Merry Christmas and a Big Thank you!!

Hello Everyone,

 

  Well, the Big Day is nearly here, and I just want to take a few moments to express my thanks, appreciation, and gratitude to you all for being such amazing customers and friends!

 

   Without all of you, there would be no Purple Sock, no Retreat, no classes, no knit-a-longs, no Sip 'n Stitch...heck, there would be nothing FUN!

 

  So a HUGE Thank You for supporting me, and my dream of a little yarn and tea shop...I cherish you all and wish you a glorious holiday and a happy and healthy New Year in 2015!!!

 

  Here are my Holiday Hours:

 

Tues December 23rd 10 til 5pm

Wed. December 24th 10 til 3pm.

   Closed from December 25th  to January 2nd for inventory, family time, and re-stocking the shelves!!
   

   I will re-open on Saturday, January 3rd from 10-5 ( regular hours)

   See you then!

 

Happy Knitting,

Lynn

Quick and Easy Cowls

Hello everyone!

 

Just a really quick note to send along these two fabulous cowls, just in case you are racking your brain for something quick to make..trust me, these can be done before Christmas!!! 

 

This first one is done with Rasta a lovely soft and super chunky hand dyed 100% wool from Malabrigo using this quick and easy free pattern from Ravelry

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/laser

 

 

 

 

 

The Second one is knit from a new yarn in the store called Naturalia , this is a natural coloured super chunky yarn from Italy. I have knit this cowl in a very easy pattern that I made up, but there are lots of other patterns you could find on Ravelry, This was done on 15mm needles so was super quick and big chunky cowls are so in fashion right now, who wouldn’t want one!!

 

 

 

Plus, the fabulous "Bling Your String" project bags are back in stock, as well as the adorable, functional and sparkly stitch markers she has made just for me!!( and yes, of course they are PURPLE, lol!) they make great stocking stuffers too!!

 

 

Don’t forget about the 12 days of Christmas special, lots of great deals coming up this week and next

Extended Christmas Hours.

I will be open Monday December 22nd  10 til 5 pm  and Tues December 23rd  10 til 5pm

Wed. December 24th 10 til 3pm.

 

Happy Knitting

Lynn

The Twelve Days of Christmas at The Purple Sock

The Twelve Days of Christmas at The Purple Sock

'Tis the Season for gift giving and seeing as I love my customers, I am celebrating the Season by giving you all some wonderful presents....enjoy!

December 11th:  Twenty percent off any green yarn in the shop.

December 12th:  40% off Rowan "Fine Art"...Premium hand painted sock yarn.

December 13th:  "Roll the Dice" Day...whatever number you roll, is the percentage off your  total.

December 14th:  Spend $50.00 & get a FREE bag of tea ($4.50 value)

December 15th:  Closed

December 16th:   Closed

December 17th:   Sock Yarn Day!!! 10 % off any sock yarn

December 18th:   Take 15% off ALL books, magazines and patterns.

December 19th:   Spinning Friday...take 10% off any spinning fibre..

December 20th:   Take 10% off ALL Needles and Notions! This includes those

                             Interchangables you have been wanting!

December 21st:    Twenty percent off any red yarn in the shop.

December 22nd:   15% off all teas and tea related items.

December 23rd:    50% off all Ruffle Yarns for arm knitting, make a half hour present!

December 24th:    Roll The Dice! Day, whatever you roll is the percentage you get off your  purchase.

 

PLEASE NOTE:

 

  This is my "Thank You" to all my customers who receive my Newsletter. Please be sure to mention this email when you come in to redeem these specials...and please note, that the specials are valid ONLY on the day mentioned in the Newsletter!

 

Hope to see you all soon

 

Happy Knitting

 

Lynn

Merchant madness and another great cowl

 

Hello Everyone!

 Well, the lights are twinkling, the snow is glistening, so I just had to showcase this beautiful Diamond yarn called "Jewel Metallic"..it is just gorgeous! Lightweight,glittery and very reasonable..this is the perfect yarn to knit up that last minute gift for someone special. On size 10mm needles, you will knit this up in no time!

 It is like a wonderful piece of jewellery, stunning enough to invite all sorts of compliments, and the perfect accessory for the black and jewel toned tops we wear at this time of year!

  I have lots of colours in stock and at $7.50 a ball, they are flying out of the door!!
 

    And just a quick reminder, our Merchant Madness is this Wednesday, December 10th, from 5-9 PM...join us for a cup of Christmas tea, a sugar cookie. When you make a purchase, you can roll the dice and whatever you roll you will receive that percentage  off of everything you are buying.

So come out and see how lucky you are!!

Happy knitting,
Lynn

Quick Cowl or Infinity Scarf

Hello Everyone!

          The Holidays are bearing down on us all, and I have just the solution for those quick knit gifts! Or,  you can whip up one of these infinity scarves for yourself!

So, in an evening or two, this yarn knits  up into either of these fabulous, warm, squishy and popular cowls or infinity scarves, whichever name you choose to call them, just call them beautiful, fun and funky! The  pattern is free with the purchase of yarn...

 On the yarn website you will also find lots of patterns for hats made from this yarn, it is so versatile! 

And, as an added bonus....the yarn is 10% off!  from now til Dec 7th , if you mention this Blog post.   

So , for under $15.00, with tax in, come on in, choose your colours and get ready to make some    terrific gifts!

The Christmas teas are now in the store, so don't forget to come and pick up some before they are gone!!   The wish book is also here for you to put down what you would like to receive for Christmas making it easy for your loved ones to shop for you.

Happy Knitting!

Lynn

Indigo Dragonfly Yarns now at The Purple Sock!!

 

 Hello everyone!

 

  Well, fall is definitely behind us and while winter is "officially" several weeks way, that white stuff outside says "winter" to me. So, what better way to celebrate winter than with this gorgeous new yarn...Indigo Dragonfly is a great company from Haliburton with this fabulous indie-dyed yarn! The colour names are based on T.V. shows including Doctor Who, Downtown Abbey and The Hunger Games, very cool!

 

  I can just see this Superwash Merino made into fabulous socks for Christmas, or a lovely shawl for a friends birthday. Plus, the depth of colour in this tonal yarn is just incredible, so come on in and add this to your Wish List or buy a skein and make someone something wonderful for Christmas!!

 

 And speaking of Wish List!! We have been doing this for a few years now and it has been so successful...it makes it super easy for friends and family to see what you really want to find under the tree or in your stocking! Just ask for the Wish List, add your selections and leave the rest up to Santa....

 

 And before your calendar gets too booked up, don't forget the Coldwater Candlelight Walk on December 6th and also Merchant Madness on December 10th....watch this space for more information!

 

 Happy Knitting,

 

 Lynn

New knit along starting soon

Hi Everyone

 

As promised, the knitted doll knit-along will be starting on Wednesday,October 29th, from 1 pm til 3pm, and will run for as many weeks as we are still knitting on them.

Knit from one pattern or knit from both, they are just the cutest things!! I think they are just too hard to resist!

 

Please note that this is a knit-along,and we will be learning together, so there is no fee to attend,but I do ask that you buy your wool and pattern through me.

The pattern is a PDF download from Ravelry, so if you will be joining us for this let me know, and I will purchase a copy of the pattern on your behalf which will go into your Ravelry library. No worries if you don’t use Ravelry you will also receive an email with a link to the PDF so you can download and print it. 

 

Space is limited so please let me know if you would like to join us on this one.

Below are links to the patterns so you can take a look, they are going to be great fun!!

Please let me know as soon as possible, this one will fill up quickly!!

 

The pattern calls for 3.25mm dpns  or whatever size you need to get the gauge.

 

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ben--buddy

 

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mary-millie-and-morgan

 

See you soon,

Lynn

Big Happenings at The Purple Sock

 

Hello everyone!

 

Owning a yarn shop is cool, but sometimes it is SUPER COOL! And this week

has been just amazing with the release of my own signature yarn!

 

New indie dyer, Jane Steeves from 3 Dog Knits ( love the name,) has been

working away all summer on dyeing yarns in my three favourite colours,

purple,  green and turquoise ..and here are the results!!

 

Using a beautiful BFL( Blue Face Leicester) Superwash in a fingering/sock

weight, these 115 gram skeins are 80% BFL, and 20% nylon, perfect for warm

and comfy socks or whatever other project you have in mind.

 

It was great fun choosing the names for my yarns...hope you like them! From

the left we have the "Purple Sock Party", "Eggplant & Broccoli" and "Grape

Jelly" (this one has cashmere added to the mix) ...oh,and one more thing!!

Check out the sweet little stitch marker that comes with each skein of yarn.

 

And if this were not enough excitement, we are pleased to carry these super

new project bags from "Bling Your String".

 

 

For just $20.00, these make terrific gifts for the knitters in your life (

including yourself!)...I just love the fun and funky fabric she has chosen,

complete with a purple zipper,and purple polka dot lining, just for fun!

 

 

Hope to see you soon,

Happy Knitting, and Happy Thanksgiving

Lynn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sirdar Sweater and new wool

Hello everyone!

 

  Of all the fabulous things about fall, sweaters have to be right up there.

Soft, warm, cozy, stylish...this Sirdar sweater is all of these and more!

The cables, the large collar and a lovely choice of colours makes this one

that should be on your needles soon!

 

Come on in, check out the beautiful colours of this new yarn ,

machine washable 60% wool , 40% acrylic  and get started on this fall

classic, or one of the many other patterns for this yarn.

 

 

Happy Knitting!

Lynn

Up coming Classes and Knit alongs

Hi Everyone

 

Hard to believe the summer is over, it seemed to go by so fast!!

I have several classes coming up as well as a couple of very exciting knit alongs.

 

The first one will start on Wed. Sept 17th, this is an afternoon knit along, from 1-3 pm.

for as many weeks as it takes for us to finish the project which is this very interesting  piece by Sally Melville (a Canadian designer)

called l’enveloppe   here is the link to the pattern.    

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/lenveloppe

 

I have lots of great yarns that will work for this project. so take a look at it on Ravelry and check out some of the ones people have made.

Please note this is a knit along and we  will be learning together, there is no fee to attend but I do ask that you buy your wool and pattern through me.

The pattern is a PDF download from Ravelry, so if you will be joining us for this let me know and I will purchase a copy of the pattern on your behalf which will go into your Ravelry library. No worries if you don’t use Ravelry you will also receive an email with a link to the PDF so you can download and print it.     Space is limited so please let me know if you would like to join us on this one.

 

Once this knit along is done we will be doing a knit along on Wednesdays  for either or both of these wonderful patterns by Susan B Anderson,

I think they are just too hard to resist!! More info to come about the date on this. Again like above this is a knit along and you are requested to buy the pattern and yarn through me.

 

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ben--buddy

 

 

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mary-millie-and-morgan

 

We will be starting a knit along on October 9th which is a Thursday afternoon 1-3  for

Rams and Yowes blanket  

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rams-and-yowes

and or Sheep Heid hat

 

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sheep-heid

 

Seems a bit strange I know to have them as part of the same knit along, but if you look at them on Ravelry, they take the same colours and the same yarn. The same knit along rules apply as above. This is a colour work project not too difficult I don’t think LOL !!  but does use 9 different colours in it. If you think you will be joining in on this one please let me know, so I can have enough of the yarn on hand. You can buy it all at once or as you go as I don’t think the dye lots will make a big difference for this.

 

 

BASIC SOCK  KNITTING
Instructor: Lynn Stitchman

Basic knitting knowledge is required : You need to know how to cast on and cast off, and to knit and purl.

You will learn to use double pointed needles (dpn's), and all it takes to knit a pair of socks!! These are boot socks so use a heavier yarn and knit up quick!!

Fee  $50.00  + HST ....Includes your yarn and pattern.You will need size 3.75mm double  pointed needles which can be purchased here at the store if you do not have them already.Date & Time:   Thursday  Sept 25th, Oct 2nd, and Oct 9th  from 7 til 9PM.

 

BEGINNER KNITTINGInstructor: Lynn Stitchman
Learn the basics: Cast on, cast off, knit and purl and you will make a scarf or cowl  

                      Fee $50.00 +HST ..Includes your yarn and pattern.
                      Size 4.5mm or 5mm  needles are needed. These can be purchased here at the store.

                      Date &Time: Thursdays, October 16th , 23rd and 30th.  7 pm til 9 pm.

 

 

Double knitting

 

We will be learn how to make a two sided fabric using 2 colours and a pattern. As this makes a double thick fabric and is reversible,  it is great for mittens.  We will be doing a small sample,and then start working on a pair of mittens that will be double layered and reversible, with a cute sheep on them! This is a great technique  for colour work. Basic knitting skills required and some familiarity with  knitting in the round is an asset.

 

                      http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/wilsons-mitts

 

This will be a three week class , this includes the pattern but not the yarn.

 

Fee: $40.00 & HST  and your yarn

4mm DPn’s or long circular to do magic loop, or two circulars

 

 

Wednesday Oct 15th , Oct 22nd and Nov 5th.  7pm til 9pm

 

Happy Knitting

Lynn

Great Book and wonderful yarn!!

Hello everyone,

Every once in a while, a really great book comes along, jam packed full of
great patterns for everything from baby items to fashion accessories, home
decor items and wonderful quick knits for yourself,or for gifts for family
and friends.

What is even better is that all these patterns use the ever popular Cascade
220 and also the newest Rowan 100% Superwash...both are interchangeable for
all the patterns in this book which really doubles your colour choices. As
the Cascade is felt-able is will be fabulous for the ruffled felted bowls in
page 125, or the fluffy felted elephant on page 148.

In the attached photo you will see the Sweet little Acorn hat on page 90,
and the soft and warm Mesh and matching Cabled fingerless mitts on pages 172
and 146, and the Slip stitch hat  on page 158 .. this is a great pattern for
a baby shower by making one for the new Mom and the baby as well!

If you are looking for a comprehensive book of great patterns, stop by and
check out "60 Quick Knits!"

Happy Knitting!

Lynn

New shipment of Georgia Bay fibres yarn.

Hi Everyone

Just a very quick email to let you know that the Georgian Bay Fibres yarn in the summer colours has arrived at the store. They are so bright and cheery!!!

The summer colours are all named after flowers that can be found in the Coldwater area
Big Chute Asclepias
Vasey Monarda
Brick Pond Acquilegia

 

Just a reminder the Lakeside Yarn Crawl is on till September the 6th , there is still lots of time to go and see all these lovely shop. So stop by and pick up your passport today.
See the previous post for all the details.

Happy knitting
Lynn

Lakeside yarn crawl!!

 

Hello Everyone,

The Lakeside Yarn Crawl is officially underway,  and I am thrilled to be a
part of it,  just to let you know how this fantastic yarn crawl works...just
click on the link below to get the whole story...
http://lakesideyarncrawl.blogspot.ca/
 

The June 30th post has the info.
There are also a couple of posts about what you will get when you go to some
of the shops!!

Plus, I have the passports here, and ready for you to pick up..just pop
on in,  get your Passport and free bag of lovely Maple Black, Maple Cream or
Maple Blueberry tea, pack up the car and head out on a summer adventure!
Personally, I cannot imagine anything more fun...summer days, new yarn
shops, lots of great yarn,  and at the end, when you hand in your completed
Passport? wow, a chance to win an incredible basket filled with enough
treasures to make any fibre artist swoon, lol!!

So, check  it out, get your Passport, take lots of photos to share and hit
the road!!
See you soon....

Canada Day celebration!!

 

What a great time we had, the weather didn't start out very well and we got a slow start, but the sunshine poked through, the awning went up and then out came all our incredible buntings!

I know there were well over a hundred of them, crocheted and knitted, decorated with flowers, in so many colours! It was amazing to see them unfold...took Jessie and I a few hours to crochet them all together...but the end result was terrific as you can see!

 

We hung buntings inside, we hung buntings outside, we hung them across the front door, and then we all settled in on our lawn chairs to knit, crochet, hook, and spin and felt! People stopped by and checked out what we were doing..the street was closed and that enabled people to just walk everywhere, enjoy a hot dog, watch the pie eating contest, try out the wet felting..it was just a terrific day all around!

 

I thank you all for coming out and spending your day with us, and for making all those "bunts"  (who knew that was what they are called? lol!)....and a belated Happy 147th Birthday Canada!!!

Happy Knitting,

Lynn

Fibre Arts Retreat!!

 

 

 

   

 THE THIRD ANNUAL PURPLE SOCK FIBRE ART RETREAT

 

I  am SO EXCITED to be offering this to you again this year..here are some highlights of what you will be enjoying

 

Two nights lodging ( either a shared room or a private room..your choice) but, of course, a little extra if you choose a private room

 

A "Welcome" Wine & Cheese on your first night..

 

 

A mini workshop to make our name tags to wear for the Retreat.

 

SIX ( Count 'em - SIX) meals that you do not have to think about, shop for, prepare or clean up after!! Plus lots of snacks in our lounge in the evenings...

 

Several FREE mini-workshops from which to choose if  you wish, or you can just rest,relax, lounge and knit,take a walk...YOUR retreat..YOUR choice

 

A gorgeous Common Room where you can leave your spinning wheel, rug hooking frame, knitting bag...whatever) always locked and always safe..

 

And BEST OF ALL....TWO DAYS of whatever you want to do without a telephone, fax machine, t.v. or spouse/kids to bug you ( oops, I meant interfere with your projects)!

 

The Date:  Sunday, October 5th through Tuesday, October 7th

 

The Place: YMCA Geneva Park , located on Rama Rd. just past the Casino. This is not a posh resort but has beautiful grounds (walking trails), and great  food, and clean rooms with a balcony...what more could you want!!  There are photo’s of the facility here:

http://www.ymcaofsimcoemuskoka.ca/hosting-a-conference/photo-gallery/

 

The Cost: $425.00 for double, which includes HST, all your meals,and lots of fun,and time to work on your UFO’s.

 

There is a $65.00  premium for single room. Please let me know when registering if there is someone with whom you want to share your room.

A deposit of $200.00 will be due by June 30th

 

 

 Please note this deposit is non refundable unless I can find someone to take your spot.

 

Please  also note there are stairs to climb as our lounge is on the second floor and there is no elevator.

 

Space is very limited so let me know asap if you are interested in joining us.

 

 

We will start our Retreat with a Wine and Cheese, "meet and greet" before our Sunday evening meal.

On Monday we will have a morning workshop (see below for your choice of 3 different classes) and then

on Monday afternoon, there will be a choice of 3 additional classes.

 

 

On Monday evening, we will have our fabulous Show and Tell!, and a swap table (more info to follow).

 

 

On Tuesday, we will have a workshop in the morning which will be something we can all do, so I will not tell you what it is, it will be a surprise!!

 

Then after lunch you will have a bit more time to finish up before we depart in the afternoon.

 

 

Please let me know as soon as you can if you will be attending, and send me your workshop choice, whether you require a shared or single room, and if you know with whom who you are sharing, if you don’t have a room-mate I will gladly find you one.

 

I have attached a registration form for you to fill out and send back to me.

 

     

Morning Classes

 

KUMIHIMO WORKSHOP

 

Workshop Leader: Carolyn Houlden

 

Learn the traditional art of Kumihimo, a form of Japanese braiding. The combinations of colours and patterns in these lovely braids are almost limitless, and are a great way to use up leftover yarn! Resulting products include bracelets, necklaces and trims. Each participant will be given the materials to complete a sample braid. A second project will incorporate beads into a key chain braid. Participants will be given instructions for several pattern variations that can be done later, using their own yarn and the tools given out in class.

 

$15.00 materials fee ( this might be changed by a few dollars up or down once we find out the real cost of the supplies)

 

 

Penny Rug Workshop

 

Workshop leader: Gayle Gunby

 

Penny rugs originated in Victorian times as a way to use up little pieces of left-over woolen material. In this workshop we will create a decorative little piece for your home using woolen material and the “blanket stitch” A kit will be supplied with all that you will need to complete your project.

 

$6.00 materials fee.

 

Entrelac  Cowl

 

Workshop leader: Lynn Stitchman

 

This is a great technique to learn , looks so impressive but is really not that hard. You can make a cowl, socks, or whatever look extra special!!

 

In this workshop we will learn to knit entrelac two ways ...flat and also, in the round!  We will begin a gorgeous cowl done with entrelac ( to be finished on your own.)

Here is a link to the pattern we will be using:

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/entrelac-cowl

You will have enough yarn to complete the pattern.

 

$16.00 Materials fee

 

 

AFTERNOON CLASSES

 

Needle Felted Journal Cover....

 

Workshop Leader: Debbe Bloom

 

 

With all our computers, lap tops and tablets..it is still often nice to just hold one of these soft ,beautiful, needle felted journals in your hand. I use mine as travel journals, as small photo albums to hold photos of my various knitting and felting projects, and as quick, wonderful gifts for friends and family.

 

By using pre- felt, you can skip the wet felting part, and get right to needle felting on your "pretties"... small pieces of Sari silk, bits of Wensleydale curly locks, some tiny bits of silk roving, perhaps some lovely Noro bits you have left over from the sweater you just finished.

Your $10.00 kit fee will cover the pre-felt, needle, bits and pieces of little embellishments, and of course, a lined journal to use in any way your wish...feel free to bring some small "felt-able"( i.e. woolen) pieces if you wish.

 

You will soon be making these as gifts for everyone!

 

 The “Fish lips Kiss Heel”

Workshop leader: Cathy McCracken

Do heel flaps make you dotty?

Picking up how many? Really?

Does the phrase 'knit to the gap' make you scream WHAT GAP?????

There is a solution. Simple. The 'Fish lips kiss heel' has come to your rescue.

This workshop will teach you to make a template for any foot, then use that template for a sock that fits. EVERY TIME. It can be used toe up or top down, whichever you prefer. Any method for knitting in the round works too!!

For homework, have a sock cast on and either knit to the point you'd normally start the heel flap (for the top down fan) or to the point you'd normally begin your gusset increases (for the toe up aficionados). Cathy recommends a light to medium colour yarn with a high twist for your first pair.

We will create the heel on your sock and  explore different methods for knitting in the round i.e. 2 circular, magic loop and very short circular.

 

Magic Cake Ruffle Shawl

 

Workshop leader: Lynn Stitchman

 

Does this sound intriguing!! This is a great way to use up all those little bits of leftover fingering weight (sock ) yarn. This shawl uses about 150gms of leftover yarn joined to make a “Magic cake” with a niffy little knot that we will learn. In this workshop we will all bring our leftover sock yarns to share (no leftovers?...not to worry, just either buy a 100 gm skein of sock yarn or have me bring one for you)  These will all be sorted into piles and then we will pick our colours for our shawls, learn to do the knot and put them together and start our Magic Cake Ruffle shawls!

 

 Materials fee: $6.00

 

Happy Knitting

Lynn

The Purple Sock

13 Coldwater Rd.

Coldwater Ontario

 

L0K 1E0

 

www.thepurplesock.ca

705 686-3455