Dear Friends of The Blue Purl,
There is an old adage we want to share: “Gold and silver will fade away, but a good education is here to stay.”
You get the point; material goods are often fleeting but an education is every-lasting.
One of the great things about our shop is we have access to tremendously talented staff that is eager to share its knowledge with you. Look, this is not just some upsell, but a sincere effort to encourage you all to give it a shot, take a class with us, give us the chance to share some of what we know and love with you. It is a small commitment of time that we think will more than payoff for you.
Here is one very concrete way we can help.
A good pattern is a thing of beauty in our community. It offers a path to success. But how do you know which pattern to choose, which has been tech edited, or test knitted? Does it have a schematic drawing? Is it free or paid?
Let us help you choose and then learn the skills to carry it out. We love designers like Isabell Kraemer, Jennifer Weissman, Toni Lipsey, and Andrea Mowry. Their patterns are comprehensive, have charts when needed, definitions to explain terms, and clear instructions to execute special stitches. You've probably made one or two of their designs.
In our upcoming classes we have taken care to chose great patterns to learn from. We have everything from a beautiful free pattern for the sock class to a more than 15 page pattern for the Svenson sweater. A special plus to the Brooklyn Tweed classes is that the patterns were designed in their yarn.
Going through patterns with a teacher exposes you to many different approaches. When you are done with the pattern, you will not only have a beautiful piece of work, but the knowledge you have gained – and that can never be taken away.
Join Us!
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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NEW!!! Beginning Knitting - Tin Can Knits Wheat Scarf!
Tell your friends!
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WHEAT SCARF - ZOOM CLASS - a free beginner pattern from Tin Can Knits
When: 3 Wednesday Evenings - Nov. 4,11,18 zoom time 6:30-8pm
Teacher: Caroline Hanson
Carolyn will take you through the beginning steps of knitting this simple scarf. Learn how to cast on, knit, purl, cast off, read a pattern and sew in your ends.
The Tin Can Knits Simple Collection patterns also have tutorials that will help support you in between classes. Class sizes are small so you can ask questions.
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BROOKLYN TWEED Pop-Up Shop |
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Brooklyn Tweed Arbor is here and online. We also got a re-stock of popular colors of Shelter (Long Johns, Hayloft, Sweatshirt & more). |
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Our Brooklyn Tweed classes are starting to fill up. We've kept them intentionally small so that Keri & Liz can spend enough time helping the students. While most of the classes start in January, we will close out registration of these classes when our Brooklyn Tweed Pop-Up ends. Call us at 973-377-564 or email - info@thebluepurl.com
These classes are planned around this wonderful rustic, American sourced & dyed yarn. We have 7 classes at various levels of experience from sweaters to accessories that show off the beauty of Brooklyn Tweed. One sweater class (Weekender Light) starts 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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Not ready to try a class but want some ideas?
The Afton scarf/wrap by Jared Flood is one of our favorites and can be made using Peerie, held single, Loft held double or Shelter to make a sizable wrap. The lace and cable textures give this accessory elegance and warmth.
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Our Weekender Light class starts in November, is spaced out to allow for holiday activities and resumes in January. You still have time to sign up for this class and special order a sweater quantity of Loft if needed. We do have sweater quantities in many colors right now.
Check out Liz's daughter Sarah in her Weekender!
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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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Woolfolk New 2020 Colors & FALL Collection |
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We can't stop admiring Woolfolk's new colors. Is it blue, green, gray? We can't decide but we can't wait to bring it to life on needles. These are all available online but you'll love seeing these in person. |
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Tiberius by Isabell Kraemer |
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Isabell Kraemer, one of our favorite sweater designers has a new pattern out and we are hooked. The Tiberius sweater, designed in mYak Tibetan Cloud, is inspired by ancient tile work. Isabell Kraemer patterns tend to be one of favorite recommendations because of the clarity of her patterns, ease of construction and general comfortable fit of her styles. Just like many of her other patterns, Tiberius is knit top down, with no seaming.
She chose a wonderful yarn with great drape and structure to design around in Tibetan Cloud. We picked out 2 color combos- version 1. Cladonia (MC), Ortensi (CC1), Botto D'oro (CC2) and version 2. Wild Daisy (MC), Dahlia (CC1), Genziana (CC2).
We also chose a combo in Rowan Felted Tweed that would be dramatically beautiful- Black (MC), Ultramarine (CC1), Peach (CC2).
You can purchase these online or in the shop if you'd like more advice. The pattern is available on Ravelry. |
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Ever start a color work sweater, zip through the fun color work yoke and then get bogged down in stockinette for the body? Plume, a gorgeous soft capelet is your answer. Martin Storey's beautiful color work design will keep you interested and you'll have a finished product without ever having to deal with a body of stockinette or sleeve island. We love the soft drape of Rowan's Alpaca Soft DK this is designed in. Of course we picked out a few color combos for you to purchase online but come into the shop to find your own favorite colors. |
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Guess what came into the shop? A new shipment of Top This hats, just in time for gift knitting season. If you've never tried these before, these adorable hat kits include yarn with a fun striping pattern, adorable topper & pattern inside the label for a hat sized in baby & kids. For the big kids in us, here's alternate instructions for larger sizes too. |
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Casapinka Glamping Blanket KAL |
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Casapinka's latest knit-along is perfect for the nesting we may need this Winter. She's designed an adorable blanket " available in Cat, Baby, Dog, Lap, and Adult Sofa sizes...It will be part of an ongoing pandemic KAL in The Sharon Show FB page and in the Casapinka Ravelry Group." The pattern is expected to go live October 30th. If you want to purchase it on Ravelry now, Casapinka will drop it into your library on October 30th.
In conjunction with Berroco Yarns, Casapinka has set up kits in all 5 sizes in Berroco Vintage Chunky yarn. We have some of these kits available in the shop but Berroco is also offering drop shipping for all these kits in all the sizes.
How does drop shipping work? You come in the store, pick out one of the prepackaged kits available through Berroco, we order on your behalf & Berroco will ship directly to your address! Just specify that you're ordering for the drop ship program.
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Of course, we'd be happy to help you pick out your own unique color combo. You can also choose another chunky weight yarn or hold 2 DK yarns together.
Tam is doing her version in Sandnes Garn Kos, in new colors from our recent shipment. Kos would give a lighter, fluffy texture, but still be warm. It has similar yardage & pricing to Vintage Chunky but is not machine-washable, so don't share it with your pet. |
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Alanis by Elizabeth Smith |
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What happens when you show up at your mom's work? You get put to work, of course.
Stella is modeling Wendy's latest shop sample, Alanis by Elizabeth Smith, knit up in Winterburn Aran. This is a great transitional piece for the Fall weather, loose fitting but cozy. Wendy knitted hers in Brassband & Viking colorways. We also like the Endeavor & Lotherton combo below. Other yarns that we love for this? Brooklyn Tweed Shelter & Kelbourne Lucky Tweed. |
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Fall/Winter 2020 Amirisu arrives November 6th.
Issue 21 features 12 new knitwear patterns from designers worldwide along with an interview with the founder of Woolfolk, one of our favorite yarn companies.
Also, every copy of Amirisu comes with a Ravelry download code for the entire magazine.
Call/ email us to reserve your copy. |
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Don't forget, we are collection Hats for the Homeless through mid-November. Kathy (part of our knitting community) is spearheading this project. All hats (and scarves) will be distributed to Nourish New Jersey of Morristown, formerly The Community Soup Kitchen and Outreach Center. Use up that stash to help your community. |
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The Capitol hat by Hinterm Stein, is a free pattern on Ravelry until Nov. 3rd. Knit in sport weight, it comes in 7 sizes! Knit one for yourself, a friend or donate to our Hats for the Homeless community collection. |
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TWO Crochet ALongS (CALS) we think you'll LOVE |
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1: The Holiday Baubles Blanket CAL by Melinda Miller has JUST begun. This is a fab holiday blanket. Learning a few of the different center bauble granny squares alone would be great. Whip up your own creation - maybe a table runner, placemats, a bag, a box, a poncho.... anything you can piece together with granny squares!!
The 1st pattern was released yesterday and for 9 weeks a new pattern will be published. Video tutorials are also available.
2: We think there's a ton to learn in constructing this magnificent Barn Owl, and since this CAL is beginning Saturday you have just enough time to gather your supplies and settle in. And of course we can help with that :)
Along with a free written pattern there are photo and video tutorials. Every Saturday a piece of the pattern will be released on Hanneke's Designs Ravelry page. The materials list is there now.
Happy Crocheting!
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Our Fabulous Community - Show & Tell |
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Bobbie Olivia Cowl by Michele Rose Orne with Malabrigo Rios. The Rios gives this basketweave cowl a real 3-D effect. It's a free pattern - fun and pretty easy one skein knit! Beautiful Bobbie! |
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Jean used Mad Tosh Meriono Light for her Gryer shawl by Isabell Kraemer. (The 3rd mention of Isabell Kraemer in this newsletter! Great pattern writer) Love the colors Jean! It's Beautiful! |
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Elba had a lot of Lang Cashmerino for Babies left over and worked on crocheting these Zingtastic Mitts. They're super cute Elba - love them! What a fantastic stash project:) |
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Dixie made this adorable trio in Baby Blossom Chunky Twinkle Twinkle. These were patterns from Hayfield. Perfect Dixie! Lucky little guy! |
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Annie won the shop raffle basket from the Wool Walk! Congrats Annie! |
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