Black purl magic, also known as black pearl magic or black magic pearl, is a term used to describe certain exceptional and rare black pearls found in the world's oceans. These pearls, known for their rich color and mystical appearance, have captivated the imagination of people for centuries. Black pearls are formed inside oysters, just like any other pearls. However, what makes them unique is the presence of a dark, dark-colored substance called melanin. It is this melanin that gives the pearls their dark hue, ranging from deep black to shades of gray or green. The process of creating black pearls is quite fascinating.

An Interview with Shala Jones of Black Purl Magic

This month we got the chance to chat with our July Pom MAL sponsor, Shala of Black Purl Magic and dig deeper into her work-life balance. She shared about having a spot in this large sea of makers and how she landed on her iconic vinyl accessories.

How did you come up with the name Black Purl Magic and what does the name represent for you?

Black Purl Magic is a play on the hashtag #blackgirlmagic. "Black girl magic" means knowing that it may be more difficult at times but no one can stop you from what you wish to achieve in life because of the color of your skin. As a BIPOC knitter, this resonates with me because knitting is a craft not often associated with women of color but we can do it too!

Where did the journey begin for BPM and how has it changed with time?

BPM was born in 2018 as a maker of stitch markers and pins. Bags were never on the agenda but we saw a need and filled it! I started bag making in 2019 with no prior sewing experience. It began with cotton bags and finally arrived at vinyl bags in 2021 when BPM became my full-time gig. I was able to bring so many ideas to life operating at 100% capacity.

Your bags are ICONIC and we wonder how you decided to venture into vinyl (fabric)?

Thank you sooooo much! Whew! It has been a journey with the vinyl, for sure. As a neurodivergent knitter I lose A LOT of notions and even projects. Transparent project bags were a clear solution for me. That plus being a mom to a gymnast, I needed something to throw around and my precious suede and leather bags weren’t up for that challenge.

Speaking of vinyl, we know that can be tricky to work with, was that a huge learning curve for you?

Yes and no. Vinyl is a heavy material and attempting to sew it on my domestic machine was CRAZY! This pushed me to invest in an industrial machine and that made the task 95% easier. There are still tips and tricks that I’ve learned along the way but I’d say the machine upgrade was my saving grace.

Did you always know this was the direction you wanted to take your business? Project bags, maker tools, etc?

Yes. Black Purl Magic was founded with the intention of bringing functional maker tools to the table. Project bags were an add on and vinyl bags were completely unexpected.

What is your favourite product you have created?

This is a tough one. I’ve made some pretty cool creations! I think my favorite would have to be the BAB (big ass bag). It’s just larger than life and fun! My go-to festival shopping and beach bag.

What’s your advice on staying motivated while running a small business?

Slow and steady wins the race. Move at your own pace and know that no matter what other people bring to the table, your vibe will attract the right people. Your people will find you. They will wait for you. They will show up for you and they will carry you.

What is the most stressful part of your business or what do you wish your audience understood better about your business?

Definitely, the time and dedication that goes into each piece. I’m a solopreneur and extremely type A. This means that things move a little slower around here but the results are almost always on point as I am triple-checking each item. Lol.

What new things should folks look out for from Black Purl Magic in the future?

New materials! Vinyl has been an amazing wave for us! We are really looking forward to exploring different textures and bringing more bags to life.

How can people find your products for sale?

Our products are sold through our website blackpurlmagic.com. We also do a few in-person shows each year which we usually announce over on Instagram.

You can follow the BPM journey on instagram at @BlackPurlMagic and shop their maker tools at BlackPurlMagic.com

Black Magic - Ready to Ship

Size Spider Strands Variant sold out or unavailable Spark of Madness Variant sold out or unavailable 4 Plies of the Apocalypse Variant sold out or unavailable Best of the Worsted Variant sold out or unavailable Fluff Master Variant sold out or unavailable Chonky Boi Variant sold out or unavailable

Increase quantity for Black Magic - Ready to Ship

• 2 Ply Sock/Fingering Weight
• 80% Superwash Merino
• 20% Silk
• 100 grams / about 400 yards

Spark of Madness

• 2 ply sock yarn
• 75% superwash merino, 20% nylon, 5% silver stellina
• 100g
• about 438 yards

4 Plies of the Apocalypse

• 4 ply sock yarn
• 25% nylon and 75% superwash merino
• 100g
• about 436 yards

Best of the Worsted/DK

• 8 ply light worsted/DK yarn
• 100% superwash merino
• 100g
• about 218 yards

• 3 Ply Heavy Worsted / Aran Weight
• 100% Superwash Merino
• 100 grams / about 181 yards

• 3 ply bulky yarn
• 100% superwash merino
• 100g
• about 106 yards

*All yarns are dyed in a home with dogs. Animals are not allowed to play with the yarn, but their hair tends to travel. Please be aware if you have allergies.

The process of creating black pearls is quite fascinating. Oysters, primarily the Pinctada margaritifera or black-lipped oyster found in French Polynesia, are responsible for producing the majority of black pearls. These oysters have a unique ability to create pearls of various colors, including stunning black ones.

Care information

To retain bright colors, do not store in direct sunlight. Items crafted from this yarn should be handwashed (or machine washed in delicate /handwash cycle) and then either laid flat or hung to dry.

Colors should be bright and permanent, but if you find any of the dye running from your fabric or yarn, soak in hot water with a bit of acid citric acid or vinegar) then rinse well. Do not dry in a machine.

To harvest black pearls, pearl farmers carefully insert a small mantle tissue graft into the oyster, along with a nucleus. Over time, the oyster covers the nucleus with layers of nacre, a substance secreted by the oyster to protect itself. This nacre is what gives pearls their lustrous appearance. The color of black pearls depends on various factors, including the genetics of the oyster, the environment it inhabits, and the presence of melanin. The more melanin present, the darker the pearl will be. It is this melanin that creates the mesmerizing iridescent effect seen in high-quality black pearls. Black pearls have long been associated with mystery, power, and elegance. They are often considered a symbol of wisdom and prosperity. The allure of these pearls is so strong that they have become sought after by jewelry designers and collectors worldwide. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, black pearls are also believed to possess certain metaphysical properties. According to some belief systems, black pearls are said to bring protection, luck, and positive energy to the wearer. They are also thought to enhance one's intuition and help in balancing emotions. Overall, black purl magic is a phrase used to describe the enchanting beauty and allure of black pearls. These rare gems have a timeless elegance and are considered treasures of the ocean. Whether worn as jewelry or admired in their natural form, black pearls continue to fascinate and captivate those who encounter them..

Reviews for "Unlocking the Power of Black Purl Magic: Tips and Tricks for Knitting with Dark Yarns"

1. Emily - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes for "Black Purl Magic" but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The characters lacked depth and development, making it hard for me to connect with them. The plot was also quite predictable, and I found myself losing interest halfway through. Additionally, I felt that the writing style was lackluster and failed to bring the story to life. Overall, I was left feeling disappointed and wouldn't recommend this book.

2. Michael - 1/5 stars - "Black Purl Magic" is one of the worst books I've read in a long time. The storyline was confusing, and the pacing was extremely slow. I couldn't even make it through a quarter of the book before giving up. The author seemed to jump between different plot points without any clear direction, making it difficult to follow along. The prose itself was also dull, lacking any sort of excitement or creativity. I regret wasting my time on this book and wouldn't suggest it to anyone.

3. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I was intrigued by the premise of "Black Purl Magic," but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The characters felt one-dimensional and their actions often didn't make sense. The romance subplot felt forced and unrealistic, making it difficult for me to invest in the story. Furthermore, the world-building was lacking, leaving me with more questions than answers. Overall, I found the book to be underwhelming and wouldn't recommend it to others.

4. David - 3/5 stars - "Black Purl Magic" had an interesting concept, but it didn't quite deliver for me. The pacing was slow, and I found myself getting bored at times. The writing style was decent, but I felt that it lacked a certain spark to fully draw me into the story. There were moments of intrigue and suspense, but they were few and far between. While the book had some redeeming qualities, it fell short overall and left me feeling somewhat indifferent.

Beyond Basic Black: Unleashing the Potential of Dark Yarns in Your Knitting