Thanks for tuning in to Episode 57. Today's segments included:

• Off the Needles
• On the Needles
• Brainstorming
• From the Armchair
• Events
• Contests, News & Notes
• On a Happy Note
• Quote of the Week

Off the Needles

• Elephant for Riley
  • Yarn: Cascade 220 Superwash (from stash)
  • Needles: US 5 (3.75mm)
  • Pattern: Savannah Chaps $3.99 US
  • Modifications: in the round. Judy's Magic Cast on for arms worked way to the top, stuffed, bound off sewed on.
• Conjunction Cowl
  • Pattern by Susie White- Prairie Girl Susie from Prairie Girls Knit & Spin Podcast
  • Yarn: Miss Babs Kawaeh DK
  • Needles: US 7 (4.5mm) 40 inch. Nova Cubics Platina (first time using these needles)
  • Modifications: only cast on 112 sts- fewer than called for. Decreased to 96. Didn't make it as high as called for, because its for my 10 year old niece.

On the Needles

• Dark Side of the Moon Socks
  • Yarn: Self Striping from Stacie of Must Stash Yarn-- grays with dark gray rainbow stripes! Love colors
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel socks by Megan Williams
  • Knit on these at the Patriots Game after I figured out how to smuggle them past security (I know, I'm a rebel)
• My 1st Christmas Socks
  • Yarn: Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock Lightweight- Mill End
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel socks by Megan Williams
• Autumnal Mitts
  • Pattern by Jo Bangles- free
  • Needles: US 6
  • Simple fingerless mitt pattern that only calls for 110-130 yard of DK. I've made before and love my pair. Simple cable and eyelet pattern that repeats. Goes quickly.
  • Yarn: Bijou Basin Ranch- Himalayan Trail (75% Yak down 25% merino) in the 49 Dinna fash colorway-- sent to me for review-- next episode
• Fingerless mitts (for my niece to go with the Conjunction Cowl)
  • No pattern
• Yarn: Miss Babs Kawaeh DK (Ginko= green & Perfectly Wreckless= variegated + pink - Floyd)
• Needles: US 7 (4.5mm) 40 inch. Nova Cubics Platina

Brainstorming

From the Armchair

Tune in to hear my review of the Stashbot App by Hannah Fettig. You can also check out the website about StashBot & a blog post about it. For questions or to chat, visit Hannah's Ravelry Forum.  I really like this and think its a great addition to your knitter's toolkit! Check it out!

I also reviewed project bags from The Etsy Shop Bags by Awesome Grannie. I have the Large bag and notions pouch in the Giraffe in the Garden fabric! The bag is plenty large for 3-5 skeins of yarn and your project. I love that this is a bigger than usual notions pouch (I used mine for elephant poly-fill). Her prices are great for the quality workmanship put into these bags! Definitely check it out!

Events

Thanks for tuning in to Episode 56!

 

This week's segments included:

• Off the Needles
• On the Needles
• Brainstorming
• Events
• In My Travels
• Contests, News & Notes
• On a Happy Note

 

September Socks

In My Travels: RhinebeckLeft on Friday for NY with three of my friends, Ryan, Nicole and Beverly. Stopped at a cute little restaurant in Danbury CT- Market Place. I enjoyed a yummy local IPA- Blue Point Brewing Company.

Went to dinner at Coppola's on 9 in Poughkseepie. Kind of a weird environment but the food was delicious. I am picky about tomato sauce and it was good!

Saturday:

Dinner at Market St. Restaurant. Great Burnt Venetian Martini.

Check out the Kickstarter then come over to the Down Cellar Studio Ravelry Group and tell us which color way is your favorite. The winner will be drawn after 10/31. The prize is a one-of-a-kind skein of Twist Fiber Studio Arden Bulky in the “Faded Indigo” colorway. It’s a bulky weight Merino yarn, 140 yards - 100 grams.

News:

• Maria Yarley designer behind eleganteconomyknits.com. Has a new pattern called the Graceful Pullover- Ravelry here. Donating post paypal & printing fees to a friend Bekah, a fellow knitter who recently lost her husband and needs financial support for she and her 4 children.
• Wendy, sillyfru, host of the Sassy Pants Knitter Podcast has been diagnosed with hairy cell  leukemia. Here's a link to her podcast group on Ravelry where you can find more information about how you can help support Wendy! Sending happy, healthy wishes your way, Wendy!!!

Coloring Book Yarn Socks

• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5mm)
• Yarn: Coloring Book Yarns- Colorway: September. Base- 80% merino/ 20% nylon
• Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
• Finished first sock.
• Really like OMG heel! Excited to have these finished.
• Cast on second and will be one of my take along projects for Rhinebeck

Dark Side of the Moon Socks

• I have Cascade 220 super wash from my stash all kitted up to make the elephant that's part of the Savannah Chaps pattern I talked about last time.

From the Armchair

• Tune in to hear my review of Knitters Pride Nova Platina 
  • I tried the US size 7 fixed circulars with the 40 inch cord
  • I really enjoyed these details- listen in to hear the details.
• Minerva Turkey, Shannon Gleason has a new video podcast you should check out! You can find it on her website, through her Ravelry Group  on iTunes 

Events

I've released my second design, the Aila Grace Shawl. Check it out on Ravelry.

This shawl was inspired by niece, Aila (pronounced “a-la”), a fiery red-head who packs a lot of personality into a very small package while always letting her class and beauty shine through.

The result is an easy, top down, elongated, triangular shawl that will add a punch of personality into your wardrobe while still looking classic. A great project for that single skein of fingering weight yarn you just had to buy but aren’t quite sure what to do with.

I hope you'll check it out!

Rhinebeck- NY Sheep and Wool: is this coming weekend, October 18 & 19, at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds

• Come say hello at the Podcaster Meet up Saturday 1p. Location: on the hill to the left just inside the Main Entrance
• For Fiber Event Tips- Check out this post from earlier this year,

Fall Shawl Style

• Show us your shawls and post to Instagram using wearing #fallshawl style
• This week I chose a random winner who will receive a pattern of her choice from Lisa Mutch's self published patterns. She has beautiful shawls. Be sure to check her out.

Pigskin Party KAL

• Tune in to Episode 52 if you haven’t already to hear all of the details about this KAL

Goodreader Class for Knitters

• I'm teaching at The Stitch House in Dorchester, MA on Sunday November 10 from 10a-12p. If you're local I'd love to teach you how to use this amazing iPad app to keep track of all of your knitting patterns.

Contests

 Twist Fiber Studio Kickstarter

• Check out the Kickstarter then come over to the Down Cellar Studio Ravelry Group and tell us which color way is your favorite. The winner will be drawn after 10/31. The prize is a one-of-a-kind skein of Twist Fiber Studio Arden Bulky in the “Faded Indigo” colorway.

Tune in to see if you're the winner of the Kung Fu Knits by Elizabeth Green Musselman provided to us by the Cooperative Press.

Infinite Twist Contest

• Infinite Twist has created a custom Down Cellar Studio Gradient (see below)
• This yarn works with two Infinite Twist patterns: the Log Cabin II (smaller version of the Log Cabin Shawl) which is due out in November or the Gradient Carousel shawl
• To be entered to win: go to Thread in the DCS Ravelry to check out the photo of the yarn and answer the prompt about what kind of bases you like (weight + fiber content) and what color in the Infinite Twist Helix color card you like best.

As a reminder, I'm an affiliate of Infinite Twist. If you choose to buy something from her excellent selection, please note that you were referred by Down Cellar Studio on the website- you'll receive a little bonus gift and I receive a small percentage of the sale.

On a Happy Note

• Making applesauce
• Fall foliage
• Starting to feel a bit better after this nasty cold

Quote of the Week

“I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house."

Nathaniel Hawthorne

 Thanks for listening!

• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
• Yarn: Crazy Zauberball
• Pattern: none
• Cast on first night of football for Pigskin party KAL

Coloring Book Yarn Socks

• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5mm)
• Yarn: Coloring Book Yarns- Colorway: September. Base- 80% merino/ 20% nylon
• Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams

Original OMG Heel (knit backwards: no, not on purpose)

Second OMG Heel (done correctly this time around)

Brainstorming

Wondering if your friends and family are knit worthy? Check out this blog post before you knit for someone who may not appreciate it.

From the Armchair

NH Knits is a new audio podcast hosted by Claire. She's lovely! Check out her show and Ravelry Group. 

Judy Marples & Nora Gaughan will be teaching classes in cables and lace at a Knitting Retreat in Bermuda- May 2-3 2015! For more information click here.

Fall Shawl Style

• Show us your shawls and post to Instagram using wearing #fallshawl style

Pigskin Party KAL

• Tune in to Episode 52 if you haven’t already

• All of the KAL Sponsors that have signed on so far are listed in the Prize Thread. Check out some new updates!

• I pulled the first two monthly prizes. One for Instagram participation & one for Ravelry chatter.
• Thank you to our sponsors:
  • Lauren McMordie- pattern designs
  • Java Jennie: Kitchen Counter Crafter- project bags

Contest: Check out the Kickstarter then come over to the Down Cellar Studio Ravelry Group and tell us which color way is your favorite. The winner will be drawn after 10/31. The prize is a one-of-a-kind skein of Twist Fiber Studio Arden Bulky in the “Faded Indigo” colorway. It’s a bulky weight Merino yarn, 140 yards - 100 grams.

Contest: Kung Fu Knits by Elizabeth Green Musselman provided to us by the publisher- Cooperative Press. Check out last episode's review on Episode 53. Then come enter to win an eBook copy! 

On a Happy Note

• Apple picking! My favorite day of the year! Check out my post with lots of great photos. 
• Gilmore Girls is on Netflix now! I couldn't be happier!

Thanks for tuning in! Have a good week!

Thanks for listening to Episode 53

• Off the Needles
• On the Needles
• Brainstorming
• From the Armchair
• Events
• On a Happy Note
• Quote of the Week

Off the Needles

Dan’s Leftover Socks

• Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm)
• Yarn: Leftovers of Cascade 220
• Pattern: customizing an after-thought heel sock in worsted weight yarn.

On the Needles

Purple Sparkle Legwarmers

• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
• Yarn: Hopewood Crafts
• Pattern: none, improvised. Notes in Ravelry.

Cool Clavicle Cover

• Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) (calls for US 8)
• Yarn: Another Crafty Girl Strong Sock in the Ponkie Brewster Colorway
• Pattern: Cool Clavical Cover by Megan Williams
• Addictive and fun knit. Interesting take on a traditional garter tab cast on! I recommend you check this out.

Zauberball Socks

• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
• Yarn: Crazy Zauberball
• Pattern: none
• Cast on first night of football for Pigskin party KAL

Coloring Book Yarn Socks

• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5mm)
• Yarn: Coloring Book Yarns- Colorway: September. Base- 80% merino/ 20% nylon
• Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams

Brainstorming

• Howard Hoodie
• Holiday knitting (more on that in the next episode)

From the Armchair

Announced the winner of the Knitters’ Gallery of Mitered Squares eBook. Thanks again to Cooperative Press for sponsoring this contest!

This week's book review: Kung Fu Knits by Elizabeth Green Musselman

• Elizabeth is also the host of Dark Matter Knits video podcast which I adore. Books is published by Cooperative Press. I’d like to thank them for sending this to me for review.
• This is both a comic book style story and a pattern book with 6 awesome patterns.
• I've included a snippet from my nieces Riley & Millie and my nephew Garret who thoroughly enjoyed this book! It gets a little wild and crazy at the end, but I suppose that's what happens when you ask 2, 4 & 6 year olds to be your co-hosts! Enjoy!
• The PDF is $9.95 and the Print/PDF combo is $15.95.

Contest: If you'd like to be entered to win an eBook copy of Kung Fu Knits, come over to the Down Cellar Studio Ravelry Group and enter to win!

Events

Fall Shawl Style

• Show us your shawls and post to Instagram using wearing #fallshawl style
• We had 95 posts at the time of recording!  I randomly chose a winner: instagram user FibertrekTV! Congratulations!
• Special thank you to Helen Stewart of Curious Handmade, a designer of beautiful shawls. Helen is this episode's sponsor of #fallshawlstyle

Pigskin Party KAL

• Click here for the full details
• Or tune in to Episode 52 if you haven’t already
• All of the KAL Sponsors that have signed on so far are listed in the Prize Thread

Rhinebeck- NY Sheep and Wool: October 18 & 19 at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds

On a Happy Note

• David Allen’s Getting Things Done Seminar (the GTD book is a great way to start)
• Project Life app for iPhone by Becky Higgins
• I love that it's the time of year to wear shawls, hats and socks! Hooray for knitwear!

Quote of the Week

David Allen “I am rather like a mosquito in a nudist camp; I know what I want to do, but I don’t know where to begin.”

Thanks for tuning in this week! Segments included:

• Off the Needles
• On the Needles
• Brainstorming
• From the Armchair
• Events
• On a Happy Note
• Quote of the Week

Off the Needles

Baby Monster

• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
• Yarn: Infinite Twist Helix in the Badlands Colorway
• Pattern: Leila, Lydia and Lucas (the Momma and Baby Monsters) by Rebecca Danger (I made the baby size) from The Big Book of Knitted Monsters

Mitered Squares (2)

• Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm)
• Yarn Infinite Twist Helix in a variety of colors
• Patterns used: Color Square 5 & Color Square 6 from A Knitter's Gallery of Mitered Squares: 45 Unique Designs in Color, Texture & Lace by Jill Bigelow Suttel and Jane Bigelow

I talk more about the yarn and the mitered squares pattern in From the Armchair.

On the Needles

Crazy Vanilla Socks with an After-thought Heel

• Needles: US 1.5
• Yarn: Schoppel-Wolle Crazy Zauberball in Colorway Fliederduft
• Progress: first sock done except for the heel. Second sock- just started the toe decreases

Started a hat with dk weight yarn from Fiberstory that I bought at Stitches.  Not frogged yet, but likely will be.

Dan's Leftovers Socks

• Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm)
• Yarn: Leftovers of Cascade 220
• Pattern: customizing an after-thought heel sock for Dan's size in worsted weight yarn. Details in project page on Ravelry.

Cool Clavicle Cover

• Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) (calls for US 8)
• Yarn: Another Crafty Girl Strong Sock in the Ponkie Brewster Colorway
• Pattern: Cool Clavical Cover by Megan Williams
• Addictive and fun knit. Interesting take on a traditional garter tab cast on! I recommend you check this out.

Brainstorming

Upstairs Downstairs: A Cowl in Three Sizes by Paula Emons-Fuessle $5 US pattern

• Sport Weight Cowl. Diagonal lace pattern with garter stitch border and center section
• Small size calls for 250 yards of Sport Weight Yarn. Have some special yarn in mind!

Designs: I'm working on a number of different designs right now- I have so much inspiration.  I also have a new shawl design being test knit, so I expect it to be ready shortly!

From the Armchair

Infinite Twist Yarn (Affiliate link: If you enter code "Down Cellar Studio" at check out you'll receive a cool prize pack with samples of her beautiful yarn. At no additional cost to you, I will also receive a small commission to help support the podcast)

• I encourage you to go to the Infinite Twist website and check out this video to learn more about what they do. According to their site, Infinite Twist is a "Shanghai-based yarn company run by Cate Carter-Evans. We produce socially responsible hand-spun yarns made by rural and migrant women, as well as hand-dyed mill-spun yarns."
• They offer kits, yarn & spinning wheels.
• Sign up for their newsletter to get a free pattern every month!
• Check out Cate on Instagram as InfiniteTwist

We have some really fun stuff coming up with Infinite Twist next month so stay tuned.

A Knitter's Gallery of Mitered Squares: 45 Unique Designs in Color, Texture & Lace by Jill Bigelow Suttel and Jane Bigelow 

Pricing: $18.95 Ravelry Download or click here to order a print version (with free eBook version) for $26.95

• This book provides very clear instructions about how to make mitered squares, connection them etc.
• All patterns are charted, the layout is clean and the photos are beautiful.
• There is a great variety in the 45 patterns included! There are also 4 projects included in the book.
• I really enjoyed this book and I think this is a great resource to have!

Contest: Check out the book's Ravelry page. Tell me in the contest thread in our Ravelry Group what your two favorite squares are.

Events

#fallshawlstyle

• Show me your fall shawl style! How do you wear your shawls? How do you accessorize? How can you use a shawl to really jazz up an otherwise plain outfit? I want to see!
• If you're interested in hearing more about fashion and knitting tune in to the couple most recent episodes of the Knitting Pretty Podcast! Em does a great job talking about styling knitwear.
• Come chat about it in our Ravelry Group
• To be entered to randomly win a prize- post on Instagram with the hashtag #fallshawlstyle.
  • I'll randomly pick winners from the Instagram posts.
• If your photo is especially good, I'll be in contact about featuring it on the blog!

#DCSPigSkinParty

• For details see the official page for this contest here.
• I'd like to say a very special thank you to my good friend Lisa for the concept and her support. You'll see her as a moderator in the Down Cellar Studio Ravelry Group.

On a Happy Note

• Great end to vacation (the start of which I discussed on Episode 51)
• Finished Couch to 5 K program (still not quite running 5k in 30 minutes but I'm making progress)!
• Awesome Labor Day Weekend! Knitting. My first facial. Back to School Shopping with my niece and my Mom (ran into my grandmother). Went to yoga with Mom. Went with her to purchase her new MacBook Pro!
• Two Tangled Skeins Video Podcast is running a KAL for Cool Clavicle Cover and Tan House Brook Shawl. Go check them out!

Quote of the Week

The game of life is a lot like football. You have to tackle your problems, block your fears, and score your points when you get the opportunity.

Lewis Grizzard

Thanks for tuning in! Happy Knitting and I'll talk to you soon!

Thank you for tuning in this week! This Week’s Segments Included:

• Off the Needles
• On the Needle
• Events
• In my Travels
• Close Knit Family
• On a Happy Note
  

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Off the Needles

Shawl for Grammy

• Yarn: Lotus Yarns Silky Cashmere Fingering 400 yards of 55% silk, 45% Mongolian Cashmere in a very light tan color (#16)
• US 5 needles
• Pattern: new design still to be tweaked further

On the Needles

• Crazy Vanilla Socks with an After-thought Heel
  • Needles: US 1.5
  • Yarn: Schoppel-Wolle Crazy Zauberball in Colorway Fliederduft

• Purple Sparkle Legwarmers
  • Needles: US 1.5
  • Yarn: Hopewood Crafts in Colorway Purple Smoke Baptista

Split into 2 cakes. Cast on 48 stitches with US 1.5 needles. Couple inches of ribbing and then stockinette for about 16 inches. Great travel knitting for Stitches Midwest.

Events

Contest:  eBook copy of Knits that Breathe: 12 Breezy Projects to Keep you Cool by Julie Turjoman. We had 61 entries! Thanks for entering. Tune in to see if you won, and if you did, please contact me on Ravelry.

In my Travels

Discussion of Stitches Midwest. For more check out these posts:

• The Yarn
• The People
• First Impressions & The Market

Close Knit Family

During our most recent pool day, I was knitting on my Zauberball socks and my niece, Riley wanted to knit too! I helped a little, but mostly she wanted to work with Auntie Krissy! It was great to see two of my favorite people knitting together!

My nephew Garret informed me his slippers are too small. He needs new ones that will fit his feet! Adding that to the Christmas knitting list.

On a Happy Note

Couch to 5k Running Progress: I'm currently on Week 8. I'm running 25-28 minutes at a time- still can't believe it. I find I do better when I run every 2-3 days instead of taking off 4-5 days in between runs.

Vacation pool days!

Garret figured out how to do a flip off the diving board (at the ripe old age of 4)

We spent a day at Roger William's Zoo then visiting a local dairy for ice cream!

Stitch Fix: for the first time I kept all 5 items. I found that my stylist really incorporated all of  the feedback I gave from previous shipments and it paid off! More details to follow in an upcoming blog post. If you're interested in trying it out, please consider using my referral code.

If you enjoyed this show or learned something from me today, I'd ask to you to please take a moment of your time to leave a star rating or quick review on iTunes to help others find the show too!

Happy Knitting! Talk to you soon!

Thank you for tuning in! Check out the full show notes at www.downcellarstudio.com (MY NEW WEBSITE)

This Week’s Segments Included:

• Off the Needles
• On the Needle
• From the Armchair
• Events
• In my Travels
• Crafty Adventures
• On a Happy Note

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Off the Needles

Rainton Hat

• by Katya Frankel from the Head to Toe: Kids’ Knit Accessories Book that I reviewed in Episode 38
• Calls for Aran weight and US 6 (4.0 mm) needles. I used Cascade 220 Superwash in the Mystic Purple Colorway. I still used US 6 needles. Followed directions for the 18” circumference.

On the Needles

Shawl for Grammy

• Yarn: Lotus Yarns Silky Cashmere Fingering 400 yards of  55% silk, 45% Mongolian Cashmere in a very light tan color (#16)
• US 5 needles
• Pattern: new design not yet release

From the Armchair

The Killing (tv show), particularly Seasons 1 & 2. Both available on Netflix.

Hell on Wheels (tv show still running on AMC). Just returned with Season 4 this week.

Events

Thank you for participating in the Tan House Brook Shawl KAL! We had 53 entries and 4 great winners. Tune in to see if you won! 

Michelle from Actually Knitting Podcast is running an interesting KAL right now called a PAL KAL. A podcast-a-long knit-a-long. It runs July 1 -Sept 1. Rules: The design, yarn or fiber must be from a knitting/crochet/fiber podcaster. (Not all 3, just one of those to qualify). For more details, check out the Actually Knitting Podcast Group.

Contest: Put in your name to be entered to win an eBook copy of Knits that Breathe: 12 Breezy Projects to Keep you Cool by Julie Turjoman.

Check out the thread in the Down Cellar Studio Ravelry Group to enter.

I'll be attending Stitches Midwest  August 7-10 in Shaumburg, IL

In my Travels

Prep for Stitches Midwest: Check out this post for my tips on how to be prepared to fully enjoy Stitches Midwest or your next fibery adventure!

Crafty Adventures

If you're here perhaps you've heard that my latest crafty adventure was building this new website. I hope you'll like it over here! My goal is to have blog posts 5 days a week with a mix of crafty and lifestyle content.

I would LOVE to hear what YOU want to hear and see from me. If you could take less than 5 minutes to complete this survey, I'll do my best to include the things you're interested in

On a Happy Note

• Couch to 5k Running Progress:  I'm currently on Week 6
  
• I caught a One Twisted Tree Update- Danie from Prairie Girls Knit and Spin Podcast.
  
• I have some new iTunes reviews from the month of July. Thank you to BlueJeep & Tatooedcat!

THANK YOU for listening!

If you enjoyed this show or learned something from me today, I'd ask to you to please take a moment of your time to leave a star rating or quick review on iTunes to help others find the show too!

Happy Knitting!

Talk to you soon!

Thank you for tuning in! Today we have lots of knitting (including 2 FOs!), some upcoming travel and some family stories. Check out the show notes here.

Sorry for the issue with the first upload of this episode. Hopefully all is well now. Thanks for tuning in. Lots of FOs to discuss on this show. Some more Down Cellar Studio Progress and lots of other fun stuff.

Thanks as always for tuning in! I appreciate the download. If you're enjoying the show I'd greatly appreciate a star rating or review on iTunes!

Happy Knitting!