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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

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Thank you for tuning in!

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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

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Thank you for tuning in!

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Episode 288: Makeup & Mint

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 288 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:

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

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Cold, Cold Heart Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Yarn: June Pryce Fiber Arts Coventry DK in the Cold, Cold Heart Colorway
  • Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page

Hattie’s Scrappy Helical Socks

  • Yarn: Random bits & bobs of fingering weight leftovers in pinks, purples and blues
  • Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • US 1 (not 1.5), 48 sts. long cuff.
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Check out my video tutorial for using Cate’s Clasp Weft Join along with Helical Knitting.

Millie’s Christmas Makeup

On 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
  • Working on both socks. First one is beyond the heel. Second one is ready for the heel.

Moosonee Sweater

  • Pattern: Moosonee Sweater by Tara-Lynn Morrison. $6.50 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & good night, day website.
  • Yarn: Wool Ease Thick & Quick in Deep Lagoon
  • Needles: US 13, 17 & 19 (9, 12 & 15 mm)
  • Pullover sweater similar to the Nanaimo Cardigan I like to make (Here’s one of Megg’s: Ravelry link).

103 Hat

  • Pattern: 103 Hat by Jennifer Lassonde. $5 Knitting Pattern available on  Ravelry & LoveCrafts
  • Yarn: Malabrigo Rios (worsted) in 845 Cirrus Gray
  • Needles: US 5 & US 7 (3.75 & 4.5 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.

Brainstorming

Calendula Christmas Quilt

  • Pattern: Calendula Quilt by Elena Fedotova
  • Yarn: Big Twist Value Solids in Ivory, Deep Red, Varsity Green, Aqua, Medium Rose
  • Hook:  G (4.0 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page

KAL News

Pigskin Party ’24 #DCSPigskinParty24

This week, I wandered over to the end zone dance thread to take a peek at some of the beautiful projects folks have finished in the last month or so.  Lots of players are double-dipping–that is, making projects that count for both the pigskin party and another make along!

KnitsandReads, oneyarn, Sandyrlevin all participated in the Arne & Carlos Christmas Stocking MKAL.  Their finished objects are beautiful! Sandyrlevin even completed two! 

foryouandyarn finished an amazing crochet blanket for the Scheepjes Festival of Lights CAL…it is so intricate and with a beautiful rainbow of colors. Definitely go check it out!  https://www.ravelry.com/discuss/down-cellar-studio-podcast/4327543/726-750#740

michembry finished a project for the indie gift along–the radvent cowl. It is so pretty with nice cheery warm-toned colors.  Perfect for a cold winter’s day. https://www.ravelry.com/discuss/down-cellar-studio-podcast/4327543/751-775#761

Of course, many players are participating in the December Mystery Gnome KAL from PSP-sponsor Imagined Landscapes, but we’ll have to wait a bit longer to see those FOs!

Finally, a few players are double-dipping with other KALs for the Q3 colorwork challenge–I think that would actually be a triple-dip–three ways to win prizes for one project!  

VTKimmyKim and Cherlynpickering are participating in the “A Very Merry MKAL,” which is a mystery colorwork cowl challenge.

LauraKnitsPA and tanksoup are participating in the “Step into Christmas MKAL,” which is a mystery colorwork socks challenge.

I think all this double and triple dipping is a great motivator to be extra productive during the PSP!

Events

Contest, News & Notes

Cancer unit where my mom stayed is always looking for donations of adult hats if you’re looking for a place to donate. Reach out to me and I’m happy to coordinate.

Life in Focus

24 for 2024 list updates

  • Get 2 massages beyond the one per month at Massage Envy DONE
  • Read more books than you did in 2023 (50) 53 as of 12/11
  • Knit at least 1 finished project with handspun- Dan’s Citrus hat
  • Knit/crochet myself a new sweater- Silverlining

On a Happy Note

  • Haircut & color with Erika
  • Visiting with Julie and Chris who came to visit from Ohio
  • 80 min massage and running into my trainer from my former gym
  • Visiting with my cousins- Joanie, Nancy, Paul, Colleen and Erin
  • House clean out with Aila and Ois
  • Savers with Riley and Aila.
  • Hattie in Frozen Jr- Patrons, check out your feed for a private video of all of Hattie’s highlights in the show.
  • Productive and successful software integration.

Quote of the Week

It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart’s longing. It doesn’t interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love, for your dream, for the adventure of being alive… It doesn’t interest me where or what or with whom you have studied. I want to know what sustains you, from the inside, when all else falls away.

-Oriah, The Invitation

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Thank you for tuning in!

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