This week we are continuing our journey through Europe and we take a pit stop in France! The French have a rich knitting history, just like some of its surrounding countries. The most interesting part is definitely les Tricoteuses; knitters who would watch executions while knitting peacefully on hats. Interesting image? Take a listen to learn more!

Knitting Patterns mentioned:

- Bonnie Cardigan https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bonnie-27

Our sources:

- Beautiful article about revolutionary knitting in France https://lithub.com/on-the-covert-role-of-knitting-during-the-french-revolution-and-world-war-ii/ 

- Picture of William Lee’s knitting machine can be found here

https://madeupinbritain.uk/Stockings

- Information on natural dyes

https://thebiologist.rsb.org.uk/biologist-features/to-dye-for

- Tricoteuses information https://www.geriwalton.com/tricoteuse-knitting-women-of-the-guillotine/ 

- Tricoteuses informationhttps://timeline.com/tricoteuse-french-revolution-b9887af073f4 

- History of knitting in France (in French) https://textileaddict.me/histoire-du-tricotage-en-france/ 

- Famous picture of les Tricoteuses https://histoire-image.org/etudes/tricoteuses-revolution-francaise 

- Poem about the tricoteuses https://classicalpoets.org/2019/11/09/the-tricoteuses-and-other-poetry-by-frank-l-ludwig/#/ 

- Additional information on the Jacquard loom https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Marie_Jacquard#/media/File:A_la_m%C3%A9moire_de_J.M._Jacquard.jpg 

Spain: 

- http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art306902.asp 

- Pomar, Rosa. Portuguese Knititng. 2013. Specifically the chapter "A History of Knitting", where Spain is mentioned.

Information on sheep breeds (definitely recommend this book for all fiber fanatics!) 

Robson, Deborah & Ekarius, Carol. The Fleece & Fiber Sourcebook. 2011. Over 400 pages of beautiful information! 

An answer to Blair's question about cheviot sheep: Cheviot sheep are actually from England/Scotland! Read more about them here if you're interested: https://breeds.okstate.edu/sheep/cheviot-sheep.html