Tue, 12 January 2016
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 81 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast.
This week's segments included:
Off the Needles
On the Needles
From the Armchair
Crafty Adventures
Contest, News & Notes
On a Happy Note
Pigskin Party KAL
Off the Needles
Tan House Brook Hat v1 (still designing)
- Yarn- Neighborhood Fiber Company
- Needles- US 6 & US 7
- Design Process Tip- use different colors (in Excel or in Colored Pencils) to mark each repeat, section of your design to help yourself visualize it better
- Jen's Blocking Tip: For blocking a hat, put a soup bowl over mason jar to give it more height so it doesn't drag on the counter
- Mom's Blocking Tip: Send your knits to your daughter and say "here!" and have her block them for you! Or better yet, send them to Jen!
- Yarn: Hand Made Modern Wool Blend Yarn Duo 120 yard each (yarn from Target)
- Needles: US 10.5 (6.5mm)
- Pattern: I made it up. Find detailed instructions in my Project Page linked above
- Yarn: Woolen Rabbit Pearl in the Straw Colorway (fingering weight yarn)
- Needles: US 1.5 (2.5mm)
- Pattern: by Jenn Sheelen ($4)
- This is my January "12 months to Christmas KAL" project
On the Needles
- Yarn: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
- Needles: Regia Design Lines Colorations Color by Kristin Nicholas (blues, greens, purple, plum/magenta, white, dark gray). self patterning
- Pattern: OMG by Megan Williams
From the Armchair
- Mom and I have been watching Making a Murderer (Netflix), Ray Donovan and Homeland
- Jen has been watching The Affair (Showtime). Mom has been watching Limitless.
- Mom is reading the Alex Cross books by James Patterson.
- Jen has been listening to Gretchen Rubin's Better Than Before
Tune in for a review of a project bag from Etsy Shop Pearl & Plum. In the excitement of talking with Mom I forgot to mention that the large (owl print) bag was graciously provided to me by Vivian of Pearl and Plum for review.  
Coupon Code!!! If you want to purchase a bag from this amazing shop, use coupon code: DownCellarJan15 to get 15% off a purchase of at least $30 through the whole month of January
Mom reviewed a product she purchased on Etsy for a Christmas gift from BeBeBeez. These personalized elastic bands are a great way to know whose bottle is whose (so you can avoid sharing germs). Mom had one small issue and the customer service was great! Highly recommend. Crafty Adventures
- I've been sewing on my scrap fabric curtain
- Mom will be turning a duvet cover into fabric for a new shower curtain and to recover the pieces on her headboard.
- Mom talks about her decorating for Christmas, reactions from the kids, and the most commonly asked questions
Contest News & Notes
- News starting email list Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio! Once I get to 200 will draw for a winner. Prize will be announced on Episode 82 or whenever we hit 200!
- Side note: with Mom's help, I was able to find a better way to update the Down Cellar Studio Facebook page! Come check it out. I'll be posting more regularly there now.
- This week I announced the winners of the Fix a Stitch and the Riot of Color Yarn!
12 Months to Christmas KAL- details announced on the episode
On a Happy Note
- Emelyn and Oisin opening their gifts!
 - Will loved his Force Awakens Hat
- My favorite gift-- Canvas from the kids with hand prints that make a tree
- I got an IPA beer making kit from Williams Sonoma from my friend Megg
- Mom gave the girls (Emelyn, Riley and Aila) a knitting kit for Christmas
- Dan and I did our annual January clean out and moved our dry food to an easily accessible drawer in our island. I am hoping that if I can easily see it, I will know and use what we have and waste less!
Pigskin Party KAL
Thank you to our Headline Sponsors!
This Episode I announced the December Participation Winners! Tune in to see if you've won!
Thank you for tuning in.
Direct download: Episode_81-_Mom__Me.mp3
Category: general
-- posted at: 7:33pm EDT
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Wed, 30 December 2015
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 80 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast.
For full show notes please visit: www.downcellarstudio.com/80
This week's segments included:
- Off the Needles
- On the Needles
- Brainstorming
- From the Armchair
- Crafty Adventures
- Knitting in Passing
- Events
- Contest, News & Notes
- On a Happy Note
- Pigskin Party KAL
Off the Needles
Easy Coasters (times 2)
Riley’s Christmas Doll
- Pattern (Crochet): by Nicky Blade called NickyBlade Doll Pattern- free Ravelry download
- C hook (2.75mm)
- Cascade 220 superwash, cream for skin, gray, blue and a purple.
- Girl with brown hair- shirt, pants and shoes. simple but really cute. looks like riley’s style
The Force Awakens Hat 
- Pattern: The Force Awakens Hat by Hannah L (free)
- Yarn: Cascade 220 Superwash Sport & Schachenmayr Extra Fine Merino DK (very light DK) seems lighter than the Sport
- Needles: US 4 (3.5 mm)
Storm Trooper (#2)
- Pattern by Lucy Collins from Star Wars Crochet Hook
- Yarn: Cascade 220 Superwash
- Hook: C
On the Needles
- Yarn: Marigold Jen- Merry & Bright (purchased at MD Sheep & Wool)
- Needles: US 1.5
- Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
Brainstorming
I am working on a hat to match my Tan House Brook shawl design.
From the Armchair
Update on 2015 goals
- Knit from my well curated stash
- Started 2015 with 96 skeins in stash. Ended the year with 55! (not including WIPs)
- Challenge myself more
- Took workshop with Susan B Anderson at Vogue Knitting Live 2015
- Finally did some real colorwork (Baa-ble hat and Force Awakens Hat)
- I learned a lot of crochet techniques through my adventures in Star Wars toy making
- Publish at least 2 if not more patterns in 2015.
- Knit for me (meaning knit at least 10 more things for me and keep the ratio from 2014). In 2015 I knit 18 items for me!
2015 Recap
I listed the number and types of items I made this year. You can find the details on this tab of my Projects Page. I referenced Michelle of Actually Knitting Podcast. In her recent episodes she's done a serials of Knitting Talk Backs about how to make the most of our Ravelry.
2016 goals
More to come on this next episode but I do want to join my local knitting group's "12 months to Christmas KAL" where we make 1 Christmas gift every month of the year to be more ready come Christmas 2016.
On this episode I reviewed Fix-a-Stitch. Check out the videos on the Fix-a-Stitch YouTube Channel to see how this clever tool works.
Want a chance to win a set? Come over to the DCS Ravelry Group and enter by answering the prompt on the Fix-a-Stitch Contest Thread.
Crafty Adventures
Coloring Book and pencils from my brothers kids for Christmas. They gave me these colored pencils which makes the experience more enjoyable!
Knitting in Passing
This week we have some audio from my good friend Devon who is traveling around the world. She met a very unique knitter in Morocco and would like you to meet him! Definitely check out this post!
This massive ball of yarn is not the only interesting knit bit she found in Morocco. 
Weaving and wool plays a strong rule in traditional Moroccan culture. What she has discovered is far from traditional, but wonderful none the less.
I hope you enjoyed this little visit from Devon!
Events
Contest, News & Notes
Enter for your chance to win a beautiful skein of yarn from Riot of Color by following the prompt on this thread in the Down Cellar Studio Ravelry Group.
On a Happy Note
- I worked the door and throughly enjoyed the kids' Christmas dance recital.
- Dan helped with ALL THE WRAPPING! Love him!
- Going to see Mary Poppins with the fam
- Christmas Eve & Christmas Day with family
  
- Highlights of my gifts:
- Handsewn cosmetic case from my best friend Kris using a Tutorial on Pinterest using a placement.
- A new coloring book with these pencils (love these pencils much more than the ones I had been using)
- Plaid scarf from my Mom
- Sock Knitter Profile kit from Mom! (I also announced the Sock Knitter Profile Bag Contest Winner!)
- Camera strap with a scarf-like piece! floral print.
- Stars Hollow print!!!
Pigskin Party KAL
Thank you to our Headline Sponsors!
I announced winners of the WIPs Interception and the December Bingo Winners! December Huddle and Instagram winners will be announced on Episode 81.
Thank you for tuning in!
Direct download: Episode_80-_Merry__Bright.mp3
Category: general
-- posted at: 3:22pm EDT
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Sat, 19 December 2015
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 79of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week's segments included:
- Off the Needles
- On the Needles
- Brainstorming
- From the Armchair
- Crafty Adventures
- Events
- Contest, News & Notes
- On a Happy Note
- Pigskin Party KAL
Off the Needles
Chewbacca
Obi Wan (with cape) - purchased pattern separately from Etsy from Lucy Collins
- Pattern: Puppy and his Daddy by Ana Paula Rimoli from The Big Book of Little Amigurumi
- Hook: C 2.75mm
- Yarn: Plymouth encore- brown, leftover from Star Wars crochet & creamy/tan color
- Big black nose & eyes from 6060 on Etsy!
- Pattern- my design
- US 7 (4.5mm) needles
- Yarn:
- Oh Loops Platinum Sock- Voyage Colorway- blue
- Cascade Heritage Silk- White
- Two Guys Yarn Co- The Standard in Sock base in Summer Solstice Colorway- purple
- Pattern: Scrubbie Dots by Doni Speigle
- Hook: H
- Yarn: Lilly Sugar and Cream Yarn
- I expanded it to make it larger using basic circular crochet increases. Made about 4-5 total this season
 
- Pattern: Updated Parkspin Slippers by Joan Janes (free)
- Needles: US 8
- Worsted weight yarn held doubled.
- Pattern: Little Waiting for Winter Mittens by Susan B Anderson $4 US
- Needles: US 6 (Calls for 7s)
- Riley Yarn: Berrocco Vintage & Plymouth Encore: Added length to the hand based on the drawing I took of Riley's hand
- Millie Yarn: Cascade 220 Superwash (purple) & Lana Gatto Super Soft Pink- Color 5240: Made hand a little longer. Added 4 stitches after thumb gusset. Details in project page on Ravelry
On the Needles
- Pattern (Crochet): by Nicky Blade called NickyBlade Doll Pattern- free Ravelry download
- C hook (2.75mm)
- Cascade 220 superwash, cream for skin, gray, blue and a purple.
- Girl with brown hair- shirt, pants and shoes. simple but really cute. looks like riley's style
Brainstorming
Joy from movie Inside Out crochet pattern by Allison McDonough $5.00 pattern. Wanted to make for Riley- my brother actually suggested but I can't find just the right green for her dress.
Also found an eBook of 5 Doc McStuffins character crochet patterns also by Allison McDonough.
From the Armchair
Crafty Adventures
I've been sewing iined draw string bag from this tutorial.
I highly recommend photo calendars from Picaboo (for yourself or as gifts)
Events
- Vogue Knitting Live– January 15-17, New York City I’m taking a shawl design class on Friday with Susan B Anderson and attending the Market on Saturday.
- Stitches West– February 18-21 in Santa Clara, CA --Saturday afternoon-podcaster meet-up! Details to come!
Contest News & Notes
I announced the winners of Jenn Sheelen Contest from Episode 78.
News
Becky Kelly from Knit Actually Podcast is hosting Knit Nosh event on January 23, 2016 at 12:30 pm at Samples World Bistro in Longmont, CO. The yarn companies providing yarn for the event are Bijou Basin Ranch, MJ Yarns, Skeindalous , Knerd. Tickets are still available. Details are available on her website.
On a Happy Note
- I will be reviewing the Madelyn Tote bag from Pearl and Plum next month but it's already making me very happy and so I wanted to share! W
- 2 kids sleepovers in 2 weeks! (including some audio from Riley who is 7 and Millie who is 3)
- Having a sewing day with my best friend in lieu of Christmas shopping
- At our friends Christmas Party I offered up some Tittens for the Yankee Swap. It was VERY well received!
- My co-workers and I ordered under desk exerciser that I heard about on Savvy Girls Podcast and I really like it.
Pigskin Party KAL
Thank you to our Headline Sponsors!
Tune in to hear about the November Prize Winners!
WIPs Interception: runs November 10 – December 25— 8 awesome prizes which I announced in Episode 77
High Fives going on now until Sunday 12/20!
Happy Holidays, Merry merry christmas, happy knitting, talk to you next time!
(This episode ends with a little bit of audio of my niece Millie singing. Hope you enjoy it)
Direct download: Episode_79-_Christmas_Knitting_Galore.mp3
Category: general
-- posted at: 3:42pm EDT
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Sun, 29 November 2015
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 78 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. For full notes and photos check out www.downcellarstudio.com/78
This week's segments included:
- Off the Needles
- On the Needles
- Brainstorming
- From the Armchair
- Crafty Adventures
- Events
- Contest, News & Notes
- On a Happy Note
- Pigskin Party KAL
Off the Needles
- Pattern by Kelly Dager
- $4.00 pattern- available via Etsy
- US 15 needles (10mm)
- Lion Brand Hometown USA- Billings Chocolate & New York White
Star Wars Crochet:
- No pattern (see Ravelry page for my notes)
- Needles: US 3 & US 6
- Yarn: Berroco Vintage (worsted weight)
- Baa-ble Hat by Donna Smith (free) Click here for link to download.
- US 6 & 7 Needles
- DK weight yarn (Mirasol Tuhu, Cascade 220 Superwash (which is very light worsted) and leftover Liberty Wool
Brainstorming
From the Armchair
Tune in for a review of Deborah Tomasello- Hand Knitted Gift Wraps. It is available on Amazon ($17.95 ebook) & e-version is up on Ravelry for $16). I definitely recommend checking it out. If you're interested in purchasing, this feel free to use Coupon code GIFTS at check out on Ravelry to get the ebook for half price ($8).
Coupon: good through Sunday December 6th at midnight Eastern
Crafty Adventures
Spent Black Friday sewing with my best friend Kris
I also made drawstring bags for my 3 nephews to put their crocheted toys in.
Kris made a pillow from one of Aila’s favoriate dresses with a pocket made out of her old giraffe PJs. Learned how to make an invisible zipper. Link to video she used that had good instruction.
Events
- I’m taking a shawl design class on Friday with Susan B Anderson and attending the Market on Saturday.
- Saturday afternoon-podcaster meet-up! Details to come!
Contest, News & Notes
My friend Jenn Sheelen has started her own website. She has beautiful knitting patterns available on her site and via Ravelry. She also just posted t-shirts and tote bags that say “Hug a Knitter… they give you Warm Fuzzies!” that are adorable.
Contest!
1. Who taught Jenn to knit?
2. What is the price of the Happiness in Threes Mitts pattern?
3. Where is Jenn located?
Post answers in Jenn Sheelen Contest Thread in Down Cellar Studio Ravelry Group
The first three people to get it right get the Flutterby Dreams pattern gifted to them.
If you’re not in the first three— feel free to answer anyways. From all of the entries, will pick three random winners who will be gifted the Glowflake jar pattern.
Check it out! and enter to win. This will run for at least 2 weeks-- if the thread is unlocked feel free to enter. Must be a member of the DCS Rav Group to be entered to win.
On a Happy Note
- My friend Laura came to visit last weekend!
- I got in lots of family time between Thanksgiving and my cousin's wedding.
- Thank you to Sarah- themartiniknitter- who sent me Swiss Chocolate which I can’t wait to indulge in!
- THANK YOU all for listening and participating!!
Pigskin Party KAL
Thank you to our Headline Sponsors!
WIPs Interception: runs November 10 – December 25— there are 8 awesome prizes which I announced last episode
Direct download: Episode_78-_Thankful.mp3
Category: general
-- posted at: 6:13pm EDT
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Tue, 17 November 2015
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 77 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Please visit my website for more details: www.downcellarstudio.com/77
This week's segments included:
- Off the Needles
- On the Needles
- Brainstorming
- From the Armchair
- In my Travels
- Events
- Contest, News & Notes
- On a Happy Note
- Pigskin Party KAL
Off the Needles
I've made 10 so far! All using a C Hook and various worsted weight yarn
- Storm Trooper
- Darth Vader
- Han Solo
- Yoda
- Leia
- R2D2
- Luke Skywalker
- C3P0
- Wicket the Ewok
- Darth Maul (not in the book--- found one on Etsy that someone was selling and figured out how to make it using the basic body type from the book)
Up next: Boba Fett, Jabba the Hut, Chewbacca & Obi Wan (also not in book. Lucy Collins has Obi-Wan as a single pattern available through Etsy. Here is the link to the Ravelry Pattern Page for him.)
- Free pattern by Wanett Clyde
- Yarn: Duck Duck Wool- Merino Aran in the Summer Sidewalk color way.
- U.S. 6 and 8 needles
- Altered just slightly- I cast on 86 sts with US 6. 1x1 rib for 2 inches.
On the Needles
- Yarn: Gales Art Sock blank- Starlight Star Bright
- Needles: US 1.5
- Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
- Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams
- Yarn: Marigold Jen in the Merry and Bright colorway
- Needles: US 1.5 (2.5mm)
- Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams
- Yarn: Berry Colorful Yarning. Saturated Sock Self-Striping. In the Pats colorway
- Needles: US 1.5 (2.5mm)
From the Armchair
Brainstorming
Anotherfroghorn very kindly gifted me the Red Flannel mitts pattern by Alicia Plummer. Can't wait to make these! Thanks!
In My Travels
Dan and I traveled to Burlington, VT for a wedding
While there, my best friend Kris and I went to Nido
Last week I had a business trip to Sarasota, FL.
Dan came to see me present at the conference!
We also got to visit with family and I went to A Good Yarn. What an amazing store! I definitely recommend that you visit if you're ever in the area.
Events
- I'm taking a shawl design class on Friday with Susan B Anderson and attending the Market on Saturday.
- Saturday afternoon-podcaster meet-up! Details to come!
Contests, News & Notes
Emily has kindly donated a copy-- tune in to see if you won!
On a Happy Note
- I'm loving our new Chromecast -- it's helpful to be able to watch podcasts on YouTube while still using my GoodReader app on my iPad.
- Halloween!!
 
Pigskin Party KAL
What is the Pigskin Party KAL?
- Virtual knit-a-long that runs along the NFL football season. For any projects you complete between Sept 10 and Feb 8th, you'll earn points that make you eligible for fantastic prizes. For every 100 yards completed (in your fiber craft of choice) you earn 7 points for a touchdown. For all partial touchdown yardage you earn 3 points (field goal) |For any small finished project (less than 100 yards) earn 3 points
- There are also Special Teams points available for using sponsor products and fulfilling other challenges.
- For every 100 points you earn, you'll be entered in the drawing for one of many grand prizes graciously donated by our Sponsors
- In addition to working for your prizes- there are also prizes for just for participating. Use #DCSPigskinParty2015 on Instagram to show us what you're working on and come chat in the Down Cellar Studio Ravelry Group's Monthly Huddle Thread and you could be randomly selected
- It's never too late to sign up. Join anytime during the football season (you don't even need to be a fan to play along)
Thank you to our Headline Sponsors!
This episode I announced the October Prize Winners! Tune in to hear if you've won.
WIPs Interception: runs November 10 - December 25
Thank you for tuning in!
Contact Information:
Direct download: Episode_77-_Star_Wars_Obsessed.mp3
Category: general
-- posted at: 8:48pm EDT
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Fri, 30 October 2015
Thank you for tuning in to episode 76 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast.
Find show notes at www.downcellarstudio.com/76
This week's segments included:
- Off the Needles
- On the Needles
- Brainstorming
- From the Armchair
- In My Travels
- Events
- Contest, News and Notes
- On a Happy Note
Off the Needles
- Yarn: Mint Rain in Witch’s Brew Colorway
- Needles: US 1.5
- Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
- Aila Grace Shawl by me, Jennifer Lassonde
- Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm)
- Yarn: Gales Art fingering -- blend 60% Merino, 20% silk, 20% yak, 400 yards
- Yarn: Plymouth DK (cream) & Hedgehog Fibres Merino DK in Genie Colorway
- Needles: US 5 (3.75mm) and US 6 (4.0mm)
- Pattern: took inspiration from Kaiya Mei hat by Jamie Hoffman though I never actually downloaded it because it said it was only for 6-12 month old baby.
- I already purchased another skein of the Hedgehog Fibres in the Genie Colorway. When last I checked they had some listed at Simply Socks Yarn Co so if you're looking for some, you could try there.
- Pattern: Updated Parkspin Slippers by Joan Janes (free)
- Needles: US 8 (5.0mm)
- Yarn: Cascade 220 Superwash in Colorway 1918- Shire (hunter green)
On the Needles
- Yarn: Gales Art Sock blank- Starlight Star Bright
- Needles: US 1.5
- Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
- Pattern I'm making up.
- US 7 (4.5mm) needles
- Yarn:
- Oh Loops Platinum Sock- Voyage Colorway- blue
- Cascade Heritage Silk- White
- Two Guys Yarn Co- The Standard in Sock base in Summer Solstice Colorway- purple
Brainstorming
- The big thing at Rhinebeck this year was the Baa-ble Hat by Donna Smith and I was inspired!
- If you're considering knitting one, check out Susan B Anderson's blog post. She gives some great tips that would come in handy.
From the Armchair
In My Travels
Contest, News and Notes
$6 download available on Ravelry
DK Weight (250 yards) Gauge: 7 stitches over 2 inches (in garter) after blocking
Needles: US 8 (5.0mm)
Fingering Weight (400 yards) Gauge: 8 stitches over 2 inches (in garter) after blocking
Needles: US 7 (4.5mm)
On a Happy Note
- Seeing Will and Aila (and my bff Krissy) at knit night on Wednesday.
- Apple picking with Kris and Aila... and going to Aila's Boston Ballet Rehearsal in the morning. We go to Applecrest Farm in Hampton Falls NH.
   
Pigskin Party KAL
What is the Pigskin Party KAL?
- Virtual knit-a-long that runs along the NFL football season. For any projects you complete between Sept 10 and Feb 8th, you'll earn points that make you eligible for fantastic prizes. For every 100 yards completed (in your fiber craft of choice) you earn 7 points for a touchdown. For all partial touchdown yardage you earn 3 points (field goal) |For any small finished project (less than 100 yards) earn 3 points
- There are also Special Teams points available for using sponsor products and fulfilling other challenges.
- For every 100 points you earn, you'll be entered in the drawing for one of many grand prizes graciously donated by our Sponsors
- In addition to working for your prizes- there are also prizes for just for participating. Use #DCSPigskinParty2015 on Instagram to show us what you're working on and come chat in the Down Cellar Studio Ravelry Group's Monthly Huddle Thread and you could be randomly selected
- It's never too late to sign up. Join anytime during the football season (you don't even need to be a fan to play along)
Thank you to our Headline Sponsors!
There was no Monday night Bingo on Monday 10/26- we're turning it into a different way to have fun!
- Leave one comment with a note about what kindness you spread here in this thread before Friday 10/30 at 10p eastern (or later if I forgot to lock the thread right away) and you’ll be entered to win a pattern of your choosing from Kerri Knits Designs. And if we get more than 50 entries by Friday I'll add a second prize!
October Interception is coming to a close soon.
Thanks for listening!
Direct download: Episode_76-_View_from_the_Charles.mp3
Category: general
-- posted at: 3:59pm EDT
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Mon, 12 October 2015
Thank you for tuning into Episode 75! Please visit my website at www.downcellarstudio.com
This week's segments included:
- Off the Needles
- On the Needles
- From the Armchair
- Crafty Adventures
- Events
- On a Happy Note
- Ask Me Stuff
- Pigskin Party KAL
Off the Needles
Crochet Leaves
- Yellow/Mustard- worsted- G hook
- Orange Leaf- sport weight- G hook
- Mustard Leaf- fingering- C hook
- Yarn: All leftover yarn
- Pattern: Fall Leaves by Michelle @ The Painted Hinge
- Quick, satisfying project!
- Yarn: Mia Bella. Disco Diva Base- Merino, Nylon Stellina mix. SUPER SOFT even with a good bit of sparkle.
- No pattern: Detailed notes in my project page.
- US 1 for ribbing, US 2 for body.
- Yarn: Dragonfly Fibers, Djinni Sock base (MCN)
- Needles: US 1.5
- Pattern: OMG Heel Pattern by Megan Williams
- Pattern: Amigurumi Spike the Dragon by Little Muggles
- Yarn: leftover Impeccable Loops and Threads
- Hook: G
- Pattern: Hug Monster by Linda Salant
- Yarn: White Birch Fiber arts- Electric Slide colorway- leftover from Rhinebeck socks
- Hook: C 2.75mm
- Pattern: Updated Parkskin Slippers by Joan James
- Needles: US 8
- Yarn: Cascade 220 Superwash. Hunter Green.
- Pattern: Robot Boy and Girl by Ana Paula Rimoli
- The Big Book of Little Amigurumi
- Hook: C 3.75 mm
- Yarn: Worsted weight scrap yarn
On The Needles
- Yarn: Mint Rain in Witch's Brew Colorway
- Needles: US 1.5
- Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
From the Armchair
Crafty Adventures
Sewing with Emelyn (age 11). She's preparing for a kids craft fair event. She's turning old jeans into bean bags aka Jean bags
Aila finished first weaving project. She's excited to start again! 
Events
On a Happy Note
- Met my cousins son, Montgomery, at family gathering. He was wearing sweater I made him.
- New quilt from aunt who passed away.
- At funeral was given an afghan my dad's dad's mother made. (I said, my dad's dad in the recording. That's incorrect. It was dad's maternal grandmother)
- Will and Aila sleepover
 
- Wood Chopping Weekend
   
Ask Me Stuff:
erelsi on Rav asked: Ok, this might be an odd question for most Ravelers, but… could you talk a little about how you build, manage, and use your stash?
Pigskin Party
Special thanks to headline sponsors:
Announced all prizes, and winners of September Bingo, Participation and Interception Prizes. Tune in to hear if you won!
October interception
- Knit/Crochet a stuffie, any animal, doll, creature etc.(does not necessarily have to be an actual mascot) - 100 Interception pts.
- (Optional) Knit/crochet an outfit in your favorite NFL/ College/ High School team colors for your stuffie)- Additional 100 Interception pts.
For full rules and details check out this thread.
Thanks for listening!
Direct download: Episode_75-_Wood_Chopping_Season.mp3
Category: general
-- posted at: 1:56pm EDT
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Sat, 19 September 2015
Thanks for tuning in to Episode 74! This week's segments included:
- Off the Needles
- On the Needles
- From the Armchair
- Crafty Adventures
- Knitting in Passing
- Events
- On a Happy Note
- Ask Me Stuff
- Pigskin Party KAL
Off the Needles
-
- Yarn: Freia Handpaints Fingering & Mad Color Fiber Arts
- Needles: US 7
- I added keyhole to this one because I always wear them bandana style and that helps it stay in place nicely.
- Thank you to my test knitters who are going like gangbusters on both versions!
- I blocked this using Knitter's Pride Blocking Wires
- Yarn: One Twisted Tree Prime Variegated Twist in Late Night Lite Brite Colorway
- Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
- Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams
- Pattern: Owl to Egg Reversible Toy by Susan B Anderson
- US 4 Needle- 3.5mm needles
- All leftover yarn.
- This will be a Christmas Gift for my niece Emelyn
- I added tag for my projects christmas2015 and then created a set to show those projects. 8 in there so far! Not too shabby for gift knitting without a concerted effort
- Going to make another and swap out head/body to make it an alien for Emelyn's brother Oisin.
On The Needles
- Pattern I'm making up.
- US 7 (4.5mm) needles
- Yarn:
- Oh Loops Platinum Sock- Voyage Colorway- blue
- Cascade Heritage Silk- White
- Two Guys Yarn Co- The Standard in Sock base in Summer Solstice Colorway- purple
- Pattern: Crochet Giraffe by Emma Dent
- Hook: C 2.75mm
- Yarn: Cascade 220 SW in various colors
- I suggested a blog post that has a tutorial on how to do the color change differently but it was unavailable for most of the past couple weeks. It seems to be working now, thankfully.
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- Yarn: Mia Bella
- Disco Diva Base- Merino, Nylon Stellina mix. SUPER SOFT even with a good bit of sparkle.
- No pattern: Detailed notes in my project page.
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- Yarn: Sun Valley Fibers MCN Fingering in Woodland Friends Colorway
- Needles: US 1.5 (2.5mm)
- Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
From the Armchair
Crafty Adventures
Cleaning out the studio during Labor Day weekend   Here's a little tour I posted to YouTube
Knitting in Passing
- Dan's Aunt Nancy made my Tan House Brook Shawl! I was so touched!
Events
Prize winners for Trickle Contest announced
On a Happy Note
- I shared my favorite Black Bean Burger Recipe from Pioneer Woman
- I make some modifications- I sauté the onions with red peppers first before adding to mixture. I heat the beans before I mash them. I usually add Cumin to make them a little smokey. Sometimes I'll mash up a cooked sweet potato or add quinoa. Last time I added BBQ sauce and shredded cheese inside. I use less breadcrumbs than called for-- basically just want a texture that stays together.
- My friend Devon is off on an around the world adventure! If you're curious to follow her, you can find her on her website: WhatDevonDiscovered or on Instagram
Ask Me Stuff
This week I answered questions from purplepollypocket & yarning4asmile re: learning new techniques and whether I have a favorite skein of yarn.
Pigskin Party
What is the Pigskin Party KAL? For details, check out the rules page.
- Welcome to all of our new players!
- Don't forget that most winners are announced on the podcast so be sure to tune in.
- We have a September Interception going on.
- There is always a separate thread for each Interception (generally around 1 per month).
- Enter for points in the End Zone Dance thread.
- But this year you can also enter your Interception FO in an Interception FO Thread to be entered to win a prize.
- Monday night Bingo with Lisa will be starting this Monday 9/21. Check out this thread for details.
- If you're curious to see what's going on- check out the Stats thread
- Check out the first Winner Take All Challenge
- I will be cutting off sponsor donations on Friday 9/25. On the next podcast I'll be sharing the details of the prizes donated. I will also compile the list of sponsors, links and overview of their shop in a Google Doc which I'll make available to everyone to have for reference
Thank you to our Headline Sponsors!
Coupon Codes are listed in the Down Cellar Studio Ravelry Board
Thanks for tuning in!
Direct download: Episode_74__Socks__Toys.mp3
Category: general
-- posted at: 9:45pm EDT
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Fri, 4 September 2015
Thanks for tuning in to episode 73. This week's Segments included:
- Off Needles
- On the Needles
- Crafty Adventures
- Events
- On a Happy Note
Off the Needles
Snowman Ornament #1
Hook: C 2.75 mm
- Cascade 220 Superwash in White
- Added crochet chain loop in back to make it an ornament. Made a green crocheted scarf. (Directions in pattern)
- I used safety eyes and embroidered a mouth and twig-like arms with black fingering weight yarn.
- Yarn: Knit Circus Magnificent DK- April Skies Colorway
- Needles: US 8
- First DK weight version. Made mods to suit the shorter yardage
- Really impressed with the yarn, very squishy and soft. Color progressions are beautifully done so subtle and lovely
- Hook:
- Yarn: Lion Brand- Cypress Double Crochet Washcloth
- Mods: I made this 18 stitches wide
On the Needles
- Pattern: Perfect Retreat Shawl by Susan B Anderson $6.00
- Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm)
- Yarn: Fiberstory Fave Sock in Colorway Sterling (medium gray)
- Yarn: Socks that Rock Lightweight in the Rare Gems Colorway
- Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
- Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams
- Yarn: One Twisted Tree Prime Variegated Twist in Late Night Lite Brite Colorway
- Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
- Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams
- First sock is finished. love how yarn spiral pools at the top and then does the variegated twist around the leg and foot.
- Great colors- fuschia, mustard, teal, navy
- Going to be gift for friend Laura. Saw the 3 skeins of OTT I purchased. When they arrived I posted on IG. She's been asking for socks and is very knit worthy. Didn't finish in time birthday in August but she should be coming to visit in Sept :)
- Yarn: leftover fingering weight yarn from sock
- Hook Size: D 3.0mm
- Pattern: Double Crochet Granny Square
- Started making more colored centers with scraps I received in trades at Stitch Midwest
- Pattern: Crochet Giraffe by Emma Dent
- Hook: C 2.75mm
- Yarn: Cascade 220 SW in various colors
- Ann, roocmc, suggested a blog post that has a tutorial on how to do the color change differently. Ripped out what I had and it looks much better.
- Yarn: Freia Handpaints Fingering & Mad Color Fiber Arts
- Needles: US 7
- Design nearly finished.
- If you're interested in test knitting, please PM me on Ravelry (BostonJen)
Crafty Adventures
- My friend Megg bought me a beautiful teal colored square, wooden tray with tiles to inset in it. We had all 7 of my nieces and nephews paint them!
- I've been sewing scraps of mostly Amy Butler fabrics together into a random patchwork effect. I will make this into a curtain to hide the underneath section of my desk.
- I had an impromptu night with my best friend, Kris (and niece/nephew Aila & Will) ast night. Kris started a sewing project from Aila's old dress and pajamas. I knit on my shawl and Aila worked on her weaving project.
Events
Trickle Shawl KAL
- Extended through Labor Day which is Monday 9/7 so get those entries in!
- Use a Infinite Twist kit or your own yarn
- You don’t have to finish your shawl to be eligible to win.
- Post photos of your progress and use #trickleshawl. If you’re using the Infinite Twist Trickle Kit be sure to use #tricklekit.
- Prizes:
- Two Infinite Twist yarn prizes- any who tags their photos with #trickleshawl will be eligible to win
- Those who knit with the Infinite Twist kit and use #tricklekit will be entered to win $100 gift certificate to Infinite Twist
What is the Pigskin Party KAL?
- Virtual knit-a-long that runs along the NFL football season. For any projects you complete between Sept 10 and Feb 8th, you'll earn points that make you eligible for fantastic prizes. For every 100 yards completed (in your fiber craft of choice) you earn 7 points for a touchdown. For all partial touchdown yardage you earn 3 points (field goal) |For any small finished project (less than 100 yards) earn 3 points
- There are also Special Teams points available for using sponsor products and fulfilling other challenges.
- For every 100 points you earn, you'll be entered in the drawing for one of many grand prizes graciously donated by our Sponsors
- In addition to working for your prizes- there are also prizes for just for participating. Use #DCSPigskinParty2015 on Instagram to show us what you're working on and come chat in the Down Cellar Studio Ravelry Group's Monthly Huddle Thread and you could be randomly selected
- It's never too late to sign up. Join anytime during the football season (you don't even need to be a fan to play along)
We're off to a great start this year! As today:
- 178 players on the Roster
- 24 confirmed sponsors in addition to our 10 Headline Sponsors
- 28 coupon codes
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- Special thank you to Carmen, a simplehomestead, who created a Google Worksheet and shared it with the group for easier tracking of your points.
- TarynL is starting a Fantasy Football League for those interested. Draft is September 9th so check out the thread before 9/8 to sign up :)
- I've added the Chat Room Feature to the group. If you're on the main DCS Ravelry group page, you'll now see a button that says "Chat Room." Lisa will be using this for Bingo on Monday nights but we can use it anytime. If you see someone in there, feel free to go in and chat!
- Another thing I think it would be fun to do, is to post a selfie on Instagram and tag it #DCSPigskinPartyKAL2015 so we can get to know each other.
This week I shared a little bit about each of our Headline Sponsors. Please check them out (and thank them for sponsoring this KAL
I'll tell you more about our other sponsors next time, but here are links to each of their websites
We have an enormous amount of coupon code from our very generous sponsors. Details are posted in the Ravelry group which is the best place to go to find all KAL related info.
Most good through end of 2015 of through SuperBowl Weekend but look closely at the expiration dates.
On a Happy Note
- Riley to knitting group again- she didn't do ANY knitting. She wanted to play with my friend Jenn (audio at end of the show)
- Beach day a couple weeks ago Megg's fried scallops
- Aila and Will for a sleepover- always fun! Dan had to work in the morning and they thought he was hiding to scare them. fun to listen to them chatter and plan together.
- My nephew Garret's obsession with my making slippers for my brother.
- Went to my first yoga class in ages on Monday! Felt so good to move! Still doing my PT and have to take things very slowly.
- 4 day weekend!!
- I joined Periscope. I'm BostonJen there. Come friend me!
Direct download: Episode_73-_Ready_for_Kick_Off.mp3
Category: general
-- posted at: 2:04pm EDT
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Sun, 16 August 2015
Thanks for tuning in! Check out www.downcellarstudio.com/72 for full show notes and photos.
Direct download: Episode_72-_Stitches_Midwest_Recap.mp3
Category: general
-- posted at: 8:58pm EDT
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