Dear Friends of The Blue Purl,
There are three words that come to mind this week:
- Community: A feeling of fellowship with others as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests and goals.
- Optimism: hopefulness and confidence about the future or the successful outcome of something.
- Spring: Move or jump suddenly upward or forward. (Our favorite season.)
While so many around us focus on the hubbub of the day, we have come to deeply appreciate where we are as a community, that is of like-minded friends who are optimistic and forward looking. Everything we do, every stitch, every mistake and success, moves us toward our goals: getting better at our craft and creating something lasting and beautiful.
At the Blue Purl we really do try to embody these values and give you all a place to come that feels safe, fun and nurturing.
One way we do that is by offering classes. In our last newsletter, we compared knitting to gardening – a perhaps too obvious metaphor – and ended by saying "Let’s get our hands dirty, together." Today we are rolling out our spring classes and hope you find something to dig in to.
We have such a powerhouse roster of instructors. Keri is teaching Andrea Mowry's new Moonwake Cowl and her Shift (back by popular demand.) Yiba & Sheila are teaching beginning classes. Liz has the elegant Slope tank by Shellie Anderson and a shawl that a beginner can make to up their skills. ChiWei is joining us (welcome!) with corner to corner crochet, Carolyn is tackling basic knitted socks (should be a breeze after the Fiesta Feet :) and bringing back the Japanese Knot Bag. Yiba is also teaching a cabled hat for all you who have just started knitting and need to make the next move.
There are 12 new classes, which we hope offers something for everyone.
Spring is around the corner. That is always a time of optimism, as trees bud and flowers begin to bloom. But those of us who work with our hands know that we don’t have to wait. Community, Optimism and Spring (as in moving forward) is right here right now.
Please join us at The Blue Purl
connect + create
Patty & Wendy
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BYOB - This is good for all of us....
"
Effective March 1, ordinances banning single-use plastic bags at retail establishments in Madison take effect. In addition to prohibiting the use of plastic bags, borough officials will be regulating the use of paper bags by retail establishments. Paper bags will be available upon request for 10 cents per bag."
...so please bring your own bag!
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Look what our wonderful Carla worked up knowing that this day was coming! It's
Summer Fling a free pattern from Espace Tricot in one skein each of Sesame and Creative Linen. Thanks for thinking ahead Carla - it's very cool!
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HOW TO SIGN UP: To sign up for a class please call the shop,
973-377-5648
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info@thebluepurl.com| or just come in - we always love to see you!
If classes are sold out you can leave your name on a waiting list. After approval (to make sure the class is not full,) we will send you a link where you can pay by PayPal or please come in before the start of class. Classes must be paid up to 72 hours before they begin - or if canceling up to 72 hours for refund.
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Beginner Knitting - 2 sessions
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Beginner knitting project - Felted change purse
Level:
Beginner 1 (no previous experience required)
Instructors:
Yiba Ng (Tuesday) Sheila Mulhern (Sunday)
Class dates: Tuesday sessions: May 5, 12, 19, 26 - Class time - 9-10:30am
Sunday sessions: April 19, 26, May 3, 17 Class time 4-5:30 PM
Cost: $75 + supplies from The Blue Purl
Are you a beginner who's never knitted a stitch but wants to join in the fun? In this four session class you'll learn the basics of knitting, purling, casting on and binding off, increasing and decreasing, and more, all while creating a simple change purse.
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Level:
Advanced Beginner: need to know how to cast on, knit & purl
Instructor:
Liz Braverman
Class dates:
Monday’s, April 20, May 4 and 11
Time:
2:00-3:30 PM
Cost:
$60 + supplies from The Blue Purl
Techniques:
Asymmetrical shawl shaping, stripes, k2tog, kfbf, Picot bind off
Chasing Blizzard is a lovely warm weather asymmetrical scarf/shawl will keep your interest as you move through garter stitch, stripes, mesh lace and finally, a Picot bind off. Add a saturated pop of color at the bottom for the fun of it!
Supplies: 2 skeins contrasting Fingering weight yarn or approximately 700 yds. Sport/DK. Additional yardage for “pop”.
US #4 (32”) or #5 (if a tight knitter)- gauge ~ 6.5 sts/inch
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Level: Intermediate Beginner: need to know how to cast on, knit & purl
Instructor: Yiba Ng
Class dates: Mondays April 6,13, 20
Time: 9-10:30 AM
Cost: $60 + s
upplies from The Blue Purl
Techniques:
Knitting continuously in the round in a small circumference and decreasing. Cables
This is a perfect beginner project. After taking the first class and feeling comfortable to venture on. This is i
t! "
This hat is a beautiful blend of cables and stockinette with just the right amount of slouch
."
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Baby Crofter Sweater
Level: Advanced Beginner
Instructor: Keri Samuels
Class dates: Wednesday's April 8, 22 and May 6
Time: 9-10:30 AM
Pattern: Available in the shop - Sirdar #377
Cost: $60 + supplies from The Blue Purl
This adorable little sweater is a shawl-collared pullover that is sized for baby,
toddler, and child. The yarn used is called Crofter by Sirdar. The yarn has
been dyed to give a fair isle look while requiring only simple stockinette.
The sweater is a pullover but the shawl collar allows for easy on and off over the
child’s head.
Techniques: The sweater is made in pieces and seamed, so in this class you will
learn traditional pieced sweater construction. You’ll learn how to read a pattern -
shape armholes, shoulders and sleeves and create a separate collar. There will be seaming instructions as well!
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Fixing Mistakes - Tech Class
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Fixing Mistakes
Level: Advanced Beginner on UP! : need to know how to cast on, knit & purl
Instructor: Keri Samuels
Class date: Wednesday April 15
Time: 9-11 AM
Cost: $
25
Everybody makes mistakes in their knitting!! The trick is to learn how to fix
them! And, since they always seem to happen at a time when you can’t run over
to The Blue Purl to get help, this class will enable you to recognize and fix many
common mistakes. Some of the mistakes we’ll cover are picking up dropped
stitches, changing purls into knits and knits into purls, ripping back rows (and
inches) of knitting and recognizing when a mistake has been made. You will need
to bring several knitted swatches to class.
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Slope (tank) by Shellie Anderson
Level: Intermediate
Instructor: Liz Braverman
Class dates: Friday, March 27, April 17, 24 and May 1
Time:
9-10:30 AM
Cos
t: $75 + supplies from The Blue Purl
Techniques: German Twisted Cast On, W&T Short Rows, Sloped Bind Off, Bind off in the center of a row, 3 Needle Bind Off
Knit in Shibui Twig you will have a versatile tank top (vest) to add to your wardrobe. Learn some handy techniques that you will be able to apply to your future sweater knitting.
Supplies: Shibui Twig, Cascade Roslyn
US #3 (24” or 32”)
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Corner to Corner Crochet (aka) C2C
Level: Intermediate. Student should have a good grasp of basic crochet stitches, and have some experience with changing colors.
Instructor: ChiWei Ranck
Class dates: Thursdays April 23, 30 and May 7
Time: 9:30 - 11 AM
Pattern: Student can choose to work on an existing pattern on
ChiWei's website A few patterns are pictured above.
Cost: $60 + supplies from The Blue Purl
Description: Maybe you’ve heard the term corner to corner crochet but have never quite understood what it really means. Come see what corner to corner crochet is all about! Learn how to increase, decrease, change colors, and even design your own corner to corner project!
Techniques:
General overview of corner to corner crochet and optional variations, Starting a project, Increasing & Decreasing, Understanding a pattern, Designing on your own using graph paper, Changing colors and using bobbins. Reading ahead to map out color changes, Weaving in
Supplies: DK or worsted weight yarn, Appropriate crochet hook for yarn, graph paper, color pencils, scissors, tapestry needles
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Basic Cuff Down Socks
Level:
Advanced Beginner: need to know how to cast on, knit & purl
Instructor:
Carolyn Hanson
Class dates:
Thursday's April 16, 23, 30
Time:
7-9 PM
Pattern: provided by instructor
Cost:
$75 + supplies from The Blue Purl
There is nothing like handmade socks, so toasty, so comfy. Learn to make a basic sock using either double points, one long circular needle or 2 circular needles. Choose a lovely self striping yarn and you’re ready to go.
Techniques:
You will learn to knit in the round, increase, decrease, gusset, and pattern reading, kitchener stitch.
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Moonwake Cowl by Andrea Mowry
Level: Advanced Intermedi
ate: need to be comfortable with colorwork and knitting in round
Instructor: Keri Samuels
Class dates: Saturdays May 2, May 9 knit it up and come back June 27
Time: 9-10:30 AM
Cost: $60 + supplies from The Blue Purl
Techniques: provisional cast-on, colorwork, charts, kitchener stitch
This new pattern by Andrea Mowry is a beautiful moebius cowl that will be fun to
make and easy to wear. It is made with 4 colors but is made in a tube so no ends
to weave in!
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Seaming - 2 sessions
Level: Advanced Beginner or higher! : need to know how to cast on, knit & purl
Instructor: Keri Samuels
Class dates: 2 Wednesdays April 29, May 13
Time: 9-11 AM
Cost: $50
This is a 2-session class that will help you get over the obstacle of seaming. You
will learn several types of seams including sewing stitches to stitches, rows to
rows and stitches to rows. Seaming varies depending on the stitches (garter or
stockinette or seed) and the direction (vertical or horizontal or curved) so we’ll go
over the best seams to use in different situations. Time permitting, we will also
cover specialty seams such as 3-needle bind off and Kitchener stitch. You will
need to bring several knitted swatches to the class.
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The Shift by Andrea Mowry
Level: Intermediate
Instructor: Keri Samuels
Class dates: Wednesday May 6 & 20
Time: 5-7 PM
Cost: $50 + supplies from The Blue Purl
Techniques: Slipstitch, Mosaic color-work, i-cord bind off, bias shaping, simple seam
Andrea Mowry’s Shift patterns have been extremely popular this past year. “A fun and engaging knit with shifting colors, that looks like an asymmetrical triangle shawl” The yarn is color sequenced and needs to be purchased before class begins - we can help!
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Japanese Knot Bag - Crochet
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Japanese Knot Bag by Rick Mondragon
Level: Advanced Beginner - need to know how to single & double crochet
Instructor: Carolyn Hanson
Class dates: May 7, 14, & 21
Time: 7-9 PM
Cost:
$75 + supplies from The Blue Purl
Techniques you will learn include working in the round, making and sewing a handle, pattern reading.
This is a great summer bag. If done in raffia - perfect for the beach! Carolyn makes it a bit bigger than the pattern on ravelry,
Check out
her updates here
.
Carolyn has picked yarn in the shop that will work with the pattern.
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Babette Blanket - Crochet - Still Spaces left
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Babette Blanket by Kathy Merrick
Level: Advanced beginner (must know how to chain, single, half double, double, triple crochet - not a very beginner class)
Instructor: Carolyn Hanson
Dates: Thursdays , March 12,19,26
Time: 7-9 PM
Skills you will learn: crochet a granny square - in the round, color work, follow a pattern, how to seam together
This is one beautiful blanket. Made in sock weight. Check out the many ways it has been done on Ravelry to get some ideas. The pattern has been around for awhile so
this link is helpful to look at hundreds of examples!
Can be as big - or small as you want.
Class fee: $75 + supplies from The Blue Purl & dip into your stash for this baby!
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What's New at The Blue Purl
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Pom Pom 32 is in the house
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Pom Pom Issue 32, their Spring 2020 collection, is inspired by the concept of air! Love the cover photo for so many reasons! Also check out the Aperture wrap by Mara Nicole done in Lichen and Lace!!
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Just received beautiful balls of Noro Tabi yarn. It's sport weight, 412 yards, and 2 are perfect for a the Shift class that Keri is teaching!
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Lichen and Lace is a beautiful hand dyed yarn from Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada (on the way to Prince Edward Island & Nova Scotia) We just received a box of their
100% Wool - Merino - washable - 400 yards
80% Wool - Merino 20% Nylon / Polyamide - washable - 365 yards
100% Wool - Merino Superwash - 200 yards
Come try it out!
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What else is new?! Freia Fine Handpaints Ombré Fingering Shawl Balls & Freia Minikins. Let’s have fun with these beauties.
Tina Whitmore dyes these 430 yards (Minikins are 107) of beautiful yarn in her Berkshires studio.
And we finally took down the winter window!
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Versaci Knits VISITING March 28
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Knit wear designer
Lori Versac
i will be visiting The Blue Purl with a trunk show of her designs on Sat. March 28 - save the date - Her patterns and work will be there all day from 11 on, but come at noon for a sit down and chat.
We picked out these pictures from her page because we love them and shows how beautiful and diverse her work is.
Don't miss this o
pportunity to meet this Jersey based designer!
To celebrate her new
LUMINOUS
Shawl the pattern
is 30% off on Ravelry through Sunday, March 1st! No coupon code needed.
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Two Fibre Co. Trunk Shows!
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The Fibre Company has their Cumbria Fingering Trunk Show and the
One Sweater Trunk Show in the house. There is a beautiful wrap by Nim Teasdale called
Zagonal (rust & blue above - we have a different colorway in the shop), The rust
Long Cardigan above is amazing, as is Melanie Berg's
Tamdou wrap.
There are many examples for One sweater which is designed for toddlers, men, women - ALL - the pattern is both available in
Worsted and
DK weight.
There are hats, and mitts, other sweaters and shawls - COME IN!
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Isn't this an awesome picture! It's the Heart Mitten class that Keri taught! Love those mitts! Love love love you all!
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Lynn made these little puppies to send to all her daughters' friends at the University of Wisconsin! Super mom or what?! They are the Toasty Ankle Socks by Juliet McDonnell <3 <3 - Lynn, you will be beloved!
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Noelle's
Guernsey Wrap by Jared Flood is gorgeous. We think it would look awesome in Lichen and Lace Rosewood!
Beautiful Noelle!
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Mindy made this beautiful Stephen West
Slumber Shawl in Malabrigo Rios. This is stylin Mindy! Love it!
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Cherie made a customized
Getting Warmer poncho/cowl by Espace Tricot in Trendsetter Icon. It's neck is different and has a lot more length. Love your version Cherie. You're rockin it!
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We are going to miss the Saturday
Maple Sweater busy bees. Boy did they work! It was so impressive how much learning and patience that was poured into those Saturday classes. BRAVO gals! Keep it going. Rhinebeck sweaters baby!!
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The Blue Purl is now a Drop Off Point for Hat Not Hate
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"Hat Not Hate is an anti-bullying campaign.
We ask knitters and crocheters to make handmade
blue hats
and donate them to our cause. In October, National Bullying Prevention Month, we distribute the hats to schools across the country for students to wear, empowering them to stand up to bullying."
The delivery date is Aug 1. So drop off whenever...Thanks!
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Bottle Hill Day Collection
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New Hours: Sun. 12-4 •
Mon. 4-8 •
Tues. - Sat. 10-5
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