Dear Friends of The Blue Purl,
We want to tell you exactly how we feel about our community. But it is not as easy as it sounds.
Do you ever find yourself searching for just the right word, and just not finding it?
English serves us well, but sometimes it helps to look to other languages to capture an exact sentiment, moment, or feeling.
On Sunday morning, it seemed there were two options, tune into the news – and be overwhelmed – or retreat to the knitwear designers Arne & Carlos on YouTube.
We chose Arne & Carlos. The complete opposite of our current news cycle.
They were sitting in the woods, talking about their dog, this and that, the Norwegian lifestyle, not quite getting into the knitty part yet, but then they used the Scandinavian world “Friluftsliv’’, while talking about airing the children in all weather.
It is hard to say (free-loofts-liv) but its meaning is not so difficult to understand. It describes the deep connection to nature that Norwegians have, an almost spiritual view that nature lifts and heals the spirit. It loosely translates to free air life.
Many of us have been enjoying the outdoors more lately - and on the flip side we're also nesting. Since we're forced to be at home more, we try to make our spaces more comfy.
This time we turn to another Scandinavian country, Denmark. Are you familiar with the word Hygge (hoo-gah)? This word has been rather popular lately. Woolfolk even named a yarn after it (they also have a yarn named Luft - air.) It feels so perfect for all of us who work with our hands. It means “a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.”
It is a lifestyle. You can experience it alone. You can experience it with others. You can feel it when working with your hands, engrossed in the moment. Rooms with candles lit, the smell of cookies baking. Or following a class on zoom - with candles lit, eating cookies - because that's how we roll - right? :)
It’s Hygge. It is the opposite of the constant spinning and running and rushing that is so much a part of our lives. It is contentment.
We keep it in mind with everything that we do. With the yarns we select; with how we display them; with how we treat you and how you treat us. We want to foster a cozy atmosphere, even when we can only allow four people into the shop at a time. Even when the tables are empty of people, and we must connect via internet.
BUT, we just filled our big table with our Brooklyn Tweed Pop Up shop and we're overwhelmed by a massive Hygge infusion!
So please come visit, tell us how you feel, let us know if we can be better, if we can offer comfort in any other way. Enjoy the Friluftsliv - the weather has been lovely.
We promise not to make you say Hygge.
We just want you to feel it.
connect + create
Patty, Wendy & TBP Team
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Fall hours: Tue. -Fri. 11-4
Saturday 11-2
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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.
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BROOKLYN TWEED Pop-Up Shop |
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Our Brooklyn Tweed Pop Up has trickled in. We have our shipment of Loft (fingering) & Peerie (fingering), & Shelter (worsted) and expect Arbor (DK) in soon. In the meantime, all in-stock items are available online. While we host the Pop Up shop, we're able to take additional special orders for any colors or bases within our collection.
For those that have never tried Brooklyn Tweed's yarn, their breed-specific wool comes from American farms and are dyed & spun in the U.S. also. Loft and Shelter are woolen-spun, while Peerie and Arbor are worsted-spun. We encourage you to visit us for an in-person look at these beauties if you're new to Brooklyn Tweed.
And of course, we wouldn't leave you without plans for this special line of yarn. We have a suite of classes planned in sweaters and accessories that show off the beauty of Brooklyn Tweed. One sweater class will start in November, while the rest will kick off our Winter session in January. The classes are geared towards using Brooklyn Tweed yarn purchased during our Pop-Up. If you plan to sign up for these classes, please purchase or place your special order for the quantities & color needed during our Pop-Up. Once the Pop-Up ends (early November), we can no longer accept orders, even if you signed up for a class.
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Of course, you don't need to join a class to purchase the yarn for your own projects! In fact, have you seen their new patterns under the Terre: Verdant Collection? One of our favorites is Deliciosa by Norah Gaughan. That one is already in Tam's queue. |
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Our first class is Andrea Mowry's Weekender Light, designed with Brooklyn Tweed Loft in mind. This starts in November, so if you'd like to join this class, please purchase or place your sweater-quantity order soon |
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The Weekender Light by Andrea Mowry
This class is spaced apart to give everyone a lot of knit time, and holiday time.
Designed in Brooklyn Tweed Loft
This design was originally in worsted weight and for Andrea it was her most popular design ( that's saying a lot for The Shift designer.) She said that designing this in fingering weight yarn was due to an overwhelming email requests from knitters. So she chose Loft for the task.
"This sweater is knit from the bottom up in the round until the yoke. The yoke is knit flat and then joined at the shoulders with a 3 needle bind off. Sleeves are picked up and knit down from the body for a completely seamless sweater!"
Dates & Zoom Time: 4 Wednesday mornings - 9:30 to 11am
Nov. 11, Dec. 16, Jan. 6, Jan. 13
Teacher: Liz Braverman
Skill Level: Intermediate
Cost:$60 + supplies from the Blue Purl
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Svenson by Jared Flood
designed for Brooklyn Tweed DK weight Arbor
This is a beautiful classic cabled sweate. It's designed by Jared Flood, founder of Brooklyn Tweed. In a recent interview he said...
"We believe that knitting design can be beautiful, fashionable and modern, while retaining its link to traditional and historic roots. I love when old and new come together, and that’s a driving force around here for sure."
and we believe this sweater design is a perfect example of that.
"the honeycomb texture of the central panels incorporates purl stitches to unusual effect, and the flanking horseshoe cables playfully experiment with scale. A moss stitch ground and half-twisted rib edges complete the study in textures, putting Arbor through all its paces. Modified raglan construction ensures a tailored and comfortable fit."
Dates & Zoom Time: 5 Saturday mornings - 9:00 to 10:30am
Jan. 9, 30 Feb.13, 27, March 13
Teacher: Keri Samuels
Skill Level: Experienced (Advanced) - this is NOT a first sweater project or a first cables project.
Cost: $75 + supplies from the Blue Purl
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Designed in Brooklyn Tweed Loft
This beautiful colorwork hat is inspired by the yoke of a pullover. With this three color hat you'll be working from a chart and there is a short and long version.
Dates & Zoom Time: 3 Thursday afternoons - 4:15 to 5:45 PM
Jan. 7,14, 28
Teacher: Keri Samuels
Skill Level: Intermediate
Cost: $35 + supplies from the Blue Purl
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Winter Orchard Cowl by Laura Aylor
Designed in Brooklyn Tweed Arbor
Twisted stitches and slip stitches help create the lovely sparse branches climbing up this cowl. Lots to learn in this project!
Dates & Zoom Time: 3 Friday Mornings - 9-10:30 AM
Jan. 15,22, 29
Teacher: Keri Samuels
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Cost: $35 + supplies from the Blue Purl
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Creel Cowl by Anne Hanson
Have you just learned how to cast on, knit and purl? If yes, then this is a great project for you! This simple textured basketweave cowl will teach you how to follow your stitches and pattern and knit in the round. Great gift for everyone. The pattern comes with directions for a hat and mitts - so you can keep going afterward!
Dates & Zoom Time: 3 Saturday Mornings - 9-10:30 AM
Jan. 16, 23, Feb. 6
Teacher: Keri Samuels
Skill Level: Beginner - need to know how to knit & purl
Cost: $35 + supplies from the Blue Purl
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Apart Together Socks by Dawn Henderson
Designed in Brooklyn Tweed Peerie
'Cables drift apart and swing back together in a pattern that dances down to your toes in Brooklyn Tweed’s Peerie yarn.' Liz will teach this class with the magic loop technique but if you're experienced with dpn's - go for it!
These were designed at the beginning of the covid pandemic and named in the spirit of making them together while we're apart - perfect for our zoom class!
Dates & Time: 4 Wednesday mornings - 10-11 AM
Jan. 20, 27 Feb. 3,10
Teacher: Liz Braverman
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Cost: $50 + supplies from the Blue Purl
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Ashby by Leila Raven
Designed for Brooklyn Tweed Shelter
There is so much to learn in this shawl! "This triangular shawl is a texture-lover’s dream. The border features garter stitch, meandering cables, and short-row detailing. The main body fabric is worked in a lovely variation on Moss Stitch which creates balance for the more heavily patterned border."
Dates & Zoom Time: 3 Fridays - Jan. 22, Feb. 12 & 26 4:15-5:45 PM
Teacher: Liz Braverman
Skill Level: Intermediate (charts, short rows, picking up stitches)
Cost: $35 + supplies from the Blue Purl
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Hard to believe it with the pandemic but NJ Woolwalk 2020 is here! Starting 10/3-10/10, the Blue Purl is one of 15 participating stores in the 2020 Woolwalk. |
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Dates: Saturday Oct. 3rd- Saturday Oct. 10th for the Blue Purl, regular store hours.
How: No need to purchase a Woolwalk passport this year to join the fun!
Where: In store only for The Blue Purl, we won't be able to accommodate any promotions in our online shop or on phone. Only 4 customers in the shop at a time with masks on due to covid.
What: 20% off Plymouth & Berroco yarns in stock*
What else: Add your name to 2 raffles: The Blue Purl raffle basket- $200 value full of yarn kits, notions, pattern books, Cocoknits project bag, and more! AND the Woolwalk Raffle for a Cascade Block Blanket.
More: Every in-store purchase of $100 or more gets a free Blue Purl Stainless Steel tumbler during Woolwalk.
Even More: All loyalty members get double points on all purchases during Woolwalk! Make sure to join & get your points if you haven't yet. As a reminder, 250 points gets you 10% off one item or a $5 off one item.
*Plymouth Homestead excluded from sale
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Another week, another new yarn, what can we say? We love fiber.
Fibre Co.'s newest yarn is Cirro, a brushed yarn in sport weight. It is a blend of brushed suri alpaca and merino wool wrapped around a strand of organic cotton for added strength. The effect is " a delightfully soft haloed fabric that is light as a feather and easily worn next to the skin."
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Fun facts about Suri Alpaca:
-Suri is one of 2 breeds of alpaca, Suri is the curly "dreadlocks" breed.
-In laboratory testing, alpaca is 3x warmer than sheep wool.
-It's stronger & more water resistant than other mammal fibers. Not water-proof though!
Want to learn more? Check here. |
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Along with the yarn, Fibre Co. released 6 sweater patterns that scream cozy-elegance. Here's some of our favorites, all with seamless knitting. |
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Austrina is knit top down in an oversized fit with no seaming. The beautiful lace yoke repeats in the sleeves right above the cuff.
Farra features a gorgeous honeycomb pattern with an oversized fit and balloon sleeves. The sweater is also a seamless, top down knit.
Patera is full of designer details like a lace yoke, a high-low hem, and balloon sleeves. The A-line shaping is worked top-down, seamlessly of course.
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Malabrigo Rasta's newest color collection, Pintada is in the shop. With names like Unicorn Bark, Blueberry Cream and Snake, you're going to want to see these skeins in person. Of course, we've put them online in case you can't make it in. |
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Need something warm over your shoulders for those evenings dining outdoors? We've got you covered. The Goldeneye shawl by Taiga Hilliard is a free pattern on Ravelry & uses 2 skeins of Rasta on a US 19 needle. If you start now, you could have a shawl by dinner time this weekend. |
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Perky Little Hat by Sharon Lentsch also only needs 1 skein for either the child or adult size. Using a US 15 circular needle Wendy knit the adult size in one evening. She used the new Rasta color Blueberry Cream and had enough yarn left for a large pompom. |
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We think Baah knocked it out of the park (like Giancarlo Stanton) with the October 20 color of the month. (Get it? Post season baseball in October?) Seriously, we love this color and so do many of our Woolwalkers. All skeins available are in our online shop. |
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Have you seen this sample in our shop? The Textured Cowl by Fibre Co. is knit with 1 skein of Road to China Light. A fun & quick knit that is so incredibly soft, perfect for that long gift-giving list or for yourself. |
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Mary Jane Mucklestone's Fair Isle Weekend book will be arriving in early November and we are taking preorders now. This 104 page, hardcover includes 8 gorgeous colorwork patterns for accessories and yoked sweaters designed by MJ Mucklestone
"Fair Isle Weekend takes you on an exciting trip to Fair Isle, a windswept island in Shetland, famous for its traditional colourwork knitting. During her many trips to Fair Isle, Mary Jane has been fascinated and inspired by the island's rich textile traditions, learning about Fair Isle knitting by looking at old textiles and sharing stories and knowledge around a cup of tea. Now, she has created a gorgeous collection of designs which she would take with her for a weekend trip to Shetland when a carry-on bag is all you take with you."
Call/ Email us to reserve your copy. |
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Fall 2020 issue of Vogue Knitting just landed in our shop. Call or email us to get your copy. |
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Fall Zoom Classes! - Coming Up! |
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HOW TO SIGN UP: To sign up for a class please call the shop, 973-377-5648 (KNIT) or email - info@thebluepurl.com
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Speed Knitting - Continental Combination - A few spaces left!| Teacher: Carolyn Hanson
Level: Advanced beginner - very comfortable with knit, purling, and casting on
Zoom Date: 1 class only Tuesday Oct. 27 - Time: 6:30 - 8pm
Calling all throwers! Have you always wanted to learn how to knit continental? Have you ever wanted to increase your knitting speed? Continental Combination is the fastest means of knitting. Your hands never leave the needles.
Class fee: $20
Beginning Crochet - 2 spaces left : Windowpane Scarf | Teacher: Carolyn Hanson
Level: Beginner
Zoom Dates: 3 Wednesdays: October 14,21,28 6:30-8PM
Class fee: $35 + supplies from The Blue Purl
Level: Beginner 2 - need to know crochet basics
Zoom Dates: 3 Thursdays: Nov. 5, 12, 19-Time: 5:30-7pm
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Are you knitters checking this out? It's crochet! Tunisian crochet, it looks a whole lot like knitting and it's been popping up all over the place lately. Maybe because the tight stitches will keep you warm the winter. Carolyn has taught Tunisian crochet class twice with us. Maybe it's time for another class? Let us know if interested - pop us a quick email!
On the left is Toni Lipsey's Loveland Shawl, a fantastic project! (yes we featured another Tunisian poncho of hers last week - we love her designs:)
The Shine Like A Diamond Cowl by Arunima Goel is elegant. The colors are easy to manage the forward pass is made with one color and reverse pass with another - and just 2 Tunisian stitches - the reverse and knit stitches. Beautiful.
Happy Crocheting!
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A LITTLE COMMUNITY NEWS: Just want to let you know Keri is away the month of Nov. So if you need her for any magic before then..... |
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Here are a couple of the bunnies from Keri's Bunny Class :) Way to go Dee, Chris & Elayne - Can't wait to see the rest of them!! We never get tired of seeing everyone's version of these. Bonus- these bunnies won't eat up our veggie gardens! |
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Beautiful Building Blocks |
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We love the happy colors Janet used in her TWO Michelle Hunter Building Blocks blankets she made for her grandchildren with Berroco Vintage Chunky. They look PERFECT JANET!! |
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Our friend Cassie has been practicing her purls and she made her first cowl with her recent purchase of Rasta. Seed stitch is next, Cassie. So adorable! You're ready for the cooler weather. |
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Lynn made this beautiful Etched Rio Wrap with Plymouth Reserve Sport. This yarn has such a lovely drape and subtle color shifts. Gorgeous Lynn! |
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Caren looks great in her Courtyard Pullover by Melissa Wehrie. She made it with Rowan Soft Yak DK. Caren is a great knitter and has taken on the Maple Sweater. We know it will be beautiful! Thanks for sharing! |
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That easy Guersnsey Hat + That Beautiful Baby |
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Oh my goodness!!! Right ??? Susan assures us that her granddaughter Avery love s her That easy Guernsey Hat. But of course she does, grandma made it in Woolfolk. Oh what did you start grandma :)
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Marge used Shibui Vine for her Emilia poncho. We love this so much we have a kit for it in our online shop! It's beautiful Marge! Love the color, and it's great on a hot day. |
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Denise came in with her fabulous Felted Bag (she made during Liz's class) to look for a button. She made it with Cascade 220 and Manos del Uruguay's Maxima - great yarns for felting. It's stunning Denise! Enjoy! |
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For this baby it's definitely sweater weather! |
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I do know Arlene has a new grandbaby but I do not think these all are for one little person!! But they are lovely for whoever the lucky recipients. Baby Crofter (with collar) and Baby Surprise (with buttons- two fav's). Bravo Arlene |
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Special Rowan Event Next Week! |
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Sign-Up for the Designer Spotlight |
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From Rowan: Join our Rowan Designers as they take you through their collections and share the inspiration, construction and techniques behind the new Rowan and MODE at Rowan season.
In mid-October we will be running a global virtual event – Rowan Designer Spotlight. This live event offers Rowan knitters the opportunity to take a glimpse behind the scenes of the season and hear from some of the Rowan designers about their Autumn Winter 2020/21 collections.
Hosted by Trisha Malcolm, Rowan Executive Brand Strategist
who will be joined by:
Lisa Richardson, Erika Knight, Martin Storey, Georgia Farrell, Georgina Brant from Quail Studio, ARNE & CARLOS, Brandon Mably and Kaffe Fassett.
Wednesday October 14th 9-11am PDT • 12-2pm EDT • 5-7pm BST • 6-8pm CEST
Thursday October 15th 10am-12pm PDT • 1-3pm EDT • 6-8pm BST • 7-9pm CEST
We are offering two dates at different times with a view to reaching as many knitters as possible. Both events are the same, but there might be slight differences due to the fact that they are live.
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