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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:

Episode 290: Welcome

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 290 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
  • In my Travels
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Contest, News & Notes
  • Life in Focus
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

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

Next month you can find Stitched by JessaLu bags in her online shop, and in person at NETA Spa in Freeport, Maine from February 28-March 2. NETA Spa is a great midwinter weekend gathering for fiber enthusiasts – check out the event page on Facebook at https://facebook.com/events/s/netaspa2025/

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Woolens & Nosh 2024 Advent Socks

  • 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

On 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

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. She’s filling pre-orders from last year first and then will put new listings up for sale so stay tuned.

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
  • My washed swatch was closer to 17/18 sts over 4 inches instead of the 20 it calls for so I’m knitting a different size to accommodate.

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
  • Cast on the morning of Thursday 9/5 for the Pigskin Party using Snack Shack Sponsor yarn.
  • About the colorway- stripes of: orange, hot pink, purple, navy blue, medium blue and red.
  • Progress- first sock is done. Second sock is a few stripes from the heel.

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

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 second 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.

From the Armchair

One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London. 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.

In My Travels

My 12 year old niece, Millie, joined me to do a little recap of our visit to Wayland Winter Farmers’ Market- Farm Fiber Days at Russell’s Garden Center in Wayland, MA. We had so much fun with our friend, Ryan.

The sample we saw in the Plied booth is called Super Serene- available on Ravelry.

KAL News

Pigskin Party ’24 #DCSPigskinParty24

It had been very cold lately in North America, even in places that are typically pretty warm in the winter (like Florida getting snow!). This has been no problem for pigskin partiers! The cold weather creates the perfect conditions for cozying up and finishing projects!  In the huddle, there has been lots of discussion about what folks can reasonably finish before the end of the party. There was also an interesting discussion about how many WIPs folks can manage at one time. Unsurprisingly, there are a lot of different opinions on that. 

Earlier this month, 43 players submitted for points as part of the Wild Card WIP challenge! Head on over to that thread to see pictures of projects that players had let languish or even forgot about–butnow they are finished!  

Events

Contest, News & Notes

Thank you to KnittyELF40, Erika, who kindly gifted me her new bundle of patterns- Seasonal Blooms on Ravelry.

Life in Focus

My Word of the Year for 2025: Welcome

Verb: to greet hospitably and with courtesy or cordiality

Verb: to accept with pleasure the occurrence or presence of

Adjective: giving pleasure: received with gladness or delight especially in response to a need (A welcome addition)

Why I need this word:

  • This year will be a year filled with first after Mom’s passing on January 1st. I need to welcome in the new year even when it feels hard, and welcome in whatever emotions come up as I make my way through 2025.
  • I’ve spent much time in the last few years focused on my mom (and I’m so glad I could do that), but now I’ll have free time to welcome in new things. I want to be thoughtful about my time, but also open to welcoming in new things that will bring me joy.
  • My mother made everyone feel welcome and at home whether physically in her home or just with her as a person. I strive to make people feel welcome in my presence too and to use that to continue to strengthen the bonds of friendship and connection. I hope that this will help me keep alive the many relationships that Mom was able to maintain.
  • I am an introvert by nature and love the prospect of staying hour with hours of myself to plot out- but I know that I am happier and more fulfilled when I stay connected with those I love, so this year when I’m tempted to say “no thanks” I will try, when possible, to instead say “we’ll come” a variation on welcome.

On a Happy Note

  • About 20 people showed up for one of Garret’s hockey games that was nearby! Beautiful show of support and a fun night out.
  • I found the jewelry Mom gave me for Christmas! Surprise surprise, it was in a bag of knitting stuff that was brought home and put down cellar.
  • While I missed auditions as we prepped for the funeral, I got a dancing role in Kiss Me Kate with Meg. The show is the last week of April/first weekend in May.
  • Millie came for a 2 night sleepover during MLK weekend. She made us pancakes!
  • Organizing my mom’s things. Eme came over and we look through craft supplies for a new project they want to do. I found a few things for me (mostly scissors and crochet hooks) and I purged some.
  • I put away the Christmas tree and put my new plant stand in place! I love it. Dan was going to order me a plant subscription, but instead we’ll go together to a local place a few times a year and try to learn a little more about houseplants.
  • Dinner with my cousins at local Mexican restaurant.
  • I received a beautiful package of watercolor supplies in the mail from Rachel! Thank you so much. I can’t wait to dive in.
  • I received many cards and notes from several of you. Thank you!!!
  • Millie, Ryan and I ran into listener, Donna, at Russell’s. So lovely to see you!
  • Last weekend Riley came for a sleepover Saturday night. On Sunday, we picked up Aila and checked out one of her favorite antique stores and had a lot of fun browsing.
  • Dan invited my Dad, Tom and Oisin for dinner at The Snug.
  • Megg, Hattie and I went to see Peter Pan in Boston.

Quote of the Week

“Departure of a year welcomes so many new memories” ― Munia Khan

——

Thank you for tuning in!

Contact Information:

Episode 289: A Sad Goodbye

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 289 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
  • Some Years Later
  • Knitting in Passing
  • Crafty Adventures
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Life in Focus
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Content Note: I start the episode by sharing news that most of you probably already know but in case not, will set the tone for the rest of the episode. After 3 long years battling Stage 4 Lung Cancer- we lost my Mom, Diane, on New Year’s Day. I share a bit more of the story in the Life in Focus segment, but there are small moments peppered throughout so if death and loss is a difficult topic for you right now, that’s ok. I just wanted to give a heads up. If this isn’t the episode for you, we’ll catch you in the next one.

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Wintermint Socks

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

Peace & Light Mitts

  • Yarn: Woolens & Nosh SW Targhee Sock in the Peace & Light Colorway
  • Pattern: Soccer Mitts by Erica Lueder. Free Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry.
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the yarn: 6 stripes in blues/teals, 3 in creams/yellows
  • Cast on with 56 sts like socks.
  • Gave to Mom for Christmas. She only ended up wearing them a few times but she loved them very much.

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Woolens & Nosh 2024 Advent Socks

  • 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: 1st sock done. 2nd is beyond the heel.

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
  • Riley knit a lot on these!
  • The 1st sock is beyond the heel.

From the Armchair

The Life Impossible by Matt Haig- Bookshop Affiliate Link. 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.

Some Years Later

Wearing mostly Mom’s handknits because I was there and didn’t have all of my own to choose from.

  • I wore some of her socks especially when we ended up sleeping in the family room and it was chilly and I couldn’t leave her alone.
  • Mom’s blue Camp out fingerless mitts (Ravelry Project Page link)- 2021
  • Mom’s Shift Cowl out of my handspun (Ravelry Project Page link)- 2022
  • Mom’s Carbeth Cardigan (Ravelry Project Page link) – finished night before Rhinebeck in 2023 (while in Vegas)

Knitting in Passing

  • Millie loved her lipstick and nail polish amigurumi.
  • Hattie didn’t get her Christmas gifts until after Miles’ Baptism on 1/12- “be off you boring socks” and threw socks across the room and immediately put them on and was showing them off. It was very dramatic and adorable.
  • Laura sent me a text of her friend Arielle wearing the socks I knit her. You can find the Ravelry Project Page here.
  • Laura and I went back to my house one day to collect some things and Riley asked me to bring ALL THE KNITTING, so I grabbed a ton of stuff. She opened every single project bag and in the end still decided to knit on the Freckled Whimsy advent socks

Crafty Adventures

  • We printed almost 400 photos for 11 posters for the funeral home. We broke out the scrapbook supplies and tape gun which I can’t believe Laura didn’t steal because after an initial skepticism she and Jenny were very into it.  Megg, Oisin and Riley were huge helps and had a lot of fun.
  • Megg and Laura searched house for memoriabilia stuff to make 3 displays for funeral home- Red Sox & reselling, Christmas and Wiz of Oz. Incredible. Funeral home did it just as well or even better.
  • Megg made these Sox and Bruins “tickets” on Canva

KAL News

Pigskin Party ’24 #DCSPigskinParty24

  • Event Dates: Thursday September 5, 2024- Monday February 10, 2025
  • Find everything you need in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group
  • Official Rules
  • Registration Form  (you must be Registered to be eligible for prizes)
  • Enter your projects using the Point Tally Form
  • Find the full list of Sponsors in this Google Doc.
  • Questions-  ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com
  • Tune in to see if you won our Quarter 3 Challenge sponsored by FanGirl Fibers.
  • Official Sponsor for Q4: Fibernymph Dye Works– Small Gains Challenge (January 2025). Check out this Ravelry Thread for details.
  • Tune in to see if you won a December participation prize.
  • Mary’s Commentator Updates
    • I just finished a sweater–my first big project of the PSP.  It took me months and it feels like a great accomplishment. Plus it is enough yards to qualify for a blitz!  This got me thinking about blitzes and wondering how the pigskin partiers are doing with blitzes this year. When I just looked, players had already submitted for 202 blitzes this year!  Amazing!  But even more amazing are a handful of what I am calling super-blitzers!  
    • 2 players have already completed 6 blitzes so far this year!  Can you believe it?
    • In addition to these super-blitzers, 3 players have completed 5 blitzes and 3 more have completed 3!  But don’t be dismayed if you are a mere mortal like me–The best thing about the PSP is that you can make whatever you want (as much or as little as you have time for).  Wishing you all a very happy new year!

Life in Focus

Tune in to hear the last of my Mom’s story. I also reviewed my word for 2024, Heart, my goals and my 24 for 2024 list.

On a Happy Note

  • Seeing a local production of Pippin and introducing it to Riley.
  • Seeing Hattie in Funky Nutcracker & her winter dance recital. Check out Day 14 of Vlogmas for more.
  • Riley took her first solo drive as a licensed driver, made us breakfast and braided my hair. Later that day, friends surprised my Mom by caroling. Check out this video for more. Oisin got his license the following Saturday. Mom was so proud of both of them.
  • Silly moment putting TJ’s gummy mustaches on our faces. Mom even got in on the action resting it on her oxygen tube and giving crazy eyes for a photo.
  • The Christmas eve cling wrap game that my cousin Lea hosted. You can see it at the end of my Vlogmas Day 24 video
  • Fun Christmas morning with G & Z who enjoyed the power wheels Jeep. Doing puzzles with G while Z played the piano.
  • Low key Christmas afternoon at my parents’. At one point Mom got confused and said we were at a wedding so that turned into a running joke all day. My cousin Jenny, mom’s Goddaughter, came over for a bit and showed Mom the video that over 40 people sent in clips for. She said it was her fav Christmas gift.
  • Laura, whose timing is impeccable and who was everything I needed during the hardest time.
  • Shopping with friends to find attire for Mom’s funeral.
  • Conor led the kids in singing Somewhere Over the Rainbow at mom’s services and our friend Michael Hammond led a group singing Seasons of Love to finish the service at the Cemetery. My cousin Rita Marie sang at funeral mass.
  • Folks flew in from 12 states to attend which was lovely but also it got crazy once we realized we had way more people coming than would fit in he luncheon venue we talked to. Dad said it was like the Jerry Lewis telethon w/ everyone making phone calls trying to find a new venue. By the next morning, we found a place that worked, visited and picked out the menu by that night.
  • As ever, this segment is meant to focus on the highlights. Not the lowlights of which there have been many. Grief sucks. Its hard, but we also got 68 beautiful years w/ my Mom- and we lived it up royally in the last 3 since she got sick. We’ll always more time but I don’t have any regrets and that’s something to be truly grateful for.
  • Miles’ Baptism. It was a beautiful service with brunch after at Conor & Carly’s.
  • Just before Christmas, we gave away $10k in FearLESS Living Fund scholarships to 2 gentlemen the Blind Center of Nevada. Friends attended and sent us videos. Just incredible. I hope it helps to really give them a leg up this year.

Quote of the Week

“There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love.”

Washington Irving

——

Thank you for tuning in.

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