Bread and Roses

Bread and Roses Shawl by Korora Knits

What is Being Made

The Bread and Roses Shawl is an elegant, lightweight beaded shawl designed by Korora Knits. Inspired by the Lawrence Textile Workers strike and the worldwide call for suffrage and equality, this shawl pays homage to the historical protest song "Bread and Roses" as performed by Judy Collins. The finished shawl is versatile enough for evening wear while providing warmth and comfort for everyday use.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project incorporates beading techniques to create visual interest and texture. The beads are integrated into the knitted fabric during construction, requiring careful placement and coordination with the knitting process. The combination of knitting with beadwork creates a sophisticated, dimensional finish that enhances the shawl's elegance.

Stitches Used

While specific stitch names are not detailed in the pattern, this project employs fundamental knitting stitches appropriate for shawl construction at the intermediate skill level. The gauge specification of 5 stitches by 9 rows per 1 inch (2.5cm) indicates a delicate, refined fabric suitable for the lightweight final garment.

Materials Required

• Yarn: 2 skeins of Manos del Uruguay Silk Fino in Ivory (70% merino, 30% silk blend; 492 yards per skein; total yardage 800–850 yards or 730–750 meters). This 4-ply weight yarn creates a fine, breathable fabric with excellent drape.
• Beads: Approximately 55 grams or 1,300 Preciosa Czech seed beads in size 6/0, shown in light topaz
• Needles: US size 6 (4mm) knitting needles
• Additional Tools: 1.00mm crochet hook, tapestry needle, and optional stitch markers

Yarn and Fiber Content

The Manos del Uruguay Silk Fino yarn combines 70% merino wool with 30% silk, creating a luxurious blend that is both breathable and warm. This fiber composition contributes to the shawl's signature lightness while maintaining excellent insulating properties. The 4-ply weight ensures a delicate finished fabric with beautiful drape, making the shawl suitable for layering in various seasons and settings.