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| Make Merry With Us | | DE-STRESSING THE HOLIDAYS |  Our annual Holiday Special Newsletter is a tradition we are quite proud of here. Every year the responses, everything from "I printed this out and gave it to my husband!" to "Thank you for the great gift ideas!", roll in and we're glad to know that we've made preparing for the holidays just a little bit easier for knitters the world over.
Of course, with two years of preparedness under our collective belts, we've decided to raise the ante this year. While we've made sure to include our (and your) perennial favorites, we've also added new articles and gotten even more creative with our unusual knitterly stocking stuffers.
Our hope, as always, is to make the holidays something to treasure - not dread - and ensure that you get what you want, too. For our new Newsletter subscribers, we sincerely hope that you will find this annual endeavor helpful. And to our loyal subscribers from years past, we hope you enjoy this Holiday Special as much as previous years'!
As a special treat this winter, we went and did something a little extravagant - we commissioned an exclusive Sea Silk colorway from Handmaiden Fine Yarns. Shown left, our PNW-inspired color, "Oregon Mist", is evocative of early winter in Oregon. Shifting shades of pale silver and lavender glow with only the intensity silk can offer. Utterly decadent to touch and knit, we're beside ourselves with glee over the show-stopping beauty of our first Sea Silk experiment.
Stardust Scarf & Stole
A beautiful yarn deserves an exceptional pattern. With that in mind, we had our resident designer take the first sample skein of "Oregon Mist" for inspiration. The result, the Stardust Scarf & Stole, is an uncontested success. Delicate fleurettes cascade across a stockinette background, forming 'piles' at either edge. Reminiscent of falling snowflakes, the design is seasonal without being obvious. |
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Available in limited quantities, we have less than 100 skeins in stock. If you've been looking for something special to knit for yourself (or someone else!), we hope you'll agree that our brainchild is anything but ordinary. |  |
| Carry Knit On | | TOP TRAVEL ACCESSORIES | For many knitters, the holidays mean travel. Quite possibly a lot of it. Sitting in trains, airplanes, or automobiles doesn't have to slow your holiday knitting down though. In fact, with the right planning (and tools), you can be knitting in the air, crossing water, or speeding down the highway (not while driving, obviously). Considering the average and not-so-average knitter's needs, we've tried to predict the best accessories to have on the go.
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M.W. Hardwood DPN Case
Like our famous KnitPod, this beautiful hand-turned hardwood knitting needle case is made by local M.W. Woodworks. Unlike our KnitPod, it can accommodate a wide variety of needle sizes and lengths when they're not in use. Perfect for knitters who don't want holes poked in their bags, or beloved DPNs snapped, these Hardwood DPN Cases will make traveling with knitting needles so much easier.
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Addi Click Needle Sets
You may have every size and length knitting needle there is, but do you really want to carry them all with you on the road - or through airport security? We thought not, and so did Addi! After the overwhelming success of their fantastic Addi Click Turbo interchangeable needle set, they decided to release Addi Click Lace and Addi Click Natura interchangeable needle sets, too. Now knitters of all preferences can have a collection of circular needles wherever they go - inside a case the size of a paperback book!
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Namaste Messenger Bag
Tackle long trips with ease when you have the perfect knitting bag. Designed with the modern knitter in mind, Namaste's new Messenger Bag can hold it all. A padded laptop pocket ensures that knitters can access ravelry anywhere with wifi, while heavy-duty nylon canvas will protect both computer and knitting from the elements and trauma of travel.
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The UM Carry
The holidays also spell invitations to dinner parties, eating out, and the annual office Christmas Party. Dressing up doesn't mean you have to give up your knitting for the sake of fashion. Far from it! The clever and creative UM Carry is the fashionable knitter's answer to knitting in public. Large enough to hold essentials and a traveling sock (we even tried it with a KnitPod!), this striking little handbag will soon be your favorite for it's attractiveness and functionality.
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| Much Better Than Fruitcake | | GET SOMETHING YOU REALLY WANT | Even after five years in business, there are still some things we can honestly say we've never heard - and don't expect to. Top of the list would have to belong to "I don't like cashmere." In fact, it's almost impossible to imagine a knitter turning down cashmere yarn. Which is why we've made it our favorite wish list item.
Easily the most coveted fiber on the market, cashmere comes in a variety of forms and qualities. The one thing that remains the same across the board is that "gotta have it" mentality we know we feel when under it's too-tempting influence.
Understanding that the holidays are one of the few times a year many knitters can justify asking for such a decadent treat, we've compiled a short list of our favorite cashmere contenders. And because we know budgets and tastes vary, we've tried to make the selection as wide as possible - because, really, who can say they don't want cashmere?
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Joseph Galler Pashmina (8oz)
Cashmere doesn't get more extravagant than this. Eight ounces of the finest French pashmina spun into a lofty fingering weight yarn that just begs to be caressed. A staff favorite from day one, you can safely bet that we have Joseph Galler Pashmina 8oz Cone on our own wish lists.
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Handmaiden Cashmere Silk
If you're going to blend cashmere, it makes sense to pair it with the finest fiber on the planet. Cashmere and silk come together in Handmaiden's delicious Swiss Mountain Cashmere Silk. A supple lace weight, this unbelievable yarn shimmers subtly through a delicate cashmere halo, making it captivating to behold - om the skein or on the needles!
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Madelinetosh Pashmina
As difficult as it might be to pick a favorite Madelinetosh yarn, Pashmina would probably be it. Cashmere, silk, and superwash Merino create a blend so soft, so inviting, that you won't want to let go. A bouncy (and machine-washable) sport weight, it's great for gifts or gift knits for everyone on your list.
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ArtYarns Cashmere 3
A long-standing favorite, ArtYarns' magnificent Cashmere 3 literally makes people stop and sigh. Three single-ply cashmere threads have been parallel-plied to create a light DK weight yarn that creates simply luscious accessories. The unusual ply structure makes Cashmere 3 extra warm and plush - perfect for knitters in extra-cold climes.
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| Gifting For Dummies | | NO THOUGHT NECESSARY | We all have them, those frustrating friends and family members who, when sent to the store for bread and milk, bring back potato chips and celery. Sometimes telling your loved ones what you want or need isn't enough. Having experienced that combination of annoyance and amusement many times over the years, we've come up with several solutions to circumvent any problems before they even happen.
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Cabled Rib Wrap Kit
This pattern was a blockbuster the moment it hit the scene and hasn't relinquished its star status since. Sinfully sumptuous, the combination of baby alpaca, silk, and kid mohair makes for a warm and cozy fabric that glows and drapes magnificently.
Available in a wide range of colors, including the new Cranberry (shown left), this kit is an easy one-stop gift that no knitter will turn down.
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Judy's Colors Stocking Kits
Worthy of an Old World fairy tale, these intricately patterned Christmas Stockings are everything elegant and sophisticated. Inspired by traditional motifs from across Europe, Judy's Colors Stocking Kits offer unparalleled designs that will make guests stop and stare.
With over 30+ patterns to choose from - and multiple color choices - there's an artisan stocking in this collection for everyone.
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Olive the Christmas Tree Monster
The cutest little monsters you'll ever find, Olive and Owen are Christmas Tree monsters designed by Rebecca Danger specifically for our Christmas Tree Ornament Kits collection. Kitted up with everything a knitter needs (except needles), Olive and Owen make ideal 'small' gifts or stocking stuffers.
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Knit Purl Gift Card
Gift Cards are truly the gifting dummy's best friend. Small, portable, adaptable and instantly redeemable, one of our Gift Cards can buy a knitter a little cashmere or set them up in style. If the giver in question doesn't have a clue, our Gift Card is one size fits all and looks great on everybody.
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If your nonknitting giver can be trusted to shop with a list in hand, we've got the perfect personal solution for you. Our Gift Registries database is easy to use for even the least tech-savvy gift-giver. Never created a gift registry online? No problem! We've written up a quick Gift Registry Tutorial on how to start a registry and then notify your friends and family. | |
| Little Luxuries | | TO INDULGE OR ENCOURAGE | If you're one of the many thousands (if not millions) of knitters out there knitting away on gifts for friends and family, we wanted to remind you to step back, relax, and take some time for yourself. The pressure of the holidays can take all the pleasure out of what should be enjoyable.
Sometimes the best way to disengage is to set aside enticements or rewards for reaching a certain goal (or for not giving up). After some brainstorming, we've come up with a few suggestions that we think will help you achieve a happy medium and not get stressed-out.
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The Fibre Co. Canopy Fingering
Soft, fuzzy, and available in a wide assortment of colors, The Fibre Company's Canopy Fingering is a wonderful indulgence that won't break the bank. A single skein can make a pair of mitts or a hat, while two or more can combine for eye-catching colorwork or opulent lace.
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Sipping Dreams Chocolate
Not too keen on adding more WIPs to the pile? Don't worry, we have just the thing - fine European-style drinking chocolate! Made locally, this rich 72% cacao drink will make you understand why the Mayans thought chocolate was the food of the gods. Available in 3oz bars, each bar will make four servings of euphoria inducing delight!
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Joseph Galler Pashmina (50g)
Sometimes you have to pull out the big guns to get the job done. If you're one of the many, many knitters that bit off more than you can chew, we have the bribe for you. Set aside 50g of prime French pashmina as a reward for finishing, and we'll bet you'll soon see the light at the end of the tunnel!
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IO Knitters Hand Balm
Aromatherapy is ideal for relaxing during stressful periods. Our Knitters Hand Balm, scented with vetiver and lemongrass, will make you stop and take a deep breath no matter how fast the world is going by. Made for us exclusively by IO Herbal Alchemy, our hand balm is guaranteed to be soothing for both your hands and spirit.
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| Like The Boy Scouts | | WE'RE ALWAYS PREPARED | We like to plan ahead here at Knit Purl. Which might explain why we started preparing months ago for the approaching holidays - and holiday knitting. In an effort to assist our knitters, we've restarted our popular Holiday Happy Hour series. Intended to teach students new tricks on quick holiday gifts, these fun and easy classes help knitters increase their skill sets and rapidly create gifts for friends and family.
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Moc-A-Sock It!
Handsome and cozy, these moccasin-like slippers are a quick knit that will get years of appreciative use. Knit with a scrumptuous worsted-weight yarn, they can be made in a couple of evenings!
Students will learn M1L, Mattress Stitch, picking up stitches, and reading a multi-size pattern.
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Quilted Lattice Ascot
An elegant accessory, this quilted ascot looks handsome over a cardigan or under a pea coat. Once a knitter masters the eye-catching lattice stitch, the pattern is a quick one and can be worn by a variety of recipients.
Students will learn the quilted lattice stitch, placing buttons and snaps, and other finishing techniques.
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Felted Ball Garland
Making felted balls are the simplest felting project and one of the most satisfying. Come learn to make felted balls for a festive holiday garland in a fun group environment.
Students will learn the basics of wet felting, an easy and adaptable technique for creating 3D toys and accessories.
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Felted Christmas Ornament
Learn to needle felt the worlds most adorable Christmas cookie ornament using a felting needle and plain wool roving. No experience necessary!
Students will learn the basics of needle felting, shaping with a felting needle, and adding embellishments with a felting needle. These skills are also ideal for embellishing handknits.
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For a full list of our holiday-themed classes, including our upcoming Felted Stocking workshop, see our schedule of Winter Classes. | |
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| | © Copright 2010. All rights reserved. Prices subject to change. |
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 | | WITH A GIFT REGISTERY |  You may know exactly what you want from Santa this year, but he may not have gotten the message. Don't worry, we have a solution for you! Our Gift Registries database offers knitters the chance to create and manage gift registries as well as send them to friends and family.
Take the uncertainty out of the holidays this year and start a gift registry of your own. |
 | | FULL OF KNITTING TREATS |
 | A spool or two of the new Knit Purl Originals Glisten lace yarn ($5.25). |
 | A cone of the new Knit Purl Originals Ritz lace yarn ($6.75). |
 | A 1 oz Wool Mix kit by Leigh Radford ($8.25). |
 | Root Sizing Silk (N-6B), by Habu Textiles ($8.50). |
 | Exotic Cable Needles, hand-carved by Lantern Moon ($9.25). |
 | Silk Wool (A-113_, from Habu Textiles ($9.75). |
 | A spool of the new Knit Purl Originals Shantung silk yarn ($10.25). |
 | Our new Christmas ornament kit, Rufus the Sock Monkey by Rebecca Danger of Danger Crafts ($12.00). |
 | A skein or two of Staccato, from Shibui Knits ($12.00 - 14.00). |
 | A Hans Gauntlet Kit from Fleece Artist ($19.50). |  | 365 Stitches A Year Perpetual Calendar ($19.95). |
 | A set of exotic, hand-turned Sox Stix,from Lantern Moon ($23.25). |
 | A ball of Suri Alpaca lace yarn, from Windy Valley Musk-ox ($25.00). |
 | An Ana Bandana kit, from Handmaiden Fine Yarns ($27.50). |
 | A Addi Click Cord Set, by Addi ($30.00). |
 | A hand-turned Decorative Needlecase, by M.W. Woodworks ($35.00). |
 | A Black Pearl Shawl Stick, hand-turned by Jul ($38.25). |
 | A skein of Ritz Lace, hand-dyed by Kathee Nelson Art Yarns ($48.25). |
 | Eyebobs wickedly clever reading glasses ($65.00). |
 | A ball of Qiviuk Silk from the Qiviuk Boutique ($72.00). |
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 | | CHILDREN'S CLOTHING DRIVE |  It's the happiest time of the year... for some. For others, like children in foster care, it's the time where they can be the most lonely. But we can help make these children in foster care more comfortable, in strange places with strange people, when they can't be with family.
After the outpouring of generosity and kindness last year, we're determined to make our Handknits for Hard Knock Kids clothing drive an annual event. Through December 23rd, we'll be accepting donations of handknit (and store-bought!) clothes and toys in good condition for Oregon children in foster care.
Want to knit something special for someone special? We'll be rewarding donors of handknit garments on the night of the 30th, during our weekly Sip'n'Stitch.
Ready to participate? Contact us for details or watch the blog for more information next week. |
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NEED ASSISTANCE?
1-866 656-KNIT | Come visit us:
1101 SW Alder
Portland, OR 97205
(11th and Alder)
P: 503.227.2999 | Store Hours:
Mon–Wed 10am-7pm
Thur 10am-9pm
Fri–sat 10am-6pm
Sun 12-5pm |
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