Dear Friends of The Blue Purl,
Delightful weirdos.
We don’t mean you, of course! We are thinking about the swarm of visitors about to descend on us: Brood X. No, it’s not some episode of the Avengers.
It’s the Cicadas. They are coming back.
For 17 years, these large, loud and creepy insects stay quietly buried underground. And then, one day the streets, trees, lawns, skies, everything are filled with clouds of them as they eat and mate.
It seems like the natural impulse to cringe and run in the other direction, but we ask that you at least consider another response: Marvel at them.
For those of you familiar with this newsletter, you will sense that this is when we transition to some broader meaning. And you’d be right:
Doesn’t it feel like we have all been hibernating? Ok, maybe not 17 years, but in some ways it might as well be because even as we crave returning to our lives, isn’t there even a bit of hesitation, maybe even fear, at jumping back into the fast lane?
Desire and dread.
We hear you.
Now consider the Cicada. After 17 years underground, they wait until the time is just right and then come out and do their business without hesitation.
Can we do the same?
There is something else.
When the day comes and the earth opens and the Periodical Cicadas come pouring out, if this happens near you, marvel at the magic of nature. Laugh at their bug red eyes. Listen to the collective buzzing echoing through the trees.
Then, after you laugh, run back inside, close the windows, pull out your yarn and get to work. These bugs will be around for a while. We don’t really expect you to like them.
But we do hope that for a moment at least, you can feel the power of what is happening, an event choreographed by nature to occur once every 17 years. It’s amazing.
We also see the extraordinary in the ordinary, every day. We don’t have a crystal ball. But we know that you too, all of us, will soon emerge from hibernation. When you are ready, come visit The Blue Purl.
We are ready for you. Just leave the cicadas outside, please.
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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Woolfolk's Sno Collection 2021 was released last week and we can not stop admiring the Protea sweater by Orlane Sucche. This is a breezy, super soft sweater worked top down with a-line shaping in three beautiful shades of Woolfolk Tynd & Sno. We have the sample colors in stock but we also pulled together some other spring combos for you. The pattern can be purchased on Ravelry. The yarn is available both online or in the shop. |
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There's something about the Ensata scarf and cowl by Amy van de Laar, that we just love. The lightness, the beautiful open motif, it feels perfect for a cool early spring morning.
Our newest fingering weight yarn, Ansel, would work nicely in this pattern. Ansel is a 2-ply, woolen spun yarn with a soft, nubby, squishy texture, weighing in at 440 yards/113 grams per skein. As with all Jill Draper yarns, Ansel is produced in the US from sheep to skein. Knit on a US 4 needle in this pattern, the yarn would open up & bloom nicely once blocked. You can find Ansel online or in the shop.
For a slightly thicker version, we also like mYak Tibetan Cloud in this pattern. Using a US 5 needle, the colors & stitch definition of Tibetan Cloud would really show off this lace pattern. The scarf version would be become more of a wrap using this slightly thicker yarn on a larger needle. Find Tibetan Cloud online or in the shop. The Ensata pattern can be purchased on Ravelry. |
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Have you caught onto our spring floral theme? It's that time of year when we really want to see spring blooms but mother nature is only giving us a hint. So, of course, we're channeling it into our projects. Magnolia, by Camilla Vad, caught our eyes with its beautiful lace detailing worked in a sport weight gauge. The pattern is sized from XXS-3XL, worked top down, seamlessly in the round.
We love our newest sport weight yarn, Andorra for this sweater. The pattern calls for 2 thinner yarns, including mohair, to be held together for this sweater. Andorra's colorful, soft yarn is a blend of 60% merino, 20% highland wools & 20% mohair, making it perfect held single in this project. We have 12 colors of these beautiful 185 yard/50g skeins. The pattern can be purchased on Ravelry and the yarn is available online or in the shop. |
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Baah La Jolla April Special Edition |
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Baah's special edition color of the month is here and boy, does it scream spring! Robin's eggs, tulips, hyacinths, all rolled into 1 skein of yarn. Hurry, these don't last. You can find the Baah April 2021 color online or in the shop. |
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Cherie made a new crop of progress keepers! They were so much fun to hang on their rack - love the crystal flies and llamas! Check them out when you're in the shop! |
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Another week, another new pattern from Casapinka. This week is the Birdwatcher, a simple summery cropped sweater with a basic lace detail at the bottom. It's knit from the bottom up in the round and can be adjusted for a longer length. The pattern includes a video for the Three-Needle bind off, used at the shoulders, so no seaming and no picking up stitches for sleeves either!
Birdwatcher uses hand dyed fingering weight yarn, either in speckle, tonals or solids. We pulled together some of our favorite spring colors to show off our sweater quantities in these beauties. Imagine if these colors were a garden of flowers...
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It's time (again!) to make baby blankets for the newborns at Newark Beth Israel Hospital. The midwives, moms & newborns loved your Baby Blossom Blankets. Last year's effort was a huge hit and they could really use more this year.
The simple blanket requires 3 balls of Baby Blossom chunky, we'll include the pattern & give a 10% discount if you mention it's for the Beth Israel newborns. This is an ongoing effort, so no deadline. We'll keep collecting & donating, if you keep knitting. Drop off the finished blankets at the Blue Purl. Yarn can be purchased in the shop to get the 10% discount.
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Laine Issue 11 & 52 Weeks of Shawls |
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Laine Issue 11 is available for preorders! This issue features 11 gorgeous patterns in garments and accessories featuring beautiful yarns, including Sandnes Garn Alpaka Ull and Winterburn Aran. This summer issue will be available on May 7th, but preorders start now. You can reserve your copy online or in the shop. |
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Laine's latest book, 52 Weeks of Shawls, will be an immediate classic. The book features a pattern for evey week of the year, including 2 crochet patterns. Designs range from color work, lace or simple textures in a variety of shawl shapes. The book is expected to be released on April 30th. We are taking preorders now online or in the shop. |
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It's happening! NJ Woolwalk 2021 is coming, April 17th-25th. We have lots of plans but it's going to be surprise for now. In the meantime, you can purchase a limited, special edition of The Blue Purl Woolwalk Tote, for $15. Our relentlessly creative Wendy made & applied the design on the backside of the Woolwalk totes just for Blue Purl fans. All proceeds of our special totes will be donated to the Community Food Bank.
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We also have Woolwalk passports available for purchase. You'll need these to get all the discounts & join the raffles during WoolWalk week.
Both the special edition totes and the passports can be purchased in the shop.
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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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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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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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Soooo, the latest shop window going up for The Blue Purl is based on a crocheted mermaid blanket! It's been a group effort Liz & Kathleen helped with the paillettes and shaping, Yiba and Keri helped with the hanging - NO SMALL TASK!!! ... We mermaids try. We used a ton of 1950's donated yarn (from Rosemary found in an old house clean-out) held together to make it very super bulky - and it whipped up lightening fast. Check out our insta today for more on that yarn ;)
by MJ's Off The Hook Designs.
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Keri's Spring Bunny class brought life to all these little creatures -and in true to their form they are multiplying! Barbara's high-five eared one is soooo cute. Lauries's and Dee's and Candy's are also too much - their little personalities shine through.! Keri's Benjamin is enamored with his:) What a cutie pie! |
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Eve's Fold & Sew Shrug in HiKoo Kenzie is a perfect cute Spring cover-up. It can be worn two ways. Pictured with a sharp pointed collar, and flipped around for a rounded collar.This simple pattern is available in the shop with purchase. This is beautiful Eve! |
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Another Hard Cider Please |
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Chris's Hard Cider (Thea Colman) fits her fabulously.. This was made during our KAL with Tam. Chris made hers with Woolfolk Tov DK -. It's a beauty! |
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Sharon made the Regan cardigan by Isabell Kraemer. Made with Malabrigo Sock is a lacey wrap cardigan with lots of eyelets to give it texture. AND it can be worn 2 ways - like the Fold and Sew Shrug! Sharon made this in Malabrigo Sock. Gorgeous blue for a gorgeous sweater! |
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Check out Rosemary's Winters Beach Cardi by Andrea Mowry! Awesome! Madeline Tosh DK was the yarn of choice for this cabled, bottom up cozy cardi. There is also an afterthought-pocket option. Lovely Rosemary! |
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A Tisket a Tasket an Arne & Carlos basket |
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This sweet little Football Hat Kathie made is designed by Christy Hills. She used Plymouth Select Merino Superwash. Little football fans would love wearing this as would larger fans ...the pattern goes up to adult large :) So cute Kathie!! |
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Bonnie's Guernsey Wrap is made with Mad Tosh DK This pattern is based on a fisherman's sweater with textured panels. It's a classic! Beautiful Bonnie! |
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Ro used many colors and different yarns to make Stephen West's Painting Bricks. It's a true stash buster, it's a large semi-circular, and it uses as many colors as you choose to include - and it'a a beauty - and fun! Yay Ro! |
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Marie's sweater, Nordic Chic is from the UK Magazine Let's Knit - She used Cascade 220 Superwash. The colors Marie chose for the yoke of the sweater is lovely! |
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Sang made Fred a Svenson! Lucky dog...This road trip of cables is not for the faint of heart. Peace Fleece is the yarn. Luv ya Fred! Gorgeous Sang! |
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