Dear Friends of The Blue Purl,
Please join us as we wade in to the holiday pool. We invite you to soak up some of our offerings below. Take note that splashing is strictly reserved for the littles.)
As Always,
connect + create
Patty, Wendy & TBP Team
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Please BYOBags to support Madison's green initiative. Let's get back there! As per ordinance, we now charge 10¢ per bag.
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SEE WHAT WE'RE UP TO! FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM
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Our Extended Holiday Shop Hours
**Sundays until Christmas, noon-4pm**
Closed Monday
Tuesday, 11am-5 pm
Wednesday, 11am - 7 pm
Thursday, 11am - 5 pm
Friday, 11am - 5 pm
Saturday, 11am-4 pm
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If NOT vaccinated, please wear a mask; if vaccinated, face mask optional - but highly suggested.
- We can offer knitting help/fixing mistakes in the shop again but can only spend 5-10 minutes for drop-in issues.
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Keri by appointment on Tuesday and Thursdays. Please call ahead to schedule.
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Wednesday Knit Night! We are back in action this week. Stop in to knit, chat, and shop! Help fixing mistakes unavailable 4pm-7pm.
- OPEN Sundays until Christmas from noon-4pm beginning Dec. 5th
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With an eye toward expanding offerings to our customers, come on in to see our newest: Primrose Homestead Sport. This hand-dyed, marled, versatile, sport weight, 2-ply, 100% American Superwash Merino offers a generous 250 yards/skein (each skein's unique!). It would be a perfect candidate for colorwork projects paired with sport, light DK, or heavier fingering yarns. Can't wait to get started? Here're a few ideas to consider in our Ravelry Bundle.
Cheryl, one of our very expert knitting customers, has already taken the plunge with her Foxthoughts Pullover featured above. Currently on loan, drop by to see it in person. Checkout the cover of Pom Pom Quarterly, Issue 35, Winter 2020 below, where you can see another iteration of this sweater. Interested in the Pom Pom? We still have a few available for purchase. |
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WINTER INTO SPRING CLASSES |
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You've been asking and asking. We listened. So, here are our winter into spring class offerings. Lest you be too deliberate, note that spots tend to fill up quickly. Interested? Consider giving us a call at the shop at 973-377-5648 or email us at info@thebluepurl.com, at your earliest convenience. Early birds, worms, etc.
If the weather is uncooperative, we will go to zoom whenever possible. We have had much experience & success with our zoom instruction.
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Skill Level - Advanced Beginner
Class Dates - 2- Tuesdays Jan. 4, 11
Class Time - 9-10:30 am
Cost - $45 + Supplies from The Blue Purl
Instructor - Keri Samuels
Pattern available at class
This cute and warm headband will knit up quickly in super bulky yarn. It’s the perfect next project for beginner knitters or for someone who just wants instant gratification! It has been adapted from a free pattern found on Ravelry.
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Skill Level - Intermediate
Class Dates - 3 Tuesdays Jan. 4, 11 Feb. 1
Class Time - 5:15 - 6:45 pm
Cost - $65 + Supplies from The Blue Purl
Instructor - Keri Samuels
This luscious cowl is a double-thick tube with beautiful fair isle patterns inside and out. It’s shaped like a funnel, with the inside a bit smaller than the outside, creating a shape that sits nicely on the neck. It’s made with fingering weight yarn, so it’s not too bulky but will be a warm and cozy neck warmer that will keep you toasty!
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Skill Level - Advanced Beginner/Intermediate
Class Dates - Wednesdays Jan. 5, 19, 26 & Feb. 2
Class Time - 9-10:30 am
Cost - $90 + Supplies from The Blue Purl
Instructor - Liz Braverman
Felix is worked in the round from the top down using eyelet increases to form the raglans. The sleeves are worked in Magic Loop (or knitters choice of small circumference knitting). Due to the large gauge, this is a fairly quick knit.
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Building Blocks Blanket Part 1 -
Morning or Evening Sessions
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Skill Level - Advanced Beginner/Intermediate
Class Dates - 6 Thursdays Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27, Feb. 3, 10 - both sessions
Class Time - Morning 9-10:30 AM or Evening session 5:15-6:45 PM
Cost - $135 + Supplies from The Blue Purl
Instructor - Keri Samuels
Pattern Book available at The Blue Purl
So you can knit and purl...you know how to cast on and a few other techniques. Part 1 of this popular class will introduce 6 different block patterns and will cover exciting techniques such as yarn overs, increasing, decreasing, bobbles, cables, chart reading. We have taught this class over the years at The Blue Purl and believe that it will make you a confident knitter!! This will fill up - don't hesitate! - Part 2 begins shortly after with a new sign up - same day & time - Maybe a week in between…
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Learn To Knit - 2 sessions |
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Skill Level - Beginner
Dates - 2 sessions each 4 Wednesdays- Limited seating
Session 1: Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26
Session 2: Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23
Time - 11:00-12:30 PM
Cost - $90 + supplies from The Blue Purl
Teacher: Keri Samuels
Patterns will be provided
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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Beginning Crochet - Spring Spirals |
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Skill Level - Very Beginner
Class Dates - 3 Thursdays Jan. 6, 13, 27
Class Time - 7-9 PM
Cost - $90+ supplies from The Blue Purl
Instructor - Carolyn Hanson
Pattern provided in class
Whether you're an avid knitter who has never picked up a crochet hook (except for dropped stitches) or never worked with yarn at all, this is a perfect class! In these sessions you'll learn the basics of crochet while creating a scarf. Techniques include: single, double, half double, and triple crochet, Foundation chain, scalloped edge & pattern reading.
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Skill Level - Intermediate
Class Dates - 4 Fridays Jan 7, 21, 28 & Feb. 4
Class Time - Mornings 9-10:30 AM
Cost - $90 + Supplies from The Blue Purl
Instructor - Liz Braverman
Austice is a squishy, textured shawl knit from corner to corner using charts (written directions are included). Left and Right Twist stitches are worked without using a cable needle.
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Skill Level - Advanced
Class Dates - 5 Saturdays Jan. 15,29, Feb. 12, 26 & March 5
Class Time - Mornings 9-10:30 AM
Cost - $110 + Supplies from The Blue Purl
Instructor - Keri Samuels
Ravelry describes this sweater as “[a]n elegant and comfortable jacket with a classic straight silhouette. The intricate yet quite easy to work -pattern is inspired by the ancient and beautiful lotus flower.” It is knitted seamlessly, top-down and incorporates short-row shaping, chart-reading, and fairisle color work. The pattern is designed to be knitted in the round and then steeked but we will be knitting the cardigan back and forth. It’s made with DK weight yarn and is sure to be a classic addition to your sweater collection!
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Skill Level - Advanced Beginner
Class dates - 4 Tuesdays Jan. 18, 25, Feb. 1, 8
Class time - 9- 10 AM
Cost - $65 + supplies from The Blue Purl
Instructor - Keri Samuels
This hat is described by the designer as “the project for knitters taking their first foray into cable knitting.” It’s a classic design which features basic stitches, simple shaping and a 4-stitch cable.
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Skill Level - Advanced
Class dates - 3 Mondays Jan. 24, 31, Feb. 7
Class time - 9- 10:30 AM
Cost - $65 + supplies from The Blue Purl
Instructor - Keri Samuels
There is knitting technique called “double knitting” which allows you to create 2 layers of fabric at the same time, with only one pair of needles. The right sides of each layer face out and the wrong sides face each other on the inside. The result is stockinette showing on both sides for an entirely reversible, double-layered piece of knitting. This project will teach the technique while knitting a small cotton potholder.
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Cousins' Mitre Square Baby Blanket |
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Skill Level - Advanced Beginner
Class dates - Tuesdays Jan. 8, 15, 22
Class time - 5:15 - 6:45 PM
Cost - $65 + Supplies from The Blue Purl
Instructor - Keri Samuels
Pattern available for purchase on Ravelry
This adorable blanket is created by knitting mitred squares, which are square garter stitch blocks with a central diagonal decrease. The squares are knitted (no purling) individually but are attached as you make the blanket, so there is no seaming at the end (yay!). The blanket is actually “built” as you go so you’ll be learning how to pick up stitches as you create this darling blanket for a lucky baby!
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Skill Level -Advanced Beginner
Class dates - Wednesdays Feb. 9, 16, 23 & March 2
Class time - 9 - 10:30 am
Cost - $90 + Supplies from The Blue Purl
Instructor - Liz Braverman
Pattern available for purchase on Ravelry
For first time sock knitter - This simple sock is a great way to learn how to make top down socks using the Magic Loop method. They are quick! We will also discuss avoiding “second sock syndrome “.
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Skill Level - Intermediate
Class dates - 3 Tuesdays Feb. 15, 22 & March 1
Class time - 9 - 10:30 am
Cost - $65 + Supplies from The Blue Purl
Instructor - Keri Samuels
This is a favorite class that we’re offering again! These slippers are knitted with 2 strands of non-washable wool and then felted to magically create a thick, cozy clog-style slipper. They are a quick knit that you’ll want to keep for yourself but they also make a great gift! The pattern comes in adult sizes for men and women and there is also a children’s pattern.
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Brioche Untangled - a Zoom Class |
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Skill Level - Intermediate
Class dates - 4 Tuesdays March 8, 15, 22 & April 5
ZOOM Class time - 7- 8:30 PM
Cost - $90 + Supplies from The Blue Purl
Instructor - Carolyn Hanson
Pattern for Class 1 - Free on Ravelry (we are working off these simple projects to learn)
Back by popular demand on ZOOM - everyone raved about the close-up hand instruction available by using zoom. Brioche! 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.
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Skill Level - Advanced Beginner/Intermediate
Class dates - 4 Wednesdays March 9, 16, 23 & 30
Class time - 9 - 10:30 AM
Cost - $90 + Supplies from The Blue Purl
Instructor - Liz Braverman
This bandana shaped cowl is worked using increases and decreases to form its shape and Mosaic knitting/color charts to create the pattern.
Suggested materials: Primrose Homestead yarn and a contrast solid fingering weight.
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A Good Vintage Crochet Cardi |
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Skill Level -intermediate/advanced
Class dates - 5 Thursdays March 10, 24, April 7, 14 & 28
Class time - 7-8:30 pm
Cost - $110 + Supplies from The Blue Purl
Instructor - Carolyn Hanson
Ok Crocheters, if you have never made a cardigan, here is a great one to start. This cardi uses a simple stitch of double crochet clusters throughout. Make it your own by creating colorful stripes in many colors or a few or even a solid color. This is a custom sweater so you can add length to the torso for a longer version and/or shorten or lengthen sleeves. There is so much to learn for the Intermediate crocheter: reading a UK pattern, shaping armholes, neck and shoulders with decreases, shaping sleeves with increases, setting sleeves, edging, buttonholes and finishing.
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Skill Level - Advanced Intermediate
Class dates - 3 Saturdays March 26, April 2 & 9
Class time - 9 - 10:30 AM
Cost - $65 + Supplies from The Blue Purl
Instructor - Keri Samuels
Back by popular demand, this adorable little bunny will be just in time for Spring! The design is completely seamless (yay!) and is cleverly worked top-down starting with the head.
Techniques used include knitting in the round on 2 circular needles, increasing and decreasing, picking up stitches, optional bobbles, a pom pom and a bit of embroidery at the end. The pattern is very well written with illustrations to help you through the tricky parts!
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Skill Level - Intermediate
Class Dates - 4 Tuesdays, March 29, April 5, 19 & 26
Class Time - 4:15 -5:45 PM
Cost - $90 + Supplies from The Blue Purl
Instructor - Keri Samuels
This is a great little baby pullover hoodie knitted using a pattern from Knitting Pure and Simple. The sweater is knitted from the top down, is seamless and incorporates lots of techniques including short rows, picking up stitches, knitting in the round and more. It’s worked in worsted weight yarn and comes in sizes 6 – 24 months.
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This Week's New Kits plus... |
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Churchmouse's Koigu Linen Stitch Scarf
in shop only
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Churchmouse's Felted Gingerbread Ornaments in Cascade 220
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Want to play with yarn/color combos? Just go to the Yarn selections in the dropdown menu in the online shop. Have fun and enjoy!
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Pre-Order - Laine Magazine #13
Laine 13, Usnea, includes:
- 148 pages
- 10 knitting patterns & 1 crochet pattern, beautifully photographed and illustrated
- an interview with Danish knitwear designer Lærke Bagger
- an article about June Cashmere
- an article about ChiaoGoo
- an article about the importance of crafting and creativity by our regular writer Päivi Kankaro
- seasonal recipes
- book reviews
- Laine Favourites section
Designers featured in this issue: Susan Chin, Susan Crawford, Sidsel Grau Petersen, Midori Hirose, Susanna Kaartinen, Inyoung Kim, Hanna Maciejewska, Mariya Matveeva, Paula Pereira, Maiju Räsänen and Griselda Zárate.
We are still taking pre-orders on Laine's #13 Winter 2022 issue which will be released on Friday December 10, 2021.
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Warunee Bolstad's Wardrobe Embroidery: Knit & Embroider Projects for Upcycling Clothes is in the house. For those who took our Visible Mending or Duplicate Stitch classes, here are many more ideas and ways to apply your skills. Missed the classes? No problem. Consider the book! Call the shop at
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Vina's Super Sophisticated Shift |
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A beautiful blanket for beautiful new babe |
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Look at little Hannah Rose all wrapped and laying on the beautiful blanket grandma Ellen made. This gorgeous Vintage 3D Flower Pattern Cable Blanket on Etsy is knit with Rowan Pure Wool Superwash. Wow! |
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Kathie's Holly Jolly for a special Little |
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Kathie used the Sandnes Garn Alpakka Ull to make a cuddly Holly Jolly Hat for a lucky little in her life. She loved working with this uber soft yarn. Kits in Blue Sky Woolstok also available online. Those chasing reindeer are too cute! |
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Kathie's in Holiday Hermione mode... |
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Wow but those needles are hard at work! Kathie made these wonderful Hermione's Everyday Socks using Marianated. Love, love, love the color play in hand painted yarns - and Marianated HT has that touch of nylon for great wear. Well done, Kathie! |
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Janet and Sandy: Worthington Wrap BFFs |
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Our absolutely fabulous duo are side by side in their beautifully coordinating Worthington Wraps in Blue Sky Printed Organic Cotton and Organic Cotton. But what happened to their arms and legs??? Oh... photoshop floating head magic .) |
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Susan used Malabrigo's Rios for this sumptuous Hans Baby Blanket by Katharine Vaughan. Rios' slight variegation works well in concert with the basketweave texture. An heirloom for sure. Way to go, Susan! |
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Wrapped in Grandma's love |
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Ellie made this very snuggly sweater for her cutie pie granddaughter using Hayfield's Baby Blossom Chunky. What a sweet smile. Lovely, Ellie! |
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Here's Emsworth by Isabell Kraemer in Woolfolk's Tov DK. Carol worked hard and persevered in Liz's class and the result is truly marvelous. Brava, Carol! |
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If you like this section, check out our [Before & ...After on] Instagram - here are a few !
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BEFORE & AFTER…
Love the before picture of Pearl holding an armload of Madeline Tosh Light, all wound and ready to go... She came back in with a WONDERFUL pair of Scrappily ever after Mitts by Doreen Blask. Love how she used the bright pink for the border lines. OK, we ALL want to make a pair of these at The Blue Purl :)
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