Down Cellar Studio Podcast

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 199 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Show notes with photos can be found on my website: www.downcellarstudio.com/199 

This week’s segments included:

  • Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • Brainstorming
  • Crafty Adventures
  • Knitting in Passing
  • KAL News
  • Contest, News & Notes
  • Life in Focus
  • Ask Me Anything
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Thank you to this episode’s sponsor: Knit Wit Yarn Shop

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Baby Yoda Amigurumi

  • Pattern: Baby Yoda Amigurumi (free crochet pattern) by LarissaMaced – @beefriendscrochet
  • Yarn: Loops & Threads Impeccable in Fern (green) and Soft Taupe (Beige)
  • Hook: D (3.25 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page

Ahsoka Tano

  • Pattern: Ahsoka Tano- Star Wars Mini Amigurumi by Lucy Collin ($4.25 US at time)
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted
  • Hook: C (2.75)
  • Ravelry Project Page

Nanaimo Cardigan

  • Pattern: Nanaimo Cardigan by Tara-Lynn Morrison. ($6.50 US Knitting Pattern)
  • Needles: US 19 (15 mm for body). US 15 (10 mm) and US 13 (9 mm) for ribbing.
  • Yarn: Casade Ecological Wool in Colorway 8018 (natural), Lion Brand Fishermen’s Wool in the Birch Tweed Colorway, Noro Ito in Colorway 12 Raindance
  • Ravelry Project Page

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Christmas with the Gilmores Socks

Candy Color Socks

  • Yarn: Regia 4 ply in Colorway 01160
  • Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Ravelry Project Page
  •  

Vampire Vibes Socks (Ravelry Link)

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Vampires Vibes colorway. Holly Press Fibers Sheepish Sock (heels)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) 

ADVENTure Gnome Mystery KAL

Brainstorming

  • DK weight socks for Dan. Love the Squish Base from Goosey Fibers. 75% Superwash Merino. 25% nylon. 
  • Crochet Lion Amigurumi by Melanie Willis. Available on Ravelry and Etsy for about $4.75 US.
  • Yoga socks
  • More spinning + getting back to design projects. 

Crafty Adventures

  • Oisin and Emelyn put 3 coats of primer on the blue wall in my studio & I did 2 coats of white paint. Then I got the crazy notion to rearrange my whole studio which required taking nearly everything out of it! Dan happily obliged! Slowly bringing things back around. Yarn mostly back in place. Check out Vlogmas Days 28 & 29 Video for more.
  • Dan and I painted the bathroom.
  • Vlogmas videos have been my other crafty adventure. finding new things to record each day. I am working on my editing skills. I vlogged through the whole month of December! Check it out here.

Knitting in Passing

I shared an update about video chatting with my niece Riley to help her with her sweater project.

KAL News

  • Quarterly Quests! Get all of the details here. 
  • Quarter 4: October 1- December 31, 2020: Slay The Stash.
  • Of course we still want you to slay your stash so we added it to the very end. Use up any skein purchased prior to 2020 all the way down to the last 3 yards. Again, older than 5 years (as of the start of 2020) gains you an extra entry.
  • Check out the Ravelry Thread. 
  • Thank you Quarter 4 Sponsors: APLCrafts, AdoreKnit, Jennifer Lassonde Designs- Ravelry Link/LoveCrafts Link


Pigskin Party ’20

Check out all of the details you need to know either in the Start Here Thread  on Ravelry or on my website

Important Links:

December Interception:  December Mini Skeins/Maximum Spirit Interception hosted by Yumi Yarns.Get your entries in. I will pull a winner in the next episode.


Check out the January Interception: Stash Hat Scrimmage Hosted by Knitters Brewing Company. Check out the Ravelry Thread or this page .


Contest, News & Notes

Brew Buddy Growler Cozy

$4 crochet pattern in Ravelry. Use coupon code “cheer” on Ravelry through 1/10/21 to get the pattern for $3.

Life in Focus

Working on my year in Review. Planning 2021. 

Ask Me Anything

I answered listener questions posted in Instagram Stories. The first was about my making in 2020. Here’s what that looks like:

  • 209 FOs. 117 of those are washcloths.
  • Toys- 36
  • Socks 19
  • Hats- 9
  • Jar cozies- 9
  • Blankets- 8
  • Sweaters- 6
  • Growler Cozies- 4
  • Stockings- 3
  • Shawls- 3
  • Cowls- 2
  • Mitts- 2
  • Baby Rompers- 2
  • Bralette- 1
  • Trim on denim skirt- 1
  • Necklace- 1
  • Trivet-1
  • Blanket Square- 1
  • Finished 8 spinning projects and have 2 in progress. 
  • Finished one weaving project. 
  • Gifts: 65 + wash cloths

On a Happy Note

  • Santa came to see kids outside at their grandparents’ house. Hattie wasn’t thrilled.
  • I got my first haircut since January.
  • We moved my grandmother to the independent living part of an assisted living facility.
  • I checked out a newly reopened Thrift store & got a great vintage sweater and some cool handmade Christmas decorations. 
  • While Eme and Oisín painted, I watched Hattie. Teddy Ruxpin. Coloring. Playing in snow. Playing barbies. 
  • I shared a bit about our altered Christmas plans to accommodate for Covid-19.

Quote of the Week

“A man is about as big as the things that make him angry.”Winston Churchill


Contact Information:

Direct download: Episode_199_-_123120_1.30_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:45pm EDT

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


Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Knit Wit Yarn Shop & Knit Style Yarns

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Black Chemo Cap

  • Pattern: none
  • Yarn: Bernat Velvet in Blackbird colorway
  • Hooks: F (3.75 mm) for brim and G (4.5 mm) for body
  • Ravelry Project Page Link

Rainbow Ripple Bralette

  • Pattern: Ripple Bralette by Jessie Maed Designs ($9 US knitting pattern). Click here for my Ravelry Project Page.
  • Needles: US 2 ( 2.75 mm) & US 4 (3.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Spunky Eclectic yarn purchased at MA sheep & wool (I think) 
  • Size Small

Nordic Christmas Gnome

  • Pattern: Nordic Christmas Gnome (free crochet pattern) by Ragnhild Hynne Uebler/Yarnhild. Link directly to website (not a Ravelry link)
  • Yarn: worsted weight acrylic from stash
  • Hooks: B (2.25 mm), D (3.25 mm) & J (6 mm)
  • My Ravelry Project Page

Piggie Nugget v2

Hippo Disco Socks

  • Ravelry Project Page.
  • Yarn: Lemonade Shop Simple Sock. Hippo Disco Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams

Riley’s Charcoal Afghan

Garret’s Crochet Wig

Wave of Change Jacket 

  • Pattern: Wave of Change Jacket by Denise Bayron ($9 US knitting pattern)
  • Yarn: Battenkill Fiber Mill Yarn (from Rhinebeck 2019). No label or other details available
  • Needles: US 8 (5.0 mm) for body. US 6 (4.0 mm) for ribbing.
  • Size 3
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Check out my Day 8 Vlogmas Video to see Mom try it on!

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Spinning

  • Fiber from Wound Up Fiber Arts
  • Base: Corriedale
  • Colorway: Prim
  • I have 2 other similar colorways and will ply them together. Not doing any color management.

Christmas with the Gilmores Socks

ADVENTure Gnome Mystery KAL

Signs of the Season Socks

  • Yarn: Fibernymph Dye Works Bounce base in the Signs of the Season Colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page

Baby Yoda Amigurumi

  • Pattern: Baby Yoda Amigurumi (free crochet pattern) by LarissaMaced – @beefriendscrochet
  • Yarn: Loops & Threads Impeccable in Fern (green) and Soft Taupe (Beige)
  • Hook: D (3.25 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page

Brainstorming

  • Getting back to my Ursa Cardigan and my Nanaimo Cardigan which I don’t think I even told you I cast on because I didn’t get very far.
  • I have a whole list of small Crochet projects I’d like to try out to make a Christmas garland or some small decorations. 

Crafty Adventures

  • I’ve only done 2 pages for my December Daily Album which I’m ok with. Forgot that December is not really the ideal time to do that because in addition to really enjoying my Christmas making— scrapbook stuff down cellar. Pellet stove isn’t on. Cold. 
  • Alo realizing, my goal i to document this stuff. I’m not feeling overly compelled to make every page a work of art. That’s fine. Taking pressure down a notch. 

KAL News


Quarterly Quests!

  • Get all of the details here. 
  • Quarter 4: October 1- December 31, 2020: Slay The Stash.
  • Of course we still want you to slay your stash so we added it to the very end. Use up any skein purchased prior to 2020 all the way down to the last 3 yards. Again, older than 5 years (as of the start of 2020) gains you an extra entry.
  • Check out the Ravelry Thread. 
  • Thank you Quarter 4 Sponsors: APLCrafts, AdoreKnit, Jennifer Lassonde Designs- Ravelry Link/LoveCrafts Link

 

Pigskin Party ’20

Check out all of the details you need to know either in the Start Here Thread  on Ravelry or on my website

Important Links:

Tune in to hear if you won the November Interception & check out our December Mini Skeins/Maximum Spirit Interception hosted by Yumi Yarns.

I announced November Participation prizes and will soon post the details of the 14 Grand Prize Packs we have this year!

Events

Contest, News & Notes

I released my latest shawl design- the Boxing Day Bonus Shawl (Ravelry Link). It is a sideways knit garter & eyelet shawl intended to maximize the use of mini skeins, specifically an Advent Mini Skein collection! The shawl is worked with increases in garter stitch stripes up to the center panel. The triangles are formed with German Short rows, then you decrease in garter stripes to finish off. The result is a big, cozy shawl where the rows never get too long and you’re not binding off hundreds of stitches but you still get that polished edge with the mock i-cord effect I use in so many of my pattern. Best of all- the pattern includes links to video tutorials to guide you throughout. 

Check out full details on my website or on Ravelry.

Tune in for a coupon code only for podcast listeners! You won’t find it anywhere else.

 On a Happy Note

  • Monday Nov 30th- we lost power in the evening but Dan and I worked together on getting the Christmas cards addressed and ready to mail!
  • We lost power again on Sat 12/5. It didn’t last long but we listened to the My Favorite Murder Podcast and I got sleeve of mom’s cardigan done.
  • Getting back into running!
  • 2 massages recently!
  • Zoom knit hangout with my friend Emily who you may know from the Knitting Butterflies audio podcast. Emily has been posting videos on her YouTube Channel again. Check them out here.
  • All new windows installed, and our door replacements will be finished next weekend!
  • I visited with Mom for her sweater try on and to pick up garland.  Tune in to Day 8 Vlogmas Video to see Mom’s gorgeous Christmas decorations. She says they’re scaled way down, and they are, but its still more than anyone else I know!
  • We had another rainy Saturday so we watched hours of Good Girls on Netflix and wrapped all of our Christmas gifts.
  • Getting to see our nieces and nephews (safely) and seeing Hattie experience Teddy Ruxpin Singing and Reading to her for the 1st time!

Quote of the Week

I used to spend a lot of energy trying to get further. I now spend a lot of energy trying to get better. Progress is a trajectory, not just a destination.

–Web Smith


Contact Information:

Direct download: Episode_198_-_121520_9.30_AM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:45am EDT

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 197  of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:

  • Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • Brainstorming
  • Knitting in Passing
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Prairie Bag Works & Irocknits

Stayed tuned to the end for a bit of bonus audio with my niece Riley!

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins


Holly Cozy

  • Pattern: Ball Band by Jennifer Lassonde (free crochet pattern).
  • Hook: F (3.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Lion Brand Re-Up in the Ecru Colorway. Rowan Designer Collection DK Handknit Cotton in Hastings Green & Cherry. 
  • Ravelry Project Page Link
  • Link to Holly Berry Pattern (non-Ravelry link)

Lotion Cozy

  • Pattern: Ball Band with a Twist by Jennifer Lassonde (free crochet pattern).
  • Hook: F (3.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Rowan Designer Collection DK Handknit Cotton in Hastings Green & Cherry. 
  • Ravelry Project Page

Sweet Stripes Socks

  • Yarn: Patons Kroy Stripes in the Sweet Stripes Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Ravelry Project Page

Oisin’s Christmas Alien

Christmas is Here! Cookie

  • Pattern: Cookie by Philomena from the Christmas is Here! eBook
  • Hook: D (3.25 mm)
  • Yarn: worsted weight acrylic yarn from stash. 

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Wave of Change Jacket 

  • Pattern: Wave of Change Jacket by Denise Bayron ($9 US knitting pattern)
  • Yarn: Battenkill Fiber Mill Yarn (from Rhinebeck 2019). No label or other details available
  • Needles: US 8 (5.0 mm) for body. US 6 (4.0 mm) for ribbing.
  • Size 3, 45” bust because it calls for 2-4 inches of positive ease. 
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Check out Week 45 Video on my YouTube Channel to see Mom try it on.

Rainbow Ripple Bralette

  • Pattern: Ripple Bralette by Jessie Maed Designs ($9 US knitting pattern). Click here for my Ravelry Project Page.
  • Needles: US 2 ( 2.75 mm) & US 4 (3.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Spunky Eclectic yarn purchased at MA sheep & wool (I think) 

Spinning 

  • Fiber from Wound Up Fiber Arts
  • Base: Corriedale
  • Colorway: Prim
  • I have 2 other similar colorways so I’m spinning all of it and will ply them together for a 3 ply yarn.

Riley’s Charcoal Afghan

Signs of the Season Socks

  • Yarn: Fibernymph Dye Works Bounce base in the Signs of the Season Colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page

Ursa

  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Pattern: Ursa by Jacqueline Cieslak
  • Needle: US 11 (8.0 mm)
  • Yarn: Kraemer Yarns Mauch Chunky in the Juji Fruit Colorway 
  • Yarn provided to me free for review. Tune in to hear my initial thoughts.

Hippo Disco Socks

  • Ravelry Project Page.
  • Yarn: Lemonade Shop Simple Sock. Hippo Disco Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams

Brainstorming

Christmas is Here! Introducing 8 free patterns written by 8 Latin American designers! Check out this link to Christmas is Here Pattern Page on Ravelry.

  • Gingerbread Man, Nutcracker, Elf Doll, Mouse, Bear, Angel, Cat with a Santa hat, Reindeer. Each of them are absolutely adorable! Crochet patterns in Spanish and English

Garret asked for a crocheted wig. I’ll be using the Afro Hair Wig by Weiyan Huang as a guide. Ravelry Link to Pattern here.

Knitting in Passing

Chatting with Riley about knitting on Zoom and seeing how her projects are coming!

KAL News


Quarterly Quests!

Get all of the details here. Quarter 4: October 1- December 31, 2020: Slay The Stash. Of course we still want you to slay your stash so we added it to the very end. Use up any skein purchased prior to 2020 all the way down to the last 3 yards. Again, older than 5 years (as of the start of 2020) gains you an extra entry.

Check out the Ravelry Thread. 

Thank you Quarter 4 Sponsors: APLCrafts, AdoreKnit, Jennifer Lassonde Designs- Ravelry Link/LoveCrafts Link

Pigskin Party ’20

heck out all of the details you need to know either in the Start Here Thread  on Ravelry or on my website
Important Links:

Check out details for the November Interception here & our newly announced December Mini Skeins/Maximum Spirit Interception hosted by Yumi Yarns.

Extra Point Challenge: Give yourself and your team 100 points for each small project (min 25 yards: less than 100 yards) you complete. To be eligible for extra points, a project must be started no earlier than 11/1/20 and completed no later than 12/25/20. Limit 5 projects per player (500 total bonus points). Check out the details on my website or on Ravelry.

Events

  • Dramatic Knits Podcast is hosting a KAL October 1-December 31, 2020 where I am the featured designer! Check out this Ravelry Post for details.  
  • BIPOC Make Along: Runs 10/1-12/18 
  • Festive Sock Along with Amy Florence of Stranded Podcast. Stay tuned to her podcast Ravelry Group for details. October 1- December 1, 2020. #Festivesockalong2020 
  • Beth MDQuilter (Instagram) and Abigail Covert_Knits (Instagram) teaming up for gilmorealong2020. Started 9/22. 
  • Knit All the Yarn Podcast  #stockingstuffersmal2020 Check out the details in the Knit All the Yarn Podcast Ravelry Group. Runs from October 1 – December 31, 2020. No wips. Any craft is welcome!
  • The Indie Giftalong is running! Check out their Ravelry Group.The Indie Design Gift-A-Long is a 5+ week long KAL/CAL of holiday gifts made from patterns designed by a rather extensive list of independent designers. From November 24th, 2020 at 8:00 pm US EST to December 31, 2020 at midnight US EST there will be fun games, contests, and 8 KAL/CALs that will help you get your holiday knitting and crocheting done with companionship and fun! Please use #giftalong2020 and #GAL2020 

On a Happy Note

  • My daily Theragun use is making a noticeable difference.
  • I decorated the house for Christmas the weekend before Thanksgiving- except for the tree. 
  • Emelyn came home from school! Hugs! So rare these days.
  • Thanksgiving weekend. Dan and I spent the day together. PJs day (and putting up the tree).
  • I finally put up the photos I had printed on Wood Panels from Walgreens months ago.
  • Impromptu Christmas shopping with Mom!
  • I did some Christmas shopping at Savers. Video coming soon to my YouTube Channel on how I thrift.
  • Put tree in diningroom bc having windows done. 
  • Riley coming for a sleepover!

Quote of the Week

“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” – G.K. Chesterton

Thank you for tuning in!
Contact Information:

Direct download: Episode_197_-_112920_3.20_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:50pm EDT

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 196 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website.

  • Off the Needles
  • On the Needles
  • Brainstorming
  • Crafty Adventures
  • Knitting in Passing
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Life in Focus
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Knitters Brewing CompanyKnit Style Yarns, Knit Wit Yarn Shop

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins


A Good Sized Owl

  • Pattern: Owl with Hatching Owlet by Laura Sutcliffe ($2.75 US crochet pattern)
  • Hook: C (2.75 mm)
  • Yarn: leftover acrylic & wool worsted/dk weight yarn
  • Safety eyes from 6060 on Etsy
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • See it in 3D in my Week 44 Video on YouTube. 

Baymax

  • Pattern: Baymax Disney Amigurumi by Catherine Johansson (free crochet pattern)
  • Hook: C (2.75 mm)
  • Yarn: worsted weight acrylic yarn from stash
  • Notions: 6 mm safety eyes from 6060 on Etsy+ polyfil
  • Ravelry Project Page Link

Cuddle Bunny Mini

  • Pattern: Cuddle Bunny Mini & Pillow by Emmy Faranda ($3 US crochet pattern).
  • Hook: D (3.25 mm)
  • Yarn: worsted weight acrylic yarn from stash.
  • Ravelry Project Page

Reindeer Nugget 

Velvety Chemo Cap 

  • Pattern: none
  • Yarn: Bernat Crushed Velvet in the Toasted Plums colorway
  • Hooks: F (3.75 mm) and G (4.25 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Wave of Change Jacket 

  • Pattern: Wave of Change Jacket by Denise Bayron ($9 US knitting pattern)
  • Yarn: Battenkill Fiber Mill Yarn (from Rhinebeck 2019). No label or other details available
  • Needles: US 8 (5.0 mm) for body. US 6 (4.0 mm) for ribbing.
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Check out Week 45 Video on the Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel to see Mom try it on.

Rainbow Ripple Bralette

  • Pattern: Ripple Bralette by Jessie Maed Designs ($9 US knitting pattern). Click here for my Ravelry Project Page.
  • Needles: US 2 ( 2.75 mm) & US 4 (3.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Spunky Eclectic yarn purchased at MA sheep & wool (I think) 
  • Started with Size XS. Ripped out and cast back on for size Small.

Christmas with the Gilmores Socks

Sweet Stripes Socks

  • Yarn: Patons Kroy Stripes in the Sweet Stripes Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Ravelry Project Page

Signs of the Season Socks

  • Yarn: Fibernymph Dye Works Bounce base in the Signs of the Season Colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page

Brainstorming

Thinking about making differently as we enter a safer at home winter season. Tune in to hear my musings about how my interests and choices have changed during the pandemic.

I’m going to cast on a bulky weight crochet blanket for my niece, Riley. Do you have a favorite washable, super bulky yarn that’s great for gifts?

Crafty Adventures

  • I ordered our Christmas cards from Snapfish.
  • I finally finished a scrappy curtain to hide storage space under my desk in my craft room. See more in my Week 44 Video on the Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel.
  • I spent time last Saturday on December Daily prep.
    • Went through photos already printed out.
    • Gathered supplies. Paper, photos, page protectors
    • Organized by type- full paper, scraps of paper, embellishments, tools.  
    • Made list of stories I want to tell based on photos already printed.
    • Check out Week 45 Video on my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel to see more.

Knitting in Passing

  • Talking to Riley on video chat about knitting. She finished a cowl she’s been working on.
  • Trying to figure out what her next project will be.

KAL News

Quarterly Quests! Get all of the details here. 

Quarter 4: October 1- December 31, 2020: Slay The Stash.
Of course we still want you to slay your stash so we added it to the very end. Use up any skein purchased prior to 2020 all the way down to the last 3 yards. Again, older than 5 years (as of the start of 2020) gains you an extra entry. Check out the Ravelry Thread. 

Thank you Quarter 4 Sponsors: APLCrafts, AdoreKnit, Jennifer Lassonde Designs- Ravelry Link/LoveCrafts Link

Pigskin Party ’20

Check out all of the details you need to know either in the Start Here Thread  on Ravelry or on my website
Important Links:

  • November Interception Sponsored by Fibernymph Dye WorksPunt!
    • Sometimes during the game, a team needs to just call it like it is, switch up the direction of play and punt the ball to the other team. We’ve all gotten a lot of practice with punting things in 2020. For the November Interception sponsored by Fibernymph Dye Works, we’re going to see what projects you need to punt to make them work for you. This challenge is all about making substitutions from what a pattern calls for as a way of making sure it works for you (your materials, your skill levels, your aesthetic preference etc).
    • Check out this thread in the Ravelry Group or the full details posted on my website.

Events

Life in Focus

  • 2 library visits (check off my 20 for 2020 list)
  • I’ve been making more pages in the Project Life App for my 2018 album. I’m up to week 40, so only 12 left to do! Can definitely finish before the end of this year. 

On a Happy Note

  • Our 1st snow.
  • A belated Halloween celebration.
  • Mom’s sweater try on.
  • Refinishing my great Aunt Milly’s old desk with my best friend.
  • My new overalls!
  • Exploring new trails that opened up in my town- even when I got lost!
  • Election results. Work for social justice and improvements to the way we treat our planet among other things are still going to require effort so I’ve signed up with Vote Save America to get more information on how to volunteer help out in Georgia’s run off election.
  • Our new backhoe!

Quote of the Week

“One of the consolations of old age is the intense pleasure I now get from nature. It seems that in youth I was too busy confronting life and experience to stand still and gaze.”

– P. D. James

Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/


Contact Information:

Direct download: Episode_196_-_111320_11.17_AM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 195 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes & photos can be found on my website.

This week’s segments included:

  • Off the Needles
  • On the Needles
  • Brainstorming
  • From the Armchair
  • Crafty Adventures
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Life in Focus
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Knit Wit Yarn Shop, Imagined LandscapesInvictus Yarns, JDStudios480

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Cake Party Socks- Take 2

  • Yarn: Wisdom Yarn Pix in the Cake Party Colorway & Patons Kroy (cuffs, heels, toes)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams. Link to my Ravelry Project Page. 
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)

Black is the New Orange Socks- Ravelry Project Page Link

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: White Birch Fiber Arts 80/20 SW Merino, Nylon Self Striping in the Black is the New Orange Colorway

Nanaimo Cardigan (Ravelry Project Page)

  • Pattern: Nanaimo Cardigan (website link) by Tara-Lynn Morrison
  • US 15 (10.0 mm)
  • US 19 (15.0 mm)
  • Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick in the Blackstone Colorway- Black with maroons, grays, browns. Trying small. Only 4 sts different in collar than Medium but with Super Bulky that makes a difference.

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Tranquility Scarf

Wave of Change Jacket

  • Pattern: Wave of Change Jacket by Denise Bayron ($9 US). Click here for my Ravelry Project Page.
  • Yarn: Battenkill Fibers Yarn Mom purchased at Rhinebeck 2019 (9 skeins in blue)- bulky 
  • Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) & US 8 (5.0 mm)

Cozy Classic Raglan 

Rainbow Ripple Bralette

  • Pattern: Ripple Bralette by Jessie Maed Designs ($9 US knitting pattern). Click here for my Ravelry Project Page.
  • Needles: US 2 ( 2.75 mm) & US 4 (3.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Spunky Eclectic yarn purchased at MA sheep & wool (I think) 

Gram’s Christmas Socks

  • Yarn: Patons Kroy Stripes in the Sweet Stripes Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams

Brainstorming

I talked about how I’ve set up my shawls in my closet to make sure I wear them all (instead of re-wearing the ones I love most).

 From the Armchair

Crafty Adventures

  • Check out my new autumn video recorded during Rhinebeck weekend. Fall 2020: Around Town & Around the House video on the Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel.
  • December Daily. Memory Keeping project started by Ali Edwards where you tell 1 story a day each day in December. Won’t be doing a lot of our “normal” holiday things this year- put that time into documenting traditions and highlights of holidays gone by. 
  • I’m thinking of doing Vlogmas this year. What do you think? What do you want to see?

KAL News


Quarterly Quests! Get all of the details here. 

Quarter 4: October 1- December 31, 2020: Slay The Stash.

Of course we still want you to slay your stash so we added it to the very end. Use up any skein purchased prior to 2020 all the way down to the last 3 yards. Again, older than 5 years (as of the start of 2020) gains you an extra entry.Check out the Ravelry Thread. 

Thank you Quarter 4 Sponsors: APLCrafts, AdoreKnit, Jennifer Lassonde Designs- Ravelry Link/LoveCrafts Link


Pigskin Party ’20

Check out all of the details you need to know either in the Start Here Thread  on Ravelry or on my website
Important Links:

  • VTKimmyKim- hosting a Netflix Party movie night on November 7th at 8:00pm EST. Movie= Wine Country. Check out this and other pop-up events in this thread in the Ravelry Group— or host your announce and share it here.
  • November Interception Sponsored by Fibernymph Dye Works: Punt!
    • Sometimes during the game, a team needs to just call it like it is, switch up the direction of play and punt the ball to the other team. We’ve all gotten a lot of practice with punting things in 2020. For the November Interception sponsored by Fibernymph Dye Works, we’re going to see what projects you need to punt to make them work for you. This challenge is all about making substitutions from what a pattern calls for as a way of making sure it works for you (your materials, your skill levels, your aesthetic preference etc).
    • Check out this thread in the Ravelry Group or the full details posted on my website.
  • Tune in to hear if you’re a Participation Winner for the month of October.

Events

Virtual Vogue Knitting Live- November 2020

  • For those of you who did our Pigskin Virtual Kick off Pre-game Stretch with Mara- just a heads up that Mara will be doing her first ever event with Vogue. Her stretching class for makers will be available as marketplace extra so if you’ve signed up for a class you can join in on this too!

Life in Focus

  • I had an invigorating chat with about planners and goal setting with my friend Melissa. I talked a little about how I’m doing things these days. Has the pandemic changed the way you plan your days/weeks/months?
  • Want to hear more of my thoughts on planning? Check out my latest YouTube Video: Getting Organized, Setting Goals & Making the Most of 2020. This was a talk I did in January 2020.

On a Happy Note

  • I got out to Vote! Hope you will too
  • Spent time with mom working on a memory keeping project for a friend. Looked through old photos and things while I was there. 
  • 2 trips to the library lately. Pick up quick visit only- can’t really stay and browse but that’s another thing off my 20 for 2020 list!
  • Foliage! I adore it
  • Getting back into working out after cortisone shot- inflamed sciatic nerve. Not fun. Back to regular massages though fear that will be cut off at some point with Covid numbers going back up in the US. Theragun daily seems to be making a difference in my most sore spots. 
  • Boxing Day Bonus Shawl is being knit up by test knitters. SO excited about some of the color combos they’re using! My fav part. Folks often choose colors/combos I don’t think of.
  • Texting with my niece Eme who is away at college, photos she took for her photography class.
  • Texts from my SIL with my youngest niece Gabriella snuggled in the blanket I crocheted for her. 
  • Cool weather for hand knits. 
  • Happy mail- advent swap package! Check out For the Love of Minnies Group on Ravelry. Thank you Stephanie, not sure if you listen. 
  • Also mailed an homemade yarn advent calendar to Sue of Legacy Fiber arts. She worked so hard on the ones for her shop. Doesn’t remember to keep one for herself. I figured she’s putting SO much joy out into the world, I wanted her to get some back. Had a BLAST working on it. SB supplies, stamping etc. 

Quote of the Week

“Success is largely the failures you avoid. Health is the injuries you don’t sustain. Wealth is the purchases you don’t make. Happiness is the objects you don’t desire. Peace of mind is the arguments you don’t engage. Avoid the bad to protect the good.”

-James Clear

Thank you for tuning in! Contact Information:

Direct download: Episode_195_-_102920_3.47_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am EDT

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 194 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:

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

Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Cookie and BeesKnit Wit Yarn ShopFibernymph Dye Works AdoreKnit

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Bella Cosa Shawl

  • Pattern: Bella Cosa Shawl (free crochet pattern on Ravelry) by Stitch with Passion Crochet
  • Hook: J 6.0 mm
  • Yarn: Madelinetosh Tosh DK. No colorway listed. 

 

Autumn Garland

Materials:

  • Yarn: DK & Worsted scraps
  • Hook: C (2.75 mm) or D (3.25 mm)

Gnoel Gnome

  • Pattern: Gno Fun Like Gnome Fun by Sarah Shira, Imagined Landscapes (Pigskin Pro Shop Sponsor). Ravelry Project Page Link.
  • Needles: US 4 (3.5 mm).
  • Hook: C (2.75 mm)
  • Yarn: leftover worsted & DK weight from stash.
  • Crocheted the body (dusty pink yarn), and stuffed. Knit hat top down as written using a mustard color from Gale’s Art (DK). Stuffed and sewed to body. Knit beard and arms per pattern and sewed on.

Gnori Gnome 

  • Pattern: None; crocheted. Improvised
  • Hook: C (2.75mm)
  • Yarn: Leftover DK weight yarn in stash
  • Link to my Ravelry Project Page

Pumpkin Jar Cozy 

  • Pattern: Ball Band by Jennifer Lassonde (free crochet pattern)- Ravelry Link or LoveCrafts Link.
  • Hook G (4.25 mm) & F (3.75 mm)
  • Yarn: Lion Brand Re-Up in the Ecru & Orange Colorways
  • Sewed on crochet appliqué I’d already made. Check out the Ravelry Project Page for that FO.

Nanaimo Cardigan (Ravelry Project Page)

  • Pattern: Nanaimo Cardigan (website link) by Tara-Lynn Morrison
  • US 15 (10.0 mm)
  • US 19 (15.0 mm)
  • Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick 
  • I saw Arthella from Best Day Ever Crafting Podcast working on hers. She saw it on the Knit State of Mind Podcast (Episode 16) when Wanda recently finished hers. 

Declan 1st Socks (Ravelry Link)

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Yarn: Patons Kroy in the Grey Brown Marl Colorway with Flax for heel
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Christmas with the Gilmores Socks

 

Black is the New Orange Socks- Ravelry Project Page Link

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: White Birch Fiber Arts 80/20 SW Merino, Nylon Self Striping in the Black is the New Orange Colorway

Nanaimo Cardigan (Ravelry Project Page)

  • Pattern: Nanaimo Cardigan (website link) by Tara-Lynn Morrison
  • US 15 (10.0 mm)
  • US 19 (15.0 mm)
  • Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick in the Blackstone Colorway

Brainstorming

Tara, Arianrod on Ravelry, PMed me about the Continuous Mitered Square Blanket by Kara Gunza. DK weight crochet blanket. Looks like knit mitered squares.

Scandinavian Gnome by Lizz Jelsma. Crochet pattern available on Ravelry & on MakeItSewCrochet website.

Starting kids Christmas toys. I need silver glittery yarn for Oisin’s custom alien. Ideas? 

From the Armchair

Crafty Adventures

  • Rubber Stamping & Embossing. Made some gift tags and Christmas cards. They all need some finishing touches and parts are for a surprise gift so I’ll share later in the season but it felt great getting back into a hobby that I started 25 years ago! 
  • Check out my first ever Day in the Life Vlog on my Down Cellar Studio Podcast YouTube Channel
 

Knitting in Passing

  • I wore my Ninilchik Swoncho to Joann’s. The cashier at Joann asked if I minded sharing where I bought my sweater because she loved it and wanted to buy one. I told her I knit it. She’s just learning to crochet. I told her, she could definitely do this. Just keep learning.
  • Dan got a nice text from his friend for whom I crocheted a baby blanket when their first granddaughter was due this summer. He thanked us again for her blanket saying it’s her favorite. So sweet.

KAL News

Quarterly Quests!

Get all of the details here. Quarter 4: October 1- December 31, 2020: Slay The Stash.

Of course we still want you to slay your stash so we added it to the very end. Use up any skein purchased prior to 2020 all the way down to the last 3 yards. Again, older than 5 years (as of the start of 2020) gains you an extra entry.Check out the Ravelry Thread. 

Thank you Quarter 4 Sponsors: APLCrafts, AdoreKnit, Jennifer Lassonde Designs- Ravelry Link/LoveCrafts Link

Pigskin Party ’20

Check out all of the details you need to know either in the Start Here Thread  on Ravelry or on my website
Important Links:

October Interception For this Interception you’re going to blend two (or more) colorways together in one project. You can marl them, use stripes, use one as an accent against a main color. You decide how to pair them up. A 2 color shawl, socks with contrast cuffs/heels/toes, a striped hat. As long as it’s at least 100 yards, it counts for this challenge. 

To be eligible to win

  • Complete a project of at least 100 yards that uses the 2 colors. If you want to make multiple small projects, the total must be over 100 yards.
  • Project must have been cast on on/after 10/1/20 and completed by 10/31/20
  • Post your FO with a description and/or photo that shows how you’re meeting the challenge.
  • 1 entry for your FO (or group of small FOs). Post your FO in the October Interception Thread in the Ravelry Group. 
  • Players not on Ravelry can post on Instagram with #DCSPigskinComeTogether. You may only enter in one place- Ravelry OR Instagram. 
  • 1 additional entry in each place if you use one or more colorways from Holly Press Fibers. 
  • Total of 2 entries Max per player (1 for your FO + 1 for using Holly Press Fibers Yarn)
  • Prize: $30 Holly Press Fibers Gift Certificate (note- no additional points will be offered for completing this Interception. You can still enter for points for this project as usual).

Pop-Up Events

  • 30 Day Tailgate Talk Challenge Over on Friday! Did you like it? Should we do it another? For points? Or not for points?
  • Kick Off Challenge- 50 pts for each FO you cast on in first 2 weeks of Pigskin Party. Limited time to enter for these points. Check out Details on Ravelry or on my website.
  • Ravelry User VTKimmyKim is hosting a Netflix Party Movie Night on November 7th at 8:00pm EST. Movie TBD. Check out this and other pop-up events in this thread in the Ravelry Group— or host your announce and share it here.

Events

Tune in to hear about my classes with Virtual Vogue Knitting Live– October 9-11

  • Virtual Kick off event Thursday evening with Josh Bennett and London Kaye. Lots of fun.  Keynote on Saturday with Jared Flood.
    • Friday, October 9, 2020 Beginning Brioche- Faina Goberstein.
    • Saturday, October 10, 2020 Brioche and Beyond- Olga Jazzy.
    • Sunday, October 11, 2020 Inclusive Size Shawls – Kim McBrian Evans.

Contest, News & Notes

Call for Testers-want to knit a sideways fingering weight shawl that calls for 20 calls/ 200g total? Message me!

Life in Focus

I’ve had a tough couple weeks with pain. Lessons learned:

  1. Listen to your body. Adjusting your plans/goals to be kind to the only body you get is absolutely OK.
  2. Don’t skip stretching. It’s important!
  3. Adjusting my routine can and often is a good thing. Waking up early to walk in the summer because it was light already and would be too hot later was a good idea. Now its dark at 5:45a… Its time to adjust. It shouldn’t take THIS hitting me so hard to get me there, but it sorta did. I’m just getting back to things now but I’m going to start thinking about what my routine looks like. I’ll be active and I do like having a routine. Habits work well for me… but that can look different in different seasons. 

On a Happy Note

  • A 2 hour deep tissue massage with my favorite massage therapist.
  • Ordered a Theragun Pro with permission of my Rheumatologist using Flex Spending money. Not sure what a Theragun is- check out this article from CNet
  • Home delivery from our local dairy Hornstra Farms!
  • Outdoor get together for Dad’s birthday at my brother’s & watching Riley and Millie in their neighborhood production of Our Little Mermaid.
  • I checked my ballot status- it has been mailed to me! I look forward to submitting it! Go out and Vote!

Quote of the Week

  • “Our political leaders will know our priorities only if we tell them, again and again, and if those priorities begin to show up in the polls.” -Peggy Noonan
  • “Not Voting is not a protest. It is a surrender.” -Keith Ellison


Contact Information:

Direct download: Episode_194_-_101520_5.11_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:23pm EDT

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 193 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes and photos can be found on my website: 

This week’s segments included:

  • Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • Brainstorming
  • From the Armchair
  • Knitting in Passing
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Ask Me Anything
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Knit Wit Yarn ShopCookie & Beesagirlandherwool & Sunsoaked Yarns.

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins


Eme’s Halloween Garland 

Materials:

  • Yarn: DK & Worsted scraps
  • Hook: C (2.75 mm) or D (3.25 mm)

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Bella Cosa Shawl

  • Pattern: Bella Cosa Shawl (free crochet pattern on Ravelry) by Stitch with Passion Crochet
  • Hook: J 6.0 mm
  • Yarn: Madelinetosh Tosh DK. No colorway listed. 

Freewheeler Sweater

  • Pattern: Freewheeler by Kristen Finlay (Ravelry Link) $11 AUD (~$8.35 US)
  • Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm)
  • Yarn (held double): Holiday Yarns (Badger Black Colorway); CeCe’s Wool Yarn Baby! 1120 yards fingering weight Superwash Merino (Cherries Jubilee Colorway)

Black is the New Orange Socks- Ravelry Project Page Link

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: White Birch Fiber Arts 80/20 SW Merino, Nylon Self Striping in the Black is the New Orange Colorway
  • Using my handmade Hello Kitty Halloween Project bag. 
 

Scrappy Sparkly Halloween Socks- Ravelry Project Page Link

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Some scraps. Some Knitty & Color minis 

Declan 1st Socks (Ravelry Link)

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Yarn: Patons Kroy in the Grey Brown Marl Colorway with Flax for heel
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)

Vampire Vibes Socks (Ravelry Link)

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Vampires Vibes colorway. Holly Press Fibers Sheepish Sock (heels)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)

Fall Garlands

Brainstorming

I’m having a hard time finding a lion crochet toy pattern I like (and that isn’t too large). This Lion Amigurumi is kind of cute.

I keep browsing the bundle of patterns from Pigskin ’20 Sponsors. Thank you Zoom Dog Knits for putting this together.

 

From the Armchair

Listener Mary sent this tutorial for joining granny squares. Check out this link to the zigzag slip stitch join tutorial. 

I scored two great crafty books at Savers. Spent less than $6 for the pair! 

  • Basic Crochet Stitches: 250 Stitches to Crochet. Edited by Erika Knight.
  • Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book

Knitting in Passing

I told stories about knitting with my 2 year old niece, Hattie, and her wearing my handknit socks. When she’s big she wants her own knitting and a bag for her knitting.

My best friend wants a gnome after seeing mine. Link to my Ravelry Project.

A family friend, age 16, asked me for handknit socks. So sweet.

 KAL News


Quarterly Quests! Get all of the details here. Quarter 3: July 1- September 30 – Lessen the Library– check out the Ravelry Thread here

.Quarter 3 SponsorsSunsoaked YarnsApple Fiber StudioCookie and BeesDon’t forget to post on Instagram #QuarterlyQuests & #LessentheLibrary 
I will pull Q3 winners in next episode

October 1- December 31: Slay the Stash
Of course we still want you to slay your stash so we added it to the very end. Use up any skein purchased prior to 2020 all the way down to the last 3 yards. Again, older than 5 years gains you an extra entry.

Pigskin Party ’20

Check out all of the details you need to know either in the Start Here Thread  on Ravelry or on my website

Important Links:

Important Details shared this episode: check out the October Interception on my website or on Ravelry.

Events

Ask Me Anything

In Episode 192- Timenow13 on Instagram asked about listening to older episode of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. You can download The Podcast App– available for Apple + Android and go all the way back to Episode 1 (like I did this week. WOW!)

On a Happy Note

  • A clean house, decorated for fall!
  • We had a small social distant gathering at the house. Oisin, Will, Aila, and Declan were here working in the woods all day. Their parents came in the evening for a beer and some pizza. We had a camp fire and my best friend brought s’mores stuff. 
  • I found another new trail. I’m enjoying watching the leaves falling and seeing our neighbors’ goats out and about.
  • When boys working in the yarn I took my grabber and cleaned up our frontage of so much litter! 
  • Making soups. Currently loving this Asiago Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Soup
  • Fresh garlic from our friend’s garden. 

Quote of the Week

“Life is a train of moods like a string of beads, and as we pass through them, they prove to be many-colored lenses which paint the world their own hue, and each shows only what lies in its focus.”– Ralph Waldo Emerson


Thank you for tuning in!
Contact Information:

Direct download: Episode_193_-_92920_12.42_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:45am EDT

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 192 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Check out full show notes & photos on my website: www.downcellarstudio.com/192 

Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Knit Wit Yarn Shop & YumiYarns

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins


Gno Fun Like Gnome Fun (Ravelry Link)

  • Pattern: Gno Fun Like Gnome Fun by Sarah Schira $7 Canadian knitting pattern
  • Needles: US 4 (3.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Body: Gale’s Art Super Star DK (mustard), Hat: Madeline Tosh Tosh Vintage (in a one of a kind blue/green). Beard/skin: Cascade Eco Alpaca, Natural

Flat Crocheted Pumpkin: Ravelry Project Page

  • Pattern: Special Holiday Issue of Workbasket Magazine Oct/Nov 1993
  • Hook: D (3.25 mm)
  • Yarn: Scraps DK
  •  

Pumpkin 

  • Pattern: Pumpkin Garland by Eva Polaripop (free crochet pattern). Ravelry LinkWebsite Link.
  • Hook: C (2.75 mm)
  • Yarn: Leftover DK weight scraps

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins


Spinning Shetland 4 oz

Freewheeler Sweater

  • Pattern: Freewheeler by Kristen Finlay (Ravelry Link) $11 AUD (~$8.35 US)
  • Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm)
  • Yarn (held double): Holiday Yarns (in a gray colorway); CeCe’s Wool Yarn Baby! 1120 yards fingering weight Superwash Merino in the Cherries Jubilee colorway
  • Saw this sweater on Rose Hip Knits Podcast on YouTube. The host, Hanna, was a test knitter. 

Vampire Vibes Socks (Ravelry Link)

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Vampires Vibes colorway. Holly Press Fibers Sheepish Sock (heels)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)

Fall Garlands

Materials:

  • Yarn: DK & Worsted scraps
  • Hook: C (2.75 mm) or D (3.25 mm)

Plan is to make a garland for my niece Emelyn who just moved away for college; and a set for myself. One might be more Halloween themed and one more fall themed.

Black is the New Orange Socks- Ravelry Project Page Link

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: White Birch Fiber Arts 80/20 SW Merino, Nylon Self Striping in the Black is the New Orange Colorway
  • Using my handmade Hello Kitty Halloween Project bag. 

Scrappy Sparkly Halloween Socks- Ravelry Project Page Link

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Some scraps. Some Knitty & Color minis 


Brainstorming

  • I purchased all of the new Patons Kroy colorways available from Yarnspirations website. 
  • I purchased some fiber. Some from a destash & some from Wound Up Fiber Arts. I purchased some Corriedale.
  • Shawl wearing Thanks to IG user: spincess514, Diana, who mentioned the #shawtember hashtag.
  • I want to knit all the sweaters. Colorwork. DK. Swoncho. Boxy. Browsing Ravelry, IG, Pinterest. Do you have any favorites?

From the Armchair

Knitting in Passing

Tune in to hear a review of my Virtual Vogue Knitting live classes 
1. Legin Innovation Uplifting Crochet Class with LeginKnits.

2. Josh Bennett’s Design Workshop: Building Your Design Identity- highly recommend.

3. Five Crochet Shawls: An Exploration of Shapes and Constructions Cecilia Losada

KAL News


Quarterly Quests! Get all of the details here. Quarter 3: July 1- September 30 – Lessen the Library– check out the Ravelry Thread here.

Quarter 3 SponsorsSunsoaked YarnsApple Fiber StudioCookie and BeesDon’t forget to post on Instagram #QuarterlyQuests you can also add one for the Quarter:#FreetheFavorites #LessentheLibrary #SlaytheStash

 

Check out all of the details you need to know either in the Start Here Thread  on Ravelry or on my website
Important Links:

Updates in this episode:

  • This year, everyone is a team to provide you a small group to chat with and get to know. The teams roll up into 3 Conferences. Wendy heads up the Alpaca Football Conference (AFC), Lisa heads up the Sheep Football Conference (SFC) and I’m heading up the Llama Football Conference (LFC).
  • Play around with the Points Tally form to practice. That will be wiped on Friday night 9/18.
  • Participants can enter any pre-game points they’re eligible for starting on Saturday 9/19 (but remember you cannot cast on until 9/25). 
  • Stay tuned for a 30 Day Challenge that will help us get to know each other.
  • Join us for our Virtual Kick Off on 9/25 & 26. Details can be found in the Ravelry Groupand on my website.
  • I will be sending out an email newsletter later this week with key Pigskin reminders and links. I am also creating a PDF printable that lets you plan out your projects if you’re the paper planner type. Not on my email list yet? Sign up now and you’ll automatically have it sent to you 24 hours after you sign up. 
  • It is never too late to join in the Pigskin Party. Fill out the Sign up Form anytime. We’d love to have you.

Events

Stash Dash, hosted by the Knit Girllls, ran from May 22- August 22, 2020. Thank you to everyone who posted/commented that you enjoyed challenge between Jasmin and me. Jasmin shared the results on the Knitmore Girls Podcast Episode 593.

  • Results: Jasmin- 18,816 meters. Jen- 28,557 meters
  • Tune in to hear my breakdown by craft and project type.
  • In theory, the loser our of little private competition donates money to charity, but it’s become something we both have committed to regardless of the outcome. This year, with employer matching we were able to give $200 each to Black Lives Matter, the NAACP & ActBlue. If you’ve gotten something out of this challenge, we encourage you to donate to one of these causes or something that speaks to your value.
  • Festive Sock Along with Amy Florence of Stranded Podcast. Stay tuned to her podcast Ravelry Group for details. October 1- December 1 #Festivesockalong2020 
  • Beth MDQuilter (Instagram) and Abigail Covert_Knits (Instagram) teaming up for #gilmorealong2020 on Instagram. Begins on 9/22. I bought yarn from Area 51 Fibres. Can’t wait!

Contest, News & Notes

Ask Me Anything

  • Happyjustknitting asked: With Stash Dash over, do you still have WIPs or are you working on casting new things/spinning? Tune in to hear my answer.
  • Timenow13 on Instagram Megan asks “Hi, I have two questions. I have recently found your podcast and love it, I’ve listened to it backwards to episode 91 on Apple podcast and I would love to listen to the rest but I’m not sure if they are available anywhere? My second question is if you have any tips for being in a transitional knitting place? I have only ever done flat things mostly washcloths and baby blankets, I finally finished my first piece of lace. I want to start doing hats or mittens or maybe ever a sweater but it all seems like a big jump. Any tips?”
    • You can listen to all of my back episodes directly from my podcast host Libsyn. Click on the POD icon next to the episode name to play an episode. This should work well on mobile or desktop.
    • Taking knitting to the next step- my best advice is “Go where your interest lies.” After scarves I went to hats. I started top down with the Hill Country Hat (Ravelry Link)  by Clara Parkes, which isn’t typical but I thought that would be easy to measure. The great thing w/ hats is they don’t take long and it will fit SOMEONE. Other easy patterns I tried: Neighborly- Ravelry Link (kid’s vest) by Jennifer Casa (Free) & 5-hour baby sweater (cardigan)- Ravelry Link by Courtney Filner (free)
    • I also recommend Tin Can Knits Simple Collection- Ravelry Link.

On a Happy Note

  • Starbucks Cold Brew with Dark Cocoa Almondmilk Foam
  • Found a new longer trail local nature preserve!
  • Big upgrade at work has gone well and more importantly- its mostly behind us!
  • Dan bought me a Li’l Sebastian Mug (which he purchased online as we binged Season 7 of Parks and Recreation)
  • Great to see my cousin Gayle who came down for a visit!
  • Fridge and freezer broke (not so happy) but with a recommendation on a local repair shop, it was fixed the same day we called!
  • Cool enough weather to wear handknits- I wore to my Soldotna for visit to Staci’s Stitches. 

Quote of the Week

Humor is the antidote to overthinking. It’s a way of saying that life is paradoxical. Humor contains contradictions; it does not resolve them but revels in them. It says that the right way to exist among the contradictions, paradoxes, and absurdities of life is to cope with them through laughter. — Bob Mankoff


Contact Information:

Direct download: Episode_192_-_91520_12.14_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 191 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. For full show notes with photos please check out my website.

This week’s segments included:

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

Thank you to this episode’s sponsor: Knit Wit Yarn Shop

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Cedar River Blanket (Ravelry Link)

  • Pattern Cedar River Blanket by Kat Goldin (free crochet pattern) Non-Ravelry Link
  • Yarn: Loops & Threads Impeccable in White, Light Gray, Yellow, Dark Charcoal & Black
  • Hook: I (5.5 mm)
  • Simple border- light gray, yellow, black. 
  • 16 squares total- 780g. 1602 yards/1464 meters

Hibernate Blanket (Ravelry Link)

  • Pattern: Hibernate Blanket by Yarnspirations Design Studio (free crochet pattern), Non-Ravelry Link
  • Hook: L (8.0 mm)
  • Yarn: Paton’s Kroy in the Camo Colorway held double with Bernat Softee Chunky
  • Stash Dash: 1658 meters.

Sweet Tea Triangle Shawl (Ravelry Link)

  • Yarn: Queensland Collection Perth in the Alice Springs Colorway
  • Pattern: Sweet Tea Triangle Shawl by Michelle Ferguson (crochet pattern $5) Etsy Link
  • Hook: G (4.25 mm)
  • 736.0 meters / 804.9 yards. 184 grams

Winnie Sanderson Socks (Ravelry Link)

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes in the Winnie Sanderson Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Micro Sock kits. Very affordable. 50g MC. 20g mini.  $21 
  • 236 meters

Cake Party Socks #2 (Ravelry Link)

  • Yarn: Wisdom Yarn Pix in the Cake Party Colorway + Patons Kroy for contrasting cuffs, heels and toes. 
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Finished 1 sock. 151 meters

Rainbow Growler Cozy (Ravelry Link) Growler Cozy in Blues (Ravelry Link)

  • Yarn: Lion Brand Re-up
  • Hooks: J, K & L (6mm, 6.5 mm and 8 mm)
  • Pattern: my own design. Not yet released
  • 160 meters each.
  • Yarn held doubled throughout. For the Rainbow one, I held black doubled for bottom, then switched to pink/cream, purple/cream up through the rainbow. Curves a bit around the front and has an open spot with ties you can tie around the handle on the back. 

Grass & Sky 32oz Jar Cozy (Ravelry Link) Sunflower Rib 32oz Jar Cozy (Ravelry Link)

  • Yarn: Lion Brand Re-up
  • Hooks: J, K & L (6mm, 6.5 mm and 8 mm)
  • Pattern: my own design. Not yet released
  • 139 meters total for these 2 

EmPower People Cowl 1 & 2

  • Ravelry Project Page for Cowl 1 Cowl 2
  • Pattern: emPower People (non-Ravelry link) by Laverne Benton (free crochet pattern)
  • Hook: H (5.0 mm)
  • Yarn: Woolbearers Gradient Sets. 5 colors, I used 3. Held double with each other, and some with a Knitters Brewing Co Sockaholic II

Caribbean Hues Yarn

  • Ravelry Handspun Page
  • Fiber: Merino from Beesy Bee Fibers in the Caribbean Hues Colorway
  • 5 colors of blues and greens.
  • 3 ply yarn. 173 meters for 4 oz. 
  • Stash Dash- 692 meters

Recently heard on the Knit Boop Podcast that Yu Ra saves random singles and plies together into a scrappy skein when she has a bunch. Totally doing that with my leftovers.

Brainstorming

  • Come share your best tips for patterns that work well for knitting or crocheting with handspun. Click here for a link to a thread in our Ravelry Group. Or email me with suggestions! 
  • I will be working from home through June 2021. Thinking about a shawl rotation & also what new shawls & sweaters I want to add to my wardrobe.
  • I think the Dathan Pullover (Ravelry Link) by Kate Davies could be a good way to add to my wardrobe and use handspun. Link to purchase a kit.

From the Armchair

Knit State of Mind (YouTube) with Wanda and Heather 
Thread to Mend Podcast (YouTube) with Taylor Owen.
Bella’s Custom Crochets (YouTube). Check out her crochet designs on her website- Bella’s Custom Crochets
Floss Toss (YouTube) with Rachel & Sue. Rachel is also the host of the Treehouse Knits Podcast (YouTube). Sue co-hosts Legacy Fiber Artz Podcast (YouTube) with her daughter Chelsea.

Knitting in Passing

  • Eme texting me while packing for school.
  • Aila asked for mini versions of her stuffies for Christmas. 
  • Millie asked for a “good sized owl” for Christmas and a horse for her birthday. 
  • My cousin Joe reached out after he saw the llama I made for Eme and asked for a Lion for his new daughter, Victoria. 
  • I started teaching my niece Aila to spin. Did some crochet talk with my friend Cheri. 
  • Hattie (2 1/2) has been asking to knit with me.
  • My sister-in-law texted me to say my nephew Garret’s “only Nana blanket” needs repair. 

KAL News


Quarterly Quests! Get all of the details here. 

Quarter 3: July 1- September 30 – Lessen the Library– check out the Ravelry Thread here.

Quarter 3 SponsorsSunsoaked YarnsApple Fiber StudioCookie and BeesDon’t forget to post on Instagram #QuarterlyQuests you can also add one for the Quarter:#FreetheFavorites #LessentheLibrary #SlaytheStash

Pigskin Party ’20

Check out all of the details you need to know either in the Start Here Thread  on Ravelry or on my website
Important Links:

Important Updates in this Episode: Save the date for our Virtual Events Friday 9/25 & Saturday 9/26.

Events

Life in Focus

I checked a few more things off my 20 in 2020 List

  • Go to MFA- replaced with day trip De Cordova Sculpture Park
  • Car detailed. Riley and Millie 
  • Take a Yoga Class- Yoga for Tension Relief

On a Happy Note

  • Vacation.
  • Ice cream with Dan at local dairy. 
  • Cooler nights which are great for sleeping. 
  • Went out on friends boat. Lobstering. 
  • I got to test drive our new tractor.
  • Beach day followed by my grandmother’s 86th birthday dinner. She loved her shawl.
  • My sister-in-law texted me photos of my new niece in her romper and blanket. So thoughtful! 
  • I voted in the MA primary. Check out the Vote Save America website to learn more. 
  • Quieter weekends!
  • The Office Ladies podcast.

Quote of the Week

If you get tired, learn to rest, not to quit. -BANKSY


Contact Information:

Direct download: Episode_191_-_83020_1.53_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:22pm EDT

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 190 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Check out full show notes with photos on my website.

This week’s segments included:

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

Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: APL Crafts & Knit Wit Yarn Shop

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Solid Granny Square Scrap Blanket (Ravelry Link)

  • Yarn: leftover fingering weight yarn
  • Pattern: Solid Granny Square by Lullaby Melodia (free crochet pattern)
  • Hook: D (3.25 mm)
  • Finished blanket 466g. 2 skeins of Lion Brand Sock Ease. Rest was scraps. 
  • 1,777 meters for Stash Dash

Summer Camp Socks (Ravelry Link)

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Summer Camp Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • 66g total= 262 meters for Stash Dash

Lucy the (Almost) No Sew Llama (Ravelry Link)

  • Pattern: Lucy the (Almost) No Sew Llama by Crystal Mihaylo Pickrel ($6 crochet pattern) Etsy Link
  • Hook: F (3.75 mm)
  • Yarn: Loops & Threads Impeccable (White) & Bernat Pipsqueak in Whitey White
  • Scarf: Spunky Eclectic Rainbow Fingering + Solid Red sock yarn scraps
  • 88 meters- white  49 meters- fluffy = 137 meters used for llama
  • 33 meters of yarn used for scarf
  • Stash Dash total for project: 174 meters

Sally Socks (Ravelry Link)

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Sally Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Second sock knit as part of Natalie of Knitty Natty Podcast’s Sock Week 2020 
  • 238 meters 

Spinning Tequila Sunrise Cheviot (Ravelry Link) by Blueberry Chick Yarn (Non-Ravelry Link) 

  • Fiber: 4oz Cheviot
  • Spun on my Kromski Minstrel Spinning Wheel
  • Spun Z twist (Clockwise), plied S twist (counter-clockwise)
  • 3 ply yarn
  • July 11- August 4th. Didn’t spin every day
  • 550 yards (light fingering/heavy lace)?
  • Stash Dash Meters 2011

Spinning Beesy Bee Gelato (Ravelry Link)

  • Fiber: 4oz  Beesy Bee Fibers– 85% Merino, 15% Recycled Sari Silk (Non-Ravelry Link)
  • First Merino spin. Very slippery. Trying not to go too thin. 
  • 201 meters of a 3 ply (worsted/heavy DK)
  • Stash Dash total: 804 meters

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Cedar River Blanket (Ravelry Link)

  • Pattern Cedar River Blanket by Kat Goldin (free crochet pattern) Non-Ravelry Link
  • Yarn: Loops & Threads Impeccable in White, Light Gray, Yellow, Dark Charcoal & Black
  • Hook: I (5.5 mm)
  • C2C crochet squares that you seam together so that the diagonal stripes when pieced together form diamonds.
  • I am making the small throw size (16 squares). Mattress stitched together instead of dc2tog because I liked the look.

Hibernate Blanket (Ravelry Link)

  • Pattern: Hibernate Blanket by Yarnspirations Design Studio (free crochet pattern), Non-Ravelry Link
  • Hook: L (8.0 mm)
  • Yarn: Paton’s Kroy in the Camo Colorway held double with Bernat Softee Chunky

Sweet Tea Triangle Shawl (Ravelry Link)

  • Yarn: Queensland Collection Perth in the Alice Springs Colorway
  • Pattern: Sweet Tea Triangle Shawl by Michelle Ferguson (crochet pattern $5) Etsy Link
  • Hook: G (4.25 mm)

Winnie Sanderson Socks (Ravelry Link)

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes in the Winnie Sanderson Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Micro Sock kits. Very affordable. 50g MC. 20g mini. 

Brainstorming

  • All the design projects! 
  • Knit Picks Felici socks
  • Stalking wide scarves that almost look a vest with big deep pockets at the bottom.  Cozy Fireside Wrap by Kristen Caldwell- crochet pattern. Ravelry LinkDirect Website link.

From the Armchair

Vogue Knitting Live Virtual Class: How to Use Handspun for Knitting with Heavenly Blesser

KAL News


Quarterly Quests!

Get all of the details here. Quarter 3: July 1- September 30 – Lessen the Library– check out the Ravelry Thread here. Quarter 3 SponsorsSunsoaked YarnsApple Fiber StudioCookie and Bees

Don’t forget to post on Instagram #QuarterlyQuests & #LessentheLibrary

Splash Pad Party – Tune in to hear if you’re a winner!

Pigskin Party

  • Do you want to sponsor? Check out this page on my website and fill out the Google Form.
  • Check out the Updated Rules before you sign up.
  • This year all FOs will be entered on the Points Tally Form. We’ll still have an End Zone Dance Thread for commenting and celebrating.
  • Where can you find all the key details and links you want/need? The Pigskin Party Page on my website and the Start Here Thread in Ravelry,
  • I will post in Instagram Stories any pertinent updates and save them to a Pigskin ’20 Highlights on my main page
  • We’ll kick off with Virtual Events 9/25 & 9/26 similar to what we did for the Splash Pad Party kick off. Details to follow

List of Sponsors (to date: This list will be updated)

For links & more details click here.

Pro Shop Sponsor Snack Shack
2 Guys Yarn Company A Hundred Ravens
AdoreKnit Anne Beady Designs
agirlandherwool Holly Press Fibers
Cookie & Bees Kino Knits
Designs of Acadia  knidhiknits
Fair Winds Farm Knit/Wit Designs
Fibernymph Dye Works Legacy Fiber Artz
Imagined Landscapes Designs Lilliput Yarn
IrocKnits Designs Love in Stitches 
JDStudios480 Samantha Guerin Design
Jennifer Lassonde Designs Shanalines Designs
Knit Style Yarns  Spargur Yarn Co
Knitters Brewing Company Tamy Gore
KnitWit Yarn Shop The Crazy Sock Lady Designs
Prairie Bag Works Yumi Yarns Designs
Rising Tide Fiber Co  
Sunsoaked Yarns  

Events

Stash Dash, hosted by the Knit Girllls, runs May 22- August 22, 2020. Check out the Chat Thread & the Rules in the Knit Girllls Podcast group

Life in Focus

On a Happy Note

  • Visit to Stellwagen Beer Company.
  • We have a new niece- Gabriella Grace!
  • Foraging for wild blueberries with Mom
  • Video chat with Millie on Facetime using funny filters
  • Dropped off an entire car load of donations to Savers. 
  • Millie’s softball game & Oisin’s baseball game.
  • Tropical storm blew through and we didn’t lose power! 
  • Met up with Lisa to plan out this year of the Pigskin Party! 
  • Kayaking
  • Aila’s voice recital on a Family Zoom

Quote of the Week

Olympic gold medalist Wilma Rudolph 

“Winning is great, sure, but if you are really going to do something in life, the secret is learning how to lose. Nobody goes undefeated all the time. If you can pick up after a crushing defeat, and go on to win again, you are going to be a champion someday.”


Thank you for tuning in!
Contact Information:

Direct download: Episode_190_-_81520_3.55_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:03pm EDT

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 189 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. Click here. 

This week’s segments included:

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


Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Holly Press Fibers 

Many links below are links to Ravelry, but where other links were available I have noted that specifically. 

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Teddy’s Christmas Stocking

  • Pattern: Granny Square Christmas Stocking by Family Circle Magazine (Non Ravelry Link)
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Worsted in Red, White and Everglade Heather
  • Hook: F (3.75 mm)
  • A very special thank you to listener- Annette- Readorknit on Ravelry who sent me her copy of Family Circle 1977 that contains this pattern!
  • Stash Dash total: 460 meters

Altered Denim Skirt

  • Yarn: One Twisted Tree Prime in the Gulf Colorway 
  • Hook: B & C Hooks
  • Pattern: None
  • Yarn: One Twisted Tree Prime base in the Gulf colorway 
  • Yarn leftover from Riley Rose shawl sample- Caribbean blue waters.
  • Bought the skirt at Savers & thought it would be perfect to jazz up with some crochet trim. 
  • 10g used for bottom trim and pockets.
  • Belt- C hook. 18g used
  • 117 meters Stash Dash

Cake Party Christmas Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams
  • Yarn: Wisdom Yarn Pix in the Cake Party Colorway + Patons Kroy in Red for heels, cuffs & toes
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Finished socks used 72g total: 44g of the main and 28g contrast color, so I have enough to make another pair. 
  • Stash Dash Total: 271 meters

To Knit or to Hike Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams
  • Yarn: Holly Press Fibers Sheepish Sock in the To Knit or To Hike Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Finished socks are 64g.
  • Stash Dash: 270 meters. 

Summer 2020 Wash Cloths Round 2

  • Pattern: Solid Granny Square by Lullaby Melodia (Non- Ravelry Link)
  • Yarn: Lily Sugar’n Cream 
  • Hook: J (6.0 mm)
  • 70 granny squares (4 rounds each). I also did one large hexi, 1 large circle and 2 small circle cloths for make up removal 
  • Stash Dash: 1518 meters

Spinning

3 ply- 2 Corriedale, 1 BFL

  • 24 grams
  • 67 meters
  • Stash Dash total: 268 meters.


Beesy Bee Fibers- Cream Corriedale

  • Total 2 ply
  • 210g 
  • 1,258 meters
  • Stash Dash Total= 3774

Beesy Fibers 4oz Natural BFL

  • Total 2 ply: 98 grams
  • 431 meters
  • Stash Dash Meters: 1,293

This episode’s Stash Dash Total: 18,881 meters

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins


Sweet Tea Triangle Shawl

  • Yarn: Queensland Collection Perth in the Alice Springs Colorway
  • Pattern: Sweet Tea Triangle Shawl by Michelle Ferguson (crochet pattern $5)
  • Hook: G (4.25 mm)

Solid Granny Square Scrap Blanket

  • Yarn: leftover fingering weight yarn + 2 skeins of Lion Brand Sock Ease marshmallow 
  • Pattern: Solid Granny Square by Lullaby Melodia (free crochet pattern)
  • Hook: D (3.25 mm)
  • 3 rounds per square

Summer Camp Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Summer Camp Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)

Cedar River Blanket

  • Pattern Cedar River Blanket by Kat Goldin (free crochet pattern) Non Ravelry Link
  • Yarn: Loops & Threads Impeccable in White, Light Gray, Yellow, Dark Charcoal & Black
  • Hook: I (5.5 mm)

Spinning 

Blueberry Chick Yarn – 4oz Cheviot in the Splash Pad Party Exclusive – Tequila Sunrise 

Brainstorming

From the Armchair

Check out the Knitting with Knitboop hosted by Ya Ru on YouTube PodcastYa Ru is also the host of the Quiet Queers Craftalong, for which I’m a sponsor. 

Crafty Adventures/ Knitting in Passing

  • I finished my Photo album for January- June 2018. I made my pages in the Project Life App and am printing through Picaboo. I order the 12×2 Lay Flat books. They’re pricy but the quality is beautiful. 
  • Riley told me she’d like to make a cushion for a little nook in her room so I started teaching her crochet.
  • Garret, 10, took a bit of interest in my wheel and specifically the Tequila Sunrise colorway.
  • While Garret petted the wool, Riley dug out old Picaboo calendars that have collages of photos of the family and made pages for her own scrapbook.

 

KAL News

 

Quarterly Quests! Get all of the details here. 

Splash Pad Party – Check out the Start Here Thread for Details & Links to everything you need

Pro Shop Sponsors:

Snack Shack Sponsors

Pigskin Party still going ahead as scheduled even if the NFL Football season is altered or canceled. I moved the start date to 9/25/20. We will kick off with virtual events on 9/25 & 26. More details to follow!

I am still looking for sponsors. Do you want to sponsor? Check out this page on my website and fill out the Google Form. Already signed up? Check your email for a confirmation email from me.

  • Pro Shop Sponsors are given the opportunity to sell exclusive items before & during the KALThis is the paid option ($60 for Pigskin Party). There are a max of 20 spots per KAL. I believe I have 9 left at this time so please fill out form soon if interested. 
  • Interception Sponsors (Pigskin Party ONLY) host a challenge within the Pigskin Party ($25). There are a max of 5 spots.- 3 already filled. 
  • Snack Shack Sponsors will donate prizes but will not be sell KAL Exclusive products. This is free option and there are unlimited spots.

Events

Stash Dash, hosted by the Knit Girllls, runs May 22- August 22, 2020. Check out the Chat Thread & the Rules in the Knit Girllls Podcast group.

Contest, News & Notes

Check out this YouTube video on how to more easily Download Ravelry Library. Thank you to ladies of Tipsy Knits Podcast for mentioning it.
Just a reminder that my patterns are available both on on Ravelry and LoveCrafts. 

Life in Focus

  • I reviewed my progress on my 20 for 2020 list.
  • Tip- can’t get to your local museums? See if they have an email newsletter to keep you posted on virtual events.
  • Plastic Free July- I admitted I’m not quite as committed as last year.

On a Happy Note

  • Love me Stand in the Gap tumbler. Collaboration between GGMadeIt & Magpie Fibers (Gaye Gillespie).The proceeds go to The Conscious Kid who This focuses on bringing Anti-Racism into the schools.
  • I completed a huge studio clean out. 
  • Kayaking with Megg, Oisin and Hattie. 
  • Will’s track meet. 
  • Zoom morning workouts are still going well. 
  • We enjoyed celebrating our nephew Will’s 13th birthday 

Quote of the Week

“When you lose track of time, you are either living your best life or wasting it.” James Clear

Thank you for tuning in!
Contact Information:

Direct download: Episode_189_-_72920_2.35_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:00am EDT

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 188 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes can be found at www.downcellarstudio.com/188

This week’s segments included:

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

Note- most links below link to Ravelry pages. If Ravelry is not accessible to you right now, please email me at downcellarstudio at gmail.com and I’m happy to find you another accessible link or share more information

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins


Quarantine Socks

  • Yarn: Berroco Sox in Colorway 1415 Portsoy (self striping grays and blues)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • 10.5 inch leg and foot. Just a little more than 3/4 of the skein. 
  • 305 meters

Blue Raspberry Matchy Socks

  • Yarn: Patons Kroy Socks in the Blue Raspberry Colorway 
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • 259 meters 

Chevron Scrap Blanket

  • Pattern: Chevron Scrap Blanket by Maria’s Blue Crayon
  • Yarn: Various acrylic worsted weight yarn from stash
  • Hook: J (6.0 mm)
  • Great stash buster. I used 16g to make one stripe of 7 rows. 10g to make a corner
  • Total: 1028 meters 

Donner

  • Pattern: Donner by Elizabeth Doherty
  • Yarn: Ellyn Cooper’s Yarn Sonnets Jenny
  • Needles: Body US 3 (3.25 mm). Ribbing US 1.5 (2.5 mm) 
  • Ripped back to make it shorter so I’ll wear it more.
  • 716 Meters 

Abington Mitts

  • Designing mitts- to coordinate with Abington Hat (part of Point Counterpoint Vol 5)
  • Yarn: Goosey Fibers Squish DK. Pepper Spray First.
  • More details to follow
  • 139 meters.

Stash Dash Total to date: 10,910 meters- goal is 20k!


On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Sweet Tea Triangle Shawl

  • Yarn: Queensland Collection Perth in the Alice Springs Colorway
  • Pattern: Sweet Tea Triangle Shawl by Michelle Ferguson (crochet pattern $5)
  • Hook: G (4.25 mm)

Solid Granny Square Scrap Blanket

  • Yarn: leftover fingering weight yarn
  • Pattern: Solid Granny Square by Lullaby Melodia (free crochet pattern)
  • Hook: D (3.25 mm)
  • 3 rounds per square.

Summer Camp Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Summer Camp Colorway
  • Needles; US 1.5 (2.5 mm)

Spinning:

Brainstorming

From the Armchair


Knitting In Passing 

  • I shared stories about Riley and Millie using my spinning wheel for the first time and about Hattie’s first time asking to knit with me (at age 2 1/2)

In My Travels 


Dan and I were lucky to get to spend a little over 2 weeks at my cousin’s lake house in New Hampshire. We did a lot of kayaking including a trip to the nearby Saco river with my family. I talked about how I take my good habits with me on vacation and some of the highlights of our trip.


KAL News


Quarterly Quests!

Splash Pad Party Check out the Start Here Thread for Details & Links to everything you need

Pro Shop Sponsors:

Snack Shack Sponsors

Tune in to hear if you won a participation prize!

Pigskin Party ’20

  • Because inquiring minds want to know- YES, the Pigskin Party still going ahead as scheduled even if the NFL Football season is altered or canceled. We’ve been good at Virtual parties for years. This will be our 7th annual Pigskin Party. I hope you’ll consider joining us. Official dates: September 10, 2020 through February 8, 2021.
  • Do you want to sponsor? Check out this page on my website and fill out the Google Form. Already signed up? I’ll reach out soon to confirm your details. 

Events

  • Stash Dash, hosted by the Knit Girllls, runs May 22- August 22, 2020. Check out the Chat Thread & the Rules in the Knit Girllls Podcast group
  • Tour de Fleece: Saturday June 27 to Sunday July 19 

Contest, News & Notes

  • I am extremely disappointed in the Ravelry response to recent user issues with their new redesign.
  • I sell my patterns on Ravelry but want them to be accessible to everyone so you can now find my self-published patterns on LoveCrafts.

Life in Focus

  • This week’s segment focuses on #PlasticfreeJuly: I talked about what I kept from last year, how I’m giving myself grace this year during the pandemic and I give some product recommendations.

Plastic Free Product Recommendations

Come chat in the #PlasticFreeJuly Thread in the Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group! 

On a Happy Note

  • Kayaking with my cousin Jamie.
  • Oisín’s baseball game. 
  • Seeing the doe and two fawns who frequent our backyard. 
  • Seeing a bald eagle at the lake!
  • Hamilton on Disney Plus (yes, I’m late to the game)
  • Walgreens Wood Panel prints that I ordered for my guest room of the nieces and nephews’ sleepover photos.
  • Zoom workouts with my bff. 
  • Going to the Lake and also returning home.

Quote of the Week

It’s not about time, it’s about choices. How are you spending your choices.

-Beverly Adamo

Thank you for tuning in!
Contact Information:

Direct download: Episode_188_-_71520_12.47_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:10pm EDT

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 187 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:

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


Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Yumi Yarns

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

C2C Blanket

  • Pattern: Corner to Corner Start tutorial by Lauri Bolland
  • Hook: I (5.25mm)
  • Yarn: Vanna’s Choice 3 skeins each of (pink) and (light gray)
  • Border- I used the first round from this tutorial
  • 858 meters

Red Thumper Hat

  • Pattern: Thumper Hat by Jennifer Lassonde ($5 knitting pattern)
  • Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) and US 8 (5.0 mm)
  • Yarn: Berroco Ultra Alpaca
  • 128 meters

Pan the Alien

  • Pattern: Allen the Alien Amigurumi by Abby Sy (free crochet pattern)
  • Hook: C (2.75 mm)
  • Yarn: Worsted Weight Superwash Wool, blue white and green.
  • 44 meters

Demic the Round Plus Alien

  • Pattern: Round Plush Alien by Janet Carrillo (free crochet pattern)
  • Hook: C (2.75 mm)
  • Yarn: Worsted Weight Superwash Wool, blue white and green.
  • 38 meters

Misfit Scrappy Sock 

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Mint Rain Hand Dyed Yarn Twist Sock in the We R All Misfits (self striping). Holly Press Fibers Sheepish Minis in 2 colors of green
  • 241 meters

Paton’s Kroy Socks for Gram

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Yarn: Patons Kroy Green Stripe Ragg Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • 212 meters

PrideSockathon2020 Socks

  • Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Rainbow Colorway & Paton’s Kroy (coal)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Cast on for Abigail of Covert Knits Video Podcast Pride Sockathon 2020 runs through June 30th. #pridesockathon2020 
  • Abigail is donating money to The Trevor Project for each pair she finishes. I donated $60.60 when I finished this pair.
  • 272 meters 

Stash Dash Total to date: 8,463 meters (20K here I come)

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Summer 2020 Wash Cloths Round 2

  • Pattern: Solid Granny Square by Lullaby Melodia
  • Hook: J (6.0 mm)
  • Yarn: Lily Sugar n’Cream
  • 30+ in second round so far! Goal is to use up all of this stash.

Chevron Scrap Blanket

  • Pattern: Chevron Scrap Blanket by Maria’s Blue Crayon
  • Yarn: Various acrylic worsted weight yarn from stash
  • Hook: J (6.0 mm)
  • This is a great stash buster. I need at least 16g to make one stripe of 7 rows & 10g to make a corner

Spinning Corriedale to ply with BFL

  • 8oz of corriedale (natural cream color)
  • First 4 oz done.

Brainstorming

The Crochet Luna Podcast is hosting an August MAL for these Soap Sacks.

Fortune’s Shawlette crochet pattern by Tamara Kelly $4.00

Hatching Alien by Kayte-Did’s Free crochet pattern

KAL News

Quarterly Quests!

Get all of the details here. Check out the Quarter 2 Thread April 1-June 30 – Free the Favorites Thank you to our Quarter 2 Sponsors: Prairie Bag WorksNahSt DesignsYumi Yarns DesignsagirlandherwoolHolly Press Fibers

Quarter 3: July 1- September 30 – Lessen the Library check out the Ravelry Thread here.
Quarter 3 Sponsors: Sunsoaked Yarns, Apple Fiber Studio, Cookie and Bees
Don’t forget to post on Instagram #QuarterlyQuests you can also add one for the Quarter:
#FreetheFavorites #LessentheLibrary #SlaytheStash

Splash Pad Party 

Check out the Start Here Thread for Details & Links to everything you need

Pro Shop Sponsors:

Snack Shack Sponsors

Tune in to hear if your name was randomly selected for a June participation prize. Keep posting in Poolside chat thread and use #splashpadparty20 on IG. 

Events

Stash Dash, hosted by the Knit Girllls, runs May 22- August 22, 2020. Check out the Chat Thread & the Rules in the Knit Girllls Podcast group

Tour de Fleece runs from Saturday June 27 to Sunday July 19 

Life in Focus

  • Goals for year- 7 patterns- 3x week workouts
    • 3x week workouts are still going strong.
    • Design- I finished the knitting and most of the writing of another pattern (which will be #5 for the year). 
  • Continuing work on Me & White Supremacy workbook.
  • I need to revisit my 20 for 2020 list because some things like visiting 2 new cities just won’t be realistic. 

On a Happy Note

  • Walking with my BFF while kids worked in yard with Dan. 
  • Two tiny fawns and their moms who are hanging around our property a lot right now. 
  • Father’s Day at my parents with my brother’s 3 kids. Outdoor movie night. Seafood. Swimming.
  • Judging jumps off the diving board using the score cards Riley made (0.0, 1, 2 and 3) 
  • Oisin’s birthday.
  • Dan playing guitar again.
  • Date night at the Drive In to see the new Lion King. 

Quote of the Week

“There is no such thing as an empty space or an empty time. There is always something to see, something to hear.”

— John Cage

:Thank you for tuning in!
Contact Information:

Direct download: Episode_187_-_63020_1.23_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:40pm EDT

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 186 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:

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

Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: agirlandherwool & Fibernymph Dye Works

I started the show with a bit of my perspective on and support for Black Lives Matter. Tune in to hear the details. I also shared a quote from Gretchen Rubin from Episode 267 of the Happier Podcast.
“The things of ordinary life can seem trivial especially at times like this but big things coexist with little things— and by taking care of little things– and our own lives —we strengthen ourselves to take action on big things. And to turn outward— and to think about other people and the right action we can take in the world.”

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Mixed BFL

  • Mixed BFL: Call Me Row-Bear from 2GuysYarn
  • Wheel: Kromski Minstrel 
  • 2 ply yarn 
  • 312.7 meters. 
  • Stash Dash Total: 938 meters

Christmas Stocking for Jenna & Cecilia

  • Pattern: Granny Square Christmas Stocking by Family Circle Magazine 1977 (not available online anymore)
  • Yarn: Patons Classic Worsted in Bright Red
  • Hook: F (3.75mm)
  • 912 meters 

Happiest Blanket Ever 2 

  • Pattern: Happiest Blanket Ever by Tamara Kelly (free crochet pattern)
  • Yarn: Lion Brand Pound of Love (Pastel Green) for Main Color. Lion Brand Ice Cream Big Scoop in the Tutti Fruitti Colorway 
  • Hook: K (6.5 mm)
  • Cast on for Baby Size. Chain 154.
  • MC- 783 meters, CC: 429 meters: about 90 meters for last round of border in a salmon color. Total: 1304 meters for stash dash
  • FO= 51 inches long  and 37 inches wide

2 Blues 32oz Jar Cozy

  • Pattern: None
  • Hooks: 3.5 mm (E), 3.75 mm (F),4.0 mm (G)
  • Yarn: Lion Brand Re-Up in Sky and Denim
  • 46 meters
 

Rainbow Cozy Large (32oz jar)

  • Pattern: None
  • Hooks: 3.5 mm (E), 3.75 mm (F),4.0 mm (G)
  • Yarn: Lion Brand Re-Up- Black, worked my way through rainbow. Purple to red. Black body. Pink round at the top.
  • 59 meters
 

Stash Dash Summer Dishcloths Round 1

  • Yarn: Lily Sugar n’Cream
  • Hook: J (6.0 mm)
  • Pattern: Solid Granny Square
  • I’m trying to work through my entire stash of Lily Sugar n’ Cream cotton. My firstbatch of summer washcloths = 32 cloths.
  • 454 grams/ 704 meters
Stash Dash Total (to date): 6,670 meters

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Quarantine Socks

  • Yarn: Berroco Sox in Colorway 1415 Portsoy (self striping grays and blues)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Finished first sock- 38g.  
  • Almost through leg of second sock. 
 

Misfit Scrappy Sock 

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Mint Rain Hand Dyed Yarn Twist Sock in the We R All Misfits (self striping). Holly Press Fibers Sheepish Minis in 2 colors of green
 

PrideSockathon2020 Socks

  • Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Rainbow Colorway & Paton’s Kroy (black)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Cast on for Abigail of Covert Knits Video Podcast Pride Sockathon 2020 runs through June. 
  • Abigail is donating money to The Trevor Project for each pair she finishes and I think I’ll do the same. 

Natural Tans BFL

  • Fiber: 4 oz BFL from Beesy Fibers.
  • Wheel: Kromski Minstrel
  • Plan is to spin 8 oz cream/undyed Corriedale and spin a 3 ply. 

C2C Blanket

  • Pattern: Corner to Corner Start tutorial by Lauri Bolland
  • Hook: I (5.25mm)
  • Yarn: Vanna’s Choice 3 skeins each of (pink) and (light gray)
  • Thanks to walshcentral- Maryann for inspiration and link to pattern on Ravelry.
  • I found this tutorial very useful to get my head around the construction.
  • I used this link for Border help  but found that I was getting too much flare, so after first round of (chain 3, sc) instead of DC in each chain, I did 2 DC, then DC in the SC below. 

Brainstorming

KAL News


Quarterly Quests!

Get all of the details here. Check out the Quarter 2 Thread April 1-June 30 – Free the Favorites Knit any projects you have “hearted” over the year with the hopes of knitting them someday. That day will arrive. Knit as many as you can. You will receive extra entries for any pattern that was favorited over 5 yearsIt can be something you’ve made before

Thank you to our Quarter 2 Sponsors: Prairie Bag WorksNahSt DesignsYumi Yarns DesignsagirlandherwoolHolly Press Fibers.
Don’t forget to post on Instagram #QuarterlyQuests you can also add one for the Quarter:
#sQuelchtheQueue#FreetheFavorites#LessentheLibrary#SlaytheStash& you can always add #downcellarstudiopodcast

Splash Pad Party – Check out the Start Here Thread for Details & Links to everything you need

Pro Shop Sponsors:

Snack Shack Sponsors

Events

Stash Dash, hosted by the Knit Girllls, runs May 22- August 22, 2020. Check out the Chat Thread & the Rules in the Knit Girllls Podcast group

Contest, News & Notes

My latest knitting pattern is available on Ravelry! The Ice Time Mitts pattern is $5 on Ravelry.

 
  • Yarn
    • Main Color: Legacy Fiber Artz DK, 75% Superwash Merino, 25% Nylon. 100 grams, 245 yards / 224 meters. Colorway – Grey Gardens (grey)
    • Contrast Color: Cloudborn Fibers Highland DK, 100% Fine Highland Wool. 50 grams, 164 yards / 150 meters. Colorway – Maize Heather (mustard).
    • Yarn Used in Sample (Medium): Main Color used 30 grams, 74 yards / 68 meters. Contrast Color used 22 grams, 71 yards / 65 meters.
  • Sizes
    • Small (Medium, Large)
    • Finished palm circumference: 6 (7, 8) in / 15.25 (17.75, 20.25) cm
    • Intended to fit with no-ease to a little bit of negative ease. Select the size that is closest to your handcircumference as measured just below the knuckles. If you are between sizes, I’d recommend going down to a smaller size
  • Pattern Info
    • Pattern has 2 linked video tutorials- how to work the 1×1 cable without a cable needle and without dropping the stitch off your needles.
    • How to do the Jeny’s surprisingly stretchy BO on 1×1 rib. 
    • Tech edited and test knit.

Life in Focus

Ask Me Anything

Shateen Amanda asked: What is your current favorite lunch or snack?

  • Lunch- Siracha Ranch salad (salad with any veggies I have in my fridge and the Siracha Ranch dressing from Trader Joe’s)
  • Snack- fruit. or popcorn
 

Limestone knits asked: What are your favorite cardigan patterns

  • I’ve only knit 4 adult cardigans. Rocky Coast by Hannah Fettig, Lush Cardigan by Tin Can Knits, Mezzo Cardigan by Alexis Windslow, Sandbar Cardi- crochet pattern by Toni Lipsey.
  • I’ve learned something through each one- about fit and fiber content… Not sure cardigans are my thing. My favorite of these is the Mezzo Cardigan.

On a Happy Note

  • Attending a peaceful BLM protest in Boston.
  • Figuring out what my family feels comfortable with for visiting.
  • Riley and Millie knitting at the pool
  • Kayaking with Dan
  • Seeing a buck in the backyard.
  • Celebrating my 40th birthday!
  • Visiting with family after the kids come here on Saturdays to work in the woods with Dan.

Quote of the Week

The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but building the new.

-Socrates

Contact Information:

Direct download: Episode_186_-_61420_4.01_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:00am EDT

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 185 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:

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

Thank you to this episode’s sponsor: Adoreknit

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins


Shy Little Unicorn 

  • Pattern: Shy Little Unicorn by Ana Paula Rimoli
  • Hook: C (2.75 mm)
  • Yarn: Loops & Threads Impeccable Solids (white), Knit Picks Brava Worsted (various solids) + acrylic stash yarn scraps

Happiest Blanket Ever

  • Pattern: Happiest Blanket Ever by Tamara Kelly (free crochet pattern)
  • Yarn: Lion Brand Pound of Love (white) for Main Color. Worsted Acrylic partial skeins for accent colors.
  • Hook: K (6.5 mm)
  • Cast on for Baby Size. Chain 154.
  • 1082 meters

Pint Sized Blue Ball Band

  • Pattern: Ball Band by Jennifer Lassonde (free crochet pattern)
  • Yarn: Lion Brand Re-Ip in the Navy & Sky colorways
  • Hooks: F (3.75 mm) and G (4.0 mm)
  • 41 meters

Staci’s Stitches Socks

  • Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plus Sock in the Staci’s Stitches colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • 280 meters

Cozy Classic Raglan

  • Pattern: Cozy Classic Raglan by Jessie Maed Designs
  • Needles: US 3 for Ribbing. US 7 for body
  • Yarn: Rowan Cashsoft DK in color 547 Sunny
  • Knitting Size Medium. Short sleeved. Full length 350g of yarn. 805 meters. 

My 1st Spinning Project

  • Wool: 4 oz Gray undyed Corriedale from purchased BeesyBee on Etsy.  $6.75 
  • Wheel: Kromski Minstrel 
  • 2 plies spun Z twist. Plied S twist
  • 166.4 meters. Stash Dash meters x3- 499.2 meters 

2707 meters for Stash Dash to date

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbin


Happiest Blanket Ever 2 

  • Pattern: Happiest Blanket Ever by Tamara Kelly (free crochet pattern)
  • Yarn: Lion Brand Pound of Love (Pastel Green) for Main Color. Lion Brand Ice Cream Big Scoop in the Tutti Fruitti Colorway 
  • Hook: K (6.5 mm)

Summer 2020 Wash Cloths

  • Lily Sugar and Cream
  • Hook: J
  • Pattern- various crochet patterns
  • 12 done so far. Goal is at least 1 per day. Fill up the gift bin and replace our old ones.

Misfit Scrappy Sock 

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Mint Rain Hand Dyed Yarn Twist Sock in the We R All Misfits (self striping). Holly Press Fibers Sheepish Minis in 2 colors of green

Mixed BFL

  • Mixed BFL: Call Me Row-Bear from 2GuysYarn
  • Wheel: Kromski Minstrel 
  • Finished the spinning. Not sure if I’m going to 2 ply or try my first chain ply. 

Brainstorming

I want to use some leftover Aran weight cotton yarn to make a dress for my 2 year old niece Hattie I’m thinking of the Infant Darling Danger Dress by Charissa Pray. $5 US Crochet pattern.

Crafty Adventures

  • Painting rocks at Mom and Dad’s 
  • Kids made flowers. Dan made a turtle. I made a butterfly. 

Knitting in Passing

  • I did a video chat with my 12 year old niece Riley. Thought she needed help to bind off but really just needed to close up the last stitch.
  • Riley used a video I sent her to cast on a new cowl to teach her friend to knit.
  • Millie (8 years old) can’t find kit from Christmas and wants to knit, so I sent supplies directly to their house and Riley agreed to cast on for her.
  • Here are photos of Riley’s first cowl and headband.

KAL News

Quarterly Quests!

Get all of the details here. 

Check out the Quarter 2 Thread April 1-June 30 – Free the Favorites Knit any projects you have “hearted” over the year with the hopes of knitting them someday. That day will arrive. Knit as many as you can. You will receive extra entries for any pattern that was favorited over 5 years. It can be something you’ve made before.

Thank you to our Quarter 2 Sponsors: Prairie Bag WorksNahSt DesignsYumi Yarns DesignsagirlandherwoolHolly Press Fibers.
Don’t forget to post on Instagram #QuarterlyQuests you can also add one for the Quarter:#FreetheFavorites

Splash Pad Party Starts May 30th!

Check out the Start Here Thread for Details & Links to everything you need

Click here to see details for our Virtual Kick Off Events

Pro Shop Sponsors:

Snack Shack Sponsors

Events

Stash Dash starts May 22 Check out the Chat Thread in the Knit Girllls Podcast group

Contest, News & Notes


Point Counterpoint Volume 5 is on sale for $5 through May 31st with code COLLAB. 4 patterns- 2 each from Mary of Kino Knits and me.

Life in Focus

  • I checked off 2 things on my 20 for 2020 List.
  • I finished a Bluprint Class: Plying with Jillian Moreno (loved it)
  • Dan & I went kayaking at Jacob’s Pond.

On a Happy Note

  • Dan made a new banner for my cousin’s 10th birthday parade.
  • Dan & I celebrated our 16th Anniversary and his brother’s birthday with a socially distant visit in their backyard.
  • We had a visit with my parents, brother and his family.
  • I was delighted to see my cousin Jenny at work. 
  • I enjoyed a one on one chat with my friend Petrina and a Bingo game with her friends.
  • Doing my morning Zoom workout outside on the deck in the nice weather. 

Quote of the Week

If you want your life to be different, you have to start reacting to life differently. – Bryant McGill

Thank you for tuning in!


Contact Information:

 

 

Direct download: Episode_185_-_52920_11.01_AM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:16am EDT

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 184 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website www.downcellarstudio.com/184

This week’s segments included:

  • Off the Needles
  • On the Needles
  • From the Armchair
  • Crafty Adventures
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Contest, News & Notes
  • Ask Me Anything
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Gray Bobble Hexagon Trivet

  • Pattern: Bobble Hexagon Trivet by Amy Minard ($4.50 US crochet pattern)
  • Yarn: Lily Sugar n’ Cream in the Greige Colorway
  • Hook:  H (5.0mm)

Moonrise Necklace

  • Pattern: Moonrise Necklace by Sivia Harding & Ellen Sandin (knit)
  • Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)
  • Yarn: Vineyard Silk Classic – lace weight silk yarn came with kit. 
  • Bought kit at Stitches West 2016. Emily (knittingbutterfly), Joanna Johnson and I went out to San Jose and were very kindly hosted by our friends the Knitmores- Jasmin and Gigi of the Knitmore Girls podcast. Thursday afternoon before the event actually opened that we had lunch with Sivia. When we dropped her back at her hotel we went up to her room and she showed us the kits for these beautiful necklaces and samples that were already made/in progress. Knew it was something my mom would love! She had a handful of colors to choose from and we got to pick what we wanted off her bed and buy them! When we got back to the car we all agreed that the exhilaration was intoxicating and decided this was the knitting version of a drug deal. We got such a kick out of it. 
  • Kit had everything I needed- yarn, beads, the flosser to string the beads, clasp.
  • Love the way this came out. Think I’d have liked it with the 2.0 mm called for and perhaps with bigger beads a little better but I didn’t have that on hand. Pattern is well written and intuitive. It was easy to memorize the 8 row repeat and to read my knitting once the repeat was established.
  • Something new to me. Never knit with beads before. K1, place one. very easy. 
  • Pattern available as a kit from Earthfaire (US $29.95). Kit includes pattern, silk thread, bead mix, and clasp.

Mother’s Day Wash Cloths

  • Pattern: None (crochet)
  • Hook: H (5.0 mm) and I (5.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Lily Sugar n’Cream 

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins 

Shy Little Unicorn 

  • Pattern: Shy Little Unicorn by Ana Paula Rimoli
  • Hook: C (2.75 mm)
  • Yarn: Loops & Threads Impeccable Solids (white), Knit Picks Brava Worsted (various solids) + acrylic stash yarn scraps

Cozy Classic Raglan

  • Pattern: Cozy Classic Raglan by Jessie Maed Designs
  • Needles: US 3 for Ribbing. US 7 for body
  • Yarn: Rowan Cashsoft DK 

Misfit Scrappy Sock 

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Mint Rain Hand Dyed Yarn Twist Sock in the We R All Misfits (self striping). Holly Press Fibers Sheepish Minis in 2 colors of green

Christmas Stockings

  • Pattern: Granny Square Christmas Stocking by Family Circle Magazine 1977 (not available online anymore)
  • Yarn: Patons Classic Worsted in Bright Red
  • Hook: F (3.75mm)

Blue Raspberry Matchy Socks

  • Yarn: Patons Kroy Socks in the Blue Raspberry Colorway 
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)

Spinning! To hear the full story about my spinning wheel tune in to Episode 173

My 1st Spinning Project

  • Wool: 4 oz Gray undyed Corriedale from purchased BeesyBee on Etsy.  $6.75 
  • Wheel: Kromski Minstrel 

Mixed BFL

  • Mixed BFL: Call Me Row-Bear from 2GuysYarn
  • Wheel: Kromski Minstrel 

From the Armchair

Crafty Adventures

I’ve done a bit of coloring and digital scrapbooking. 

KAL News


Quarterly Quests!

Get all of the details here. Check out the Quarter 2 Thread April 1-June 30 – Free the Favorites Knit any projects you have “hearted” over the year with the hopes of knitting them someday. That day will arrive. Knit as many as you can. You will receive extra entries for any pattern that was favorited over 5 yearsIt can be something you’ve made before

Thank you to our Quarter 2 Sponsors: Prairie Bag WorksNahSt DesignsYumi Yarns DesignsagirlandherwoolHolly Press Fibers.

Don’t forget to post on Instagram #QuarterlyQuests you can also add one for the Quarter:#FreetheFavorites

Splash Pad Party

Pro Shop Sponsors:

Snack Shack Sponsors

Events

Stash Dash starts May 22. Check out the Chat Thread in the Knit Girllls Podcast group


Contest, News & Notes

Ask Me Anything

Tune in to hear the answers to these questions:

  • knitini: how to avoid knitting burnout? I’m teetering on the edge.  
  • Mfcknits: what to you knit in warmer weather?
  • thisElsaSilva- how do you manage your WIPs and how many do you have? Sewrunknit: how you found your niche at work. Did you go to school for your job?
  • Ecbthorman- Someone you follow on insta whose feed is bringing you knitting inspo   right now. I love watching the #todaysknitoutfit hashtag
  • ann.rupp: How did you make the numbers work when you modified the stitch count on your Boxy?

On a Happy Note

  • I finished painting my guest room. Paint colors: Sherwin Williams: Knitting Needles & Pewter Cast 
  • Mother’s Day 
  • Flowers in bloom on my walks. 
  • New babies in the family!

Quote of the Week

Henry David Thoreau “The cost of a thing is the amount of … life which is required to be exchanged for it, immediately or in the long run.” 

Thank you for tuning in!
Contact Information:

Direct download: Episode_184_-_51520_9.08_AM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:26am EDT

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 183 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes & photos can be found here.

This week’s segments included:

  • Off the Needles
  • On the Needles
  • Crafty Adventures
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Contest, News & Notes – with special guest Mary Kino Knits
  • Life in Focus
  • Ask Me Anything
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Off the Needles

Little Brother’s Romper 

  • Pattern: Little Brother’s Romper by PetiteKnit (knitting pattern. ~$4.50 US at time of purchase)
  • Needles: US 8 (5.0 mm)
  • Yarn: Cascade 220 mystic purple & mystery skein of fingering. 
  • Mom found buttons for me & dropped them off but they are still in quarantine. 

Quarantined Unicorn

  • Pattern: Tiny Unicorn Amigurumi by Ahooka Migurumi (free crochet pattern)
  • Hook: E (3.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Loops & Threads Impeccable Solids (White) & scraps of acrylic
  • Put it in an empty trail mix jar that we took the label off- and put a note saying she was in quarantine. Don’t open for a few more days. 

Rainbow Birthday Cake

  • Pattern: Rainbow Birthday Cake by Yarn Blossom Boutique ($1.99 US Crochet pattern)
  • Hook: D (3.25 mm)
  • Yarn: Lion Brand Re-up in Colorways: Raspberry, Orange, Sunflower, Lime, Aqua, Lilac and White
  • Included a note saying Quarantine cakes take longer to cook than normal cakes so to let it cook a few days before opening

Dan’s 32 oz Jar Cozy

  • Pattern: none
  • Hooks: E, F and G
  • Yarn: Lion Brand Re-up Denim and gray. 

Reverse Abington Hat

  • Pattern: Abington Hat by Jennifer Lassonde
  • Yarn: Farmers Daughter Fibers Craggy Tweed DK- Amos Moses colorway 
  • Needles: US 4 (3.5 mm) & US 6 (4.0 mm)
  • Worked hat according to instructions but switched all purl and purl decreases for the body of the hat to knits and k2tog.

Soldotna Crop

  • Pattern: Soldotna Crop by Caitlin Hunter $7 US Knit Pattern
  • Yarn:  2 skeins of Two Reds & A Blonde DK from Dachinger Wool in mustard (Farrah Fawcett) and a blue (Veronica Lake). 2 skeins of Brown Sheep Yarn- Prairie Spun DK. In Rain Cloud (light gray) and Owl Gray (Charcoal)
  • Needles: US 4 (3.5 mm) and US 6 (4.0 mm)
  • Size 3: finished bust- 40 inches Designed to fit with 1-4.5 inches of positive ease.
  • Modified the last section of the colorwork yoke. Love how that came out. Decided to knit the number of body repeats called for in the pattern. Ribbing longer than called for.

On the Needles

Cozy Classic Raglan

  • Pattern: Cozy Classic Raglan by Jessie Maed Designs
  • Needles: US 3 for Ribbing. US 7 for body
  • Yarn: Rowan Cashsoft DK- 57% Merino, 33% Microfiber, 10% Cashmere goat

Christmas Stocking for Jenna & Baby

  • Pattern: Granny Square Christmas Stocking by Family Circle Magazine 1977 (not available online anymore)
  • Yarn: Patons Classic Worsted in Bright Red
  • Hook: F (3.75mm)
  • Finished applique pieces for Jenna’s. Both pieces done for baby. Can’t put together until I the know gender.

Paton’s Kroy Socks for Gram

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Yarn: Patons Kroy Green Stripe Ragg Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • The 2×2 ribbing on the front of the sock was hampering my progress. When I posted about it on Instagram, user Sheldon_Brungard suggested “Try using a progress keeper and set a small daily goal to complete such as 10 rounds. Once the daily goal is met you can switch to something else that excites you more.”
  • That did the trick!

Solid Granny Square Scrap Blanket

  • Yarn: leftover fingering weight yarn
  • Pattern: Solid Granny Square by Lullaby Melodia (free crochet pattern)
  • Hook: D (3.25 mm)
  • 3 rounds per square.

Crafty Adventures

Started a scrapbook of COVID-19 using Shutterfly. I love documenting life and this is definitely the most bizarre thing I’ve ever lived through. I am already forgetting some tiny details that were striking at the time. I’m including things like “new buzz words, what sold out at the stores, funny memes, what I’m grateful for, home improvement projects.

I made banana ice cream using this recipe for Mom since the local place is closed. Hard to find flavor.  Recipe from wellplated.com

I Reorganized all leftovers and mini skeins after ordering bag of randoms from Knitty in Color. I packaged up yarn to swap with my friend Melissa.

KAL News

Quarterly Quests! Get all of the details here. 

Check out the Quarter 2 Thread April 1-June 30 – Free the Favorites Knit any projects you have “hearted” over the year with the hopes of knitting them someday. That day will arrive. Knit as many as you can. You will receive extra entries for any pattern that was favorited over 5 yearsIt can be something you’ve made before

Thank you to our Quarter 2 Sponsors: Prairie Bag WorksNahStDesignsYumi Yarns DesignsagirlandherwoolHolly Press Fibers.

Don’t forget to post on Instagram #QuarterlyQuests & #FreetheFavorites & you can always add #downcellarstudiopodcast

Splash Pad Party – Opens May 30, 2020!

Still have sponsor spots available. Email me downcellarstudio@gmail if you’re interested. 

During Kick off weekend May 30th & 31st I am planning some virtual events. Google Hangout. Instagram Lives with our vendors. 

Events

Maryland Sheep & Wool Virtual Market– check out their Facebook group May 2 & 3. 

Contest, News & Notes 

  • Tune in to hear a chat with Mary of Kino Knits and check out her Instagram feed.
  • We talked all about our new Point/Counterpoint Vol 5 Collection Available on Ravelry! Get our 4 accessory collection normally $18 for only $5 through 5/31/20 with code COLLAB. Click here for a link to the collection.
  • May 1 at 8p Eastern Instagram live. Check out Kino Knits Podcast for more of our chat. 

Life in Focus

2020 Goals

  • 3 times a week (average) exercise of 20 min or more (focus on strength training)= 156 workouts
  • 7 published patterns on Ravelry
  • 10% more sales of designs compared to 2019      

I am becoming a morning workout person which surprised me. April workout totals: Total: 18 out of 30 days – 58% of days worked out. 11 of 18 were strength workouts. Having a blast exploring new trails within a new conservation land property that’s open to the public near my house. It’s so so peaceful and beautiful there. 

Design progress- I have a mitt pattern almost ready for test knitting.  Stay Out of the Forest which was already published and 2 designs in Point/Counterpoint. Sales are going really well!

What’s helping during Stay at Home:

All in April prompts from Corinne Crabtree. Watch video from Corinne Crabtree here . Daily four-point check-in:

  • 1. What’s in my control today?
  • 2. Who am I reaching out to today?
  • 3. How will I move my body a minimum of 5 min. today?
  • 4. Clean mind, clean body…get it done.

Other things I’ve been enjoying:

  • Here For You Podcast with Kate & Doree *who also host the Forever35 Podcast
  • Playing Games with Family on Jackbox.tv
  • Friday evening happy hour with friends on Zoom.

On a Happy Note

  • I painted guest room- well I applied the first coat of primer but its a start. I’m using Sherwin Williams- Knitting Needles & Pewter Cast. 
  • One day heading out for a walk and saw a cardboard sign on telephone pole- Pop-up Art show ahead. On our Neighbor’s fence (on a corner) a local artists hung painted canvases. Brightened my day. 
  • Misfits Market Box. Interesting in trying it? Use this code to get 25% off: COOKWME-NV9CXZ
  • Sharing- I brought dinner to my friend Megg who is a hard working teacher and Mama. We chatted for a few from the lawn while they were up on their deck and I got to see my 2 year old niece Hattie.
  • We had fun with my niece Aila’s 11th birthday parade and game night that followed.

Quote of the Week

Sharon Salzberg on faith and keeping an open mind: 

“It’s not the existence of beliefs that is the problem, but what happens to us when we hold them rigidly, without examining them, when we presume the absolutely centrality of our views and become disdainful of others.”

——

Thank you for tuning in.

Contact Information:

Direct download: Episode_183_-_42920_7.00_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:19am EDT

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 182 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website: www.downcellarstudio.com/182 

 

This week’s segments included:

  • Off the Needles
  • On the Needles
  • Crafty Adventures
  • KAL News
  • Contest, News & Notes
  • Life in Focus
  • Ask Me Anything
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Thank you to this episode’s sponsor: Prairie Bag Works

Off the Needles

Crochet Heart Garland 

  • Pattern: Heart Garland by Sarahndipities Designs (free crochet pattern)
  • Hook: H 5.0 mm
  • Yarn: worsted weight acrylic scraps
  • Made garland for Eme’s birthday parade. Mod Podge Stiffy to stiffen them up. 

Purple Marled Romper

  • Pattern: Little Brother’s Romper by PetiteKnits
  • Needles: US 8 (5.0 mm)
  • Yarn: Cascade 220 held together with fingering weight yarn

On the Needles

Soldotna Crop

  • Pattern: Soldotna Crop by Caitlin Hunter $7 US Knit Pattern
  • Yarn:  2 skeins of Two Reds & A Blonde DK from Dachinger Wool in mustard (Farrah Fawcett) and a blue (Veronica Lake). 2 skeins of Brown Sheep Yarn- Prairie Spun DK. In Rain Cloud (light gray) and Owl Gray (Charcoal)
  • Needles: US 4 (3.5 mm) and US 6 (4.0 mm)
  • Size 3: finished bust- 40 inches Designed to fit with 1-4.5 inches of positive ease.

Christmas Stocking for Jenna & Babies (3 total in progress)

  • Pattern: Granny Square Christmas Stocking by Family Circle Magazine 1977
  • Yarn: Patons Classic Worsted in Bright Red
  • Hook: F (3.75mm)

Paton’s Kroy Socks for Gram

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Yarn: Patons Kroy Green Stripe Ragg Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)

Cake Party Christmas Socks

  • Yarn: Wisdom Yarns Pix in the Cake Party Colorway & Patons Kroy in Red 
  • Pattern: OMG heel
  • Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)
  • I’m using Patons Kroy for cuff, heel and toe. First sock done and I still have 80g of main yarn left.

Staci’s Stitches Socks

  • Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plus Sock in the Staci’s Stitches colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn named for my LYS Stacis’ Stitches.

Happiest Blanket Ever

  • Pattern: Happiest Blanket Ever by Tamara Kelly (free crochet pattern)
  • Yarn: Lion Brand Pound of Love (white) for Main Color. Worsted Acrylic partial skeins for accent colors.
  • Hook: K (6.5 mm)

Solid Granny Square Scrap Blanket

  • Yarn: leftover fingering weight yarn
  • Pattern: Solid Granny Square by Lullaby Melodia (free crochet pattern)
  • Hook: D (3.25 mm)

Crafty Adventures

Dan and I spray painted sheet for Emelyn’s birthday parade 

Talked on the last episode about the Crispina Scrapbox Challenge. Mom and I both participated. Our stories and projects are on the blog. Mom’s post is here. Find my post here.

KAL News

Quarterly Quests: Tune in to hear if you’re a Quarter 1 Winner


Check out the Quarter 2 Thread
April 1-June 30 – Free the Favorites Knit any projects you have “hearted” over the year with the hopes of knitting them someday. That day will arrive. Knit as many as you can. You will receive extra entries for any pattern that was favorited over 5 yearsIt can be something you’ve made before

Thank you to our Quarter 2 Sponsors: Prairie Bag Works, NahSt Designs, Yumi Yarns Designs, agirlandherwool, Holly Press Fibers.

Contest, News & Notes

Stay Out of the Forest is a DK colorwork hat inspired by true crime podcast, My Favorite Murder. It’s the perfect hat for my fellow Murderinos!  It is written for 2 sizes, and uses 3 skeins/colors of yarn. The colorwork charts make it easy to fly through this project. 
I recommend mostly tonal or solid yarn with a lot of contrast from the other colors. You especially want contrast between the MC and CC1. If you really want to delve into the My Favorite Murder theme, check out the beautiful yarns I used from Goosey Fibers!

Full details can be found on the pattern page on Ravelry.

Life in Focus

Tune in to hear an update on my 2020 goals

Ask Me Anything

  1. Meliabella asked: Your Favorite Way to decompress after working remotely during Covid.
  2. Knitwise09- To celebrate the release of your new hat- tell us your hometown murder. I kept it family friendly on the podcast but here’s a link to a serial killer named Gary Sampson who grew up in my mom’s neighborhood. He and my Uncle used to play together as kids.
  3. Agirlandherwool- how has planning and organizing your to do lists changed during this stay at home quarantine?
  4. Jen.on.the.block- thinking of knitting the Mezzo cardigan. Curious how much you wear/love yours. I love mine! Here’s a link with details. Highly recommend knitting one.
  5. My niece Riley asked- Crafty adventures you’ve had or would like to try- Brioche.
  6. jen.cragen- how you’re feeling with all of this stuff in the world. So many feelings. Tune in to hear more.

On a Happy Note

  • Eme’s Sweet 16 Birthday Parade
  • Mom making us all masks. As always I’m so grateful for her. 
  • I did a video chat with Riley for her 12th birthday. She asked me how to bind off headband she was making. Worked on that then pulled out a cowl project I cast on and gave her for Christmas.
  • Virtual happy hour with friends on Saturday night.
  • An unusual but lovely Easter.

Quote of the Week

“Within you, there is a stillness and a sanctuary to which you can retreat at any time and be yourself.” —Hermann Hesse

Thank you for tuning in!

Direct download: Episode_182_-_41520_7.55_AM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:49am EDT

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 181 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:

  • Off the Needles
  • On the Needles
  • From the Armchair
  • Crafty Adventures
  • 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: Yumi Yarns, The Yarn Sellar & Bee Kind Yarn

Off the Needles

Little Brother’s Romper 

  • Pattern: Little Brother’s Romper by PetiteKnit (knitting pattern. ~$4.50 US at time of purchase)
  • Needles: US 8 (5.0 mm)
  • Yarn: Sweitzer’s Fiber Mill mystery yarn (2018 Rhinebeck Bargain bin)

On the Needles

Soldotna Crop

  • Pattern: Soldotna Crop by Caitlin Hunter $7 US Knit Pattern
  • Yarn:  2 skeins of Two Reds & A Blonde DK from Dachinger Wool in mustard (Farrah Fawcett) and a blue (Veronica Lake). 2 skeins of Brown Sheep Yarn- Prairie Spun DK. In Rain Cloud (light gray) and Owl Gray (Charcoal)
  • Needles: US 4 (3.5 mm) and US 6 (4.0 mm)
  • Size 3: finished bust- 40 inches Designed to fit with 1-4.5 inches of positive ease.

Christmas Stocking for Jenna

  • Pattern: Granny Square Christmas Stocking by Family Circle Magazine 1977
  • Yarn: Patons Classic Worsted in Bright Red
  • Hook: F (3.75mm)

Sweet Tea Triangle Shawl

  • Pattern: Sweet Tea Triangle Shawl by Michelle Ferguson (crochet pattern $5)
  • Calls for 600 yards of sport weight. I’m using fingering.
  • Yarn: Queensland Collection Perth in the Alice Springs Colorway

Cake Party Christmas Socks

  • Yarn: Wisdom Yarns Pix in the Cake Party Colorway
  • Pattern: OMG heel
  • Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)

To Knit or to Hike Socks

  • Yarn: Holly Press Fibers Sheepish base in the To Knit or to Hike Colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)

Solid Granny Square Scrap Blanket

  • Yarn: leftover fingering weight yarn
  • Pattern: Solid Granny Square by Lullaby Melodia (free crochet pattern)
  • Hook: D (3.25 mm)
  • 3 rounds per square.

Happiest Blanket Ever

  • Pattern: Happiest Blanket Ever by Tamara Kelly (free crochet pattern)
  • Yarn: Lion Brand Pound of Love (white) for Main Color. Worsted Acrylic partial skeins for accent colors.
  • Hook: K (6.5 mm)
  • Cast on for Baby Size. 

From the Armchair

Tune in to hear my review a small drawstring project bag and cake coozies from Brianne of Cookie and Bees.

Crafty Adventures

I’ve been working on a weaving project for the Crispina Scrapbox Challenge.

KAL News

Quarterly Quests! Get all of the details here. 

In Quarter 1 we did sQuelch the Queue I will pull winners next episode. 

Thanks again to our Q1- Sponsors

Don’t forget to post on Instagram #QuarterlyQuests you can also add one for the Quarter:
#sQuelchtheQueue #FreetheFavorites #LessentheLibrary #SlaytheStash & you can always add #downcellarstudiopodcast

Q2 April 1-June 30 – Free the Favorites Knit any projects you have “hearted” over the year with the hopes of knitting them someday. That day will arrive. Knit as many as you can. You will receive extra entries for any pattern that was favorited over 5 years.
Check out the Quarter 2 Thread

Events

Check out Knitty’s list of Canceled Fiber Events & ways you can support the vendors who are losing out on business.

Life in Focus

My approach to getting through COVID-19 (so far)

Establishing new routines & keeping up with existing ones.

  • Make a list of routines that you normally do. Find a way to keep doing those.
  • Make a list of things you’ve been wanting to do but never have time- some fun, some chores. Decide how to divide out. One per day?  Maybe have your whole family make a list- turn it into a challenge!
  • Learn something new. A language. A new knitting skill? A new craft? 
  • Each day make a list of GOOD things that have happened. Something you accomplished. Someone you connected with. Time you spent on something you otherwise couldn’t. 

Gretchen Rubin suggests having Ambitious Projects, Medium Projects & Fun projects. 

Move your body: there are so many virtual options these days.

  • Try some Pilates virtual sessions with my dear friend Laura Anders.
  • Find a workout app, take a hike (just keep your distance). Try out Peleton or one of the other subscription services that are currently offering a couple months free 

Listening & Watching

  • Meditation apps can be a great option. Many are free.
  • I love listening to my crafty podcasts.
  • The Life Coach School Podcast is doing a COVID-19 coping series.
  • I hear Bluprint and other sites are offering lots of free classes. Search and see what you find. 
  • Limit time watching the news. You likely know a lot already about how to keep yourself and your family safe. Pick a time, catch up on what’s new for the day and shut it off. Anything THAT important will break through. 

Socialize Without Getting Germs

Support local (if you can)

  • Breweries offering delivery with extra fees to keep employees working. 
  • If you’re one of the fortunate ones not scrambling to pay bills right now consider buying a gift on Etsy or Bbay or other small indie business- send it to a friend having a birthday or just because. 
  • See if your LYSs offering pick up or if you can buy a gift card online.

Ask Me Anything

  • Phoenixknitter3 asked- What are your favorite notions?
    • Good scissors, a tape measure, plain metal circle stitch markers and a tapestry needle.
  • Proudfootk & Marilynknits- What is your favorite brand and type of knitting needles? Check out my review of Knitter’s Pride Nova Platina Special Interchangeable Set in Episode 97 recorded in September 2016 where I reviewed the Knitters Pride Nova Platina Special Interchangeable Set. Nova Platinas fixed circulars are my favorite needles.
  • Lizzym_knits- What are your favorite budget yarns and how do they hold up to wear? 

Shanalines-designs: Do you really need me to answer this, Savers finds, obvi! Tune in to hear about baby clothes and a bench I bought recently.

On a Happy Note

  • Home improvements & reorganization that’s getting done while Dan and I are home (mostly Dan’s efforts).
  • Dan made me a tray for the bathtub from an old piece of cabinet from his Uncle Charlie who was a cabinet maker. 
  • Video chatting Mom re: scrapbook challenge
  • Zoom chat with my family last weekend. Dad 3 costume changes. 
  • I finally took time to make homemade popcorn. 

Quote of the Week

“Remember when you go into the world and keep your eyes and ears wide open. And be kind.Love one another. Take care of each other. Tell the truth. Always do your best. Listen to the big people and the little people. Explore new paths and have fun. Know that you are loved like crazy. Give thanks for all your blessings. Above all else, love and you will do wonderful things in this world.”-Rebecca Puig

Thank you for tuning in!
Contact Information:

Direct download: Episode_181_-_33020_7.27_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:00am EDT

Thank you for tuning in! For full show notes and clicks check out my website for Episode 180 Show Notes. 

Direct download: Episode_180_-_31220_7.00_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:00am EDT

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 179 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week's segments included:

  • Off the Needles
  • On the Needles
  • Knitting in Passing
  • Crafty Adventures
  • KAL News
  • Life in Focus
  • Ask Me Anything
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Infinite Twist, KnitCompanion, Knitters Brewing Company

Off the Needles

Mom’s Frozen Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Yarn: Fibernymph Dye Works
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)

103 Hat

  • Pattern: 103 Hat by Jennifer Lassonde
  • Yarn: Suburban Stitcher DK
  • Needles: US 5 & 7

Rabbit in a Carrot Sleeping Bag

  • Pattern: Rabbit in a Carrot Sleeping Bag by Laura Sutcliffe (2 GBP crochet pattern) $2.70 US 
  • Hook: 2.75 mm (C)
  • Yarn: Cascade 220 Superwash & Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Worsted (used fingering weight yarn for the baby rabbit)

Front Loop Newborn Hat

  • Pattern: Front Loop Newborn Hat by Cream of the Crop Crochet (free)
  • Yarn: leftover fingering weight in a light blue
  • Hook: D (3.25 mm)

Growler Cozy

  • Pattern: Improvised. Hope to publish a pattern for this after I perfect it.
  • Hooks: K & L
  • Yarn: Lion Brand Re-up held double

On the Needles

Pinwheel Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Pinwheel Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)

Paton's Kroy Socks for Gram

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Yarn: Patons Kroy Green Stripe Ragg Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)

Knitting in Passing

Dan washed his favorite hat in the washing machine (by accident) for the second time and it was finally too small to continue wearing. Pattern: Rafa's Hat by Joji Locatelli. He gifted it to our niece so she can enjoy it!

Crafty Adventures

Off the Wall in Abington, MA. I attended a wooden sign painting party with girlfriends and had a blast! Highly recommend

KAL News

Quarterly Quests

Get all of the details here.

 January 1- March 31 -sQuelch the Queue Knit any projects you had in your queue (prior to January 1). Knit as many as you can. You will receive extra entries for any patterns that have been sitting in your queue for over 5 years. Fine print* NO WIPS are allowed for these quests. Cast on the first day of the quest and whatever is finished by the last day will count.
Quarter 1- Sponsors

  • Anne Beady Designs
  • KnitCompanion
  • Fibernymph Dye Works
  • Knitters Brewing Company
  • Don't forget to post on Instagram #QuarterlyQuests you can also add one for the Quarter:
  • #sQuelchtheQueue
  • #FreetheFavorites
  • #LessentheLibrary
  • #SlaytheStash
  • You can always add #downcellarstudiopodcast

Pigskin Party Wrap up

Tune in to hear if you won a participation prize, the January Interception and/or one of the 10 Amazing GRAND Prizes.

Life in Focus

Mom & chatted about goals for 2020, working in new habits and routines in our lives and doing the things we're tempted to put off.

If you'd like to join Diane's Massachusetts eBay & eCommerce Online Sellers Meet Up Group on Facebook- click here.

Ask Me (Us) Anything

Tune in to hear how Jen gets over loss of knitting mojo, how BostonJensMom met Boston Jen's Dad, and a few other fun questions.

On a Happy Note

  • Mom's Birthday Lunch
  • Hattie's 2nd Birthday Dinner
  • Silly things the kids say
  • Hiking with Dan
  • Movies we've seen recently

Quote of the Week

Edith Wharton on being a positive force:
“There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it."

Thank you for tuning in!
Contact Information:

Direct download: Episode_179_-_21520_4.30_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:47pm EDT

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 178 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:

  • Off the Needles
  • On the Needles
  • In my Travels
  • 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 sponsor: 2 Guys Yarn Company

Off the Needles

Creepy Graffiti Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Asylum Fibers in the Creepy Graffiti colorway

On the Needles

Mom’s Frozen Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Yarn: Fibernymph Dye Works
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)

103 Hat

  • Pattern: 103 Hat by Jennifer Lassonde
  • Yarn: Suburban Stitcher DK
  • Needles: US 5 (3.75mm) & 7 (4.0mm)

Pinwheel Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Pinwheel Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)

My Cryptonite Shawl

  • Pattern: My Cryptonite by Melanie Berg ($6.31 US)
  • Yarn: Barnyard Knits Merino Nylon Fingering in the Pickly Pear Colorway (gray with multicolors).  Fuse Fiber Studio Merino Sock in the Mercury Glass (gray) and Radical Acceptance Colorway (pinky)
  • Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm)

Happiest Blanket Ever

  • Happiest Blanket Ever by Tamara Kelly (free crochet pattern)
  • Hook: K: 6.5 mm
  • Yarn: Lion Brand Pound of Love (white) for MC, leftover acrylic stash yarn for CCs.

In My Travels

KAL News

New for 2020: Quarterly Quests! Get all of the details here. 
January 1- March 31 – sQuelch the Queue Knit any projects you had in your queue (prior to January 1). Knit as many as you can. You will receive extra entries for any patterns that have been sitting in your queue for over 5 years. Fine print* NO WIPS are allowed for these quests. Cast on the first day of the quest and whatever is finished by the last day will count.

  • Quarter 1 Sponsors: Anne Beady Designs, KnitCompanion, Fibernymph Dye Works & Knitters Brewing Company

We are looking for Prizes for this KAL. If you’re interested- please let me know! I’m also offering a discount on ads if you sponsor this KAL, Splash Pad or Pigskin. Emails went out to those on my newsletter this week. Sign up for my email newsletter to be informed about sponsor options.

Pigskin Party ’19! Not familiar? It’s a ridiculously fun make-a-long that runs all through the NFL football season. We typically have a couple hundred participants each year. For each FO you finish, you earn touchdown & field goal points. You also earn points for using sponsor products & fulfilling other challenges. For every 100 points earned, you get an entry into our Grand Prize drawing. We also have lots of prizes reserved for participation on Ravelry and Instagram to keep it fun and light.

Everything you need to know is linked in the Start Here Thread in the Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group including the Rules, Questions Thread, End Zone Dance Thread where you post your FOs, Coupon Code Thread, List of Prizes, Exclusive Items from our Sponsors!

Pro Shop Sponsors 

Snack Shack Sponsors

Our January Interception posted & is kindly sponsored by designer Windswept Designs (Monique Leonard)!

  • To be eligible to win:
  • Complete a project of at least 100 yards that does not contain any sheep’s wool.
  • Project must have been cast on on/after 1/1/20 and completed by 1/31/20
  • Post your FO in this thread with a description and/or photo that shows how you’re meeting the challenge.

Get Ready for SuperBowl WeekendCheck out this thread in the group.

Events

Life in Focus

Plastic Free July Updates:

Tru Earth Eco-Strips Laundry Detergent
Refills for my favorite Uniball Retractable fine point pens
Lush Toothy Tabs

Ask Me Anything

Tune in to hear a question on how I use Evernote to organize my life. Are you interested in hearing more about my organizing, habit tracking, goal settings etc? I think Patreon might be a good option for that. Comes over to the Episode 178 Chat thread in our Ravelry Group to talk more if you’re interested in that idea.

On a Happy Note

  • 90 min massage
  • Dan and I visited a new to us brewery- Stellwagen.
  • Planning a kitchen renovation and we are able to buy a large cabinet that matches our existing cabinets (but painted) to give us more storage.
  • Dan and I went on our first hike together at home.
  • I went to speak at the MA eBay and Resellers Meet-up group that my mom organizes.
  • I got a new iPhone 11 Pro Max. The camera is epic.

Quote of the Week

“The purpose of fear is to raise your awareness not to stop your progress.”― Steve Maraboli

Thank you for tuning in!


Contact Information:

Direct download: Episode_178_-_12920_8.28_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 177 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes and photos can be found on my website. Click here. 

This week’s segments included:

  • Off the Needles
  • On the Needles
  • Brainstorming
  • From the Armchair
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Ask Me Anything
  • Life in Focus
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Thank you to this episode’s sponsor: Holly Press Fibers

Off the Needles

Velvet Bear for Ella 

  • Pattern: Velvet Valentine Crochet Bear by Sarah Zimmerman
  • Yarn: Bernat Velvet in the Burgundy Mulled Rose & Violet colorways
  • Hook: H

Velvet Bear for Carina

  • Pattern: Velvet Valentine Crochet Bear by Sarah Zimmerman
  • Yarn: Bernat Velvet in the Burgundy Mulled Rose & Violet colorways
  • Hook: H

The Parker Baby Booties

  • Pattern: The Parker Baby Booties by Ashleigh Kiser (free crochet pattern)
  • Yarn: Sirdar Snuggly Crofter DK Baby Fair Isle Effect
  • Hook: D (3.25 mm)

Cadet Colors Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Yarn: Patons Kroy FX in the Cadet Colors Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Millie and Riley knit on these socks for Uncle Dan which is special.

Hattie’s Hedgehog 

  • Pattern: Hedley the Hedgehog by by Moji-Moji Design
  • Hook: B
  • Yarn- Mystery yarn from stash (maybe wool/alpaca from Long Island Livestock co)

Ross Farm Blanket Square 

  • Irongate Square by Jessica Ryan (free crochet pattern).
  • Yarn: Ross Farm Henrietta Shetland Wool 3ply sport 250 yards for 100g
  • Hook: I 5.5 mm
  • Bought this skein because we had a lawn ornament bunny growing up w/ same name. Sentimental May even be my first purchase from Ross Farm. 

On the Needles

Mom’s Frozen Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Yarn: Fibernymph Dye Works
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)

Creepy Grafiti Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Yarn: Asylum Fibers Twisted sock yarn in the Creepy Graffiti Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)

Front Loop Newborn Hat

  • Pattern: Front Loop Newborn Hat by Cream of the Crop Crochet (free)
  • Yarn: leftover fingering weight in a light blue
  • Hook: D (3.25 mm)

I’m also knitting on a new design- the details of which I can’t share yet.

Pigskin Party ‘19

Brainstorming

  • I’d like to make a sweater with DK weight mustard yarn I bought during yarn haul in Sept. My plan is to swatch to get a gauge I like and then use the advanced Search on Ravelry to find a sweater that’s knit at that gauge.
  • Hat for my brother for his birthday.
  • Monkey for Millie’s 8th birthday- leaning towards the Chinese New Year Monkey by Stephanie Jessica Lau.  
  • I need to repair a pair of Mom’s socks & Jeff’s Ice Time hat.  

From the Armchair

  • I shared my review of the Yarnable Subscription Box
  • Knitwise09 asked what I thought of Paintbox yarn. So far I’m really liking my socks with this yarn. Keep in mind, socks are usually knit at a tighter gauge which can help prevent pilling.

KAL News

I announced the winner for the last of the Slay the Stash KAL months. Tune in to see if you won!

New for 2020: Quarterly Quests! Get all of the details here. 
January 1- March 31 – sQuelch the Queue Knit any projects you had in your queue (prior to January 1). Knit as many as you can. You will receive extra entries for any patterns that have been sitting in your queue for over 5 years. Fine print* NO WIPS are allowed for these quests. Cast on the first day of the quest and whatever is finished by the last day will count.

We are looking for Prizes for this KAL. If you’re interested- please let me know! I’m also offering a discount on ads if you sponsor this KAL, Splash Pad or Pigskin. Emails went out to those on my newsletter this week. Sign up for my email newsletter to be informed about sponsor options.

Pigskin Party ’19! Not familiar? It’s a ridiculously fun make-a-long that runs all through the NFL football season. We typically have a couple hundred participants each year. For each FO you finish, you earn touchdown & field goal points. You also earn points for using sponsor products & fulfilling other challenges. For every 100 points earned, you get an entry into our Grand Prize drawing. We also have lots of prizes reserved for participation on Ravelry and Instagram to keep it fun and light.

Everything you need to know is linked in the Start Here Thread in the Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group including the Rules, Questions ThreadEnd Zone Dance Thread where you post your FOs, Coupon Code ThreadList of PrizesExclusive Items from our Sponsors!

Pro Shop Sponsors 

Snack Shack Sponsors

 

Tune in to hear if you’re a December Participation Winner.

Our January Interception posted & is kindly sponsored by designer Windswept Designs (Monique Leonard)!

 

To be eligible to win

 

  • Complete a project of at least 100 yards that does not contain any sheep’s wool.
  • Project must have been cast on on/after 1/1/20 and completed by 1/31/20
  • Post your FO in this thread with a description and/or photo that shows how you’re meeting the challenge.

Events

Ask Me Anything

  • Knitwise09- Would you please share more details on the Christmas Open House? Is food offered? Gifts? 
  • Adoreknitsteph: your plans for 2020, knitting wise, travel, events, health plan. Design process. And why crochet over knitting. 
  • Tune in to hear my answers.

Life in Focus

Tune in to hear how I do my 2019 personal year in review.

Design/Podcast/Knit 

  • Most Proud of- exceeding my goal of 10 patterns for the year. Yarn bombing project. Really cool fun project and event. $337 National Alliance on Mental Illness Massachusetts for 103 hat sales. World of Difference Campaign in February – Sold 49 copies & donated $100 to The World of Difference Institute. I designed 2 crochet patterns. GoodReader Tutorial FINALLY published. Hosted 3 successful KALs- Slay the Stash, Splash Pad and Pigskin Parties. Participation better than ever. Growing Ravelry Group. So much engagement.
  • New skills or knowledge. Learned crochet cables and how to make crocheted hats. Made my first top down triangular crochet shawl. Learned how to use newer version of Garageband on my laptop. First experience yarn bombing. Had to figure out how to make it big but still light and workable. My friend Beverly taught me some basic embroidery. 
  • New habits I incorporated: Keeping better track of designs. Kept things organized in Evernote with Folders for notes about: Active Designs, Design Ideas and Stitches, Next Designs I want to work on etc. Then I also created checklists or workflows for what I always need to do when I open up a design to test, steps for publishing, steps for promoting a pattern so I can check things off as I go (or choose not to do things but if I don’t do it, its not because I forget). 
  • New experiences– being part of collaboration with Christy Houghton. December of Designers. So honored to be asked to be a part of that! 
  • Wish I did more of: garment knitting for me. I’m loving my handknit sweaters this winter. I’d be happy to have another in the rotation. 
  • Wish I spent less on this year: I can’t think of any regrets in how I spent my time. You could argue I spent too much money on yarn but I usually end up loving my stash and making beautiful things.  
  • Lessons Learned. I really enjoy designing even when it is a lot of work and a lot of math which typically I don’t enjoy. When I began my year with 10 pattern goal I wasn’t sure I’d love it but I knew designing consistently would force me into good habits and give me that chance to see how I felt. 
  • Events & Milestones.  Participated in the 1st Annual Cape & South Shore Yarn Haul and hosted a cast on party at Yarns End. Went to Rhinebeck. Needles Up and Indie Untangled. In November- I attended Lady Dye’s 2020 Tour kick off at Gather Here! I got a spinning wheel!!
  • Results: More email subscribers. More Instagram followers. Sold 1916 patterns in 2019 doesn’t include free pattern- Ball Band Cozy. 

Knitting- 2019

  • FOs- 139
  • Gifts: 106
  • Socks- 24
  • Shawls-11
  • Toys- 18
  • Hat- 18
  • Sweaters- 3

2020 Goals 

  • 3 times a week (average) exercise of 20 min or more (focus on strength training)= 156 workouts
  • 7 published patterns on Ravelry
  • 10% more sales of designs compared to 2019
  • Equals 20- for 2020 

20 in 2020 (Gretchen Rubin)– these are more of a bucket-list type list of things I think will enrich my life.

  1. Use up 5 gift cards 
  2. Visit 2 new cities 
  3. Kayak at Jacob’s pond 
  4. Kayak at one other new place 
  5. Get car detailed
  6. Take 4 classes/lectures (ideas: spinning, knitting, embroidery, sewing, painting)
  7. Learn to spin
  8. Pay off my car 
  9. Visit the Museum of Fine Arts Boston at least once
  10. Submit a pattern to at least 1 publication 
  11. Go camping
  12. Do 1 in-store class or event at a local yarn shop
  13. Do Plastic Free July Challenge again 
  14. Finish 2018 photo album & print
  15. Purge at least 40 things from the house
  16. Maintain my weight range
  17. Take a yoga class
  18. Go to at least 4 musicals/plays
  19. Go to the library at least twice
  20. At least 12 massages 

My word of the Year for 2020: FLOURISH. This year is a year of building on the progress and successes from 2019. I will design more. I will lift more. I will be stronger. I will truly flourish. 

Flourish: Verb: (of a person, animal, or other living organism) grow or develop in a healthy or vigorous way, especially as the result of a particularly favorable environment. Noun: an instance of suddenly performing or developing in an impressively successful way.

Questions from Listeners:

  • ZTphotos asked about new designs for 2020.
  • TaraT580: New stuff you want to try your hand at designing- new stitches/combinations etc?
  •  Phoenixknitter3 & Anna.lenzmeier- Your knitting goals for the year!
  • TUNE IN to hear the answers.

Do you have goals for 2020? How will you measure? Do you have a Word for the year? Let’s chat! Come on over to the Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group!

On a Happy Note

  • Binging the Australian tv show Wentworth on Netflix. 
  • My friend Laura visited over New Year’s. I brought her to the shore in my town for the first time in countless visits! We hiked together at my local state park.
  • My favorite Zumba teacher is back teaching twice a month so made a point to get there the first Saturday of the year.
  • I just had my annual physical and my doctor was very happy. All blood work even better than last year.
  • I saw the new Star Wars movie with Dan 
  • I visited my best friend who was home sick. caught up with her and brought lunch and then got to hang out with my niece Aila for the afternoon. We worked on her science project and had a monster drawing challenge.
  • It was 66 degrees on Sunday! We opened up the house. Cleaned & organized together.

Quote of the Week

Doing great work is not about never making mistakes or failing. It’s about making sure those mistakes have the minimum impact on those you serve, and that your failures inspire and inform new strategies in the future.”

– Cy Wakeman

Thank you for tuning in!


Contact Information:

Direct download: Episode_177_-_1_14_20_8.12_AM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:12am EDT

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