Surrounding the sleepy, peaceful Loire river is the valley Province of Anjou. This region is one of the outstanding examples of the Renaissance influence in France. Here, in this fertile valley, with its appealing climate, were built the majestic palaces of the royal and the rich.
Long before the Riviera became the playground for the wealthy, Italian artists, architects, and craftsmen had been persuaded to create magnificent castles such as Azay-le-Rideau. Kings and noblemen of the Renaissance era competed with each other at unbelievable expense to construct edifices of gasping beauty.
Today, Anjou is a gentle, hospitable farm country which welcomes sightseers who come to behold the artistic achievements of the past. Angers, the capital, is a gay city located in the heart of an area scattered with tiny hamlets and small farms.
But, Anjou can boast of diversified interests. Le Mans has won fame for delicious poultry sold in its prosperous markets. Vineyards produce a delicious and unique sweet white wine. Slate quarries have been responsible for the development of an important industry.
The traditional costume of Anjou predominates in blue and white, suggesting the friendliness of its people.
INSTRUCTIONS ANJOU
MATERIALS: D•M•C Pearl Cotton, Art. 116D, Size 5: 4 balls Med. Sevres No. 798, ½ ball Red No. 350, ½ ball Steel Grey No. 414, ½ ball Silver Grey No. 415, ½ ball White.
D•M•C Pearl Cotton, Art. 116D, Size 8: ½ ball Black No. 310, ½ ball White.
Steel Crochet Hooks, Size 5 and Size 8.
SKIRT: The skirt is worked in one piece with a seam in the back. Starting at waist with Blue and Size 5 hook, ch 50. Work 4 rows of sc. Row 5: Work ch-3 and 1 sc going into every other stitch. Row 6: Work shell-stitch by working 3 dc (1 shell) in every ch-3 loop of previous row — ch 1 between each shell. Rows 7 through 10: Same as row 6 placing the shell in the ch-1 space of previous row. Row 11: Increase 4 times by working 4 extra shells evenly spaced across row. Rows 12 and 13: Work in sc going into every stitch. Row 14: Work 1 shell in every other stitch — ch 1 between each shell. Continue to work in shell-stitch until there are 23 rows in all (or until skirt measures about 4½") increasing 1 shell every 6th shell on Rows 18 and 22. Sew seam matching the patterns and leaving a 2" opening at top. Close with a snap.
WAIST: The waist is worked in one piece with an opening in the back. With Blue and Size 5 hook, ch 48. Work shell-stitch as for skirt placing a shell in every 3rd ch. Rows 2 through 7: Work in shell-stitch placing a shell in the ch-1 space of previous row. The waist is now worked in 4-sections as follows: For right front, starting from center, work 2 rows of 3 shells — be careful to keep edges straight. On next row, leave off 1 shell at neck edge then work 5 more rows. Work other front to correspond. For one half of back, work across 4 shells starting at back opening. When there are 11 rows, leave off 2 shells at neck edge, then work 3 more rows. Sew shoulder seams. For sleeves, ch 21. Row 1: Work 7 shells across ch. Work 9 more rows increasing 1 shell at each end on Rows 5 and 10. Row 11: Leave off 1 shell at each side. Row 12: Work 11 shells across the entire edge. Sew seams and set in sleeves. Make a tiny cord and lace it in front as shown. Close back with snaps.
APRON: The apron is worked lengthwise in two shades of Grey. With Grey No. 415 and Size 5 hook, ch 30. Work 1 row of dc then change to Grey No. 414 and work 1 row of sc. Continue to alternate the two stripes until there are 25 rows in all — always break thread at end of each row. Run in ends; make a hem at bottom. For waistband, with Grey No. 415, ch 90. Work 2 rows of sc. Gather apron slightly and sew to the center 20 sts of waistband.
BONNET: For front section, with White (Size 8) and Size 8 hook, ch 75. Work 4 rows of dc. With Black, work 2 rows of sc; with White, work 2 rows of dc; with Black, work 2 rows of sc. Work 1 row of dc in White; leave off 7 sts at each side then work 6 more rows of White placing 2 sts in center of each row to form a small point. For back panel, with White, ch 14. Work 8 rows of sc increasing at each end of every other row. Continue to work on the 22 sts decreasing 2 sts at each end of every row until 2 sts remain. Sew the crown to straight edge of front section and finish in back with 1 row of sc gathering slightly. To give a triangular shape to the front, turn under 2 rows for a hem and insert a thin wire.
SHAWL: With White (Size 5) and Size 5 hook, ch 57. Work 1 row of sc. Row 2: Work 2 slip-sts, 2 sc, 12 hdc, 3 dc, 2 dc in next stitch, 17 dc, 2 dc in next stitch, 3 dc, 12 hdc, 2 sc, 2 slip-sts. Rows 3 through 7: Work in the same manner placing increases directly over increases in previous row. Work 2 rows each of sc in Blue and White around outside edge. Embroider tiny daisies, as shown, with 5 petals in Red and 5 in Blue. Make a French knot in Blue at center of each flower. Draw a thread along inside edge of shawl and gather to desired length.