Dear Friends of The Blue Purl,
Has anyone ever said to you “That’s just how it is, accept it?’
Well, we have a different message: “Just because it feels inevitable, doesn’t mean it is.’’
Ok, so there is not much ground to give with birth, death and taxes.
But we are all masters of our universe, even if it does not feel that way sometimes.
Through all the difficult pain and loss, the pandemic has changed us, and we figure it has changed you, too. Life seemed like it was going at 78 speed. We were rushing here and there. The world, in so many ways, seemed to be heating up. And then… bam. All of humankind was hit with the same existential challenge. Think about that. The ENTIRE WORLD. Did you ever think you’d be living through something like that.
It forced all of us to stop in our tracks. At first, it forced us to confront our limitations and our mortality. But, over time, we all did what humankind does so well at times of adversity, we rallied, we innovated, we (mostly) came together to overcome.
That is how we feel here at The Blue Purl. We are a community of artisans who work with our hands, who believe in focus, dedication and compassion. We thought, oh no, can this shop survive, will we have access to classes, and yarn. That is not a small thing, because it is our passion.
This is not a new message, but it is worth repeating over and over so that the lessons of this difficult year help lead us all into a brighter future together.
Nothing about the last year was inevitable, or carved in stone. It was up to us to find our way through, and we have. There is, finally, light at the end of the tunnel. We hope you feel the optimism in the shop, or online with us as we teach classes, or just get together to talk and create.
We are not there yet, not completely. Even if you are vaccinated, we need to follow best practices and still remain cautious. But this year of change has worked its way into our muscle memory. Yes, there has been much sadness and hardship for too many. But we will be stronger. As individuals and as a community.
So next time someone says, “Accept it, that’s just the way it is,’’ remember. It doesn’t have to be.
It’s up to you.
connect + create
Patty, Wendy & TBP Team
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SEE WHAT WE'RE UP TO! FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM
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Spring hours: Tue. - Fri. 11-4
Saturday 11-3
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6 customers at a time are allowed in the shop for half hour shopping.
- Face masks MUST be worn.
- Phone/facetime/email sales and curbside pickup will continue
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Please limit your in-person visit to 30 minutes when we have others waiting.
- We have 30 min scheduled appointments for shopping. Call us at 973-377-5648 for a scheduled appointment.
- We can NOT offer knitting help/fixing mistakes in the shop at this time due to social distancing guidelines. Thank you for understanding. Call us and we'll try to arrange for help.
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Spring Knit Along- Misurina Sweater |
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We had such a good time in our Winter Knit Along with Tam, she had to start a Spring KAL too.
The Blue Purl Spring KAL will be the Misurina sweater by Caitlin Hunter. It is a short sleeve, light weight pullover, worked best in a hand-dyed fingering weight yarn. This pattern has everything- stranded colorwork, cables, lace, and texture. The sweater is worked top-down, with short row shaping before the colorwork and cables start. The pattern can be modified for a longer body length and you have a choice of 2 textures for the body, purl bumps or eyelet lace.
Now for the yarn- we narrowed down some options for you from the Blue Purl. Most of these can be ordered in sweater quantities, if we don't already have it.
Tam will be in the shop on Fridays to help with color selection if you'd like.
Please note: This is a Knit Along, NOT a class. We are not offering instruction for this intermediate/advance pattern, rather, as a group, we'll meet up weekly to talk about the pattern & offer advice as a group, if needed.
Skills Required for this pattern:
- Cast on, knit, purl, be able to join in the round & bind off
- Experience knitting sweaters, increase, decreases & picking up stitches
- Familiarity & experience with short rows
- Experience with knitting stranded colorwork, cables & lace
- Experience with reading cable, colorwork & lace charts
- Comfort with knitting in the round, small (sleeves) & large (body)
- Be able to fix your own mistakes
When: Tuesdays, 7-8pm, April 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th, via Zoom
Cost: FREE, all yarn must be purchased from the Blue Purl
How: Call or email us to sign up for this Knit Along. We'll send an email out with the zoom link once sign up closes. |
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Another week, another Tosh arrival! Barely out of the box- another shipment from MadelineTosh, this time in worsted weight Vintage and fingering Tosh Merino Light. There's a few new colors in there... a spring colorwork knitalong, anyone? |
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Our latest warm weather arrival is Berroco Pima 100, a worsted weight 100% Pima cotton in 12 colors. We love the unmercerized (think matte finish) tones that knits up with excellent stitch definition in a natural plant fiber. The 100g worsted weight skeins have 219 yards each that work well for your machine-washable blankets, baby/child wear and even summery adult garments. Check out our entire inventory of Pima 100 online or in the shop. |
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Have you had a chance to check out Sandnes Garn Line, a summery cotton, linen & viscose blend in a light worsted/DK weight? We have 16 colors in stock with so many ideas for this yarn from baby garments to adult wear. Make sure to check out this fabulous yarn next time you visit us. We have a swatch knit up and of course, we created a Ravelry bundle of ideas for you to explore. The yarn can also be found online. |
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Celosias is a colorwork-beginner friendly piece, worked top down, seamless with a high-low, split hem. It can be made with short sleeves or long and holds its drape incredibly well with Luma, a wool, cotton, linen and silk blend. Of course, we pulled some of our favorite color combos to show you.
The pattern can be purchased on Ravelry and the yarn is available online or in the shop. |
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Celosias by Jennifer Steingass has been reimagined in a warm weather fiber, Luma by Fibre Co as part of their Star Designers Collection for 2021. |
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Casapinka's latest knit along- the Ann of Green Gables KAL, in the Raspberry Cordial Shawlette just started and runs 3/14-3/28.
This crescent shaped shawlette just screams spring and is perfect for those cool days in April. We have kits set up online and in the shop. The pattern (along with a drink recipe) is available in Ravelry. |
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Spud & Chloe Sweater- Restock |
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Back in stock-spring colors in our versatile Spud & Chloe Sweater. The worsted weight yarn is an easy care blend of superwash wool & cotton, great for children or adults. Find the yarn online or in the store. |
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Classes - 2 New Classes!!! |
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Beginner Class - A Simple Washcloth
LEARN TO KNIT!!!
Date & Zoom Time: April 12, 19, 26,May 3 9:00-10:30 am
Teacher: Keri Samuels
Class fee: $50 + supplies from The Blue Purl
This class will cover the basics of learning to knit. We’ll learn how to cast-on, knit, purl, read a pattern and bind off while making these cotton washcloths. If time permits, we’ll make 2 or 3 different cloths – we’ll see how it goes! Class size is small so we can provide lots of support.
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NEW!! Speed Knitting- Continental Combination |
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Level: Advanced Beginner - Must be comfortable knitting, purling & casting on
Teacher: Carolyn Hanson
Dates: Tuesday April 13
Zoom Time: 6:30-8 PM
Class fee: $25 + supplies from The Blue Purl
Back by popular demand...Calling all throwers! Have you always wanted to learn how to knit continental? Have you ever wanted to increase your knitting speed? Continental Combination is the fastest means of knitting. Your hands never leave the needles.
This technique “picks” the stitches instead of wrapping the yarn around the needle. Believe it or not, purling is easier than knitting. The key to knitting Continental Combination is knitting off of the “leading edge” no matter where it’s presented, either off the front or back of the needle. Never untwist a stitch again! This technique will change how you knit forever! The resulting fabric presents even tension, and with less wear and tear on joints. You will be amazed.
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designer: Elizabeth Smith
Date & Zoom Time: 4- Wednesdays, April 7, 21, 28 May 5 - 9:30-11 AM
Teacher: Liz Bank-Braverman
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner on up
Cost: $50 + supplies from the Blue Purl
Learn: Simple lace, short rows, three needle bind off, picking up stitches
Usher in the Spring with this easily customizable tee. It is worked bottom up with simple lace and flattering shoulder shaping. Add a pop of color to your wardrobe or an easy going neutral.
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Brioche Untangled Scarf - 2 Spots Left
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designer: Black Crow Knits
Date & Zoom Time: 4 Wednesdays. March 24, 31, April 7, 14 - 7-8:30 PM
Teacher: Carolyn Hanson
Skill Level: Intermediate
Cost: $50 + supplies from the Blue Purl
You’ve been asking and we heard you. Brioche is here! This is an introduction to brioche knitting. Brioche is a squishy fabric that uses yo and sl sts to make simple and complicated designs in 1 and 2 colors. We will explore brioche in rows in both a single color and 2 colors using 2 different projects: a simple ear warmer headband (Lissie or Headband with a Twist) and the Brioche Untangled Scarf. All available on Ravelry. You will learn the technique, and how to read a pattern to start you off on your brioche adventure. Intermediate knitters. click on our website for more info on patterns...
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designer: Jenstarknits
Date & Zoom Time: 3 Fridays April 9, 16, 30 - 9- 10:30 AM
Teacher: Keri Samuels
Skill Level: Intermediate
Cost: $35 + supplies from the Blue Purl
This pillow is pretty on both sides and features 2 cables – a simple cable up the sides and a larger diamond cable with bobbles in the center. Techniques include cables, chart reading, making a one-row buttonhole and sewing a simple seam. From the pattern: “This is an envelope style cushion cover inspired by vintage gansey patterns and fields of sheep, which are represented by the flowing diamonds and small bobbles in the design.”
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Crochet Bombing - there's a TED talk on that... |
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We were passed an image last week - on International Women's Day.LA based Crochet Artist London Kaye had crochet bombed the side of a building with a 20 X 40 ft. crocheted mural of VP Kamala Harris.150 people across the US made 1 square each and then they were connected into the colorful billboard.
Yarn or Crochet bombing is the term used for many of these public displays of yarned over things . You've probably seen public bike racks, poles, or trees yarn bombed- (not healthy for the trees!). It's usually crocheted because of the speed and flexibility of the form. It's easy to crochet around an object.
And, as in most things, there is a TED talk on it (it's only 5 minutes) by the woman who has been tagged as the "inventor" the "Patient 0" of the trend :). check it out!
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Cindy made this gorgeous Caribou Hills Pullover by Caitlin Hunter. The mYak Tibetan Cloud is perfect for the Alaskan sunset this design was inspired by. Love it Cindy! |
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Susan was finally able to see her new granddaughter recently...AND... wrap her up in the Four Color Log Cabin Baby Blanket " I finally finished!!!" Knitted with Berroco Vintage during the Log Cabin Blanket class.... (if you have time to come in today and want to take this class - you can - it begins again tonight. call us! There is some room) So very perfect Susan!
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Tam ran a wonderful KAL this past month - we all made the Hard Cider pullover by Thea Colman. This sweater is top down with a nice lace pattern at the bottom (inset) and a neckline with different options - the best was hanging out weekly on zoom chatting with Tam guiding us through to get our sweaters finished! Tam used Jill Draper Makes Stuff - Kingston DK. Awesome Tam - |
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Linda made the Traveling Cable Sweater from the Fibre Co, and used their beautiful Cumbria Fingering. This classic pullover has a sweet traveling cable running up from the bottom - Another inset :) - Lovely Linda!! |
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Sue made Stephen West's Winter Lights Shawl - IT IS STUNNING! She used Mad Tosh and Lichen and Lace. This is a 4 color semi-circular pattern. The slip-stitch rays work down to a honeycomb, then wavy borders. A fun knit - and gorgeous Sue!! |
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Dino's all over this hat!!! |
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Kathie m ade the Dino Hat by Sari Nordlund. It has T-Rex, Triceratops and Brachiosaurus, This is knitted in Marianated's HT. What kid wouldn't LOVE this! Thanks for sharing Kathie! Love it! |
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Barbara made the very sweet Little Moments Baby Blanket by Fifty Four Ten Studio (they have great blankets). Made in Vintage Chunky, this cute blanket has an easy 6 stitch repeat that makes this simple, elegant texture. So pretty Barbara! |
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Fran made this triangular Isabell Kraemer shawl - Mellow Sun, in Plymouth Homestead. The pattern has lattice, some bobbles, and a 3 X 1 rib.Lovely Fran! |
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