Local JOANN stores are closing. Miss Purl is stepping up to ensure you have access to fantastic yarn alternatives. We're your oasis in a yarn desert, stocked with amazing options that are both affordable and a joy to work with. Read our latest article to find out how we're keeping the crafting spirit alive on the South Side with vibrant colors, soft textures, and a supportive community. 🧶✨

Ever wondered what a "loser scarf" looks like? Well, this year, I found out! As a die-hard Chicago Bears fan, I designed the Football Fan Scarf, adding stripes each week based on the game's outcome. The result? An infinity-style cowl that tells the story of every win and loss of the 2025 season. I’m sharing the ups and downs of this creative journey, from finding rhythm in tough times to celebrating the season's highlights.

In this article on mindful crafting I’m sharing tips on focusing on your breathing, enjoying the rhythm of your stitches, and fully engaging your senses. Learn about the role of dopamine in mindfulness and how being kind and loving to yourself can transform your crafting sessions into a peaceful and fulfilling experience.

Discover the beautiful parallels between crafting and romance at our Royal Hearts: Knitting Hearts Class this Saturday, February 8. Just like the joy and connection found in romantic activities, crafting heart motifs can boost your dopamine levels, bringing feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. Read all about the joy of crafting and the power of love!

Organizing your stash by yardage can unlock endless possibilities. I’ll show you the secrets to uncover the hidden yardage in your yarn stash. Learn how to use a handy scale, calculate yardage, and even identify mystery skeins with Wraps Per Inch (WPI). Don't miss out on these tips to avoid future yarn emergencies and make the most of your stash! 🧶✨

In this beginner-friendly guide, we break down the mysteries of yarn weights and measurements. Learn how to convert between grams and ounces, estimate yardage based on weight, and avoid common mistakes. Plus, get handy yardage estimates for popular projects like scarves, hats, and sweaters.

This week, we're tackling a common crochet challenge: achieving cleaner edges when crocheting through the back loop only (BLO). If you've ever struggled with uneven edges while working single crochet through the back loop (BLO), this article is for you!

Struggling with messy edges in your knitting projects? In this week’s "Mwah! Keep it Simple Sweetie!" series, Miss Purl shares tips on creating cleaner, polished edges using chain stitch and i-cord edging techniques.

Hey crochet peeps! Ever had your crochet project turn out too small or too big? 😱 This article talks about how to measure gauge, calculate your cast-on chains, and avoid those frustrating unravel moments. Plus, get an update on Miss Purl's progress on her designer replica sweater!

Ever struggled to tell a knit stitch from a purl stitch? You're not alone! In my latest article, "Keep it Simple Sweetie: Visual Differences Between Knit and Purl Stitches," I break down the key differences and share tips to help you recognize each stitch with ease.

Ever wondered how to distinguish between different crochet stitches? Our new series, Mwah! Keep it Simple Sweetie, is here to help! In our first installment, we dive deep into the visual differences between single, half double, and double, crochet stitches. Don't miss out—read the full article here.

Discover the magic of unexpected color combinations in our latest article, "Unexpected Color Combinations That Work Wonders in Knitting and Crochet." Learn how to transform your knitting and crochet projects with bold and unconventional color pairings that add a unique flair to your shawls, Fair Isle colorwork, tapestry crochet, and mosaic patterns.

I’m sharing an update on my sweater project and the valuable lessons I've learned about maintaining momentum and creativity. Discover how to avoid common mojo killers and keep your knitting projects on track. Read more on the blog.

Feeling stuck in a color rut with your knitting or crocheting projects? Discover how to mindfully select yarn colors that truly resonate with you in our latest Purl Talk blog post! Learn to set intentions based on mood, style, and aspiration to transform your projects and reignite your creativity. Ready to elevate your crafting game? Dive into our tips and join us for the "Color Coordination" workshop on January 25th. Read more and register now!

Crochet charts open up a world of intricate stitch patterns and designs combinations. Dip your toe in navigating crochet charts and symbols in this article. We’ll address common pitfalls, and share a personal story of creative growth. Plus, don't miss out on Miss Purl’s January Workshop: Mastering Crochet Patterns, designed to help you master these skills so that you can go on to create more projects.

I share the ups and downs of crocheting a replica of a $1,900 sweater for my son this Christmas. From setting aside focused time and ensuring my project is ready to stitch, to finding joy in small moments and learning to rest when needed, this journey has been a true labor of love. Join me as I navigate the holiday hustle and celebrate the progress made with each stitch. Read more about my adventure and get inspired to tackle your own time-sensitive projects!

Are you ready to knit your own ribbed hat? Miss Purl is sharing her notes to create a beautifully fitted hat without a pattern. Plus, she’s ncluded tips and tricks to help you along the way and make the process approachable to follow.

Looking for a quick and satisfying project to rock at your holiday gatherings or while out shopping? Check out my latest blog post where I share my adventure of knitting a replica of the Santa hat from the new movie Red One, inspired by J.K. Simmons' cool portrayal of Santa.

Miss Purl Chicago's Drop-In Clinic is more than just a place to get help with your projects. It's a supportive environment where online learning meets hands-on guidance, helping makers of all levels achieve their creative goals. Click here to register.

Days 5 - 7

Day 5-6: Grappling with Gauge, Color Selection, and Charting These days were all about the technical details. We worked on getting the gauge right, selecting the perfect colors, and charting the design.