A Quick and easy summer top!!  Hi  Everyone: Hope you are all doing well. Just a small housekeeping note. Starting this week we will no longer be doing appointments on  Fridays. .  Hours are still open Thursdays by appointment  10 am to 3 pm.   then drop in  Fridays and Saturdays 10 am to 3pm.  Thanks for being flexible to all of these changes. Anyway onto the main reason for this newsletter. I have just finished knitting this great little top, it is one I have wanted to knit for several years. It is a loose fitting fun little top and you make the pattern your own as you knit it. picking which stitch pattern you want to do next.   It is a free pattern on Ravelry , in fact it is two free patterns, I know that sounds strange, there is the original version which is super  simple to knit just two big rectangles that you then sew together. Here is the link  https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cancun-boxy-lace-top or this version of it which is what I used.  In this version you can do much more size alterations and it is knit all in one piece for no sewing at the end. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sierras-lacy-tunic  there is a little bit of calculating LOL but she maps it all out for you. With this version you can use any yarn , any weight and make any size you want. I have made this top out of Juniper Moon's Zooey a wonderful blend of 60% cotton and 40% linen. which gets more lovely the more you wash it, and comes in so many really great colours. So for $60.00 worth of yarn and a free pattern from Ravelry you to can knit this great little top. If you would like me to put a colour  aside for you just send me an email and we can go from there. Take care and Happy knitting Lynn

A fun and easy poncho!! Hello everyone! I love when a project can go from season to season, and this one certainly does! With either a dress, a tank top, a turtleneck or a light cotton blouse, this poncho easily transitions through three seasons! And, proud Grandmother that I am, I could not resist using this photo of one of my granddaughters in this cute poncho knit from this gorgeous Katia  “Alabama” yarn. There are four colour-ways, as shown and this kit comes with 6 balls of this 50 cotton/50 acrylic yarn and the pattern for just $45.99 plus HST. It is a super simple knit, basically just two rectangles, but the different colours keep It interesting and fun to knit up while you are sitting on the dock or in the boat, or just gazing out at your garden... As always, shoot me an email, choose your colours and we will connect you with this quick and easy kit. Happy knitting, Lynn

"Balm" We hope you find peace in every stitch, calm with every breath.... Hello Everyone,   I just love thinking up new ideas and new ways to showcase our local talent. So, with that in mind, this is what is next at The Purple Sock!! I hope you like it as much as I do!!    Our “Special Summer Promotion”......presenting a local dyer, local designer, local test knitters, and of course, your local yarn shop!   This striking "Balm"  shawl is designed by Carolyn of The Next Beautiful Thing in Barrie, just look at the stitches, the patterns and of course, the shape! And Jane from 3dogsknits in Waubaushene, has dyed this fingering weight yarn in three gorgeous colourways. And lastly, but certainly not least, our two dedicated and fabulous test knitters, Darlene from Coldwater and Margo from Hillsdale, have knit up this treasure carefully to make sure it is an easy knit for all of you.....and combine that with it being EXCLUSIVE to The Purple Sock until September, and here you have it! The perfect way to stay local, and to support local!   The kit contains Carolyn’s original pattern, a full skein of the light colour and a half skein of the deep colour, both in this soft and wonderful fingering weight 50% silk and 50% merino wool yarn  hand dyed by Jane of 3dogsknits  There are three colourways  to choose from, Amethyst/Deep Violet,Silver/Smoke and Aqua/Teal. With all the craziness going on right now in the world, it just makes me happy to hunker down with this totally local kit, It makes me feel as though I am getting a hug from these ladies. I know we cannot do that in person as yet, but this is the next BEST thing!   The price for this kit is $62.99 and all you have to do is send me an email with your colour choices, and we will take it from there. Until then, stay cool stay safe, and keep knitting! As always we are happy to arrange curbside pick up or do mail order. Please let me know if you would like your skeins wound into balls and we are happy to do that also before you pick it up.   Happy knitting, Lynn