Episode 313: Fresh

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 313 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. 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
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Life in Focus
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

I mended Hattie’s mittens (store bought) and added snaps to her mermaid’s removable tail.

Granny Square Ski Helmet Balaclava

  • Pattern: none
  • Hook: I (5.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Brava in Dove Heather & Marina, Big Twist Value Solids in Aqua, Vanna’s Choice in Charcoal Gray + 1 unknown blue worsted weight acrylic yarn.
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • I did one square to practice and see how I liked the colors together. Originally had a pop of a lime green in there. Liked the colors but didn’t love the square. I also used that square to see for the smaller skeins (~30g) would I have enough yarn. I made a second square and that one I really enjoyed.
  • 7 colors- from center out- light gray, medium/bright blue, white, aqua, charcoal, marina (teal), white
  • I made 8 squares. Check out this Instagram post from Grandma.era on how to seam them together.
  • Chroma Twist Bulky in Cousteau for trim around the face and along the bottom edge.
  • It was riding on the train with me in my AdoreKnit Pigskin Party bag.
    • Did you see that Steph from Adoreknit donated 10% of her Down Cellar Studio KAL items to our FearLESS Living Fund? With your help she donated $613 in 2025!

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Back to the Future Socks

  • Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes. Micro-Sock Kit in the Back to the Future Colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Back to the Future Sock set- gifted to me by Sue & Chelsea- part of their 4 Sundays of Advent yarn in 2025.
  • About the Colorway- speckles of pink, orange, yellow purple and blue with a blue/purple mini.
  • I cast these on before day trip up to Loon Mountain. I am almost to the heel of sock 1.

Traveler Sweater

  • Pattern: The Traveler by Andrea Mowry ($9 pattern available on Ravelry & the designer’s website)
  • Yarn: Hazel Knits Small Batch Sport (90/10 SW/Nylon) in a sage green
  • Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm) & US 4 (3.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Size: 3
  • Drawstring- fingering weight yarn- US 6 DPNs. I washed it several times, because it was bleeding yellow. I had to wash it several times before all of the rest of the dye let go.

Pucker Brush Farm BFL Sweater Spin

  • Fiber: 16 oz of multi colored BFL roving from Pucker Brush Farm (purchased at Rhinebeck 2025), 4 oz Merino in a mustard color
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • I am planning to knit a Traveler sweater inspired by Emily Curtis’ handmade version- click here for her Ravelry Project Page. I was thrilled to see a recent post on Emily’s Instagram that she made a YouTube video about this spin/knit.
  • I plied up about 8.5 grams of the BFL with the Finnsheep. 23 wraps (690 inches/19 yards)
  • Knit up a swatch on a US 4 and got gauge almost exactly
  • To knit another size 3 Traveler I think I need approximately 19 ounces of each fiber.
  • I did a lot of spinning during the big snowstorm we got last weekend. I am so into it! I cleaned my wheel and wound off fiber onto storage bobbins.

Woolens & Nosh 2025 Advent Socks

  • Yarn: Woolens & Nosh, 75/25 Superwash Wool/Nylon 2025 Advent 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: worked on the foot of the second sock during game night at home

Log Cabin Blanket

  • Pattern: Log Cabin Square by Julie Harrison. Free crochet pattern available on Ravelry. Video tutorial available on the Little Woollie Makes YouTube Channel
  • Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Minis (mostly from Advent calendars 2023 & 2024)
  • Hook: I (5.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Inspired by Rachel (treehousefiberarts on Instagram) and Sue & Chelsea (Legacy Fiber Artz on Instagram). Check out the Floss Toss Ravelry Group for details on their Scrappy Blanket CAL. Ends December 21st (but you don’t have to finish. 2 prize drawings will be done).
  • My color placement is inspired by this project/pattern available on Ravelry.
  • Inspired to pick it back up after see Sue (from Legacy Fiber Artz)’s version on their latest podcast episode. She bordered with cream before seaming. I love it. You can see a peek in this Instagram post.
  • Progress- made one more. Total to date: 12

Hattie’s Rainbow Mittens

  • Pattern: Little Waiting for Winter Mittens by Susan B. Anderson
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Felici Worsted in the Vegas Baby colorway
  • Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm)
  • Cast on at Fiber Club at my library. The next morning my train was slow so I finished all but the thumb on the first mitten.  Cast on second
  • About the colorway- stripes of gray, blue, green, mustard, red and pink.

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.

Some Years Later

A look back my 2025 fiber crafting and podcast related items.

60 projects- click here to see these projects in Ravelry.

  • 47 gifts/ 13 for me
  • 34 knit/ 26 crochet
  • No finished spinning projects
  • 1 bag
  • 3 blankets
  • 6 cozies
  • 8 hats
  • 25 socks
  • 1 Christmas stocking
  • 1 sweater
  • 2 tops
  • 13 toys

Other fun numbers:

  • Podcast Episodes- 23
  • Videos on YouTube- 33
  • BostonJen1- Instagram Followers-10,275 – I finally hit 10k!!!!!!!
  • Ravelry Group Members: 3137  (up from 2981 in 2024)
  • 1 Interview for Love in Stitches Group
  • Podcaster Meet-ups: 1 with Natalie at Flock; 1 at Rhinebeck
  • I was paid to do social media for the Cape & South Shore Yarn Haul

Knitting in Passing

  • I am teaching classes on the OMG Sock at Staci’s Stitches, my LYS and enjoying seeing my students progress!
  • My friend Mara texted me from the Celtics game the other night saying she was fairly sure one of the other fans in her section was wearing an Ice Time Hat (one of my designs)- you can find the pattern on  Ravelry & LoveCrafts

KAL News

Pigskin Party ’25

Updates In This Episode

  • Official Sponsor for Quarter 4 (January)- Yarnaceous Fibers. Check out this Ravelry Thread for  4th & Goal with Yarnaceous Fibers Challenge Details
  • Wild Card WIP Bonus- check out this Ravelry thread for details (ran 1/5/26 through 1/16/26)- 43 projects finished. Check out this view of the Ravelry chat thread which shows all of the Projects mentioned. A few highlights:
    • ScrapperChris made a beautiful snowflake cardigan (started in 2020)- Ravelry Project Page
    • TXHeather crocheted a 2k+ meter Christmas Tree skirt (also started in 2020)- Ravelry Project Page
    • IWillKnitUaSock- finished knitting a beautiful Angel’s Eyes cabled cardigan sweater by Thea Colman that she started in 2022- Ravelry Project Page
    • ImaginedLandscapes finished not 1 but 2 beautiful sweaters, the Diona Pullover (Ravelry Project Page) & the Sonrae (Ravelry Project Page)

Commentator Update

We are in the home stretch of the Pigskin Party and players are working hard to finish their projects before the clock expires!  

I wandered over to the end zone dance thread to see what players have finished recently. Here are some amazing projects that caught my eye:

There’s been a lot of conversation in the January huddle about laundry…yep, you heard that right. It’s actually pretty fascinating. I’ve learned a lot. But whether you are into laundry or not, come on over to the friendliest place on the internet before the PSP is over!

Events

Life in Focus

26 in 2026 List

  1. A-Aim for one night at week at the pool in July and August- make it regular and invite friends to pop over
  2. B- Blood- donate at least 5 times
  3. C- Christmas Sleepover
  4. D- Declutter 26+ items
  5. E- Events- go to at least 26 ticketed events
  6. F-Find 2-6 new things and try them out!
  7. G-Go on a trip with Dan (just us)
  8. H- Headshots for Hattie
  9. I- Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum- GO!
  10. J- Journal- Write 365 entries in my I Remember Journal about Mom (inspired by Liz Craft who talked about it on Ep 451 of Happier in Hollywood podcast)
  11. K- Knit at least 2 projects with handspun
  12. L- Literary pursuit- read at least 65 books
  13. M- Museum- go to at least 1
  14. N- NYC- go visit Laura at least once
  15. O- Organize a FearLESS Living Fundraiser
  16. P- Puzzle- do at least 1 with Dan
  17. Q-Quarterly review of calendar/photos & goals (to make Year in Review easier and faster)- calendar it!
  18. R- Restaurant- try at least 1 new local restaurant
  19. S- Socks- knit 26 pair
  20. T- Tattoo
  21. U- Up the amount of muscle in my body- at least 1 pound by end of the year.
  22. V- Vlogmas- take the year off (even if you’re tempted)
  23. W- Wheel- sit down at my spinning wheel every month (put reminders on my calendar at the beginning of each month to help remind me)
  24. X- Cross 1 thing off this list that no longer serves me
  25. Y-Yoga at least 2-6 times
  26. Z- Create Zone to keep important papers

On a Happy Note

  • Wonder at ART- extended through 2/5. Check out their website for tickets.
  • Sound of Music at the Boston Opera House
  • Game night with Liz, Jay, Riley and Dan.
  • A snowy slow MLK weekend.
  • Car shopping.
  • I’ve been able to hack 3 classes a week at my gym.
  • A cold walk with Megg at Wompatuck.
  • A cute message about Miles enjoying his Christmas gifts- “emotional support calendar”
  • A pipe broke while I was washing woolies on Sunday during snowstorm. Silverlining was that Dan had the part we needed on hand and was able to fix it so quickly.

Quote of the Week

“Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.”

-Nathaniel Hawthorne

—-

Thank you for tuning in!

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Episode 312: Crafting & Contemplation

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 312 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week’s segments included:

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

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Sheri’s Christmas Socks

  • Yarn: Gusto Wool Echos in Colorway 1515 (blue to purple gradient in 2-50g skeins)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page

Gus the Dino

  • Pattern: Gus the Dino by KP Crochet Patterns. $8.50 US Pattern on Etsy (on sale right now)
  • Yarn: Bernat Blanket in Misty Green & Parfait Chunky in White
  • Hook: J (6.0 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • I got 35 mm eyes from Amazon

Very Hungry Caterpillar Socks

  • Yarn: Teal Torch Knits Splendid Sock (100% SW Merino) in the Emerald Colorway, Murky Depths Deep Sock in the Age of Aquarium Colorway & Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes in the Vanilla Bean colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) and US 2
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • The first sock is a colorwork leg sock with things the Very Hungry Caterpillar I measured from another socks- 12 rounds per inch. Goal is a 5 inch leg (after cuff), so ~60 rounds
    • Cast on 56 sts with US 1.5 for cuff. After cuff, knit a few rounds before doing 4 sets of increases (4 increases each time) to get to 72 sts. Then changed to US 2 needles and tested for stretchiness after first block of colorwork.
    • Using that I plotted out the colorwork for one sock based on Pacific Knit Co’s Garden Doodle set.
  • The second sock is has 12 round stripes of the 2 green colorways with a red toe to look like the caterpillar.

Miles Penguin

  • Pattern: Penguin by Lion Brand Yarn- free crochet pattern on the Lion Brand website
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted minis in Black, Clarity, White and Orange colorways
  • Hook: C (2.75 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • For this one I used two black circles bordered by white so I could skip the safety eyes (Miles is under 2 years old).

Dirty Crayon Box Socks

  • Yarn: Fiber Stash Strong Toes Sock (80% SW Merino/ 20% Nylon) in the Dirty Crayon Box Colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • I started these socks in October 2024 and finished on January 5, 2026

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Woolens & Nosh 2025 Advent Socks

  • Yarn: Woolens & Nosh, 75/25 Superwash Wool/Nylon 2025 Advent Colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page

Kirby Wirby 2025 Advent Socks

  • Yarn: Kirby Wirby 75/25 Superwash Merino/Nylon in the 2025 Advent Christmas Toys from the 80s 24 Stripe Colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Yarn theme: Christmas Toys from the 80s

Traveler Sweater

  • Pattern: The Traveler by Andrea Mowry ($9 pattern available on Ravelry & the designer’s website)
  • Yarn: Hazel Knits Small Batch Sport (90/10 SW/Nylon) in a sage green
  • Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm) & US 4 (3.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Progress: finished the first sleeve and I’m at the cuff of the the second.

Pucker Brush Farm BFL Sweater Spin

  • Fiber: 16 oz of multi colored BFL roving from Pucker Brush Farm (purchased at Rhinebeck 2025), 4 oz Merino in a mustard color
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • I am planning to knit a Traveler sweater inspired by Emily Curtis’ handmade version- click here for her Ravelry Project Page. I was thrilled to see a recent post on Emily’s Instagram that she made a YouTube video about this spin/knit.
  • I found 4oz of Ironwood Hill Farm Roving- Finnsheep combed top that I purchased in April 2021. Unfortunately I can’t find more of this on Cece’s Wool site or Ironwood’s etsy shop, but I think it will give me the idea for a tan/brown color plied with the colorful yarn, so I spun enough to make a sample yarn to swatch with.

Brainstorming

Crochet Ski Helmet Balaclava available on Etsy for $7.36

Knitting in Passing

  • Millie finished the hat she was knitting for her dad with yarn from Plied Yarn Co.
  • Aila loved her goose purse! Her reaction was priceless
  • Eme loved their Very Hungry Caterpillar socks
  • My dad bought me a set of 2 organizers for socks. Each holds 30 pair. Great for my handknits. They sit on the shelf in our closet and are a gray cotton/linen that matches our hampers! Here’s an Amazon Affiliate Link in case you’re interested in checking them out.

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.

KAL News

Pigskin Party ’25

Updates In This Episode

  • Official Sponsor for Quarter 3 (December)- Suburban StitcherMini Maker’s Merry Month See details in this Ravelry Thread. Winner announced
  • Official Sponsor for Quarter 4 (January)- Yarnaceous Fibers. Check out this Ravelry Thread for  4th & Goal with Yarnaceous Fibers Challenge Details
  • December Participation Winners Announced
  • Wild Card WIP Bonus- check out this Ravelry thread for details

Commentator Update

Happy new year pigskin partiers! 

The January huddle is abuzz with conversation. Several players have posted a list of everything that they made in 2025. We have some really prolific players in the group! The best thing about the conversation is that no one is competitive about it. Just lots of celebrations!  I find it kind of inspiring to see what others have accomplished. For example, hikesandbikes finished 54 knitted knockers! What a great cause! It inspires me to try knitting some this year.  Come on over and join the chat if you want to get inspired too! 

A few players have decided that they want to make sweaters in 2026. If you want to join in the fun, hop on over to a new Sweater MAL thread: https://www.ravelry.com/discuss/down-cellar-studio-podcast/4390076/1-25

Another interesting topic of conversation in the January huddle stemmed from the unfortunate injury of one of our players. Sadly, she sprained her wrist. The group came through with lots of ideas for what to do when you can’t knit and crochet, including needle felting, doing puzzles, watercolors, playing with art supplies, journaling and as MrsQuilt put it, “whining, reading, and actually paying attention to what is on the TV”

I am wishing you all health, happiness, and strong crafting mojo in the new year!

Mary

Events

Contest, News & Notes

  • Check out my Vlogmas videos if you haven’t already- click here for the full playlist.
  • Thanks to Nellsknitting for starting a thread in the Ravelry Group about a Sweater KAL 2026. (Danielle in MA)- great chatter about WIPs, planning etc. Want to cast on and need some encouragement? check it out.

Life in Focus

In this episode I reviewed my 2025 word of the year and 25 in 25 list.

My Word of the Year for 2025: Welcome

25 in 2025

  1. Donate Blood at least 4 times (January, March, May, Sept)
  2. Go shopping for plants with Dan 4 times in the year (my Christmas gift from him)
  3. Buy new ski boots
  4. Go camping (scheduled for June)
  5. Kayak 2-5 times (Saco- 2 days)
  6. Do at least 5 walks with others (Megg 3/30)  bike riding with Dan twice in March. Walked with Megg (April), hike Mount Monument (Dan, Megg, Tom, Aila), Laura in 2 National Parks in Washington State 
  7. Take 2-5 yoga classes (outside of the house)— option- https://balancestudiocohasset.com/book-a-class/
  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-  September 21 with Laura and Megg
  10. Record 2-5 things I’m grateful for each day before bed (more days than not counts)- fallen off.
  11. Read all of Simple Abundance (ideally daily or close to)(10)
  12. Read at least 60 books- all books count (even poetry etc)
  13. Get at least 2 massages at Oasis (1 in April, 1 in June, 1 in September)
  14. See 2-5 movies in the theater (Paddington in Peru, The Long Walk, Blue Moon, Wicked for Good)
  15. Knit 2-5 garments for me (Aurealis – WIPs-Monsoonee Sweaters, granny stripe tank, Bayside tank) Granny tank, Bayside Shirt
  16. Finish and enjoy my Christmas Granny Square Blanket
  17. Crochet at least 5 toys (1: hedgehog 2& 3: Love Bugs, 4 pop-tart, 5 butterfly- another butterfly WIP, and TRex)
  18. Use my spinning wheel at least once a month (Jan, Feb & March, April,  July, August, September, Oct, Nov (forgot May & June)
  19. Have a crafty day with Emelie
  20. Knit a slouchy hat for myself
  21. Try out 3 new to me podcasts (Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend, White Lotus official podcast, severance official podcast, Cramped)
  22. Watch White Christmas with Jenny & Kara (bringing the tradition back)
  23. Buy a firebox and put important papers inside (working with Dan on list of things to put in it)
  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

  • Dad’s knee replacement was a big success! I stayed with him from December 5-21.
  • Dad and I had a lovely visit from our friend Merry who came with an unexpected gift- a bracelet with beads made from my mom’s funeral flowers in red (ruby slipper), yellow (yellow brick road) and white for home.
  • Dan and I had a lovely double date night at the Irish pub with friends.
  • I was able to see my 7 year old niece Hattie as Gretl in Sound of Music (twice!!!)
  • Making Aunt Milly’s cookies with Riley and Millie (and having a sleepover with them).
  • Christmas Eve & Christmas Day were both lovely. Definitely different without my Mom and grandmother there but it was still a joy to be together. Our friend Gail joined us as she usually does and brought all sorts of fun games for us to play.
  • The Sunday after Christmas, I was able to spend all afternoon with my grandmother, some of that alone. My friend Megg came over because she wanted to visit and say goodbye. We had dinner together after.
  • My friend Laura came in for NYE. Small get together with friends at my Dad’s turned into a real party, though most didn’t stay until midnight. Megg wanted it to be a sparkly kind of night so Laura and I got outfits for the three of us at the consignment shop on the way over! Very silly fun.
  • My cousin Mike and his husband Kyle came up from Florida.
  • My grandmother’s services were beautiful with contributions from lots of family members. While it was more stressful than mom’s, and it was the worst form of deja vu having the same schedule for that exact same Thur/Fri two years in a row- my grandmother would be happy with how it all turned out. 
  • Skiing on Saturday after the funeral. 7 of us, impromptu trip, icy conditions but we still had a blast.

Quote of the Week

“Amidst the normal hard stuff is the abnormal hard stuff. You may be doing great, but no one great always had it great. At the end of each day, as you prepare for the next, I hope you take an inventory of your life, your thoughts and where you’re headed. The wind can take you some cool places, but so can your paddle.”

― Richie Norton

——

Contact Information:

Episode 311: Advents & Adventures

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 311 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week’s segments included:

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

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Kris’ Christmas socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Yarn: West Yorkshire Spinners in the Fairy Lights colorway & Patons Kroy in Red for heels
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • I knit pair of socks out of this same colorway for Mom in 2019- Ravelry Project Page here. That was my 100th pair of OMG Heel socks.

Elsa

  • Pattern: Queen Elsa Amigurumi by Chiara Cremon (free crochet pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Brava (worsted weight acrylic yarn)
  • Hook: D (3.25 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Fantastic, really clear pattern. Body is worked from the bottom up all the way through the head, then you add two arms and a cape on the back. I ironed the cape and body to smooth out the fabric.

Penguin

  • Pattern: Penguin by Lion Brand Yarn- free crochet pattern on the Lion Brand website
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted minis in Black, Clarity, White and Orange colorways
  • Hook: C (2.75 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page

Over the Rainbow Socks

  • Yarn: Cashmere & Coconuts MCN Sock yarn in the Somewhere Over the Rainbow 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 2025 Advent Socks

  • Yarn: Woolens & Nosh, 75/25 Superwash Wool/Nylon 2025 Advent Colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page

Kirby Wirby 2025 Advent Socks

  • Yarn: Kirby Wirby 75/25 Superwash Merino/Nylon in the 2025 Advent Christmas Toys from the 80s 24 Stripe Colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Yarn theme: Christmas Toys from the 80s

Very Hungry Caterpillar Socks

  • Yarn: Teal Torch Knits Splendid Sock (100% SW Merino) in the Emerald Colorway, Murky Depths Deep Sock in the Age of Aquarium Colorway & Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes in the Vanilla Bean colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) and US 2
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Cast on 56 sts with US 1.5 for cuff. After cuff, knit a few rounds. 4 sets of increases (4 increases each time) to get to 72 sts. Then change to US 2 needles and test for stretchiness after first block of colorwork.
  • Mapped out the colorwork for one sock based on Pacific Knit Co’s Garden Doodle set.

Sheri’s Christmas Socks

  • Yarn: Gusto Wool Echos in Colorway 1515 (blue to purple gradient in 2-50g skeins)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • I cast this on to bring to Rhinebeck on my Lemonwood Mini Minder (I have this Art Deco one) so I could walk and knit.
  • Cast on cuff of sock #2 on a separate pair of needles before going to see Hattie in Shrek so I had that ready to work on. Back at home, I finished the first leg and heel and am on to the foot.

Gus the Dino

  • Pattern: Gus the Dino by KP Crochet Patterns. $8.50 US Pattern on Etsy (on sale right now)
  • Yarn: Bernat Blanket in Misty Green & Parfait Chunky in White
  • Hook: J (6.0 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • I got 35 mm eyes from Amazon that I think are going to look amazing!

Brainstorming

I shared a check in on Christmas making plans/schedule

From the Armchair

Bury our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab. Amazon Affiliate Link.

Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover. 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.

KAL News

Pigskin Party ’25

Updates In This Episode

  • Count On It Challenge hosted by Twice Sheared Sheep, Official Sponsor for Quarter 2 (November). Details in this Ravelry thread. Winner announced.
  • Official Sponsor for Quarter 3 (December)- Suburban StitcherMini Maker’s Merry Month See details in this Ravelry Thread.
  • Stay tuned for more about our Official Sponsor for Quarter 4 (January)- Yarnaceous Fibers
  • November participation prize winners were announced

Commentator Update from Mary– links in this section bring you to Ravelry

Inspired by the Q3 challenge, there’s lots of chatter in the December huddle about things to make with mini skeins!  If you are at a loss for what to make, head on over to the huddle for some ideas!  Three players have already submitted for points in the Q3 challenge–and all three of them made patterns by PSP sponsor Sarah Schira (Imagined Landscapes)

Way to rack up those points by combining a sponsor pattern with the Q3 challenge!

Speaking of racking up points…I was curious what the highest scoring single point project is so far. DebLinden got 1155 points for one project!  How’d she do it, you ask?

  • She knit a sweater holding two yarns together using 3639 yards (plenty of yardage for a blitz!), 
  • She used 4 pigskin exclusive products, and 
  • She used 3 additional proshop sponsor products.

Wishing you all a happy holiday season!

Contest, News & Notes

On a Happy Note

  • Laura texted me a photo of she and her friend Arielle wearing socks I knit them!
  • Dad, Dan and I went to the Irish pub for Dan’s birthday
  • Dad’s knee replacement surgery went really well.
  • Seeing Hattie in Shrek and spending the afternoon with Riley.
  • Sue and Chelsea from Legacy Fiber Artz sent me their 4 Sundays Advent- micro sock sets
  • Our friend Merry came to visit and brought homemade food for Dad. She also brought me a beautiful bracelet whose beads are made with Mom’s funeral flowers in Wizard of Oz colors.
  • Riley and Milie came down this weekend. We did lots of knitting, crochet and a bit of latch hook. Check out the 13th and 14th vlogmas videos for more.

Quote of the Week

“Welcome winter. Your late dawns and chilled breath make me lazy, but I love you nonetheless.” —Terri Guillemets

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