Episode 293

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 293 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:

  • Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • From the Armchair
  • Knitting in Passing
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Contest, News & Notes
  • Life in Focus
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Thank you to this episode’s sponsor- The Yarn Sellar. Fiber Marketplace 2025- SATURDAY APRIL 5 , 2025 from 10-3pm at the Union Bluff Hotel 8 Beach Street, York Beach Maine 207-363-1333. Join us for a fun-filled party on Friday, April 4th from 5:30-7:00 Andra Asars (Berroco rep) will be hosting our event. Tickets are on sale in the shop and our online shop. You may win a prize. $25 (only 25 tickets)

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Aurealis

  • Pattern: Aurealis by Jennifer Steingass ($8 US Ravelry Knitting Pattern)
  • Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) & US 4 (3.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Cloudborn Fibers Highland DK in the Gray Heather colorway (MC) & Junction Fiber Mill Making Tracks DK in the Vermont Vice colorway (CC)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Size: C
  • Mods: Bottom ribbing- 2×2 instead of 1×1. Ribbing on sleeves is also 2×2

Love Bugs

  • Pattern: Love Bug by Trish Hoskin (free crochet pattern on Ravelry)
  • Hook: C- 2.75 mm
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Felici Worsted & Knit Picks Brava Worsted
  • Ravelry Project Page

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Ebb & Flow Socks

  • Yarn: Woolens & Nosh SW Targhee Sock in the Ebb & Flow colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Progress: first sock done. I cast on the second.

Cold Goat Farm Spinning Project

  • Fiber: Cold Goats Farm; believe it is a merino/mohair batt (8oz) in a natural, undyed cream color
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Twist direction: singles = Z plied = S
    • This means when I’m spinning, my wheel is spinning clockwise and when plying my wheel is moving counter-clockwise.
  • Progress: Nearly finished with my 3rd bobbin of fiber

Calendula Christmas Quilt

  • Pattern: Calendula Quilt by Elena Fedotova available on Ravelry for $7.50 US.
  • Yarn: Big Twist Value Solids in Ivory, Deep Red, Varsity Green, Aqua, Medium Rose, Gray
  • Hook:  G (4.0 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • granny squares- 1 color or 2 (colors on each half a diagonal)
  • I used Canva to help me figure out color placement to extend out the quilt pattern.
  • I am seaming squares using the Mattress Stitch.
  • I started working on this after being inspired by NDJen04’s video about her scrappy blanket- you can find that find on YouTube.
  • I had the 2 color (on the diagonal) granny square memorized but totally forgot how to do those. Here’s a helpful video I found that helped refresh my memory.
  • Goal: 6 per week
  • Crocheted 7 last week.

Aila’s Daisy Socks

  • Yarn: On The Round Nimble Sock (85%/15% SW Merino/Nylon) in the Forage colorway
  • Pattern: None (will likely use OMG heel)
  • Needles: US 1.5 & US 2
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • I cast on 60 sts. Worked 1×1 ribbing and daisy pattern I charted out using US 1.5 needles. Way too tight. In listening to another podcast, I was reminded that going up a needle size may help. Reknit colorwork section with US 2. Too tight. Washed and blocked to be sure AND to see if I liked the fabric with a US 2. I do. Increased up to 64 sts. Used US 2 for colorwork. Then decreased back to 60 sts shortly after, a few rows later back to 56 sts. Knit about 2 inches.

Adrift on an Inland Sea Socks

  • Yarn: Woolens & Nosh SW Targhee Sock in the Adrift on an Inland Sea Socks colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page

From the Armchair

Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.

Knitting in Passing

  • Annissa from The Stitch House sat down next to me on train and asked about knitting. It was great catching up with her.

KAL News

  • All Pigskin Grand Prize Winners have been emailed.

Events

Contest, News & Notes

Stitched by Jessalu FearLESS Living Fund Bags have raised $194! You can find the bags here & 30% of the sales go towards the FearLESS Living Fund!

Life in Focus

25 in 2025 List- I’ve made progress on these items

  • Donate Blood at least 4 times (1 in January)
  • Buy new ski boots- DONE
  • Record 2-5 things I’m grateful for each day before bed (more days than not counts)
  • Read all of Simple Abundance (ideally daily or close to)
  • Get at least 2 massages at Oasis scheduled
  • See 2-5 movies in the theater (Paddington in Peru)
  • Knit 2-5 garments for me (Aurealis & WIP- Monsoonee Sweaters)
  • Finish and enjoy my Christmas Granny Square Blanket
  • Crochet at least 5 toys (1: hedgehog, 2 love bugs)
  • Use my spinning wheel at least once a month (Jan & Feb, March done)
  • Try out 3 new to me podcasts (Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend)
  • Buy a fireproof box and put important papers inside (working with Dan on list of things to put in it)

On a Happy Note

  • A luxurious mani/pedi
  • Dinner with my cousins down in Plymouth.
  • A lovely visit with my grandmother- got her TV working so she could watch the Red Sox again.
  • Pushing outside of my comfort zones in music rehearsals for Kiss Me Kate, but really enjoying the dancing. 2 hours of tap on Sunday! Loved every second.
  • I went to dinner and to see a local production of Rent on Friday evening. My all time favorite show.
  • Season 2 of Silo on Apple TV
  • Paradise on Hulu

Quote of the Week

I cannot think of myself apart from the influence of the two or three greatest friendships of my life, and any account of my own growth must be that of their stimulating and enlightening influence.

–Edith Wharton

——

Thank you for tuning in!

Contact Information:

Episode 292: Magic of Oz

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 292 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:

  • Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • Brainstorming
  • Some Years Later
  • Crafty Adventures
  • Knitting in Passing
  • In my Travels
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Stitched by Jessalu . Find Jessalu at NETA Spa in Freeport, Maine from February 28-March 2: check out the event page on Facebook at https://facebook.com/events/s/netaspa2025/. FearLESS Living Fund bags available now- click here. 30% of sales go to our FearLESS Living Fund.

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Freckled Whimsy 2024 Advent Socks

  • Yarn: Freckled Whimsy
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page

Stranger Things 2 Socks

  • Yarn: Desert Vista Dyeworks Viso base (75% SW Merino/25% Nylon) in the Stranger Things 2 Self Striping Colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Woolens & Nosh 2024 Advent Socks #2

  • Yarn: Woolens & Nosh SW Targhee Sock
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Progress- nearly to toe of first sock

Ebb & Flow Socks

  • Yarn: Woolens & Nosh SW Targhee Sock in the Ebb & Flow colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page

Aurealis

  • Pattern: Aurealis by Jennifer Steingass
  • Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) & US 4 (3.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Cloudborn Fibers Highland DK in the Gray Heather colorway (MC) & Junction Fiber Mill Making Tracks DK in the Vermont Vice colorway (CC)
  • Size: C

Calendula Christmas Quilt

  • Pattern: Calendula Quilt by Elena Fedotova available on Ravelry for $7.50 US.
  • Yarn: Big Twist Value Solids in Ivory, Deep Red, Varsity Green, Aqua, Medium Rose
  • Hook:  G (4.0 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • granny squares- 1 color or 2 (colors on each half a diagonal)
  • I used Canva to help me figure out color placement to extend out the quilt pattern.
  • I am seaming squares using the Mattress Stitch.
  • I started working on this after being inspired by NDJen04’s video about her scrappy blanket- you can find that find on YouTube.
  • I had the 2 color (on the diagonal) granny square memorized but totally forgot how to do those. Here’s a helpful video I found that helped refresh my memory.

Brainstorming

I’d like to knit a balaclava for skiing

  • Convertible Balaclava by Poppy Shop- available on Ravelry, Etsy & Poppy Shop website for $9.50 Canadian (worsted weight yarn, ribbed below nose)
  • Crayon Balaclava by Mia Filisch- available on Ravelry for free. Calls for Aran weight yarn- 3 sizes. would need to gauge swatch and see if I can adjust for lighter yarn.
  • Stripes Ski Mask by Leisure Arts- available on their website for $5.99. See link on Ravelry as well.

I’m also debating something that goes over ski helmet and maybe a fair isle fingering weight sweater for me!

Some Years Later

Love the set that matches my ski coat.

  • Winter Carnival Hat by Margaret Stauffacher- Ravelry Project Page (DK fair isle)
  • In a Fog Mittens by Allison O’Mahony – Ravelry Project Page
  • Drawn Together cowl by Shana Cohen- Ravelry Project Page

Crafty Adventures

  • Millie and Hattie wanted to get crafty during their birthday sleepover.
  • We bought some supplies at the Dollar Tree & Millie brought a paper bead making kit I gave her for Christmas.
  • Check out Episode 2 of Millie Makes on the Down Cellar Studio Youtube Channel.
  • For fibery crafts, Millie shared some progress on her Dads hat, Hattie practiced treadling on my spinning wheel and Hattie & I made pompoms. I want to turn mine into a garland.

Knitting in Passing

I met a lovely listener named Emily in an elevator at work!

In My Travels

  • Last weekend, my brother Jeff and 2 of his kids- Riley and Garret, my friend Megg, her daughter Hattie, son Oisin & Oisin’s girlfriend Ginger and I all went skiing at Sunday River in Maine.

KAL News

Pigskin Party ’24 #DCSPigskinParty24

  • Tune in to hear if you won one of our 12 Grand Prizes. I will email winners in about a week, to give you time to tune in.

Events

On a Happy Note

  • I took Millie and Hattie to the new Paddington in Peru movie which was really cute. Using Hattie’s Shadow Play Book- Wizard of Oz book before bed! Pancakes in the morning!
  • We brought dinner to a friend who has been facing medical challenges (and thankful Dad let us cook at his house when we lost power)!
  • Dinner with my first boss and her partner. They spoiled me rotten and it was so great catching up.
  • Silly braids for skiing!
  • Megg gifted me 3 skeins of alpaca yarn from her trip to the Azores! 50g skeins in white, gray and a peachy/pink! Can’t wait to use them.
  • New haircut!

Quote of the Week

Sometimes you are aware when your great moments are happening and sometimes they arise from the past. Perhaps it’s the same with people.

-JAMES SALTER

——

Contact Information:

Episode 291: WIPs Galore

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 291 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast.

This week’s segments included:

  • Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • Brainstorming
  • From the Armchair
  • Knitting in Passing
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Life in Focus
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Hedgehog

  • Pattern: Hedgehog with a Heart by Marina Chuchkalova
  • Yarn: Big Twist Value Solids worsted acrylic yarn in Chocolate Brown & Soft Gray
  • Hook: C 2.75 mm
  • Ravelry Project Page

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Woolens & Nosh 2024 Advent Socks #2

  • Yarn: Woolens & Nosh SW Targhee Sock
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Passed heel on first sock (contrast heel)

Aurealis

  • Pattern: Aurealis by Jennifer Steingass
  • Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm)
  • Yarn: Cloudborn Fibers Highland DK in the Gray Heather colorway (MC) & Junction Fiber Mill Making Tracks DK in the Vermont Vice colorway (CC)
  • Size: C
  • Progress: Several inches into body

Cold Goat Farm Spinning Project

  • Fiber: Cold Goats Farm; believe it is a merino/mohair batt (8oz) in a natural, undyed cream color
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Twist direction: singles = Z plied = S
    • This means when I’m spinning, my wheel is spinning clockwise and when plying my wheel is moving counter-clockwise.
  • Progress: Nearly finished with my 3rd bobbin of fiber

Calendula Christmas Quilt

  • Pattern: Calendula Quilt by Elena Fedotova available on Ravelry for $7.50 US.
  • Yarn: Big Twist Value Solids in Ivory, Deep Red, Varsity Green, Aqua, Medium Rose
  • Hook:  G (4.0 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • granny squares- 1 color or 2 (colors on each half a diagonal)
  • I used Canva to help me figure out color placement to extend out the quilt pattern.
  • I am seaming squares using the Mattress Stitch.
  • I started working on this after being inspired by NDJen04’s video about her scrappy blanket- you can find that find on YouTube.
  • I had the 2 color (on the diagonal) granny square memorized but totally forgot how to do those. Here’s a helpful video I found that helped refresh my memory.
  • Progress: I’ve done about 14 in 2 weeks.

Same as It Ever Was Hat

  • Pattern: Same as It Ever Was by Sarah Jordan ($6 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock (Yarnable Box January 2024) in the Dino-Mite colorway
  • Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the yarn: aqua, gray and purple.
  • Progress: About 2 inches of straight knitting beyond the crown increases

Brainstorming

  • I think I’m going to keep the Monsoonee Sweater I started before Christmas (Ravelry Project Page). I could absolutely wear that this winter if I finish it soon.
    • Almost to bottom ribbing. sleeves will be quick
  • I’m debating frogging my Waverly Sweater (Ravelry Project Page). Gauge is a bit tight and its not an enjoyable knit.
  • Emelyn’s request for socks based on The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Any ideas for me?
  • Aila still wants colorwork daisy socks that I started but need to rework.

From the Armchair

Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.

Knitting in Passing

  • Had a lovely fellow knitter say hello on the train, asking if I was going to knit fingers into my project (thinking it was mitts). I told her it was socks, but in general- I agree- knitting fingers is the worst!

KAL News

  • Thanks for a very successful and fun 11th season!
  • Tune in to see if you’re a January Participation Winner or the winner of our 4th Quarter Challenge hosted by Fibernymph Dye Works– Small Gains Challenge (January 2025). Check out this Ravelry Thread for details.
  • Grand Prize winners will be announced in the next episode.

Events

Life in Focus

25 in 2025 List

  1. Donate Blood at least 4 times (1 in January)
  2. Go shopping for plants with Dan 4 times in the year (my Christmas gift from him)
  3. Buy new ski boots- DONE
  4. Go camping- scheduled for summer
  5. Kayak 2-5 times- scheduled for summer
  6. Do at least 5 walks with others
  7. Take 2-5 yoga classes (outside of the house)
  8. Do at least 30 lessons in Mondly (had 25 done in 2024)- does not include daily lessons
  9. Spend a day at Raffa Life
  10. Record 2-5 things I’m grateful for each day before bed (more days than not counts) doing well. pairing with next one
  11. Read all of Simple Abundance (ideally daily or close to) (feels similar to artist’s way- tapping into your authentic self/creative spirit)
  12. Read at least 60 books- all books count (even poetry etc) – 4 to date
  13. Get at least 2 massages at Oasis
  14. See 2-5 movies in the theater
  15. Knit 2-5 garments for me (WIPs- Aurealis & Monsoonee Sweaters)
  16. Finish and enjoy my Christmas Granny Square Blanket
  17. Crochet at least 5 toys (1 hedgehog)
  18. Use my spinning wheel at least once a month (Jan & Feb done)
  19. Have a crafty day with Emelie
  20. Knit a slouchy hat for myself
  21. Try out 3 new to me podcasts
  22. Watch White Christmas with Jenny & Kara (bringing the tradition back)
  23. Buy a firebox and put important papers inside
  24. Create a list of things to pack in case of an evacuation
  25. Purge at least 20 items of clothing/accessories/shoes

On a Happy Note

  • Ice skating with friends.
  • Started rehearsals for Kiss Me Kate- tap dancing! GREAT for my brain.
  • Seeing Millie in Pirates of Penzance
  • Hattie’s Surprise Wizard of Oz Party
    • Laura surprised me.
  • Funny Girl with Megg
  • Mom’s birthday just passed. Difficult day- but we were together and there was a lot of love and support. My friend Kris sent over a very thoughtful gift for me- including a skein of handdyed yarn in a Somewhere over the Rainbow colorway from Cashmere and Coconut.

Quote of the Week

To invite a person to your house is to take charge of his happiness as long as he be beneath your roof.

–Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin

——

Thank you for tuning in!

Contact Information: