Podcasts about windsweptmonique

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. 

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

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.

Episode 57 – 1/17/18 - Knitting and Running in 30 minutes or less.  You can find me as WindsweptMonique on Ravelry and Instagram or as Windswept Knits on Facebook and Twitter.  Shownotes can be found on my website at WindsweptKnits.com  Apologies for the delay last week – my boys have been passing a virus back and forth!   Be A Helper Craft-A-Long Still goin till Feb 15.  Make ANYthing for ANY charity.  Wips are awesome.  Did you finish a charity project back around the holidays?  That counts, the craftalong started on Dec 5th so go ahead and enter it in the FO thread. Design News Soon be starting a test knit for a sleeveless top in fingering weight yarn.  More details to come soon, but if you’re interested in knitting an A-line summer top, please email me at windsweptMonique@gmail.com or PM me on Ravelry FOs 2nd sock started for Un-Christmas socks Wips Boxy by Joji Locatelli.  Using Bamboo Laceweight from Spinaway Farms that I picked up in Rhinebeck 2 years ago.  Variegated cool blues from nearly white to nearly navy. Find Your Fade shawl.  I’m on section , the 2nd lace section (still) and still in color #1, the raspberry-dyed handspun cotton that I’ve mentioned in past episodes  (and knitting fail) Another new design that I can’t talk about yet, but it’s a summer knit inspired by the musical Rent that I think a lot of you will like.  Can’t wait to talk more about it later. On the Run Running and swimming and cross training, nothing special Running Talk A lesson I needed to learn: Learn to admit when you need help. 

Episode 56 – 1/4/19 Knitting and Running in 30 minutes or less.  You can find me as WindsweptMonique on Ravelry and Instagram or as Windswept Knits on Facebook and Twitter.  Shownotes can be found on my website at WindsweptKnits.com  FOs First of the Un-Christmas Socks - knitting these up in CoBaSi, which is a cotton, bamboo, silk, nylon blend that is super stretchy and breathes beautifully on sweaty feet.  The toes, cuffs and heels are a blue/gray blend called Wave Caps, and the foot and leg in a gray named Seattle Sky. Thing 2’s hat – finished last night and he hasn’t stopped wearing since I put it on his head this morning.  in Valley Yarn’s Southwick.  I’m using the green as the contrast ribbed brim, then the purple that Thing 2 chose as the body of the hat.  No pattern, just knitting to his head size.  Wips 2nd sock started for Un-Christmas socks.  Finished toe and started foot. Boxy by Joji Locatelli.  Using Bamboo Laceweight from Spinaway Farms that I picked up in Rhinebeck 2 years ago.  Variegated cool blues from nearly white to nearly navy. Changing Staircases shawl in 50/50 cotton/bamboo blend from Great Adirondack Yarn in the Hydrangea colorway blue, turquoise and purple Knitting Fail There are dangers to knitting in dark theme park lines… Life and stuff 40 before 40?  Roughly based on Gretchen Ruben’s happiness project, 18 in 2018.  Still not 100% sure I’m going to do this but… Run 5k, 10k, half marathon.   Increase muscle mass.  Swim one mile in one day.  Release 6 patterns.  Submit to more knitting magazines.  Improve my Spanish or Russian, or learn Arabic (know folks who speak all of these). Out and about Florida – late flight – Legoland – to the in-laws – horseback riding and swimming – early morning flight On the Run No running but lots of walking, incl. a hike at the Disney Wilderness Preserve one afternoon with Thing 1, my husband Chris and my dad.  It’s run by the Nature Conservancy and has a few really nice trails with lots of wildlife – just south of Orlando, definitely recommend it. Swam ¼ mile this morning for the first time ever!  

Episode 54 – 12/5/18 Knittin & Running in 30 min or less I am WindsweptMonique and today’s segments include: Be A Helper KAL, FOs, Wips, Pattern Stalking, Wearables, On the Run and Running Talk about wearable fitness trackers and accuracy. Be A Helper KAL Started on December 5th but I didn’t record last week because Christmas shopping (had to buy all presents by last Saturday – long story) and laryngitis.  If you finished a WIP for charity on or after December 5th go ahead and enter it. Any thing made for any charity – not just ravelry crafts Donate blood Wips count FO Thread is here Prizes Free pattern from Jennifer Lassonde of Downcellar Studios 1 skein Cascade 220 in an orangey peach color from an anonymous donor and a mini skein of merino – thank you very much, donor! I’m offering up 1 skein of Shibui Reed FOs Kippah made from handspun cotton from Hipstrings, in the Break Of Day colorway, blues and orange using the To Life pattern by Sarah Jordan, aka PAKnitWit Wips Tan House Brooke Shawl by Jennifer Lassonde of Down Cellar Studio in my most recent handspun, Midseason Cliffhanger and Recurrent Theme cotton slivers,  from fiber from Hipstrings Icon Dress by Kari-Helene Rane in some very old stash that I want to get rid of.  Reached 6th set of decreases in Front of dress New hat for Thing 2 (not xmas gift) – in Valley Yarn’s Southwick.  I’m using the green as the contrast ribbed brim, then the purple that Thing 2 chose as the body of the hat.  No pattern, just knitting to his head size.  Folded brim so it will grow with him.  About 3/4 way through folded ribbing Find Your Fade shawl.  I’m on section , the 2nd lace section and still in color #1, the raspberry-dyed handspun cotton that I’ve mentioned in past episodes New socks, these are an un-Christmas gift that I will mail to Maura in January.  I’m knitting these up in CoBaSi, which is a cotton, bamboo, silk, nylon blend that is super stretchy and breathes beautifully on sweaty feet.  The toes, cuffs and heels are a blue/gray blend called Wave Caps, and the foot and leg in a gray named Seattle Sky. Pattern Stalking I bought 4 patterns during the Indie Designers Gift-a-long sale: Tan House Brooke, mentioned above by Jennifer Lassonde Willowbrooke shawl by Brenda Castiel Heroes of Yarnia RPG Scarf from last year’s MKAL by Tania Richter Harry Potter and the Strange Persistent Font by Mary Annarella Wearables Twist and Shout cabled hat by Michelle DuNaier Frosted sweater by Paper Daisy Creations Changing Staircases by Dragon Hoard Designs in Fiber Lady’s Mousou bamboo Dahlia by Brenda York for Berocco Yarns On The Run I’ve run a few times in the last 2 weeks.  I’ve also gone for a few swims and boy do I need a swimming cap!  Last time I went swimming it was 25F out (-4C) and that is just too cold to have soaking wet, long hair. Running Talk – Fitbits and other trackers On my last episode I mentioned that I like having a fitbit because it keeps me honest and a listener, Marie, wrote in saying she’d heard that the data isn’t accurate and wanted to know how I used it.   Thanks very much for writing in Marie.  If you have a question about fitness, running, knitting, patterns, GALs or anything else feel free to write in.  You can reach on Ravelery or Instagram as WIndsweptMonique or email me at WindsweptMonique@gmail.com.  My website is windsweptknits.com and you can find this podcast and shownotes there as well as all my designs and a few other fun projects I’ve worked on, like how to make the R2-D2 sweater I knit for my son last year.

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 150 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week's segments included:   Off the Needles On the Needles Brainstorming From the Armchair Crafty Adventures Knitting in Passing KAL News Events Contest, News & Notes Life in Focus Ask Me Anything On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Tailored Knits that Fit, Infinite Twist & The Woolly Thistle.    Off the Needles   Garret’s Pink & Purple 2 Part Socks Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Yarn: Knitters Brewing Company Sock-a-holic II Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)   Riley's Christmas Doll 2018 Pattern: NickyBlade Doll (free crochet pattern) by Nicky Blade Hook: B 2.25 mm Yarn: leftover DK weight   Barbie’s Purple Dress Hook: B 2.25 mm Yarn: leftover fingering weight yarn    Julian Edelman Doll Patterns: My First Babies Little Boy Blue Amigurumi Dress Up Doll Football Player Accessories + My First Babies Amigurumi Dolls pattern by Michelle Kovach (patterns each $1) Hook: US C (2.75mm) Yarn: DK/worsted from stash   Hulk Pattern- Hulk by Kati Galusz from Marvel Crochet Kit Yarn: Loops & Threads Impeccable in the Fern color way + purple DK weight yarn from stash Hook: D (3.25 mm) On the Needles   Christmas Socks Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams  Yarn: Fibernymph Dye Works Traveler (sport weight) in the Summertime Blues Colorway + Patons Kroy Solids (Red) Needles: US 2 (2.75mm)   Christmas Pops Socks Yarn: Holly Press Fiber Works SHEEPish in the Christmas Pops Colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Pattern- Non-Euclidian Heel by Sarah Jordan   Turquoise Stripes Socks Yarn: Patons Kroy Needles: US 1.5  (2.5 mm) Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams  Brainstorming Diego for my nephew Oisin Flora the Fawn for my niece Aila A hat for my Dad A stuffy for my niece Millie (maybe an elephant?) Something for my 10 month old niece Hattie   From the Armchair Bad Blood by John Carryrou Bear Brook podcast from New Hampshire Public Radio (true crime) Gladiator podcast from Wondery (Aaron Hernandez, football and concussion syndrome) Mayans MC  tv show   Crafty Adventures     Emelyn wanted to make gifts for her friends. Channel called Crafty on Snapchat. Series of episodes of instructional videos  Purchase pendant (these are similar to what we got) Cut up crayons with xacto knife into small pieces  Put pendants in oven on a tin foil lined cookie sheet for about 3-4 minutes on 275 F or until wax melts.  Let cooL Finish with Mod Podge Dimensional Magic.  Let dry overnight    Aila painted ornaments and paintings for family! There are so many cool how to draw videos on YouTube      Knitting in Passing Meeting up with Ramona, Lisa, Jillian, Anne and Sarah in Somerville for dinner after work. Dinner with Lauren and Ryan at Lolita in Boston. Delicious wine and tacos tapas! Cold night. First snow. Warm friends and lots of laughs.    KAL News     Slay the Stash 2018 Each month you can declare a skein of yarn to knit/crochet/weave to its very end. Let’s use up those older special skeins that are soooo pretty we don’t want to touch them. In 2018, we are turning those sacred skeins into beautiful projects you can enjoy-- and maybe win a new beautiful skein of yarn from one of our sponsors along the way! Full details and rules can be found here. November Post Use and follow #slaythestash2018 on Social Media Slay the Stash 2018: Sponsor List January: KnitCircus February: Kathryn Frank Fiber Arts March: Blue Skin Yarns April: BlueberryChick Yarn May: Legacy Fiber Artz June: Knitters Brewing Co July: Fish Belly Fiber Works August: SixandSevenFiber September: Fibernymph Dye Works October: Marigold Jen November: Dyenamixx Yarns December: Sunsoaked Yarns Slay the Stash Sponsor List- 2019 Rules and the 2019 will be posted in December   January- Fish Belly Fiber Works February- KnitCircus Yarns March- Holly Press Fibers April- Fibernymph Dye Works May - Another Crafty Girl  June- Flying Finn Yarns July- Sponsored by WindsweptMonique- yarn TBD August- Knit Style Yarns September- Artistic Lilly  October - Infinite Twist  November- 716 Knit  December -  Hypnotic Yarn     Pigskin Party Wondering what this crazy KAL is? Check out this page which gives you the best overview with all necessary links. There’s also a helpful “Start Here” Thread in the Ravelry Group Check out the Rulesbut if you still have questions, come over to the Questions threadand ask. We’re happy to help. Put your Name on the Roster then claim your spot in the End Zone Dance Threadwhere you’ll track your points. Continue to update your post with all of the points you earn during the KAL For every 100 points, you’ll earn an entry into the drawing for the Grand Prizes Check out our amazing Sponsors;if you use their products, you’ll earn more points per FO Some of our Pro Shop Level Sponsors will be creating exclusive items for Pigskin Party participants. They may come out at different times and will likely be limited in quantities, so keep your eyes on this Exclusive Items thread in the group for all the latest news Scope out the prizes!Some will be given out during the KAL; some will be part of the Grand Prizes. Don’t forget to use #DCSPigskinParty18 on Instagram so we check out what you’re doing and you can be eligible for participation prizes. December Interception Announced! Thank you to Imagined Landscapes for sponsoring this month. The Theme is Craft a Team! Check out the details in this post.   Events If you haven't already- check out the Indie Designer Gift-Along on Ravelry! I am participating this year as a designer. Join the KAL using one of my patterns (or any of those of the other 300+ designers) and enter to win prizes.    Contest, News & Notes Riley Rose Cowl Contest- Winner will be announced next time   Life in Focus I've been doing a daily yoga and meditation challenge this month and loving it!   Love this Date Energy Ball Recipe & drinking Natural Calm before bed   On a Happy Note Estate sale shopping and finding vintage dress for $2  Buying Christmas tree Michaels. I got the 7.5 foot pre-lit Quick Set Washington Pine Artificial Tree with Clear Lights by Ashland   Thanksgiving weekend fun!   Quote of the Week   “Ask yourself throughout the day, “what do I need to do in this moment to take care of myself?” If you can be aware of what legitimate needs and wants you’re not attending to, and then take actions to meet them on your own – or ask your partner for help if you can’t – that is the road to happiness.” – Neil Strauss   ------   Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Twitter: Instagram: BostonJen1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletterto get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio!  

Episode 48 – 10/9/18 - When Dragons Attack Thanks for listening! Segments this week include FOs, Wips, Knitting Fail, Pattern Stalking, On the Run and the wrap up of our Be A Helper craft a long! FOs 3 doll sweaters from my Super Simple Fuzzy Sweater pattern, all knit in Plymouth Yarn’s Adore in red, orange, and a green and gray multi-colored yarn What I’m now calling my Hamilton Socks, 52-st socks in Plymouth Yarn’s Diversity in the Deep Sea colorway   Wips Another doll sweater, this one in pink Mom’s Christmas Socks Dancing Dragons Coat by Heike Campbell in Be Sweet Yarn’s Bamboo in the Sea Green colorway, a malachite-green, but a little lighter than true malachite.  About 50% done but… Knitting Fail Dancing Dragons Coat – I realized I was going to run out of yarn!! Wearables Empire Top by Lily Go – wore this to Hamilton I wore my Changing Staircases shawl several times, knit up in Fibre Lady’s Mousou Bamboo Mommy’s Tunic, a pattern I designed a few years back – short sleeve A-line tunic with a cabled band under the bust.  This one is knit up in Juniper Moon Farm’s Neve in a lovely shade of cobalt blue Dahlia – the colorwork shawl I knit this summer has been worn at least once Linen Butterflies – I wore the short sleeve version of this this morning over a tank top before the heat arrived, which I knit in Euroflax Sport 100% linen in their Straw colorway, is a lovely shade of gold, over a tank top one warm day.   Pattern Stalking Over the past few weeks I’ve realized how many red long-sleeved shirts and sweaters I have, but none of my shawls go with red.  I really need to knit a grey, or black, or even royal blue shawl to go with them.  There’s a gradient cake yarn I’ve been eyeing a year or so that goes from black, through many shades of gray, to white.  If you have a shawl suggestion that would look good in grey gradients I would love to hear about it! On The Run Had a great few runs these last few weeks, including a 2.5 miler a week ago.  My knee was a little cranky after that last one, but it felt good at the time.  I’ve got a 5k fundraiser race for my son’s school coming up this weekend.  First whole-family race Toddler running in Tot Trot 1st-grader and husband running 1-miler I’m running 5k Be A Helper Craft A  Long wrap-up A huge thank-you to everyone who participated!  I have 3 prizes to award and all 3 need to be mailed.  If you hear your name, please contact me with your mailing address.  You can reach me at windsweptmonique@gmail.com, or as WindsweptMonique both on Ravelry and on Instagram.

Episode 42 – 7/20/18 As always its knitting and running in 30 minutes or less.  WindsweptMonique on Instagram and Ravelry or WindsweptKnits on Twitter and at WindsweptKnits.com FOs I finished the Changing Staircases shawl by Jenga Knits.  This is a shawl inspired by the Harry Potter books, the way the staircases are constantly changing and I’m working on it in Mousou a 100% bamboo yarn from The FiberLady.  It’s done and ready to wear to a wedding next weekend! WIPS Cast on a new Hitchhiker shawl in ancient stash, Deborah Norville’s Serenity Garden Yarn in the Gems colorway.  52-st sock in Plymouth yarns Diversity in the Fruity colorway, which is white with stripes of green, yellow, orange, pink and purple.  Turned heel on first sock which leads me to… Knitting Fail Turns out the 52-st sock is really 50 sts…   Spinning Tour de Fleece – not going to make my 16oz goal but having fun.  Am roughly 10oz in and have 3 bobbins of cotton full and ready to ply!  Hoping to make at least a dent in the last 6 oz tonight and tomorrow, but we’ll see if time allows. Running No running, but I have been doing a lot of cross training and fitness.  Been in the pool twice since last recording.  Also, hopped on rowing machine twice trying to get back in shape to kayak later this summer.  Lots of walking.  Planning hiking with my boys next week, now that my little guy’s legs are a long enough.  He did a 1.3 mile (roughly 2k) hike a few weeks ago with my parents and I and he did great and LOVED it!  Gonna try taking both my boys to a local, mostly flat trail near our home this week. Running Talk Runners and Knees The myth that runners destroy there knees is just that – a myth.  Analysis of people who run for decades show that runners who run a moderate amount have very healthy knees.  Now, people who run a LOT and professional runners often do cause knee damage, but for average folks like you and I we are unlikely to completely destroy our knees.   Some do get Runner's Knee: exercises for combatting Runner's Knee: Leg lifts Good old fashioned leg lifts are great.  You can lie on your back and lift a leg up to work the quads & front of your thigh.  Lie on your side and lift the top leg to work the abductors.  Lie on your side and lift the bottom leg to work your adductors.  Lie on your stomach and lift your leg to work the hamstring and glutes. Boom, you just worked most of the soft tissue around your knees. Clam shells Lie on your side.  Bend your knees to a 90-degree angle and bring them slightly in front of you.  Now lift the top leg while keeping your feet touching.  Your top leg is acting like an opening and closing clam shell.  

Episode39 – 5/25/18 – Knitting and Running in 30 minutes or less Today’s segments include Be A Helper Craft-a-long, including Prizes and some Charity Ideas, Wips, Spinning, Running and today’s Knitting Talk will answer the question – “Why did you start a podcast?” Be A Helper Summer 2018 As I mentioned last week, the Be A Helper KAL is back for the summer.  We went over most of the details but I’ll go over a few updates quickly today and a few addendums (thanks to those who reached out with some questions!) Last episode I said that this was a KAL for anything you knit, crochet, weave or spin but someone pointed out that during the last KAL I said any craft. I’m going to go with what we used previously – ANY thing you make for ANY charity will count.  I’m still running the craft-a-long on Ravelry, but you do not need to link to a project page.  Just post a photo of your finished item in the thread on Ravelry and tell us who you are donating it to!  Donating blood still counts, too. Another listener point out that it’s a pain trying to get all the photos up in time for Stash Dash and ending things the same night could be an issue for some, and I whole heartedly agree. So I’m giving you an extra week.  We start on May 25th and will end August 31st.  You have all summer to finish your charity work.  Please post 1 picture per finished object in the thread. Wips are allowed! Double or triple dip in any KAL you want, I totally encourage this! Prizes – So far we have three prizes , one skein of FishKnits Yarn in the At Sixes and Sevens colorway, a self-striping Merino-nylon sock yarn, one skein on non-wool yarn of my choosing though I’d love to hear any input for you folks – anything you’ve been tempted to knit with? And lastly a huge thanks to Tiffany from The Project Bag who is offering a free project bag and matching notions pouch and she will ship it anywhere in the world!  Tiffany sent over an example photo and I’m posting it in the Ravelry group.  The prize won’t be the exact fabric pattern shown, but the bags will coordinate and her photo will give you an idea of her gorgeous handiwork.   Charity Ideas If you don’t have a charity you currently craft for, I’m going to talk about a few here that may be of interest to you: 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.  If your local hospital isn’t accepting hats, Dana from the Unwind Yarn Company is collecting them from her retreat attendees this fall and may be willing to accept a few more via mail if you contact her.  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 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 who notes along with the free patterns. Mother Bears – I learned of this charity from the 2 Knit Lit Chicks and they are currently running their Mother Bear KAL. These bears provide comfort to children who are victim of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Afrca.  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 Neither is currently collecting, but you could knit scarves or hats or baby clothes for next winter.  All items must be knit in dark-colored yarn because the recipients will not be able to wash them easily. 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.  Send me a PM on Ravelry, I’m WindsweptMonique, or email me at windsweptMonique@gmail.com WIPS I’ve put a couple of rows onto my Changing Staircases shawl by Jenga Knits.  This is a shawl inspired by the Harry Potter books, the way the staircases are constantly changing and I’m working on it in Mousou a 100% bamboo yarn from The FiberLady. I turned the heel on my 52-stitch sock, which is using the Fish Lips Kiss heel and Cobasi by Hikoo, which is a bamboo, cotton, silk and nylon blend.  Those of you who’ve used that pattern will understand why I can be so precise about the 1/3! The Addition By Subtraction Mystery Knit A Long, I am 1/3 of the way through Clue #2.  I am working on this in 4 colors of 3 different yarns.  For the light color I’m using Ito Yarn’s Washi in the Crocus colorway, a pale purple.  This is a Japanese style paper yarn, laceweight, and I‘m holding it double.  The dark is Ito Yarn’s Kinu, a laceweight silk in the Grey colorway and I’m holding it double.  The zany is  Your Crazy is Showing from Birdie’s Knits and it is a crazy combination of every color you can imagine but it looks beautiful.  Lastly I’m using another Kinu, the Plum colorway which is actually a dark pastel pink, not purple as the name might imply.  There is a slipped stitch section which caused me a little bit of a headache given that silk and paper yarns have absolutely no stretch to them, but I’ve learned how to knit that section more loosely than normal and it’s actually working out nicely. Spinning Still practicing on my wheel.  Don’t quite have the hang of it yet.  Tried spinning the bamboo sample I got from The Fiber Lady at stitches United and boy was that easier!  I now understand why long staple fibers are much preferred!  But I am going to keep trying.  My problem seems to be getting that first bit twisted and onto the bobbin.  Once I have it I can sustain it for a little while, but getting started is not my forte!   Knitting Talk I was recently asked, why did I start a podcast?  As I’ve now passed my 1st podaversary, I decided to tackle that question here. First off, I LOVE podcasts.  I started listening back in 2005 and currently on my phone I am subscribed to 109 podcasts, 12 of which are for my kids.  Some are weekly, some put out 15-20 a year and some are like Serial and every now and then you get 10 in a row.  So it’s not quite as insane as it sounds.  No, I do not keep up do date with all of them – I am still far behind after going to FL for 10 days in February but I’m slowly catching up while driving, cooking, cleaning, etc.  I also listen at 1.5x which makes a 60 minute podcast take only about 40 minutes so that helps. Back to this particular podcast – I had been considering starting a podcast for about 2-3 years and kept putting it off because of family, kids, lack of time, etc.  I was super stressed and a bit down in the dumps and I finally decided to take on a project just for me.  I’d just gotten in to SSK a few weeks before and then listening to the Just One More Row podcast, Dana was talking about exactly that, getting lost in motherhood and the doldrums of thousands of thankless tasks and how taking time for herself and doing projects just for herself was really helping.  That was the lightbulb moment I needed and I decided to just go out and do it.  I bought a microphone, downloaded Audacity and released the first episode on March 14th, 2017.  The sound quality was horrible, and I was so incredibly nervous, but I did it.  And I’m so glad I did!  Now more than a year on, I have met so many wonderful people because of this podcast.  It’s been a joy.  Running How long should your shoes last?  “Experts” say 300-500 miles, depending on how much wear and tear they get.  But if you see any damage, change shoes right away!  Also, if you see uneven wear on the bottom of your shoe, (e.g., more wear on the inside edge than the outside edge, or vice versa) then be SURE to go to a running store (and bring your current shoes!).  They can help you find the right type of shoe to stop that and help prevent injuries down the road.  

Episode 38 – 5/15/18 - Knitting and Running in 30 minutes or less WindsweptMonique on Ravelry and Instagram, windsweptmonique@gmail.com. Visit my new website at WindsweptKnits.com and stream the podcast or read shownotes.  Thanks so much for listening!  There are 1000’s of podcasts for you to choose from and I am honored you take time out of your busy life to listen to mine.  Segments this week include: Stash Acquisition, Wips, KALs, Running Stash Acquisition I held off recording last week because I had no knew knitting and also I knew what I’d be getting for Mother’s Day which is…  a spinning wheel!  My finger still isn’t healed yet so I’m in a finger brace part-time and still can’t knit nearly as much as I want to, so my boys bought me a Lendrum!  They also got the Very Fast Flyer so I can spin cotton.  I am SUPER excited and slightly daunted.  I’ve tried using it a few times and I’m horrible at the moment.  I hold my fiber too close to the wheel to get a good spin in the cotton.  Also, I’m used to having the fiber not move while I’m drafting.  So balancing the spin with the pullup on to the bobbin is challenging.  Luckily, I know exactly what I’m looking for in the spun cotton so a few times I’ve managed to get a small amount of decently spun single on the bobbin.  And I cannot tell you how excited I am to have a tensioned lazy kate and the plying head to I don’t have to ply on a drop spindle! Spinning I’ve been working on a new spinning project using Hipstring’s A Beautiful Day cotton colorway.  This is from the first shipment of her Cotton Club, which I highly recommend.  I’ve only gotten a little bit done but it is coming along beautifully.  Jill’s cotton is a joy to spin. Wips Lady and the Unicorn, as I mentioned last week, this is part of a series of medieval tapestries held at the Musee de Cluny.  In particular, the one I am stitching is based on the one labelled “A Mon Seul Desir” and a few days ago I finished working on the current chart page!  I’m pretty sure I started that page at least 5 years ago.  And I’m heading to stitching group tonight so I get to stitch some more. I’ve put a row or 2 onto my Changing Staircases shawl by Jenga Knits.  This is a shawl inspired by the Harry Potter books, the way the stiarcases are constantly changing and I’m working on it in Mousou a 100% bamboo yarn from The FiberLady. I’ve also put a few rows on my 52-stitch sock, which is using the Fish Lips Kiss heel and Cobasi by Hikoo, which is a bamboo, cotton, silk and nylon blend. Last but not least – I have a new cast on!  I cast on a shawl on Mother’s Day!  I’m joining the Addition By Subtraction Mystery Knit A Long, albeit a few weeks late.  This is a “mystery” mystery knit along – a murder mystery knit a long to be exact.  I love a good murder mystery novel – Agatha Christie is one of my favorite authors – so even though the story is more of a film noire type it’s still right up my alley.  I’m on the first clue and I’m having a blast playing a long.  I did have to rip back a few rows because my 4th color wasn’t quite working right with the others, but luckily I had another good colorway on hand. This pattern was designed and released along with the LYS day so I chose stash I had on hand from my yarn store that closed, one from another localish yarn store and ordered one skein from an indie dyer that I love, Birdie’s Knits from Florida.  Her hand dyed organic cotton is to die for (har har!).  The pattern calls for a light color, a dark color, a slightly zany color and a color to tie it all together, all in fingering weight.  For the light color I’m using Ito Yarn’s Washi in the Crocus colorway, a pale purple.  This is a Japanese style paper yarn, laceweight, and ‘m holding it double.  The dark is Ito Yarn’s Kinu, a laceweight silk in the Grey colorway and I’m holding it double.  The zany is  Your Crazy is Showing from Birdie’s Knits and it is a crazy combination of every color you can imagine but it looks beautiful.  Lastly I’m using another Kinu, the Plum colorway which is actually a dark pastel pink, not purple as the name might imply. Knit A Longs Geeky Girls Sheepy Spring AL runs through May 31st and I am a sponsor. TheKnitGirllls’ Stash Dash is an annual WIP-finish KAL.  Compete against yourself to see how much yardage you can complete from May 25th to August 27th.  Can you knit 1000m?  Maybe a whole 5k?  The bonus here is that if you knit a row on a project you can cound ALL the yardage for the project.  Also, spinning counts, where last year you could count the length of all the singles so a 200m 3-ply yarn would count as 600m.  I should note, there are rule changes up for voting at the moment so take that last spinning rule with a grain of salt. In A Sknit’s Batter Up KAL has begun – knit your way through baseball season!  I’m a sponsor for this one, too.  There are many opportunities for prizes across the season including at the All Star break and during the World Series. Last but not least – My Summer 2018 Be A Helper KAL.  I will run this in tandem with Stash Dash because I know a lot of you will be trying to use up every last scrap of yarn for those 3 months and preemie hats and Knitted Knockers are perfect stash-busting projects.  Project rules will be the same as last winter – ANYTHING you knit, crochet, weave or spin for ANY charity counts.  One entry per FO – you can enter 10 preemie hats will count as 10 entries.  Also, donating blood counts as 1 entry, just post a photo of yourself either in the chair, or with the bandaid, or selfie sipping your OJ afterwards.  If you would like to offer a prize for this KAL, please PM me on Ravelry or email me at WindsweptMonique@gmail.com, any prizes would be greatly appreciated!  I will be offering two skeins from my own stash, the first is a skein from FishKnits Yarn in the At Sixes and Sevens colorway, a self-striping Merino-nylon sock yarn.  The other one will be a non-wool yarn TBD; I’m currently debating between a silk yarn, a Japanese paper-style yarn, or a plant-based yarn.  If you have any thoughts on which I should offer, please let me know!   Running My running training is going well so far.  I’m walking my son home from school most days, so that’s 1.5 miles each afternoon.  Some days I run, and some it’s just a lazy stroll as an “active rest day”.  Yesterday I did my first 4-miler since before I was pregnant with my youngest son, who’s almost 3, and it felt great! Historically, the 4-6 mile area was my least favorite distance but I wonder if that will change since I haven’t tackled that distance in years.  I’ve been lax about strength training the last few weeks because of the brace on my finger, but now that I’m only wearing the brace part time I’m going to start strength training twice a week.  I need to listen to my own advice eh?  Keep strength training!    

Episode 35 – 4/3/18 – Knitting and Running in 30 minutes or less WindsweptMonique on Ravelry and Instagram, windsweptmonique@gmail.com. Show Notes at knittingontherun.podbean.com.  Come join the Ravelry group! Thanks so much for listening!  There are 1000’s of podcasts for you to choose from and I am so honored you chose mine. FOs, Wips, Knitting Fail, Wearables, Knitting Talk, Out and About and On The Run FOs Emerald Deep shawl –This shawl is a charity knit for AGC Scholarships, a group that raises money for families dealing with infertility or who are trying to adopt.  Worked in Ito Yarn’s Kinu, 100% silk.  Kinu has a colorway, Aqua, which is almost the exact color of AGC’s logo so it was too perfect not to use.  The shawl will be auctioned off at AGC’s annual gala to raise money.  If you or someone you love would like to learn more about AGC, visit agcscholarships.org  The shawl will be auctioned off at their gala this weekend and I hope that AGC has a very successful auction on all their items and raises lots of money to help families who just want to have a family. Star Wars Sweater – Thing 1 was sooooooo excited to get his sweater.  I knit it in secret while he was asleep or at school and it was a surprise for him.  He insisted on wearing it to school today which made this mama very happy! Vanilla is the New Black – finished the 2nd sock last week but it’s too big!  I have very narrow feet and have problem finding shoes that fit well, so I can’t say I’m surprised. WIPS Dancing Dragons Coat from Heike Campbell in Be Sweet’s Bamboo in the Sea Green colorway which is a tonal speckled green with blue undertones.  It’s knit bottom up in pieces – I’m working on the back panel and I’m on my 3rd repeat of chart 2 and am nearly up to the underarms. New Hitchhiker for me out of Makimo by Fiberlady in the Scrumptious Berries colorway – goes from raspberry pink to blackberry purple.  100% bamboo Changing Staircases – pattern by Jenga Knits – Mousou by Fiberlady in the Plum colorway, light to mid-tone purples in laceweight bamboo base. 52-st sock in  2 shades of CoBaSi by Hikoo, a sock yarn made of cotton, bamboo, silk and nylon.  60sts on a US1(2.25mm) needle was too big so after some wonderful feedback from all of you on Instagram I’ve dropped down to a 52st version and I’m using the Fish Lips Kiss Heel.  I’m almost to the arch of the foot and so far it’s fitting much better.  Using leftovers of the raspberry colorway for heels/toes/cuffs and 1 200-yard skein of Slated, a variegated gray colorway, for the foot and ankle portions. Knitting Fail Thing 2 decided to sit, well, more like jump on one of my knitting bags when he climbed up next to me on the sofa and snapped my Lykke US size 2 circular needles.  Boo!!   Wearables It’s gotten cold again here so we’re wearing LOTS of knits. I’ve worn my Frosted sweater twice and my Poema sweater.  I’ve been wearing my Twist and Shout by Michele DuNaier almost every day.  The kids have been sick almost the entire time since we’ve been home from FL and that hat is a machine washable cotton, so it’s my hat of choice until the viruses subside.  I’ve also been wearing my Use Your Stash shawl and occasionally stealing my husband’s Hitchhiker Shawl.  Thing 2 has grown so much he’s now wearing some of Thing 1’s old sweaters, like the red Monomoy sweater I made several years ago.  Both boys have been wearing the socks I knit them for Christmas under their winter boots while playing in the snow.  And Thing 1 has worn his new Star Wars sweater to school several times already.   Out and About Stitches United was from March 23-25.  I attended on Saturday, March 24th.  Come on up and say “hi!”   On The Run Training is still going and I’m making progress. I did 2.5 miles on Sunday and that’s the most I’ve done since summer 2016 and it felt sooooooo good to walk my old running routes.  I still haven’t been able to get outside much with all the snow in March, but the sidewalks are now clear so I have hope.  I’ve been swimming once a week as cross training and I think it’s making a difference.  I feel the swimming workouts in my whole body, not just my legs and it really gets my heart pumping.  Next week I’m aiming to increase to 200 yards. I have some topics I want to discuss over the next few weeks, including the myth that running ruins knees, yoga for runners, why runners need to do upper body and core workouts and incontinence in women which affects so many women, especially after childbirth, and keeps many from exercsising (spoiler alert on this last one – there is hope and help available!).  But I also want to hear from you – what fitness topics would you like me to research?  Come tell me in the Ravelry group or email me at WindsweptMonique@gmail.com So now I want to ask you – what are YOU doing now that it’s officially Spring?  I know those of you down south have gorgeous weather this time of year while we’re still wearing mittens in the morning.      

Episode 30 - 1/11/18 Windswept Designs on Facebook, WindsweptMonique on Instagram and Ravelry, come join Ravelry group KAL, Pattern Release, Wips, Pattern Acquisition, Spinning, Out and About, On the Run KAL – get your FOs posted ASAP!  I’m going to lock the thread tonight on my way to Vogue Knitting Live Pattern Release – First off, a HUGE thank you to all of you for making 2017 an amazing year, knitwise.  I started this pordcast, attended multiple festivals and conventions, including FINALLY getting in to SSK, and I even learned to spin!  I’ve met such wonderful people both in person and online.  The fiber community is AMAZING.  So I’ve put this pattern for sale and if you use the coupon code THANKYOU you’ll get it free through January 16th.  This is my thank you to you, the Use Your Stash Shawl Wips Frosted by Paper Daisy Creations, on snowflake 5 of 5 on the stranded colorwork yoke.  Was planning on using 3 colors but after doing flakes 1 & 2 in color 1, then flake 2 in color 2 I decided that really they should all have been different colors.  But I was not going to rip it out again, so I dug a skein out of stash, Plymouth Yarn’s Nettle Grove in colorway 42, a denim-ish color that matches the rest of the blues I’m using fairly well. Star Wars sweater for Thing 1 -  Using Nordic Yoke Pullover, a free pattern from Patons, as the base and altering the charts to have Star Wars characters/spaceships/icons.  I’m about 25% through the yoke collar, currently working on R2D2’s head.  Body of sweater will be red as that’s his favorite color Vanilla sock in Berroco Comfort Sock in Bali colorway.  Still chugging along at this 2+ year old WIP, it’s my car knitting.   Pattern Acquisition Derwentwater by Tess Young, won it during the Indie Gift-a-long KAL, forgot to mention it last week! Spinning New segment - I finally figured out this spinning thing!  Working on my 2nd single in undyed cotton Out and About Off to Vogue Knitting in NYC tonight!  If you’re there stop me and say hello.  Just to warn you I’ve had a lot of sleepless nights recently with the kids and my husband being sick, so if I seem a little dazed or perhaps a little overly caffeinated, that’s why.  But please come say hello anyways.  I am really looking forward to the 2 classes I am attending on Friday.  On the Run I’m on my 2nd week of my half marathon training plan, and unfortunately I am dealing with some unexpected knee pain.   

Not a normal episode.  It’s less than 36 hours since the horrific shootings in Las Vegas and as of last night I wasn’t going to record this week, I was going to put it off a week.  My kindergartener just had his first lock-down drill at school and I don’t even know how what to say to him. I’ve had that stunned, frozen, deer-in-the-headlights feeling since yesterday.  Heck, for the last week or two what with everything that’s been happening in the world recently.  I couldn’t sleep last night and sometime around 4am I remembered that Mr Rodgers meme that goes around after every tragedy, in times of trouble look for the helpers. From the PBS website “Fred Rogers often told this story about when he was a boy and would see scary things on the news: “My mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ To this day, especially in times of disaster, I remember my mother’s words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers — so many caring people in this world.” “ I decided at 4am this morning that I am NOT going to sit here feeling helpless and afraid and frozen.  I am going to help someone.  I may not have a million dollars to donate to Puerto Rico or be able to drive to Vegas to donate blood, but I can knit a NICU baby a hat.  I can donate blood here.  I can make a knitted knocker for a breast cancer survivor.  I CAN HELP. And I want you to help, too.  Today I’m starting a charity KAL and I want you to join me. There is something you can do.  BE A HELPER.  Donate blood locally.  Make a Knitted Knocker for a woman with breast cancer.  Knit or weave a scarf or crochet a blanket for a homeless shelter.  Knit a hat for refugees.  Make a preemie hat for the local NICU.  I don’t care what you do, just do something for someone else.  Have another great charity idea?  Wonderful!  Share it in the Ravelry group in the chatter thread.  Go do something for your fellow humans. Here are the knittiy gritty details: One entry per FO or photo proof of blood donation. Wips are fine. Double dipping in other KALs is fine. Knit, crochet or weave anything you want, just post a picture in the Finished Objects thread in my Knitting on The Run / Windswept Designs group on Ravelry and tell us what charity you are donating it to. I’ve already got a gradient kit from Birdies Knits and a skein of silk from Ito Yarns as prizes, and Sarah from KnitWit Designs and CC from JavaPurl designs have graciously offered pattern prizes.  I will list all the prizes in detail in my next episode. Interested I donating a prize or know someone who might? PM me on Ravelry or Instagram, I’m WindsweptMonique on both. Now go out there and do some good in this world.

Find me online at Ravelry as WindsweptMonique, on Twitter as WindsweptDes, on Instagram as WindsweptKnits  or email me ar podcast@windsweptdesignsonline.com FOs FO update - Gave Space shuttle baby blanket to cousins – HUGE hit!!!  Cousin brian and I both wanted to be astronauts as kids.  Brian has claimed it as his own until the baby arrive.   WIPS Empire Top by Lily GO – Froogtree Picoboo bamboo/cotton blend, discontinued Linen lace sweater – split for arm holes.  Finished right front panel and ½ way through left front panel Got new size 3 interchangeable tips - Robin by Lee Meredith (aka Leethal) in Ito’s Kinu 100% silk   Knitting Fail I can’t count.  3 years of calculus and I can’t divide by 4!  Started fishy sweater with 144sts but it was too big; changed to 120 sts for a 24” circumference.  Went to start fishies and I had the 144-number stuck in my head so I made the fishies too big and didn’t notice till I started fish # 3.  Oh well Stash – WEBS!!!! Annual pilgrimage to Webs!  Picked up elsebeth Lavold’s hempathy for an upcoming design project, plus yarn for 5 gifts – 2 shawls and a hat.  I Cascade’s Ultra Pima Fine in silver, dark periwinkle (dark purple) and Wine (bright pink).  The silver is for 2 Hamilknit hats and the pink and purple are for hitchhiker shawls for friends. 1 skein of Valley Yarns Greylock, 100% cashmere fingering weight – for another Hitchiker shawl. Hitchiker Shawls are for a family that is having a rough last year, one is very sick.  Cashmere is for her, cotton shawls for rest of family.   On The Run Started PT – no running and no extra walking for next 2 weeks or so; need to rest heel.  Also, they found something interesting with my foot mechanics (caught it before it became a problem) so I have extra exercises and they’re going to treat that as well In The Garden We got out in the garden! Finally Spring!  Added compost to all the beds and put weed control fabric over them – with 2 smalle kids I am NOT weeding this year  

Shownotes are avaialble at knittingontherun.podbean.com Today's eipsode includes the following segments: Introduction, and yes I will try to talk slowly FOs - Linen sweater in Euroflax Sport Wips Empire Top by Lily Go in FrogTree Picoboo (discontinued) Hitchiker by Melanie Behm in Queensland Sugar Rush (discontinued) Purse Sock Robin by Meredith Lee, Ito Kinu 100% silk Space shuttle baby blanket, Caron Simply Soft Just cast on linen sweater Euroflax Sport In the Garden Seedlings started, plus we grow a LOT of stuff around here Deer.  They eat everything. On the Run  Hoping for another half marathong this fall Find me on Ravelry as WindsweptMonique, on Instagram as WindsweptKnits, on Ravelry as Windswept Designs and on Twitter as WindsweptDes