Dear Friends of The Blue Purl,
In this season of sharing, we have a slightly counterintuitive message: Be (a little) selfish.
Our community is primarily focused on making others happy, and we still are. Our staff is about serving you, and it still is.
For goodness sake, don’t turn your head away from others, especially the needy. But we also ask you to remember to take care of your own physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
Please, set aside some time to think about your individual needs. It’s more than ok, it is important.
Look, back in the day (and hopefully not too distant future), when we could still travel regularly, do you remember the pilot’s admonition: In the event of an emergency “Please place the oxygen mask over your own mouth and nose BEFORE assisting others.”
We are asking you to do the same. Time, space, self-care are all oxygen that fuel our own wellbeing. But if you don’t make a point of it, you can find that your own needs are overlooked, your spirit gasping for oxygen.
Here is an idea: Take a class. We have a whole new schedule out and yes, while it does help our business and nurture our community, it is also a chance for you all to spend a few hours each week doing something for yourselves.
Take some time to make yourself a sweater, or hat, or cowl. Make something for you, by you, that makes you feel good. There's something magical and fulfilling about wearing something you've made - and not just for bragging rights. You catch a glimpse of your socks and feel a sense of accomplishment (not to mention cozy feet.)
Now just to be clear, we are not suggesting anyone emulate the penny-pinching miser, Ebenezer Scrooge of a Christmas Carol. Compassion and empathy are values we cherish.
Still, we would like to leave you today with the words of Maya Angelou:
“I have long struggled with self-love. I strive, each day, to be kinder to myself, and to value my worth. And I know I’m not alone. Countless others struggle with this very same issue, but I want to leave you with this:
There is only one of you in this world, and we need you.
You are perfect in your own way. You are worthy of your love.
Let’s promise each other to be a little bit kinder to ourselves today, and each day to come.”
peace and love
connect + create
Patty, Wendy & TBP Team
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She's baaaack ... and being the wonderful busy elf she is - blocking, seaming, working her magic - Welcome back Keri :) Love this picture... :) |
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Winter hours: Tue. - Fri. 11-4
Saturday 11-3
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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
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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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Building Blocks Part 1 via Zoom |
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Building Blocks Blanket - Part 1
Level - Beginner 2
Instructor - Keri Samuels
Class dates - 6 Thursdays Jan. 7, 14,21,28, Feb. 4/11
Class time - 9am - 10:30am
So you can knit and purl...you know how to cast on and a few other techniques. Part 1 of this popular class will introduce 6 different block patterns and will cover exciting techniques such as yarn overs, increasing, decreasing, bobbles, cables, chart reading. We have taught this class over the years at The Blue Purl and believe that it will make you a confident knitter!! This will fill up - don't hesitate!
Class fee: $70 + supplies from the Blue Purl
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Learn To Knit - Wheat Scarf |
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Beginner Knitting- Wheat Scarf
Level - Very Beginner
Instructor - Carolyn Hanson
Class dates - Thurs. Jan 7, 14, 21
Class time - 6:30-8 PM
Learn to Cast-on, knit, purl, read a pattern, cast off - THE BASICS - while learning how to make this cute Tin Can Knit’s Wheat Scarf. Class size is small so we can help more - also we chose this pattern because it was “built for this” with lots of online support!!!
Class fee: $35 + supplies from The Blue Purl
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Level - Need to know how to crochet
Instructor - Carolyn Hanson
Class dates - Tues. Jan. 12,19,26
Class time - 6:30-8 PM
Tunisian crochet is often mistaken for knitting. In this class you will learn many different Tunisian Crochet Stitches to make different patterns. Yarn can be used to make this cute headband.
Class fee: $35 + supplies from The Blue Purl
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Level - Should know how to knit & purl
Instructor - Carolyn Hanson
Class date - One class - Jan 28
Class time - 6:30-8 PM
Knowing how to fix your mistakes is a real super power! Pick up a dropped stitch, tink (literally knit backwards :) frogging, putting in a lifeline... Take control of your knitting!
Class fee: $25
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First Hat - Conversationalist & Pom Pom! - Morning & Evening sessions... |
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Class: The Conversationalist Hat
Level - Beginner 2
Instructor - Keri Samuels AM - Carolyn Hanson PM
Class dates - 9- 10:30 AM Class Mon. Feb. 1,8,15
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6:30- 8 PM Thurs. Feb. 4,11, 18
This is a great first hat – a unisex knit in 3 sizes and a thick ribbed brim that is perfect for turning up into a double layer to keep your ears toasty. It will make a great gift or keep it for yourself! The hat knits up in a flash and the color options are endless…color blocks or stripes or both! All topped off with a yarn or fur pom pom!
Class fee: $35 + supplies from The Blue Purl
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Learn to Crochet - Windowpane |
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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
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A 1st Sweater: Button Front Baby Pullover |
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Level - Intermediate
Instructor - Keri Samuels
Class dates - Friday Feb. 5, 12, 26
Class time - 9-10:30
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
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Class:
Level - Beginner 2 - Good second project
Instructor - Keri Samuels
Class dates - Thurs. Feb. 11, 18, 25
Class time - 4:30-6 PM
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
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We're down to a couple of spots in our Brooklyn Tweed classes in January. Click here to see class description and requirements. Call us 973-377-564 or email - info@thebluepurl.com
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This is a great gift! If you know someone who wants to learn the joy of knitting - kick start them with this lovely kit! The book has great illustrations and is easy to follow. Choose the color of Berroco Vintage you would like and we'll wind it - or save it, in case they would like to exchange it. And aren't our new bags cute?! |
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It's go-time knitters! If you're still trying to figure out what to make for those last few gifts, we pulled together some quickies for you. |
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Knit in heavy worsted or aran weight, the Happa hat will fly off your needles in no time. The pattern comes in 4 styles, from short beanie to a long hat. Tam knitted the long beanie version years ago and it is still her daughter's favorite hat year after year. We think it would look great in Brooklyn Tweed Shelter, Woolfolk Far or Tov or Sandnes Garn Alpakka Ull. The smallest version only uses 1 skein. The pattern is available on Ravelry and the yarn can be found online or in our shop. |
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One of the Blue Purl elves is making 3 pairs of these mitts (that's 6 mitts!) for gifts. She's made a pair every 2 days, so she's on track to get them done in a week. Sure- the family is fending for themselves, but it's only for a week.
The Sulka Mitts by Caitlin Hunter are gorgeous and quick. The entire mitt uses 220 yards, 200 in the main color & 20 yards in the contrast color, making Cascade 220 a great value for this pattern. 2 skeins of Cascade 220 will get you 2 pairs of mitts if you alternate the main & contrast colors. You can find the pattern on Ravelry and our Cascade 220 is available online or in the shop. |
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Using only 2 skeins of Woolfolk Flette on a US6 needle, the Seagulls cowl makes a great luxury gift for under $50. The pattern uses a simple cable repeat throughout the cowl to give definition to this ultra soft boucle-like yarn. This can be easily knit up in time for holiday gifting or gift the kit to a deserving knitter. Pattern is sold separately on Ravelry, kits are available online or in the shop. |
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Black and cream are back in stock! And yes, you can knit this in 2 days with a size 15 or 17 needle. Hurry- these kits go like hotcakes off our online shop. Each kit includes a free pattern. Find them online or in our shop. |
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Just in case you know someone lost on ideas for you talented fiber folk, here's a few hints to throw their way. |
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The ultimate knitter's tool- a complete set of needles for all your future projects. We have kits in our favorite brands- Dreamz, Karbonz, Addis and Lykke. Most kits have needles sized 4-11, with 24", 32" and 40" cords. Some kits are beginner kits, so have fewer needle sizes, some are just for 16" circulars, some are only double pointed needles and of course we have crochet hook kits too. Find them online or in store. Feel free to call or email us to discuss which kit works best for you. |
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Laine Magazine, Winter 2020 |
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The latest Laine magazine, Issue 10 comes out this Friday and we love the Ascend pullover. With a loose fit & short/elbow sleeve designed for layering, we love the comfort and color play of this piece. We pulled Brooklyn Tweed favorite- Shelter to inspire your own color combos. This is a great relaxing knit to curl up with after the holiday rush.
Pattern is only available in the latest issue of Laine. Yarn is online or in the shop. |
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Baah's December color is here and yes, it is as gorgeous in person as the picture. This limited-edition color is available online or the shop.
We think this color would be gorgeous in the Festive Cowl. Let us help you pair this beauty up to create your unique kit.
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Who can resist the fun colors in this kit? Using basic knits & purls and slip stitches, this cowl creates a complicated stained glass effect sure to make you look like an expert. We paired some of our favorite hand dyed yarns in solids and variegated colors along with the free pattern for this kit. Find them online or in our shop. |
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We still have kits left in our holiday kits. Each bag includes yarn, pattern, and is packaged ready for gifting. Knitters may want to forward this hint to their non-knitting gifters... |
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Have you seen all the yarn that's made it to our online shop? The Blue Purl elves work nonstop to add new items every week. Our Baby section is growing so fast- it now has Sublime Baby Cashmerino, Baby Blossom DK, Sirdar Crofter & Plymouth Forget Me Not. In Worsted, we've added Berroco Sesame & our entire inventory of Cascade 220. Our Cascade 220 Superwash landed in DK & Plymouth Baby Alpaca Grande is in our Bulky section. |
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Don't forget to check out the Cirro Trunk show on the your next visit to the shop. We just received a new color in Cirro- a lovely, aptly named shade of pink, Grace. Our inventory of Cirro is available online or in store. |
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We LOVE the color combination of Blue Sky Woolstok Pat used to make her Janesville Jacket. AND we love that little trim she added on the bottom. Fabulous Pat! Fabulous, Pat! will stop that now... |
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Marla made this fun Ocean Waves blanket for her nephew Ken with Vintage Chunky. The pattern called for worsted but t he nephew is tall so she bumped it up to chunky and added a bit more. “Ocean Waves” by Jean Leinhauser & Rita Weiss from the 7-Day Afghans Book. This is such a happy blanket Marla I'm sure he loves it!
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Dang, this is cute!!! Janet made Jennifer Small's Out of This World sweater and it is so perfect!. "I used Vintage Chunky yarn. The planets were embroidered on with yarns from my “stash”. The polar icecaps and both North and South America on Earth." Interplanet Janet, she's a galaxy girl! Sorry, we couldn't resist.
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Kathie's knitting up a storm. Left is the Antler Cardigan from Tin Can Knits. This pattern is fab because it goes from birth to adult 4XL. The other sweater is Button Front Baby Pullover from Knitting Pure and Simple. This is a great sweater and inspired us to teach it! Thank you Kathie! She made it with Adriafil Knitcol. It's the cutest! Love it, Kathie! |
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Mary-Claude and her arm warmers! |
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Mary-Claude came in and kindly modeled her latest armwarmers! The first two are made with Zauberballs, Malabrigo Arroyo, and that color pop is Mille Colori. So cool, love these Mary-Claude! |
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April made Golf Club Covers in one of Keri's classes last spring. It's so fun to see your work being used!! Thanks April - Love the checkers!!! |
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Cindy came in wearing her gorgeous Courtland Capelet. This Lichen and Lace Citron/Calm Waters and La Jolla March 18 is such a beautiful combo. So nice to work this pattern with those colors! Beautiful Cindy! |
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