At this past weekend's Knit-In, I took a class in Brioche knitting. I have long wanted to learn how to do the Brioche Stitch. When Nancy Marchant came out with her beautiful book,
Knitting Brioche, I checked it out of the library and perused it. It is a beautiful book with clear illustrations and directions, but I was still intimidated. So I jumped at the chance to take a half-day class with Elizabeth Prose.
And it was totally worth it. I love YouTube videos as much as anyone, but I still learn best from a teacher who is right there. Elizabeth did a great job, and I was off and running right away. As you can see, we learned to knit in the round, which I love.
She had us start a cowl, and mine was coming along quite well. But then, this morning, I made a mistake and didn't notice for a few rows. It was the kind of mistake that cannot be ignored. Elizabeth had warned us to watch our knitting because it's not easy to fix Brioche mistakes. I decided to frog mine and start again with softer yarn. For practice, I had used Encore, which is a great workhorse yarn. But, I'm very fussy about wool that touches my neck, so I'm going to have to pick up something extra soft. The amazing thing is that I don't have two good contrasting colors in my stash!
I'm linking up with Nicole at
Frontier Dreams.
Brioche is one of those things that scares me too. But I bet having a teacher right there really helps !
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of Brioche knitting before. Very cool!
ReplyDeletePUrple and aqua are a great combination! If you have to really watch the stitches..I bet I'd fail fast! Good luck. It will be brilliant
ReplyDeleteI've been intimidated by brioche as well. I think I have tried a swatch in the past, but did not like how loose and open my stitches look. I could benefit from practice, I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteI am unfamiliar with the Brioche. I'm glad you are taking us on the knit trip with you :)
ReplyDeleteI did a small bit (well many stitches, but only a few inches) of Brioche recently on a Stephen West shawl, it was a great introduction to the technique. I did mess up though and there was no way I could fix it, so I had to rip back a row or two, then it was smooth sailing. It looks very sloppy at first, but then after several rows it looks awesome!
ReplyDeleteI like the colors you chose. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteSounds fun! I love the colours and can't wait to see how it progresses.
ReplyDeleteRight on! Broiche has been on my list to do for a few months. You have motivated me to get going and just try it! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteOh dear you'll have to have a stash enhancement trip! ;) brioche is on my to-do list too.
ReplyDeleteBrioche will be on my attempt when I have a few more years experience list!
ReplyDeleteBrioche is on my wish list too! I am planning on taking a class on it sometime this year, so I'll keep you posted when I do. Good for you for learning a new skill, and I hope you feel better soon!
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