Hugs and snugness!

In the worlds of both fashion and decor, this winter is all about natural, fluffy materials that provide comfort and reassurance. Soft and warm, they are finding their way into interiors and clothes, with colours ranging from spotless white to super vivid. These natural fibres are more sophisticated than their rustic appearance would let on, incorporating curly wool, alpaca and mohair and bringing ancestral production methods up to date. There is ‘tufting’, for example, a technique that “involves injecting wool into a tensioned fabric using a gun. The ends of the wool are then cut off to create the “fluffy effect”. It’s another way to approach shapes and it’s great to be able to add touches of colour and softness,” explains Claire Baldairon, who recently founded the tufting workshop Atelier Baldé to indulge her new passion. 

Less “cuddly” but equally popular right now is curly wool, which is bringing warmth to sofas, armchairs, rugs, blankets and cushions made by both independent designers and major brands, such as Alinea, The Socialite Family, MX Home, and Balzac Paris X La Redoute Intérieurs. On the fashion side, bouclé wool is very popular, but it is being challenged by lighter wools that are as soft as a cloud. Among them is alpaca, a stretchy, strong and thermoregulating material, which is great for oversized and colourful cardigans or super soft sweaters. Another star material for the winter is mohair. “A wool that is noble, soft and warm all at once,” emphasizes Nathalie Plasse, cofounder of the festival Knit Eat and manager of the ready-to-wear fashion shop Nyack (Lyon 69002). Its weft, which is both dense and diaphanous, lends itself wonderfully to a loose-cut coat or pullover.
When you’ve had your fill of snuggling in a blanket, you can get active and have a go at making something yourself. Knitting kits, as well as tufting and punch needle workshops (a technique similar to embroidery used to make curls) can be found all over the city (see opposite). What better way to spread some warmth and love?

Happy marriage 

© Maison Anje

A two-colour pullover, playing on contrasts and textures with super soft materials: merino, alpaca and mohair. This item, which will bring a warm touch to your winter wardrobe, can be found in the vibrant range designed by Laetitia, founder of the concept-store Gaspard et Simone.

© Atelier Baldé

Inspired creations

Creator of the Lyonnais brand Septembre Papeterie, Claire Baldairon discovered tufting by chance on a training session. She now loves using it to create patterns on cushions, artworks and other wall decorations made of wool. 

Snug as a bug in a rug

© Sophie Charlotte Gaudry

Two years ago, Sophie discovered tufting on social media and instantly fell in love. She taught herself, fascinated by the possibilities of giving volume to her patterns. “It takes a lot of energy, stages and hours of work to make a rug, and I like the relationship between the tool and creation,” she says. All of her rugs are unique and made by her from A to Z. 

Kits

© Virginie Cloporte

Following the success of their “knitting-aperitifs”, the duo behind Knit Eat – Emma and Nathalie – are expanding their offering, organising dedicated festivals several times a year. At their e-shop, you will find a diary of upcoming events and inspired knitting kits. The latest is the “Confluence pullover”, made of French mohair. 

In stitches

© Tinsels

Behind the women’s ready-to-wear fashion brand Tinsels are two partners, Rémi and Julien, who met while studying at the fashion school Esmod. Their range features simple cuts and natural materials, like this sky blue oversized pullover, made of wool and mohair. 

Turning heads

© Chloé Lapeyssonnie

In the ideal wardrobe of Lisa, founder of Bonny, we love this fabulously fluffy sleeveless pullover made of alpaca. 

Flowers with a twist

© Ortans

Céline runs a sewing workshop and is the right hand woman of Johanna, founder of Les Poupées. She created Ortans more than two years ago to give free rein to her creative impulses. Among her most recent work, we love these bunches of flowers made of wool on a wire frame, which come in a sandstone vase, made in collaboration The Way of Dot. 

First steps

© Julie Robert

For almost a decade now, Julie Robert has been exploring, adapting and highlighting ancient techniques like weaving, embroidery, and punch needle, as she shares them through her creations and photographs. As a textiles designer, she makes unique items and personalised artworks, and regularly runs themed creative workshops, particularly in Lyon. Until the next workshop is held, you can read her step-by-step book Atelier Tufting, published by Marabout, to learn how to make cushions, fabric wall coverings, jackets and shopping bags made of wool. 

DIY workshops

Fancy trying your hand at tufting? You can personalise your clothes and create cushions or rugs with the creative designers Zélia Smith (zeliasmith.com) and Philippine Brochier (philippinebro.com) who run dedicated workshops. Or, if you prefer knitting needles, there’s no shortage of choice to develop your skills. Introductory classes and courses available include Le Lyon qui tricote (lelyonquitricote.com), Les Curieux (les-curieux-lyon.com) and Tricool (tricool.fr).