Have I set an earworm for you? Joni Mitchell or Judy Collins? Read to the bottom for a giveaway opportunity!
My Both Sides Now shawl pattern is on the cover of the new book, Yarn Over: Brioche Knits from Knit Picks! I’m really pleased.
Both Sides Now is a brioche half pi shawl. Both the “right side” and “wrong side” look good. The cover photo is what I think of as the wrong side. The second photo above is what I consider the right side.
My blue version has contrastier colors, so the lower section really pops, and looks like veined leaves. On this side, my right side, the twigs point downward.
But the back side of it is pretty awesome, too. The twigs point upwards on this side, just like on the book cover. The upper section doesn’t show as leaves quite as much, though. I love that you can wear it either way, according to your mood.
Oh! I have TWO patterns in this book; the other is my Window Pane Scarf. It was my first foray into syncopated brioche; I was going to use it as a teaching piece but then I had the opportunity to use it here. So I designed Hopscotch for my teaching piece, and Syncopation after that.
But I love this, too, and it would be a great learning piece for syncopated brioche!
The Yarn Over: Brioche Knits ebook has simple and complex projects in a variety of yarn weights. There’s something for everyone, from beginner to expert.
To celebrate these new designs, I’m giving away two copies of the Yarn Over: Brioche Knits ebook. One will go to a commenter on this post, and the other will go to a PDXKnitterati newsletter subscriber. I’ll be drawing a name on or around January 12. Good luck!
PDXKnitterati 
Beautiful-makes me want to learn brioche!
Just fabulous! I adore brioche and its squishiness. Your designs are breathtaking!
Congrats on the cover! That is a lovely pair of patterns. I’m not up to a whole half pi shawl of brioche yet, but one day!
You think you’re not ready, and then it sneaks up on you!
I’m pretty chuffed about the cover!
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I want to go to there
I love Brioche! I’m trying to learn all that I can and try different techniques. I’ve attended a couple of your classes at local yarn stores and you are a great teacher. Your patterns are well written and easy to follow. I like all your patterns.
Congratulations on the cover!
Keep on Knitting!
Thanks, Debbie! I’m having a lot of fun with it, and I’m glad you like my classes and patterns. There will be more, more, more…You keep knitting, too!
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Your work amazes me! Now I’m even more impressed by the beautiful volume of brioche in this shawl. I love it!
Thanks, Marilyn! Brioche knitting has definitely sparked my creativity; I’m really enjoying it!
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Learning Brioche is y knitting goal this year. Love the patterns.
Another great collaboration! Blue or green? Hmm
It’s been so fun watching your creative journey….you continue to master your craft. Thanks for our inspiration.
Awww, thanks; I’m really having fun with it!
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Beautiful designs Michelle. Love them both.
I would love this. Your shawl is gorgeous!
I took a class on brioche and did not enjoy it at all. However, that blue shawl and that scarf are incredibly beautiful. If I could learn to do that I know I would enjoy it! And If I won the book I’m sure I could learn to do it!
My first foray into brioche was not successful either, but I tried it again six months later and can’t stop knitting brioche! That was back in 2017. So you may want to try it again. My free Petite Brioche pattern (see sidebar on blog) is a gentle introduction to 2 color brioche rib in the round. It’s free, so you have nothing to lose! And you’re in the drawing for the book. Cheers!
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Your brioche shawl is absolutely stunning! I fell in love with brioche last year and am well versed in brioche in the round. However, I’m still learning to do brioche flat – I know how, but it seems to take longer. But, your shawl makes me want to dive into it!
Thank you! It does feel like it takes longer to work flat, probably because the end of row is such a meditation breaker. Slide back or turn? What? I have to think? But you get used to it! Knitting in the round just keeps going round and round and round…
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I love it!
Love that shawl! Beautiful pattern.
I’m commenting NOT because of the competition (I always comment – well, since having found you) but because I need to tell you just how GORGEOUS your shawl is ! The scarf is fine; but I’m not a huge fan of the syncopated brioche – does its fascination for you arise from that adjectiive, I wonder ? [grin] – because it lacks the definition of the unsyncopated. Or something.
Anyway, I can see I’ll have to get my hands on that book ! – oh, well done you ! 🙂
You must pick me!!!! 😁 I’ve been looking for a half pi shawl in brioche!! Wouldn’t that be nice and warm?
And that half-arsed comment about the syncopated scarf – well, that was a shot in the foot, alright. 😦
Because the new one is BREATH-TAKING !
Ha! I’m getting to you!
Gorgeous! I’m IN!
This puts a new spin on brioche. Love it.
Both projects are lovely.
Oh, Michele, you have the power to dissolve the sturdiest of New Year’s resolutions … How I could possibly resist this scrumptious brioche shawl, I’ll never know (or want to!)
Congratulations on a pair of super-tempting patterns!
That shawl, tho!!
Gorgeous shawl, and the scarf looks like just the ticket for a first brioche project!
Both beautiful patterns! And that would be a great learning piece for syncopated brioche for sure 🙂
Wow that shawl is mind blowing! I love the veined leaves section especially.
That’s my favorite part, too!
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I love that shawl!
I love both these designs! I will start with the scarf because I have just learned brioche.
Congratulations on your book and to be honored with your gorgeous design on the cover!! Kudos!! So enjoy your classes. Marian is off and running with her Petite Brioche. Cu in February, JoEllen
Yay, a new brioche convert! We’re getting to them!
See you next month!
Congratulations on your book. Your work is incredible and inspiring. Thank you for sharing your talent.
That’s a lovely shawl! I know I’m not up to that level yet either, but I’m really intrigued by the shape.
Thanks for offering a giveaway 🙂
Magnificent! That is a stunning work of art!
Thanks, Wanda!
Michele Sent from my iPhone Please forgive any thumb-typing errors
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I truly love all of your patterns. I can’t wait to knit Both Sides Now.
Would love to feel more comfortable knitting brioche. Have several of
your patterns…just need time.
Desperate to make flat brioche work for me! And I really need to learn how to perform surgery for my brioche mistakes. 😶
Gorgeous designs in a wonderful book, congrats & TY for the chance to win! 💖
I have been in the mood for a brioche project. Your shawl has just made it to the top of my list! Beautiful!
Beautiful and interesting designs!
I love seeing all of the new brioche patterns.
The magic of brioche is mind boggling! Congrats on a stunner of a cover pattern! It’s lovely!
These patterns are so lovely!
I found your blog on another post and was intrigued by your name as I am also in Oregon, but on the coast. This pattern is gorgeous. And clearly you are an artist.
Thank you, Audrey! Watch out for the waves this weekend; full moon and big tides! I love the coast; I organize a Crafty Moms weekend in Rockaway every year. Coming up on 20 years or so now? I can’t even remember!
It looks beautiful and comfy.
I forgot to ask, do you have a photo that shows the reverse side? If so, can you post it please?
The second photo shows the reverse side; see how the first section across her shoulders is light instead of dark? And then the two photos of my blue shawl show the right and wrong (but not really wrong) sides. It’s easier to see with the high contrast blue and white yarn.
I’m about to do another blog post with a close up…
The brioche shawl is stunning. I tried brioche once and will have to try it again. Although maybe I should start with something a little easier and fwork my way up. You are very talented!!
Michelle,
I’m a long-time Dripster and John Erickson fan which led me to your website, and to discover what a master knitter you are. I’ve been knitting for 40 years, but have yet to try brioche.
You’ve inspired me.
Thanks
Kate
Hello fellow Dripster! I’m so glad those morning briefings are continuing; they’re a great way to start the day. If you want to try brioche, may I suggest my Petite Brioche pattern. It’s 2 color brioche in the round, and it’s free on my blog: https://pdxknitterati.com/patterns/petite-brioche/ Cheers!
That shawl is gorgeous!
Pingback: Both Sides Now, backstory | PDXKnitterati
Love all the versions.
This is a beauty. I would love to win!
Congrats on the KnitPicks cover! I was just listening to their podcast talking about the Brioche collection on the way…how fun that you are a headliner! The patterns are magical-I love the textural changes from front to back-all of your hard work paid off-the shawls are gorgeous!
Happy New Year!
The Both Sides Now shawl is gorgeous!!! I have. bought the pattern, and I hope for the YO book😁. Such lovely designs.
And if you knit the pattern, you can do it with linked double knitting!
I am going to have to review that video I made of you or Pamela. But I don’t want to change techniques midstream on the current project. I remember the discussion we had going on FB on why it was slightly different, and I think my brioche knitting has now progressed to the point where I want to figure out why it’s different, and if there’s a way to make it the same…because why not? Knitting is an adventure!
Will I see you at Red Alder next month?
They’re both gorgeous!
I love brioche, and I can’t wait to knit this. I’m going to work the smaller size in DK, and take my chances on the sizing. Beautiful work!
Excellent! I can never remember if bigger yarn means that it will be bigger, or smaller because there’s less yardage. Let me know how it turns out!
Both Sides Now is beautiful. Is the name from Outlander by any chance?
Thank you! Not from Outlander; it’s a song written by Joni Mitchell, released in 1969. I’m more familiar with the version by Judy Collins, released in 1967. Both are lovely!
But I do remember seeing it as a title in the Outlander series, too. That happened much later!
I love that you got the cover!! It’s a gorgeous shawl. I hope that I have enough of my handspun to make it. 🙂
I was pretty thrilled last fall when Stacey told me that I was going to have the cover! I think that’s my second Knit Picks cover; the first was for Merry Knitmas, and my Christmas stockings were on the cover. Woot!
What weight is your handspun? And what yardage do you have? (Although I’m terrible at conversions, so not sure I can help you out there. But maybe this can be your OFFF shawl this next year!)
This is amazing! I am a lover of all things leafy-looking, and have been wanting to start doing some brioche knitting also. Now to just find the time!
“Both Sides Now” looks like a lovely, leafy embrace. I will definitely enjoy knitting this luscious shawl.
Gorgeous! Learning brioche is a goal of mine for 2020.