I’m joining Kat and friends from some knitting (and unraveling) and reading talk this week.
One of the things I want to learn this year is brioche stitch and so, over the weekend, I started the Purl Soho Classic Brioche Hat using their Cashmere Merino Bloom yarn. And then I ripped it out and started again. And then I ripped it out and started yet again.
By the 4th (or maybe it was the 5th?) attempt I finally got it.
Brioche isn’t complicated but it’s new to me and it took some time for me to be able to read the stitches and understand which row I was on so that I knew whether to brioche-knit or brioche-purl. I still have to watch myself that I don’t get into a rhythm where I default to brioche-knit all the way around but it’s getting better and I’m hoping it’s all forward progress now.
Learning something new isn’t easy but the challenge has been fun for me and now that I (mostly) get it I want to knit all the brioche things.
As for reading, I’m almost finished with The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner. I was very excited when I first heard about this new book a while back but, while it’s a decent story, it’s lacking depth. Entertaining, sure, but there’s just nothing new. Or maybe I’m just experiencing a reading hangover from the last book I read.
And that’s what I’m making and reading this week. I hope you’re creating something you love and reading something wonderful.
“Reading hangover,” ha ha! There are movie hangovers, too, dontcha think?
Have fun with that squishy brioche hat! I’m a bit disappointed that The Lost Apothecary doesn’t have more depth, but sometimes books like that are good palate cleansers. That last book you read kept me up reading until 2:00 am. That never happens to me any more; I just can’t seem to stop reading it.
I have only done the most basic brioche knitting. It is different, for sure. I’m glad you’re sticking with it, though — and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that your hat actually fits when you’re finished! 😉
And my bet is, yes. Reading hangover from your last book for sure. (I started it last night.) XO
I learned brioche from a Craftsy class with Nancy Marchant – you can watch sections over and over and over again – and even in slow motion! It’s fun and challenging – and certainly something completely different in knitting!
I bet that hat is fluffy up your brain cells!
I am looking forward to seeing your hat, Carole. I had a bit of a book hangover from We Begin at the End after I finished it last week. Not a book for everyone, but the characters really spoke to me.
oooh, that hat looks perfectly scrumptious! and what a great way to learn a new technique (I’ll guess you’ll also learn brioche decreases?!) My Libby queue blew up last night and I’m trying to decide what to start next. March has been one of my best reading months ever and I sure hope April continues the trend.
Learning brioche is on my list of goals for 21. 🙂
And what was that mysterious last book???
Cant wait to see the brioche
I’ve had a lot of reading hangovers lately, but I’m going to pretend that’s because books are getting better instead of me getting more sappy.
The Lost Apothecary is in my library queue. I could use a lighter read after all of the deep, intense books that have come my way lately. (I just finished The Divines and How Beautiful We Were. Both great books, but whew.)
It looks wonderful! I’ve never knit Brioche in all my years of knitting either. I love your book recommendations! A number of them have lived on my kindle since the pandemic started. ??
I bow to your burgeoning brioche skills! Go you! That yarn looks delicious – that halo! Don’t you just hate book hangover? But the book that gives you that hangover… well, they are simply the best books ever! 🙂