Features
We head to yarn shop & cafe The Purple Purl in Toronto, Canada this week to learn how-to knit a purly fog cup cozy.
How did you get started?
We opened our doors in November 2007 and we've been going strong ever since!
Where are you located?
We're located in the fabulous east-end Toronto neighbourhood known as Leslieville. It's a diverse, family-friendly community where diners and dives mingle with pop-up shops and high-end restaurants, and where the indie retailer is king (and queen!). You'll find clothing stores and art galleries, butchers and cheese shops, and of course us, the neighbourhood's LYS.
Which products do you specialise in?
We carry a wide range of yarn with an emphasis on natural fibres, but our specialty is yarn from Canadian dyers. We're proud to sell yarns from Tanis Fiber Arts, Indigodragonfly, Turtlepurl, DyeVersion, Handmaiden and Sweet Georgia.
Do you have a particular favorite product that you sell?
Ooooh, that's a tough one! We're all enamoured with Riveting, a new yarn made of recycled denim from Kollage, and many of us have fall sweater plans that involve the new Mohawk line from Classic Elite. Then again, we can't forget Noro -- it's almost time for a new striped scarf, isn't it?
What's on the stereo?
Depends on the day! We love listening to classic Canadian folk and rock - then again, we've also been known to enjoy a tiki-bar soundtrack on occasion, too.
Where else should we visit in your area?
No visit to the area would be complete without a stop to our next-door neighbour, Meating on Queen, for some of their delicious house-made sausage. Just up the street, Eadrie serves up fresh, healthy meals -- which you can top off with a gourmet dessert from Bobette & Belle. Next, shop your way up the street (we love MacFab, which sells an amazing array of fabric and notions) to The Roy, where you can enjoy a terrific burger and a pint. Keep walking, because you're not too far from Ed's Real Scoop, the best ice cream in town, and the Leslieville Cheese Shop.
Do you host any workshops, classes or special events?
We run a wide variety of classes -- everything from learn-to-knit and learn-to-crochet, to skill development (colourwork, lace, cables) and pattern design.
We also run several knit-alongs (KAL) each year, and it's always so inspiring to see the projects that our Purlies create!
Stitch night is every Tuesday, but our comfy purple chairs are always available for people who want to join us for an hour or two of sitting and Stitching. We serve refreshments, too - so you can enjoy a delicious coffee or tea and a tasty cookie or bar while you work on your project.
Is there anything else you'd like us to know?
That our favourite colour is Purple, of course!
Do you have a favorite craft, art or supply shop in your town that we should feature? Send us a message!
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