Emma Welford Designs Let Them Knit Cake eBook

Notes from the designer: "Let Them Knit Cake is a pattern collection exploring the intersection of history and fashion viewed through my personal lens as a knitwear designer, a source of inspiration I've begun to explore recently. Here I turn my focus to Marie Antoinette, the iconic French queen who is remembered by the public at large for her beauty, glamorous style and perceived superficiality. I've interpreted rococo fashion for the modern knitter by examining portraits of Marie in addition to reading accounts of her sartorial choices.

The phrase "let them eat cake" has been falsely attributed to Marie while an agreed upon fallacy in the academic community, pop culture holds tight to the wrongful association regardless. So as a historian-cum-knitting designer, why not use it as the basis for this collection's title. I wanted to play upon our familiarity of the phrase and make a reference to the usage of the terms 'cake' and 'frosting' in the sewing community. 'Cake' refers to basic foundation garments in one's wardrobe (plain tanks, versatile jeans), and 'frosting' means fun, maybe frivolous clothing (party dresses, maribou trimmed nighties). The four pieces shown in this collection appear to be frosting on the surface—due in no small part to the saturated and exhilarating colors of Malabrigo Yarn—but I hope that they will take the place of cake in your hand knit wardrobe, as essential pieces you wear day after day."

Let Them Knit Cake is available as a PDF download and includes the following patterns: Coronation Tank, Fargeon Mitts, Polonaise Cardigan, and The Dauphine's Stockings.