Dear Friends of The Blue Purl,
We want to talk to you today about Muhammad Ali.
That may seem a little strange, that a Yarn Shop wants to focus on the three-time heavy-weight champion of the world. But Ali was more than his boxing prowess.
We want to talk to you today about a poem he recited at a Harvard commencement speech in 1975 - the shortest English language poem on record. It sounds simple: “Me, Wheeee.’’
But to this day, no one is exactly sure what he meant. One interpretation views the poem as a celebration of our connection to each other. That version would probably be written, “Me. We.”
The other sounds more like Ali the showman we knew: “Me, Wheeee,’ a celebration of oneself. We are taught not to be boastful, but Ali rejected that notion. If you are not your greatest cheerleader, who will be?
His was a freewheeling ego, and we loved him for it.
So we are sticking with Me, Wheee, today and asking you to also. Yes, we are a community. Yes we come together to learn. But it is ok to celebrate yourself. It is ok to look in the mirror and smile at who you see.
As people who knit and crochet, we embody the very duality of how Ali’s poem can be interpreted. We work to build community. We create beautiful things, often to share.
But YOU learn, YOU create,YOU grow.
Our aim here at The Blue Purl is to help each of you be the best you can be. We know that knitting, or crocheting, is just a corner of your full lives. But it is filled with passion and mission -- and we hope FUN.
If you listen carefully to Ali say the poem, you can, we believe, hear the H as in WHEEEE.
Let’s enjoy ourselves and our knittings, our trying new things, new patterns, new yarn.
Let’s all repeat, Me, Wheeeeeeeeee!
connect + create
Patty, Wendy & TBP Team
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We started asking you to BYOB just before the pandemic began to support Madison's initiative. Let's get back there! |
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SEE WHAT WE'RE UP TO! FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM
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Fall Hours
Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays, 11-4pm
Wednesdays, 11-7pm
Saturday, 11-3pm
Closed Sundays & Monday
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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. But....
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Help from Keri by appointment is back with more hours - Tuesdays & Thursdays 1-4pm. Please help us share the Keri Knowledge & keep your appointment to a maximum of 30 minutes. Masks required since you'll be up close for this. Please call or email us to book your slot.
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Knit Night is back! Wendy is hosting open knitting on Wednesdays 4-7pm. This is social knitting for us to catchup with everyone. We love any chance to ooh & ahh over your gorgeous work! We will not be able to provide fixing mistakes help during this time. The shop is also open for shopping during these hours.
- For everyone's safety please wear masks during classes.
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We love it when an easy pattern makes our work look intricate. Scales and Shells by Jennifer Weissman is the clever pattern that makes this happen. With nothing more complicated than yarn overs & k2tog in yoke, this design perfectly reflects its name. It's hard to tell in the picture but the edging on the body & cuff also resembles waves rippling in. You'll have to look for this detail in person while the sample is in the shop.
Tam test knitted this version holding 1 strand each of Spun Right Round Sock with Shibui Silk Cloud. You can also knit a version using 1 strand of DK weight yarn. The sweater is perfect for a hand dyed tonal yarn and we couldn't help but start playing with color choices when we saw this pattern. The pattern is available on Ravelry at 25% off until 9/22 and all yarns can be found online or in the shop. We'd love to help find the right colors for you. |
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Patty just whipped up our latest sample- the Bandana Cowl by Purl Soho. Using our latest new yarn, Neon by Lang Yarns, this quick knit may be the fun you need to brighten up those dark winter coats in the doldrums of winter. We have 4 fun bright colors, perfect for gift knitting for all ages. The pattern is free on Ravelry and the yarn is online and in the store. |
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Quadra Cowl, by Martina Behm (of Hitchhiker fame), is the latest magic from this clever designer. This cowl is constructed of 2 squares that somehow become a double layered 3-D-like piece. Meant to be worked with self-striping yarn, we have a few colors of Schoppel-Wolle Edition 3 that are perfect for this. The pattern is available on Ravelry and the yarn is online and in the shop. |
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We started talking about La Pampa last week, but we wanted to highlight some ideas for this eco-conscious, humanely raised yarn. It's a brand new yarn from Juniper Moon, so you won't find it everywhere. The chunky/bulky organic merino is perfect for a US 9-11 needle.
Waves of Change by Denise Bayron is a simple top down raglan pullover that is seamless with a loose boxy shape. She includes a video link for working German short rows in the pattern also. The simple purl ridges gives this sweater some textural interest.
Three/One Colorwork Cowl by Churchmouse Yarns is a great way to try out La Pampa. The free pattern is also a great introduction to stranded colorwork if you've always wanted to try this out on a thicker yarn.
Raincheck and Audrey's Cardigan are both by Elizabeth Smith, one of our favorite designers. We always like her simple classic designs because she throws in a modern touch with either a shorter boxy silhouette or incorporates textures with simple stitches.
All these patterns can be found in Ravelry and the yarn is available in our shop or online. |
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Snowflake, our latest yarn in the shop, is an aran weight yarn that shows a whimsical snowflake pattern when knit up. Go ahead, we give you permission to tell everyone you worked hard to create this intricate pattern in your knitted projects. Find the pattern on Ravelry and the yarn is available online and in the store. |
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School's In is the latest Brooklyn Tweed collection, just released yesterday and we LOVE the timeless styles in the sweaters & accessories. Knit in Arbor, Shelter, Peerie or Loft, all the pieces have gorgeous classic cables, striping or colorwork. Go big with the beautiful cabled Burroughs cardigan in Arbor or dip you toe in with the Elzy hat in Peerie. So many tempting ideas! You can find the School's In collection in Ravelry and we carry all the Brooklyn Tweed yarns mentioned in the shop or online. |
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Jacques Cousteau Hat- the BP Edition |
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For the intrepid explorers or like-minded folk in your life, we love the Jacques Cousteau Hat, in our Yiba-edited version. Our pattern has instructions for an aran weight or DK weight. For aran weight, we used Rowan Pure Wool Superwash Worsted held with Tynn Silk Mohair. For the lighter weight DK version, we used Sandnes Garn Double Sunday. The pattern is free from us with yarn purchase, available in store or online. Just comment you need this pattern when checking out online. |
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Noelle, milled in Italy, is a merino, alpaca & nylon blend DK yarn great for special accessories. It has a hollow chainette construction that traps warm air while maintaining a lightweight feel.
We created this lovely neck warmer, perfect for adding a little sparkle for the season. We are carrying only 2 colors-gold and sliver in this new yarn. Noelle can be found online or in the store. We also created kits for the Easy 1-Skein Keyhole Scarf, available online or in the shop. The kit includes the free pattern by the Blue Purl team. |
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Morning Rituals Fall KAL - 2 spots left |
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As usual, Tam will host this KAL and if you've done this with her in the past, you know it's NOT a class but she always offers guidance, if needed. This is an advanced sweater with strong knitting knowledge required.
Call or email us to sign up! We have 2 spots left! |
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What: Morning Ritual by Andrea Mowry-purchase on Ravelry
- When: Sept. 28th- Nov. 19th (8 weeks), Tuesdays 7-8pm via zoom & select Fridays 4-5pm in the shop, attend one or both, whatever you have time for!
- Cost: FREE, all yarn & supplies must be purchased from the Blue Purl
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Laine Issue 12 Autumn 2021 |
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Laine Fall 2021 is here! All preorders are available for pick up, just come on in & grab yours. We have extra copies available for purchase also, online or in the shop.
This issue is full of all the Fall comforts we love. You'll find textured or colorwork yokes in pullovers and cardigans and shawls designed to hug you with warmth. You'll find designers Olga Buraya-Kefelian, Tamy Gore, Alma Bali and many more in this issue.
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If you like this section check out our BEFORE & ...After on Instagram! And other fun things like our former intern designing Met Gala dresses :)
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Katya is a force of nature... she was our intern a few years back when she was a Parsons student. S he knitted (and crocheted) a Met Gala gown with wool from American indigenous endangered and heritage breed sheep. Farm to Fashion - Farm to Met Gala! Bravo to ourgirlkatya!! Check out her video Met Gala in a Minute on her Instagram. Meet the sheep :)
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Chris looking fab in her Anker's Summer Shirt by PetiteKnit made with Sandnes Garn Line. This pattern is a sweet top-down in the round wit h an effortless, elegant yoke. Chris, you're rockin' it! |
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This is a story worthy of a book - but alas ... A wonderful family in the area opened their lives to adopt 7 children from Ukraine in order to keep a family together. And our lovely Dottie knit them all hats! The generosity of our community - and extended community is inspiring. Hats off (on) to you Dottie!!! |
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Arlene made this Yankee Knitter Baby Sweaters, Hat & Baby Blankets by Melinda Goodfellow with Plymouth Encore. A trusted pattern used by many in the shop. Classic and cute. What a great gift Arlene! Lovely! |
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Marilyns Cowl with Marianated |
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Ellen made Marilyn's Cowl with a Marianated gradiant kit she bought during the Wool Walk. It's the softest! Love it Ellen! |
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Love our new classes AT THE TABLE! Here are beginners with Keri:) Big Love! |
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Those CRAZY Knitting Memes |
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Crosby Class Starts Saturday!!! hahahaha |
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