A New Article

I am so thrilled to finally be able to announce another of the projects I worked on earlier this year - my article on Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli for the latest edition of Knitting Traditions Magazine (the link will take you to the Interweave order page for both the digital and print editions).

This piece, while spanning most of their careers, focuses mainly on their early, formative years. It is a fascinating study - these two were far more alike than, I expect, each was ever willing to admit. Chanel always sniffed at hearing Schiaparelli's name (pronounced Skaparelli with a k sound) because, in my estimation based on comments attributed to Chanel, she thought Elsa an inferior seamstress/dressmaker. Of course, Chanel's sewing skills were incomparable, given where and how she received her own training, so Coco could indeed have accurately assessed Schiaparelli's technical skills. 

However, what Chanel never really gave Schiap (a shortened version that was always used) credit for was her incredible artistic talent. Both women had a radically different view of fashion during their time - diametrically opposed to each other as well as to the styles of the day. This article delves into the genesis of exactly where and how the seeds of each of their respective styles were planted. 

You will need to pick up a copy of the magazine in order to read my take on these two prodigious fashion talents. You will, additionally, be rewarded with other great articles as well as some seriously gorgeous designs. Knitting Traditions is always a feast for the eyes as well as the creative soul, so I would urge you to check out this year's edition. (And, for the record, I have an article in last year's edition as well on the first female to receive a pilot's license, so if you're into reading about kick-ass women ... )

And Then There Was a New Knit Design

Photography (c) Interweave, used
with kind permission

It is a wonderful day when I get to announce a new, published design. It never gets old, and that's a good thing.

My latest design, The Aviatrix Pullover, has special meaning: it's inspired by Baroness Elise Raymonde de Laroche, one of the female pilots profiled in Leather, Lace, Grit & Grace. Worked up in Neighborhood Fiber Co. Studio Chunky in the fantastically industrial Patterson Park colorway, this super easy pullover earns its wings in the details: the seed stitch edging all around, as well as the wonderful grommet insert at front hem. The design's complete lack of lace, dropped shoulders and weightier yarn echo a trademark sweater worn by the Baroness during many of her flights. Of course, this design is updated for 21st century appeal with a casual v-neck and a closer fit. Chunky yarn and big needles means you can whip one of these up for yourself in plenty of time to show it off at Rhinebeck this year. What's not to love about that?

Photography (c) Interweave, used with kind permission

Additionally, I also penned an in-depth article on the Baroness that is included with the design in the Fall 2017 edition of Knitting Traditions. It was a real treat to be able to get into details of her flying career that I could not in LLGG (time and space are issues no matter the type of publication). It was a real treat to interact with this material again after some elapsed time since LLGG's publishing. Because Knitting Traditions is an Interweave publication, they had access to certain archival photos that I did not as a sole author; as a result, the article's details really come alive. I would urge everyone interested in this subject matter (as well as the Victorian era generally), to pick up a copy of the 2017 Knitting Traditions issue. There's a wealth of really good reading that will keep you engaged as you work through one (or several) of the included 18 designs.