Dear Friends of The Blue Purl,
We are planners.
We pick the project. Pick the pattern. Pick the yarn.
Then each step is choreographed to follow the step before. You cannot do second things first with knitting or crocheting.
You’ve got to follow the plan... mostly :)
Unless of course, the fire alarm goes off!
It was a cold, but quiet Saturday inside The Blue Purl, as Keri taught her Svenson Sweater class remotely - one of those beautiful cables everywhere type of class. It was about 10 am, Wendy and Liz were in the shop helping out and getting ready for the day.
All was fine. All was going according to plan and then:
Eeeeeeoeeeeeoeeeo
The fire alarm went off and suddenly, the plans for the day were interrupted.
So, what did we do?
Well, we had never heard the fire alarm before in the shop, so the piercing noise was quite startling. There was no smoke, so we calmly gathered our things, checked to make sure everyone was ok, and left the building.
But the class! What about the class!?
Well, when a plan goes kaput, you have to improvise and that, too, is a trait for all of us handcrafters. We are planners, but we can also improvise when life throws us a curveball. Keri and Wendy climbed into Wendy’s car pulled out an iPad and voilà, we were back in business. Class was resumed. (Liz was the grown-up who checked in with the fire dept :)
To be clear, there never was a fire. The alarm was set off by a tenant who perhaps wasn’t paying close enough attention to the stove. As a result, the firetrucks came out, the street was blocked off, and our class had to relocate.
But it was a reminder of how important it is to have a plan, but how equally important it is to roll with the punches. We have said this before, but it seems so worth repeating, especially as 2021 feels in many ways to be an extension of 2020: We cannot control what life throws at us, only how we respond to it.
Outside firefighters crisscrossed the street and trucks drove by. But inside the Toyota, Keri was in the front seat, Wendy hanging over her with an iPad. As the class continued, Keri’s steady hands showed us not just how to follow the plan – but how to improvise as well.
What a great, unexpected, lesson. For all of us.
connect + create
Patty, Wendy & TBP Team
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Keri teaching from the car - and below - look how awesome the Svenson Sweaters are coming along!
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SEE WHAT WE'RE UP TO! FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM
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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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Hard Cider Knit Along- last chance to sign up |
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This is the last week to join our KAL. Tam will host a knit along for Hard Cider by Thea Colman, a top-down, loose pullover with options for a a cowl neck, turtleneck, or crew neckline. Tam is planning on a crewneck. You can also adjust the body length to your taste. This flexible wardrobe staple has some minimal shaping & a bit of lace work to keep all the stockinette interesting. The pattern can be purchased on Ravelry.
Please note- this is NOT a class. There will be no instruction or recorded videos of instruction. Everyone should already have the skills required for this sweater.
This is a great way for knitters to talk over issues & advise each other as we knit this piece together, & have a weekly group show & tell! Drinks & desserts encouraged too, after all, physical-distancing doesn't mean social distancing!
Skills Required: You must be comfortable knitting a sweater, this is NOT a first sweater pattern. You should be able to knit, purl, join & knit in the round, be able to execute short rows, pick up stitches, be able to read a lace chart & understand basic sweater construction.
Where: Zoom, of course. A link will be emailed shortly to those signed up.
When: Tuesdays, 7-8pm, starting Feb. 9th, and every Tuesday to Mar. 2nd
Cost: FREE, but projects must be purchased from the Blue Purl.
Call or email us to sign up and you can find all the yarns listed online or in the shop. Tam will also be in the shop on Friday to answer questions. |
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Maybe it's the recent snowy weather but it feels like we can't get enough layers on to keep the chill out. According to one of our usual teen models, vests are very hip right now. Who knew? We've always liked them because they're so light & comfy while keeping our bodies cozy. They're such great layering pieces and it's so nice to knit up a garment and not have to do sleeves, honestly. We created a vest bundle of our favorites, just click on the image to get to our Ravelry page.
From the Woofolk Design Team, we love the Forsten Vest. Knit with a US 10 needle in Flette Bulky, this will take no time. Check out the version by one of our customers in the community section below. It looks amazing on her and is so weather-appropriate right now. All yarns can be purchased online or in the shop. |
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Harrisville Designs Deep Winter 2021 |
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Sylvester Pullover, Schneeflocken and the Asagao Hat are all in the latest collection by Harrisville Designs. Using their Shetland fingering, these patterns make us feel ready to deal with 6 more weeks of winter. The pullovers are a modern take of traditional Nordic stranded color work and the hat is designed with beautiful cable motifs for added warmth. The patterns can be purchased on Ravelry and the yarn is available online or in the shop. |
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Can you believe this has been backordered since late summer? It finally arrived last week!
This beginner friendly wrap uses 2 strands of Blue Sky organic cotton held together in simple knit and purl stitches to create texture on US 15 needle. Start now and you'll have a perfect accessory for late winter/early spring weather. The Worthington Wrap kit can be found online or in store. The pattern can be purchased on Ravelry.
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Blue Purl Easy Peasy Scarf-restocked |
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We restocked this popular beginner level scarf kit with the original sample colors and created new color combos in Rowan Alpaca Soft DK. Find them online or in the shop. |
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designer: Boyland Knitworks (Caitlin Hunter)
Dates & Zoom Time: 4 Mondays - March 1,8,15, 22 - 9:00-10:30 AM
Teacher: Keri Samuels
Skill Level: Intermediate
Cost: $50+ supplies from the Blue Purl
The design for these pretty fingerless mitts is based on a stitch pattern found on one of the oldest pieces of nalbinding (an early predecessor of knitting) ever found. The pattern is written for 3 women’s sizes. Techniques used include knitting in the round making a tube with a small circumference, increasing and decreasing, making the “deceptively easy” contrast Kihnu Vits Braid and completing an afterthought thumb.
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Nya Mosaic Blanket - Mosaic Crochet |
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designer: Tatsiana Kupryianchyk
Dates & Zoom Time: Feb 24, March 3, 10 - 6:30-8 PM
Teacher: Carolyn Hanson
Skill Level: Intermediate
Cost: $35 + supplies from the Blue Purl
Mosaic Crochet is a technique that creates the appearance of crochet colorwork without the need to switch colors mid-row. It requires you to work one color per row in sc and connect to the same color 2 rows below with dc. You’ll use a chart and written instruction to make designs.
We will be making the Nya Infinity Mosaic Blanket using 2 color, one dark and one light. We’ll learn the technique, reading a chart and reading the pattern. Intermediate crochet level
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Dates & Zoom Time: 4 Wed. March 3, 17, 24, 31 - 9:30-11 AM
Teacher: Liz Braverman
Pattern provided with Yarn Purchase
Skill Level: Intermediate
Cost: $50 + supplies from the Blue Purl
Description:
Learn: Picking up stitches in the round, I-Cord, Applied I-Cord, Felting
Create your one of a kind felted project bag. Choose a color scheme that brings you happiness!
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designer: Susan B. Anderson
Dates & Zoom Time: 3 Thurs. March 4, 11,18 - 4:15 - 5:45 PM
Teacher: Keri Samuels
Skill Level:
Cost: $35 + supplies from the Blue Purl
This adorable little bunny will be just in time for Spring! The design is completely seamless (yay!) and is worked top-down starting with the head. Techniques used include knitting in the round, increasing and decreasing, picking up stitches, optional bobbles, a pom pom and a bit of embroidery at the end. The pattern is very well written, with illustrations to help you through the tricky parts!
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Cabled Hat - Morning & Evening sessions |
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Jason's Cashmere Hat
Dates & Zoom Time: evenings -3 Thursdays: Feb. 25, March 4, 11,
Mornings - 3 Saturdays: Feb. 20, March 6, March 20 9- 10:30AM
Teacher: Keri Samuels (AM) & Carolyn Hanson (PM)
Skill Level: Beginner 2 - must know how to knit & purl
Cost: $35 + supplies from the Blue Purl
This is a great first hat that features a simple all over cable design. The cables and ribbing will help the hat keep its shape and also provide warmth. There is also a thick folded brim that can be adjusted to keep your ears warm in the coldest weather. Techniques used are knitting in the round, cables, decreasing and knitting a tube with a small circumference.
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Dates & Zoom Time: 3 Fridays - March 5, 12, 19 - 9:30 - 11AM
Teacher: Liz Braverman
Skill Level: Intermediate
Cost: $35 + supplies from the Blue Purl
Learn: Garter Tab Cast On, Increases, Textured stitches, Tassels
Turn a special skein of fingering weight yarn into a beautiful Spring/Summer accessory.
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Dates & Zoom Time: 3 Thursdays: March 18, 25, April 1 - 6:30-8 PM
Teacher: Carolyn Hanson
Pattern provided
Skill Level:Beginner 2 - Good second project
Cost: $35 + supplies from the Blue Purl
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.
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Continental Combination - Speed Knitting |
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Date & Zoom Time: Wed. April 8 - 6:30-8 PM
Teacher: Carolyn Hanson
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Cost: $25
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.
This technique “picks” the stitches instead of wrapping the yarn around the needle. Believe it or not, purling is easier than knitting. The key to knitting Continental Combination is knitting off of the “leading edge” no matter where it’s presented, either off the front or back of the needle. Never untwist a stitch again! This technique will change how you knit forever! The resulting fabric presents even tension, and with less wear and tear on joints. You will be amazed.
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designer: Elizabeth Smith
Date & Zoom Time: 4- Wed. April 7, 21, 28 May 5 - 9:30-11 AM
Teacher: Liz Bank-Braverman
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner on up
Cost: $50 + supplies from the Blue Purl
Learn: Simple lace, short rows, three needle bind off, picking up stitches
Usher in the Spring with this easily customizable tee. It is worked bottom up with simple lace and flattering shoulder shaping. Add a pop of color to your wardrobe or an easy going neutral.
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designer: Black Crow Knits
Date & Zoom Time: 4 Wed. March 24, 31, April 7, 14 - 7-8:30 PM
Teacher: Carolyn Hanson
Skill Level: Intermediate
Cost: $50 + supplies from the Blue Purl
You’ve been asking and we heard you. Brioche is here! This is an introduction to brioche knitting. Brioche is a squishy fabric that uses yo and sl sts to make simple and complicated designs in 1 and 2 colors. We will explore brioche in rows in both a single color and 2 colors using 2 different projects: a simple ear warmer headband (Lissie or Headband with a Twist) and the Brioche Untangled Scarf. All available on Ravelry. You will learn the technique, and how to read a pattern to start you off on your brioche adventure. Intermediate knitters. click on our website for more info on patterns...
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Building Blocks Blanket - Part 1
Date & Zoom Time: 6- Thursdays - March 25, April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 -
4:15-5:45 PM
Teacher: Keri Samuels
Pattern Book Available in the shop
Skill Level: Beginner 2
Cost: $70 + supplies from the Blue Purl
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!
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designer: Jenstarknits
Date & Zoom Time: 3 Fridays April 9, 16, 30 - 9- 10:30 AM
Teacher: Keri Samuels
Skill Level: Intermediate
Cost: $35 + supplies from the Blue Purl
This pillow is pretty on both sides and features 2 cables – a simple cable up the sides and a larger diamond cable with bobbles in the center. Techniques include cables, chart reading, making a one-row buttonhole and sewing a simple seam. From the pattern: “This is an envelope style cushion cover inspired by vintage gansey patterns and fields of sheep, which are represented by the flowing diamonds and small bobbles in the design.”
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For all you Tunisian Crocheters out there! Designer Toni Lipsey has this beautiful Tunisian Holiday Sampler pattern (with video support) to test your new skills! Yes you can!
Below is the beginning Tunisian crochet zoom class, taught by Carolyn Hanson, with their (mostly finished) headbands!
Next up Mosaic crochet - check the classes above!
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Laurie's daughter was visiting and came in wearing the Forsten vest she had made for her. Forsten is a Woolfolk pattern made with Flette Bulky. It's in our vest bundle above - Awesome Laurie! Wouldn't one in navy look lovely?! |
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We made Allison model her Humulus (by Isabell Kraemer) for us! Knit in Cascade 220 and fits perfectly. A classic! Love it Allison! |
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Pat made Cobblestone by Yumiko Alexander. She used the super soft Road to China Light. It's such. a pretty and interesting cowl Pat - your colors! Gorgeous! |
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Lisa made the Blue Heron Baby Blanket (pattern with purchase) - more Blue Heron on the way :) - Lovely Lisa! |
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Laurie made two With Love hats by design er Parna Mehrbani. They are modern. and adorable, made with Spud & Chloe Sweater. It's not too late to make a hat for Valentines Day! Love them Laurie :)
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This beautiful red Wheat Scarf by Tin can Knits, is made by Carol with Berroco Vintage Chunky. This pattern is our go to learning scarf because it has such great video support, and classic enough for any experienced knitter! Lovely Carol! |
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Cheryl has a new gran dson and many projects to share!!! Yay! Little Ducks Blanket, Kerry Jayne Designs, crocheted with Cascade 220 Superwash. The knitted hats are made in 2 sizes with the same yarn - she used this video to help with the hats, Super cute Cheryl!
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