Down Cellar Studio Podcast (general)
 
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 144 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week's segments included:
 
  • Off the Needles
  • On the Needles
  • Brainstorming
  • From the Armchair
  • Knitting in Passing
  • In my Travels
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week 

Off the Needles

 
  • Yarn: Paintbox Sock yarn in the Fairisle Storybook colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)
  • 234 meters
 
  • Yarn: Paton’s Kroy Stripes in the Deep End colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • 250 meters
 
  • Yarn: Paton’s Kroy Stripes in the Slate Jacquard colorway + black
  • Pattern: Non-Euclidian heel by Sarah Jordan
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • 10.5 inch leg and foot- 334.4 meters
 
  • Pattern: Parallel Bars by Annaboo's House (4 pound crochet pattern available on Etsy)
  • Yarn: Quince & Co Tern (75% wool, 25% silk) fingering weight yarn in the Rose Quartz colorway
  • Hook: 4.5 mm
  • 606 meters
 
2018 Stash Dash Projects: 21,004 meters total in 45 projects
 
Breakdown
  • 22 Knit | 23 crochet
  • 14 things I plan to keep, 20 gifts, 11 TBD
  • 4 items over 1000 meters- 2 items over 900 meters each. Total for these large projects was almost 10k
Comparison to previous years
 
 

On the Needles

 
  • Pattern: Rafa's Hat by Joji Locatelli (free)
  • Yarn: Swan's Island Sterling Collection Worsted Weight in the Celestine Colorway 85% organic merino, 15% alpaca
  • Needles: US 5
  • Size Small- 96 st cast on
 
  • Yarn: Scraps of fingering weight (mostly Patons Kroy)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • 1x1 twisted rib for top.

Brainstorming

 

From the Armchair

 

Knitting in Passing

 

I shared two quick stores from knitting in Nashville.

In My Travels

 

I'll share some more details of our Knoxville, Bristol, Nashville trip next time, but I did love meeting Amanda and shopping at Haus of Yarn in Nashville. Thanks Meg for the recommendations for other things to see in Nashville. I purchased yarn from Teeny Button Studio- 2 skeins of BFL fingering + mini skein (partly because their sample for Andrea Mowry's Thaliah shawl was beautiful). I also got a beautiful project bag.

 
 

KAL News

 
Slay the Stash 2018
  • Each month you can declare a skein of yarn to knit/crochet/weave to its very end. Let’s use up those older special skeins that are soooo pretty we don’t want to touch them. In 2018, we are turning those sacred skeins into beautiful projects you can enjoy-- and maybe win a new beautiful skein of yarn from one of our sponsors along the way! Full details and rules can be found here.
  • September Post
  • Use and follow #slaythestash2018 on Social Media
Slay the Stash 2018: Sponsor List
Artwork - Pigskin Party Final2
 
 
  • Wondering what this crazy KAL is? Check out this page which gives you the best overview with all necessary links. There’s also a helpful “Start Here” Thread in the Ravelry Group
  • Check out the Rules but if you still have questions, come over to the Questions thread and ask. We’re happy to help.
  • Put your Name on the Roster then claim your spot in the End Zone Dance Thread where you’ll track your points. Continue to update your post with all of the points you earn during the KAL
  • For every 100 points, you’ll earn an entry into the drawing for the Grand Prizes
  • Check out our amazing Sponsors; if you use their products, you’ll earn more points per FO
  • Some of our Pro Shop Level Sponsors will be creating exclusive items for Pigskin Party participants. They may come out at different times and will likely be limited in quantities, so keep your eyes on this Exclusive Items thread in the group for all the latest news
  • Scope out the prizes! Some will be given out during the KAL; some will be part of the Grand Prizes.
  • Don’t forget to use #DCSPigskinParty18 on Instagram so we check out what you’re doing and you can be eligible for participation prizes.
 
Details Discussed on This Episode:
  • Reviewed the Rules
  • Sponsors (to date)- check them out- stock up on goodies that will earn you more points
  • Monday Night Scavenger Hunt is going to happen each week again this season!
  • September Interception- details announce. Will posted in the group soon.
  • Check out Coupon Codes generously posted by our sponsors- there are 12 already!
 

Events

 
2018 Box O' Balls Round Robin Mini Swap: sign up anytime during 2018.  Shipping cost of $13.50 (within US; have option to send Internationally) The contents will include: at least 20 mini yarn balls (each ball will be minimum of 5g/ 20 yards) to choose from, a handwritten note or card and a small gift. Find all of the details in this thread in the Ravelry Group.
 
 

On a Happy Note

  • I was gifted some "My Favorite Murder" podcast stuff from Dan
  • Facetiming with my 6 year old niece Millie at work the other day
  • Labor Day weekend ahead!
 

Quote of the Week

“Passions weaken, but habits strengthen, with age, and it is the great task of youth to set the current of habit and to form the tastes which are most productive of happiness in life.”
 
-- William Edward Hartpole Lecky, The Map of Life
 
 
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Thank you for tuning in!
 
Contact Information:
 
 
Direct download: Episode_144_-_83118_6.06_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:13pm EDT

 
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 143 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week's segments included:
 
 
  • Off the Needles
  • On the Needles
  • Brainstorming
  • From the Armchair
  • Crafty Adventures
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Life in Focus
  • Ask Me Anything
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week
 

Off the Needles

 
 
 
  • Yarn: 1 skein of DK (charcoal), 1 skein of fingering (plum)
  • Needles: US 9 (5.5 mm)
  • Top Down crescent shaped shawl. DK (gray) always in garter. Fingering weight plum colored yarn always in stockinette. Sometimes with lace border. Short rows are done in the fingering section
  • 560 meters 
  • Yarn: Patons Kroy stripes in the Landscape Stripes Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • 273.6 meters
 
  • Yarn: Socks that Rock Lightweight (colorway unknown)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • 299.7 meters 
 
  • Pattern: Dawn to Dusk Triangle Scarf by Jess Coppom (free crochet pattern)
  • Hook: H 5.0mm
  • Yarn: Lion Brand Mandala in the Pegasus colorway (purple, peach, cream, green)
  • 495.9 meters
 
  • Pattern: Granny Square Christmas Stockings from Family Circle Magazine 1977
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Red, Everglade Heather and White
  • Hook: F (3.75 mm)
  • Completed 2 stockings for my Mom's cousin who requested them for her grandchildren.
  • finishing always takes longer than I remember it will.
  • Meters: 458 and 444 meters 
 
 
  • Pattern: Ninilchik Swoncho by Caitlin Hunter
  • Needles: US 4 & 6
  • Yarn: Cloudborne DK, Fiberstory DK + Gale's Art Super Star DK
  • Lengthened the sweater and added short rows to the back.
  • Project page by KnitWit50 on how to have a better transition between stockinette and ribbing using instructions from the Tech Knitter Blog Post. It really does look much cleaner and evens out the knit stitches that trail down into the ribbing
 
 
 
  • Hook: C yarn
  • 3x4 layout.
  • Inspiration: BetsyMakes Project
  • Yarn: leftovers and mini skeins (fingering weight yarn)
  • 3603.9 meters
 
 
Stash Dash Total: 17,906.5 meters  in 37 projects.
 
Next time I record will be after 8/27 and Stash Dash will be over!
 
 

On the Needles

 
 
  • Yarn: Paton’s Kroy Stripes in the Slate Jacquard colorway + black
  • Pattern: Non-Euclidian heel by Sarah Jordan
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Paintbox Sock yarn in the Fairisle Storybook colorway
  • Pattern: TBD
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
 
  • Pattern: Construction Zone by Heidi Kirrmaier
  • Yarn: Tempting Ewe Yarns Luxe Aran (90% Merino/10% Silk) in the Grey Goose Colorway. 2 skeins 340 yards total
  • Needles: US 9 | 5.5 mm
  • Adding length by crocheting along the bottom with charcoal fingering weight yarn.
 
 
  • Yarn: leftover sock yarn
  • Hook: D 3.25 mm
  • Only 4 rounds of color
  • Bought Cloudborn Highland Superwash Sock Twist Yarn from Craftsy- SW Fingering in the Grey Heather colorway (6, 50 gram skeins)
  • 76 hexagons done.
  • Instructions on how to make half hexagons
 
 

Brainstorming

Vacation knitting planning!
 

From the Armchair

Enjoying watching Making it on NBC
 

Crafty Adventures

Mom machine sewed sleeves on a store bought cardigan for me to lengthen. I cuffed them and sewed by hand to finish them up. Quick, poolside project!
 

KAL News

 
Slay the Stash 2018
  • Each month you can declare a skein of yarn to knit/crochet/weave to its very end. Let’s use up those older special skeins that are soooo pretty we don’t want to touch them. In 2018, we are turning those sacred skeins into beautiful projects you can enjoy-- and maybe win a new beautiful skein of yarn from one of our sponsors along the way! Full details and rules can be found here.
  • July winner announced
  • Use and follow #slaythestash2018 on Social Media
Slay the Stash 2018: Sponsor List
 
The Splash Pad Party KAL
 
 

Prize winners announced! Thanks again to all of our awesome sponsors for making this possible!

 
 
Pro Shop Sponsors
 
Snack Shack
 
 
Pigskin Party Starts September 6th!

Events

2018 Box O' Balls Round Robin Mini Swap: sign up anytime during 2018.  Shipping cost of $13.50 (within US; have option to send Internationally) The contents will include: at least 20 mini yarn balls (each ball will be minimum of 5g/ 20 yards) to choose from, a handwritten note or card and a small gift. Find all of the details in this thread in the Ravelry Group.
 

Ask Me Anything

 
This time I answered a question from shateenamanda about resources for designers. I mentioned this book (which I haven't read yet). Beginner's Guide to Writing Knitting Patterns by Kate Atherly. I also highly recommend paying a tech editor
 

On a Happy Note

  • Our nephews Will and Oisin came for the weekend for their birthday sleepover and we had a blast.
  • Pool Days!
  • I had a sleep study done. Can't wait to find out more.
  • Refocused on my healthy habits! Down 7 pounds since June thanks to healthy eating and prioritizing moving my body.
  • Visited my niece Hattie to take her 6 month photos!
 

Quote of the Week

If you must look back, do so forgivingly. If you must look forward, do so prayerfully. However, the wisest thing you can do is be present in the present... gratefully.
 
-Maya Angelou
 
------
 
Thank you for tuning in!
 
Contact Information:
 
 
 
Direct download: Episode_143_-_81418_7.03_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00pm EDT

 
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 142 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week's segments included:
 
  • Off the Needles
  • On the Needles
  • Brainstorming
  • From the Armchair
  • In my Travels
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Life in Focus
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week
 
 
Off the Needles
 
 
  • Pattern: Hibernate Blanket (free crochet pattern) by Yarnspirations Design Studio
  • Hook: K (6.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Bulky (gray- 7 skeins- used 6 ) & Knitters Brewing Company  fingering (24-30g each of red, orange, yellow, green blue and purple).
  • Simple two row repeat.
  • 14 rows of color. 4 plain gray. 
  • Total: 1224 meters
 
3 fingering weight yarns held together. Mint rain self striping. Two mystery skeins in Stash
  • H hook and I hook
  • crocheted in a circle. Added a tie on each side to tie under pan. Can pack and not scratch the surface of the pan
  • 46 grams. 168.4 meters  worked up in about a half hour.
 
  • Yarn: Lane Cervinia Forever (75% wool, 25% nylon)
  • Pattern: Non-Euclidian heel by Sarah Jordan
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
 
 
Current Stash Dash Total: 10,338.3
 
Stash Dash- Knit Girllls Podcast KAL that runs May 25-August 27th. Find Stash Dash Rules here.
 
On the Needles
 
  • Yarn: leftovers and mini skeins (fingering weight yarn)
  • Hook: C yarn
  • Inspiration: BetsyMakes Project
 
  • Yarn: Paton’s Kroy Stripes in the Slate Jacquard colorway + black
  • Pattern: Non-Euclidian heel by Sarah Jordan
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
 
  • Yarn: Patons Kroy stripes in the Landscape Stripes Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan WIlliams
  • I purchased most of my Paton's Kroy Yarn from Craftsy
 
  • Yarn: Socks that Rock Lightweight (colorway unknown)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
 
 
  • Pattern: Construction Zone by Heidi Kirrmaier
  • Yarn: Tempting Ewe Yarns Luxe Aran (90% Merino/10% Silk) in the Grey Goose Colorway. 2 skeins 340 yards total
  • Needles: US 9 | 5.5 mm
  • Knit this last year but am lengthening it with crochet + fingering weight yarn
  • Pattern: Dawn to Dusk Triangle Scarf by Jess Coppom (free crochet pattern)
  • Hook: H 5.0mm
  • Yarn: Lion Brand Mandala in the Pegasus colorway 
Brainstorming
  • I'd like to make some more crocheted circles for my Aunt' Camp to use between her pots.
  • Reviewing my Stash Dash plans and schemes. 
  • I want to make all of the blankets!!!
 
From the Armchair
 
Little Drops of Wonderful- video podcast on YouTube. Hosted by Ali in the UK. Knitter & Crocheter.
 
Crafternoon Treats video podcast on Youtube hosted by Kathryn in the UK. Mostly Crochet some knits too i think.
 
Must Love Yarn video podcast on YouTube hosted by Angela and Kelly who own an online shop & store in Shelburne, VT.
 
Wool Hands Needlesvideo podcast on YouTube hosted by Tayler Earl, dyer behind Fiber for the people. Beautiful video quality, talks about knitting in the news, fun KALs etc.
 
In My Travels
 
 
KAL News
 
 
Slay the Stash 2018
  • Each month you can declare a skein of yarn to knit/crochet/weave to its very end. Let’s use up those older special skeins that are soooo pretty we don’t want to touch them. In 2018, we are turning those sacred skeins into beautiful projects you can enjoy-- and maybe win a new beautiful skein of yarn from one of our sponsors along the way! Full details and rules can be found here.
  • August Post
  • Use and follow #slaythestash2018 on Social Media
Slay the Stash 2018: Sponsor List
 
The Splash Pad Party KAL
Runs June 1-July 31
Will pull winners from chat threads and Summer Celebration in early August.
 
Pro Shop Sponsors
 
  1. AdoreKnit
  2. Celestial Sews
  3. Designs of Acadia
  4. Fibernymph Dye Works
  5. Just Run Knit Designs
  6. Knit Circus Yarns
  7. Knit Style Yarns
  8. Knits4comfort
  9. Knitters Brewing Company
  10. Lilliput Yarn
  11. Love Bird Lane
  12. Pearl and Plum
  13. Plum Deluxe
  14. Prairie Bag Works
  15. A Simple Homestead
  16. Stitched by Jessalu
  17. Sunsoaked Yarns
  18. Twisted Owl Fiber Studio
  19. Yarnandewe
  20. YumiYarns
Snack Shack
  1. Be Ewe Fibers
  2. Brenda Castiel Designs & Good Stuff Crafts
  3. Daizie Knits
  4. Heddi Craft Designs
  5. Imagined Landscapes
  6. Jennifer Lassonde Designs
  7. Knit/Wit Designs
  8. Knit-by-Bit Designs
  9. Knitty by Nature Shop
  10. Progress Keepers by Meliabella
  11. Mrs U Makes
  12. Remade by Hand
  13. V Yarn
  14. Windswept Designs
 
Events
 
2018 Box O' Balls Round Robin Mini Swap: sign up anytime during 2018.  Shipping cost of $13.50 (within US; have option to send Internationally) The contents will include: at least 20 mini yarn balls (each ball will be minimum of 5g/ 20 yards) to choose from, a handwritten note or card and a small gift. Find all of the details in this thread in the Ravelry Group.
 
 
 
Life in Focus
Update on no spend July
 
 
 
On a Happy Note
  • Hitting up a local brewery. Untold Brewing. 
  • Instagram live for the first time with Jasmin of the Knitmore Girls Podcast
  • My nephew Will's 11th birthday party. 
  • Work deadline is nearly here!
  • Hiit classes start back up tomorrow.
 
Quote of the Week
"Courage doesn't mean you never feel afraid. It simply means you choose NOT to let your fear control you and step forward anyway." -Allanah Hunt
------
Thank you for tuning in.
Remember show notes for this episode can be found at www.downcellarstudio.com/142 
If you have a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, I'd greatly appreciate it.
I can be found on Ravelry as BostonJen and I'd love it if you came ov
 
Contact Information:
 
Direct download: Episode_142_-_10k_yarn_33mi_kayaking.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:23pm EDT

 
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 141 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. 
 
Full Show Notes can be found on my website.
 
This week's segments included:
 
  • Off the Needles
  • On the Needles
  • Brainstorming
  • From the Armchair
  • KAL News
  • Contest, News & Notes
  • Life in Focus
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week
 
Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Prairie Bag Works, Lilliput Yarn, Stitched by Jessalu and Plum Deluxe
 
 

Off the Needles

 
  • Yarn: Lion Brand Mandala in the Serpent Colorway
  • Hook: H (5 mm)
  • Pattern: Dawn to Dusk Triangle Scarf by Jess Coppom (Free crochet pattern)
  • 490.5 meters
 
  • Yarn: Lion Brand Mandala in the Spirit Colorway (#212)
  • Hook: H (5 mm)
  • Pattern: Dawn to Dusk Triangle Scarf by Jess Coppom (Free crochet pattern)
  • 533.6 meters
 
Baby Barefoot Flower Sandals
  • Pattern:  Baby Barefoot Flower Sandals by Esther Chandler (free crochet pattern)
  • Yarn: leftover fingering weight yarn
  • Hook: C and one marked 0 (very old hook)
  • Link to first pair & second pair
  • 6 grams each: 49.8 meters total 
 
  • Pattern: JustRight and BigTime Dishcloth by Deborah Ellis (free crochet pattern)
  • Yarn: Lily Sugar and Cream held with Aunt Lydia's crochet cotton #10
  • Hook: I
  • Cotton thread almost gives it a subtle scrubbly quality.
  • Green one: 73.9 meter
  • Cream one: 69 meters

I also made 4 other dishcloths using Sugar and Cream cotton yarn in various patterns. 160 more meters

  • Yarn: We Are Knitters The Cotton In Salmon Pink
  • Hook: F
  • Pattern: Easy Breezy Swim cover up
  • Used 4.3 skeins- 911.6 meters, 430 grams
 
  • Yarn: Paton’s Kroy Stripes in the Dads Jacquard colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
 
Stash Dash Total as of this episode: 8662.4 meters!
 
Stash Dash- Knit Girllls Podcast KAL that runs May 25-August 27th. Find Stash Dash Rules here.
I'll be participating!
 

On the Needles

 
  • Yarn: Lane Cervinia Forever (75% wool, 25% nylon)
  • Pattern: Non-Euclidian heel by Sarah Jordan
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
 
  • Yarn: Paton’s Kroy Stripes in the Slate Jacquard colorway + black
  • Pattern: Non-Euclidian heel by Sarah Jordan
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Adding black to make it go further
 
  • Pattern: Hibernate Blanket (free crochet pattern) by Yarnspirations Design Studio
  • Hook: K (6.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Bulky (gray- 7 skeins) & Knitters Brewing Company  fingering (24-30g each of red, orange, yellow, green blue and purple).

Brainstorming

 
  • Another Hibernate blanket. I'd like to re-finish the bottom of my Swoncho (I'm adding length), and the 2 crochet stockings before I head out on vacation in August.
  •  I'm thinking ahead for a trip coming up in August: Parallel bars crochet shawl and maybe the Beloved: Bonnet pattern by Tin Can Knits.

From the Armchair

 Two new podcasts I'm enjoying a lot right now:

In my Travels

  • Dan and I went back up NH to my cousin's lake house this weekend. We visited with my cousin Meagan who was up from Florida. We kayaked. I walked, and knit and crocheted... just what I needed to clear my head during this busy month.

KAL News

 
Slay the Stash 2018
  • Each month you can declare a skein of yarn to knit/crochet/weave to its very end. Let’s use up those older special skeins that are soooo pretty we don’t want to touch them. In 2018, we are turning those sacred skeins into beautiful projects you can enjoy-- and maybe win a new beautiful skein of yarn from one of our sponsors along the way! Full details and rules can be found here.
  • July Post
  • Tune in to hear if you're the June Winner!
Slay the Stash 2018: Sponsor List
The Splash Pad Party KAL
Runs June 1-July 31
 
Pro Shop Sponsors
 
  1. AdoreKnit
  2. Celestial Sews
  3. Designs of Acadia
  4. Fibernymph Dye Works
  5. Just Run Knit Designs
  6. Knit Circus Yarns
  7. Knit Style Yarns
  8. Knits4comfort
  9. Knitters Brewing Company
  10. Lilliput Yarn
  11. Love Bird Lane
  12. Pearl and Plum
  13. Plum Deluxe
  14. Prairie Bag Works
  15. A Simple Homestead
  16. Stitched by Jessalu
  17. Sunsoaked Yarns
  18. Twisted Owl Fiber Studio
  19. Yarnandewe
  20. YumiYarns
Snack Shack
  1. Be Ewe Fibers
  2. Brenda Castiel Designs & Good Stuff Crafts
  3. Daizie Knits
  4. Heddi Craft Designs
  5. Imagined Landscapes
  6. Jennifer Lassonde Designs
  7. Knit/Wit Designs
  8. Knit-by-Bit Designs
  9. Knitty by Nature Shop
  10. Progress Keepers by Meliabella
  11. Mrs U Makes
  12. Remade by Hand
  13. V Yarn
  14. Windswept Designs

Contest, News & Notes

  • CPCTC sock pattern by Sarah Jordan is now available on Rav for $5. I discussed my test knit on Episode 140 if  you want to hear more.

Life in Focus

I described swapping out one of my 18 in 2018 goals for doing a "No spend" month in July.
 
 

On a Happy Note

  • I tried stand up paddle boarding. Fun!
  • Fourth of July -pool day fun!
  • fireflies --we have so many this year. Do you!?
  • I had fun taking my niece Hattie’s 5 month photos. Thought broke lens but it was just my UV filter. PSA get one! $8 on Amazon probably saved me $300.
  • I talked about adding more structure back into my healthy eating and exercise habits and how much I'm loving that!
  • Work is nuts right now. But there's a lot of good that will come out of it and the insanity will die down soon enough! Thank goodness I can still knit on a conference call from time to time. It saves my sanity.

Quote of the Week

 
Treat people as if they were what they ought to be, and you help them to become what they are capable of being.
– Goethe
 
------
 
Thank you for tuning in!
 
Contact Information:
 
 
Direct download: Episode_141_-_Summer_Overwhelm.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:23pm EDT

 
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 140 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. For full show notes including photos go to my website: www.downcellarstudio.com/140
 
This week's segments included:
 
 
  • Off the Needles
  • On the Needles
  • Brainstorming
  • From the Armchair
  • Knitting in Passing
  • In my Travels
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week
 
 
Thank you to this episode's sponsor: Yarn and Ewe
 

Off the Needles

 
  • Pattern: Granny Square Christmas Stockings from Family Circle Magazine 1977
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Red, Everglade Heather and White
  • Hook: F (3.75 mm)
  • Made for my cousin Kara who is expecting a baby girl in August!
  • 458 meters
 
  • Yarn:  Knitting Fever KFI Luxury Collection Indulgence Cashmere in Colorway 601
  • Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel sock
  • 252 meters
 
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted in the Tranquil Colorway
  • Hook: C
  • Pattern: Small Alien by Kristi Tullus
  • 48 meters
 
  • Pattern: Riley Rose by Jennifer Lassonde
  • Yarn: Hikoo by Skacel Simpliworsted in Aqua Mint, Deep Turquoise, Gypsy Red and White
  • Needles: US 10 1/2 (6.5 mm)
  • 368.7 meters
 
 
  • Woolbearer's Gradient Sets- combined two gradient sets, using 8 of the 10 mini skeins
  • Hook: H
  • 832 meters
  • Yarn: Twisted Owl Fiber Studio 2-ply Sock (80/20 SW Merino Nylon) in the Poison Ivy Colorway
  • Pattern: Non-Euclidian Heel by Sarah Jordan
  • Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)
  • Cast on 56 stitches with 1x1 twisted rib.
  • 1st sock cuff down Non-Euclidian
  • 2nd sock test knit toe up version of this pattern- went well!
  • 299.9 meters
 
5730.6 Meters for the Stash Dash KAL
 
On the Needles
  • Yarn: Patons Kroy stripes in the Landscape Stripes Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
 
  • Yarn: Patons Kroy stripes in the Slate Jacquard Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: Non-Euclidian Heel by Sarah Jordan
 
  • Yarn: leftovers and mini skeins (fingering weight yarn)
  • Hook: C yarn
  • Plan: 3 large granny squares, bordered with cream or gray (TBD), 4-5 rows
  • Inspiration: BetsyMakes Project
 
  • Yarn: Lion Brand Mandala in the Serpent Colorway 150g/ 590 yards. 100% Acrylic DK
  • Hook: H (5 mm)
  • Pattern: Dawn to Dusk Triangle Scarf by Jess Coppom (Free crochet pattern)
  • I messed up on the decrease side (apparently I was ready to stop the row half way through and didn't realize it for a bit so I eventually had to rip that back)
 
  • Yarn: We Are Knitters The Cotton In Salmon Pink
  • Hook: F
  • Pattern: Easy Breezy Swim cover up
 

Brainstorming

  • I'd like to add some single color shawlettes for spring and summer in my wardrobe. I also have these 2 beautiful skeins of worsted weight wool/mohair yarns from my friends for my birthday. Any suggestions? Let me know in the Ravelry group
  • Stuff I brought to Camp:
    • Crochet Market Bag
    • Easy Breezy Swim Cover Up in progress
    • Thinking ahead to lengthening my ninilchik swoncho which I ripped back in March or April thinking it would be too warm to wear (wrong).  Looked at project pages for ideas for adding short rows in back. Didn't find any but I did find a link in pattern page by KnitWit50 on how to have a better transition between stockinette and ribbing that I'm excited to try.
    • Check out photo in the Tech Knitter Blog Post. It really does look much cleaner and evens out the knit stitches that trail down into the ribbing

From the Armchair

 
B.A. Paris books - psychological thrillers loved both Behind Closed Doors and the Breakdown. I listened to audiobooks through my library using Overdrive App
 
 
 
 

Knitting in Passing

 
At Dan’s cousin’s lake house, a 20 year old construction worker tested out his childhood knitting skills on my sock.
 
 

In my Travels

 
  • Staying at my cousin’s lake house for a few days while she’s away
  • Two long kayak trips. 6 miles and 8 miles. Very windy
  • Hanging out with the neighbors
  • Out for a walk most mornings. Dan came with me yesterday.

KAL News

 
 
Slay the Stash 2018
  • Each month you can declare a skein of yarn to knit/crochet/weave to its very end. Let’s use up those older special skeins that are soooo pretty we don’t want to touch them. In 2018, we are turning those sacred skeins into beautiful projects you can enjoy-- and maybe win a new beautiful skein of yarn from one of our sponsors along the way! Full details and rules can be found here.
  • June Post
  • Use and follow #slaythestash2018 on Social Media
  • Don't forget you can double dip with Splash Pad Party, Stash Dash or any other KAL you participate in as long as you meet criteria.
Slay the Stash 2018: Sponsor List
The Splash Pad Party KAL
Runs June 1-July 31
 
Pro Shop Sponsors
 
  1. AdoreKnit
  2. Celestial Sews
  3. Designs of Acadia
  4. Fibernymph Dye Works
  5. Just Run Knit Designs
  6. Knit Circus Yarns
  7. Knit Style Yarns
  8. Knits4comfort
  9. Knitters Brewing Company
  10. Lilliput Yarn
  11. Love Bird Lane
  12. Pearl and Plum
  13. Plum Deluxe
  14. Prairie Bag Works
  15. A Simple Homestead
  16. Stitched by Jessalu
  17. Sunsoaked Yarns
  18. Twisted Owl Fiber Studio
  19. Yarnandewe
  20. YumiYarns
Snack Shack
  1. Be Ewe Fibers
  2. Brenda Castiel Designs & Good Stuff Crafts
  3. Daizie Knits
  4. Heddi Craft Designs
  5. Imagined Landscapes
  6. Jennifer Lassonde Designs
  7. Knit/Wit Designs
  8. Knit-by-Bit Designs
  9. Knitty by Nature Shop
  10. Progress Keepers by Meliabella
  11. Mrs U Makes
  12. Remade by Hand
  13. V Yarn
  14. Windswept Designs
 

Events

 
2018 Box O' Balls Round Robin Mini Swap: sign up anytime during 2018.  Shipping cost of $13.50 (within US; have option to send Internationally) The contents will include: at least 20 mini yarn balls (each ball will be minimum of 5g/ 20 yards) to choose from, a handwritten note or card and a small gift. Find all of the details in this thread in the Ravelry Group.
 
 
 
 
On a Happy Note
  •  Ballroom dance and Sombreros
  • new charm for my necklace to include Hattie
  • girls recital. Reese’s birthday party
  • Father’s Day cookout at my parents. Riley made outfits for barbies outnof used latex balooons. Posted on Instagram
  • Oisín 10th birthday party. Video game truck.
Quote of the Week
“People that feel happy, successful, and fulfilled by their lives and work all have one thing in common: they feel as though they are making progress on something that matters...what I do, as stupid as it sounds, is I don’t focus on balancing everything. I focus on just making sure I make progress on one thing a day. That’s right you heard me, just one thing a day that matters to me. Now, if I can make progress on one thing a day that matters to me, then I can let go and let the rest of my day get hijacked by kids, by my spouse, by phone calls, by emails, by social media, by all kinds of things that come up and tend to hijack your day when you are a busy person.”
 
 
------
 
Thank you for tuning in!
 
Contact Information:
 
 
Direct download: Episode_140_-_62918_9.21_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:36pm EDT

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 139 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found at www.downcellarstudio.com/139
 
This week's segments included:
 
  • Off the Needles
  • On the Needles
  • Brainstorming
  • From the Armchair
  • Knitting in Passing
  • In my Travels
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week
 
Thank you to this episode's sponsors: A Simple Homestead, Knits4Comfort & Celestial Sews 
 

Off the Needles

  • Yarn: Bergere de France Goomy 50 - Imprim Beige
  • Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)
  • Pattern OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • 283 meters
 
  • Yarn: Patons Kroy Stripes: Coastal Stripes
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • 273 meters
 
  • Yarn: Leftovers of black, white, gray, orange, yellow, tan
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • 302 meters
 
  • Pattern by: Daisy Farm Crafts (blog)
  • Yarn: Sprightly Acrylic Worsted Yarn from Craftsy in Navy, White and Silver Grey
  • Washed and dried the finished blanket in washing machine. It's so squishy soft!
  • 926 meters
 
  • Yarn: Bergere de France Goomy 50 in the Imprim Bleu colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel
  • Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)
  • 296 meters
  • Yarn: Sprightly Acrylic Worsted (Craftsy)
  • Needles: US 6 & US 8
  • Pattern: Barley Hat by Tin Can Knits
  • 59 meters (1/3 of the skein)
 
  • Yarn: Dragonfly Fibers Djinni in the Rocky Top Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Reknit toe after it developed a hole
  • 368.7 meters
 
  • Yarn: Dancing Dog Dyeworks Twist Sock in the Holly Jolly colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: Fish Lips Kiss Heel
  • 252 meters
3840 meters for Stash Dash as of this recording
 
 

On the Needles

 
 
  • Yarn: Woolbearer's Gradient Sets purchased at Vogue Knitting Live a couple years ago. 5 mini skeins, 700 yards fingering Put two sets together using 8 of the 10 mini skeins. (140 yards per mini x 8= 1120 yards)
  • Pattern: Dragon Belly Shawl (free crochet pattern)
  • H hook
 
  • Yarn: Twisted Owl Fiber Studio in the Poison Ivy Colorway (red/green variegated)
  • Pattern: Non-Euclidian Heel
  • Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)

Brainstorming

From the Armchair

Margaret from Teaching Your Brain to knit came over to the Episode 134 thread to say--
"Thanks for the shout out for the TYBTK podcast. Since we recorded that episode about colorwork I discovered Roxanne
Richardson’s video podcast on multiple colorwork. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORTtv5Vl6zg It was so informative. If you’re getting good gauge, I wouldn’t change it."
 
Thanks for sharing, Margaret!!
 

Knitting in Passing

 
Man on the train one morning ask- how many things do you make in a year. First time I’ve gotten that one. Funny timing since I’m in productivity mode right now. Maybe that was all over my face. He and the women he was standing with seemed to know I was crocheting but it got her talking about a mutual friend whom she described as a rabid knitter. He didn’t seem to think those terms jived. But I assumed him there were many of us out there.

In My Travels

  • I had a fun night visiting a local brewery- Barrel House Z- with my knitting friends a couple weeks ago.
  • I made a trip to the Pints & Purls (Thursday night event) at Gather Here in Cambridge, MA

KAL News

Slay the Stash 2018
  • Each month you can declare a skein of yarn to knit/crochet/weave to its very end. Let’s use up those older special skeins that are soooo pretty we don’t want to touch them. In 2018, we are turning those sacred skeins into beautiful projects you can enjoy-- and maybe win a new beautiful skein of yarn from one of our sponsors along the way! Full details and rules can be found here.
  • June Post
  • Check the show notes to see if you won in the month of May.
  • Use and follow #slaythestash2018 on Social Media
  • Don't forget you can double dip with Splash Pad Party, Stash Dash or any other KAL you participate in as long as you meet criteria.
Slay the Stash 2018: Sponsor List
The Splash Pad Party KAL
 
 
Runs June 1-July 31
Pro Shop Sponsors
  1. AdoreKnit
  2. Celestial Sews
  3. Designs of Acadia
  4. Fibernymph Dye Works
  5. Just Run Knit Designs
  6. Knit Circus Yarns
  7. Knit Style Yarns
  8. Knits4comfort
  9. Knitters Brewing Company
  10. Lilliput Yarn
  11. Love Bird Lane
  12. Pearl and Plum
  13. Plum Deluxe
  14. Prairie Bag Works
  15. A Simple Homestead
  16. Stitched by Jessalu
  17. Sunsoaked Yarns
  18. Twisted Owl Fiber Studio
  19. Yarnandewe
  20. YumiYarns
Snack Shack
  1. Be Ewe Fibers
  2. Brenda Castiel Designs & Good Stuff Crafts
  3. Daizie Knits
  4. Heddi Craft Designs
  5. Imagined Landscapes
  6. Jennifer Lassonde Designs
  7. Knit/Wit Designs
  8. Knit-by-Bit Designs
  9. Knitty by Nature Shop
  10. Progress Keepers by Meliabella
  11. Mrs U Makes
  12. Remade by Hand
  13. V Yarn
  14. Windswept Designs

Events

2018 Box O' Balls Round Robin Mini Swap: sign up anytime during 2018.  Shipping cost of $13.50 (within US; have option to send Internationally) The contents will include: at least 20 mini yarn balls (each ball will be minimum of 5g/ 20 yards) to choose from, a handwritten note or card and a small gift. Find all of the details in this thread in the Ravelry Group.
 
 

On a Happy Note

  • Dan and I are taking ballroom dance lessons
  • I've been freshening up our deck where we spend a lot of time in summer- I bought a new rug and a table at a yard sale.
  • Birthday weekend fun included Riley and Millie's dance recitals, lunch with my family and drinks with friends at another friend's surprise party.
  • My friend Claire gifted me some handspun from her sister who is a new spinner
  • I took some photos of my niece Hattie is is now 4 months old
  • Loveable boys- I share stories about my nephew Oisin and our friend's son, EJ!

Quote of the Week

"Every man makes his own summer. The season has no character of its own, unless one is a farmer with a professional concern for the weather. Circumstances have not allowed me to make a good summer for myself this year... My summer has been overcast by my own heaviness of spirit. I have not had any adventures, and adventures are what make a summer." -Robertson Davies, "Three Worlds, Three Summers," The Enthusiasms of Robertson Davies
 
------
Thank you for tuning in!
 
Contact Information:
 
 
Direct download: Episode_139__Dancing_into_Summer_Fun.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:49pm EDT

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 138 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website: www.downcellarstudio.com/138
 
This week's segments included:
 
  • Off the Needles
  • On the Needles
  • Brainstorming
  • From the Armchair
  • Crafty Adventures
  • In my Travels
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week
 
Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Knitters Brewing CompanyAdoreKnitJust Run Knit Designs & Pearl & Plum
 
Off the Needles
 
  • Pattern: Gradient Angles by Janice Hamby
  • Yarn: Infinite Twist Helix: Colors= Spooky Purple, African Violet, Mona Lisa, Tickled, Sakura, Anthurium (purples, pinks into peach)
  • Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm)
  • 491.4 meters 
 
  • Yarn: Paintbox Sock yarn in the Rainbow stripe colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) and US 1 (2 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Notes:   Cast on 56 with US 1.5 needles. Feeling a little too big. Instead of ripping back, I switched to US 1 needles. Second sock knit on US 1.
  • 288.9 meters
 
  • Pattern: Non-Eucilidian by Sarah Jordan
  • Yarn: Olann Hand Dyed in Ireland Sock Lite in the Pewter Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Cast on 60, went down to 56 stitches.Second sock cast on 56 sts.
  • 297.6 meters
 
I created a Tab in Ravelry. I tag each FO that I finish during stash dash with stashdash18 and then set up a tab that pulls all projects with that tag.
  • Stash Dash Total to date:  1,076 meters in 3 projects

On the Needles

 
  • Pattern: Riley Rose by Jennifer Lassonde
  • Yarn: Hikoo by Skacel Simpliworsted in Aqua Mint, Deep Turquoise, Gypsy Red and White
  • Needles: US 10 1/2 (6.5 mm)
 
Christmas Stockings
  • 3 to do in 2018. One for my cousin Kara who is expecting a baby girl in August! 2 for out of state cousins Noelle & Noah
  • Pattern: Granny Square Christmas Stockings from Family Circle Magazine 1977
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Red, Everglade Heather and White
  • Hook: F (3.75 mm)
  • All 3 have been crocheted together. ready to start cuff.
  • 170 grams used before the cuff.
 
  • Yarn: leftovers and mini skeins (fingering weight yarn)
  • Hook: C yarn
  • Plan: 3 large granny squares, bordered with cream or gray (TBD), 4-5 rows
  • Inspiration: BetsyMakes Project
  • I've added the border on 2 squares.  The weight of a finished square after 3 rounds of border is 60-62 grams.
 
  • Pattern by: Daisy Farm Crafts (blog)
  • Yarn: Sprightly Acrylic Worsted Yarn from Craftsy in Navy, White and Silver Grey
  • Chained 148 bigger hooked than called for. love the fabric I don't love crocheting through the back loop only but I do love the effect.
 

Brainstorming

 

From the Armchair

Two audiobooks I enjoyed recently
 

Crafty Adventures

  • I shared a #the100dayproject update and talked about work on 2 of my current Scrapbooking Projects- my 2017 and 2018 Week in the Life Albums
 

In My Travels

  • Dan and I went camping in Thompson CT this weekend.We kayaked on West Thompson Lake and in Quinbaug River. We collected 53 pieces of trash on our way back. I found a baby doll! freaked me out (especially after listening to hours of My Favorite Murder.

     

    So thankful this was a doll floating in the river!

KAL News

 
 
Slay the Stash 2018
  • Each month you can declare a skein of yarn to knit/crochet/weave to its very end. Let’s use up those older special skeins that are soooo pretty we don’t want to touch them. In 2018, we are turning those sacred skeins into beautiful projects you can enjoy-- and maybe win a new beautiful skein of yarn from one of our sponsors along the way! Full details and rules can be found here.
  • May Post
  • June Post
  • Use and follow #slaythestash2018 on Social Media
  • Don't forget you can double dip with Splash Pad Party, Stash Dash or any other KAL you participate in as long as you meet criteria.
Slay the Stash 2018: Sponsor List
The Splash Pad Party KAL
Runs June 1-July 31
 
Pro Shop Sponsors
 
  1. AdoreKnit
  2. Celestial Sews
  3. Designs of Acadia
  4. Fibernymph Dye Works
  5. Just Run Knit Designs
  6. Knit Circus Yarns
  7. Knit Style Yarns
  8. Knits4comfort
  9. Knitters Brewing Company
  10. Lilliput Yarn
  11. Love Bird Lane
  12. Pearl and Plum
  13. Plum Deluxe
  14. Prairie Bag Works
  15. A Simple Homestead
  16. Stitched by Jessalu
  17. Sunsoaked Yarns
  18. Twisted Owl Fiber Studio
  19. Yarnandewe
  20. YumiYarns
Snack Shack
  1. Be Ewe Fibers
  2. Brenda Castiel Designs & Good Stuff Crafts
  3. Daizie Knits
  4. Heddi Craft Designs
  5. Imagined Landscapes
  6. Jennifer Lassonde Designs
  7. Knit/Wit Designs
  8. Knitty by Nature Shop
  9. Mrs U Makes
  10. Remade by Hand
  11. V Yarn
  12. Windswept Designs
 

Events

 
2018 Box O' Balls Round Robin Mini Swap: sign up anytime during 2018.  Shipping cost of $13.50 (within US; have option to send Internationally) The contents will include: at least 20 mini yarn balls (each ball will be minimum of 5g/ 20 yards) to choose from, a handwritten note or card and a small gift. Find all of the details in this thread in the Ravelry Group.
 
 
Stash DashKnit Girllls Podcast KAL that runs May 25-August 27th. Find Stash Dash Rules here.
I'll be participating!
 
 
On a Happy Note
  • I talked about my experience with a Thred up box. I would definitely do it again! Want to try it for yourself? I'd appreciate if you use my referral link.
  • I was so excited to finally meet Sarah (themartiniknitter) in real life! Check out her Etsy shop
  • #30x20stopstroke challenge. 30 min workout every day all month. I've been taking advantage of free classes at the gym. Its been hard work- sometimes twice a day- but its fun. 
  • Biking at Wompatuck State Park. 
  • New sunglasses from Zenni Optical made it all more enjoyable. Aviator sunglasses. $80 with RX, polarized etc. If you'd like to check it out, please consider using my referral code. You'll get $5 off and I'll get $5 towards my next pair
  • Dan and I celebrated our 14th Anniversary- ironically Dan was sent away for work! Oh well. We were together all weekend!
 
Quote of the Week
Behind every great relationship are difficult and uncomfortable conversations we rarely get to see. Great relationships don't fall into our laps. They require people to move through their fears and insecurities and do the hard work to move wounds into healing. -Vienna Pharaon
------
 
Thank you for tuning in!
 
Contact Information:
 
Direct download: Episode_138__Socks_Shawls__Baby_Dolls.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:47pm EDT

 
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 137 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website: www.downcellarstudio.com/137
 
This week's segments included:
 
 
  • On the Needles
  • Brainstorming
  • Crafty Adventures
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Life in Focus
  • Ask Me Anything
  • On a Happy Note
  • **Bonus Audio at the end of Riley and Aila
 
 
Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Sunsoaked Yarns, KnitCircus and Fibernymph Dye Works
 

On the Needles

 

Large Granny Square Blanket

  • Yarn: leftovers and mini skeins (fingering weight yarn)
  • Hook: C yarn
  • Plan: 3 large granny squares, bordered with cream or gray (TBD), 4-5 rows
  • Inspiration: BetsyMakes Project
  • Finished 4th Squares & blocked them
 Christmas Stockings
  • 3 to do in 2018. One for my cousin Kara who is expecting a baby girl in August! 2 for out of state cousins Noelle & Noah
  • Pattern: Granny Square Christmas Stockings from Family Circle Magazine 1977
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Red, Everglade Heather and White
  • Hook: F (3.75 mm)
  • 3 red, 3 green done and blocked. Ready to crochet together and add cuffs.
 
  • Pattern: Gradient Angles by Janice Hamby
  • Yarn: Infinite Twist Helix: Colors= Spooky Purple, African Violet, Mona Lisa, Tickled, Sakura, Anthurium (purples, pinks into peach)
  • Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm)
 
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) and US 1 (2 mm)
  • Yarn: Paintbox Sock yarn in the Rainbow stripe colorway & Patons Kroy for heel
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
 
  • Yarn: Dancing Dog Dyeworks Twist Sock in the Holly Jolly colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: Fish Lips Kiss Heel

Hexagon Scrappy Blanket

 

Brainstorming

My nephew Garret asked for another pair of two-part socks (like those shown below)! I ordered yarn from Knitters Brewing Company to fulfill his request for 1 pink and 1 purple.
 
 

Crafty Adventures

 

KAL News

 Slay the Stash 2018

  • Each month you can declare a skein of yarn to knit/crochet/weave to its very end. Let’s use up those older special skeins that are soooo pretty we don’t want to touch them. In 2018, we are turning those sacred skeins into beautiful projects you can enjoy-- and maybe win a new beautiful skein of yarn from one of our sponsors along the way! Full details and rules can be found here.
  • Tune in to see if you're the April winner of a skein of Blueberry Chick Yarn!
  • Use and follow #slaythestash2018 on Social Media
Slay the Stash 2018: Sponsor List
The Splash Pad Party KAL Runs June 1-July 31Artwork - Tattoo Splash - BLUE

Events

 
2018 Box O' Balls Round Robin Mini Swap: sign up anytime during 2018.  Shipping cost of $13.50 (within US; have option to send Internationally) The contents will include: at least 20 mini yarn balls (each ball will be minimum of 5g/ 20 yards) to choose from, a handwritten note or card and a small gift. Find all of the details in this thread in the Ravelry Group.
 

 Life in Focus

Update on 18 in 2018 Projects

  • I played around with iMovie for slideshow for my Cabaret Cast Party. It was very simple but it was good practice at playing more with video
  • Try New Exercise classes: I've tried out free classes at the gym at my work as part of their #30x30StopStroke Challenge in honor of National Stroke Awareness Month. I've done Tabata, Yoga and a new Zumba class.
  • We had plans to buy paint for the Spare Room make over but had a mix up with the location of the Sherwin Williams store.

Ask Me Anything

 
Stormcoast- Jen from Uncreative Crafter Podcast said: Just curious, so you don’t have to answer this if you don’t want to. As a fellow New Englander, I would say that your mom and brother have Boston/Massachusetts accents. I don’t notice one with you. Do you have any insights into why that is?
 
 

On a Happy Note

  • Aila's birthday dinner!
  • Second weekend Cabaret- with surprise visits from my college friends Laura & Jessica.
  • Took that Monday off. Got a massage and went to late lunch with Dan
  • Aila's friend birthday party- complete with Magic Show!
  • Dan and I had a blast a my Cabaret Cast Party
  • Riley & Aila's Birthday Sleepover
 
------
 
Thank you for tuning in!
 
Contact Information:
 
 
 
Direct download: Episode_137__Crafty_Time_with_Aila__Rileyv2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:17pm EDT

Check out show notes for all details and links:

www.downcellarstudio.com/136

Direct download: Episode_136__Chatting_with_Mom.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:28pm EDT

 
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 135 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found at: www.downcellarstudio.com/135
 
This week's segments included:
 
 
  • Off the Needles
  • On the Needles
  • Crafty Adventures
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Contest, News & Notes
  • Life in Focus
  • Ask Me Anything
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week
 

Off the Needles

 
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Felici (Self Striping) in the Witch's Brew Colorway with Knit Picks Stroll Fingering in the Ash Colorway for contrast
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
 
 

On the Needles

 
  • Hook: C yarn
  • Plan: 3 large granny squares, bordered with cream or gray (TBD), 4-5 rows
  • Inspiration: BetsyMakes Project
  • Yarn: leftovers and mini skeins (fingering weight yarn)
  • Takes about 6 grams per round on outside.  Plan is to do 3 rounds in a solid, cream color around each of the 12 squares. 12 squares with 3 rounds of cream- 18g per square- 216 grams required (I'll buy 3 skeins)
  • 12 squares (3x4)  at 18 inches each will yield a 54 inch by 72 inch blanket. 
 
Pattern: Mezzo Cardigan by Alexis Winslow $7
Needles: US 10 (6.0 mm)
Yarn:
  • “DK” Mystery skeins (pink and grays). Exact yardage not known. Yarn purchased from Sweitzer’s Fiber Mill at Rhinebeck 2017.  3 skeins blush pink, 2 skeins of dark gray, 1 skein light gray. 3 50gram skeins of Plymouth DK Merino in white looks a bit more cream to me).
  • Held with Fingering. 2 skeins of Legacy Fiber Artz also purchased this year. The Mayor (grays, pinks, cream and bits of rust), Edwards Scissorshands- cream base with blush pink and small pops of charcoal. Light gray Cloudborn Highland Superwash Sock (2 50 gram skeins).
 
 
  • Pattern: Non-Eucilidian by Sarah Jordan
  • Yarn: Olann Hand Dyed in Ireland Sock Lite in the Pewter Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
 
  • Yarn: Bergere de France Goomy 50 in the Imprim Bleu color way
  • Pattern: OMG Heel
  • Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)
  • Yarn: Twisted Owl Fiber Studio 2-ply Sock (80/20 SW Merino Nylon) 400 yards for 100g in the Poison Ivy Colorway (red/green variegated)
  • Pattern: TBD
  • Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)
  • Cast on 56 stitches with 1x1 twisted rib. Cuff down. Heel TBD

Crafty Adventures

  • Finished Collage Walls!! 
  • #the100dayproject- #100daysofsharing journaling prompts with my best friend Kris using mini albums I've made/am making for us 
    • I used two Arc system note books at Staples
    • I used the Levenger Circa 1-2-3 portable punch to punch holes in paper. This punch is available for $18 on Amazon
    • If you have a punch and can make your own covers you don't even need the notebook
    • It's been a great way to use scraps and supplies I'll likely never fully use up anyways.
  • I've done some sketching and drawing in a mixed media notebook I bought last year. I also purchased a 12 color Reeves watercolor paint set at Michaels for about $6 and had fun playing with it! 

KAL News

 
Slay the Stash 2018
  • Each month you can declare a skein of yarn to knit/crochet/weave to its very end. Let’s use up those older special skeins that are soooo pretty we don’t want to touch them. In 2018, we are turning those sacred skeins into beautiful projects you can enjoy-- and maybe win a new beautiful skein of yarn from one of our sponsors along the way! Full details and rules can be found here.
  • Use and follow #slaythestash2018 on Social Media
  • Check out the April Thread
  • Tune in to see if you're the March winner!
Slay the Stash 2018: Sponsor List
 
 
Splash Pad Party! Are you ready?!
 
What is the Splash Pad Party?
  • Make-along that runs June 1-July 31.
  • Official Rules can be found here.
  • The current list of sponsors is below. It will be updated until the time
  • The Prize Thread is open and ready. Our Pro Shop Sponsors will be offering up some amazing Exclusive Products. Check back to this thread often to get the first look!
  • Interested in sponsoring?- Sponsor Spots available
 
Pro Shop Sponsors (to date)
 
 
Snack Shack (to date)

Events

2018 Box O' Balls Round Robin Mini Swap: sign up anytime during 2018.  Shipping cost of $13.50 (within US; have option to send Internationally) The contents will include: at least 20 mini yarn balls (each ball will be minimum of 5g/ 20 yards) to choose from, a handwritten note or card and a small gift. Find all of the details in this thread in the Ravelry Group.

 
Festival Schedule
 
 
  • #the100dayproject
100daysoflists with my bFF
-posting on IG not every day so it doesn't fill up my feed. just prompts I came up with. If you want me to list some in the group as a kick off for chatter later me know. I'd love to hear your answers!
 

Contest, News & Notes

 
My latest shawl design, Jean Marie, is now available on Ravelry!
It is on sale for only $3 until 4/21 (no coupon code required)- after that it will go up to the regular price of $6.
 
 
Jean Marie is a top-down half-hexagon shawl designed for 3 colors of Ross Farm Sport weight yarn. It uses simple knit, purl and slipped stitches to create three distinct textures- one for each color.  The result is a very wearable, warm shawl that sits nicely on the shoulders. It is also great for use with commercial or handspun yarn in a single solid, tonal or variegated yarn. You can easily use Sport or DK weight! 

 

 
 
Ask me Anything
 
This episode I answered a question from SewRunKnit about how to photograph FOs late at night before a KAL deadline.
 
 
  • First tip would be-- take the best photo you can without killing yourself. Consider more of a proof of life so you're eligible for the contest and then after you post- delete those photos so you HAVE to take a better photo in the daylight. Natural light photos always come out best, especially if your photography skills are limited.

But if you do have to shoot inside your house at midnight when the lighting is dim at best- here are my best tips:

  1. Find the best possible light your house has to offer.
  2. Try to find a lighter background to shoot agains
  3. Shoot straight at your FO instead of looking down on it, if possible.
If using DSLR Camera (some require a built-in flash)
  1. Shoot in Aperture priority mode- and look for a low F stop number. Raise your ISO-. You may need a tripod or self timer because shake from hand can ruin the shot. Sometimes this is still really tricky and if we're going for simple it may not be your best bet.
  2. Use a flash but diffuse the light. Some options:
    • Use the flash with tissue over it
    • Hold a white index card/paper at a 45 degree angle in front of your flash, and take your shot. The light should hit the card, bounce to the ceiling, and spread out the light.
    • Cut a water bottle and place over flash to diffuse light
    • DIY diffuser tutorial
    • Pop-up flash tips
If using your smart phone to take photos
  1. Tap screen to focus, picking the darkest area. The camera should adjust and brighten it up some.
  2. Find a better camera app. I like the Camera Plus app. It allows you to adjust the brightness.
 

On a Happy Note

  • Easter with my big, crazy family was tons of fun, especially the egg hunt with the kiddos.
  • Lunch with Holli with Qdoba!
  • Date night Dan at a new local restaurant
  • My Aunt Florence's 90th brithday!
  • Starting #the100dayproject with Kris. I've also opened a thread in the Ravelry Group if you want to share your answers to the prompts
  • Taking time for a mini-retreat day at home while Dan was away (and before the chaos of the musical really ramps up)
  • Birthday breakfast with my 2 besties and my niece Hattie
 
 

Quote of the Week

"To blame someone for not understanding you fully is deeply unfair because, first of all, we don't understand ourselves, and even if we do understand ourselves, we have such a hard time communication ourselves to other people. Therefore, to be furious and enraged and bitter that people don't get all of who we are is a really cruel piece of immaturity."
 Alain De Botton
 
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Thank you for tuning in!
 
Contact Information:
 
 
 
 
 
Direct download: Episode_135__Jean_Marie.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:22pm EDT