Knitting On The Run

Ep 123 recorded  10/4/23  FOs 2 knitted knockers in Bamboo Pop from Universal yarns Ban Bigots Not Books hat.  Knit in 5 colors of CobaSi, a wool-ree sock yarn – indigo, neutral, red, orange and yellow WIPs 4th knitted knocker in bamboo pop Runaway Shorties by Sarah Jordan, aka Knit/Wit designs.   Summer Happiness by Concept Creative.   Vivian by Ysolda Teague knit in Lana Grossa Elastico in the Dark Green colorway.   Out and About – upcoming Fiber events in the NE USA (and there are lots this fall) Pigskin Party Ends after the Super Bowl in February. Fryeburg Fair, Oct 1-8, Fryeburg Maine Rhinebeck (NY Sheep and Wool) Oct 21-22, Rhinebeck, NY Vogue Knitting Virtual Oct 27-29 Fiber Festival of New England Nov 6 & 7 at Eastern States Exhibition in Springfield, MA Maryland Alpaca and Fleece Festival, Nov 11-12, West Friendship, MD Pennsylvania Fall Fiber Festival,  Nov 18-19, Leesburg PA Vogue Knitting Virtual, Dec 1-3 Vogue Knitting Live, Jan 24-28 2024 Maryland Sheep and Wool May 4-5, 2024 I've Got Sunshine Ice Skating lessons

Ep 122 recorded  9/20/23  I love modern medicine FOs Summer Happiness by Concept Creative.  This is a flexible garment that can be worn as a sleeveless top or a poncho.  It's knit in two pieces then seemed.  I'm using 2 rainbow gradients from Scheepjes Whirl (1 for each piece).  I finished the first piece! Summer Dream (Songe d'ete) designed by Armelle Robert.  Knit in Linea Pura Unico by Lana Grossa in a peachy-orange shade. 1 knitted knocker WIPs 2nd knitted knocker in bamboo pop, doing a series of these in a variety of skin tones Runaway Shorties by Sarah Jordan, aka Knit/Wit designs.  I'm making these for Thing 1 in CoBaSi, a wool-free sock yarn made of cotton, bamboo, silk &Nylon and I'm using the Indigo colorway, a rich, deep blue Summer Happiness by Concept Creative.  I started the 2nd piece Vivian by Ysolda Teague knit in Lana Grossa Elastico in the Dark Green colorway.   Out and About – upcoming Fiber events in the NE USA (and there are lots this fall) Pigskin Party Ends after the Super Bowl in February. Vermont Sheep and Wool Sept 30-Oct 1, Tunbridge, VT Fryeburg Fair, Oct 1-8, Fryeburg Maine Rhinebeck (NY Sheep and Wool) Oct 21-22, Rhinebeck, NY Fiber Festival of New England Nov 6 & 7 at Eastern States Exhibition in Springfield, MA Maryland Alpaca and Fleece Festival, Nov 11-12, West Friendship, MD Pennsylvania Fall Fiber Festival,  Nov 18-19, Leesburg PA I've Got Sunshine I love modern medicine!!  Anaphylaxis is no fun.

Ep 121 written 8/29/23 recorded  9/7/23 Where did summer go? Stash I stopped at Ewe And You Fiber Arts in Windsor, CT and picked up some yarn. 3 skin-tone shades of Bamboo Pop by Universal Yarns.  Knitted Knockers put out a call for knockers in D/DD in neutrals and skin tones and these three skeins will be all knitted knockers. 1 skein of Baby Alpaca Brush by Plymouth Yarns, an Alpaca/acrylic blend.   2 skeins of Araucanis Huasco Coton in the Perito Merino and Inca Del Sol colorways WIPs Hitchhiker #8? 9? In Lion Briand Shawl in a Ball (discontinued) in the purple/gray/white fade colorway.  This is a simple garter stitch shawl by Martina Behm.  I have less than 30% of the yarn left! Snowflake Sweater Scarf using Big Twist Heather in Grey bought at Joann's, I'm almost to the central section 2nd Sock for Thing 1.   Summer Happiness by Concept Creative.  This is a flexible garment that can be worn as a sleeveless top or a poncho.  Vivian by Ysolda Teague knit in Lana Grossa Elastico in a dark green color.  Summer Dream (Songe d'ete) designed by Armelle Robert.   Out and About – upcoming Fiber events in the NE USA (and there are lots this fall) Pigskin Party starts today!  Ends after the Super Bowl in February. Pennsylvania Endless Mountains Fiber Festival Sept 9-10, New Milford, Pennsylvania NJ Sheep and Fiber Festival, Sept 9-10, Ringoes, NJ Western NY Fiber Festival, Sept 17, East Aurora, NY Vermont Sheep and Wool Sept 30-Oct 1, Tunbridge, VT Fryeburg Fair, Oct 1-8, Fryeburg Maine Rhinebeck (NY Sheep and Wool) Oct 21-22, Rhinebeck, NY Fiber Festival of New England Nov 6 & 7 at Eastern States Exhibition in Springfield, MA Maryland Alpaca and Fleece Festival, Nov 11-12, West Friendship, MD Pennsylvania Fall Fiber Festival,  Nov 18-19, Leesburg PA I've Got Sunshine Summer's last hurrah!  

Ep 120 recorded  8/2/23 FOs Sock for Thing 1.  This is the sock I've reknit 4 or 5 times.  I'm now making him a tube sock and I'll measure his foot and add an afterthought heel on Christmas morning. WIPs Hitchhiker #8? 9? In Lion Briand Shawl in a Ball (discontinued).   Snowflake Sweater Scarf using Big Twist Heather in Grey bought at Joann's, by Knitatude 2nd Sock for Thing 1.   Summer Happiness by Concept Creative.  This is a flexible garment that can be worn as a sleeveless top or a poncho.   New cast on, Vivian by Ysolda Teague knit in Lana Grossa Elastico Spinning Tour de Fleece is ove and I complteted my 4-ply yarn of some old, cheap cotton that I bought 1 pound of (just under half a kilo) at a festival many years ago.  Not my favorite to spin, but it spins thicker than most cottons, so I'm made a 4-ply DK and I'm going to dye it.  Out and About – upcoming Fiber events in the NE USA (and there are lots this fall) Happening now: Interweave Yarn Fest, Lancaster PA Pittsburgh creative Yarn Festival August 24-26 Pennsylvania Endless Mountains Fiber Festival Sept 9-10, New Milford, Pennsylvania NJ Sheep and Fiber Festival, Sept 9-10, Ringoes, NJ Western NY Fiber Festival, Sept 17, East Aurora, NY Vermont Sheep and Wool Sept 30-Oct 1, Tunbridge, VT Fryeburg Fair, Oct 1-8, Fryeburg Maine Rhinebeck (NY Sheep and Wool) Oct 21-22, Rhinebeck, NY Fiber Festival of New England Nov 6 & 7 at Eastern States Exhibition in Springfield, MA Maryland Alpaca and Fleece Festival, Nov 11-12, West Friendship, MD Pennsylvania Fall Fiber Festival,  Nov 18-19, Leesburg PA I've Got Sunshine Museums!  My kids are at my parent's house and I am headed into Boston to go visit the Museum of Fine Arts all by myself! 

Ep 119 recorded  7/14/23 - Tour de Fleece FOs Tanwen cowl for my neighbor, the winner of my prize drawing for all the Knit For Food Knitathon donators WIPs Hitchhiker #8? 9? In Lion Briand Shawl in a Ball (discontinued).  This is a simple garter stitch shawl by Martina Behm. Snowflake Sweater Scarf using Big Twist Heather in Grey bought at Joann's, I'm onto the 3rd section Davit designed for Berroco by Amy Palmer, knit using Silk Noir by Great Adirondack Yarn Co bought at Rhinebeck last year. This was a project from before my wrist surgery. Spinning Tour de Fleece is in full swing and I'm on my 4th bobbin of some old, cheap cotton that I bought 1 pound of (just under half a kilo) at a festival many years ago.  On the Run Ballet class got delayed but started up again last week I've Got Sunshine Cheers to finding a new veterinarian.  

Ep 118 recorded  6/29/23 I can knit!  I can even Purl! FOs Pride Shawl I finished it about 20 minutes ago.  Pattern is Willowbrook by Brenda Castiel.   WIPs Hitchhiker #8? 9? In Lion Briand Shawl in a Ball (discontinued).  This is a simple garter stitch shawl by Martina Behm. Snowflake Sweater Scarf designed by Knitatude using Big Twist Heather in Grey bought at Joann's On the Run I'm very excited that my wrist is healing nicely and I'll be back in ballet class next week! I've Got Sunshine Date night in Boston!  

Ep 117 recorded  6/5/23 Back from break, had wrist surgery WIPs Socks for Thing 1 – turned the heel (again!) Davit finished the body and blocked!  I need to seam the shoulders and hopefully I'll be able to knit sleeves soon because I am SOOOO CLOSE Find Your Fade designed by Andrea Mowry, knit in Midori Bamboo from The Fiber Lady in a discontinued colorway, plus cotton/bamboo sportweight from Great Adirondack Yarn Co.   I'm nearly back to the 2nd lace section after the Knitting Fail from last episode Tanwen cowl (Ravelry)– designed by Thayer Preece Parker.  I finished the knitting and blocked it! I have tried a tiny bit of knitting since the surgery.  I've knit a total of 3 rows on my latest Hitchhiker in Lion Brand Shawl in a Ball.  It's a fuzzy yarn in a garter stitch pattern, so gauge does not matter.  Which is good, because I'm not getting gauge at all ha ha Knitting Fail More drama with Thing 1's socks – I was on the third version of these blasted socks.   Spinning Finished spinning the green fiber from Buchanan Fiber after the surgery.  Orders were to move my fingers 10 times per hour so I decided to be productive.  Plied on my Lendrum to give that wrist a break and have 933 yards 3-ply heavy fingering. Startes some old, cheap cotton.  Not my favorite to spin, but it spins thicker than most cottons, so I'm planning a 4-ply DK and I'm going yo dye it.  1 bobbin done, bought several new bobbins from Etsy Started purple silk that I bought at Wayland Farm and Fiber Days Started bamboo/faux cashmere blend bought from the now-closed Maine Top Mill On the Run Finally started exercising again this past week.  Went for a 1.5 mile walk around the block and really enjoyed it.   I've Got Sunshine Rain on the Nova Scotia fires!

Ep 115 recorded  4/30/23 All the Fails WIPs Socks for Thing 1 – I turned the heel and ran into trouble, more on that later. Davit designed for Berroco by Amy Palmer, knit using Silk Noir by Great Adirondack Yarn Co bought at Rhinebeck last year. I finished one side's short rows and all I have left to do is the other side's short rows and sew the back edges to the shoulders.  So close! Find Your Fade designed by Andrea Mowry, knit in Midori Bamboo from The Fiber Lady in a discontinued colorway, plus cotton/bamboo sportweight from Great Adirondack Yarn Co.  Tanwen cowl (Ravelry)– designed by Thayer Preece Parker.  This is the prize for the Knit For Food Knitathon winner.  I'm working it up in Lana Grossa Elastico, a plant-based yarn with elastic in it so it works cables beautifully.   Summer Happiness Crochet Top designed by Concept Creative in Scheepjes Whirl in the color Sherbert Rainbow, a pastel rainbow from pink to blue.   Knitting Fail Thing 1's socks -so proud of myself turning the heel walking from the Washington Monument to the Capitol Building when I realized the sock didn't look right.  I'd grabbed the wrong needles!  I meant to use US 2 (2.75mm) but I grabbed US 1s (2.25mm).   Tanwen – I worked on this a lot riding the DC Metro and while driving with friends to the Air and Space Museum out at Dulles, the one with Space Shuttle Discovery.  This pattern is an 8-row repeat that is easy to memorize, but the cable pattern is tight.  It's easy to think, oh, the next right side row is the cable row, it doesn't need a cable yet.  Wrong, it is the cable row, rip it back. Summer Happiness – I'm on the 3rd of 4 repeats that make up this top and at this point the rows are getting long.  And while on the train to DC I finished one row and got nearly to the end of a second when I realized that I had screwed up way back near the beginning of the previous row.  And it wasn't a mistake I could fudge around, there weren't enough holes in the resulting fabric to place all the next row's stitches.  So I had to rip back alllllll my work.  Grrrrr.  Spinning More progress on my current spin, some beautiful green lightly-speckled cotton from Buchanan Fiber. I brought my Nano2 on the trian on our visit to DC. It worked like a charm!  I finished the 2nd bobbin and as of today I'm nearly done with the 3rd.  I hope to finish it this week. On the Run We walked soooooooo many miles in Washington DC – 9 miles alone our first full day!   Out and About – upcoming Fiber Events around New England NH Sheep and Wool – May 13 & 14 MA Sheep and Woolcraft Fair - May 27-28, Memorial Day Weekend Maine Fiber Frolic – June 3 & 4 I've Got Sunshine As I've mentioned several times, we went to Washington DC last week for school vacation.  What I didn't say is that one of my childhood besties lives down there.  We got to hang out at least a little every day and it was marvelous.  She and I even snuck away for dinner one night, leaving all the kids with our husbands, and we got a little girl time in

Ep 115 recorded  4/28/23 FOs Socks for Thing 2, the second sock is done! Crochet square for Liberty Crochet Mural.  Today I mailed my square to Vermont.  WIPs Socks for Thing 1 – I knit socks for him for Christmas and already they don't fit.   Songe d'été – Ravelry Link (Summer Dreams) designed by Dreaming In Chocolate Designs, knit using Linea Pura Unico yarn by Lana Grossa (discontinued)  Davit designed for Berroco by Amy Palmer, knit using Silk Noir by Great Adirondack Yarn Co bought at Rhinebeck last year. I've reached the short rows for the back, I'm nearly done! Find Your Fade designed by Andrea Mowry, knit in Midori Bamboo from The Fiber Lady in a discontinued colorway, plus cotton/bamboo sportweight from Great Adirondack Yarn Co.   Knitting Fail About ½ an inch down I'd missed the dropped YO and that made a corner I didn't want.   Spinning More progress on my current spin, some beautiful green lightly-speckled cotton from Buchanan Fiber.  On the Run Not much fitness this week.  I pulled a muscle.  Did you know you have muscles in between each of your ribs?  I totally didn't.   Out and About – upcoming Fiber Events around New England CT Sheep and Wool - April 29 NH Sheep and Wool – May 13 & 14 MA Sheep and Woolcraft Fair - May 27-28, Memorial Day Weekend Maine Fiber Frolic – June 3 & 4 I've Got Sunshine We've had lovely weather the last few weeks, so I pulled out my deck planters early and put a few pansies in them and it's really cheered me up.

Ep 114 recorded  3/31/23 Suddenly it's April and wow, where has this year gone already?  Knitathon update - $340,000!!!! That's $85,000 each to Meals on Wheels, No Kid Hungry, World Central Kitchen and Feeding America. FOs Socks for Thing 2 – his Christmas socks -  I unraveled the leg on both and I started re-doing the legs in 2x2 ribbing.  The first sock is done! WIPs Socks for Thing 1 – I knit socks for him for Christmas and already they don't fit.   Socks for Thing 2 – 2nd sock leg restarted Songe d'été – Ravelry Link (Summer Dreams) designed by Dreaming In Chocolate Designs, knit using Linea Pura Unico yarn by Lana Grossa (discontinued) a linen/bamboo blend bought at Webs a few years ago.   Davit designed for Berroco by Amy Palmer, knit using Silk Noir by Great Adirondack Yarn Co bought at Rhinebeck last year.  Summer Happiness Crochet Top designed by Concept Creative in Scheepjes Whirl in the color Sherbert Rainbow, a pastel rainbow from pink to blue.   Find Your Fade designed by Andrea Mowry, knit in Midori Bamboo from The Fiber Lady in a discontinued colorway, plus cotton/bamboo sportweight from Great Adirondack Yarn Co.  I'm fading on my own schedule and not on the one written in the pattern.   Frog Princess Dress Blanket designed by Carol Hladik, a Princess Tiana-inspired  blanket crocheted using Joann's Big Twist acrylic yarn.  Making this for a local charity to raffle off this fall.   On the Run Walking in warm weather – saw a housefire!  Family and dogs are fine. Out and About – upcoming Fiber Events around New England Stitches @ Home – April 1&2 – this weekend! CT Sheep and Wool - April 29 NH Sheep and Wool – May 13 & 14 MA Sheep and Woolcraft Fair - May 27-28, Memorial Day Weekend Maine Fiber Frolic – June 3 & 4 I've Got Sunshine Seed starting with my youngest.  He's my gardener.  10 days ago we transplanted 20 lettuce seedlings then started 184 herbs, veggies and greens.  

Ep 113 recorded  3/16/23 Marching On Welcome back!  I just had a statistic pop up telling me that 2 days ago was my 6th podiversary.  Wow! Knit For Food Knitathon I'm back for a 3rd year – can you please donate $5? No one deserves to be hungry. WIPs Songe d'été – Ravelry Link (Summer Dreams) designed by Dreaming In Chocolate Designs, knit using Linea Pura Unico yarn by Lana Grossa (discontinued). Davit designed for Berroco by Amy Palmer, knit using Silk Noir by Great Adirondack Yarn Co  Summer Happiness Crochet Top designed by Concept Creative in Scheepjes Whirl in the color Sherbert Rainbow Find Your Fade designed by Andrea Mowry, knit in Midori Bamboo from The Fiber Lady in a discontinued colorway, plus cotton/bamboo sportweight from Great Adirondack Yarn Co.   Knitting Fail Really, a crochet fail.  My brain has been a sieve and I kept screwing up the Summer Happiness top.  It's a problem with me, not with the pattern.   Spinning More progress on my current spin, some beautiful green lightly-speckled cotton from Buchanan Fiber. Unfortunately, Buchanan Fiber closed a year or two ago which is sad because I love their cotton slivers. On the Run Adult ballet class, so much fun.  Students from 30 to 84! Out and About – upcoming Fiber Events around New England CT Sheep and Wool - April 29 NH Sheep and Wool – May 13 & 14 MA Sheep and Woolcraft Fair - May 27-28, Memorial Day Weekend Stitches @ Home – April 1&2 Maine Fiber Frolic – June 3 & 4 I've Got Sunshine I bought ballet slippers for class and it was the same store I shopped at as a kid in the 1990s.  So excited to find them still open and doing business.  Shout out to Dancer's Drawer in Attleboro, MA.

Ep 112 recorded  3/1/23 Back from a Break Hey all, long time no talk.  I'd planned to take a few weeks off and it just… stretched.  The truth is I'd lost my mojo, not in podcasting but in knitting, and it's really hard to run a knitting podcast when you're hardly knitting.  WIPs Songe d'été – Ravelry Link (Summer Dreams) designed by Dreaming In Chocolate Designs, knit using Linea Pura Unico yarn by Lana Grossa (discontinued)  Davit designed for Berroco by Amy Palmer, knit using Silk Noir by Great Adirondack Yarn Co  Frog Princess Dress Blanket by Carol Hladik, a Princess Tiana-inspired  blanket crocheted using Joann's Big Twist acrylic yarn.   Summer Happiness Crochet Top designed by Concept Creative in Scheepjes Whirl in the color Sherbert Rainbow Knitting Fail Summer Dreams had a big setback while I was in Florida.   Spinning I brought my Nano 2 from Dreaming Robots to Florida with me.  I love it! On the Run I hit a major milestone on Monday, I swam MORE than 1/3 of a mile!  I swam 650 yards (594m).  Out and About – upcoming Fiber Events around New England Farm and Fiber Days at Wayland Winter Farmer's Market is March 5, this Sunday at Russell's Garden Center in Wayland, MA. CT Sheep and Wool - April 29 NH Sheep and Wool – May 13 & 14 MA Sheep and Woolcraft Fair - May 27-28, Memorial Day Weekend Stitches @ Home – April 1&2 Maine Fiber Frolic – June 3 & 4   Knit For Food Knitathon I'm back for a 3rd year – can you please donate $5? No one deserves to be hungry. I've Got Sunshine We went to Florida last week for school vacation and basically spent the week hanging out at my in-law's pool and playing board games  It was super relaxing and the rest we all needed. 

Ep 111 recorded  6/8/22  Segments this week include: Wearables, FO, Wips, Out and About, and I've Got Sunshine.  A note on showlinks – all links to Ravelry are clearly labelled as such and all links for yarn are directly to the dyer's website. Wearbles It's been gorgeously warm here, even insanely hot 2 days, so I've worn summer handknits.  No Day But Today Linen Butterflies Watermelon Shawl Strawberry Blossoms Lotus Mandala shawls FOs 48-st sock for E in red sock yarn, finished the first sock.  Allegro by Wisdom Yarns, distributed by Universal Yarns.  May be discontinued. WIPs As You Wish MKAL by Mary Annarella of Lyrical Knits.  This is a Princess Bride themed mystery knitalong that will eventually result in a rectangular shawl.  Nearing the end of Clue 3!  This shawl is sooooo much fun to knit.  48-st sock for E in red sock yarn, started toe of 2nd sock on US 2s.  Allegro by Wisdom Yarns, distributed by Universal Yarns.  May be discontinued. Mermaid Skirt by Concept Creative, a Ukranian designer.  It's a wonderful pattern and very easy to follow, even for an advanved beginner like me.  It looks super fancy but the photos and inks to video tutorials makes it really easy.  It's charted and written out. Juliana top by Linda's Craftique, for once worked in the called-for yarn – Neve  by Juniper Moon Farms.  This pattern is bottom-up.  I finished the ribbing and am starting up the body. Hitchhiker in Lion Brand Shawl In a Ball Spinning I'm spinning handspun yarn for the winner of my drawing for the Knitathon.  Spun a bit more this week.  Fiber is 90's School Supplies cotton from Hipstrings. Out and About Vogue Knitting Live Virtual and June 9-12.  GGKCS podcast started their annual Summer craft-a-long, visit their FB page for more details. Splash Pad Party with Down Cellar Studio Stitches at Home Stitches at Home June 11/12 & 18/19, Expo at Home July 8-10.  Coming up in person, Stitches So Cal in Pasadena, California November 10-13. If you have any events you'd like me to share please email me windsweptmonique@gmail.com I've Got Sunshine Knit in public day is Saturday!  Check your local yarn shop.  I'll be at March for our Lives in Washington DC while knitting

Ep 110 recorded 5/18/22 Segments this week include: Wips, Knitting Fail, Out and About, and I've Got Sunshine.  A note on showlinks – all links to Ravelry are clearly labelled as such and all links for yarn are directly to the dyer's website.   WIPs As You Wish MKAL by Mary Annarella of Lyrical Knits.  This is a Princess Bride themed mystery knitalong that will eventually result in a rectangular shawl.   Winona by Brenda Castiel in handspun from Hipstrings.  48-st socks for J, working toe-up, on foot of 2nd sock.  Bamboo Pop Sock in Sunset Colorway.  Bamboo cotton, PBT blend 52-st sock for E in red sock yarn, turned the heel .  Allegro by Wisdom Yarns, distributed by Universal Yarns.  May be discontinued.  More on this in Knitting Fail Started Mermaid Skirt by Concept Creative, a Ukranian designers. Juliana top by Linda's Craftique, for once worked in the called-for yarn – Neve  by Juniper Moon Farms.   Knitting Fail Use the right needles. Spinning I'm spinning handspun yarn for the winner of my drawing for the Knitathon.   Out and About Vogue Knitting Live Virtual and June 9-12.  GGKCS podcast is having their annual Sheepy Spring AL, visit their FB page for more details. Stitches at Home Stitches at Home June 11/12 & 18/19, Expo at Home July 8-10.  Coming up in person, Stitches So Cal in Pasadena, California November 10-13. If you have any events you'd like me to share please email me windsweptmonique@gmail.com I've Got Sunshine Kids and Pets

Ep 109 recorded 5/11/22 Segments this week include: FOs, Wips, Spinning, Out and About, and I've Got Sunshine.  A note on showlinks – all links to Ravelry are clearly labelled as such and all links for yarn are directly to the dyer's website. Lots of knitting this week, as COVID invaded our house.   FOs – FO 2 weeks in a row, weird! 48-st socks for J.   First sock done.  Bamboo Pop Sock in Sunset Colorway. WIPs As You Wish MKAL by Mary Annarella of Lyrical Knits.  This is a Princess Bride themed mystery knitalong that will eventually result in a rectangular shawl.  I'm in Clue 3!  This shawl is sooooo much fun to knit.  Winona by Brenda Castiel in handspun from Hipstrings.   48-st socks for J, finished toe of 2nd sock.  Bamboo Pop Sock in Sunset Colorway. 52-st sock for E in red sock yarn.  Allegro by Wisdom Yarns, correction: distributed by Universal Yarns, not made by Universal Yarns.  May be discontinued. Swatching for 2 new projects, Green Crochet Dress by Krinichka and Mermaid Skirt by Concept Creative, both are Ukranian designers. Juliana top by Linda's Craftique, for once worked in the called-for yarn – Neve  by Juniper Moon Farms.  This pattern is bottom-up.  I finished the ribbing and am starting up the body. Spinning I'm spinning handspun yarn for the winner of my drawing for the Knitathon.  Fiber is 90's School Supplies cotton from Hipstrings. Out and About Vogue Knitting Live Virtual May 12-15 and June 9-12.  GGKCS podcast is having their annual Sheepy Spring AL, visit their FB page for more details. Stitches at Home Stitches Expo at Home May 13-15, Stitches at Home June 11/12 & 18/19, Expo at Home 8-10.  Coming up in person, Stitchs So Cal in Pasadena, California November 10-13. NH Sheep and Wool May 14 & 15, 2022 – I probably won't make it. If you have any events you'd like me to share please email me windsweptmonique@gmail.com I've Got Sunshine Libraries are great, and library apps are keeping me sane

Ep 108 recorded 5/4/22 Segments this week include: FOs, Wips, Spinning, Out and About, and I've Got Sunshine.  A note on showlinks – all links to Ravelry are clearly labelled as such and all links for yarn are directly to the dyer's website. FOs Recalibrate by Shana Lines is done! My second Lotus Mandala Vest is done!   I'm finished spinning some plain cotton to finish the As You Wish shawl. WIPs As You Wish MKAL by Mary Annarella of Lyrical Knits.   Winona by Brenda Castiel in handspun from Hipstrings.  48-st socks for J in  Bamboo Pop Sock in Sunset Colorway. Papillon/Butterfly Shawl (Ravelry) – I'm on section 22 of 31 in the shawl.  I'm getting close!!! Swatching for 2 new projects, Green Crochet Dress by Krinichka and Mermaid Skirt by Concept Creative, both are Ukranian designers. Spinning I'm spinning handspun yarn for the winner of my drawing for the Knitathon.   Fiber is 90's School Supplies cotton from Hipstrings. Out and About Vogue Knitting Live Virtual May 12-15 and June 9-12.  GGKCS podcast is having their annual Sheepy Spring AL, visit their FB page for more details. Stitches at Home Stitches Expo at Home May 13-15, Stitches at Home June 11/12 & 18/19, Expo at Home 8-10.  Coming up in person, Stitchs So Cal in Pasadena, California November 10-13. NH Sheep and Wool May 14 & 15, 2022 – I probably won't make it. If you have any events you'd like me to share please email me windsweptmonique@gmail.com I've Got Sunshine I had my mother's day gift last weekend, and it was a day off.  In short, I did all the stuff that I love to do that my family does not enjoy.  And it was glorious!  

Ep 107 recorded 4/6/22 Segments this week include: FOs, Wips, Out and About, and I've Got Sunshine.  A note on showlinks – all links to Ravelry are clearly labelled as such and all links for yarn are directly to the dyer's website. FOs Last night I finished the Earthrise shawl and got that to my tech editor today.   WIPs My second Lotus Mandala Vest is growing!   As You Wish MKAL by Mary Annarella of Lyrical Knits.   Winona by Brenda Castiel in handspun from Hipstrings.   Spinning I've spinning handspun yarn for the winner of my drawing for the Knitathon.  I'm also spinning some plain cotton once or twice a week, because I don't have enough handspun to finish the As You Wish shawl. Out and About Vogue Knitting Live Live in Seattle April 8-10, Virtual May 12-15 and June 9-12.  GGKCS podcast is having their annual Sheepy Spring AL, visit their FB page for more details. Stitches at Home April 2 & 3; 9 & 10, 2022 CT Sheep and Wool April 30, 2022 – I will be attending!  At least for the morning.  I plan to get there when it opens at 9 and stay until around lunchtime, give or take.  A trip to this festival and to Webs is my Mother's Day gift from my family. NH Sheep and Wool May 14 & 15, 2022 – I probably won't make it. If you have any events you'd like me to share please email me windsweptmonique@gmail.com  

Ep 106 recorded 3/23/22 Segments this week include: Be A Helper Craft A Long, FOs, Wips, Out and About, and I've Got Sunshine.  A note on showlinks – all links to Ravelry are clearly labelled as such and all links for yarn are directly to the dyer's website. Be A Helper Craftalong has ended.  Prizes! FOs Lots of crochet cleansing pads.  Not using a pattern, made up my own. WIPs Earthrise, I've started the last skein of yarn. My second Lotus Mandala Vest is growing!  Most of it uses sparkly leftovers of Lion Brand Shawl in A Ball in the Prism colorway from the Priestess Coat I crocheted last year.  I finished all those scraps and started a full skein of Shawl In A Ball in the colorway Healing Teal As You Wish MKAL by Mary Annarella of Lyrical Knits.  This is a Princess Bride themed mystery knitalong that will eventually result in a rectangular shawl.  I'm nearing the end of Clue 1!  This shawl is sooooo much fun to knit. Winona by Brenda Castiel in handspun from Hipstrings.  This is an L-shaped shawl and I've reached the corner of the L which is worked like an applied-edging. Spinning I've spinning handspun yarn for the winner of my drawing for the Knitathon.  Cranky knees mean slow going, but I'm putting in about 15 minutes a day in 5-min segments.  I'm also spinning some plain cotton once or twice a week, because I don't have enough handspun to finish the As You Wish shawl. Out and About Vogue Knitting Live Live in Seattle April 8-10, Virtual May 12-15 and June 9-12.  GGKCS podcast is having their annual Sheepy Spring AL, visit their FB page for more details. Stitches at Home April 2 & 3; 9 & 10, 2022 CT Sheep and Wool April 30, 2022 – I will be attending!   NH Sheep and Wool May 14 & 15, 2022 – I probably won't make it. If you have any events you'd like me to share please email me windsweptmonique@gmail.com I've Got Sunshine Warmth!

 Ep 105 recorded 3/9/22   Be A Helper Craftalong - ends March 15! One change this year – due to ongoing accessibility issues on Ravelry, I'll hold this event both on and off Ravelry.  Last year we just used a  Google Form and that was hard for some folks, so this year there will be a chat thread and an FO thread on Rav, and for non-Rav users I'll have a google form where you can link to your IG/FB/Twitter post showing your FO Ravelry Link - click here to visit Ravelry. Link to submit your Finished Object/blood donation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf08z2uqelVGeUBkm0fofQGveThChBBZzaMvNsRdlPlMzhbgA/viewform?usp=sf_link FOs Lots of crochet cleansing pads.  Not using a pattern, made up my own. A crochet bag to hold dirty cleansing pads in my bathroom – also just made up a pattern. WIPs Recalibrate Top by Shana Lines using Nomad Yarn's hand dyed cotton/rayon Gelato yarn.  I'm using 6 colors, strawberry, orange, lemon, pistachio, blueberry and lavender.  This has been my stress knitting since Russia invaded Ukraine so I've gotten a LOT on this done. The right side is growing steadily. Earthrise, a new pattern of mine inspired by the famous Nasa photo when the astronauts first circled behind the moon and came around back towards earth and photographed the earth rising over the surface of the moon.  It's an awe-inspiring photo.   I'm working on the sample, it's a simple circular shawl, a great first circular shawl.  There's a little very easy lace but nothing complicated.  If you can YO and K2tog you can knit this easily.  I'm using silk and silkblend yarn that is so soft on my fingers but still affordable.  This pattern seems rather appropriate to be knitting right now My second Lotus Mandala using sparkly leftovers from the Priestess Coat I crocheted last year.  At the moment I plan to use all scraps of Lion Brand Shawl In A Ball.  I'm nearly to the armholes. As you Wish MKAL by Mary Annarella of Lyrical Knits.  This is a Princess Bride themed mystery knitalong that will eventually result in a rectangular shawl.  I'm nearly halfway through Clue 1. Winona by Brenda Castiel in handspun from Hipstrings.  This is an L-shaped shawl and I've reached the corner of the L which is worked like an applied-edging. Spinning I've spinning handspun yarn for the winner of my drawing for the Knitathon.  Cranky knees mean slow going, but I'm putting in about 15 minutes a day in 5-min segments.  I'm also spinning some plain cotton once or twice a week, because I don't have enough handspun to finish the As You Wish shawl. Out and About Vogue Knitting Live Vogue Knitting Live @ Home Mar 17-20.  GGKCS podcast is having their annual Sheepy Spring AL, visit their FB page for more details. Stitches at Home April 2 & 3; 9 & 10, 2022 CT Sheep and Wool April 30, 2022 – I will be attending!  At least for the morning.  I plan to get there when it opens at 9 and stay until around lunchtime, give or take.  A trip to this festival and to Webs is my Mother's Day gift from my family. NH Sheep and Wool May 14 & 15, 2022 – I probably won't make it. If you have any events you'd like me to share please email me windsweptmonique@gmail.com I've Got Sunshine Took J to Ukranian support rally

Ep 104 recorded 3/2/22 Segments this week include: Be A Helper Craft A Long, FOs, Wips, Out and About, and I've Got Sunshine.  A note on showlinks – all links to Ravelry are clearly labelled as such and all links for yarn are directly to the dyer's website. Be A Helper Craftalong 2 weeks to go – please note Ukrainian charities do not need goods or handmade items from the USA.  It takes too much effort and cost to ship them to Ukraine.  If you can, please donate instead to vetted charities.  There are several with boots on the ground such as World Central Kitchen, Save the Children, Doctors Without B orders, Ukrainian Red Cross, Nova Ukraine. 6th Be A Helper Craft-a-long has begun! We keep the rules simple. Anything you make for any charity counts, doesn't have to be knit/crochet/woven or spun. ANYthing you make for ANY charity. One FO per submission Donating blood counts too! Contest ends when I wake up March 15 and close the form/thread. Wips are always welcome Partial FOs count, for example if you make a blanket strip and your local yarn shop sews them together to make full blankets, count your blanket strip. One change this year – due to ongoing accessibility issues on Ravelry, I'll hold this event both on and off Ravelry.  Last year we just used a  Google Form and that was hard for some folks, so this year there will be a chat thread and an FO thread on Rav, and for non-Rav users I'll have a google form where you can link to your IG/FB/Twitter post showing your FO. Link to submit your Finished Object/blood donation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf08z2uqelVGeUBkm0fofQGveThChBBZzaMvNsRdlPlMzhbgA/viewform?usp=sf_link FOs Knights Who Say Knit by Mary Annarella of Lyrical Knits – finished, finished, finished.  I brought it to my stitching night and wove in most of the ends, finishing the next day.  Bloxking could be a problem with one yarn that ran when blocking.  Color catcher? Lotus Mandala Vest by Morale Fiber, crochet vest.  A round vest with armholes.  I'm using scraps of Lion Brand Truboo, Berroco Modern Cotton and the discontinued Kertzer Down To Earth Cotton WIPs Recalibrate Top by Shana Lines using Nomad Yarn's hand dyed cotton/rayon Gelato yarn.  This has been my stress knitting since Russia invaded Ukraine so I've gotten a LOT on this done. Finished left side and joined with “sleeve”, started right side – more in Knitting Fail.  Earthrise, a new pattern of mine inspired by the famous Nasa photo when the astronauts first circled behind the moon and came around back towards earth and photographed the earth rising over the surface of the moon.  It's an awe-inspiring photo.    I started a second Lotus Mandala during the Knitathon in sparkly leftovers from the Priestess Coat I crocheted last year.   Papillon/Butterfly shawl by MarinJa Knits, I finished section 19 As you Wish MKAL by Mary Annarella of Lyrical Knits.  This is a Princess Bride themed mystery knitalong that will eventually result in a rectangular shawl.   Winona by Brenda Castiel in handspun from Hipstrings I've started spinning handspun yarn for the winner of my drawing for the Knitathon.  Cranky knees mean slow going, but I'm putting in about 15 minutes a day in 5-min segments. Knitting Fail Recalibrate top – issues!  Issues with me, not the pattern.  Out and About Vogue Knitting Live Vogue Knitting Live @ Home Mar 17-20.  GGKCS podcast is having their annual Sheepy Spring AL, visit their FB page for more details. Stitches at Home Stitches West in person Mar 3-6 2022. CT Sheep and Wool April 30, 2022 NH Sheep and Wool May 14 & 15, 2022 If you have any events you'd like me to share please email me windsweptmonique@gmail.com I've Got Sunshine There's no I've got Sunshine this week, just a plea to please help your fellow humans.

Ep 103 recorded 2/16/22 A note on showlinks – all links to Ravelry are clearly labelled as such and all links for yarn are directly to the dyer's website. Be A Helper Craftalong One month to go! 6th Be A Helper Craft-a-long has begun! We keep the rules simple. Anything you make for any charity counts, doesn't have to be knit/crochet/woven or spun. ANYthing you make for ANY charity. One FO per submission Donating blood counts too! Contest ends when I wake up March 15 and close the form/thread. Wips are always welcome Partial FOs count, for example if you make a blanket strip and your local yarn shop sews them together to make full blankets, count your blanket strip. One change this year – due to ongoing accessibility issues on Ravelery, I'll hold this event both on and off Ravelry.  Last year we just used a  Google Form and that was hard for some folks, so this year there will be a chat thread and an FO thread on Rav, and for non-Rav users I'll have a google form where you can link to your IG/FB/Twitter post showing your FO. Link to submit your Finished Object/blood donation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf08z2uqelVGeUBkm0fofQGveThChBBZzaMvNsRdlPlMzhbgA/viewform?usp=sf_link Prizes A set of mini skeins from Unwind Yarn Company – especially exciting as Dana does not dye anymore. Jen Lassonde of Downcellar Studio has very generously offered one of her patterns and a skein of yarn, thank you Jen! FOs Knights Who Say Knit by Mary Annarella of Lyrical Knits, a really fun Monty Python and the Holy Grail inspired pattern.  The knitting is done but I have about 100 ends to weave in.   WIPs Recalibrate Top by Shana Lines using Nomad Yarn's hand dyed cotton/rayon Gelato yarn.  I'm half way through the back panel in the yellow Gelato. Earthrise, a new pattern of mine. Lotus Mandala Vest by Morale Fiber, crochet vest.   Started a second Lotus Mandala during the Knitathon  Papillon/Butterfly shawl by MarinJa Knits I've started spinning handspun yarn for the winner of my drawing for the Knitathon last weekend Out and About Vogue Knitting Live Vogue Knitting Live @ Home Feb 17-20 and Mar 17-20.  Vogue Knitting Live in person in NYC is cancelled for 2022 but will be back Feb 9-12 2023 GGKCS podcast is having their annual Winter AL, visit their FB page for more details. Stitches at Home Stitches West in person Mar 3-6 2022. CT Sheep and Wool April 30, 2022 NH Sheep and Wool May 14 & 15, 2022 If you have any events you'd like me to share please email me windsweptmonique@gmail.com I've Got Sunshine Last weekend I participated in the Knit For Food Knitathon last weekend – we raised over $270,000!!!  Crafters are amazing people and when we come together we can do amazing things.

Ep 102 recorded 2/9/22 Knit For Food Knitathon THIS WEEKEND https://givebutter.com/knitforfood22/moniqueleonard Update as of posting this episode - over $181,000! Please donate! Help put us over $200K Be A Helper Craftalong - Just over a month to go! 6th Be A Helper Craft-a-long has begun! We keep the rules simple. Anything you make for any charity counts, doesn't have to be knit/crochet/woven or spun. ANYthing you make for ANY charity. One FO per submission Donating blood counts too! Contest ends when I wake up March 15 and close the form/thread. Wips are always welcome Partial FOs count, for example if you make a blanket strip and your local yarn shop sews them together to make full blankets, count your blanket strip. One change this year – due to ongoing accessibility issues on Ravelery, I'll hold this event both on and off Ravelry.  Last year we just used a  Google Form and that was hard for some folks, so this year there will be a chat thread and an FO thread on Rav, and for non-Rav users I'll have a google form where you can link to your IG/FB/Twitter post showing your FO. Link to submit your Finished Object/blood donation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf08z2uqelVGeUBkm0fofQGveThChBBZzaMvNsRdlPlMzhbgA/viewform?usp=sf_link Prizes A set of mini skeins from Unwind Yarn Company – especially exciting as Dana does not dye anymore. Jen Lassonde of Downcellar Studio has very generously offered one of her patterns and a skein of yarn, thank you Jen! One skein of yarn - currently a mystery thanks to shipping delays. FOs A sample I can't talk about, I finished it December 30th and very proud of it Star Wars scarf for Thing 2    WIPs Recalibrate Top by Shana Lines using Nomad Yarn's hand dyed cotton/rayon Gelato yarn.  I'm half way through the back panel in the yellow Gelato. Knights Who Say Knit by Mary Annarella of Lyrical Knits, a really fun Monty Python and the Holy Grail inspired pattern. Earthrise, a new pattern of mine inspired by the famous Nasa photo Swatching for 4 new patterns, keep your ears peeled about those.  Papillon/Butterfly shawl by MarinJa Knits Out and About Virtually Vogue Knitting Live Vogue Knitting Live @ Home Feb 17-20 and Mar 17-20.  Vogue Knitting Live in person in NYC is cancelled for 2022 but will be back Feb 9-12 2023 GGKCS podcast is having their annual Winter AL, visit their FB page for more details. Down Cellar Studio's Pigskin party is ending this weekend – be sure to get your points in. Stitches at Home Feb 12-13, Stitches West in person Mar 3-6 2022. If you have any events you'd like me to share please email me windsweptmonique@gmail.com I've Got Sunshine My 6-year old helped me plan the garden this year.  

Ep 101 recorded 12/15/21 Segments this week include: Housekeeping, Start of the Be A Helper Craft A Long, Wips, Out and About, and I've Got Sunshine.  A note on showlinks – all links to Ravelry are clearly labelled as such and all links for yarn are directly to the dyer's website. Housekeeping New testknit starting in a week or two, for a sleeveless top in fingering weight yarn.  If you're interested send me an email windsweptMonique@gmail.com or sign up for my test knitter mailing list at http://www.windsweptknits.com/testknitters/ - if on this list you will only get emails related to test knitting, nothing else.  I'll be having 3 or 4 test knits starting up in the next few months with yarn ranging from fingering to DK and I'd love to have you join. Be A Helper Craftalong 6th Be A Helper Craft-a-long has begun! We keep the rules simple. Anything you make for any charity counts, doesn't have to be knit/crochet/woven or spun. ANYthing you make for ANY charity. One FO per submission Donating blood counts too! Contest ends when I wake up March 15 and close the form/thread. Wips are always welcome Partial FOs count, for example if you make a blanket strip and your local yarn shop sews them together to make full blankets, count your blanket strip. One change this year – due to ongoing accessibility issues on Ravelry, I'll hold this event both on and off Ravelry.  Last year we just used a  Google Form and that was hard for some folks, so this year there will be a chat thread and an FO thread on Rav, and for non-Rav users I'll have a google form where you can link to your IG/FB/Twitter post showing your FO. Link to submit your Finished Object/blood donation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf08z2uqelVGeUBkm0fofQGveThChBBZzaMvNsRdlPlMzhbgA/viewform?usp=sf_link Prizes A set of mini skeins from Unwind Yarn Company – especially exciting as Dana does not dye anymore. Another skein of yarn that is still in the mail and given the state of the USPS I'll announce after it arrives, just to be safe! Jen Lassonde of Downcellar Studio has very generously offered one of her patterns and a skein of yarn, thank you Jen! Since WIPs are allowed, and given the tornado crisis in KY last week, I'm going to open up the prizes to anyone who donated blood after the tornadoes.  So if you donated blood anywhere in the world on or after Dec 10, you've earned yourself a prize entry so go and fill out the google form or enter it in the Rav FO thread. WIPs Focusing on one pattern sample, can't talk about it. Recalibrate Top by Shana Lines using Nomad Yarn's hand dyed cotton/rayon Gelato yarn.  I'm half way through the back panel in the yellow Gelato. Star Wars scarf for Thing 2 – I'm over ¾ done!  I'm over halfway done with the Dark Side!  Wearables Tan House Brook shawl by BostonJen knit up in Sekhmet, an alpaca/silk/linen blend by A Hundred Ravens Second Grace by Bristol Ivy Out and About Virtually Indie Design GAL wrapping up I 2 weeks.  I'm a participating designer Fasten Off YAL – off Ravelry event, also wrapping up in 2 weeks.  I'm also a participating designer. Vogue Knitting Live Vogue Knitting Live @ Home Jan 20-23.  Vogue Knitting Live in person in NYC is cancelled for 2022 but will be back Feb 9-12 2023 GGKCS podcast is having their annual Winter AL, visit their FB page for more details. Down Cellar Studio's Pigskin party is up and running.  You can participate on Instagram or on Ravelry and I'm linking to Boston Jen's website which has the details and the signup page.  I am both a sponsor and a participant again this year and it's lots of fun. Stitches at Home Jan 7-9, Stitches West in person Mar 3-6 2022. If you have any events you'd like me to share please email me windsweptmonique@gmail.com I've Got Sunshine For today, we are all healthy. 

Apologies for my voice,  I've been fighting a virus for a week.     Housekeeping Still looking for testknitters!   Visit https://www.yarnpond.com/pattern_tests/2615 to learn more and sign up to test knit. A second testknit for a sleeveless top in fingering weight yarn will be starting soon. If you're interested in future test knits please join my test knitter mailing list at http://www.windsweptknits.com/testknitters/ 6th annual Be A Helper Craft A Long starts on December 15th!  Next week's episode will go over all the details, including prizes! And now for something completely different.  Since this is my 100th episode I wanted to give back to other designers in our community.  I put out a call to other designers in the GAL and the YAL and asked anyone who wanted to, to please answer the question “who are you, where can we find you and why do you design?”   Designers You Are Hearing From Today Knit Eco Chic www.knitecochic.com  payhip Ravelry  Lovecrafts (loveknitting) Christelle Nihoul Here are my SM profile: On Ravelry: ChristalLittleK or Christelle Nihoul On Instagram : @christallkdesigns On FB : My page : ChristalLK And my website : www.christallk.com Artesanitarium Designs My instagram is: https://www.instgram.com/artesanitarium and my Ravelry page is: Ravelry: Designs by Artesanitarium Designs Nailya Plaskey My name is Nailya Plaskey, and my knit and crochet designs can be found on Ravelry and Lovecrafts under NailyaPlaskeyDesigns: https://www.ravelry.com/designers/nailya-plaskey https://www.lovecrafts.com/en-gb/user/maker/1fdc4d51-9faa-4e83-a40e-75da2ae4d6de And I enjoy creating community yarn fun on Instagram, where I am also @nailyaplaskeydesigns   Sarah Dawn Designs Website: www.sarahdawnsdesigns.com IG:  www.instagram.com/sarahdawnsdesigns/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Sarah_Dawns Patreon: www.patreon.com/SarahDawnsDesigns and, watch me make things live over on Twitch: www.twitch.tv/SarahDawnsDesigns

Ep 99 recorded 11/19/21 Segments this week include: Housekeeping, FOs, Wips, Stash, Out and About, and I've Got Sunshine.  A note on showlinks – all links to Ravelry are clearly labelled as such and all links for yarn are directly to the dyer's website. Housekeeping Still looking for testknitters!  I have a sleeveless top test knit.  It knits up FAST as it's a DK gauge.  I'm looking for some testknitters to use 2 fingering weight yarns held double and some to use 1 strand of DK that gets gauge.  I will be starting up a few testknits soon, all for sleeveless tops.  Visit https://www.yarnpond.com/pattern_tests/2615 to learn more and sign up to test knit. If you're interested in future test knits please join my test knitter mailing list at http://www.windsweptknits.com/testknitters/ - if on this list you will only get emails related to test knitting, nothing else.  I'll be having 3 or 4 test knits starting up in the next few months with yarn ranging from fingering to DK and I'd love to have you join. WIPs Three new pattern samples, can't talk about them yet. Recalibrate Top by Shana Lines using Nomad Yarn's hand dyed cotton/rayon Gelato yarn.  I'm nearing the top of the front panel in the yellow Gelato. Star Wars scarf for Thing 2 – I'm over halfway!  I'm nearly done with the Death Star!  Unfortunately I'm falling behind a bit on this one, so I need to work on it more each day after taking most of the last week off. Knights who say Knit by LyricalKnits aka Mary Annarella.  On section 2 or 3 of Clue 4, the last clue.  I really love how this shawl is turning out and I can't wait to finish it. Knitting Fail I had two this week.  I just wish I'd thought of it 6 inches and one cast on ago. Wearables the Priestess Coat stitched Rhinebeck– by Morale Fiber in Lion Brand Shawl in a Ball.    the Line Where the Sky Meets the Sea (Ravelry) and Send Me That Horizon (Ravelry) shawls really keep my neck warm from my wet hair and that my wet hair doesn't hurt the yarn at all.  Out and About Virtually Indie Design GAL (Ravelry) starts Nov 23rd  Fasten Off YAL – off Ravelry event starts Nov 30th Vogue Knitting Live Vogue Knitting Live @ Home Dec 9-12, Jan 20-23.  Dec open for registration.  Vogue Knitting Live in person in NYC is cancelled for 2022 but will be back Feb 9-12 2023 GGKCS podcast is having their annual Autumnal AL, visit their FB page for more details. Down Cellar Studio's Pigskin party is up and running.  You can participate on Instagram or on Ravelry and I'm linking to Boston Jen's website which has the details and the signup page.  I am both a sponsor and a participant again this year and it's lots of fun. Stitches at Home Jan 7-9, Stitches West in person Mar 3-6 2022. If you have any events you'd like me to share please email me windsweptmonique@gmail.com I've Got Sunshine I've been doing Instagram Lives every Wednesday at lunch time local to me because I've been hearing from so many people that they just feel overwhelmed and like life is swirling about the them.  I started it for others, so they could listen or join, or play later that day and stop, and just breath or knit or sip a cup of tea for 2 minutes.  But I find that they're really helping me too.  Making myself stop and breath for 2 minutes each Wednesday is super helpful, just letting myself be.  If you want to join us, this Wednesday 11/24 it will be at 12pm EST on Instagram come along with me and take 2 minutes for yourself.

Ep 98 recorded 11/12/21 Housekeeping Calling all test knitters!  I have a sleeveless top test knit that starts today.  It knits up FAST as it's a DK gauge.  I'm looking for some testknitters to use 2 fingering weight yarns held double and some to use 1 strand of DK that gets gauge.  I will be starting up a few testknits soon, all for sleeveless tops.  Visit https://www.yarnpond.com/pattern_tests/2615 to learn more and sign up to test knit. If you're interested in future test knits please join my test knitter mailing list at http://www.windsweptknits.com/testknitters/ - if on this list you will only get emails related to test knitting, nothing else.  I'll be having 3 or 4 test knits starting up in the next few months with yarn ranging from fingering to DK and I'd love to have you join. FOs Purse Socks! Finished the 2nd sock!  Bamboo Pop Sock in the Sunset colorway WIPs Three new pattern samples, can't talk about them yet. Started the Recalibrate Top by Shana Lines using Nomad Yarn's hand dyed cotton/rayon Gelato yarn. Star Wars scarf for Thing 2 – I'm halfway! Knights who say Knit by LyricalKnits aka Mary Annarella.   Wearables I have been wearing so much knitting and crochet recently.  I forgot to include this segment last week so I'll cover the last 2-3 weeks here. the Priestess Coat stitched Rhinebeck– by Morale Fiber in Lion Brand Shawl in a Ball.  I'm using the Feng Shui colorway, a  grey-to white gradient, for the body of the coat and a variety of jewel tones for the inserts and hood.  Tuesday was quite warm and I wore my Southwoods top (Ravelry) by River Road Knits, I love this top so much.  The lace inset at the back is just gorgeous. We've also had colder days and I've work the Line Where the Sky Meets the Sea (Ravelry) and Send Me That Horizon (Ravelry) shawls.  I wore the Wenlock sweater (Ravelry) designed by Tin Can Knits which I knit last year in some ancient stash, the discontinued Feza Yarns Cayenne and a variety of scraps for the multi-colored collar. Captain Marvel shawl Out and About Virtually Vogue Knitting Live Vogue Knitting Live @ Home Nov 11-14.  GGKCS podcast is having their annual Autumnal AL, visit their FB page for more details. Down Cellar Studio's Pigskin party is up and running.  You can participate on Instagram or on Ravelry and I'm linking to Boston Jen's website which has the details and the signup page.  I am both a sponsor and a participant again this year and it's lots of fun. Stitches at Home Nov 6,7, 13 and 14 If you have any events you'd like me to share please email me windsweptmonique@gmail.com

Ep 97 recorded 11/5/21 Hello, life is a bit crazy.  With the kids in school full times this year I've been taking classes and time is a little short but I needed to record an episode for you folks. Housekeeping I will be starting up a few testknits soon, all for sleeveless tops.  If you're interested please join my test knitter mailing list at http://www.windsweptknits.com/testknitters/ - if on this list you will only get emails related to test knitting, nothing else.  I'll be having 3 or 4 test knits starting up in the next few months with yarn ranging from fingering to DK and I'd love to have you join. Be A Helper Craft-a-long 6th annual craftalong is back this year!  Dec 15- Feb 28. Anything you make for any charity counts, doesn't have to be knit/crochet/woven or spun. ANYthing you make for ANY charity. • One entry per FO,  submission of the Rav forum or to the google form – link coming soon. • Donating blood counts too • Google Form closes when I wake up March 1. • Wips are welcome FOs I finished the Priestess Coat before Rhinebeck– by Morale Fiber in Lion Brand Shawl in a Ball WIPs Purse Socks! 2nd sock knitting fail, but I've receovered Three new pattern samples, can't talk about them yet. Swatched for a new sweater the Recalibrate Top by Shana Lines using Nomad Yarn's hand dyed cotton/rayon Gelato yarn. Star Wars scarf for Thing 2 – I'm halfway! Out and About Virtually Vogue Knitting Live Vogue Knitting Live @ Home Nov 11-14.  GGKCS podcast is having their annual Autumnal AL, visit their FB page for more details. Down Cellar Studio's Pigskin party is up and running.  You can participate on Instagram or on Ravelry and I'm linking to Boston Jen's website which has the details and the signup page.  I am both a sponsor and a participant again this year and it's lots of fun. Stitches at Home Nov 6,7, 13 and 14 If you have any events you'd like me to share please email me windsweptmonique@gmail.com  

Knitting and fun in 30 min or less.  Shownotes can be found at windsweptknits.com.  You can find me on IG and Ravelry as WindsweptMonique and on Facebook and Twitter as WindsweptKnits. Ep 96 recorded 10/8/21 Segments this week include: Rhinebeck, FOs, Wips, Out and About, and I've Got Sunshine Note on Ravelry – all links to Ravelry in the show notes are clearly labelled as such.  All yarn links are directly to the manufacturer or dyer's website. Rhinebeck Am I going?  Current plan is yes, I will be there both days but I will not be there the whole time.  I will be masked the entire time and I will stay until I feel uncomfortable and then I will peace out.  Speaking of COVID, message from the committee: “We, as a team, are taking COVID very seriously and have been in discussions throughout the year about how to make this event happen safely amidst the ongoing pandemic. The Fairgrounds sets the policy for the events held there and they are following protocol from NYS, the Dutchess County Health Department and CDC. Their COVID information can be found by clicking here. We are navigating this challenging time the best we can - limiting attendance numbers, encouraging masking, making all barns and buildings one-way, monitoring crowds in the buildings, keeping all doors open, spacing vendors 10 feet apart (with many vendors moved outdoors). We've put workshops online and eliminated children's activities and the Skein and Garment Competition. We have also given more space to the Fleece Sale and Merritt Books' authors program.   Our vendors have been given the option to vend at the Fairgrounds, to vend virtually, or to elect to wait until 2022 to vend.   To put it mildly, this is a difficult time and nothing is definitive - but please know that this issue is top of mind for us as organizers of the event.” FOs Another design sample is in progress, a tank top made with HiKoo Popcycle!  Purse Socks! Sock 1 done in Bamboo Pop Sock in the Sunset colorway.  WIPs I'm rushing to finish the Priestess Coat before Rhinebeck– by Morale Fiber in Lion Brand Shawl in a Ball.   Purse Socks! Started the 2nd sock Out and About Virtually NY Sheep and Wool in Rhinebeck, NY Oct 16 & 17.  At the moment I'm 50/50 about going.  Vogue Knitting Live Vogue Knitting Live @ Home this weekend Oct 7-10.  GGKCS podcast is having their annual Autumnal AL, visit their FB page for more details. Down Cellar Studio's Pigskin party is up and running.  You can participate on Instagram or on Ravelry and I'm linking to Boston Jen's website which has the details and the signup page.  I am both a sponsor and a participant again this year and it's lots of fun. Stitches Expo at home Oct 8-10 – online classes, workshops and a virtual marketplace If you have any events you'd like me to share please email me windsweptmonique@gmail.com I've Got Sunshine Organizing my office

Ep 95 recorded 9/24/21 Segments this week include: WindsweptKnits, Wips, Stash, Out and About, and I've Got Sunshine Note on Ravelry – all links to Ravelry in the show notes are clearly labelled as such.  All yarn links are directly to the manufacturer or dyer's website. Windswept Knits Very excited to announce the launch of Line Where The Sky Meets the Sea, my latest shawl pattern. Some people feel the call of the Sea. Open water, no land in sight, that is where your heart lies. I know this feeling well. I grew up near the North Atlantic and I love being on a boat offshore, wondering what lies just over the horizon. When I first watched the film “Moana” and I heard her sing “There's a line where the sky meets the sea and it calls me” I knew exactly what she meant. To my fellow knitters who also hear the sea's siren call, I present this shawl. Shawl is available on LoveCrafts, PayHip and Ravelry (link to all 3 in the shownotes) and if you purchase through PayHip or Ravelry, use code PODCAST to get 25% the regular price. WIPs Priestess Coat – by Morale Fiber in Lion Brand Shawl in a Ball.   Another design sample is in progress, a tank top made with HiKoo Popcycle!  It's a 50/50 bamboo/polyester blend and every skein uses 2 recycled plastic bottles  Purse Socks! These are for a dear friend for Christmas who loves handknits. It's in a new-to-me sock yarn Bamboo Pop Sock in the Sunset colorway.   Stash   Toasty Alpaca Silk Linen, a DK yarn from Tina's Toasty toes 50% baby alpaca, 25% silk, s5% linen, 273 yards to 100g.   2 skeins from Five Wise Owls, one of her fingering Tencel in the space cadet colorway which is black with blots of purple.  The other color is Avocado and that is on her Pima DK base. Last up is a prize I won from Maridee of the Yarnover Truck out in California, and I won 2 skeins of Dragonfly Fibers Djinni in Kaleidoscope.  Out and About Virtually NY Sheep and Wool currently still happening in Rhinebeck, NY Oct 16 & 17.  At the moment I'm 50/50 about going.  I have tickets and my husband and I and our parents are all vaccinated, but my kids are too young to get vaccinated and the Delta variant has me nervous.  I'll be making that decision at the last minute, I think. Vogue Knitting Live Vogue Knitting Live @ Home this weekend Oct 7-10.  GGKCS podcast is having their annual Autumnal AL, visit their FB page for more details. Down Cellar Studio's Pigskin party is up and running.  You can participate on Instagram or on Ravelry and I'm linking to Boston Jen's website which has the details and the signup page.  I am both a sponsor and a participant again this year and it's lots of fun. Stitches Expo at home Oct 8-10 – online classes, workshops and a virtual marketplace

Knitting and fun in 30 min or less.  Shownotes can be found at windsweptknits.com.  You can find me on IG and Ravelry as WindsweptMonique and on Facebook and Twitter as WindsweptKnits. Ep 94 recorded 9/17/21 Segments this week include: Deep Thoughts, FOs, Wips, Out and About, and I've Got Sunshine Note on Ravelry – all links to Ravelry in the show notes are clearly labelled as such.  All yarn links are directly to the manufacturer or dyer's website. FOs I honestly don't remember all the stuff I've finished in 6 months, so I'm just going to highlight a few things. Slice of Summer - Ravelry – my New Year's caston using BaH yarns watermelon shawl ball (wool bases available as of today – cotton/bamboo currently out of stock).   I finished 2 new design samples, can't talk much about them yet, but I am very excited at what is coming. Crocheted water balloons  WIPs Priestess Coat – by Morale Fiber in Lion Brand Shawl in a Ball.  I'm using the Feng Shui colorway, a grey-to white gradient. Another design sample is in progress, a tank top made with HiKoo Popcycle!  It's a 50/50 bamboo/polyester blend and every skein uses 2 recycled plastic bottles and you know me, I love recycled and reclaimed fibers.  New socks! These are for a dear friend for Christmas who loves handknits. It's in a new-to-me sock yarn Bamboo Pop Sock in the Sunset colorway.   Diamond Painting If you've never done diamond painting before, think of it like paint by number or cross stitch, only faster and sparklier.  You get a canvas with a chart on it, covered in a tacky glue-like substance with a protective plastic cover and packages of multi-faceted resin pieces, either square or round, and they're called either drills or diamonds.  Peel back the protective cover and use the included diamond pen to place the colored on the matching spot on the chart.  Some drills are pearlescent and really sparkle, some are glow-in-the-dark, it's lots of fun. I'm currently about 60% through one called Bubble Bubble Chocolate Trouble. This is based on a painting by Randal Spangler and made by Diamond Art Club.  This painting is so cute, it's two little green dragons wearing witches hats and stirring a giant cauldron full of hot chocolate, with a haunted house in the background and packages of cocoa and marshamallows on the side.  Stash Just this week I bought 3 skeins of Go For Faux Thick and Quick from Lion Brand.  This fake-fur yarn will be the cuff and hood edging for my Priestess Coat mentioned earlier. Shameless Self Promotion In a week I'll be launching a new pattern, a shawl named Line Where The Sky Meets the Sea launching on Friday, September 24 and it will be available on Ravelry, LoveCrafts and Payhip and to my loyal listeners, listen to the podcast for the coupon code. Out and About Virtually NY Sheep and Wool currently still happening in Rhinebeck, NY Oct 16 & 17.   Vogue Knitting Live Vogue Knitting Live @ Home this weekend Oct 7-10.  GGKCS podcast is having their annual Autumnal AL, visit their FB page for more details. Down Cellar Studio's Pigskin party is up and running.  You can participate on Instagram or on Ravelry and I'm linking to Boston Jen's website  Stitches Expo at home Oct 8-10 If you have any events you'd like me to share please email me windsweptmonique@gmail.com I've Got Sunshine Both my kids are at the same school this year, first time ever, and this summer my kindergartener learned to buckle his seatbelt by himself!  

Knitting and fitness in 30 min or less.  Shownotes can be found at windsweptknits.com.  You can find me on IG and Ravelry as WindsweptMonique and on Facebook and Twitter as WindsweptKnits. Ep 93 recorded 3/19/21 Segments this week include: FOs, Wips, Out and About Virtually, On the Run, and I’ve Got Sunshine Note on Ravelry – all links to Ravelry are clearly labelled as such. Mother Nature whiplash! Be A Helper Craft-a-long Quick Update Deadline extended to 5/1/21 to make up for my lack of participation.  We have pattern and yarn prizes. Short reminder on the rules Anything you make for any charity counts, doesn’t have to be knit/crochet/woven or spun. ANYthing you make for ANY charity. • One FO submission of the Google Form https://forms.gle/QdJuQUSr8uM7GoiF6 • Donating blood counts too • Wips are welcome Link to submit your Finished Object/blood donation: https://forms.gle/QdJuQUSr8uM7GoiF6 FOs Boxy – a tweaked Joji Locatelli pattern worked in hand dyed laceweight bamboo from Spinaway Farm.  I finished the front and am now up to the shoulders on the back. WIPs Slice of Summer – my New Year’s caston using BaH yarns watermelon shawl ball.  I’m on the watermelon rind.  This is my purse knitting so it gets a round or 2 most days with school pickup, etc. Tunisian Express – I’m learning Tunisian Crochet and practicing using this pattern.  It’s simple and easy to memorize and also includes a great tutorial with photos.  I’m using leftover yarn from my Belle blanket and the boys’ dragon blankets.  I’ve added a few rows. I’ve started 2 new design samples, can’t talk much about them yet, but I am very excited at what is coming. Stash I got 9 skeins of Lion Brand Shawl In A Ball to make the Priestess Coat by Morale Fiber.  I’m using the grey-to white for the body of the coat and a variety of jewel tones for the inserts and hood.  This will be my Rhinebeck “sweater” whenever it’s safe to have Rhinebeck again. Got yarn for some new patterns, I’m excited to work with HiKoo Popcycle!  It’s a 50/50 bamboo/polyester blend and every skein uses 2 recycled plastic bottles and you know me, I love recycled and reclaimed fibers.  On that note  I also got some more Berroco Remix Light which is 100%  recycled fibers and made in France.  Remix is 30% Nylon, 27% Cotton, 24% Acrylic, 10% Silk, 9% Linen  It’s got a slightly tweedy look/texture and makes great sweaters.  Remix is worsted weight, Remix Light is sport/DK.  And lastly, Valley Yarns Southwick which I’ve only knit a hat out of, this will be my first garment in it.  It is so smooth and silky and soft, it’ll make a super comfy top. Out and About Virtually Lots of fiber events happening online this winter Vogue Knitting Live Vogue Knitting Live @ Home this weekend Mar18-21.  Stitches At Home this weekend, is the 2nd weekend Mar 13,14, 20 & 21 Fiberworld is running an online march madness event, visit their website to vote. GGKCS podcast is having their annual Sheepy Spring AL, visit their FB page for more details. If you have any events you’d like me to share please email me windsweptmonique@gmail.com On the Run More knee problems -I’ve injured the other knee.  PT wants me to get back in the pool.   I’ve Got Sunshine Dropkick Murphy’s concert, 2nd year in a row St Paddy’s day online show.  Lots of fun.  Not safe to gather in large groups yet, but Dropkick Murphy’s has now put on 3 free shows and raised over $750,000 for charity during the pandemic.  They’re a local Boston band and Shipping Up To Boston is a bit of a local anthem around here.  We let the boys stay up late to watch the show and it was a fun way to spend the evening – the grownups with a pint in hand.

Knitting and fitness in 30 min or less.  Shownotes can be found at windsweptknits.com.  You can find me on IG and Ravelry as WindsweptMonique and on Facebook and Twitter as WindsweptKnits. Ep 92 recorded 3/5/21 Segments this week include: Be A Helper Craftalaong, FOs, Wips, Out and About Virtually, On the Run, and I’ve Got Sunshine Note on Ravelry – all links to Ravelry are clearly labelled as such. So it’s been a month.  I was intending to record every other week, as has become my new normal, but we’ve had some family stuff going on here and I have just been completely mentally, emotionally and physically exhausted.  I’ve hardly knit anything in the last month.  But the end is in sight, and Spring is trying really hard to arrive here in New England, so while I have a few spoons left in my jar I am recording this episode. Be A Helper Craft-a-long Update Deadline extended to 5/1/21 to make up for my lack of participation. New prizes!  Jennifer Lassonde from Down Cellar Studio podcast has graciously donated 2 patterns to the winners of Be A Helper Craftalong!  A huge thank you to Jen for her generosity in supporting us again this year. Short reminder on the rules Anything you make for any charity counts, doesn’t have to be knit/crochet/woven or spun. ANYthing you make for ANY charity. • One FO submission of the Google Form https://forms.gle/QdJuQUSr8uM7GoiF6 • Donating blood counts too • Wips are welcome Link to submit your Finished Object/blood donation: https://forms.gle/QdJuQUSr8uM7GoiF6 FOs Galliatt (Ravelry) by JimiKnits – Knitting is done!  I finished it just in time for the end of the pigskin party – literally the last night - I just need to add the decorative buttons on the sides. WIPs Slice of Summer – my New Year’s caston using BaH yarns watermelon shawl ball.  I’m nearly done with the pink and on the white/green at the start of the watermelon rind. Pull  Me Over sweater – did a little more of the collar Boxy – a tweaked Joji Locatelli pattern worked in hand dyed laceweight bamboo from Spinaway Farm.  I finished the front and am now up to the shoulders on the back. Tunisian Express – I’m learning Tunisian Crochet and practicing using this pattern.  It’s simple and easy to memorize and also includes a great tutorial with photos.  I’m using leftover yarn from my Belle blanket and the boys’ dragon blankets.  I’ve added a few rows. And that’s all I’ve done in an entire month. Out and About Virtually Lots of fiber events happening online this winter Vogue Knitting Live Upcoming Vogue Knitting Live @ Home Mar18-21.  Stitches At Home this weekend, Mar 13,14, 20 & 21 Fiberworld is running an online march madness event, visit their website to vote. If you have any events you’d like me to share please email me windsweptmonique@gmail.com On the Run I am back in physical therapy and learned a lot about how your brain reacts to pain.  It's fascinating.   I’ve Got Sunshine Happy news this week is that I stopped composting right around the last episode 3 weeks ago.  The happy part isn’t that I’ve stopped composting, it’s that I didn’t have to stop composting until February!  

Knitting and fitness in 30 min or less.  Shownotes can be found at windsweptknits.com.  You can find me on IG and Ravelry as WindsweptMonique and on Facebook and Twitter as WindsweptKnits. Ep 91 recorded 2/5/21 Segments this week include: Be A Helper Craftalaong, FOs, Wips, Stash, Spinning, Out and About Virtually, On the Run, and a new segment,  I’ve Got Sunshine Note on Ravelry – all links to Ravelry are clearly labelled as such. Be A Helper Craft-a-long Short reminder on the rules Anything you make for any charity counts, doesn’t have to be knit/crochet/woven or spun. ANYthing you make for ANY charity.• One FO submission of the Google Form https://forms.gle/QdJuQUSr8uM7GoiF6• Donating blood counts too • Wips are welcome Link to submit your Finished Object/blood donation: https://forms.gle/QdJuQUSr8uM7GoiF6 Prizes: 3 prizes 1 skein of Cascade Yarns Anchor Bay, that’s a wool-cotton blned that’s on the border between DK and worsted, in color #28, a sage green color. 1 skein of The Fiber Co’s Arranmore Donegal Heritage.  It’s a merino-cashmere-silk blend that is so soft and squishy.  This is an Aran/bulky weight yarn in the Orla colorway, a burnt-siera/dark orange I am donating a pattern of your choice from my self-published patterns.  I can gift this to you via Ravelry or email the PDF directly. FOs Wenlock (Ravelery) from Tin Can Knits.   Knitting done.  Need to weave in ends WIPs Galliatt (Ravelry) by JimiKnits – I’m seaming the shoulders, then I just have to knit the turtleneck collar and the side edging.  Nearly done! Willowbrook Shawl (Ravelry) – pattern by Brenda Castiel in my own handspun cotton.  Fiber from HipStrings.  I used 2 braids, pulled apart the colors, spun them in rainbow order then chain-plied it to maintain the rainbow.  I am nearing the end of orange – there’s a lot of orange. Slice of Summer – my New Year’s cast on using BaH yarns shawl ball.  I’m probably 2/3 through the pink. Ozone crochet top – restarted it now that my crochet skills are better; already through the band of hexies that go around your ribcage.  Using Scheepjes Coton 8 Pull  Me Over sweater – This was my Christmas Day cast on, though I haven’t picked it up at all since then!  Pattern by Andrea Black, using leftover Universal Yarns cotton that are leftovers from knitting my husband a sweater many, many years ago.  Spinning Buchanan gradient spin – started the 5th and last color of the gradient.  This gradient spin goes from malachite green to a beautiful true blue.  I can’t wait to knit with it! Out and About Virtually Lots of fiber events happening online this winter Pigskin Party now through the Superbowl Ravelry Group  I’m sponsoring for the 3rd year and also participating. Vogue Knitting Live Upcoming Vogue Knitting Live @ Home Feb 11-14, Mar18-21.  Stitches At Home this weekend, Feb 5-7 GGKCS podcast is running their annual winter craftaong starting now through the end of Feb 2021, more details on their Facebook page. Spa 2021 is virtual, sign up for their mailing list for further details. If you have any events you’d like me to share please email me windsweptmonique@gmail.com On the Run Up until now, we’ve had an abnormally warm winter, but as of 2 weeks ago it’s now just plain cold.  No more walking outside for me until it warms up and the ice t.  I’ve Got Sunshine This is a new segment I’m adding, a short segment, but I want to end the podcast on an uplifting note.  After living through a global pandemic for nearly a year, I find that any good news gets lost in all the bad news and I want to change that.  I may share personal stories, or something I’ve found from halfway around the planet, we’ll see how this plays out.  This week I’m starting with a new shoe designed by Nike to be completely hands free.  I’m not talking a sandal, I mean a sneaker-type shoe.  “Called the Flyease Go, it is the first totally hands-free shoe, enveloping and releasing your feet solely through natural motion—a bit like Tony Stark putting on his Iron Man suit. The revolutionary shoe is perfect, says a top Nike designer, for pregnant women in their third trimester, arthritis patients, or those who have lost some or all of the use of their arms—such as stroke victims or injured military veterans.” You get in and out of the shoe by using the “kickstand tab” at the back of the shoe which opens the hinge mid-foot and allows you to slip the shoe off.  Picture what you do when you take a shoe off without untying it – only these shoes are designed to release the foot easily when you do that.  This is awesome!  For anyone with hand or arm injuries, this could be a game changer.  During my first pregnancy I pulled a muscle in my lower abdomen and could barely lift my legs to walk let a lone put shoes on in October – a shoe like this, well, I probably would have given a kidney for it easily lol

Knitting and fitness in 30 min or less.  Shownotes can be found at windsweptknits.com.  You can find me on IG and Ravelry as WindsweptMonique and on Facebook and Twitter as WindsweptKnits. Ep 90 recorded 1/22/21 Segments this week include: Be A Helper Craftalaong, FOs, Wips, Stash, Spinning, Out and About Virtually, On the Run Note on Ravelry – all links to Ravelry are clearly labelled as such – if a link does not say Ravelry, it does not go to Ravelry.  Links to yarn are directly to manufacturer’s pages and should be safe for those still having rav accessibility issues.  So it’s been a month since I last recorded and what a month it’s been.  2021 definitely told 2020, “hey hold my beer”.  With all the craziness happening the last few weeks here in the US and the terror attacks on the Capitol Building I had thought of skipping the Be A Helper Craft-a-long this year because my anxiety levels were hovering around vibrating-chihuahua-on-espresso for a while there, but after some reflection I think that we need it now more than ever. Welcome to our 5th annual craftalong! Inspired by the famous Mr Rogers quote that in times of trouble you should look for the helpers, I'm encouraging folks to BE the helpers.Be A Helper Craftalong5th Be A Helper Craft-a-long has begun! We keep the rules simple.• Anything you make for any charity counts, doesn’t have to be knit/crochet/woven or spun. ANYthing you make for ANY charity.• One FO submission of the Google Form https://forms.gle/QdJuQUSr8uM7GoiF6• Donating blood counts too • Google Form closes when I wake up April 15th.• Wips are welcome One change this year - due to the ongoing accessibility issues at Ravelry, finished objects can be submitted via a Google Form.  I have pages set up to share your beautiful work on Ravelry, but if you want to win a prize, please submit the Google Form. I will link to the Google Form repeatedly over the net few months here in the shownotes, on Ravelry, on IG, on FB and anywhere else I can think to post so you'll be able to find the link when you're ready to submit. Link to submit your Finished Object/blood donation: https://forms.gle/QdJuQUSr8uM7GoiF6 FOs Tan House Brook Shawl (Ravelry) – this is a pattern by Jennifer Lassonde of Down Cellar Studios in the Sekhment base, an alpaca/silk/linen yarn from A Hundred Ravens in the Nevertheless She Persisted colorway that I bought during the virtual Maryland Sheep and Wool.  I’m doing a few rows each week The Opposite of Strict (Ravelry) hat by That Metzbower Girl Designs and it’s a ponytail hat designed to use scraps.  I used up the leftovers from the two RBG Dissent Cowls I made earlier this fall. Princess Blanket by Carol Hladik – wearable crochet blanket.   WIPs Wenlock (Ravelery) from Tin Can Knits.   Knitting done.  Need to weave in ends Galliatt (Ravelry) by JimiKnits – pattern also available on LoveCrafts, using discontinued Longmeadow by Webs.  I finished the front and am about 7” in to the back Willowbrook Shawl (Ravelry) – pattern by Brenda Castiel in my own handspun cotton.  Fiber from HipStrings.  I used 2 braids, pulled apart the colors, spun them in rainbow order then chainplied it to maintain the rainbow.  I am nearing the end of orange – there’s a lot of orange. Pull Me Over sweater – This was my Christmas Day cast on, though I haven’t picked it up at all since then!  Pattern by Andrea Black, using leftover Universal Yarns cotton that are leftovers from knitting my husband a sweater many, many years ago.  Slice of Summer (Ravelry) – my New Year’s caston using BaH yarns shawl ball Ozone crochet top (Ravelry) – restarted it now that my crochet skills are better; already half way through the band of hexies that go around your ribcage Stash My family got me a subscription to Hipstrings Cotton Club!  I am so happy to be a member again, I looooove her colorways.  I got 2 2-oz braids (technically it was the December shipment) that are beautiful blends of purple, blue, brown, mauve and brown called Moody and On the Horizon.  I’m thinking of pulling these 2 apart and making a chain ply, but not sure. For Christmas I got 3 colors of Nomad Yarn’s hand-dyed Gelato series.  This time I got the green, blue and purple to go with the pink, orange and yellow that I bought during a virtual fiber event last summer.  Now I have a whole gorgeous rainbow and I need to decide what to do with it! Spinning Buchanan Fiber gradient spin – the 4th color is done and plied I’ve been spinning 10 min a day Out and About Virtually Lots of fiber events happening online this winter Pigskin Party now through the Superbowl Ravelry Group  I’m sponsoring for the 3rd year and also participating. Vogue Knitting Live Upcoming Vogue Knitting Live @ Home Feb 11-14, Mar18-21.  I got tickets for my birthday am taking classes with Bristol Ivy and Alisdair Post-Quinn and I’m very excited. Stitches At Home Feb 5-7 GGKCS podcast is running their annual winter craftaong starting now through the end of Feb 2021, more details on their Facebook page. Spa 2021 is virtual, sign up for their mailing list for further details. If you have any events you’d like me to share please email me windsweptmonique@gmail.com   On the Run We took our annual New Year’s Day hike.  It’s normally a big group event in our town – groups of 30-ish people led by a guide on trails in our town.  Of course it was a bit different this year.  We hiked by ourselves on a new-to-us trail behind our local agricultural high school.  Lovely trail plus the kids loved seeing the cows and horses.  Other people on the trail but everyone maintained a safe distance and wore masks. Belly dancing - great for bad knees and so much fun!  

Knitting and Running in 30 min or less.  Shownotes can be found at windsweptknits.com.  You can find me on IG and Ravelry as WindsweptMonique and on Facebook and Twitter as WindsweptKnits. Ep 89 recorded 12/3/20 Segments this week include: FOs, Wips, Out and About Virtually, On the Run Note on Ravelry – all links to Ravelry are clearly labelled as such – if a link does not say Ravelry, it does not go to Ravelry.  Links to yarn are directly to manufacturer’s pages and should be safe for those still having rav accessibility issues.  FOs I ended up with lots of FOs this week because I finished my Christmas gift knitting!   The Acadian Shawl (Ravelry), a Christmas gift for my mom in the approximate colors of the Acadian Flag (nous sommes fiere d’etre Acadienne!)  I’m using the Goldberry crochet pattern and working it in blue, white and red with accents of yellow.  I’ve put a photo of the Acadian flag in the shownotes so you can see it. Star Wars scarf (Ravelry) for Thing 1 – One section left, plan to finish later today.  Still loving the new hexagonal needles from Indian Lake Artisans.  I’m using Truboo by Lion Brand, a 100% bamboo yarn in white and dark gray.  Pattern is a series of free charts by Jessica Goddard. Thing 1 Dragon Blanket (Ravelry) – all the pieces are finished, I just need to assemble it.   WIPs Tan House Brook Shawl (Ravelry) – this is a pattern by Jennifer Lassonde of Down Cellar Studios in the Sekhment base, an alpaca/silk/linen yarn from A Hundred Ravens in the Nevertheless She Persisted colorway that I bought during the virtual Maryland Sheep and Wool.  I’m doing a few rows each week Wenlock (Ravelery) from Tin Can Knits.  I used a bunch of scraps in pink, white and yellow for the star pattern at the top, now I’m on to the body and I’ve using a variegated yarn, Cayenne by Feza Yarns, in cool-toned peach-pink-green variegated colorway. Started a new winter tunic for myself, Galliatt (Ravelry) by JimiKnits – pattern also available on LoveCrafts Started a new hat as part of the Fasten Off YAL (more on that a little later), the hat is The Opposite of Strict (Ravelry) by That Metzbower Girl Designs and it’s a ponytail hat designed to use scraps.  I’m using up the leftovers from the two RBG Dissent Cowls I made earlier this fall. Out and About Virtually Lots of fiber events happening online this winter The first-ever Fasten Off YAL is going on right now.  It’s an inclusive yarn-a-long for anyone to join.  It is NOT being run on Ravelry so it’s safe to join for those of you having issues with the new site.  There’s a website, a Facebook group, a Discord server to chat on and you can post on IG with the hashtag #fastenoffyal  More than 90 knit and crochet designers from around the globe are participating.  All the included designs are 25% off through 12/5 using code FO2020 and the crafalong portion runs through 12/31/20.  Pigskin Party now through the Superbowl Ravelry Group  I’m sponsoring for the 3rd year and also participating. Vogue Knitting Live Upcoming Vogue Knitting Live @ Home events will be Dec 10-13, and Jan 14-17.  I will be attending the January VKL Stitches At Home December 5,6,12,13. GGKCS podcast is running their annual winter craftaong starting now through the end of Feb 2021, more details on their Facebook page. If you have any events you’d like me to share please email me windsweptmonique@gmail.com   On the Run I was doing really well then I tweaked my knee again last Saturday.  Meh.  Lots of icing and ibuprofen and I’m staying off it as much as possible.  It’s starting to be less cranky.  

Knitting and Running in 30 min or less.  Shownotes can be found at windsweptknits.com.  You can find me on IG and Ravelry as WindsweptMonique and on Facebook and Twitter as WindsweptKnits. Ep 88 recorded 11/20/20 Segments this week include: FOs, Wips, Spinning, Out and About, On the Run Note on Ravelry – all links to Ravelry are clearly labelled as such – if a link does not say Ravelry, it does not go to Ravelry.  Links to yarn are directly to manufacturer’s pages and should be safe for those still having rav accessibility issues.  WIPs The Acadian Shawl (Ravelry), a Christmas gift for my mom in the approximate colors of the Acadian Flag (nous sommes fiere d’etre Acadienne!)  I’m using the Goldberry crochet pattern and working it in blue, white and red with accents of yellow.  I’ve put a photo of the Acadian flag in the shownotes so you can see it. Star Wars scarf (Ravelry) for Thing 1 – One section left, plan to finish later today.  Still loving the new hexagonal needles from Indian Lake Artisans.  I’m using Truboo by Lion Brand, a 100% bamboo yarn in white and dark gray.  Pattern is a series of free charts by Jessica Goddard. Tan House Brook Shawl (Ravelry) -  in the Sekhment base, an alpaca/silk/linen yarn from A Hundred Ravens in the Nevertheless She Persisted colorway that I bought during the virtual Maryland Sheep and Wool.  I’m doing a few rows each week Thing 1 Dragon Blanket (Ravelry) – all the pieces are finished, I just need to assemble it. Ankle socks (Ravelry) – just about to the heel turn.  Knitting in CoBaSi by Hikoo. New WIP, Wenlock (Ravelery) from Tin Can Knits.  I used a bunch of scraps in pink, white and yellow for the star pattern at the top, now I’m on to the body and I’ve using a variegated yarn, Cayenne by Feza Yarns, in cool-toned peach-pink-green variegated colorway. Spinning Continuing on the last color of my gradient spin so I can count it towards the Pigskin party.  I’m spinning 5 minutes a day, or every other day.  Slow and steady getting back to using the injured leg.   Out and About Lots of fiber events happening online this fall Pigskin Party now through the Superbowl Ravelry Group  I’m sponsoring for the 3rd year and also participating. Vogue Knitting Live Upcoming Vogue Knitting Live events will be Dec 10-13, and Jan 14-17.  I almost always attend Vogue Live NYC every January, it’s usually a birthday present from my family as it’s often right around my birthday weekend.  This year it’s the weekend after so I’ll probably attend the January event. Stitches At Home December 5,6,12,13. If you have any events you’d like me to share please email me windsweptmonique@gmail.com   On the Run Still not running, but I am biking regularly! 

Knitting and Running in 30 min or less.  Shownotes can be found at windsweptknits.com.  You can find me on IG and Ravelry as WindsweptMonique and on Facebook and Twitter as WindsweptKnits. Ep 87 recorded 11/13/20 Segments this week include: FOs, Wips, Spinning, Out and About, On the Run Note on Ravelry – all links to Ravelry are clearly labelled as such – if a link does not say Ravelry, it does not go to Ravelry.  Links to yarn are directly to manufacturer’s pages and should be safe for those still having rav accessibility issues.  Lots of stress knitting the last week, so I have MULTIPLE FOs! FOs Dumpster Fire ornament 1 (Ravelry) & ornament 2 (Ravelry) both made in CoBaSi by Hikoo, a blend of cotton, silk, bamboo and nylon.  It’s arguably my favorite fingering weight yarn – makes great socks and tank tops.  Pattern by Mary Hull of Kino Knits. Thing 2 hitchiker (Ravelry) – a DK hitchhiker scarf for Thing 2, out of big box store cotton yarn from Michaels.  It’s done and blocked and I accidentally left it out after photographing it and Thing 2 told me how much he LOVED the yarn lol.  Good kid, it’s for you! Dissent Cowl 2 (Ravelry) – this is a Christmas gift for a very knitworthy friend.  I’m using some ancient stash and I’ve about halfway through the necklace portion of the cowl. WIPs New WIP, what I am calling the Acadian Shawl (Ravelry), a Christmas gift for my mom in the approximate colors of the Acadian Flag (nous sommes fiere d’etre Acadienne!)  I’m using the Goldberry crochet pattern and working it in blue, white and red with accents of yellow.  I’ve put a photo of the Acadian flag in the shownotes so you can see it. Star Wars scarf (Ravelry) for Thing 1 – more than halfway through the last chart!  I’m about 7/8 of the way through.  Still loving the new hexagonal needles from Indian Lake Artisans.  I’m using Truboo by Lion Brand, a 100% bamboo yarn in white and dark gray.  Pattern is a series of free charts by Jessica Goddard. Tan House Brook Shawl (Ravelry) -  in the Sekhment base, an alpaca/silk/linen yarn from A Hundred Ravens in the Nevertheless She Persisted colorway that I bought during the virtual Maryland Sheep and Wool.  I’m on the 2nd set of eyelet rows, almost to the 2nd set of textured stitches. Thing 1 Dragon Blanket (Ravelry) – the second Christmas Snap The Dragon Blanket, this one from my older son.  Using deep stash acrylic. Knitting Fail I still have a hard time reading crochet.  Spinning Still no success at a distaff, but I have spun a little more of the Tussah Silk from Pinestar Studios in Maine on my Akerworks drop spindle. Started the last color of my gradient spin so I can count it towards the Pigskin party Out and About Lots of fiber events happening online this fall Pigskin Party now through the Superbowl Ravelry Group  I’m sponsoring for the 3rd year and also participating. Vogue Knitting Live Upcoming Vogue Knitting Live events will be Nov 12-15, Dec 10-13, and Jan 14-17.  I almost always attend Vogue Live NYC every January, it’s usually a birthday present from my family as it’s often right around my birthday weekend.  This year it’s the weekend after so I’ll probably attend the January event. Stitches At Home December 5,6,12,13. If you have any events you’d like me to share please email me windsweptmonique@gmail.com   On the Run Still not running, but I’m biking! 

Knitting and Running in 30 min or less.  Shownotes can be found at windsweptknits.com.  You can find me on IG and Ravelry as WindsweptMonique and on Facebook and Twitter as WindsweptKnits. Ep 85 recorded 10/23/20 Segments this week include: Be a Helper Craft-a-long prep, Wips, Spinning, Stash, Out and About, On the Run Note on Ravelry – all links to Ravelry are clearly labelled as such – if a link does not say Ravelry, it does not go to Ravelry.  Links to yarn are directly to manufacturer’s pages and should be safe for those still having rav accessibility issues.  Be a Helper Craftalong For those of you who are new to the podcast, every winter I run the Be A Helper Craftalong, inspired by famous quote from Mister Rogers, that in times of troubles to look for the helpers.  This charity-focused craftalong urges people to BE the helper.  The rules are very simple: Anything you make for any charity counts, doesn’t have to be knit/crochet. ANYthing you make for ANY charity. One entry per FO Donating blood counts too - post a photo of your bandaid or of you drinking OJ afterwards, something like that. Wips are welcome First up I’d like to talk to you all quickly about the schedule for this year’s craftalong.   Secondly, I will have to adjust how I run the event and track FOs since Ravelry is not safe for everyone to use.   WIPs Star Wars scarf (Ravelry) for Thing 1 – finished the Death Star and all of Chart 2!  Still loving the new hexagonal needles from Indian Lake Artisans.  I’m using Truboo by Lion Brand, a 100% bamboo yarn in white and dark gray. Thing 2 hitchiker (Ravelry) – a DK hitchhiker scarf for Thing 2, out of big box store cotton yarn from Michaels.  It’s still my car knitting and knitting a row or 2 most days. Ankle socks (Ravelry) – Still on the 2nd sock getting closer to the heel.  I’m in physical therapy and have been working on it a little before each appointment. Tan House Brook Shawl (Ravelry) -  in the Sekhment base, an alpaca/silk/linen yarn from A Hundred Ravens in the Nevertheless She Persisted colorway that I bought during the virtual Maryland Sheep and Wool.  I’m on the 2nd set of eyelet rows, almost to the 2nd set of textured stitches. Willowbrook Shawl (Ravelry) – by Brenda Castiel in my own handspun cotton. I spun this yarn with fiber from fiber from Hipstrings with this shawl in mind last June during Pride month. I’ve finished the pinks and am on the red in the rainbow handspun. Dissent Cowl 2 (Ravelry) – this is a Christmas gift for a very knitworthy friend.  I’m using some ancient stash and I’ve finished the first dots section and have reached the color band. Spinning Still no success at a distaff, but I have spun a little more of the Tussah Silk from Pinestar Studios in Maine Out and About Virtual Rhinebeck – this past weekend.  Lots of fiber events happening online this fall Pigskin Party now through the Superbowl Ravelry Group  I’m sponsoring for the 3rd year and also participating. Vogue Knitting Live Upcoming Vogue Knitting Live eve nts will be Nov 12-15, Dec 10-13, and Jan 14-17.  I almost always attend Vogue Live NYC every January, it’s usually a birthday present from my family as it’s often right around my birthday weekend.  This year it’s the weekend after so I’ll probably attend the January event. Stitches Expo at Home – Nov 6-8 If you have any events you’d like me to share please email me windsweptmonique@gmail.com   On the Run Had an MRI, fun times.   Stress fracture is healing though the knee itself is still swollen and sore.  No walking for quite a while yet.  But once I’m back on my feet I will continue the 100 Mile challenge I was part of.

Ep 84 Knitting and injuries in 30 minutes or less because even in a pandemic we’re all still busy Segments this week include: FOs, Wips, Stash, Out and About, On the Run Note on Ravelry – all links to Ravelry are clearly labelled as such – if a link does not say Ravelry, it does not go to Ravelry.  Links to yarn are directly to manufacturer’s pages and should be safe for those still having rav accessibility issues.  FO Dissent Cowl (Ravelry) – my homage to Ruth Bader Ginsburg, pattern by Carissa Browning and together we’ve raised over 30,000 through this pattern for the ACLU.  Nice work knitters!  I’m using ancient stash yarn.  Over halfway through the necklace portion Thing 2 Dragon Blanket (Ravelry)  - I assembled it yesterday while my kids were at school.  I modeled it and posted some silly photos on FB/Insta because how often do you get to wear a dragon blanket, complete with spines?!?  Thing 2 is going to LOVE it WIPs Star Wars scarf (Ravelry) for Thing 1 – started the Millennium Flacon and the Death Star, then it’ll be the Dark Side and some weird alien writing, then the Dark Side is the last third.  I’m trying to work 5 rows a day so it’ll be done in time for Christmas.  Still loving the new hexagonal needles from Indian Lake Artisans.  I’m using Truboo by Lion Brand, a 100% bamboo yarn. Thing 2 hitchiker (Ravelry) – a DK hitchhiker scarf for Thing 2, out of big box store cotton yarn from Michaels.  It’s still my car knitting and knitting a row or 2 most days. Ankle socks (Ravelry) – Still on the 2nd sock.  It lives in my purse so I’ve worked on this a few times waiting in lines. Pigskin Party Castons: Tan House Brook Shawl (Ravelry) -  in the Sekhment base, an alpaca/silk/linen yarn from A Hundred Ravens in the Nevertheless She Persisted colorway that I bought during the virtual Maryland Sheep and Wool.  I;ve started section 3. Willowbrook Shawl (Ravelry) – by Brenda Castiel in my own handspun cotton. I spun this yarn with fiber from fiber from Hipstrings with this shawl in mind last June during Pride month.  Spinning New Akerworks lightweight drop spindle – started spinning silk singles again.  Won’t be wheel-spinning again for a while, I have a leg injury and am currently awaiting an MRI next week.  This is my first spindle from Akerworks.  I love their wheel bobbins soooo much, and I had a feeling I’d like their spindles and so far I really do. Out and About Lots of fiber events happening online this fall Pigskin Party now through the Superbowl Ravelry Group  I’m sponsoring for the 3rd year and also participating. Stitches @ Home – put on by the folks XRX the folks who to Stitches East/West/South etc.  Continuing Oct 10 and 11. Virtual Rhinebeck – Oct 15-18  I’ve signed up for 2 classes on crochet to improve my skills and learn how to read a pattern better because the charts are definitely harder to read than knitting charts. Indie Untangled Everywhere – the popular Rhinebeck-adjacent event for independent dyers is also going digital this year, more than 40 vendors plus access to zoom calls with designers. Vogue Knitting Live Upcoming Vogue Knitting Live eve nts will be Nov 12-15, Dec 10-13, and Jan 14-17.  I almost always attend Vogue Live NYC every January, it’s usually a birthday present from my family as it’s often right around my birthday weekend.  This year it’s the weekend after so I’ll probably attend the January event. If you have any events you’d like me to share please email me windsweptmonique@gmail.com   On the Run I need an MRI.  Damn.

I'm back!!!  I have a new laptop so now I can record!!! Ep 82 Knitting and running in 30 minutes or less Segments this week include: FOs, Wips, Out and About, On the Run Shownotes originally written in early August when my laptop died!  I just got a new laptop and so the podcast is back!  Not sure if it will be weekly or bi-weekly, it depends on my kid’s school schedules.  They are both hybrid at the moment but if things go sideways that could change at a moment’s notice.  I live outside Boston and after getting hit hard at first we’ve kept our numbers down.  Most people are behaving sensibly, wearing masks, staying 6 feet apart and trying hard to prevent the spread of COVID.   Note on Ravelry – all rav project links in the show notes are labelled.   Links to yarn are directly to manufacturer’s pages and should be safe for those still having rav accessibility issues.  Now that I have a laptop I can start getting my patterns on PayHip – they are already available on LoveCrafts so there is already a Ravelry alternative. FO empower People (Ravelry) cowl/handband – I knit my purple cowl/handband to encourage folks to vote.  I used a discontinued bamboo yarn that was dyed in South Africa by women paid a fair wage. Goldberry (Ravelry)  - first crochet shawl is complete!  I’m about to start a 2nd lol  both will/are crocheted in Feza Baby Handdyed WIPs Laceweight Boxy (Ravelry) – I split for the shoulders!  So excited.  Haven’t worked on it in at least a month so it won’t be ready to wear this fall, but it will be for Spring.  Using handdyed lace-weight bamboo yarn from Spinnaway Farms that I bought at Rhinebeck years ago. Papillon (Ravelry) – About 1/3 way through 2nd section.  Using Berroco Medina that I bought at The Yarn Patch in Crossville, TN last year and a gold Tencel yarn from Artisinal Yarns that I bought at Rhinebeck 2 years ago. Triyang (Ravelry) – an old WIP that I started as SSK in 2017, I tend to keep this pattern for travelling and since we have 2 small kids we don’t travel much anymore.  Now with COVID19 we’re not traveling at all, so I’m pulling this project back into rotation because I really enjoy this pattern.  I’m knitting it up in Araucania Yumbrel, a discontinued lace-weight cotton variegated yarn.  When done it’ll have around 2000 yards, probably won’t finish until next year. Star Wars scarf (Ravelry) for Thing 1 – Just finished the Light Side, which is /3 of the shawl.  Center section has Millenium Flacon and Death Star, then it’ll be the Dark Side.  I’ve switched to new hexagonal needles I ordered from Indian Lake Artisans and I find it much easier on my hands so I can knit more rows on it.  For some reason with double knitting, my left had has a death grip on the needles, but the wooden hex needles hold the slippery bamboo better.  I’m using Truboo by Lion Brand, a 100% bamboo yarn. Thing 2 hitchiker (Ravelry) – a DK hitchhiker scarf for Thing 2, since I;m knitting a scarf for Thing 1.  It’s in a variegated yarn from a big box store in purple, yellow, green and tan.  This is now my car knitting.  It’s getting a little love daily at school drop off and pick up, because of course my kid’s schedules are different. Thing 2 Dragon Blanket (Ravelry) – almost done with this crochet blanket in purple (his favorite color) and green.  I literally just need to assemble it.  It’s for Thing 2 for Christmas, it’s a blanket with a hood, spines and claws that you can wear.  Yes I’ll be making one in red for Thing 1 too.  These blankets are/will be in deep acrylic stash, some much older than my kids! Ankle socks (Ravelry) – I’m now on the 2nd sock.  It’s living in my purse but since we rarely leave the house it doesn’t see a lot of love.  Socks knit in CoBaSi by Hikoo, a wool-free sock yarn made of cotton, bamboo, silk and nylon, in a variegated turquoise and blue colorway.  I started these on the cruise back before the pandemic started because this yarn reminded me of beautiful Caribbean waters. Out and About Pigskin Party 6:05 Saturday – Down Cellar Studio website, Ravelry Group FiberWorld back in August, so much fun! Tour de Fleece just ended,  2 Sat, Aug 29, 2020 – Sun, Sep 20, 2020 Vogue Knitting Live, Oct 8-11 – I think this is the 3rd online vogue live?  I have not attended personally but know several who have and loved it.  I might get tickets to this one as obviously January in NYC is not going to happen. If you have any events you’d like me to share please email me windsweptmonique@gmail.com   On the Run Well, I’ve definitely put on the COVID 19 so I’m trying to get back in shape

Episode 81 - Recorded Thursday, June 26th 2020 New pattern, end of be-a-helper kal, wips, knitting fail, spinning, wearables, out and about and if we have time I’ll do an on the run segment. New Pattern alert! As of the time you’re hearing this, I have a new pattern available through Knotions Magazine!  The pattern is named For Spacious Skies and is knit using a gorgeous muted red, blue and white colorway from Birdies Knits named Old Glory and a small amount of white yarn for the star. I found this yarn and this indie dyer at the very first Stitches United in Hartford, CT several years ago. I was so excited – I’d never met a hand-dyer who worked in anything other than wool. Being highly allergic to sheep, wool is not an option for me. This colorway reminded me of 4th of July parades with my grandparents and great-grandmother, of summer beach days and Friday night band concerts at the local park all summer with my family. The star is worked first, from the center out, then short rows make the circle into a square. The remainder of the top is worked top-down – the bust area is worked back-and forth to the underarm, then the whole piece is joined in the round. Recommend -1 to -3 inches of ease (negative ease). This means if you’re targeting a 38 bust, that you should choose a 36 (38-2). Bust: 32 - 60” , [81.5 - 152.5) cm] Be-A-Helper KAL Last 2 prize winners announced! WIPs Laceweight Boxy – Now about 16” long Papillon – Started 2nd section.  Using Berroco Medina that I bought at The Yarn Patch in Crossville, TN last year and a gold Tencel yarn from Artisinal Yarns that I bought at Rhinebeck 2 years ago. Goldberry – I started a new crochet pattern this week.   Triyang – an old WIP that I started as SSK in 2017, I tend to keep this pattern for travelling and since we have 2 small kids we don’t travel much anymore.   Star Wars scarf for Thing 2 – I’m still working on the Blasters section of the Light Side section.  Ozone Sweater – worked a little on the Ozone Sweater, a crochet sweater, which leads me to… Knitting Fail I tried to work on this last Thursday during my stitching group, but apparently I cannot join crochet and talk at the same time.  The medallions are linked in 5 places along one side, and I screwed it up 3 times.  At the end of 1:45 I had completed (and successfully joined) 1 medallion and started the center of a second.  That’s all.  In nearly 2 hours.  Spinning I finished my Pride Month spin!  I pulled apart 2 braids from Hipstring’s cotton club from 2019, and spun them color by color to make a rainbow.  Then two nights ago I started to learn to chain ply, which I finished yesterday.  It’s not my best yarn ever, since it’s my first-ever chain ply, but I’m proud nonetheless. Wearbles It’s tank top season finally here in MA so I’ve recently wore my Out Tonight pattern, which is a sleeveless top inspired by the musical Rent.  We had a cold windy day last weekend and I wore the Taking Flight shawl, a pattern by Katherine Belisle and inspired by Captain Marvel. I recently wore my Strawberry Blossoms top, which I still love, but I’ve noticed after washing that the CoBaSi yarn tends to stretch more sideways than vertically when knit in garments.  I have an extra skein of the yellow left, so I’m considering pulling out the turned hem, knitting a few extra inches, then re-doing the hem.  I’ll let you know if I decide to go ahead with it. On the Run No exercise this week, poison ivy sucks Out and About Tour de Fleece 1 Sat Jun 27 – Sun Jul 19 Tour de Fleece 2 Sat, Aug 29, 2020 – Sun, Sep 20, 2020 Here in MA we’re slowly opening back up while keeping our new cases of COVID19 low, and  I went to a yarn shop! This is my first visit to a LYS since January. I visited @agreatyarn in Chatham, MA, a store I love to visit.

Recorded Wednesday 6/10/20 Let’s start with the basics:  black live matter.  Black people should matter just as much as any other person but the fact is, in American society, they do not. If you have any doubts about that I am including a link to an old video of Jane Elliot that you should watch.  I think all white folks should watch it, it’s only 1 minute and I wager a few of you have seen the clip before.  But it speaks volumes. The fight is not over.  We still have work to.  Vote, support businesses, make donations if you can, write to your lawmakers, sign petitions.  Not all of us are able to attend protests but there’s a lot we can do.  Most importantly educate yourself.  Listen.  I will be donating 50% of the profits from my self-published patterns for the month of June to the Southern Poverty Law Center who work to combat racism across the country.  I also personally donated to Black Girls Code, a group who supports black women in computer science.  Many of you may know that my background is in computer science, I have a BS in computer science from St Michael’s College and a MSc in Computing and Internet Studies from King’s College London, UK.  My field really, really needs diversification.  For undergrad I was one of two girls in my grade in my major and there were no black folks at all.  I know it’s changed some in the past 15 years, but our field needs to change more, so I’m putting my money where my mouth is. Also you may have noticed sound quality has changed.  My husband surprised me with a new podcast mic for mother’s day, it arrived a few weeks after and I am finally recording with it today.  Also Cally the deaf cat is here. FOs South Woods  - pattern by River Road Knits.  First handspun sweater complete!  So proud of it.  Great fit.  I want to make a sleeveless version of this. Aggregate 2 – Pattern by JimiKnits.  Knit in Tencel yarn by Artisinal yarns.  Kinda want to start another already.  Love this pattern. Go With the Flo shawl – pattern by Jennifer Lassonde Designs, knit in handspun.   WIPs Sassy Wrapitude – Part of the Wrapitude collection by Megan Williams, Just Run Knit.  Using yellow CoBaSi by Hikoo and bamboo/cotton blend dyed in peachy oranges with speckles of pink and yellow from Great Adirondack Yarn that I bought at Rhinebeck.  On section 8, lace. Laceweight Boxy – Now about 14” long Papillon – Started 2nd section.  Using Berroco Medina that I bought at The Yarn Patch in Crossville, TN last year and a gold Tencel yarn from Artisinal Yarns that I bought at Rhinebeck 2 years ago. Ankle socks – using Fish Lips Kiss heel and 52 sts, finished the first sock, just finished toe of second sock.   Out and About Rhinebeck officially cancelled for 2020. “After much deliberation, the DCSWGA board and festival planning committee have decided to cancel the in-person 2020 NYS Sheep & Wool Festival. In its place, we will host a virtual festival online. More details on that to come. If you have any questions, please contact our Festival Manager, Nena Johnson at festivalinfo at sheepandwool dot com”   Be a Helper Craftalong I will close the FO thread on June 20th.  Thank you SOOOOO much for your participation.

Episode 79 – recorded 5/14/20 Wips South Woods – I’ve finished the sleeves!  Only a collar left; on hold for Stash Dash Sassy Wrapitude – Part of the Wrapitude collection by Megan Williams Laceweight Boxy – Now about 13” long Aggregate 2 – on last time through Right Hand Wedge Papillon – I started the butterfly/papillon shawl using Berroco Medina that I bought at The Yarn Patch in Crossville, TN last year and a gold Tencel yarn from Artisinal Yarns that I bought at Rhinebeck 2 years ago. Go With the Flo shawl – still in the center section.   Spinning Finished the first color of the gradient, 2oz of malachite green.  Started 2nd shade of green. On the Run I’ve been struggling to incorporate fitness since I tweaked my back a month ago. But I'm trying to plan to make success easier Out and About – Virtually Vogue Knitting Live happening RIGHT NOW through the 18th.  I don’t know if any classes still have openinigs MDSW was fun 2 weeks ago.  It was all virtual and the interest was so great, the server crashed! Luckily someone stepped in with a PDF with links to the vendors.  I ordered silk from Tess’ Designer Yarns which arrived last weekend and is soooooo soft and squishy!  Also ordered a skein of alpaca/silk/linen from A Hundred Ravens, still waiting for that to ship.      

Episode 78 – preparation is for the birds recorded Wednesday 4/29/20 FOs Ear savers/mask buddies – I've crocheted several more.  A big, huge thanks to Lisa from Fibernymph Dyeworks for mailing me some buttons so I can finish even more!  WIPS South Woods – I’ve finished the back! Sassy Wrapitude – Part of the Wrapitude collection by Megan Williams, got the pattern free from attending Into the Wool.  Cast on with yellow CoBaSi by Hikoo and bamboo/cotton blend from Great Adirondack Yarn that I bought at Rhinebeck.  I’m on the 7th section, which is garter ridges.  Just finished interesting slipped stitch section Ozone Sweater – I finally started the actual sweater! Earth Rise – new design I’m working on, inspired by the famous photo the Apollo astronauts took the first time they came around the dark side of the room and saw the Earth rising up above the moon’s surface.  Not working on it as much - my brain doesn't want to do math Laceweight Boxy – How long do you make your Boxy sweaters?  I’m about 12” and trying to decide how long I want it to be. Knitting Fail You may have noticed there’s no Star Wars scarf listed here – that’s because I broke the needle.  I didn’t see the green needle on the blue chair in the dark, and when I knelt on the chair to turn on the light on the wall behind, I snapped the needle right at the connector. Out and About Maryland Sheep and Wool - virtual May 2 & 3 Vogue Knitting Live - virtual May 11- 18  

Episode 77 Segments include WIPs, spinning, Learn Something New, On The Run Hi everyone, how are you surviving?  It’s starting to feel a bit like Groundhog Day (the movie) at our house.   Wips South Woods – I’m continuing to work on the body in stockinette.  This has been my go-to knitting while the boys are home schooling.  I’m about to 14 inches from the bottom of the folded hem.  I need at least one more inch, maybe two. Sassy Wrapitude – Part of the Wrapitude collection by Megan Williams, got the pattern free from attending Into the Wool.  Cast on with yellow CoBaSi by Hikoo and bamboo/cotton blend from Great Adirondack Yarn that I bought at Rhinebeck.  I’m on the 3rd section, which is garter ridges. Ozone Sweater – still swatching for the Colorful Sweater Ozone by Concept Creative – more on this later. Star Wars Scarf – doubleknit scarf that will be a Christmas gift for Thing 1, who will be 9 by that point.  He’s going to love it!  So far I’ve knit the rebel icon, a lightsaber, tauntauns, a large X-ray and just started to knit blasters. Earth Rise – new design I’m working on, inspired by the famous photo the Apollo astronauts took the first time they came around the dark side of the room and saw the Earth rising up above the moon’s surface.  For some reason, this one is bringing me a lot of peace right now. Ear savers/mask buddies – I crocheted a few dozen ear savers for my friends who are doctors/nurses/essential personnel who now have to wear masks all day and the elastics are hurting their ears.  You wear it on the back of your head and hook the mask elastic on the buttons instead of your ears.  I’ve got about 10 left to sew buttons on. Ankle Socks – socks I started in FL and worked on cruise.  Working now in you hear needles Laceweight Boxy – worked 3 rows this morning  Spinning I did get a little spinning time in this last week.  I’m probably 1/3 of the way through the 2nd malachite green portion.  Learn Something New I am continuing to get better at crochet.  I’ve been practicing the circles for the Ozone pattern.  On the Run No running, knee isn’t that good yet, but I took a ballet class online earlier this week.  And tweaked my back. Doh!

Episode 76 – 4/1/20 Segment this week include Happy Podiversary, Be A Helper Craftalong, Wips, Learn Something New, Exercise in Isolation Happy anniversary to Knitting On The Run podcast!  In all the recent craziness, I forgot that last week was my podiversary!  Three years down, hopefully many more to go! Be a Helper Craftalong 4th Be A Helper Craft-a-long is ongoing! We keep the rules simple. Anything you make for any charity counts, doesn’t have to be knit/crochet/woven or spun. ANYthing you make for ANY charity. One FO per photo in the FO thread Donating blood counts too - post a photo of your bandaid or of you drinking OJ afterwards, something like that. FO Thread closes when I wake up April 1st. Wips are welcome Prizes Today: 1 skein of Sock Yarn from A Great Yarn in Chatham, MA dyed exclusively for them by Hauteknits in the Finest Hours colorway, 75% merino, 25% nylon • 1 25g skein of Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sock plus a mini skein of handspun Posts 2-34 were up through March 31st   Wips South Woods – I’m continuing to work on the body in stockinette.  This has been my go-to knitting while the boys are home schooling.  I think I’m up to 6 or 7 inches, haven’t measured officially. Ankle socks – a few more rows, still getting close to the 1st heal Sassy Wrapitude – cast on for the Sassy Wrap by Megan Williams, got the pattern free from attending  Into the Wool.  Cast on with yellow CoBaSi by Hikoo and bamboo/cotton blend from Great Adirondack Yarn that I bought at Rhinebeck. Ozone – swatching for the Colorful Sweater Ozone by Concept Creative – more on this later. New shawl, can’t say much yet.  Yeah I have cast-on-it is Learn Something New About that ozone sweater I mentioned – it’s crochet not knitting!   Exercise in Isolation I haven’t been great in terms of keeping up with exercise this week.  I did something to my wrist so I’ve been taking it easy, but I wanted to go over what we’d been doing up until that point and what my kids are still doing. Cosmic Kids Yoga – we started this the first day of school at home, even before we got official school work.  I did Cosmic Kids with my oldest when Thing 2 was born and I was so excited to find that she has kept releasing videos these last 4 years. Karate – my boys take karate and their dojo has been sending out videos for the kids to do at home.  Our dojo hasn’t made them public but several have – if your kids want to try just search google or youtube and you’ll find some. Running around – at recess I kick the boys outide and give them a time when they can come back in.  That gives me a few minutes alone without them and also gives them exercise as they usually run around outside. Gardening – I like to grow food and gardening is definitely exercise! Dance – I’ve done a few dance videos I’ve found online.  I love Broadway musicals and several cast members have been recording video at home, workouts set to the music of their shows, and some are a lot of fun!  I’ve also taken a ballet class or two.  

Welcome to the Knitting On the Run Podcast I want your input - should we extend the Be A Helper Craftalong?  Listen for my plan and let me know what you think. Wips South Woods Boxy Ankle Socks Stress Ways to deal with the cray stress we're all feeling right now. And remember it’s OK to not be OK right now.  The whole world is topsy turvy and we are just figuring out how to handle all the changes.  It’s OK to be upset, or sad, or angry.  But if you feel like it’s all too much and you can’t handle what’s going on, please talk to a mental help professional.  Call your therapist, call your doctor to get a referral or visit mentalhealth.gov for links and numbers to services that can help you.  If you need help right now text the Crisis Text Line.  In the US its 741741, in Canada text 686868 or 741741 and in the UK 85258. 

Episode 74 – 3/4/2020 Segments this week include tech talk, Be A Helper Craftalong, FOs, Wips, Out and About. New temporary mic.  Pardon the head cold.  Yes I’m sick again. Be a Helper Craftalong 4th Be A Helper Craft-a-long is ongoing! We keep the rules simple. Anything you make for any charity counts, doesn’t have to be knit/crochet/woven or spun. ANYthing you make for ANY charity. One FO per photo in the FO thread Donating blood counts too - post a photo of your bandaid or of you drinking OJ afterwards, something like that. FO Thread closes when I wake up April 1st. Wips are welcome Prizes: 1 skein of Sock Yarn from A Great Yarn in Chatham, MA dyed exclusively for them by Hauteknits in the Finest Hours colorway, 75% merino, 25% nylon • 1 25g skein of Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sock plus a mini skein of handspun • Spun to order handspun, by me. I have 2 or 3 colorways that I’ll let the winner choose for me to spin up. • One pattern of your choice from the Down Cellar Studio Ravelry store, courtesy of Jennifer Lassonde FOs Matchy Socks – At the cuff of first sock New pattern for a magazine coming out this summer – check out social media this week if you’re interested in test knitting a tank top. Rey costume – working on my Rey costume for an upcoming Star Wars Day.  I’ve knit roughly 19 feet out of 10, then it’ll be time for armbands.   Wips South Woods – On second repeat of Chart 2 lace for the back.  Ankle socks – started my first ever ankle socks.   Out and About Stitches United - March 26-29, 2020 Got back from 12 days away – 4 days in FL at my in-laws, a week on a cruise.  For the next week you’ll see images from our trip on social media, including my Rey costume on our Star Wars Day at Sea on the cruise.  

Episode 73 – 2/12/20 Segments include Be A Helper Craftalong, Wips, Knitting Fail, Out and About Microphone cable finally arrived!  Wrong cable arrived first, had to return and wait for second.  Hopefully sound is better this week.  Apologies for the headcold but I don’t dare wait longer to record. Be a Helper Craftalong 4th Be A Helper Craft-a-long is ongoing! We keep the rules simple. Anything you make for any charity counts, doesn’t have to be knit/crochet/woven or spun. ANYthing you make for ANY charity. One FO per photo in the FO thread Donating blood counts too - post a photo of your bandaid or of you drinking OJ afterwards, something like that. FO Thread closes when I wake up April 1st. Wips are welcome I’ll go over prizes again in March, they are listed in the Ravelry group. Wips – lots! Rey tabard – working on my Rey costume for an upcoming Star Wars Day.  I’ve knit roughly 9 feet out of 10, then it’ll be time for armbands. Preemie hat – Made progress on the preemie hat Aggregate Shawl – A few short rows on this shawl Matchy Socks – At the cuff of first sock South Woods – Finished Chart 1 of lace, started Chart 2.  Blocked what I had so far so I can take it on vacation with me in a few weeks. Knitting Fail The Dress.  Ugh.  Ripped it back to skirt.  Fabric was awful. Out and About NETA Spa – Feb 28 – Mar 1 Wayland Fiber Day Farmers Market – Mar 1 Stitches United - March 26-29, 2020  

Episode 72 1/22/20 Be a helper, wips, knitting fail, wearables, pattern stalking, out and about Be a Helper Craftalong 4th Be A Helper Craft-a-long has begun! We keep the rules simple. Anything you make for any charity counts, doesn’t have to be knit/crochet/woven or spun. ANYthing you make for ANY charity. One FO per photo in the FO thread Donating blood counts too - post a photo of your bandaid or of you drinking OJ afterwards, something like that. FO Thread closes when I wake up April 1st. Wips are welcome One more new prize to announce, a pattern from Jennifer Lassonde of Down Cellar Studio!  Thanks so much, Jen! Wips – lots these last 2 weeks! Preemie hat – about half way through my first for the year. Aggregate Shawl – I’ve reached the end of the shawl as written, but I have more yarn left.  I’m continuing in the pattern as established until I run out of yarn. Matchy Socks – nearly to the cuff Dress – The handmade dress I’ve been working on is coming along nicely.  I’ve split for armholes and I’m nearly done with the front left strap.   South Woods – started a new sweater for myself, South Woods by River Road Knits .  I’m using some old stash yarn for the lace underlayer and my handspun for the main body of the sweater, which leads me to… Kitting Fail Be careful not to twist! Wearables My birthday weekend was incredibly warm, topping out at 74F (23C) whereas our highs should hover right around freezing.  So I wore lots of warm-weather handknits, like one of my Mommy’s Tunic samples and the Lace Sweater 01 from Vogue Knitting Magazine designed by Brooke Nico.  Knit this in a cone of 5/2 bamboo from Webs years ago.  The pattern is a lace coat, nearly knee-length, and I wore it as a jacket out for my birthday dinner. Since then, it’s been COLD.  I’ve also worn Frosted sweater by Paper Daisy Creations and lots of shawls, including Changing Staircases, Pont du Marais and Use Your Stash Shawls, both designed by me.  Also my boys and I have all worn some handknit socks, all made using the Fish Lips Kiss Heel.  I;m wearing my Twist and Shout had by Michele duNaier nearly every day.  My youngest has worn the Monomoy Sweater several times and wears his Bermuda Hat every day.  And I’ve worn the Dancing Dragons Coat – it makes a great indoor layer on super cold days. Pattern Stalking Thing 2 want’s a new sweater, another hat, Halloween socks and Christmas socks and I keep thinking about knitting another Hitofude.  Out and About Wayland Winter Farmers Market Fiber Days – Jan 26 & Mar 1 Boston Farm & fiber Fest – Feb 9 Stitches United - March 26-29, 2020

Episode 71 – Be A Helper Craftalong – we’ll go over the (simple) rules and some ideas for what you can make.   Be A Helper Craftalong 4th Be A Helper Craftalong has begun! We keep the rules simple. Anything you make for any charity counts, doesn’t have to be knit/crochet/woven or spun. ANYthing you make for ANY charity. One FO per photo in the FO thread Donating blood counts too - post a photo of your bandaid or of you drinking OJ afterwards, something like that. FO Thread closes when I wake up April 1st. Wips are welcome Prizes 1 skein of Sock Yarn from A Great Yarn in Chatham, MA dyed exclusively for them by Hauteknits in the Finest Hours colorway, 75% merino, 25% nylon 1 25g skein of Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sock plus a mini skein of handspun Spun to order handspun, by me. I have 2 or 3 colorways that I’ll let the winner choose for me to spin up. Need some ideas? Check out these charities: Preemie Hats – check with your local hospital for yarn requirements. These need to be washed in an industrial strength washing machine so there may be limits, many only accept acrylic/nylon. If your local hospital isn’t accepting hats, Dana from the Unwind Yarn Company collects them from her retreat attendees in the fall and I’ll be happy to collect them and mail them to her with my own in September. Greg, aka Knitting Daddy of the Unraveling podcast also has accepted mailed hats in the past for his local hospital. Knitted Knockers– these are prostheses for breast cancer survivors who have not had or cannot have reconstructive surgery. Knockers must be made with plant based yarn – wool is too scratchy on scar tissue – and a list of acceptable yarns is linked in the shownotes available via PDF and there are top down and bottom-up patterns on their website. Mother Bears– I learned of this charity from the 2 Knit Lit Chicks who run a Mother Bear KAL every year. These bears provide comfort to children who are victim of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa. Mother Bear will snail mail you the knitting or crochet pattern for a small fee. All they ask is that you return the finished bear with $3 to cover the shipping to Africa. KnitAid– has USA and UK branches. UK is currently collecting hats, mittens, blankets and water bottle covers.  All items must be knit in dark-colored yarn because the recipients will not be able to wash them easily. CompassionKnit- Bay Area, CA charity that gives handknit items to foster kids, most of whom have very few belongings of their own. A gift knit especially for them, something a stranger took hours and hours to make just for them, is something they cherish. Animal Rescue Craft Guild – knit, crochet or sew Joey pouches, bat wraps, nests, possum pouches, etc for animal survivors of the devastating wildfires in Australia. Before crafting, check the announcements on the FB page (linked in the show notes) as the graphic is updated with what they do and do not need.  They work closely with carers and animal rescue groups and update the graphic regularly.  Please be aware they currently have plenty of koala mittens but are in need of a lot of other help. A Great Yarn in Chatham, MA runs an annual blanket project for the homeless population on Cape Cod. Use any washable worsted-weight yarn to make a panel 1-foot [30cm] by 6 feet [1.8 m] and drop it off or mail it to the shop, mailing address in show notes.  Their goal this year is 250 blankets.  A Great Yarn 894 Main Street Chatham, MA 02633 A local homeless shelter or domestic violence shelter. Please check with them before assuming they take items, but many are happy to accept gifts of socks, hats, scarves and mittens especially in the winter. Do you have a charity craft idea that you think others would like to hear about? Let me know and I’ll talk about it on a future episode. Out and About Wayland Winter Farmers Market Fiber Days – Jan 26 & Mar 1 VKL NYC Jan 16-20 Stitches United - March 26-29, 2020 Knitting Weekend and Fiber Marketplace at Slater Mill -  Jan 11 & 12 Boston Farm & fiber Fest – Feb 9