet up with some knitting friends here because what could be more perfect than to knit surrounded by so many delicious examples of handmade perfection?