christmas knitting

a very quick post hope you all had a wonderful Christmas , it goes by so quickly.
just wanted to show you a photo of my two girls and some of my Christmas knitting, I think they like what I made, they also have on fingerless gloves which you can't see in the photo. They have both told me they have already used the hats!
The other shot is of my Mom , she is wearing her new vest and also 2 other scarves that belonged to other people, not sure why she had them on but it was a really good shot of her.
take care and Happy New Year
Lynn

Seasons Greeting and Holiday Hours

Happy Holidays Everyone!


As 2010 comes quickly to a close, I just want to take a moment to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and to send my best wishes for a safe and wonderful 2011.


2010 was a very special year here at The Purple Sock...I celebrated my third year in business in May, added more lines of wonderful yarns to the shop, had some terrific classes, and oh, we hosted our 1st Pyjama Party!, and we published the Purple Sock Cookbook, which will benefit several womens' charities in our area.


So all in all, 2010 was a fabulous year, and I send you all my sincere thanks, and appreciation, for without all of you and your continued support of my shop, there would be no Purple Sock.


And so, in order to have a wee rest ( and to do the year-end inventory), I will be closing on December 24th at 4.00pm and reopening on January 5th. but I hope to see you all in the New Year, ready to start new projects!


Happy Knitting to you all!


Lynn

Frill seeker and great hats!!

The photo is of one of my customers and her husband who stopped in last Saturday evening when Coldwater had its Candlelight walk and Santa Claus parade. They looked so cute I had to share the photo I took of them with you. Not sure where she got the pattern but they were great.


I have now received an order of the new frill seeker colours. they are the top three on the link below. #Q50211, Q50212, and Q50213 I am afraid the other colours(older ones) will not be in now before January, so if you were counting on them for Christmas knitting you will need to get something else or one of the new colours. If you want any of the new colours please e-mail or phone me and I will put them on hold for you, as I am sure they will go fast.
http://www.estelledesigns.ca/images/Estelle/FrillSeeker/EstelleFrillSeeker.htm
If anyone can tell me how to make a link on my blog I would be greatful as I can't seem to figure it out.


Also you might like to check out this blog it has some great shots of my store. Tahnya and her husband came to shop a couple of weeks ago and she quite enjoys taking photos with her new camera and took some great shots of my store. So please take a look. Sorry you will have to copy and paste the link.
http://smittenwithspirit.blogspot.com/
thanks Lynn

The Purple Sock Cookbook

Happy Holidays Everyone!


Well, the "Purple Sock" is happy as we have had a delivery of an early Christmas present! The "Purple Sock Cookbook" is here and it is beautiful!


A special thanks to all of YOU who sent in your favourite, treasured recipes...that is what really made the cookbook wonderfully special. That also makes it a perfect gift or stocking stuffer for those people on your list who love to eat, cook, bake, entertain, read cookbooks and share, so that just about covers everyone I think!


Stop by soon to get your cookbook(s)..they are going fast! At just $10.00 each and with ALL the profits going to local charites, we are thrilled to be a part of the Holiday Season here in Coldwater, and don't forget the Candlelight Walk on Saturday, December 4th. See you there!!


Happy Knitting!


Lynn
the purplesock@vianet.ca
thepurplesock.blogspot.com

Sock of the Month

I am way behind on my posting, just don't know where the time goes. We have
now had two socks of the Month, October and November, here are photos of them both.
If anyone is interested in joining us in the adventure you are more than welcome.
Some come once a month and we have show and tell from last months sock , then I show them the new sock, this is the first Thursday of the month, we will be having it in December and then take January and Febuary off as driving can sometimes be bad, then we will be back for March, April, May and June. Not everyone comes out some just pick theirs up and one or two I mail. So if you are interested just give me a call or an e-mail.
If anyone wants to do the October of November sock I still have some kits left in a few different colours.
Happy Knitting
Lynn

Namasta

Namaste!


OK, what is Lynn saying to us now you wonder?!


"Namaste" is a Hindu greeting, which loosely translated, means "I bow to you"...but Namaste is also the name of a new line of knitting notions that I am now carrying at "The Purple Sock."


Gorgeous colours, practical and pretty, these Namaste items are wonderful for gifts (Christmas is coming, and coming FAST!), or as a sweet treat to add to your own knitting bag. Your double points and straights are all in their own spot,and the Buddy Case holds all kinds of bits and pieces, and your circular needles, which can be such a pain to store, are all enclosed in this one holder and numbered for the sizes. No tangles, no wondering which circular you have, they are all right there in front of you. Yet the case is small enough to toss in your knitting bag and carry with you.


So check out their website...www.namasteinc.com and drop in to see our terrific assortment starting at 11.99...they are flying off the shelves!


Happy Knitting!


Lynn
thepurplesock@vianet.ca

Coldwater's First Annual Witches Night

Hello Everyone,


Well, fall is in the air and with it comes Coldwater's First Annual Witches Night!! Several downtown merchants will open their doors on Wednesday night, October 20th from 7-9PM for you ladies who come attired in your best "Witch get-up!" Pointy hats, black capes, noses with warts, we are anxious to see all of you out and about on the Witches Walk!


All over town, there will be music, treats, fun, prizes, AND here at the Purple Sock, we will be offering a drop-in needle felting workshop to make an adorable pumpkin for you to take home and add to your Halloween decorations...use it as a pin cushion, a decoration, a brooch, or as one half of a great pair of earrings,lol! but come on in, enjoy a cup of "Lynn's Famous Witches Brew" and while you are here, check out the newest patterns, needle holders and of course, the great new yarns "witch" are arriving daily!

The following businesses will all be taking part
Back in Thyme, The Clothes Closet, Rivers Bar and Grill
Coldwater Lanes, The Art and Gift Studio, Coldwater Coffee Shop, Tiffanys Restaurant, Sweets Salon Haircare,
Hollys Beads, Terry Henrys Barbershop, Three in One Store,
Body Essentials, Mill Street Bistro, and of course The Purple Sock.

Hope to see you then.
Happy Knitting!

Lynn

The Purple Sock Cookbook!!

Hello everyone!


Well, it's a known fact that we have amazing and talented knitters here at "The Purple Sock" but we ALSO have amazing and talented cooks and bakers! Every week, it seems someone is bringing in great cakes,cookies, squares and tarts, you name it, we have enjoyed it with cups of great teas from "Lady Londonderry" to "Caribbean Dreams", or the "Johnny Depp tea!


And so, we have decided to launch our first ever Cookbook....and here is what we need from you, our devoted customers, visitors, class takers, everyone! Please type or write out your favourite recipe, anything from crock pot recipes to your favourite cake or cookie, or that quick throw-together meal that everyone always raves about, whatever you are 'famous' for, the one where everyone says "Wow, can I have THAT recipe?!"


We will gather them together, and compile them in a terrific cookbook which we will have ready by early December, just in time for gift-giving, stocking stuffing, or "just because I was thinking of you". We are going to keep the cost as reasonable as possible so they will be a quick, affordable and desired gift for sure. In addition, we want you to know that as soon as the printing costs are paid, each and every cent of the profit will go to womens' charities that are near and dear to our hearts.


Please send your recipes to Debbe Bloom at mapleleafgirl31@hotmail.com Debbe is a new knitter here at "The Purple Sock" and she will take care of all of the 'hunting and gathering " of recipes. Please feel free to send in as many recipes as you wish, but depending on the response we receive, we cannot guarantee that every recipe will be printed ( but we will try!)


So, PLEASE go to your computer( or hand write) and dash off a couple( or more) recipes...let us know a little story behind it if you wish,( not necessary though), plus your name and town. Also, if you have any little knitting tips that are 'tried and true' for you , we would love to include those as well.


If you need to hand write/print out your recipe, you can drop it off at "The Purple Sock" or you can mail them to: Debbe Bloom, Box 341, Coldwater, Ontario L0K 1E0...


ONE LAST THING!! The deadline is September 24th!! So please help us out with our first ever Cookbook...oh, and one more last thing...please put each recipe on its' own page..thanks!

Happy Knitting!
Lynn


705-686-3455
thepurplesock@blogspot.com
thepurplesock@vianet.ca

Monkey Business

A while ago I post a photo of felted bananas so for anyone that hasn't been to the store in the last little while here is a couple of photos of my windows that went with the bananas. The Monkey pattern and yarns have been very popular and I am having trouble keeping it in stock. I just got in a new batch of the pattern book and lots more of the yarn.
So if you were wanting it come on in and get some. These will make great Christmas presents. It is not only the young kids that are really liking them the adults, teens and pre-teens are going crazy for them.
Happy Knitting
Lynn

Empire Club Winner and Felted Mitts

Congradulations to Cathy for winning a bag of Freedom Spirit yarn from The Empire Club it was so nice that one of my customers were one of the winners. As you can see from the photo she has already picked out a pattern to knit it with. We will look forward to seeing the finished sweater.
I know it is hard in this hot weather to think about winter and Christmas but it comes all too soon. Felted mitts using Freedom Spirit and the Fiber Trends felted mitts pattern have been very popular they will make great Christmas gifts and knit up quite fast. There are lots of different Freedom spirit colours to pick from.
Stop in when you have time and see what it new.
Happy Knitting
Lynn

New Bags at The Purple Sock

Hello Everyone,

I have come across some great new bags that I am now carrying at "The Purple Sock"! They are gorgeous, very well made, with twelve pockets ( 6 inside and 6 outside), and they have a wonderful top closure with a heavy duty co-ordinating zipper. Plus there are nice long straps which go all the way around the bag, so there is no danger of the straps ever pulling free of the bag, and the colours and heavy duty upholstery fabrics are simply wonderful. And on top of all that...they are made right here in Ontario!

I can think of so many uses for these bags, in addition to carrying your knitting projects...they are super to carry your laptop, or to take on the plane as a carry-on, they would make a terrific diaper bag, or an over-nighter to a friends house, they are even sturdy enough for you rug hookers out there, to carry your small cutter, a hoop and your pattern and wool!

So stop using those grocery store bags to carry around your knitting projects...and treat yourself to one of these the next time you are in...they are $45.00 and they will last you for years and years....hope you enjoy picking out your favourite from the pictures attached, call me and I will put it aside for you ( plus there are dozens more we couldn't get into the photographs..come in and check them out!).


Happy Knitting!
Lynn

thepurplesock@vianet.ca
http://thepurplesock.blogspot.com

705-686-3455

what do you think goes with this?

Anyone who hasn't been to store in awhile will not have seen my summer window display. These are part of it. Can you guess what goes along with these wonderfully felted bananas that were done by one of the Wednesday sip and stitch group. It is hard to tell them from the real thing.
Hope you are all enjoying this great summer weather.
Happy Knitting
Lynn

New Summer Yarns

Hi everyone!

Warm weather doesn't always make me think of knitting sweaters....but, when the yarn is as gorgeous as these two, well, you can see from the photos, I have been busy making summer sweaters!

Light and airy,and oh so soft on your skin, these sweaters are just the thing for those chilly summer evenings sitting out on the deck under the stars, or walking down to the dock for a quick last minute spin on the boat as the sun is setting.

We have lots of patterns for sweet little cap-sleeved "T's", lovely tank tops, light cardigans,and this beautiful 'swing' type sweater with the lovely lapels. Feel free to stop by and try on the many samples in the shop. It's so much easier to make your decision when you can actually try on the sweater and feel the yarn...

And speaking of yarn..the top row in the photo is the 100% "Ultra Pima" cotton from Cascade Yarns. This is a great yarn which will work up easily and quickly..and the colours are so luscious! This cotton feels like silk, it is so soft and gentle.

The other yarn, which is just yummy to work with is "Origami", from Berroco. A great combination of acrylic, linen, nylon and cotton, this yarn has a wonderful 'spring' to it, which makes for a sweater with a lot of life, plus it keeps its' shape wonderfully and the drape is amazing.

So drop on in, and get going on your summer knitting...see you soon!

Happy Knitting!
Lynn

The Duck Race and First Prize for window display

Well it has been just too long since I have posted anything here. Alot has happened and the time just seem to get away from me. Coldwater hosts a Duck Race each spring and this year the BIA asked the store owners to decorate their windows for it and there would be prizes. Well the Wednesday Sip and Stitch group put their heads together and then worked very hard on wonderful needle felted ducks. The windows were wonderful and we WON FIRST PRIZE. The ducks were just amazing everyone is so talented. We have celebrated by using our winning to buy lunch after sip and stitch.
I am posting a few photos of the windows sorry they are so bad. I am finding it very hard to take photos of the windows, in the daytime I get too much reflection and I tryed at night hence the flash you see in the photo. If anyone has any suggestions I am all ears.
Thanks to all that helped make such a wonderful window!!

I have lots of great summer yarns and patterns in stock, new things coming in all the time. I am now carrying the Canadian magazine called A Needle Pulling Thread, the summer issue just came in. Do stop in for a look and a chat.
Happy Knitting Lynn

The Empire Club

Hello Everyone,

Just a short note to pass along some very special news....I am now carrying a fabulous new line of yarns called Freedom Spirit by Twilleys of Stamford...they are gorgeous, with a wonderful hand and stunning colours...BUT the best thing is what this company is offering..just sign up with them on their website..


www.oldmillknitting.com/empire.cfm

OR you can just sign up here at the shop, and you will begin receiving a monthly "Empire Club" Newsletter with discount coupons,free patterns,tips and all kinds of specials from this great company. I am really excited about this as they have some fresh, innovative ideas and I think you will really love their patterns as well.

So, anyway, that's what is new at The Purple Sock....oh, and don't forget to check out our new windows, filled with AMAZING felted ducks to celebrate the Coldwater Duck Race on May 29th...you won't believe how cute and creative these little guys are...see you soon!

Happy Knitting,
Lynn

Thanks so much

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone that helped make Saturday such a great success. It was a very busy day here at the store. The needle felting workshop was great. Thanks to Eileen for teaching this. I saw alot of wonderful flowers coming out from it, hope you all enjoyed it.
Without all of you great friends and customers the store would not be here and certainly not as much fun as it is.
I am sure everyone that won one of the door prizes were happy. Thanks so much to all my suppliers who provided them.
I am sorry there were such long waits to pay on Saturday, next time I do something like this I will make sure I have extra help with it.
I meant to take some photos that day and it was so busy it just didn't happen. So here are a couple of shots of the store on a regular day for anyone that hasn't seen it in person.
There are lots of new yarns in some great cottons and hemp blends just in time to knit a summer top.
Happy knit
Lynn

3 year anniversary and customer appreciation day

SATURDAY MAY 1ST 10AM -5PM



3 YEAR ANNIVERSARY AND
CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY
come out and help me celebrate!!

10% Off Store wide

Great door prizes suppled by
Berroco
Cabin Fever
Custom woolen mills
Diamond Yarns
Estelle Designs
Fleece Artist
Hiya Hiya Needles
Kertzer
Lana Knits
Old Mill Knitting

Make a needle felted flower at our free needle felting workshop taught by Eileen Murray (Adults only as the needles are very sharp)

And of course there will be tea and
cookies!!

Another great afghan

here is a photo of another one of the great Afghans by another member of the Thursday morning knit along group.
The Thursday morning group have been working on Sally Melville's Einstein Coat. They are really coming along there are now 3 of them finished, I will post a group photo once they are all done. We will be soon starting a summer sweater, if anyone is interested in joining us you are more than welcome to do so. This time we will not all be knitting the same thing there are lots of different ones to pick from.

Thursday Morning knit along

During the past few month the Thursday morning knit along group has been working on afghan squares, learning new stitches. There were 10 different squares. Many of them had never done a cable before or lace type stitches. It was an on going project with a new square every other Thursday, we all learned lots from it. They could knit as few or as many of each square as they wanted making blankets of whatever size they wanted. Some used many different colours and some did it all in one colour. I have to confess that my blanket is far from done. Each time I did knit just enough of each square to make sure I could do it and know what I was talking about. Sometime when I have some extra time mine will get done. In the mean time here are photo's of two of them that are finished with more to come as they complete them.
I think they should be very proud of the work, they are wonderful to look at, each one is so different depending on the yarn and the way they put them together. Way to go all of you!!

March Sock of the Month

I am not sure where all the time goes, in a couple of days it will be time for the April Sock of the Month. Anyway this is the March Sock which is done toe-up which is new to alot of the knitters in our group. I hope they liked it!! The sock is done in Foot loose from diamond yarns.

I am now carry the Interweave Crochet magazine, the spring 2010 just came in.

The March/April/May 2010 issue of the R.U.G Hooking is also here and going fast.

If anyone is looking for them I am also now stocking the Kollage Square Knitting needles and just got in some of Mirasol beautiful Hacho yarn which is hand dyed in Peru. There are always new things coming in all the time. Do stop by and take a look and talk a little knitting.

Take care and Happy Knitting or hooking.
Lynn

The most wonderful Gift

A few days ago I mentioned I received a wonderful gift from the Rug hookers that come to my store. Anyone that has spent time at the store will know that the chairs in the backroom had the worst looking chair pads in the world, they were well worn and falling apart. Yes you might have guessed by now they all hooked chair pads for the chairs. I have started to do one which is still no where near finished but will
be someday. I am very touched by this as I know how much time and effort goes into the making of them. They all designed their own there is a sheep theme that is for sure and surprise, surprise a purple theme also. They are presented in no particular order just the order I took the photos in, they are all unique and truly wonderful.
thanks you so much to everyone that took part
This one is called "SHEEP IN FLOWERS" by Angie Brandon





This one is called "Day Dreaming in Purple Socks" by Joanne Stanton




This one is called " Are Ewe Up for Tea" by Marny Cherrington





This one is "Eventually We all flock to the Purple Sock" by Linda Wilson



This one is "Got Yarn Ewe Bet" by Gayle Gunby



This one doesn't have a name but I am calling it "Sheep on the clothes line"
by Darlene Richardson



This one is called "Do Ewe Like My Purple Socks" by Debbe Bloom




This one is called "The Princess" by Gayle Gunby we have one very soft arm chair in my room and we call the girl the usually sits in it the princess , so Gayle designed and hooked this chair pad just for that chair.



I just want to again thank all of the ones that made the chair pads as I will always treasure them. So do stop by and see them in person as it is much better than the photos. Or even better come out to Sip and Stitch and sit on one of them for awhile.

Up coming classes

TOP DOWN BABY SWEATER
Instructor : Lynn Stitchman

This sweater is knit all in one
piece from the top down
on circular needles. There is
no sewing pieces together, once
you are done knitting it is done.
You can make either a cardigan
or a pullover. Basic knitting
skills required. You just need to
know how to knit and purl, cast on
and off. The rest you will learn as
we work of this sweater.
Fee: $35.00 which includes the
pattern. Yarn is extra.
3 week course starting
Wed. March 17th, 24th and 31st.
7pm till 9pm.

BEGINNER KNITTING
Instructor: Lynn Stitchman
Learn the basics, cast on, cast off,
knit and purl. Make a scarf.
Fee $50.00 & GST Includes yarn and
pattern.
Size 5.5 or 6mm needles needed.
3 week course starting
Wed. March 3rd , 10th, and 17th
7pm till 9 pm


BASIC SOCK KNITTING
Instructor: Lynn Stitchman
Basic knitting knowledge required
you need to know how to cast on,
cast off, knit and purl.
You will learn to use double pointed
needles and all it takes to knit a pair
of socks.
Fee $45.00 & GST Includes yarn and
pattern.
You will need size 3.75mm double
pointed needles.
3 week course starting
Thursday March 11th, 18th, and 25th
7pm till 9pm



THRUMMED MITTENS
Instructor: Lynn Stitchman

Learn how to make thrummed mitts. You
should have some experience with double
pointed needles to take this workshop.
Fee $30.00 & GST includes pattern
& yarn
You will also need . Size 4mm double
pointed needles,
Thurs April 8th
7pm till 9pm


Pre- registation required for all classes as I have limited space.
705 686-3455
thepurplesock@vianet.ca

Hours
Wed. & Thurs. 10-5
Fri. 10 - 6
Sat. 10 - 5
Sun. 11 - 3
13 Coldwater Rd
Coldwater Ont.

February Sock of the Month

Sorry for not posting in so long , time just seems to get away from me.
Yesterday I was given a most wonderful gift from the "hookers" (Rug hookers that is)
that hang out at my store, so you will have to stay tuned to see what it was, as I need to take photos before I post about it. I am so very touched and excited. Thanks to all of them!!
Here is a photo of the February sock of the Month, It was snowing at the time, hence the white spots. Anyone interested in joining up please refer to a previous post about it, or contact me.
Just to let you know I have quite a few rug hooking kits from Sharon Perry. Also some great lace scarf knitting kits, these are knit with a lovely blend of wool and silk, great from spring!!
Happy knitting Lynn

Christmas Stocking Challenge and January Sock of The Month

These are the three winning stocking from the challenge. They are wonderful. In fact they were all wonderful. Thanks to everyone that took part. We will be doing another challenge at sometime but I don't know what yet. If you have any suggestions please let me know. Please come in and pick up your stocking when you get a chance.
The new issues of Vogue and Knitters and also knitscene are now in. So lots to look at.

Here is a photo of the January Sock of the Month. Hope you like it, it is my own design. If you are interested in joining us each month or even in doing one of them please give me a call or e-mail. I am happy to mail them out. January is done in Berroco Ultra Alpaca fine and has a band heel which was new to me. It is always good to try something different, you never know what you will like.
Take care and Happy Knitting
Lynn