–– www.thebluepurl.com | 973-377-5648 ––
Dear Friends of The Blue Purl,

We want to start today’s newsletter with lyrics by Leonard Cohen, the singer, songwriter known for taking dark moments and spinning them into brilliant lyrics, for finding hope and possibility in an imperfect world.

“Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack in everything
That's how the light gets in.”

We have just about made it through 2020, and right now, the most lingering image we have is of all of you – our light. 

Maybe it's getting the holiday cards with lovely families smiling, celebrating each other. Maybe it is the bit of pride we take in keeping The Blue Purl not just running, but a vibrant, living space for our community. We decided to go back and look through all of the pictures this year and we were so happy to revisit all the proud faces wearing your beautiful projects.

We did not always see it in the moment, because like you we were working hard to make the best of a challenging time. But now we see it was all of you who gave us energy and drive to adapt and pivot, day after day, week after week, as life threw us unexpected hurdles.

With the chance to reflect and step out of the moment we see just how creative and prolific you all were.

How you were, indeed, the light that the cracks let in.

Happy New Year
Thank you

connect + create

Patty, Wendy & TBP Team
SEE WHAT WE'RE UP TO! FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @THEBLUEPURL
Winter hours: Tue. - Fri. 11-4
Saturday 11-3
Closed New Year Eve & New Year day
  • 4 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
  • 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.
Help is on the way!
With the limited amount of people allowed in the shop and the limited staff we are using at this time, we are unable to help with your projects during regular shop hours.

Beginning on Monday Jan. 11, Keri will be in the shop from 11-2 to offer help. There will be half hour slots and we will have a sign-up sheet. Only one person at a time and we ask that you heed to the time limit and please, as always, we can only help with projects purchased from The Blue Purl. As in the past, there is no fee for this service.

We will announce the sign-up sheet in the next newsletter.
Classes
Learn to Crochet - Windowpane
Level - Very Beginner
Instructor - Carolyn Hanson
Class dates - Wed Feb.3,10,17
Class time - 6:30 - 8 PM

This geometric scarf pattern is easy and showcases any beautiful yarn you choose. A great starting project.

Skills Taught: You will learn the basics of crochet, making a chain, basic stitches, how to read a pattern and a chart.

Class fee: $35 + supplies from The Blue Purl-need to use DK or worsted yarn
Please call 973-377-5648 or email info@thebluepurl.com to sign-up.
Your 1st Sweater: Button Front Baby Pullover
Level - Intermediate
Instructor - Keri Samuels
Class dates - Friday Feb. 5, 12, 26
Class time - 9-10:30
Pattern: For Purchase

This is an adorable little pullover and is sure to be a favorite of new moms. Buttons on one side of the raglan line makes it easier dressing the baby, and the edges are ribbed.  You can make it a solid color, add stripes or use self-striping yarn to customize the design. It’s knitted top-down, and the sleeves are knitted in the round, so there are no seams. Add 2 cute buttons and you’ve got a darling baby gift!

Class fee: $35 + supplies from The Blue Purl
Please call 973-377-5648 or email info@thebluepurl.com to sign-up.
Log Cabin Baby Blanket
Class:
Level - Beginner 2 - Good second project
Instructor - Keri Samuels
Class dates - Thurs. Feb. 11, 18, 25
Class time - 4:30-6 PM
Pattern: Free Download

This is a cute, fun-to-knit blanket that will be perfect for any lucky baby! The pattern is based on a traditional quilt pattern and is created by making garter stitch rectangles and then picking up stitches along one edge and continuing to add to the blanket seamlessly. The finished blanket is approximately 22’ x 24” but could be made larger by adding “layers” or using thicker yarn.
 
Class fee: $35 + supplies from The Blue Purl
Please call 973-377-5648 or email info@thebluepurl.com to sign-up.
2020 Accomplishments!
The Joy of Learning
Remember 5 years ago, when we could get together for a class and learn in-person? Ahh the fruits of your labor.
Knitting For our Loves
Nothing is better than knitting for an appreciative audience...
Knitting for Ourselves
You deserve to enjoy your own gorgeous work. We love all the smiling maskless faces from January- March.
Bulky Hats
Colorful Accessories
Beautiful Sweaters
The amount of skill and creativity from our community is unbelievable. Some of these garments are from relatively new but brave knitters!
Giving Back
You guys never hesitated to contribute when called upon- from anti-bullying programs, hats for homeless, blankets for newborns, to even helping the wildlife whose habitat was hurt from wildfires in Australia!
Never be without yarn!
This is a classic. Love you Miss Judy! You brighten our day.
Blankets Galore
Breathe, Hope & Peace
Knitwear designer Casapinka, provided local yarn shops and knitters with "knitting through the pandemic" patterns. From, Breathe and Hope, Hug Shot, Blanket of Calm, and Glamping Blanket. We love her. And our friends Kirsten who helped make the peace sign and Mary-Claude played her violin for passers by getting into the festive spirit!
Adapting
Hazel, blowing us a kiss, was the first customer back in the shop during the pandemic. Keri made sooo many masks that she gave to our customers! Thank you Keri! Drive-by pick-ups and the hook on the front door with waves. Jennifer Weissman had a zoom designer visit with us, and Annie won the raffle basket during the covid-y Woolwalk :)
Zooming Along
Oh the zoom classes!! And Cherie keeping the table running on zoom Saturdays.We've accomplished so much with this technology.