Episode 291: WIPs Galore

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

One Day in December by Josie Silver. Amazon Affiliate Link.
I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman. Amazon Affiliate Link.
The Fury by Alex Michaelides. Amazon Affiliate Link.

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

Wayland Winter Farmers’ Market- Farm Fiber Days: March 9, 2025 at Russell’s Garden Center in Wayland, MA
Knit North Yarn Crawl: March 13-16.
Boston Public Market Fiber Fest– Sunday March 23 from 10a-5p. Free Admission
Knit for Food a thon April 5th http://www.nelkindesigns.com/index.cfm/page/knitathon/knitathon25.htm sign up the first weekend in February.
Fiber Witch Festival: April 11-13 in Salem, MA.
Gore Place Sheep Sheering Festival– Saturday April 26 from 10a-5p in Waltham, MA.
Connecticut Sheep & Wool: Saturday April 26 from 9a-4p in North Haven, CT
Yarncentrick: May 2 in Fredrick, MD
Maryland Sheep & Wool: May 3 & 4 in West Friendship, MD
Sheep & Wool Festival at Coggeshall Farm: May 17 in Bristol, RI
Massachusetts Sheep & Wool Festival– May 24 & 25 in Cummington, MA

Life in Focus

25 in 2025 List

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