When the world feels full of tragedy and chaos knitting can be some respite. It is a form of bilateral stimulation (using both hands works both sides of the brain) and bilateral stimulation has been shown to help with anxiety and processing trauma. Today’s knitting is a two-color brioche project. This little darling is called Sweetfern, and it can be found in the most recent issue of Pompom.
When I flipped through this magazine at my LYS I knew I had found the project that was a push to learn two-color brioche. It’s not difficult, though I tried to start the thinking part of this pattern around 11:00 pm last night after a round of karaoke involving a couple of cocktails. Thursdays are wild, ok. Needless to say, this did not go over so well. The pattern made little sense to my vodka-soda addled brain and I moved on to simpler pastures. 
Luckily my 100% sober brain took no issue with the instructions this morning and I was off and running. This pattern is super simple once you get into it. Until the crown decrease I only really have to pay attention 12.5% of the time.
I decided to go with the recommended yarn, Neighborhood Fiber Co.’s Rustic Fingering. I used the colors Reservoir Hill (the darker one) and Columbus Circle. I’ve never worked with this yarn before and so far it’s just lovely. It feels strong for a single ply and the stitches really pop.
This pattern is so pretty and addictive, I already ordered two more colors of Rustic Fingering, and yardage allowing, I’ll make several hats. My only gripe with this pattern is that there is no yardage estimate provided along with the yarn requirements. That’s a nice feature.
Back to the brioche!
Thanks for the science behind self-soothing by knitting, Cassie, Here in New Zealand we’re reeling from yesterday’s events – and yes, I’m knitting.
My heart goes out to you all. It’s fucking horrific.
It’s a lovely hat and I agree with at least two of your statements. Actual yardage used is a lovely note on a pattern. Knitting helps when the mind has to deal with horror. Which seems to be happening everywhere these days.
You’re using pretty colors.
Knitting and crocheting was something that helped me so very much when dealing with anxiety. I don’t do it often anymore but when I do I always find myself feeling much more grounded and calm. I never really thought about how it uses both sides of the brain, thank you for sharing!
My blood pressure and other numbers I must monitor are always in their best range when I’m knitting or crocheting. So, whereas I genuinely love both crafts, I also use them strategically. 🙂 Nice post, lovely work!
I love this pattern and it seems like an easy way to learn brioche. (I’ve been avoiding it, thinking it would be too hard). Love the colors you chose!
Ooh that’s why knitting is calming…I’ve been using it to combat my anxiety since before I knew I had anxiety. Thanks for sharing why it works so well! Can’t wait to see your sweater progress 🙂