Episode 294: Travels, Time & T-Rex

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 294 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
  • In my Travels
  • Events
  • Contest, News & Notes
  • Ask Me Anything
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Stitched by Jessalu

  • Find Stitched by Jessalu at the Fiber Witch Festival Marketplace: April 12-13 in Salem, MA. The Market is 11a-5p Sat & Sunday and market tickets are still available. Pre-purchase or tickets will be available at the door for either day. The 3-5 slot each day is free, so go find Jess and her beautiful bags there!

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Aila’s Daisy Socks

  • Yarn: On The Round Nimble Sock (85%/15% SW Merino/Nylon) in the Forage colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 & US 2
  • Progress: Cast on 60 sts. Worked 1×1 ribbing. Increased up to 64 sts. Switched to US 2 needles for colorwork.  Then decreased back to 60 sts shortly after, a few rows later back to 56 sts. Knit about 2 inches before turning the heels.

How Time Flies Socks

  • Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the How Time Flies Colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the yarn- cream base with pink, green. January 2024 Yarnable Colorway: Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

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: 3rd bobbin done and onto the 4th. This is the batt that never ends!

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
  • Progress: I am still ahead of schedule!

Some Bunny Loves You Socks

  • Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Some Bunny Loves You Colorway (Yarnable April 2023 colorway)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the colorway- cream base with speckles of purple, blue, rust. Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link

Inclinations Cowl

  • Inclinations Cowl by Andrea Mowry ($7.00 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry & her website.
  • Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm)
  • Yarn: 2 skeins of handspun Color A: Fiber Addict Designs 100% Merino in the Wild Plum Colorway- Ravelry link. Color B: Candombe, I think the fiber is from Malabrigo- Ravelry link.
  • My Ravelry Project Page
  • Living in my FearLESS Living Fund bag from Stitched by Jessalu. Bags are still available! Check them out.

Dinosaur T-Rex and Pterodactyl

  • Pattern: Dinosaur T-Rex and Pterodactyl by Anita Suriaa- $5.99 crochet pattern on Ravelry
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted
  • Hook: 2.5 mm
  • Progress: I’ve made T-Rex head and body.

Brainstorming

  • T Jaik flower crochet patterns- check them out on Ravelry. They are so realistic I didn’t think they were actually crochet photos!
  • Teddy Bear Eyeglasses holder by Tanya Naser-  free crochet pattern available on Ravelry.
  • Eme’s Very Hungry Caterpillar Socks

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

  • On Wed night before music rehearsal Megg asked me to help her cast on a Love Bug with Bernat Blanket to practice for school. (free crochet pattern on Ravelry). Yarn has a lot of twist, got all tangly and we stayed after to untangle it together while other cast members performed on stage.
  • On the first night of rehearsal one of my cast-mates asked about my knitting and through that conversation we figured out we’ve worked together before. She was the choreographer when I was in a production of Crazy for You at a local community college when I was in high school.
  • I wore my Aurealis sweater (Ravelry Project Page) one night to music rehearsal and my friend Deana complimented it and I told her I knit it!
  • Laura’s sock drawer! How gorgeous is this?

In My Travels

Vegas trip for BOSS Reseller Remix & FearLESS Living Fund 2025 Awards

  • We gave away 2 $5,000 scholarships
  • Mom’s friend Crystal got a fearless tattoo on her arm.
  • We enjoyed visiting the Sphere to see the Postcards from Earth documentary.
  • We checked out the Bellagio Conservatory for their beautiful display of Easter decor/flowers.
  • Knitting at craps table with Jeff. The manager told me he doesn’t see many firsts anymore but I was the first person he’d ever seen knitting in a casino before. He came back a few minutes later asking what I was making- definitely intrigued.
  • It took until the last day- walking through New York New York to find Wizard of Oz slots Mom loved best.
  • It was obviously a bittersweet trip. Ryan Wilson said it best when he said before talking about 2 winners- in some ways this is the most important year because its the first one without Mom and we’re still doing it.
  • If you want to see the awards presentation, here’s a link to video on my YouTube channel.

Boston Public Market Fiber Fest– Sunday March 23 from 10a-5p. Free Admission

  • Megg, Riley and I went in the morning.
  • Riley wore her crocheted flowered top (Ravelry Project Page). I wore my Aurealis (Ravelry Project Page)- finally got good FO photos for my Project Pages.
  • I purchased punch needle coasters for my car cup holders from Gina the Botina
  • We also purchased mini skeins from 2 makers- that I sent home with Riley
  • Riley picked out a delicious cinnamon roll from Union Square Donuts that we shared.
  • Megg got some cute crafty projects for her kids for Easter/graduations.

Events

Contest, News & Notes

I heard about GoSadi in Vogue Knitting email. Have you heard of it?

Ask Me Anything

  • Instagram- Knitbakecook- Do you ever have crafting slumps? If so, how do you overcome them?
    • Yes! Sometimes it helps just to lean into that, don’t pressure yourself and then lean back in when you get the urge. More often, what works best is to start something new (or pick back up something that is exciting you). Ideally something small like a hat or a toy so you get that dopamine hit of finishing something fun to get those creative juices flowing. Search your Ravelry favorite or queue, browse Instagram or Pinterest and let yourself day dream a little. Creative time should be fun so find the fun and you’ll be excited to get back into things.
  • Instagram- ndoyal- When are you coming to the PNW?!
    • I am planning to go to Flock in August.
  • Instagram- nukerklein- Have you been or are you planning to go to VT Sheep & Wool in the fall?
    • This year it’s October 4-5 (Dad’s birthday- so likely not this year)
    • Check out this vlog from 2024 trip to VT Sheep & Wool.
  • NDoyal- Dates for Splash Pad: Sunday June 1 through Thursday July 31st. Would folks be interested if we did Zoom events Sunday 6/1?

On a Happy Note

  • St. Patrick’s Day at my cousin’s. Emelie “cutting” my hair.
  • Lea made us acrylic pieces with Mom’s funeral flowers in them. Keychain, bottle opener and bookmark
  • Riley sleepover- Sample sale (bought matching PJs). Silly pics in the closet before bed. Ushering for Rent at The Company Theatre.
  • Addams Family Musical and Lolita with Megg
  • Dinner with Liz
  • My favorite massage therapist is back at Massage Envy
  • Bike riding with Dan
  • Dinner out at a local Italian place for a friend’s birthday.
  • Thrifting and finally watching Kiss Me Kate (movie) with Megg

Quote of the Week

One of the pleasures of getting older is that one can get so much nearer to one’s own people, and that the dear ones of them become dearer all the time.

–Willa Cather

——

Thank you for tuning in!

Contact Information:

Episode 293

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

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: