Visions of Ultra Violet

Sick of red and pink for Valentine's Day projects? Knit with Pantone's color of the year instead! Visions of Ultra Violet have us feeling ultra-Prince! (Purple Rain, anyone?) We got to talking about the Purple Rain creator around the office, and found that Jeff, our Marketing Director (and boss...hi Jeff!), had a Prince story of his own to tell:

I once worked for a casino resort that had a large theater and booked major acts. Rumors about a Prince performance circulated occasionally, and if they're true, they should tell it at his inevitable Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

Legend has it, long ago (somewhere in the 80s or 90s, the date of this event was fiercely disputed) Prince played a show in the theater, and he tore the place apart! The show started at 9, and Prince and his band didn’t shut the show down until after midnight. It was said to be one of the greatest shows the theater had ever seen. After the performance, the crowd dissipated and the casino floor fell quiet. The only real activity left was a small lounge nearby, where a small band was quietly playing lounge hits and Jazz. By 1:30 am there were only a few people left, listening to the band and enjoying their drinks.

Someone in the lounge was listening to the band a little more intently than the others though, eyes closed and bobbing his head to the music. Eventually he stood up, and to the surprise of the remaining patrons, he had a few words with the band’s drummer and then stepped up onto the stage and strapped on a guitar. The mystery guitarist was Prince and he played with the band for 3 hours, and not a single guest left the lounge until it was over! When it was over, he humbly thanked the band for letting him play with them, gave each one of them a hug, and walked away into the night.

After playing a 3 hour show for thousands of people, he walked into a lounge and played another 3 hour show for less than 10. Legends like this tend to have embellishments, but I sincerely believe that there is truth in this one. The love and devotion to music combined with the humility and grace demonstrated in this story will always resonate with me. Rest in Peace Prince, and I hope somewhere in heaven you’re sitting in a lounge right now, bobbing your head and preparing to play along! - Jeff

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3. Tosh Merino Light - Himiko

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5. Sweetgeorgia Party of Five Mini-Skein Set - Royals

6. Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock - Violet

7. Sweetgeorgia Tough Love Sock - Ultraviolet

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12. Cascade Ultra Pima - 3821 Deep Periwinkle

13. Sublime Natural Aran - 424 Monty

14. Cascade 220 Superwash - 1986 Purple Hyacinth

15. Rowan Pure Wool Worsted Superwash - 122 Plum

Got any Prince stories of your own? Share them in the comments!