Dear Friends of The Blue Purl,
For caring, busy people, which means all of us, it can be hard to take a few moments in the day, every day, to put yourself first.
But, if we are to be the most we can be, if we are to be the people we aspire to be, we must.
“Practice and all is coming’’ is a well known yoga quote. Yoga is challenging. It requires concentration, dedication, self-awareness and practice. Does that sound familiar dear family of fellow knitters? It does to us. To knit or crochet, you must focus, commit, know your abilities (challenge them) and most of all… pick up the needles or hook and practice.
So, we bring you these words as another example of how knitting or crocheting is not just about making beautiful pieces, which of course it is. It is also about developing skills that serve you in life. With yoga, you can start without being able to touch your toes. Practice and you'll get there. And if you're struggling to make something as simple as a washcloth right now, keep practicing and that sweater is coming.
Another one of those life skills is learning to carve out time for yourself. It is about practice, patience, pushing beyond the boundaries of what you know to learn things that you don’t or don't come easily to you.
“Practice and all is coming.” Just mull that for a bit.
Think about how your day starts, feet hitting the floor, brush your teeth, coffee and then you're off. Do you pause until your feet come off the floor to get back in bed? Do you give yourself a few minutes even to daydream, to breathe?
Knitting and crochet are a motivation to do that, to slow down, to focus even for a bit on yourself. As you knit and purl or hook, does your breathing slow and take on a steady rhythm?
On the other hand, when you are not knitting or crocheting, are you able to find the headspace to slow down and take that breath, to focus on you?
It is like anything else; practice and it will come. You don’t need to be six feet tall. You don’t need to have natural hand eye coordination. You don’t need to have had a grandmother who taught you how to knit.
What you need is to practice, which is another way of saying, focus on yourself.
There is nothing selfish about self-care. In fact, it can make you more open to other people and to new things.
Come to The Blue Purl. We won’t ask you to do downward dog or a sun salutation. But, we will want to talk to you about you, your crafting dreams, aspirations and adventures.
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connect + create
Patty, Wendy & TBP Team
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SEE WHAT WE'RE UP TO! FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM
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Shop Hours
Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays, 11am-5 pm
Wednesdays, 11am-7 pm *Knit Night*
Saturdays, 11am-4 pm
Closed Sundays & Mondays
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Given the current Omicron environment, we ask that everyone please wear a mask while in the shop.
- 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 is BACK! - Tuesday & Thursday. Please call the shop to schedule.
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Wednesday Knit Nights! Wendy is hosting open knitting on Wednesdays 4pm-7pm. This is social knitting for us to catchup with everyone. We will be unable to provide fixing mistakes help during this time. The shop is also open for shopping during these hours.
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Presenting: O-Wool's O-Wash Worsted |
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Just unboxed and brand new to TBP is O-Wool's O-Wash Worsted! This is a New Jersey-based company which uses local dyers in Germantown, PA, as well as millers located just outside of Boston, MA.
Fiber details include:
- 100% Certified Organic Merino Wool
- Machine washable and dryable on low heat
- 179 yards (164 meters) per 100g skein
- Gauge works up to 18.0 to 20.0 stitches = 4 inches on US 7 - 8 or 4.5 - 5mm.
"This yarn is dyed "tonally". Think of this more like a hand-dyed yarn - alternate skeins while knitting."
We invite you to come see and feel for yourself and have created a Ravelry bundle filled with possibilities!
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Never too early to plan ahead for your sweethearts be they littles or bigs...
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U and Me Hat from Kay Maize |
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For the bigs, how about the U & Me Heart Hat, a free pattern by Kay Maize. We have kits available online, as well as in shop, in lovely MadTosh Vintage combos. To make these uber posh, we unreservedly suggest a real fur pompom topper (see below). Challenge is to choose just one...just sayin'...
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Real fur and faux are available in shop. Feel free to stop by or call to order yours. |
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Love & Hearts by Susan B. Anderson
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For the littles, we've made a very darling trio of new shop samples in Susan B. Anderson's Love & Heart Hat, a purchase pattern on Ravelry. We have a very limited number of kits using Sandnes Garn Alpakka Ull or Spud & Chloe's Sweater in shop and online. With one kit, you can make several hats. The SG Alpakka Ull kit made these 3 shown with a possible 4th stripey in infant size. |
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Andrea Mowry's Bean & Olive |
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Want to make more than just a jaunty hat? How about a Bean & Olive pullover by Andrea Mowry. Pattern available on Ravelry. We've put together a few kits in Berroco Ultra DK and Cascade 220 Superwash with yarn quantities to make the largest size: 8-10 year old. Kits available in shop and online. No doubt smooches forthcoming.) |
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Restocked Granny Square Kit... |
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Browse around in the online shop to checkout other kits we have on hand too. |
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KAL - Birkin Hosted by Tam |
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This Knit Along is free. Spots still available!
Please NOTE: This is a KAL, not a class. You need to be an independent knitter and able to fix your mistakes. Skills Required include: Knit, Purl, Cast on, Bind off, Short Rows, & Stranded Colorwork with Charts.
All yarn must be purchased from The Blue Purl to join our KAL.
When: Tuesdays, 7-8pm via Zoom, February: 1, 8, 15, 22, March: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Register soon to reserve your spot & allow time to order yarn if needed, please call 973-377-5648 or email: info@thebluepurl.com
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There's still space in these 3 classes! |
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Double Knit Pot Holders - Check out those heart motifs!
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
Techniques include: Chart reading, colorwork, double-sided knitting
Cousins' Mitre Square Baby Blanket
Skill Level - Advanced Beginner
Class dates - Tuesdays Feb 8, 15, 22
Class time - 5:15 - 6:45 PM
Cost - $65 + Supplies from The Blue Purl
Techniques include: garter stitch, double decrease, picking up stitches
Felted Slippers
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
Techniques include: increases and decreases, short rows, simple seams, felting
Keri Samuels is the instructor. For a more detailed description of each of these classes, click here.
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Cindy stopped by recently with her Love and Light project which was designed by Jen Hohenboken (Instagram name @jennilee44) who partnered with designer Laura Nelkin to get the pattern written and distributed on Ravelry.
Pattern proceeds will go to All Hands and Hearts! which addresses the immediate and long-term needs of global communities impacted by disasters. They are known for how well they harness the strength of local communities, to re-rebuild safer more resilient infrastructure.
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Grandmother's Knitting Box |
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This knitting box was my grandmother's. It must be at least 90 years old!
She was born in 1880. Came to America. Had 9 children and lived with my family after her husband died. I grew up with her until she died in 1963. I remember her knitting mittens for the 17 grandchildren.
I learned to knit when I was 12; owned a yarn shop and was a sales rep for yarn companies. I am still knitting and will never stop! I only wish someone had saved a pair of those priceless mittens.
Happy Knitting!
- Maureen
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Theresa's Posh Turtle Dove |
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Theresa stopped in the shop on a recent chilly day and we saw her lovely Turtle Dove in Woolfolk Luft peeking out from under her coat. She was a reluctant model but so glad she allowed for this pic. Thanks and looking sharp, Theresa! |
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Amy's Picture Perfect Warm Ensemble |
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Nice work, Amy.) She "loved making this scarf and hat from Lang Snowflake yarn! So soft and comfy!" Great picture too!
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Carolyn knit this darling baby kimono sweater using different colorways of Koigu fingering yarn in Churchmouse's Baby Wrap Sweater for a new family member. Love the bright color choices, frilly ruffle and I-cord tie details. An heirloom for sure...beautiful work, as always, Carolyn!
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Mary's Getting Warmer and Warmer |
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Mary's back this week! This time, she made twin Getting Warmer Cowls with dreamy Woolfolk Flette Bulky. Looks like these quick and luxurious knits just about flew off her needles. Keep up the super work, Mary! |
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Caryn used yarn from our 29 Bridges Pop Up Shop and Cascade 220 Superwash to make these very fun pink and blue accented hats. Patterns used include both the Rainie Beanie and the Snowball Beanie which are both available on Ravelry. Excellent use of color, techniques and textures...you, GO Caryn! |
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If you like this section, check out our Before & ...After on Instagram - here are a few !
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Mighty Mitt-ed Daughter & Mother |
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BEFORE & AFTER… Who could say 'no' to a kool-aid mustached 9 yr old asking for a pair of fingerless mitts? Addison has been knitting since she was 4 but mom, April came to the rescue on the mitt making. April used The Farmers Daughter Mighty Mo held with Primrose Homestead Sport to make Maine Morning Mitts by Clara Parks. Love, love, the picture of the two of them with their bling, bling nails :)
Check out our IG to see the third picture of Addison on the last Knit in Public Day outside the shop.
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Carolyn, our super crochet and brioche teacher, among other talents, gives the hook a rest to knit up this fantastic Sea Glass Tee by Wool & Pine. It puts to good use leftover fingering yarn from previous projects like perhaps some from A Good Vintage Crocheted Cardi? Totally knocked it out of the park, C ....WOW! |
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Calling on all thoracic surgeons in our community. Consider taking a break to crochet this Realistic Heart! It's a free pattern.)
❤️ The Blue Purl Team
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