Carla Mahan Beyerlein of CarlaBeads on etsy posted link on Facebook to a tutorial on Lampwork Etc. of “The Blue Bead” by Sara Kay that is such a lovely bead. It uses cobalt glass, silver foil and clear and the result is just beautiful. It’s a nice recipe and if you don’t have any Kronos glass you can get similar if not better silver glass effects. It is made with silver foil after all. This tutorial makes me want to get on the torch right now and make a blue bead. I’ve got a class I’m teaching this weekend and this might be a great thing to show my students on the second day. Something to think about. Well, if you try the tutorial out send me a picture of your bead so I can post it here.
Have you read?
Book Review: Brioche Knitting Workshop
Brioche knitting is a fun technique that’s relatively easy once you know how it works. It’s been popular for a few years now as a way to make a super squishy, warm knit fabric that looks dramatic even in it’s simple forms but becomes something really unique when you add in shaping and other skills.
Lavanya Patricella is a big fan of brioche and has been teaching the techniques behind it for years. In Brioche Knitting Workshop she brings patterns and techniques for those totally new to brioche knitting as well as those looking to make more intricate projects.
The book covers the basics and notes that the easiest way to learn brioche knitting is working with two colors in the round because you don’t have to move your stitches around as much and working with two colors makes it easier to see what is happening with the stitches. From there you can move on to two color worked flat or a single color. The book includes lots of pictures to help you see all the techniques involved, with both English and continental methods shown.
The patterns are good for a range of skill levels, starting with a two-color in the round cowl with no shaping if you’ve never done brioche knitting before. There are hats in one and two colors, scarves in two colors with and without shaping, cowls with shaping and with two-color garter stitch as a contrast to the brioche, a syncopated shawl, mittens with brioche and garter stitch, a giant poncho and a pair of cozy socks, to name most of the patterns. You can find them all on Ravelry if you want to take a look.
These patterns are fun looking and include detailed instructions so brioche knitters of all skill levels should be able to complete them. Many use bulky yarn so you can finish projects quickly as you gain skills.
This book would be a great one to check out if you’re learning brioche knitting or want to go beyond the basics to some more complex but still totally approachable accessories.
About the book: 128 pages, paperback, 15 patterns. Published 2023 by David & Charles. Suggested retail price $24.99/