Dear Friends of The Blue Purl,
It is all a matter of perspective.
We can choose to focus on the drudgery of the day, the challenges that bring stress and anxiety, worries and sadness.
Those are natural and inevitable parts of life. But wouldn’t it be better to focus on the things that lift us up so that when each of us inevitably wakes to a crisis, we remind ourselves that we cannot only survive, but thrive.
There was an article in the Washington Post the other day that really resonated. It was not a front page story about a major event that commanded attention. It was a story about a middle school student who when he finished the sixth grade asked his classmates to sign his yearbook. They all said, "no".
So the student, whose name was Brody Ridder, inscribed his own book with this message: "Hope you make some more friends. - Brody Ridder."
For all of you out there who have school children in your life – parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles - you certainly can feel that child’s pain.
But what happened? When a group of high school students heard about the indignity, they turned out in force to sign his book. What might have been a terribly scarring experience for young Brody, instead had a happy ending.
Each of us has the ability in ways big and small to lift each other up. That is especially true for this community. We knit. We crochet. We make objects that are beautiful and can transcend time – heirlooms. With your head and your heart and your hands you craft beautiful objects that you can wear with pride, that show the value of hard work and practice. You make gifts that tell loved ones you care and they cherish because they are a part of you.
Yes, it's June but it is a good time to start thinking about winter gifts. Small projects are perfect for the summer months and we're getting a pretty good amount of yarn coming in steady here :)
Think about how you want to lift up. There are those who find a bulky cute hat pattern (Tara!) and make 26 of them or fingerless mitts (Fran!) and make a bundle for everyone.
We are starting our WGS (Winter Gifts Stash) bundles this week and continuing throughout the summer.
connect + create
Patty, Wendy & TBP Team
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SEE WHAT WE'RE UP TO! FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM
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Summer Shop Hours
Tuesday-Thursday, 11am - 4 pm
Friday, 11am - 4pm
*Open knitting from 1pm-4pm on Fridays*
Saturday, 11am - 3pm
Closed Sunday & Monday
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Per Madison Township ordinance, the shop can no longer provide bags to customers. We urge you please to bring your own bag(s).
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We will be able to go back to helping for 5-10 minutes for drop-in issues on projects with yarn purchased from The Blue Purl.
- Keri is on vacation. We wish her Bon Voyages!
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NEW Tosh Wool+Cotton & Hue of the Moment |
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In the house is brand new base: Madeline Tosh Wool+Cotton, a DK weight supersoft, superwash yarn with a vintage-y look. Imagine the possibilities!
Here are a few ideas from the MadTosh Collection:
Yardage: 219 yards (200 meters), 100 grams (3.53 ounces)
Gauge: 20.0 to 22.0 sts = 4 inches
Needle size: US 6 - 7 or 4 - 4.5mm or Hook size: 4.5mm - 5.5mm (I)
Fibers: plied 50% Wool - Merino and 50% Cotton - Pima
ALSO...
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... Hue of the Moment in Tosh Sock is You Do You, this month's color. Can't wait to see what next month brings... |
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NEW Regia Sock by Arne & Carlos |
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Arne & Carlos have collaborated with Regia Sock to create new, fun, fairisle sock designs. Our shipment just arrived, along with a number of Regia colors in corresponding solids. Socks are perfectly portable, Gift Stashing projects --we ❤️ to plan ahead...just sayin'.) Of course, we've put together some ideas. |
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Little sister to Kelbourne's Scout (DK weight), Camper is 100% plied fingering weight wool. So ❤️ this cute caravan bus cartoon...hey, is Scooby in there?
Yardage: 200 yards (183 meters), 50 grams
Gauge 26.0 to 30.0 sts
Needle size: US 1 - 3 or 2.25 - 3.25mm or Hook size: 2.25mm (B) - 3.25mm (D)
Check out our Ravelry bundle for just-right summertime, short sleeved tees. |
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What we've Made in our NEW Yashi & Yashi Iro |
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TBP has fun Beach-Ready quick crocheted raffia accessories in Yashi & Yashi Iro! Checkout Nya in Wendy's Edison Bucket Hat by Rastus Hsu (a featured designer in Amirisu Issue 24 below) and Y's cool folding bag (instructions for identical knit version available with raffia purchase -- crocheted version uses hdc & slip stitch). A wide range of happy colors & all perfect for now.
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NEW Katrinkles avec TBP Flair |
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Bright Rasta colorways have arrived! We think it might be another happy, leisurely way to start Gift Stashing now to avoid the last minute holiday rush. Here're some quick ideas in our Ravelry bundle. |
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Restock: Cascade's Lana Grande |
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Back in the shop is Cascade's Lana Grande. Perfect for a fast wooly knit and especially for Gift Stashing (theme?) See Rasta Ravelry bundle for ideas in both knitting & crochet :)
Yardage: 87 yards (80 meters), 100 grams (3.53 ounces)
Gauge: 8.0 to 10.0 sts = 4 inches
Needle size: US 13 - 17 or 9 - 12mm or Hook size: 15 mm P/Q
Fiber: 100% Peruvian Highland Wool
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AMIRISU Issue 24 Spring/Summer 2022 |
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Harmonized by a soft palette of pastel and neutral hues, the twelve knitwear designs in this issue are inspired by the customs, family traditions, and special places that have contributed to each designer’s heritage.
Participating designers: Rosemary (Romi) Hill / Leeni Hoimela / Rastus Hsu / Sari Nordlund / Inese Sang / Megumi Sawada / Susanne Sommer / yamagara / Yucca / Dianna Walla / amirisu
Feature: Craft Guide to Toronto
Three locals, Laura Chau and Kiyomi & Sachiko Burgin, share some of their favorite spots in the city.
Plus, a project from Lori Ann Graham, a machine-quilted tote bag project, a look at Retrosaria Rosa Pomar’s new shop, and more!
Releases tomorrow June 10th. Pre-Order your copy today by clicking here!
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Just arrived is the Summer Issue 41 of PomPom. Available now in shop...stop by or call us at 973-377-5648.
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Kits: In shop and On-line |
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Too many choices and short on time? Stop by the shop's fireplace mantle or online to see our grab-and-go kits. |
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Ellen has been weaving with Farmer's Daughter Oh Dang! She just finished this gem of a wrap as a gift for a good friend who chose the Warm Melted Butter colorway during NJWoolWalk. The result is so gorgeous Ellen's making an identical one for herself.) Awesome work, Ellen!
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When your kids ❤️ what you make them!
Part II
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This week, Colleen made the Soundtrack by Marie Greene for daughter, Molly using Kelbourne Scout (her son, Aidan was featured last week.) Molly, that sweater looks amazing on you! But, my don't you work fast, Colleen...well done again, Mom! |
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Pepi made this lovely blanket in school colors for her granddaughter who will be attending Kenyon College. She used Berroco Vintage and Espace Tricot's Chevron Blanket pattern. With some help from Keri along with a bit of math, Pepi knocked it out of the park. Nice work! |
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Open Knitting -- Fridays 1-4pm |
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Pam gave Fiona a crash course on continental knitting at Open Knitting recently. Fiona, a crocheter by nature, picked it up quickly! ❤️ the generosity of our community. Please join us at the shop on Fridays from 1-4pm:) |
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Carolyn's crochet students are working away at their iterations of Carolyn's award winning design: Florescence wrap. Loving all of the color combinations... keep up the fantastic work, everyone!
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Carolyn's busier than any Bee! |
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Speaking of Carolyn! Check out the little Beehive crochet pattern she whipped up by Pinky Pinky Blue. The nesting, individualized bees a la minions are perfectly sized for littles. This grand project is definitely not for the faint of heart. Too cute! |
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Queen Meme from across the pond... |
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