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

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

• Chevron Scrap Blanket by Maria’s Blue Crayon
• Graceful by Kristina Smiley free crochet pattern for Expression Fiber Arts

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 Works, NahSt Designs, Yumi Yarns Designs, agirlandherwool, Holly 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:

• 2 Guys Yarn Company
• Adoreknit
• agirlandherwool
• BedeSisters & Blueberry Chick Yarn
• Fibernymph Dye Works
• Jennifer Lassonde Designs
• Prairie Bag Works
• Rising Tide Fiber Co
• Sunsoaked Yarns
• Yumi Yarns Designs

Snack Shack Sponsors

• Anne Beady Designs
• Apple Fiber Studio
• Cookie and Bees
• Fair Winds Farm
• Irocknits Designs
• Keegan Lane Designs
• Kino Knits
• Knitters Brewing Company
• Legacy Fiber Artz
• NähSt Design
• Pearl and Plum
• Progress Keepers by Meliabella
• The Sensible Stitcher

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

• I talk about focusing on committing to my own anti-racism education and how I can sustain both education and action. Resources mentioned: Me & White Supremacy Book by Layla Saad &  Justice in June 

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:

• Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group
• Twitter: Instagram: BostonJen1
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio
• Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio!

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 Works, NahSt Designs, Yumi Yarns Designs, agirlandherwool, Holly 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:

• 2 Guys Yarn Company
• Adoreknit
• agirlandherwool
• BedeSisters & Blueberry Chick Yarn
• Fibernymph Dye Works
• Jennifer Lassonde Designs
• Prairie Bag Works
• Rising Tide Fiber Co
• Sunsoaked Yarns
• Yumi Yarns Designs

Snack Shack Sponsors

• Anne Beady Designs
• Apple Fiber Studio
• Cookie and Bees
• Fair Winds Farm
• Irocknits Designs
• Keegan Lane Designs
• Kino Knits
• Knitters Brewing Company
• Legacy Fiber Artz
• NähSt Design
• Pearl and Plum
• Progress Keepers by Meliabella
• The Sensible Stitcher

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:

• Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group
• Twitter: Instagram: BostonJen1
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio
• Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio!

 

 

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

• Sheepspot Podcast (audio). I particularly enjoyed the episode about Spinning more consistent singles. 
• Some Good News YouTube. 
• Needles at the Ready podcast YouTube.
• Covert Knits Podcast on YouTube.
• Sopranos on HBO & Hulu

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 Works, NahSt Designs, Yumi Yarns Designs, agirlandherwool, Holly Press Fibers.

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

Splash Pad Party

• We still have sponsor spots available. Email me downcellarstudio@ gmail if you’re interested. 
• Check out the Start Here Thread for Details & Links to everything you need
• Click here to see/sign up for our Virtual Kick Off Events

Pro Shop Sponsors:

• 2 Guys Yarn Company
• Adoreknit
• agirlandherwool
• BedeSisters & Blueberry Chick Yarn
• Fibernymph Dye Works
• Jennifer Lassonde Designs
• Prairie Bag Works
• Rising Tide Fiber Co
• Sunsoaked Yarns
• Yumi Yarns Designs

Snack Shack Sponsors

• Apple Fiber Studio
• Cookie and Bees
• Fair Winds Farm
• Irocknits Designs
• Keegan Lane Designs
• Kino Knits
• Knitters Brewing Company
• Legacy Fiber Artz
• NähSt Design
• Pearl and Plum
• Progress Keepers by Meliabella
• The Sensible Stitcher

Events

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

Contest, News & Notes

• 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.
• Ice Time Mitts are in testing. Want to test the Medium or Large size? Check out this thread in the Testing Pool. 

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:

• Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group
• Twitter: Instagram: BostonJen1
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio
• Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio!

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 Works, NahStDesigns, Yumi Yarns Designs, agirlandherwool, Holly 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:

• Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group
• Twitter: Instagram: BostonJen1
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio
• Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio!

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!

• Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group
• Twitter: Instagram: BostonJen1
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio
• Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio!

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

• Anne Beady Designs: Friendship is Forever Hat & Cowl patterns
• KnitCompanion: Stand It Up Tablet Stand
• Fibernymph Dye Works: On Frozen Pond Colorway 
• Knitters Brewing Company: 2 skeins of sock yarn and a set of stitch markers. 

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

• Physical distancing doesn’t mean you can’t be social
• Virtual knit nights are a great option. Watch Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry group for posts about upcoming options. Here is the Virtual Knit Night Thread. All are welcome!
• Marco Polo app: send videos to your friends.
• Facetime, WhatsApp, Google Hangouts and Facebook all ofter options for video chatting with those you love.

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? 

• Knit Picks Felici– $6.99 for 50g skein. $14 for a pair of socks. 
• Patons Kroy Sock Yarn $5-7 depending on sales. $10-14 for a pair of socks.
• Bluprint Sprightly Acrylic Worsted $3.95 for 100g
• Blueprint Cloudborn Yarns $10-13 for 100g depending on the weight. Very affordable for sweaters, blankets etc if you want wool.

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:

• Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group
• Twitter: Instagram: BostonJen1
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio
• Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio!

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

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:

• Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group
• Twitter: Instagram: BostonJen1
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio
• Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio!

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

• I went to NYC for Vogue Knitting Live and to visit y friend Laura
• Thursday we saw Jagged Little Pill on Broadway- INCREDIBLE.
• Friday-I took a slipped stitch knitting class with Faina Goberstein– and then bought her The Art of Slip-Stitch Knitting
• Laura and I went on our own little Brewery Tour Long Island City.

• Wayland Winter Farmers Market Fiber Days
• Mostly hung out w/ my friend Mara and her boys.
• Always great to see Monique- Windswept Designs and The Knitting on the Run podcast host
• Bought 2 skeins of DK from Dachinger Wool. It was so fun to see a sample of my Ice Time hat in the booth!

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 

• 2 Guys Yarn Company
• Abstract Fiber
• AdoreKnit
• agirlandherwool
• Designs of Acadia (Pigskin Logo Bag)
• Fibernymph Dye Works
• Holly Press Fibers
• Imagined Landscapes Designs
• Infinite Twist
• JDStudios480
• Jennifer Lassonde Designs
• Knitosophy Designs
• Knitters Brewing Company
• Knit Style Yarns
• Prairie Bag Works
• Progress Keepers by Meliabella
• Sunsoaked Yarns
• Yarn Love

Snack Shack Sponsors

• Anne Beady Designs
• APLCrafts
• Birch Hollow Fibers
• Brenda Castiel Designs
• Creations of the Anomalous Mind
• Designs by Meliabella
• Fish Belly Fiber Works
• Geektastic Fibers
• IrocKnits Designs
• Kino Knits
• Kitchen Counter Crafter
• Knit/Wit Designs
• Leading Men Fiber Arts
• Legacy Fiber Artz
• Lilliput Yarn
• Lolodidit
• Love in Stitches
• Mint Rain Hand Dyed Yarns
• Nicole Simmons Designs
• Queen City Yarn
• Remade By Hand Designs
• Shanalines Designs
• Tangerine Designs
• Teal Torch Knits
• The Project Bag
• Tin Can Knits
• UNICORN CLEAN
• Wild Branch Design
• Windswept Designs
• Woodsy and Wild

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 Weekend. Check out this thread in the group.

Events

• Wayland Winter Farmers Market Fiber Days – March 1
• 2/9/20: 3rd Annual Boston Farm & Fiber Festival  at the Boston Public Market
• 2/28-3/1/20: NETA Spa Weekend in Freeport, ME
• 3/14-3/17/20: Knit North Yarn Crawl (north of Boston). Website not yet working.
• Stitches United – March 26-29, 2020 in Hartford, CT
• 3/28/20: Woolapalooza  in Lincoln, MA

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:

• Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group
• Twitter: Instagram: BostonJen1
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio
• Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio!

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 Thread, End Zone Dance Thread where you post your FOs, Coupon Code Thread, List of Prizes, Exclusive Items from our Sponsors!

Pro Shop Sponsors 

• 2 Guys Yarn Company
• Abstract Fiber
• AdoreKnit
• agirlandherwool
• Designs of Acadia (Pigskin Logo Bag)
• Fibernymph Dye Works
• Holly Press Fibers
• Imagined Landscapes Designs
• Infinite Twist
• JDStudios480
• Jennifer Lassonde Designs
• Knitosophy Designs
• Knitters Brewing Company
• Knit Style Yarns
• Prairie Bag Works
• Progress Keepers by Meliabella
• Sunsoaked Yarns
• Yarn Love

Snack Shack Sponsors

• Anne Beady Designs
• APLCrafts
• Birch Hollow Fibers
• Brenda Castiel Designs
• Creations of the Anomalous Mind
• Designs by Meliabella
• Fish Belly Fiber Works
• Geektastic Fibers
• IrocKnits Designs
• Kino Knits
• Kitchen Counter Crafter
• Knit/Wit Designs
• Leading Men Fiber Arts
• Legacy Fiber Artz
• Lilliput Yarn
• Lolodidit
• Love in Stitches
• Mint Rain Hand Dyed Yarns
• Nicole Simmons Designs
• Queen City Yarn
• Remade By Hand Designs
• Shanalines Designs
• Tangerine Designs
• Teal Torch Knits
• The Project Bag
• Tin Can Knits
• UNICORN CLEAN
• Wild Branch Design
• Windswept Designs
• Woodsy and Wild

 

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

• Vogue Knitting Live NY is January 17-19, 2020
• Wayland Winter Farmers Market Fiber Days – Jan 26 & Mar 1
• 2/9/20: 3rd Annual Boston Farm & Fiber Festival  at the Boston Public Market
• 2/28-3/1/20: NETA Spa Weekend in Freeport, ME
• 3/14-3/17/20: Knit North Yarn Crawl (north of Boston). Website not yet working.
• Stitches United – March 26-29, 2020 in Hartford, CT
• 3/28/20: Woolapalooza  in Lincoln, MA

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:

• Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group
• Twitter: Instagram: BostonJen1
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio
• Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio!