The Story Behind the Ruthie Cardigan: A Legacy Stitched by Hand

At Paneros, every piece begins with a story rooted in craftsmanship, intention, and the belief that clothing should feel deeply personal. The Ruthie Cardigan is no exception. In fact, its story started decades ago, long before Paneros existed, in the quiet rhythm of knitting needles held by our founder’s grandmother, Ruth DeCarli.

Ruth was an avid knitter her entire life. Sweaters, blankets, accessories — if it could be imagined, she could create it. Her skill and dedication were so remarkable that in the 1960s she knitted sweater samples for many of New York City’s leading knitwear brands. Each piece was made by hand, thoughtfully and patiently, the same way she approached everything in her life.

But perhaps her most extraordinary work was a commissioned set of crocheted drapes destined for the White House. Over the course of three years, she crafted them in her living room, each day adding new stitches as the curtains slowly grew into a masterpiece fit for a president. They were later gifted to the sitting president and hung proudly in the White House, a testament to her artistry.

Ruth believed that anything worth making should be made with care. She even had her own labels created: “Hand knit by Ruth DeCarli.” A small but meaningful reminder that handmade things carry the heart of their maker.

Today, her legacy lives on in our Ruthie Cardigan — an elevated, timeless knit inspired by her craft and created to honor the generations of women who have passed down their skills, their creativity, and their quiet devotion to making beautiful things.

The Ruthie Cardigan isn’t just a piece to wear. It’s a piece to treasure — now, and for decades to come.