Letters
Letter from Paris: Off Season
Dear friends,
For the first time this year, I’m writing to you with the workroom windows open. My geraniums are shivering in the breeze, which is pleasantly perfumed by the scent of whatever the Turkish restaurant across the courtyard is roasting on a spit today.
Most of my knitting since I last wrote has been in preparation for my series in Knit Stars Season 10, which will be filmed right here where I’m sitting in less than two weeks. Needless to say, this has also prompted a thorough mucking-out of the workroom. It’s a shambles. I don’t know who keeps bringing new yarn in here and leaving it lying around in tottering piles. I wish they’d knock it off, because these wooden floors are quite old and they are beginning to sag alarmingly.
The nice producers told me not to worry about any of that. They said they would like to show the real me. But darlings, I was raised by a woman who wouldn’t flee a burning hotel at three in the morning without a full face of makeup. A woman who would have broken out in hives if unexpected guests had found dirty dishes in her kitchen sink.
Knit Stars viewers will see the real me. After it has had a couple of good smacks with the carpet beater to get the dust out.
Meanwhile, because focus is a planet I admire from a distance but shall never, ever reach, I have also been indulging in frivolities like embroidering my old French work jacket–a standard example of the famous bleu de travail, or worker’s blue.
Have you ever worn one of these? They’re a marvel. So perfectly designed that in more than a century they’ve barely changed.
You can get used ones very cheap at the flea market or at rummage sales. They’re made of stout cotton that lasts and lasts, have big pockets exactly where you want big pockets, and at least in Paris they just look right, no matter what you wear them with, no matter what you’re doing.
The embroidery is a bald excuse to play with some of the 19th-century charts in my collection, charts I pick up whenever I find them in a bin at brocante or a bookshop for a few euros. Throughout the nineteenth century and up until about World War I they were sold by the thousands in Paris, so they’re not uncommon.
I have no plan. This is like one of those denim jackets I remember the Big Girls bedazzling ad libitum when I was a child; only instead of the school mascot or KEEP ON TRUCKIN, I might put Napoléon on the back.
The problem is that I have no other spring-weight jackets. Leave it to me to put this one out of commission exactly when I need it. Sure, I could wear it on the street with pansies-in-progress on the sleeve.
In my neighborhood, anything goes. Last week I spotted a very stylish neighbor walking her dog in a pair of deconstructed trousers sewn from reusable plastic grocery bags from the supermarket up the street.
I’d feel sloppy, though. And I don’t want to risk damaging the canvas. It’s water soluble stuff from DMC (you can get it in the United States, or pretty much anywhere DMC products are found), and it washes away completely and easily once the work is finished. I love it.
At least my frustration with the jacket has forced me to think about other projects I ought to start now so they’ll be ready for fall and winter. For example, I realized that I want a pair of knit gloves. Actually, I want several pairs of knit gloves in different colors.
I prefer to make gloves in fingering or sport weight, and goodness knows I have enough fingering weight in search of a purpose. This is a radiant little skein I got from the indie dyer La Fée Fil (The Yarn Fairy) at her last show–she’s decided to retire. (How French.)
Gloves make a nice take-along project, and I need one. I have a mandatory appointment this week with the government office that welcomes immigrants to France, checks their level of French fluency, and helps them find ways to integrate with the community.
I got here almost four years ago, have completed two advanced-level language French courses with distinction, and am leading informal tours of my neighborhood; but never mind, far better to be welcomed eventually than not at all.
An immigration appointment necessarily means a lot of waiting around, and with this in my bag I’ll be ready.
Word from other immigrants is that when it’s my turn, I’ll be asked to name five parts of the body in French. I’m ready for that, too. I’m going to say la téte (the head), la bouche (the mouth), le menton (the chin), l’oreille (the ear), and l’autre oreille (the other ear). Ha ha, a little joke. French bureaucrats love little jokes, right?
Okay, maybe not.
Cordialement,
Franklin
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Just seeing the “Letter from Paris” teaser in my inbox makes me smile and Open Immediately! Thank you so much Franklin and MDK. (Four years, really? How they fly by!) ❤️
So true, Ginny!
I also want to immediately board a plane bound for Paris, so I can wander the flea markets in search of one of those tres chic work jackets and the 19th century embroidery charts, both of which I now desperately want despite the fact I didn’t know if their existence when I woke up this morning.
We may be the same person.
Exactly my thoughts. And I would like to participate in Franklin’s impromptu neighborhood tour.
Me too!
I was at the flea markets in Paris in April and one vintage clothing dealer was selling those work jackets for about 350 Euros. Not a bargain, in my book.
Last year, I was in a shop in Brooklyn on Atlantic Ave., possibly between Nevins and Boyd, that was selling these work clothes new. (Don’t know if they are still there, and I can’t remember the name, so not super helpful, but you might google.) They aren’t cheap but not as much as this, if I remember correctly. You just have to create your own patina.
“Create your own patina” I am going to have to remember that.
Same! I wonder if there’s a sewing pattern for the jacket? Or possibly, the one-sleeved denim jacket that came in a box from FabScraps might work. Must investigate.
Merchant & Mills has a couple of patterns that would work
I always enjoy and look forward to your letters! Thank you!
Gloves! A perfect deviation from socks! I’m heading right now to dig out my mom’s pattern from the 50’s (I have plenty of yarn)
It IS lovely to start my day with a “Letter From Paris.” Thank you Franklin for sharing your knowledge and insight.☀️
Ah! Toujours agréable de te lire Franklin! And if someone prepared official papers for you to bring to the appointment, do not change the order of them…bonne semaine!
I love your letters and now I’m inspired to try knitting gloves!
Blissful writing for blissful reading. Good luck with the immigration friends, and that gorgeous glove yarn!
PS LOVE the embroidery!!!
Seeing a letter from Paris always makes my day. I want one of those jackets now. But I am not ambitious enough to try knitting gloves. All those fingers in the round gives me the shivers. (Probably literally too, because I’d leave them off and make fingerless gloves instead.)
Thanks yet again for a bit of wit and whimsy in my day!
I actually own a set of very short double pointed needles
to knit the glove fingers! So, now I must give knitting a pair of gloves a try!
Thanks again and again for your wonderful assessment of Paris from your point of view. My daughter and I have had 3 trips to your city and enjoyed each so much. Any chance you can give us the name of the company that makes that comfortable, nice blue color jacket so we, too, can be tre chic no matter where we live and can pretend we are in Paris each time we wear it.
Google says that you can get them from various sources—new, used, vintage—at various prices. A new one that is from a company called L’Usine Bleu ranges from $184 and up depending on the choice of material.
Embroider my denim jacket.
Yes!
But no rhinestones…..
Franklin’s work is inspiring, thanks!
I enjoy reading your notes but have missed joining the zooms. I am in Paris for one month with my husband and welcome yarn shop recommendations. Thank you.
Bienvenue! My favorite yarn shop by a long shot is Les Tricoteurs Volants at 58, Rue du Château d’Eau. They’re lovely, and specialize in yarns you won’t find in the USA, including some gorgeoud French wools and linens.
If you find who or what is adding to your yarn stash, please tell them to stop adding to mine!
Ha! Try A little joke, always an Icebreaker !
Those gloves will be glorious!
“Trousers sewn from reusable plastic grocery bags”! What a fun neighborhood yours sounds like, not least of all because you’re there too. I’d love to see those pants. Always fun to read your letters, thanks Franklin.
That there is water-soluble canvas is inspiring—thank you! I want a work jacket, too. Thanks, as always, for these letters.
There are also pre-printed “stick and stitch” papers available. They adhere temporarily to the fabric, you stitch the design that’s printed, and then wash the material away with plain water.
Dearly love these letters from Paris and Franklin’s wit and way of looking at his new home country. Keep them coming Franklin!
I thought you knew: Yarn multiplies. Like dust bunnies, dandelions, or tribbles.
I love hearing about your adventures in France! Please show the progress on the gloves. This is a project I could only aspire to. Good luck with immigrations. I am sure you know the names of all the body parts!
So funny, I have the same issue with someone bringing in more yarn and leaving it about waiting for a purpose
My dear Franklin,
As always, you are inspiring! The first thing I made for my husband after relearning to knit was gloves! I used this pattern: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gloves-for-service-men
and Queensland Kathmandu Aran yarn. I had him try them on multiple times to get the fit just right, and they are his favorite gloves. I got yarn to make him another pair, because he wears them all winter. I wish you the very best with yours!
Always a delight to hear from you, Franklin!
That jacket looks like what are sold as “barn jackets” over here–but those are usually canvas, in colors that I can’t wear, like olive green or gold or rust. I was hoping to find a denim one last spring, but had to settle for something else.
Those honey-gold gloves are going to be handsome, indeed. And thank you for your informative and entertaining post. Now I need to add cross-stitch back into my routine. Your jacket is stunning! Sending love to you from Atlanta!
Thank you, Franklin. You letters always bring joy!
Franklin, you always spark ideas for a new project! I just picked up a nice soft denim work shirt at our local thrift store. You have now inspired me to return to my younger hippie days, a couple of centuries ago, and add some embroidery using that cross stitch backing. I didn’t know about that stuff. Once again, inspiration and instruction!
Thank you so much!
How is it four years already?
As one of the Big Girls who had both an embroidered chambray workshirt and a slightly bedazzled jean jacket in the 70’s, I loved and can relate to your “Focus is a planet I admire from a distance” comment, especially when it involves fiber art. I always enjoy your letters and am looking forward to your Knit Stars class. Thank you for another day brightening post!
I so enjoy reading of your adventures Ive been touring France for almost a month and am spending my last few days in Paris. Thank you for your whimsical words!
I’ve long wished for one of those work jackets as a non-Winter barn coat, but the only source I’ve ever found in the US is an etsy seller who prices them far, far out of a New England cashmere goatherd’s price range. If I ever get back to France, which is unlikely but not totally impossible, finding an affordable blue work jacket is high on my list.
Good luck on your test – I’m sure you will pass with flying colors!
I look forward to seeing every post from Mr Habit. Always encouraging, always hilarious as well. Thankyou for the gentle inspiration.
I have that same yarn problem. Who are those guys? I have yarn I don’t remember buying or a clue on what to make with them. I’m looking forward to Knit Stars.
LL Bean has these jackets.
Franklin, love your French lessons mainly, “the other ear.” I agree in that the French do not like those jokes. Hilarious!
You made me wish most heartily that I had kept my denim jacket from the 70s. It was beautifully embroidered. I worked on it for months. Freehand with “flower power” inspiring me. Due to the heedlessness of youth, I have no idea where it went. But today, I would like to wear it.
Thank you for your charming writings. You are a true wordsmith in addition to having a wicked sense of humor. A precious talent.
I would also like to see those grocery bag pants! I would love a French work jacket. I’m really big on decorating my clothes, either with embroidery or painting them. Seeing a letter from Paris is always a bright spark in my day.
Just wondering if the neighbor or the dog was wearing the plastic grocery bag pants? If the dog, perhaps a bit of French efficiency to collect the as it drops (I’m imagining a trapdoor situation with a small collection bag) and toss as as you encounter a suitable trash receptacle. If it is the neighbor wearing the plastic pants, I can only hope it is cool enough to avoid a swamp a$$ situation unless the pants have some type of ventilation system. I love seeing the progress on your work jacket. Perhaps you need a second jacket (in a different color? charcoal or khaki if they come in other shades?) to wear while you finish work on the current one and then you would have a new canvas to accommodate patterns that didn’t fit on the first one. Happy Spring! Looking forward to your K⭐️ class in the fall.
*collect poop as it drops, emoji didn’t post, oops
It is always so nice to read your posts, and chuckle along, Franklin.
Where is the book you and Clara must write? You can decide on the topic, but it will inevitably be whimsical, imaginative, and well-written. With a little French sprinkled ici and there.
I remember when my husband was getting naturalized (he’s French, I’m American), the immigration officer asked if he was my husband and I said something like, “yes, he’s the first one.” It didn’t go over well. Bonne chance avec les bureaucrates !!
I was just in France for two weeks, and had hoped I might have a “brush with fame” but alas, I did not spot you on a bench in the Louvre or by the Medici fountain. I did, however, get to see why you love it so much there! Thank you for bringing us a little view each time you share.
Sounds like there’s a French export business ready to happen with those workmen’s jackets.
Merci beaucoup for your fashion updates! I l o v e d them and hope for more.
Thank you for the smile and a little motivation.
I dug my barn coat out of the back of the closet this weekend. Now where did I put that wash away canvas?
Good to hear from Franklin, I have been wondering how he has been. I will look into Knit Stars but my budget is tight
Thanks 🙂 I always read your chronicles here, they’re the best!
Those gloves are going to be amazing (love the color).
PS: It’s “la tête” if the immigration guy is asking you to write it 😉
Thanks for sharing your life adventures!
Just be careful of bringing your knitting bag with project into bureaucratic spaces! I had a hat on circular needles when I went into a Kansas social security office a while back, and the guard inspected purse and bag, and said “Ma’am, you can’t have these crochet spikes in here” …so I knit out in the car till it was my turn at the window : )
I love your missives and clever updates! Be well, be encouraged, know that you are so loved☺️☮️
“because focus is a planet I admire from a distance but shall never, ever reach”
Merci mon ami, Franklin, for summing up my life in one exquisite sentence.
Wow, four years, time does fly. I love your embroidery, that is my next rabbit hole. I always love reading your letters. They always brighten my day.
Merci beaucoup Franklin!
It get it on the picking up the cleaning. I really do. But one of my favorite pictures is of Kaffe sitting amongst all the things he has designed. The room looked pleasantly overstuffed with all the making things and all the things made. When I see a spic and span makers space, I know it’s been staged somehow. I lean on the fact that studies show we are more creative in a place with Stuff out all over than one that is spare and clean. Please, dust every inch of your studio, but leave out all your making things!
Naming of body parts? Oooh, check out Shakespeare’s Henry V, Act 3, Scene 4 where the French Katherine is trying to learn the English words for body parts. It’s in French, with great wordplay using the French pronunciation of English words. Bawdy, and hilarious. Franklin, I think you’d love it! And maybe find it of some use at your appointment?
De bilbow, madame.
Branagh’s Henry V came out when I was in college, and I went to see it three nights in a row with friends who were also big Shakespeare nerds. 🙂
A perfect way to start my morning. I so enjoy glimpses of Paris through Franklin’s eyes.
Cher Franklin,
go get yourself another jacket. Then you can embroider Napoleon on the back of the one you have and still have something to wear! And everyone should have gloves, unless they need mittens! Now being the perfect time to make them. My favourite travel project is socks, TAAT, toe up. Does wonders for when the wheels fall off the public transport system (never literally – so far) but great for maintaining my sang froid.
Strikes me that France has a different reaction to Immigrants than several other countries I could name – the one(s) north across La Manche for starters!
& the body parts, it’s a loooong time since I did French, but surely, “L’oreille autre”?
“Autre” comes before the noun.
J’ai besoin d’une autre aiguille car le chat a mangé le point de celle-çi.
I need another needle because the cat ate the point off this one.
Please, please, please release some of your older YouTube vlogs!
I love the tidbits of your French life. And, I have a very plan jacket (blue) that needs some embroidery, thank you for the idea!
Kathleen
Monsieur, your missives warm my heart. I have wanted to visit Paris since my school days studying the language and dreaming about visiting the country of my ancestors, but have never had the financial wherewithal. However, each time a M. Habit bon mot appears I feel a tiny connection to a place I have never been.
Merci beaucoup.
My daughter is moving to France this fall to teach English at a secondary school somewhere in the country (she’s hoping for Limoges, but that’s not settled yet). Thank you for telling us about the French work jacket, Franklin! Lily is a dedicated thrifter, so I am certain that she will go on the hunt for one of the denim jackets! I think she’ll also love embellishing it with embroidery too!