Down Cellar Studio Podcast

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 216 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes including photos can be found on my website by clicking here: www.downcellarstudio.com/216

                                          This week’s segments included:

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


Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Imagined Landscapes, Anne Beady Designs & Good Noodle Yarn Company

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

4 Snap Hats

  • Pattern: Snap by Tin Can Knits ($6 pattern available on their website or on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 7 & US 10.5 (4.5 & 6.5 mm) needles
  • Yarn: fingering weight scraps
  • Used anywhere from 62-72g of yarn
  • #3 used 1 strand of DK and 2 strands of fingering. All others used 4 strands of fingering held together.
  • Ravelry Project Pages: Hat 1 (darker greens), Hat 2 (lighter greens), Hat 3 (cream with green/orange), Hat 4 (purples)

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Three Waters Farm Superfine Merino 

Pink Moon Sweater

  • Pattern: Pink Moon by This.Bird.Knits. $8 US Pattern available on Ravelry and on the This.Bird.Knits Site.
  • Needles: US 5 & 7 (3.75 & 4.5 mm)
  • Yarn: 
    • Sweitzer Fiber Mill unknown (gray)- Rhinebeck 2019
    • Lisa Daschinger Wools (mustard)- Farm Fiber Day’s Russell’s Market January 2020
    • mur yarn merino cashmere fingering (pink)- Barcelona 2019
    • Rowan Alpaca Classic (pink) Staci’s Stitches- LYS
    • Handspun BFL (maroon)
  • Ravelry Project Page

Whatits Galore Socks

Fall is My Favorite Socks

  • Yarn: Woolens & Nosh sock in the Fall is my Favorite Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Pigskin Bonus Point Breakdown:
    • Yarn: Woolens and Nosh is a Pro Shop Sponsor- 40 points
    • Pattern: OMG Heel- Pro Shop Sponsor- 40 points
    • Project Bag: Cookie & Bees– Snack Shack Sponsor- 20 points
    • Total: 100 points + yardage points

Love Letters Socks

  • Yarn: Fibernymph Dye Works Mountain Tweed BFL Fingering in the Love Letters Colorway
  • Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Pigskin Bonus Point Breakdown:
    • Yarn: Fibernymph Dye Works– Pro Shop Sponsor- 40 points
    • Bag: Anne Beady Designs– Pro Shop Sponsor- Pigskin ’21 Exclusive- 60 points
    • Yarn Cozy: Cookie & Bees– Snack Shack Sponsor- 20 points
    • Pattern: OMG Heel- Pro Shop Sponsor – 40 points
    • 160 points + yardage points

From the Armchair

Woodswoman by Anne LaBastille. Amazon Affiliate Link. Bookshop Affiliate Link

Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.

Crafty Adventures

Punch Needle

Knitting in Passing

Recent trip to the Berkshires, chatted with a lovely couple from CT around the fire outside the lodge. The husband talked about how he learned to crochet when he was young, much to his father’s dismay. His family lived on a campground in the summer and his mother, grandmother and aunts all crocheted so they taught him and he really enjoyed it. He said he also had a cross stitch kit he bought ages ago and he’s looking forward to diving into that during retirement and longing for that meditative space of the repetition of the thread and the needle!

In My Travels

Stay Tuned for Vacation Video on the Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel. Mom and I recorded a chat about our week towards the end of our stay. Will pop in videos and photos we took turn the vacation! 

KAL News


Pigskin Party ’21: Official Hashtag: #DCSPigskinParty21

Important Links:

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.

Kick off was so much fun! Staying in one Zoom room each day was great. I saved the Saturday afternoon chat after a participant mentioned it. Click here to find all of the links shared Saturday. 

30 Day Tailgate Talk Challenge. Begins 9/10/21. Find all of the details in this Google Doc or in this Ravelry Thread. Not too late to start now. 

  • Starting Friday September 10th, answer one question a day in Your Team’s thread on Ravelry (not in the Huddle Thread unless you want to share in there as a bonus) and/or on Instagram using #DCSPigskinTailgate21.  If you share your answers to all 30 questions, enter the Points Tally Form and you’ll get 150 points for playing. Note- you cannot enter for these points until 10/8/21.

September Interception: hosted by Cori of Irockknits Designs. Check out her patterns on Ravelry. Check out the Interception details here.

Events

  • Tune in to hear the results of my annual challenge with Jasmin of the Knitmore Girls to “win” Stash Dash.
  • Cape & South Shore Yarn Haul– September 16-19th. 8 stores. 4 days of fun!
  • I am teaching a class on the OMG Heel Socks at Staci’s Stitches in Scituate, MA. Classes will be held from 6:30 – 8:30 PM on Wednesdays, starting Oct. 20, and continuing on Oct. 27, Nov. 3 and 10. $80 for the 4 sessions. There are a few spots still left. 
  • Vogue Virtual Knitting Live– October 7-10, 2021. November 11-14, 2021
  • NY Sheep & Wool (AKA Rhinebeck): October 17 & 18, 2021
  • Indie Untangled Rhinebeck

Contest, News & Notes

  • Sagamore Flyover Hat coming soon! Sign up for my email newsletter to be the first to find out when it drops. Bulky weight, textured hat. Written for beanie and slouchy options. Baby sizes through adults. Some of my testers had so much fun they knit up 2 in less time than I had allotted for them to make 1!
  • Michele at WoolensandNosh is offering kits for Millie Margaret Shawl. 

Life in Focus

  • Getting back into routine after vacation feels great.

On a Happy Note

  • Vacation Yarn Shopping- Webs in Northampton, MA & Spin Off Yarn Shop in North Adams, MA. Mom went to Colorful Stitches in Lenox, MA
  • Seeing our niece Emelyn and meeting her roommate.  Ramen & vintage clothing store shopping! 
  • Antiquing – got 4 fiber crafty items. One is embroidery. The other is, I believe, Crewel Embroidery. I also got antique wooden spools and a set of vintage wooden sock blockers
  • Spa day with Mom. Have you heard of a Lash Lift & Tints? We tried it! 
  • Hiking at Mt. Greylock with Mom and Dad. Highest point in MA. 
  • Seeing the Natural Bridge in North Adams, MA. The only White Marble Dam in North America. 
  • Even though our hike was canceled we still got to see Peck’s Falls.
  • Kayaking with Dan and Claire 
  • 2 weeks off!!!

Quote of the Week

If you invest in beauty, it will remain with you all the days of your life.
Frank Lloyd Wright

Thank you for tuning in!
Contact Information:

Direct download: Episode_216_-_91421_6.14_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 215 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website by clicking here. 

This week’s segments included:

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

Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: AdoreKnit

Shout out to Ultimate Insider Patrons: Charlie, Candy, Theresa, Luanne and Beth!

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Chubby Elephant

  • Pattern: Chubby Elephant by Spin a Yarn Crochet (free option or $2.50 US)
  • Yarn: Bernat Velvet in Misty Gray & Bernat Crushed Velvet in Toasted Plums
  • Hook: D (3.25 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • 168.5 meters

Solid Granny Square Blanket 2021 Edition

  • Yarn: fingering weight scraps
  • Hook: D (3.25mm)
  • Pattern: Solid Granny Square by Lullaby Melodia- Find this pattern on Ravelry or directly on the Lullaby Lodge website
  • My Ravelry Project Page
  • I ripped out the color squares I could salvage from last summer’s blanket and made some new ones too.
  • Single crocheted the squares together and added border with Knit Picks Stroll in gray. 
  • 1816 meters

Imaginarium Socks

  • Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes in the Imaginarium Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: Non-Euclidian Heel by Sarah Jordan
  • My Ravelry Project Page
  • 253.8 meters

Candy Color Socks

  • Yarn: Regia 4 ply in Colorway 01160
  • Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Self striping/self patterning Christmas colors. CO 60 sts. 2×2 rib. down to 56 after heel.
  • 210 meters

Magic Stripes Socks

  • Yarn: Patons Kroy Stripes in the Magic Stripes colorway & Patons Kroy in the Coal colorway (black)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • 267 meters

Scrappy Shawl (design prototype: will share more details in the months to come)- 710 meters of sock yarn scraps.

Wild Plum Merino Spin

  • Fiber Addict Designs: 100% Merino, Commercial Combed Roving, 4 oz. Wild Plum Colorway
  • Spinning on my Kromski Minstrel Spinning Wheel
  • My Ravelry Page
  • 3 ply 252 yards /230 meters. 100g. Not as thick as I had hoped I could do, but its more like a DK than a sport, so I was at least moderately successful. Plumped up beautifully in washing. 
  • 924.2 meters for Stash Dash

Granny Stripe Blanket

  • Pattern: Granny Stripe by Lucy of Attic 24. Click here for Ravelry Link or Click here for Website. Free crochet pattern. 
  • Hook L (8.0 mm)
  • Yarn: Lion Brand Nature’s Choice Organic Cotton in Almond, Macadamia, Pistachio, Dusty Blue and Blueberry.
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Foundation row- 56 chains. 
  • Edging- first round done using granny cluster on long edges as described in pattern. hdc around in Macadamia & then a sc round in blue and a picot edge in brown.
  • 7.56 skeins- 710.2 meters

V Stitch Baby Blanket

  • Pattern: Baby Blanket by Annemarie Benthem (free pattern on LoveCrafts). 
  • Hooks: L (8.0 mm) to chain/set-up and J (6.0 mm) for body. 
  • Yarn: Lion Brand Nature’s Choice Organic Cotton in Almond, Macadamia, Pistachio, Dusty Blue and Blueberry.
  • My Ravelry Project Page
  • Chained 79. 25 Vs. 
  • Edge= 2 rounds sc. 
  • 642.9 meters

Stash Dash Total as of 8/30/21: 15,392 meters.

Brainstorming

  • Pink Moon by This.Bird.Knits. Check out the pattern using this Ravelry Link or Website link. ($8 knitting pattern).
  • I pulled out Pigskin ’21 sponsor products. 2 WoolensandNosh self striping plus some from FIbernymph Dye Works, Mint Rain and agirlandherwool. And lots of bags too of course.
  • Pigskin ’21 Sponsor Patterns Bundle on Ravelry– 1005 patterns to choose from!

From the Armchair

In My Travels

  • Checked out a brewery up in NH- Hobb’s Brewing Tap Room on Rt 16 in Ossippi, NH
  • Played dice game: Quixx- Amazon Associate Link
  • We did taste tests of whoopie pies (vanilla versus chocolate filling) and Jax cheese puffs vs. Cheese Doodles cheese curls – helped me get a second bingo for the Craft, Cook, Read Repeat Podcast Summer Bingo event. 
  • We helped move some things out of Gayle’s Camp as she closes up to move. I was thrilled to take this beautiful embroidery piece that Gayle made home with me.

KAL News

Pigskin Party ’21: Official Hashtag: #DCSPigskinParty21

Important Links:

Virtual Kick Off Schedule

Events

Contest, News & Notes

On a Happy Note

  • Running is going really well! 
  • I saw not one but 2 bucks in a nearby yard!
  • Dan and I did a big basement clean out and Savers donation run.
  • My friend Laura came for her first visit since Covid. Antiquing overload!
  • Getting texts from my SIL with cute photos of our niece Gabriella playing with the teddy I made for her birthday and the Baby Yoda I made her for Christmas.
  • August Zoom with Patrons! So much fun. 
  • Pool night at my parents with my brother’s kids and my mom’s friend Trish. Silliness with Snapchat filters.
  • Dan and I had a blast at Camp. A great kick off to my vacation.

Quote of the Week

“Make your heart like a lake with a calm, still surface and great depths of kindness.”- Lao Tzu

Contact Information:

Direct download: Episode_215_-_83021_3.50_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00pm EDT

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 214 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. Click here. 

This week's segments included:

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

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Gabriella's Velvet Bear

Summer Vibes Socks

  • Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Summer Vibes Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Check out my June Yarnable Unboxing & July Yarnable Unboxing Videos on YouTube.
    • Yarnable will likely open again to new subscribers in August 2021. Considering subscribing? Please consider using my Affiliate Link. Get $5 off with coupon code BOSTONJEN.
  • I love the Bomb Pop progress keeper from Clay Canon that came with the kit.
  • 272 meters

Millie Margaret (Worsted Version)

  • Pattern: Millie Margaret Shawl by Jennifer Lassonde
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Felici Worsted in the Chelsea Colorway & Knit Picks Twill in the Sea Salt Heather Colorway
  • Needles: US 10 (6.0 mm)
  • Knit Picks Affiliate Link
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • 489.8 meters

Stash Dash total to date:  9,647 meters. Check out my Stash Dash 2021 Spreadsheet . You can also check out: Jasmin's Stash Dash 2021 Spreadsheet

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Solid Granny Square Blanket 2021 Edition

Imaginarium Socks

  • Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes in the Imaginarium Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: Non-Euclidian Heel by Sarah Jordan
  • My Ravelry Project Page

Magic Stripes Socks

  • Yarn: Patons Kroy Stripes in the Magic Stripes colorway & Patons Kroy in the Coal colorway (black)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: omg
  • Ravelry Project Page

Wild Plum Merino Spin

  • Fiber Addict Designs: 100% Merino, Commercial Combed Roving, 4 oz. Wild Plum Colorway
  • Spinning on my Kromski Minstrel Spinning Wheel
  • My Ravelry Page

Chubby Elephant

  • Pattern: Chubby Elephant by Spin a Yarn Crochet (free option or $2.50 US)
  • Yarn: Bernat Velvet in Misty Gray & Bernat Crushed Velvet in Toasted Plums
  • Hook: D (3.25 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page

From the Armchair

  1. My Sister, The Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite Finished 7/28 Amazon Affiliate Link.  Bookshop Affiliate Link.
  2. Super Host by Kate Russo. Amazon Affiliate Link.  Bookshop Affiliate Link
  3. The Salt Path by Raynor Winn finished 8/8. Amazon Affiliate Link.  Bookshop Affiliate Link
  4. The Wild Silence by Raynor Winn. Amazon Affiliate Link.  Bookshop Affiliate Link

Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.

Crafty Adventures

I dabbled in watercolor using a kit from Let’s Make Art, a gift from my bestie.

  • I worked on the Holiday Wreath using this kit. I have a Giraffe kit but haven't started it just yet.

Knitting in Passing

  • I went to a yoga class with one of my favorite instructors, Heather, at Webbs Pro Fitness. After class she pulled me aside to tell me she'd taken up knitting to make some baby hats and had moved on to Christmas stockings! We had a lovely chat! 

KAL News

Splash Pad Winners Announced 

Pigskin Party '21: Official Hashtag: #DCSPigskinParty21

Important Links:

  • Official Rules (Google Doc)
  • Register to Play! (Google Form)
  • Points Tally Form (Google Form)
  • Sponsor List (Google Doc)- keep checking back. 
  • Questions: Ask in the Ravelry Thread or email Jen (downcellarstudio @ gmail.com)
  • Prizes- see details in this Ravelry Thread
  • Coupon Codes: find details in this Ravelry Thread or on my website (coming soon)
  • Pro Shop Sponsor Exclusive Items: find details as they're posted in this Ravelry Thread or on my website (coming soon)
  • Use the Points Tally form for official entry but celebrate with everyone in the End Zone Dance Ravelry Thread and using #DCSPigskinEndZoneDance
  • Check out your standings (and others') on the Players Stats Sheet (Google Sheet- COMING SOON)
  • Fumble your entry on the Points Tally form? Use this Support Form (Google Form)
  • Pre-Game Chatter on Ravelry can be found in this Thread.

Important Updates this episode: Pigskin Prep

  • Come get Registered!
  • Please review the Rules, even if you play every year. We've tweaked a few things.
  • Check out the Sponsor list linked above.
  • We are doing Teams again this year. The overwhelming feedback from last year is that you really enjoyed the smaller community found within those teams, so we're excited to bring those back. You will be assigned your team on September 1st (if you register before then), so we'd really like to get most folks signed up before then (if possible). So please spread the word.
  • Finish those WIPs. 
  • Considering joining the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! We'll be doing monthly Zooms during the Pigskin and have one scheduled for later in August that you can join if you get in at the $5/mo level.  Plus you'll have access to my private IG feed and so much more.
  • Save the Dates- Sept 10+11 for Kick off fun! 

Events

Contest, News & Notes

  • Check out my new patterns- the Millie Margaret Shawl- available for fingering weight and worsted weight yarn.
  • This pattern has been tech edited & test knit so you can knit on with confidence, but if you ever have any questions, don’t hesitate to message me. Pattern also contains a link to a video tutorial that shows how to do the slipped stitch technique used in this pattern.
  • Patterns will be available for $7 each. Email subscribers get the best discount so check your inbox if you want to get both of these patterns.
  • Intro Deals:
    • Get both patterns for $6 on Ravelry through 8/22 using code "millie."
    • Want just 1 pattern? Get 40% off with code "niece," also good through 8/22.
  • Get your pattern now. Let me know if you need help picking yarn. get your swatch done, then maybe wait until 9/9 to cast on for Pigskin?!! I'm a Pro Shop Sponsor, so you'll get lots of points!

Life in Focus

  • Visit to Cleenland in Cambridge, MA. Great selection of personal products and cleaning supplies. I brought my own jars with lids and the lovely shop keeper weighed everything when I arrived. This is what I got:
  • clay mask [SallyeAnder rose for drier skin, emerald vegan for drier skin, or golden for oilier skin $5.23/oz]
  • face lotion [Oneka unscented $3.98/oz]
  • tooth tabs [Unpaste with or without fluoride pack of 125 for $8.50]
  • Bamboo tooth brush
  • dishwasher detergent [Azure Standard $0.29/oz = $0.15/load]
  • dish soap [Puracy lemongrass or unscented $0.15/oz]
  • bar dish soap [Meliora unscented or lemon $9.49/bar]
  • recycled garbage bags [If You Care $4.99]
  • toilet paper (100% recycled paper $1.07/roll or bamboo $1.15/roll)- Who gives a crap brand.
  • Melora cleaning tabs- 3 in the pack

On a Happy Note

  • Gabriella's 1st birthday. Pics of her hugging the teddy I made her
  • Will & Aila sleepover. Getting into hysterics as Dan, Dad, Mom and I all tried Will's new VR game system. Deer all around! We all just watched in fascination!
  • My Knit Picks Felici order!!!!!
  • I took my nephew, Garret, to Gillette Stadium for the first Patriot's Practice of the season.  Sleepover.
  • Meeting up with Petrina and Ryan at Gather Here in Cambridge, MA

Quote of the Week

Longevity researcher Dan Buettner on the health benefits of friendship:
"I argue that the most powerful thing you can do to add healthy years is to curate your immediate social network. In general, you want friends with whom you can have a meaningful conversation. You can call them on a bad day and they will care. Your group of friends are better than any drug or anti-aging supplement, and will do more for you than just about anything."


Contact Information:

Direct download: Episode_214_-_81421_9.21_AM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:50am EDT

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 213 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photo available on my website. Click here.

This week’s segments included:

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

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Fibernymph Dye Works Shetland Spin

  • Three 2 oz braids of natural Shetland
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Total: 246 yards/ 225.52 meter
  • Stash Dash Total (3 ply yarn, 4 times through orifice): 902.08 meters

Bobble Lines Baby Blanket

  • Pattern: Bobble Lines Baby Blanket by Daisy Farm Crafts (free option on Daisy Farm website & paid option available on Etsy. )
  • Hook: I (5.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Main Color: Lion Brand Pound of Love in White. Stripes in: Knit Picks Brava Worsted in Blush, Lion Brand Baby Soft in Creamsicle, Lion Brand Ice Cream Big Scoop in Tutti Fruitti, Loops & Thread Impeccable in Coral.
  • Working with 97 sts. 15 Bobble Rows
  • Edge
    • Round 1. DC around
    • Round 2. Hdc around
    • Round 3 with ice cream scoop. (DC5tog, sc2) around
  • Stash Dash total: 1,099.1 Meters
  • Finished Size: 36 inches wide by 46 inches long

Wristers Socks

  • Yarn: Lion Brand Mani-Pedi in the Wristers Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • My Ravelry Project Page
  • I was inspired to try this yarn after seeing my friend Emily’s on our Crafty Chat- check out the video here.
  • Stash Dash: 240 meters

Stash Dash total to date:  8774 meters. Stash Dash 2021

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Solid Granny Square Blanket 2021 Edition

  • Yarn: fingering weight scraps
  • Hook: D (3.25mm)
  • Pattern: Solid Granny Square by Lullaby Melodia- Find this pattern on Ravelry or directly on the Lullaby Lodge website
  • My Ravelry Project Page
  • I ripped out the color squares I could salvage from last summer’s blanket and made some new ones too.
  • I have 134 squares which could make a blanket that’s- 11×12 but I may not have enough yard to edge that many so we’ll see as we get closer

Imaginarium Socks

  • Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes in the Imaginarium Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: Non-Euclidian Heel by Sarah Jordan
  • My Ravelry Project Page

Summer Vibes Socks

  • Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Summer Vibes Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Check out my June Yarnable Unboxing & July Yarnable Unboxing Videos on YouTube.
    • Yarnable will likely open again to new subscribers in August 2021. Considering subscribing? Please consider using my Affiliate Link. Get $5 off with coupon code BOSTONJEN.

Magic Stripes Socks

  • Yarn: Patons Kroy Stripes in the Magic Stripes colorway & Patons Kroy in the COal colorway (black)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: TBD
  • Ravelry Project Page

Gabriella’s Velvet Bear

Wild Plum Merino Spin

  • Fiber Addict Designs: 100% Merino, Commercial Combed Roving, 4 oz. Wild Plum Colorway
  • Spinning on my Kromski Minstrel Spinning Wheel
  • My Ravelry Page
  • Divided into 3 so I can do a 3 ply.
  • Focusing on not spinning so thin.

Brainstorming

From the Armchair

Crafty Adventures

  • During Hattie and Millie’s sleepover we did some painting! Video available for Patrons. Haven’t joined us yet? Check out the options on my Patreon Page.

Knitting in Passing

  • I shared a story about knitting up at my cousin’s lake house with family friends and how my cousin asked for some more handmade dishcloths next time I visit.

In My Travels

  • I shared stories of our family’s long weekend up at Great East Lake in NH.
  • I talked a bit about the Saturday night tradition of hot dogs, beans and brown bread. Click here for a related story.

KAL News

Splash Pad Party: May 28 through July 31

Pigskin Party

Participants: Reminders

  • We are not yet ready for participants to sign up, but start telling your friends! Remember, you get points for new recruits.
  • Don’t forget that the Pigskin Party is a NO WIPs KAL so get those needles cleared off. If you need a little help with that, consider joining my Patreon Community. That’s going to be our focus in August.

Events

Contest, News & Notes

Ask Me Anything

Sewrunknit says “I would love for you to share any travel tips that you have for traveling light and using fewer disposable products. Specifically how you handle deodorant, other toiletries and food on an airplane trip.” 

  • I use bar soap for face & body- same as from home, or will cut off smaller piece. fits into a metal travel tin I got a couple years ago.
  • I have a small glass jar for my night face oil for face- that I refill from the larger Argon oil I get from Trader Joe’s. 
  • For day time moisturizer/SPF, I bring full one, or use small silicone containers I got from Amazon
  • Deodorant- I bring full size or I have a travel size that I refill with a mix of baking soda and coconut oil and lavender (not great for flying or big swings in temperature). 
  • Shampoo and conditioner- currently I’m using bars (not liquid), but when using liquid versions, I use refillable travel containers.
  • If I’m only bringing a carry-on but am going somewhere for a week, I’ll buy full size sunscreen or something I’ll need more than 3oz of, and then leave rest behind with someone there. 
  • Food- I often pack banana, sandwich or wrap either in plastic container (that I can reuse during travel), or tinfoil. I bring dish soap with me, so I can wash containers and my water bottle. I often bring a straw cleaner too because I always travel with silverware and a stainless steel straw, a cloth napkin or two and a handkerchief. 

Farmstead Knits asks about my – favorite patterned sock other than vanilla

AggiedecarloKnits- would you do a tutorial on spinning?

  • I hadn’t planned on it because I am not a very experienced spinner but I’ll think about. If you have thoughts on what specifically you all would like to see, let me know.

Suzi321- what is the first garment you knitted?

Flora_n_Fauna_victoria- I am new to the podcast. Could you do a quick who am I and how did I end up podcasting update?

  • Tune in to learn more about me!

On a Happy Note

  • Mille & Hattie’s Sleepover- Pancakes. We watched Beauty and the Beast and had some Blanket Fort fun.
  • We celebrated my nephew Will’s 14th Birthday.
  • I’m enjoying running.
  • Attending a 1 hour cardio jazz class taught by my friend Diana with my friend Megg. Dinner and drinks after and then Megg and I sang our hearts out on the car ride home.
  • 4 days off work! Spending time at the lake!

Quote of the Week

To love a person is to learn the song that is in their heart and to sing it to them when they have forgotten.—Arne Garborg

Thank you for tuning in!


Contact Information:

Direct download: Episode_213_-_72921_11.06_AM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00am EDT

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 212 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website by clicking here. 

This week’s segments included:

  • Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • Brainstorming
  • From the Armchair
  • Some Years Later
  • 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: Anne Beady Designs- find her on Etsy & Ravelry

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Signs of the Season Socks

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

Not in Kansas Anymore Socks

  • Yarn: Agirlandherwool Sock in the Not In Kansas Anymore Colorway. 
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Ravelry Project Page

Happy Birthday Socks

  • Yarn: Freckled Whimsy Serendipity Sock Yarn in the Happy Birthday Colorway.
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • My Ravelry Project Page

Paton’s Rainbow Stripes

  • Yarn: Paton’s Kroy in the Rain
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • I finished first sock with Jen from the Commuter Knitter Podcast. We talked about these on our Crafty Chat on my YouTube Channel.

July 4th Cozy (32 oz jar)

  • Pattern: based loosely on Ball Band with a Twist by Jennifer Lassonde
  • Yarn: Lily Sugar n’ Cream (Navy) & Lion Brand Re-up (Aqua) & Rowan DK Handknit Cotton (Red)
  • Hooks: F & G (3.75 & 4.25 mmm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Stash Dash Meters: 62.2

Red, White, Blue Ball Band w/ Twist

  • Pattern: based loosely on Ball Band with a Twist by Jennifer Lassonde
  • Yarn: Lion Brand Re-up in colorways, Red, Aqua & White
  • Hooks: F & G (3.75 & 4.25 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Stash Dash Meters: 38.5

Deschain

  • Pattern Deschain by Leila Raven
  • Needles: US 9 (5.5 mm)
  • Yarn. Rowan Creative Linen. Colorway 00624-   Gray.
    • Worsted weight 50% Linen / Flax, 50% Cotton. 200 meters / 100 grams. Bought 4 skeins. Used a little more than 2
  • Size: Smallest (54 1/4 in bust) Calls for 16-22″ positive ease.
  • Added 1 repeat to front so I did end up joining a second ball of yarn but otherwise I didn’t alternate skeins and that looks ok.
  • Many project pages talk about adding short rows to the back which I will likely do, as I often find w/ cropped sweaters the back is higher and I don’t enjoy that. Forgot I thought about this and would have been happier if I’d done it.
  • Worried that sleeves would be tight, so I left that opening bigger and picked up and knit 54 sts around
  • Ravelry Project Page

Stash Dash Updates

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Solid Granny Square Blanket 2021 Edition

Bobble Lines Baby Blanket

  • Pattern: Bobble Lines Baby Blanket by Daisy Farm Crafts (free option on Daisy Farm website & paid option available on Etsy. )
  • Hook: I (5.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Main Color: Lion Brand Pound of Love in White. Stripes in: Knit Picks Brava Worsted in Blush, Lion Brand Baby Soft in Creamsicle, Lion Brand Ice Cream Big Scoop in Tutti Fruitti, Loops & Thread Impeccable in Coral.
  • Cast in with K. 99sts. Working with 97 sts. 
  • 5 rows white hdc. 1 row of bobbles
  • Currently have 13 bobble stripes.

Fibernymph Dye Works Shetland Spin

Wristers Socks

  • Yarn: Lion Brand Mani-Pedi in the Wristers Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • My Ravelry Project Page
  • Inspired to try this yarn after seeing my friend Emily’s on our Crafty Chat- check out the video here.

Knitting up a sample for a new shawl design idea… very early sneak peek

Brainstorming

  • I’d like to make toys for the 2 babies in our life turning 1 soon
  • I need to repair another pair of socks for Mom and the hat of Eme’s octopus
    • Pattern: Dandy Sir Cephalopod by Susan Claudino
    • Pattern $6 US available on Ravelry

From the Armchair

Some Years Later

Dawn to Dusk Triangle Shawl – side to side crochet triangular shawlette. Mom still wears hers and I think it looks great, but I don’t love mine. I think the acrylic yarn makes it look/feel cheap. I think I will donate mine.

Knitting in Passing

  • I helped my Mom’s Infusion Nurse, Kathy, with a crochet baby sweater. She’s using a Goosebumps pattern from a YouTube video from the Simona Crochet channel.
  • I helped my 17 year old niece Eme pack up her room. It was fun coming across so many of the toys I made her over the years. She did let a couple of them go, at my insistence that if she didn’t love them now, that it was ok to let them go. She loved them for awhile and that was good enough. She also donated a sewn pillow monster that her mom didn’t want her to let go but because Eme has such a hard time giving up her treasures we both really resisted the urge to encourage her to keep things.

KAL News

Splash Pad- May 28 through July 31

Splash Pad Ravelry Links:

Events

  • Craft Cook Read Repeat Podcast with Monica and Cortney- Summer Bingo starts end of May. Check out their website #CCRRsummerbingo2021 Bingo card can be found saved to Stories Highlights in their Instagram account.
  • Knit Girllls Stash Dash May 28-August 31. Check out their website for more details.   They will be hosting the event on Discord this year.
  • Vogue Virtual Knitting Live– July 15-18. September 9-12, 2021. October 7-10, 2021. November 11-14, 2021
  • Tour de Fleece. Saturday June 26 through Sunday July 18, 2021 Ravelry Link
  • Fiberworld July 21-25, 2021. Click here for their website.
  • 2020 Summer Olympics will begin on Friday, July 23, 2021

Contest, News & Notes

Life in Focus

I am not participating in Plastic Free July this year but tune in for a bit about what I think about the challenge and how you can make some changes in your life if that’s interesting to you! Check out the Plastic Free July thread in the Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group

For more, check out Episode 107 of the Sustainable(ish) Podcast

On a Happy Note

  • Dan is healing well after knee surgery.
  • I was diagnosed with Lyme 2 days later (not so happy) but the silver lining is that there hasn’t been much sun to avoid while I’m on these nasty antibiotics.
  • We had a super fun Tuesday night/post-4th raincheck night pool night. Hattie, Garret and Millie went swimming then snuggling on the couch after dinner. Ice cream bars from Dairy Queen. Buster Bar with peanuts! Better than I remember which I think is rare when remembering things from childhood.
  • I worked with Eme to get in her papers to complete her second semester of college.
  • Maggie, Our friend’s daughter painted a deer for us to hang in our dining room!
  • Yarn swap with the Between Knits and Purls Ravelry Group: Merry Everything and Happy Always!

Quote of the Week

“I may not be where I want to be but I’m thankful for not being where I used to be.”

― Habeeb Akande

Thank you for tuning in!
Contact Information:

Direct download: Episode_212_-_71521_12.47_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:26pm EDT

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 211 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. Click here.

This week’s segments included:

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

Shout out to Ultimate Insider Patrons: Beth, Luanne, Kathy, Candy & Theresa

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Recalibrate Top

  • Pattern: Recalibrate Top by Shana Cohen (test knit)
  • Needles: US 8
  • Yarn: 2 Skeins of Teal Torch Knits in colorways: Charcoal & Dowager Countess. Goosey Fibers Goosey Sock in the Scarecrow Colorway, MadelineTosh Tosh Sock in the Birch Grey Colorway
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • I knit size 5; full length.
  • Check out my almost-done Happy Dance Video from Instagram.
  • Modifications: I changed the striping sequence for the left & right body. For my size I was supposed to do 2 garter ridges per color striping all the way across the body. Instead I did:
    • 7 repeats of the 2-garter ridge stripes (7 each of cream + gray)
    • 7 repeats of 1 garter ridge stripes (7 each of cream + gray).
  • Split hem:
    • Front: Picked up 4 sts from each side panel plus the front stitches. Knit 18 rows (9 garter ridges).
    • Back: Picked up 5 stitches from each side panel plus the back stitches. Knit 22 rows (11 garter ridges).
  • For the edging on split hem section, I started and ended each RS row with (k1, s1pw wyif, k1). I started and ended each WS row with (s1pw wyif, k1, s1pw wyif).
  • Pattern is available for pre-sale now $8.00. Click here for Ravelry Link. Click here for PayHip Link.
  • This pattern is available for presale. Save 20% with code SUMMER.

Dragonboat Christmas Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Felici Dragonboat (self striping), Minis from Holly Press Fibers for Cuff. Heel & Toe in Twisted Owl Fiber Studios in the Poison Ivy colorway
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • 268.7 meters for Stash Dash

Alien Knight & His Horse

  • Pattern: Princess & Knight by Silvia Usón (~$4.25 pattern on Etsy– English & Spanish)
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Brava in Black, Alfalfa (green), Midnight Heather (Navy) & Big Twist Twinkle (Silver)
  • Hook: C (2.75 mm)
  • Safety Eyes from 6060 on Etsy.
  • My Ravelry Project Page
  • 46 meters for Stash Dash

Hydrangea Stripes Blanket #2

  • Pattern: Hydrangea Stripes Blanket by Lucy of Attic24 (free crochet blanket)- Ravelry LinkWebsite link.
  • My Ravelry Project Page
  • Hook: I (Cast on with K hook)
  • Yarn: Vanna’s Choice in Shadow Ombre, Orion Blue, Burgundy & Sea glass, Sprightly Acrylic Worsted in Suede & Big Twist Soft in Rose & Charcoal
  • I cast on 86 to make this blanket smaller than my last one.
  • I followed the border instructions in the pattern. 3 rounds of a spike stitch: gray, pink, gray, then I did a round of HDC in the gray. Love the look!
  • About 39 inches squares before border. 
  • 1,149 meters for Stash Dash

Stash Dash total to date: 4,891 meters. Click here to see my Spreadsheet Tracker. 

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Fibernymph Dye Works Shetland Spin

  • Three 2 oz braids of natural Shetland
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Onto the 3rd 2oz braid (the darkest of the 3 shades)

Solid Granny Square Blanket 2021 Edition

Not in Kansas Anymore Socks

  • Yarn: Agirlandherwool Sock in the Not In Kansas Anymore Colorway. 
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Ravelry Project Page

Happy Birthday Socks

  • Yarn: Freckled Whimsy Serendipity Sock Yarn in the Happy Birthday Colorway.
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • My Ravelry Project Page

Paton’s Rainbow Stripes

Brainstorming

  • Another crochet blanket.
  • Another Recalibrate Top.
  • I’d like to cast on something with the Tequila Sunrise Cheviot that I spun last summer from Blueberry Chick Yarn (click here for my Ravelry Project Page). 473 yards. crochet shawl maybe? Let me know if you have any suggestions.

From the Armchair

Crafty Adventures

  • I did just a little bit of painting with the girls. I’ll include a few minutes of audio after the music if you want to tune in. 

KAL News

Splash Pad- May 28 through July 31

Splash Pad Ravelry Links:

In this episode- I shared the details of the 4th of July Challenge. Details on my website & on Ravelry. I announced a bunch of Participation Winners. If you won- please reach out to me via Ravelry or email.

Events

  • Craft Cook Read Repeat Podcast with Monica and Cortney- Summer Bingo starts end of May. Check out their website #CCRRsummerbingo2021 Bingo card can be found saved to Stories Highlights in their Instagram account.
  • Knit Girllls Stash Dash May 28-August 31. Check out their website for more details.   They will be hosting the event on Discord this year.
  • Vogue Virtual Knitting Live– July 15-18.
  • Tour de Fleece. Saturday June 26 through Sunday July 18, 2021 Ravelry Link
  • Fiberworld July 21-25, 2021. Click here for their website.
  •  2020 Summer Olympics will begin on Friday, July 23, 2021

Contest, News & Notes

I learned about the Woolly Wishes organization on Episode 39 of the WeCrochet Podcast 
They provide Syrian families with warm clothing items, toys, and blankets among other things. Check out the link above for more details about where in California to mail handmade items that they will deliver to the Syrian refugee camps.

On a Happy Note

  • Oisin and Will’s birthday sleepover.
  • Seeing fireflies in the driveway!
  • Will’s soccer game and Riley’s softball game.
  • Hattie, Aila and Emelyn’s dance recital.
  • Great pool day for Father’s Day.
  • Hair color (for me) and cuts for Mom & me.
  • Oisin’s birthday at the beach!
  • Sleepover with all 5 girls. blanket forts. manicures, making pancakes and muffins, painting, video games. barbies and most of them were only with us for about 15 hours! 

Quote of the Week

In order to complete our amazing life journey successfully, it is vital that we turn each and every dark tear into a pearl of wisdom, and find the blessing in every curse. – Anthon St. Maarten 

 

Thank you for tuning in!
Contact Information:

Direct download: Episode_211_-_62821_4.39_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 210 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:

  • Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • From the Armchair
  • Some Years Later
  • Crafty Adventures
  • In my Travels
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Contest, News & Notes
  • Life in Focus
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Fibernymph Dye Works & Knit Style Yarns

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Freewheeler Sweater

  • Pattern: Freewheeler by Kristen Finlay (Ravelry Link) $11 AUD (~$9 US)
  • Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm)
  • Yarn (held double): Holiday Yarns FlockSock (Badger Black Colorway); CeCe’s Wool Yarn Baby! 1120 yards fingering weight Superwash Merino (Cherries Jubilee Colorway)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • I knit the size 42. I decreased every row towards the end of the decrease section. I went down 2 sizes for ribbing US 5.  
  • 2,048 meters for Stash Dash

Playhouse Scrappy Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Socks by Megan Williams
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in Playhouse colorway + other leftovers of Felici
  • My Ravelry Project Page
  • Check out my Knit Picks Affiliate Link if you want to purchase some Felici Yarn
  • Felici Colorways used:
    • Ribbit
    • Playhouse
    • Witch’s Brew
    • Currant Mood
    • Beyond the wall
  • Used 66g of yarn- 262 meters

Stash Dash Total as of this recording: 2,311 meters

Click here for a link to the spreadsheet I’m using to track my Stash Dash Meters.

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Recalibrate Top

  • Pattern: Recalibrate Top by Shana Cohen (test knit) Find Shana on Instagram.
  • Needles: US 8
  • Yarn: 2 Skeins of Teal Torch Knits in colorways: Charcoal & Dowager Countess. Goosey Fibers Goosey Sock in the Scarecrow Colorway, MadelineTosh Tosh Sock in the Birch Grey Colorway
  • Ravelry Project Page

Fibernymph Dye Works Shetland Spin

  • Three 2 oz braids of natural Shetland
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Onto the 3rd 2oz braid (the darkest of the 3 shades)

Candy Color Socks

  • Yarn: Regia 4 ply in Colorway 01160
  • Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • CO 60 sts. 2×2 rib. Reduced down to 56 after heel.

Dragonboat Christmas Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Felici Dragonboat (self striping), Minis from Holly Press Fibers for Cuff. Heel & Toe in Twisted Owl Fiber Studios in the Poison Ivy colorway
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • I made two 25g balls that each had 16 stripes. I need about 9 stripes for foot (before toe) based on other Felici socks. Aim for 7 stripes on leg. 
  • All but toe of second sock is done. So close. 

Solid Granny Square Blanket 2021 Edition

Not in Kansas Anymore Socks 

  • Yarn: Agirlandherwool Sock in the Not In Kansas Anymore Colorway. 
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Ravelry Project Page

Happy Birthday Socks 

  • Yarn: Freckled Whimsy Serendipity Sock Yarn in the Happy Birthday Colorway. 
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • My Ravelry Project Page

Hydrangea Stripe #2

  • Pattern: Hydrangea Stripes Blanket by Lucy of Attic24 (free crochet blanket)- Ravelry Link. Website link.
  • My Ravelry Project Page
  • Hook: I (Cast on with K hook)
  • Yarn: Vanna’s Choice in Shadow Ombre, Orion Blue, Burgundy & Sea glass, Sprightly Acrylic Worsted in Suede & Big Twist Soft in Rose & Charcoal
  • Cast on 86.

From the Armchair

Some Years Later

  • Last June I used some Lion Brand Re-up in rainbow colors plus gray and Black to make a fun Mason Jar Cozy. We use it all the time but with washing and nearly daily use it could probably stand to be replaced. Ravelry Project Page
  • 2 years ago I finished up a scrappy hexagon blanket that I later gifted to friend and co-worker Lauren for her baby girl, Meadow. I still see her posting pics of her daughter using it. Ravelry Project Page

Crafty Adventures

Punch Needle

  • Kit with pattern by Teresa Kogut
  • Pattern: PN165- For Ewe
  • Link to purchase pattern only on Etsy for $12.
  • I purchased my complete kit from Tree House Fiber Arts. Click here for their website.
    • Kit included: 7″/9″ Morgan hoop, weavers cloth, floss, Ultra Punch Needle, Needle threaders, pattern, instructions.
    • Kits no longer available but Rachel does have double hoop, pattern and the punch needle in stock.
  • Helpful resources:
  • Took Mom’s advice and separated out whole skeins of embroidery floss into the 3 strands I needed and put them on bobbins. From there I could load my punch needle and keep going until I decided to cut instead of running out of floss and having to thread it again and again. Got through nearly all of the sheep! 

In My Travels

  • Dan & I enjoyed our first Tentrr experience. Site: Mauralou Farm in Rhode Island. 
  • We had dinner in Westport MA at the Back Eddy Restaurant.

KAL News

Splash Pad- May 28 through July 31

Splash Pad Ravelry Links:

Events

  • Craft Cook Read Repeat Podcast with Monica and Cortney- Summer Bingo starts end of May. Check out their website #CCRRsummerbingo2021 Bingo card can be found saved to Stories Highlights in their Instagram account.
  • Knit Girllls Stash Dash May 28-August 31. Check out their website for more details.   They will be hosting the event on Discord this year.
  • Vogue Virtual Knitting Live– June 10-13, July 15-18.
  • Tour de Fleece. Saturday June 26 through Sunday July 18, 2021 Ravelry Link
  • Fiberworld July 21-25, 2021. Click here for their website.
  •  2020 Summer Olympics will begin on Friday, July 23, 2021
  • Fiberworld July 21-25!

Contest, News & Notes

Life in Focus

I talked about how I planned for and successfully navigated a really intense work week!

On a Happy Note

  • During the first weekend of June we had Hattie and Oisin for a sleepover. Starte d the weekend with a surprise school pick up for Hattie & taking her out for ice cream. 
  • We enjoyed our nephew Will’s confirmation + picnic by the beach after. 
  • Getting 4 days in a row with my dear friend Kim. 
  • Listening to audiobooks with Dan.
  • Swap box from my Merry Everything and Happy Always Swap Partner in the Between Knits & Purls Ravelry Group Can’t wait to open each day in July!
  • Birthday Flowers + puzzle from Dan

Quote of the Week

Action may not always bring happiness, but there is no happiness without action. “― William James

Thank you for tuning in!
Contact Information:

Direct download: Episode_210_-_61521_1.36_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:12pm EDT

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 209 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website.

This week’s segments included:

  • On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • 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: Cookie & BeesKnitters Brewing CoGeektastic Fibers

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Freewheeler Sweater

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

Playhouse Scrappy Socks

Not in Kansas Anymore Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Yarn: agirlandherwool sock in the Not in Kansas Anymore colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page

Deschain

  • Pattern Deschain by Leila Raven
  • Needles:: US 9 (5.5 mm)
  • Yarn. Rowan Creative Linen. Colorway 00624- Gray.
  • Size: Smallest (54 1/4 in bust) Calls for 16-22″ positive ease. I should have around 19″
  • Modification: added 1 lace repeat to the front of the top
  • Ravelry Project Page

Fibernymph Dye Works Shetland Spin

Recalibrate Top

  • Pattern: Recalibrate Top by Shana Cohen (test knit)
  • Needles: US 8
  • Yarn: 2 Skeins of Teal Torch Knits in colorways: Charcoal & Dowager Countess. Goosey Fibers Goosey Sock in the Scarecrow Colorway, MadelineTosh Tosh Sock in the Birch Grey Colorway
  • Ravelry Project Page

Brainstorming

From the Armchair

Crafty Adventures

Punch Needle

Crafting with Hattie:

  • Watercolors. coloring with crayons.
  • We sewed up holes in Dave’s seams and added more stuffing. Oisin won him at the arcade sleepover in 2014. Still one of his favorites. Check out this vlog video for some of that!

I did some visible mending on some of Mom’s socks.

In My Travels

We recently spent a weekend away in Orange MA at a cottage rented through AirBnB on Lake Mattawa.

Breweries we visited:

KAL News

Splash Pad- May 28 through July 31

Splash Pad Ravelry Links:

Events

On a Happy Note

  • Getting to interact with our youngest niece, Gabriella.
  • Live streaming Riley’s dance competition
  • New eyeglasses!
  • Hattie and Oisin’s sleepover!
  • Selfies with Hattie- “no not like that!” with the filters
  • Visiting with my friend Laura down the Cape.
  • So much fun with our Project 465 in May with Patreon group! Thankful to so many of you who signed up recently! Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon!

Quote of the Week

“Some things are better off ignored than attacked. Attention is the oxygen of conflict. When you fight a problem, you breathe life into it. When you starve a problem of your attention, you suffocate it. In a surprising number of cases, the way to solve a problem is to ignore it.” -James Clear

Thank you for tuning in!
Contact Information:

Direct download: Episode_209_-_52721_10.35_AM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00pm EDT

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 208 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:

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

Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Irocknits Designs, Sunsoaked Yarns, Precision Athletic Training.


Thank you to our Ultimate Insider Patreon Members: Theresa, Kathy, Luanne & Beth! Your support means so much to me! 

Welcome back BostonJensMom! Thanks, Mom, for co-hosting with me again (first time since the pandemic started)

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Gram’s Mother’s Day Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 US knitting pattern)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Knitting Fever Indulgence 6-ply Color 102-Green, purple, blue, red stripes.
  • Ravelry Project Page

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Fibernymph Dye Works Shetland Spin

Freewheeler Sweater

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

Advent 2020 Scrappy Socks 

  • Pattern: OMG Socks by Megan Williams
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Fingering weight yarn from Advent Swap with Stephanie @Farmsteadknits on IG
  • My Ravelry Project Page

Playhouse Scrappy Socks 

  • Pattern: OMG Socks by Megan Williams
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in Playhouse colorway + other leftovers of Felici and other self striping yarn.
  • Started Oct 2019
  • Socks started ages ago. Did vanilla bean slipped stitch thing between stripes. Didn’t love them so I pulled back and just knit, then several stripes in, the yarn broke which broke up repeat. I took it as a sign to make them scrappy instead. 
  • My Ravelry Project Page
  • Knit Picks Affiliate Link

Hydrangea Stripe #2

  • Pattern: Hydrangea Stripes Blanket by Lucy of Attic24 (free crochet blanket)
  • My Ravelry Project Page
  • Hook: I  (Cast on with K hook)
  • Yarn: Vanna’s Choice in Shadow Ombre, Orion Blue, Burgundy & Sea glass, Sprightly Acrylic Worsted in Suede & Big Twist Soft in Rose & Charcoal
  • I cast on 86.

Deschain

  • Pattern Deschain by Leila Raven
  • Needles: US 9 (5.5 mm)
  • Yarn. Rowan Creative Linen. Colorway 00624-   Gray. 
  • Size: Smallest (54 1/4 in bust) Calls for 16-22″ positive ease. I should have around 19″
  • My Ravelry Project Page
  • Weave in ends in linen? Tips welcome 

Brainstorming

From the Armchair

2 finished books: 

2 new to me podcasts: 

Crafty Adventures

I received an antique Circular Sock Machine (CSM) from my best friend’s Dad, who found it in their attic when they downsized a few years ago. I’ve spent time the past 2 weekends cleaning it but haven’t cast on yet. I found this video tutorial helpful as I think about casting on.

Knitting in Passing

We finally got to visit my grandmother at her new apartment in an Assisted Living community. Introduced us to her friend as her granddaughter- the one who knits all the shawls and socks! Her Jean Marie shawl is on the back of her chair. 

KAL News

Splash Pad- May 28 through July 31

Ravelry Links:

Events

  • Craft Cook Read Repeat Podcast with Monica and Cortney- Summer Bingo starts end of May. Check out their website
  • Knit Girllls Stash Dash May 28-August 31. Stay tuned to their website for more details.   This year I’m going to crush Jasmin again. Since I already have the Sash I think if I win this year I should get the rights to the tiny speech writer next year lol
  • Vogue Virtual Knitting Live– June 10-13, July 15-18.

On a Happy Note

  • Mom: “being able to see people.” She shared stories about visiting her cousin Susan and working on Genealogy with Aunt Florence, Linda & Trish.
  • Mother’s Day at Jen’s house.
  • Mom had a successful experience with Max Sold Auctions and will have more coming up soon.
    • Interested in trying it out? Use coupon code NESellers for no minimum for the first auction + $100 off the total commission if the auction makes more than $1,000.
    • Want to learn more about selling online- you can request to be part of Mom’s Facebook Group.

Quote of the Week

“Forget about the fast lane. If you really want to fly, harness your power to your passion. Honor your calling. Everybody has one. Trust your heart, and success will come to you.”

-Oprah Winfrey

Contact Information:

Direct download: Episode_208_-_51321_2.03_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am EDT

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 207 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Find full show notes with photos check out my website.

This week’s segments included:

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

Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: AdoreKnit, agirlandherwool & Yumi Yarns

Stay tuned after credits for audio from Riley and Aila

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Baby Yoda (#2)

  • Pattern: Baby Yoda Amigurumi (free crochet pattern) by LarissaMaced – @beefriendscrochet
  • Yarn: Loops & Threads Impeccable in Fern (green) and Soft Taupe (Beige)
  • Hook: D (3.25 mm) for Yoda. G (4.0 mm) for robe
  • Ravelry Project Page

Dan’s New Year’s Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 US knitting pattern)
  • Yarn: US 2 (2.75 mm)
  • Needles: Goosey Fibers in the Stay out of the Forest (not final dye version) & Lock Your F*cking Door (brown)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Cast on 52 stitches.

Dan’s Glass Ceiling Hat

  • Pattern: Glass Ceiling Hat by me, Jennifer Lassonde- Ravelry Link
  • Needles: US 4 (3.5 mm) and US 6 (4.0 mm)
  • Yarn: Cascade 220 Superwash (I think)
  • Size 3
  • Ravelry Project Page

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Fibernymph Dye Works Shetland Spin

Freewheeler Sweater

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

Gram’s Mother’s Day Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 US knitting pattern)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Knitting Fever Indulgence 6-ply Color 102
  • Ravelry Project Page

Brainstorming

  • Thank you to Lynn (LynnPar) for enabling. She messaged me to say that Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick was on sale at Joann’s. I scored 4 skeins of colorway: Storm Front to make a Nanaimo Cardigan (to match Riley’s). 
  • Vogue Knitting Keynote with Stephen West (click here for his website) has me wanting to cast on one of his designs because it would be fun to make and have, but also to learn and continue to stretch my skills. 

From the Armchair

Finished Reading: 

Some Years Later

Tune in to hear me talk about a project I finished on May 1, 2014- Tan House Brook Shawl in Neighborhood Fiber Co Studio Sock in the Rock Creek Park colorway

Check out my Ravelry Project Page here.

Crafty Adventures

I am learning Punch Needle!

Tune in to hear Riley and Aila talk about the craft projects they did during their Birthday celebration.

KAL News

Splash Pad- May 28 through July 31

  • Check out the Splash Pad Party Sponsor List
  • Rules, sponsor list and so much more can be found on the Splash Pad ’21 landing page on my website
  • Sign up by filling out this Google Form
  • Kick Off Weekend: Saturday May 29 & Sunday May 30th.
  • Preview night on Friday May 28th
  • Kick Off Weekend-Saturday May 29 & Sunday May 30th.
  • Friday night there will be a 4p-5p Zoom–  Kick Off Happy Hour with BostonJen & a special event for Patrons only: 7p-9p Zoom -Knit Night Zoom

Events

  • Craft Cook Read Repeat Podcast with Monica and Cortney- Summer Bingo starts end of May. Check out their website
  • Knit Girllls Stash Dash usually end of May. Stay tuned to their website for more details.
  • Vogue Virtual Knitting Live– May 13-16 & June 10-13, July 15-18. 
  • May 14-16- Indie Untangled is having a Indie Spotlight Virtual Show.
    • I’m participating in a Designer Spotlight on Sunday May 16 at 3p.
    • General Admission is $7.00 

Contest, News & Notes

  • Patreon Update: its been fun seeing so many of you sign up! Check out my Patreon page to see the kinds of things you’d get access to if you want to join. Reminder: Those in the $5+ tiers get access to my private IG feed & to the monthly Zoom hangout during the KALs. Need more incentive? We have a new challenge starting in May. 
  • Check out my latest knitting design: Glass Ceiling Hat Pattern $5 on LoveCrafts and Ravelry
    • Get 30% off with code “breakit” through 5/15/21 OR if you’re a newsletter subscriber, check your inbox for an even better deal. 

On a Happy Note

  • I had fun celebrating LYS Day. Yarn’s End in Norwell teamed up with Dirty Water Dyeworks for kits for my Boxing Day Bonus Shawl. You can still get those kits online here.
  • I bought some yarn for a colorwork sweater I’m dreaming of knitting at Staci’s Stitches.
  • Sitting outside on the porch. Pattern writing and knitting while the boys work.
  • Last Saturday the boys installed a tire swing. Not just any tire swing- but our old backhoe tire swing! It’s glorious and fun! 
  • Really enjoyed my Vogue Knitting classes in April! 
  • I had a blast catching up with my friend Kristi (krisluvswool on Instagram). You can check out all the crafty projects Kristi is making (and my recent projects too) on my YouTube Channel.
  • I also recently recorded a Crafty Chat with Shana (shanalines_designs on Instagram) that will go up soon. 
  • Riley & Aila’s birthday day out!!
  • Planning Hattie’s first sleepover! 

Quote of the Week

In limits, there is freedom. Creativity thrives within structure. Creating safe havens where our children are allowed to dream, play, make a mess and, yes, clean it up, we teach them respect for themselves and others.- Julia Cameron

Thank you for tuning in!
Contact Information:

Direct download: Episode_207_-_42921_1.00_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:02pm EDT