Letters
Letter from Paris: La Vie en Froze
Dear friends,
The grisaille is back with a vengeance. I’ve mentioned it before–the famous, all-pervasive grey of Paris in the fall and winter. It hasn’t been raining as much as it might, but the cold damp has crawled out of the river and into my bones.
Late afternoon along the Canal St-Martin
Whatever resistance to frigid weather I acquired from twenty years in Chicago is gone. The longer I live here, the more I understand why Marcel Proust spent the majority of his days wrapped up in bed and the remainder wrapped up in fur.
Tempting as it sounds, a Proustian lifestyle is beyond my reach. That doesn’t mean, however, that I cannot make precious moments under the duvet as luxe, calme, and volupté* as possible.
To that end, I have at last begun addressing the sorry state of my sleepwear. There comes a time in a man’s life when he must ask himself, “Can I ever be truly happy sleeping in the shattered remains of the free t-shirt that came with my purchase of a bottle of Tommy in 1998?”
For me, the answer is no. You do you.
While I can’t spend all day in bed, I do enjoy lingering there in the morning. I read and scribble until I am forced to acknowledge that there is still no maid around here and nobody is going to bring me breakfast. During those sweet interludes, why should I not try to look elegant?
I don’t know if you’ve shopped for men’s sleepwear lately, but I can tell you that what’s out there on the racks is dire. Are you a latter-day Hugh Hefner in drapey polyester satin? Are you still just a boy at heart, in your fandom hoodie with coordinating sweatpants? Or have you put joy and imagination behind you with an oatmeal cotton two-piece?
Clearly, I was going to have to make my own.
My taste, as you know, is painfully old-fashioned. I found a 1950s pattern for men’s pajamas in my files…too modern. I considered nodding to the Hee-Haw nature of my origins with a set of 19th-century red flannel longjohns, complete with butt flap. But I hate sleeping in pants.
Ultimately, I settled on a nightshirt. Warm and reasonably dressy, yet allows one the freedom to sprawl. Has pleasant associations with such style icons as Ichabod Crane, Scrooge, and Pa Ingalls.
Here’s how it’s going.
The pattern I am working from dates to the 1940s; but given that nightshirt styles had been pretty static for about fifty or sixty years, it works for me.
It’s nearly done. Today I have to run over to Ultramod and get some mother-of-pearl (nacre) buttons for the placket. The full look will also require a nightcap and a wrapping gown. I already have the bowl of gruel and the past full of ghosts.
That’s sewing. What about knitting, you ask?
Yes, of course I’m knitting. I’m always knitting. In fact my bedtime improvement project includes knitting something for my constant bedtime companion. My hot water bottle.
Before moving here, I only knew about hot water bottles from old British novels. Now, I get the appeal. The only thing I hate about my water bottle is the nasty polyester fleece cover that came with it. It looks so horribly medical, feels nasty, and it’s difficult to get on and off.
So I’m knitting a cover for it, in some glorious yarn I bought last month in Lyon at the Knit Eat festival. It’s “Compass,” from the France-based outfit Laine des Îles, a 50/50 mix of Bluefaced Leicester and Polwarth wools.
This stuff is…well…luxe, calme, and volupté. Durable, yet extremely cuddly.**
What you see here looks at a glance like plain stockinette, but it’s actually double knitting. I’m working flat–turning the work at the end of each row–but simultaneously creating two separate layers of fabric. When the work comes off the needles, the layers will open to reveal a pocket for the bottle to slide into. I’ll show you in my next letter.
And, for out-of-bed moments, I’ve finished a new vest to keep my kidneys warm. My Parisian friends are very particular about warm kidneys, and I bow to their experience in this area.
Now, this vest is very simple. I’ve shown you it in bits and pieces before. It was worked bottom-up, in the round, as a stash buster with four different skeins of wool from four different purveyors. The neck and arm openings were created by cutting steeks, and then the shoulders were grafted.
Since I didn’t know how much of any one yarn would be left when it came time to do all the ribbing, I decided to knit on the ribbing at the hem after the body was finished.
Unfortunately, this piece suffered in many ways from my chemo-addled brain. When I thought it was finished, including the ribbing, I put it on and realized it was too long. I’d knit the body to the full desired length, instead of the length minus the length of the ribbing.
What to do? I snipped a thread at the necessary point, and unraveled it until the excess length fell away.
It was not especially difficult, and made me feel mighty powerful.
Then I knit the new ribbing downwards, and now the fit is correct.
And that warms my heart, as well as my kidneys.
Until next month, I hope you are keeping as warm or cool as your hemisphere requires. I wish you comfort, and I wish you peace.
Cordialement,
Franklin
*Luxurious, calm, and sensual, as Mr Baudelaire wrote in Les Fleurs du mal. That means “The Flowers of Evil,” but it’s a much pleasanter collection of poems than you would guess from the title.
**Yes, just like me.
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In HUMID cold weather, hot water bottles are a must, or else your sheets feel absolutely disgusting and damp when you crawl into them. Gorgeous night shirt!
Yes! I always dreamed of living on the Maine coast until I realized that it would be DAMP–cold and DAMP! Ugh. I think I might need a Queen-sized water bottle. Or find one of those sheet warmers to put coals into that dries and warms the bed before getting in.
The key is THREE water bottles, Tamara. One for the feet, one for the lower back, and the third to hug 🙂
Exactement!
What a lovely vest and nightshirt too! Have been in Paris for two weeks and seen very little sun. Visited many playgrounds with our granddaughter. I’m happy I brought gloves and a cowl.
After living in ultra dry Madrid for four years, I moved back to Malta, where the winters are short, and not that cold, but the humidity… Oh.my.god. My first winter, I couldn’t sleep for the cold and damp, with two hot water bottlles, flannel sheets, a down comforter, and cashmere bedsocks. The next day I saw my future love in the window of a store – an electric underblanket, nothing like the ones I knew in the past. Merino wool top, and washable! And the wires don’t poke at all. That was in 2008. Two years ago, I bought my second one. I love it to bits and will never be without one. Highly, but highly recommended. I don’t think I could have remained here without hone. Oh. A couple of cats help too.
Loved every bit of this piece, and am now convinced my husband’s sleepwear requires an upgrade. He’ll find it wrapped in a lovely box under the Christmas tree this year.
What a lovely letter, thank you and I love both the night shirt and especially the top. How on earth did you steek the neckline?
I love your night shirt and the vest and feel the same about sleeping in pj pants. When I was growing up, women wore silky “bed jackets” for sitting in bed. As I wear long gowns for sleeping, reading in bed requires some kind of wrap on my shoulders. You’ve inspired me to find a good pattern for knitting a cozy shawl or bed jacket.
My Milk Run shawl (Cat Wong on Ravelry) is knit with a merino/alpaca/silk yarn and the perfect size for reading or knitting in bed, it reaches my waist in back but just above the elbows on the sides for freedom of movement. Also, unlike many triangular shawls with drafty yarnovers to increase down the back, it uses kfbf (knit front/back/front) which I appreciate.
I had to go look up your shawl. You forgot to mention the gorgeous ruffles on the edge! I’ve gladly added the Milk Run shawl to my library (thank you!) and will have to see what I have in my stash to knit this. It’s be perfect for lazy mornings tucked under warm blankets or stunning paired with a lovely outfit to keep one warm while out.
This is a lovely way to start my week: reading g your column, the best and the sleeping gown loos really good
What a cozy story! The vest fits you perfectly and that nightshirt fabric looks silky soft and the print is perfect. I enjoy your letters from Paris so much!
You are an inspiration. I hope your strength is returning.
Always eagerly await news from Franklin. I so identify with finding refuge in a hot water bottle, or in my case heating pad, to avoid the constant refilling. He makes me laugh and cry. Such a gift of writing he has. Thank you MDK!❤️❤️❤️
You look smashing in your vest.
Trop bien.
Oh My Goodness so much better than Pa Ingalls! So lovely the man and the fashion.
Oh my!! W
Wonderful letter and timely. Having recently had to acknowledge that aging has whittled away at my Maine made cold tolerance, I now have a thick flannel PJ set with robe. (Unsewn, sigh.)
Love your nightshirt, vest, and now believe that it is time for a waterbottle. Are warmed bricks in my future?
Thanks, Franklin!
Love how you write Franklin!
Your vest is wonderful and I appreciate the ribbing striped!
Inspired with the deep V.
Wonderful! Perfect cosy letter to begin the day and week.
Franklin , your skills are inspiring and you look so good in your new vest.
I find people are either pj pants or they are pj gown. The nightshirt is terrific ! I must have pants. Keep warm!
I lived in southern Italy, right on the sea facing Corfu, for almost 30 years and even though the temperatures don’t go down, the humidity killed me. We had a warm house, but an old one, so it has its problems, but I was known to sit inside with a knitted hat on my head. Woolly socks weren’t enough either, because the draft at floor level.
I’ve been in Finland for 10 years now, only visiting Italy-home, and I assure you, it’s less cold. =) Even when it’s -20°C outside, it’s warm inside and the cold is not humid, so you zip up and cover your extremities with wool and you’re good to go. =) Only wind from the sea can make you not want to outside, otherwise it really is a question of clothing, not temperature. But humidity still kicks my ass in Italy. I dress much the same there in March as I do here, and much more inside.
PS. Right now it’s 2°C outside and inside it is 22°C. I have only one radiator on (for the cat) and I sleep with the window slightly ajar.
Loved it, as usual.
Thanks for brightening my day.
Maybe I’ll try steeks..
I absolutely love your nightshirt! And the comments about the gruel and past ghosts. Your vest is simply lovely. I have moved recently and have not been doing much knitting. You have inspired me to get back to my knitting and my sewing.
Thank you, from the grisaille of Southern England. Always so good to read about your clever handiwork and get a little inspiration. I must start some knitting.
Absolutely delightful as always. I could read Franklin all the time.
I feel the same, Lindy! Franklin’s missive was the first thing I read this morning
Always a pleasure reading about your life! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Franklin for warming us all up with your marvelous writing and beautiful projects! Your turn of phrase and sense of humor is much needed here in the U.S., post election Keep feeling better! You look wonderful in your new vest!
I always feel so happy when I see your byline! Glad you are keeping those kidneys warm.
You are winning me over to Team Vest! Execution, fit, and style all awesome. Can’t wait to see what will get paired as a wrap with the nightshirt, too.
What a wonderful post about all of your creative ventures. You and your vest are most handsome!
A bright point to a dreary, windy morning! Much love. Diane
Thank you for sharing your knitting and sewing journeys.
They are inspiring in their simplicity and practicality.
All fiber-y projects are good …love the nightshirt.
Ah, grey Northern Europe. I used to count the sun-less days come winter. But I wasn’t in Paris. Le Sigh
I’m jealous – that vest looks fantastic! However, you forgot a few things to complete the nightshirt’s full look: a chamber candlestick (you probably have several) and bedroom slippers that don’t look like Cookie Monster.
Franklin,
You look so fit and debonair! Happy holidays…
So decadent to have *A Man in Paris*. Thankful for this. As for the duvet, my husband 1000% agrees. His happiest moments during the day is getting into bed at night and being tucked in w/his prized duvet. Love the vest and the nightshirt is lovely…something I would treasure. Sleep well w/sweet dreams. Wishing you good health and peace as well.
Kathy Fisfis
Dry Cold vs. Damp Cold. IS a THING! (Folks laugh…but, it’s true: Manitoba’s -40 does not chill me the same way sw Ontario’s -10 does!)
I second Francesca’s vote for an electric mattress pad – I bought one for my sweetie, and it is DIVINE. Probably need to get one for ME, now!
LOVE the vest and the nightshirt – and that water bottle cover will be fabulous, as well.
Hope your finger heals quickly!! Must now watch yesterday’s replay – as I was giving a Beginner Knitting Lesson yesterday, during the live broadcast!
Hugs and all good wishes from London, Canada!
I made nightshirts for my son until he was 10 and matching ones for my daughter until she was 3….he went in a sleepover and discovered t shirts and trousers and she quit wearing them because her brother quit. But they were fun to make and I am assured fun to wear.best wishes in luxritè ( know that accent is the wrong accent, but it is the best my fingers and sight can do!)
Looking great. Very interesting cast on for the hot water bottle.
Cheers
The vest suits you! And it‘s good to see you looking so healthy and dashing again!
Just love your taste, style, ingenuity and erudition!! Merci beaucoup!!
Thank you so much. your wit and charm is truly appreciated in this your world of ours.
You are looking very svelt these days sir. Love the vest, but cutting knitting still gives me panic attacks. Always enjoy your letters from Paris, my favorite European city. Thank you. Stay well and warm
Thank you for the gorgeous photo of Paris. I remember the grisaille and not getting to see sunlight until practically May that year. People really get creative with hot water bottles. Looking forward to your version.
EVERYTHING about this letter completely delights me. Merci beaucoup! A bientot!
Happy to see you looking so dashing and healthy. A warm cozy thing in bed is one of life’s small pleasures.
An alternative that doesn’t risk springing a wet leak is the barley bag. A rectangular inner bag of sewn muslin, current iterations are about 7 x 15 inches. Fill with uncooked barley so that it is still flexible and a bit floppy. Engineer an outer sleeve of flannel. Mine folds over on itself at the middle like a fancy pillowcase. Insert muslin barley bag into flannel case. Microwave for… An amount of time to be determined by the power of your microwave but start at about 2 and 1/2 minutes. Take it to bed and you can put it on your feet, I have a second one for my belly, you can wrap it around your neck while watching TV. It cools off during the night so you’re not overly hot like with an electric blanket. Plus it’s a size that’s cuddleable and you can pretend it’s a stuffed toy. Flannel in the United States is a wonderful thing; The astronomy professor in my life has two barley bags, one with astronauts on it and one with moons and planets. My bags are pink pigs on one and ice cream cones on the other. Enough said.
Similarly, I made rice bags for this purpose. A bit narrower and longer– maybe 6″ x 18″(?) Muslin, with covers from leftover quilt cottons.
Tres charmant. Merci.
Loved your photo! This is a man living his best life.
I have a beloved nightgown that my mother bought when she was living in Rome in the ’70s or ’80s. The second hand markets were flooded with older, white, heavy-weight cotton gowns. You inspire me to look for older patters to recreate it as beginning to get little holes in multiple places.
Delightful! You had me at “La vie en froze”! When I read “night shirt” an image of Scrooge came to mind, then there it was, right in the text! Naturellemont, the night cap is a given.
Wishing you lots of warm and cozy!
Leaving Denver and moving back to Oregon became a reality last year but I had forgotten how damp cold is different than the desert and I purchased as many flannel nightgowns as possible. Between my dog who is always close and a new WOOL blanket I’m finally warm when I’m out of bed.
I made water bottle covers years ago and never liked the result. I’d love to see your pattern—I’m liking the concept.
Thank you, Franklin. I’m so glad your kidneys are warm. It makes me miss my old Rib Warmers, all worn out from use.
Oh Franklin, you get me! I read this right after purchasing new nightwear for the family. I found a lovely lavender print (as in little bouquets of lavender printed on the fabric) for my daughter and then discovered that there is not much out there for the men! I may have to embroider a pokeball on my son’s set. As usual you’re an inspiration
What a fetching nightshirt. And hot water bottle cover and vest. Talk of warm kidneys brings to mind Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg.
Thank you so very much for your letter. A very cheery note to my day. I love your nightshirt! and the vest! Best wishes for lots of sunny moments to occur this winter and be safe, well and delightfully you.
OMG! I laughed out loud several times while reading this lovely piece. Love your new nightshirt and hot water bottle warmer! Considering making a vest for myself. I could certainly use warm kidneys to ward off the first snowfall here in Calgary, Canada today. ❤️
There was a beautiful shade of yarn called Paris Cobblestones some years ago. A collaboration between Madeline Tosh and La Bien Aimee I think. I loved it
Love that nightshirt!
Having been a sewist before I was a knitter, I appreciate your work on the nightshirt. The topstitching is beautiful. And I love the other projects. I have no idea how you snipped the bottom of the vest and reknit it. It looks perfect. Great stash-buster. Your photos are so good. The photo at the top looks like a painting. I always look forward to you columns. Thank you very much.
Franklin, I. Love. You. You’re a wonderful writer. You engage this reader.
Currently ensconced in New England weather, that seems very much aligned w the dour skies of Paris… sigh, gotta keep our hands busy creating our esthetic, and thank God for that!
What do people do who can’t make stuff?
Thank you Franklin!! I LOVE reading your letters. I want to climb on the bandwagon and say how healthy and happy you look! Your vest is just so incredibly gorgeous! I am always impressed by your creativity! I am so appreciative of your example. Sending sunny thoughts your way!
I always look forward to your letters!
We will, of course, anticipate pictures of you modeling nightshirt, nightcap, and wrapper. You make that vest look SO chic!!
You look wonderful. And your projects.
I adore knitting hot water bottles. I have three in use right now. One for the cat (of course…used to heat his Cat Igloo), one for me, and, of course, a spare.
I love that all you really need to knit one is a gauge swatch. And it’s such a fabulous way to use up a very small, special skein.
p.s. You’d best model the full outfit, M. Habit…please? I cannot wait to see what fabric(s) you use for the wrapper.
Franklin your letters are the sunshine to my cloudy day!
Wow, you look very dapper!
swell
I used to sleep in nightgowns, but they always ended up all bunched up around my hips, leaving my legs bare and cold, even under the blankets. So now I’m wearing flannel pajamas with multicolored cats all over them. I love them. And Russell is jealous. So I thought I would buy some for him. Nope. All the men’s flannel pajamas I can find are solid colors or plaid/tartan or Xmas prints or just the pants or they’re some gross polyester fabric. I just want to buy him some 100% cotton flannel pajamas (top and bottom) in a cute non-Xmas print. Cats, sheep, stars/moons, bicycles, other animals…just something cute. It seems like that shouldn’t be impossible to find.
Try Vermont Country Store catalog or online. They have lots of flannel PJs. And so much more fun stuff to browse through.
You look absolutely handsome.
You are a man of class, elegance and talent.
Happy Holidays,
xodeb
So handsome!!
So happy to read your letters. I’m still smiling.You look so good in your vest, much better than when you first arrived in Paris.
Your new vest looks fabulous on you. Just perfect.
The colors in your vest are everything! And you made it from stash? I imagine those hanks as magnets, they were meant to be together! Super natty!
Oh Franklin, you look GOOD in that vest. So thankful you are well, even in the grey.
Take care,
I love you! It’s the first time I’ve laughed out loud in weeks! A second after my thoughts turned to night caps, you said it. Thanks for your wit, attitude toward life, just being you in general and sharing that with us. Love the vest – the neck detail looks flawless. Take care.
You’re a model for making a silk purse out of a sow’s ear. Take that chilly grimness and add creativity and care and you get the magical result. Inspirational! as I lie recovering from spine surgery far from home. Time to get out my knitting.
Franklin, Hi, I just want you to know I love your writings!!
I’m a casual knitter at best! I always enjoy your unique and inspiring perspective on not just knitting!!
Also, you are looking good, healthy, so wonderful you have come through cancer and enjoying your life and all Paris has to offer!!
Always a joy to read Franklins letters!! Can’t wait for another!
What a fun read. I always enjoy Franklin’s letters.
You handsome devil! That tank top is gorgeous on you. Living in the UK I can totally relate to the grey damp cold you speak of. Reading and knitting in bed is definitely the solution. I say bah humbug to these suggestions of electric blankets though. What you need are a couple of ceramic hot water bottles. Mine were inherited from my great aunt, and came complete with knitted covers already on!
I knit your 1840 Night Cap with a tassel in cotton for my father years ago. I reclaimed it when he passed, and now use it myself some winter nights. One like it should go very well with your new night shirt.
You are, as EZ said, “boss of your knitting”. And the grisaille: we’ve got that in the UK now (I love that there’s a word for it in French.
‘Luxe, Calme et Volupte’ is also the title of a 1904 painting by Henri Matisse, now in the Musee d’Orsay. It’s looked on as the foundation of Fauvism, with its brilliant palette so well suited to the South of France and its coastline. What a warming vision for a Paris winter!
You always make me smile and laugh, Franklin! As one who loves Paris, even when it snows, thank you for staying in touch!
Bon santé,
Bobbi
Wonderful vest, it inspires me to again ask my husband if I can please knit one for him. I have stash to use. I also have a shrug that is too tight and I plan to open the back and add a slim panel of something lacy. The opening part is scary but…. My pj’s are sad mostly remains of other attire.
I love the vest! You look much more handsome with just the mustache. Stay warm, my friend.
Thank you for your enjoyable, funny life in Paris. Wishing you the best
Thank you
Thank you Franklin for such a jolt of coziness! I look forward to seeing the hot water bottle cover, it’s off to a very sophisticated start. Stay warm!
Franklin, cher, you have such a gift for picking colors; you warm my heart. I’m letting my kidneys warm themselves at present.
GREAT vest!!!
a product for bed warming is a microwaveable item from pet store. The brand I use is SnuggleSafe. All my pets have gone away and left me to repurpose their bed warmers for myself. Two of these keep me toasty all night or until I wake up too warm.
Much affection to you.
So delighted to see you here again. Love the night shirt and the steeked in less traditional places vest. I’m on the cliff’s edge to cut open the front of a cardi– still aprehensive about taking the jump! Taking inspiration from your well fitting results. Thanks!
For a really lovely hotwater bottle that will really keep.you warm all night, find an antique ceramic water bottle. I have a small collection from England. They usually have a knob at one end to carry it with and a screw top for the boiling water. I have sewn quilted sacks for them so you can cuddle but not get burned. Of course, and knitted cover would be nice too.
Kate Davies also does a varying line in knitted hot water bottle covers if you want to check via Ravelry. Fair Isle, a specialty. All credit to you. Nightshirt looks like the perfect design.
no shade on the water bottle enthusiasts (as franklin says, you do you) but i got converted to the (washable!) heated mattress pad when living in damp, drafty scotland and have never looked back!
The V on the front of that vest is SO SATISFYING. Also, I laughed at the description of your current sleepwear, being a person who frequently relies on the “shattered remains” of t-shirts for my own sleepwear. À bientôt!
My grandfather (b. 1904) grew up in Pittsburgh, PA and the winters there were pretty cold. He and his brother shared the attic bedroom. His mother would bring her hot iron upstairs before they got into bed and iron their bottom sheet so the bed would be toasty and warm when they got in.
It’s funny, just got the DH a flannel nightshirt for his birthday and he loves it! They make so much sense! Pajama pants always tangle up, don’t they?
Keep warm! So happy for you that you are living in Paris!
I’m delighted to read your wonderful letter, to see the marvelous nightshirt that will make you feel wonderful and admire that gorgeous vest! And the various French words you slip into your letters are so wonderful that even a non-French speaker like me can understand what you saying even before I get to the translations at the end! I would love to visit France someday, even when I know I’ll have a terrible time understanding what people say, but the history, the culture, and the way of life you live there all appeal to me in the greatest way! I hope you have a wonderful holiday season, and that you stay warm in your comfy clothes! And think about making another nightshirt for when you have to do laundry!