Dear Friends of The Blue Purl,
One of the biggest surprises we have found about our new lives with The Blue
Purl is how much it is about learning. We have learned so much from all of you, and we hope that we have brought something to the table for you also.
That’s part of our community.
Now we are expanding that circle as we announce our very first Blue Purl Intern.
Her names is Katya, a student at Parsons School of Design and one of the most talented, humble, humorous and kind young people you’ll ever meet. Katya’s life story and remarkable achievements are inspiring, literally the stuff of a television show.
As a child growing up in Cairo, Egypt, where she went to school with Wendy’s children, Katya just didn’t like the clothing available – so she made her own.
She was also a champion high school wrestler but frustrated because no one made uniforms for girls – so she designed and made a singlet for herself & her teammates.
When Katya started at Parsons four years ago, she needed to support herself so she started working as a personal chef. (Yes, she is a killer cook, too) Through that work she met the president of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, hemmed his living room curtains – and then designed and made the dress his wife, Sandra Weiss, wore to the
Met Gala, New York’s swankest fashion event
.
Then she made her dress again, the next year.
Katya has worked on a sheep farm in Martha’s Vineyard, where she learned to shear, and then interned at ByBoore in Amsterdam.
Katya has more recently set her sites as a knitwear designer specializing in wool, from heritage breeds of sheep. In 2019 she was awarded the 2019 Woolmark Scholarship while at Parsons.
And now, her remarkable journey brings her to The Blue Purl in Madison. You might have already met Katya, at the table or she may have helped wound some yarn for you.
She is in Paris now for fashion week (we told you she is remarkable) working with a Brooklyn based modern street wear designer where she knits up funky sweaters on her knitting machine, and crochets some wild headgear.
Katya will be back soon and we are so looking forward to soaking her up, and, perhaps, we have something to teach her, too. You can follow Katya on instagram
@katya.ekimian
We are closing this Monday to observe Martin Luther King Day.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” - MLK
connect + create
Patty & Wendy
off to VKL....
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NEW SHOP HOURS
STARTING NOW!!!
Sunday 12-4 and Monday Evening 4-8 - closed this Monday Jan 20th for MLK Day
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Join in the fun! Email, call or drop in. We always love to see you!
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JUST ADDED!! Claremont Cabled Hat
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Claremont Cabled Hat
Design by Virginia Sattler-Reimer (for Blue Sky)
Instructor:
Yiba Ng
Class Meeting:
February 12 and 26, 9am-11am, Wednesdays only
Experience Level:
Intermediate
Skills:
Knitting continuously in the round in a small circumference and decreasing.
Supplies:
-Blue Sky Woolstok, 2 hanks or any worsted weight yarn, approximately 160 yds
-US 6 needles, 16 inch circular
-US 7 needles, 16 inch circular
-US 7 needles, 24 inch circular
Notions: stitch markers, cable needle, tapestry needle
Have you mastered the basics of knitting and are ready to expand your skill set? In this hat class, we will guide you through the pattern, as well as work from charts. In addition, instead of the traditional method of decreasing using double pointed needles (dpns), we will show you how to manage decreases using two circular needles.
(new pattern available next week)
Cost: $50 + supplies from Blue Purl
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Level: Advanced Beginner
Instructor: Keri Samuels
Dates: Feb. 25, March 3 (March 10 as snow date)
Time: 9-10:30
This pretty cowl is the perfect project if you’re looking for a quick little neck warmer made in thicker yarn. It only requires 130 yds. of chunky weight yarn and could be the project that introduces you to knitting in the round and making lace.
From the pattern: “Knit in the round, Sasha starts and ends with a bit of simple garter stitch. The easy lace pattern in the center reminds us of Gothic arches.” Pattern is both written and charted.”
Techniques include: knitting in round on a circular needle, chart reading and learning yarnovers and decreases to make a simple lace pattern.
cost: $40 + supplies from Blue Purl
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Tunisian Crochet
Level: Advanced, Beginner - must know how to chain, single crochet and double crochet
Teacher: Carolyn Hanson
Dates: 3 Thursdays - Feb. 6, 20 27; 7-9 PM
Learn Tunisian crochet! Tunisian crochet uses a different technique from regular crochet and uses a long shafted hook. Carolyn will teach us different stitches to make blocks which can be made into a scarf, pillow, or continue on to make a throw.
We’ll be using worsted yarn and a J Tunisian hook.
Class fee: $75 + supplies from Blue Purl
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The Weekender designed by Andrea Mowry
Level: Advanced intermediate
Instructor: Liz Braverman
Dates: Mondays, Feb. 10, 24, March 2, 9
Time: 10-11:30 AM
This is a versatile bottom up pullover with positive ease. Will be a great sweater you will go to over and over again. Techniques you will learn: slipped stitches, ribbing, working inside out, picking up stitches, short rows, dropped shoulder.
From the designer:
I combined my favorite attributes - texture, faux seams, drop shoulder, and some positive ease to create this versatile, flattering sweater! No matter your body type, it is perfect for wearing to the office or out on your weekend hike in the woods.
Cost: $75 + supplies from Blue Purl
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Golf Club Covers
Level: Intermediate
Golf Club Covers by Keri Samuels
Dates:
Tuesdays, Feb. 18, 25 March 3, 10 - 5 - 6:30pm
Pattern- will be provided
Teacher: Keri Samuels
These golf covers are great for your set of clubs or a fantastic gift for the golfers in your life. Choose your favorite colors.
Techniques: Different stitch patterns, each club is a bit different so there is a new stitch to learn, also, working on 2 circular needles, knitting in round, simple color-work, increasing/decreasing.
Class fee: $75 + supplies from Blue Purl
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Churchmouse: Easy Striped Triangle Scarf Using
Rowan Softyak DK
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We love Churchmouse designs and this one is right up there. The
Easy Striped Triangle Scarf, it's elegant, with many tying variations. Great breezy scarf - free pattern
here on their website. We have the Rowan!
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Just wanted to let you know we added more to the sale area. Cleaning shelf space for incoming :)
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We love you guys. You are the best when there is a need for knitting. The birds nests and joey pouches are spectacular. First batch is off. Merly thanks for posing with yours!!
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Janet made this cozy
Flurries in the Wind by Alexandre Tavel with Plymouth Homestead. Love it Janet!
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New crocheters are at it with Carolyn in the Thursday night class. Keep at it - repetition is everything! It will happen.
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And they're off. Keri's
Marie Wallen Maple Sweater class is underway! Bobbins are flying everywhere. Love these brave knitters taking on this beautiful sweater!
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I love Jean's ribbing, bobbins, and instructions. God Speed all you Maple Sweater Knitters!
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I love the initials Lillian put in this baby blanket. A Christmas gift born on December 26!
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In the News - Knitting up Spot
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New Hours: Sun. 12-4 •
Mon. 4-8 •
Tues. - Sat. 10-5
closed this Monday for MLK Observance
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