Dear Friends of The Blue Purl,
If only.
If only events in our lives unfolded exactly as we wanted them to, how easy life would be. But that is only the stuff of fantasy, so it is fantasy we shall turn to for a bit of guidance.
Today, we look to Gandalf, the Wizard from Lord of the Rings (via our yoga class inspiration wall): “All we have to do is decide what to do with the time given to us.”
So simple, and yet, not always so easy to remember.
We can’t control what the world throws our way, but we can control what we do – especially with our hands. That should be evident to every one of you each time you pick up a skein and begin to work it.
Within a few minutes, the world around you melts away. How does that make you feel? For us, it is calming, settling and centering. We figure it is for you, too.
That has always been important. It’s why they call knitting: free therapy.
But the days are already growing longer and the latest wave of the pandemic seems, hopefully, to be easing up. We will make it through; we will all succeed; and we will do it because we have the power to take control, one stitch at a time.
But please remember, building a community like ours can’t just be about the moment. We believe it is also strengthened when we share our past. So, if you have an object – a keepsake – that speaks to you, share it with us and we will share it with our community.
Past and present – taking back control, just like the wizard said.
|
|
connect + create
Patty, Wendy & TBP Team
|
|
A Story: Cyndee's Lace-Edged Hankie |
|
When I was about 7 years old, my grandmother taught me to crochet.
For one project, she gave me a plain cotton hankie and a spool of crochet thread for me to create a pretty lacy edge. I always remembered this project and the time spent working by her side, but I no longer had the handkerchief.
After my 94 year old mother died this fall, I was cleaning out her apartment and was thrilled to find my lace edged hankie! I was even more touched that my mother, herself an exceptional crafter and crocheter, had kept this small piece of cloth for me to find years later.
Cyndee
*********
We invite you to read our recently posted Stories by going to our homepage and clicking onto the Stories tab or here.
|
|
SEE WHAT WE'RE UP TO! FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM
|
|
Shop Hours
Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays, 11am-5 pm
Wednesdays, 11am-7 pm
***Wednesday Knit Night 4pm-7pm***
Saturdays, 11am-4 pm
Closed Sundays & Mondays
|
|
-
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.
-
Keri by appointment is BACK! - Tuesday & Thursday. Please call the shop to schedule.
-
Wednesday Knit Nights! Wendy is hosting open knitting on Wednesdays 4pm-7pm. This is social knitting for us to catchup with everyone and to ooh and aah over each other's work. We will be unable to provide fixing mistakes help during this time. The shop is also open for shopping during these hours.
|
|
Special Guest:
Kimberly McAlindin to Visit
|
|
TBP is excited to announce wonderful person & "YouTube celeb", Kimberly McAlindin who will stop by to guest teach 2 workshops in March:
Fab Finishing: 2 session times available - please choose 1
When: March 7 from 1p-3:30p or 6p-8:30p.
Where: In-Person at the shop
Cost: $75
Learning to knit is an amazing adventure, once you have mastered the knit and the purl stitch there is an entire world out there of amazing fabric projects at your fingertips. One of the things I find knitters ask me most often once they reach this stage is: how do I put pieces together, how do I weave my ends in so that they won’t come undone and is there a way to fix something in my knitting that I don’t like? This class will go over the following techniques:
-binding off
-weaving in ends
-seaming (both mattress stitch and garter stitch)
-3-needle bind off
*please bring double pointed needles (any size under US8) and darning needles
Swatches will be provided.
Knit to Fit
When: March 21 from 6p-8:30p
Where: In-Person at the shop
Cost: $65
Knit to Fit was born from the many messages I received while working in a yarn shop asking me how I changed the patterns for knit sweaters to look so flattering on my body type.
This class will teach you:
-how to measure your body to knit the correct size.
-introduce different body types and shapes that flatter those types.
-introduce a formula to change increases and decreases in knitting to change a pattern.
*please bring a measuring tape and your favorite sweater/shirt/blouse/sweatshirt to class.
*******************
Kimberly has been involved professionally in the fiber arts for over 15 years and is the former Editor in Chief of Knit 1-2-3 and Crochet 1-2-3 magazines. She has designed in both knit and crochet for Tahki Stacey Charles, Interweave Crochet, Caron International, Red Heart, and Lion Brand Yarns to name a few.
Currently, she is self publishing designs and sharing her 40+ years of knitting experience on her YouTube channel: Knit A Rainbow with Kimberly McAlindin. You can also find her patterns and merchandise at knitarainbow.com
To reserve your spot, please call 973-377-5648. Enrollment is limited.
|
|
Woolfolk's Winter Collection 2022 |
|
* EXCLUSIVE TBP first reveal of WoolFolk's Winter Collection 2022* EN ROUTE!
New colors of Flette Bulky and Y's shop model of Kabine, a super cozy, modern, sleeveless hoodie vest have arrived and currently on view. The new patterns in this winter collection will be released Friday, February 4th on Ravelry.
Below is an early peek at the Vinger and Stegning. You'll find yourself reaching for these toasty, quick knits time and again.
|
|
Ooh-la-la February La Jolla |
|
Love & Hearts by Susan B. Anderson |
|
Andrea Mowry's Bean & Olive |
|
Knitting Barber cords now available in shop and online in a variety of colors. |
|
Keri's Double Knit Potholder class in still in session, while Faye Cowl is wrapping up. Absolutely love, love, love colorwork... keep up the great work, everyone! |
|
Rick's Super-Sized Cozy Afghan |
|
Rick just finished this masterpiece using a crochet filet stitch for a modified granny square... as in, into a rectangle with Berroco Vintage Chunky. Love the ingenuity of crocheters and Rick's take, in particular.) Word is this number was the perfect wrap this weekend post-snowstorm outside on the patio by the gas fired stove. Avec hot beverage too? Hmm...we also spy your original crochet design scarf in Malabrigo Arroyo. Love that color combo. Can't wait to see what you make next...phenomenal work, Rick! |
|
Cindy used Woolfolk Luft to make Andrea Mowry's The Daily sweater. It was designed in Luft "An easy breezy pattern that taught me how to avoid jogs with stripes. And the Luft is so soft." Cindy, you look maahvelous! Perfect fit!
|
|
Ann's Baby blanket Lilac Loveliness Blanket by Leisure Arts with sport weight wool was misattributed to Wendy last week. Oops...our editing and writing team offer mea maxima culpa! Lovely work as always, Ann.) |
|
Cheryl crocheted these darling pillows, a Yarnspirations pattern in Berroco Vintage for her son and daughter-in-law-to-be for their upcoming August nuptials. Very nice choice of modern colors and fine execution, Cheryl! |
|
Monic a crocheted this shallow triangle using Noelle in Ochres Wonder, a pattern by Mary Renji. Love the lace, subtle color transitions and pom poms, Monica!
|
|
W's take on the EasyPeasy Bandana |
|
Morning Rituals Side by Side |
|
How great to see Chris up-and-about, as well as sporting her wonderful Morning Rituals pullover, pattern by Andrea Mowry using Woolfolk's Tov DK, along with Tam who used Woolfolk Flette! These are finished projects from a recent TBP KAL led by Tam. Fabulous work, both! |
|
Dee just finished her gorgeous Pink Fizz, pattern by Andrea Mowry also using The Fibre Co.'s Cirro. She is a graduate of one of Liz's sweater classes. Look at those Japanese lace side panels... A(wesome)++, Dee! |
|
If you like this section, check out our Before & ...After on Instagram - here are a few !
|
|
Bonnie just finished her Frank Shawl, pattern by Joji Locatelli using one of our kits in MadTosh Light. What an exceptional completed-project way to kick off 2022 ... you GO, Bonnie! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
