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:

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: