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!

Grandchild Birthstone Shawl

• 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.

Riley's Christmas Mittens & Millie's Christmas Mittens

• 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

From the Armchair 

• Master of None- on Netflix
•  Kino Knits Podcast 
•  Serial is back on! Slate Serial Spoiler Special  & Crime Writers on Serial are related podcasts you may want to check out
• I shared my thoughts about gift knitting/crafting and why I spend time on it. I also shared my tips for making the most out of your gift knitting if you have a long list that you want to accomplish.

Crafty Adventures

Events

Contest News & Notes

 

• Contest: Come over to the One Twisted Tree Contest Thread in the DCS Ravelry Group- enter to win.

News

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. 

• I’m taking a shawl design class on Friday with Susan B Anderson and attending the Market on Saturday.

• 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: Berry Colorful Yarning. Saturated Sock Self-Striping. In the Pats colorway
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5mm)

• Saturday afternoon-podcaster meet-up! Details to come!

Contests, News & Notes

• 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)

• Donita’s Sewing Rack
• Freckled Whimsey
• KerriKnits Designs
• Lilliput Yarn
• MyMuddlings
• One Twisted Tree
• Prairie Bag Works
• Soap-a-licious
• Suburban Stitcher
• Yarn Geek Fiber

• Vogue Knitting Live- January 15-17, New York City
• Stitches West- February 18-21 in Santa Clara, CA 

What is the Pigskin Party KAL?

• 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!

Halloween Socks

• Yarn: Mint Rain in Witch's Brew Colorway
• Needles: US 1.5
• Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams 

• Donita’s Sewing Rack- project bags
• Freckled Whimsey  project bags
• KerriKnits Designs- patterns
• Lilliput Yarn  yarn
• MyMuddlings   project bags
• One Twisted Tree  yarn
• Prairie Bag Works  project bags
• Soap-a-licious soaps and lotions
• Suburban Stitcher  project bags
• Yarn Geek Fiber yarn

• 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.

• Gradient Shawl v4

  • 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

• Around the Table Podcast
• Mystery Show Podcast
• Undisclosed 
• Serial Dynasty

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
  

Perfect Retreat Shawl 

• 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)

Stitches Midwest 2015 Socks

• Yarn: Socks that Rock Lightweight in the Rare Gems Colorway
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
• Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams
  

Late Night Lite Brite Socks

• 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 :)
  

Sock Yarn Blanket

• 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
  

Crochet Giraffe 

• 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.

Gradient Shawl v4

• 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

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)

• 178 players on the Roster
• 24 confirmed sponsors in addition to our 10 Headline Sponsors
• 28 coupon codes

• • 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.

• Donita's Sewing Rack
• Freckled Whimsey
• KerriKnits Designs
• Lilliput Yarn
• MyMuddlings
• One Twisted Tree
• Prairie Bag Works
• Soap-a-licious
• Suburban Stitcher
• Yarn Geek Fiber

Kino Knits 
MediaPeruana Designs 
Brenda Castiel Designs 
Knitty kitty  Bags 
The Little Mount Yarn Co. 
Sarah Shoo 
Paula Emons-Fuessle 
Berry Colorful Yarnings 
Pearl of the Pacific 
Noel Margaret 
Just Run Knit 
Jennifer Lassonde Designs 
Knitters Brewing Company 
Jan B Smiley 
KnittingsMyBag 
Infinite Twist 
Nomad Yarns 
Sunsoaked Yarns 
Sun Valley Fibers 
The Tangled Skein 
LaLa’s Knits 
Oh! Loops Yarn & Lydia Brown Designs 
The Tangled Skein CA 
Luv Knots

1. Berry Colorful Yarnings: 10% off any order including custom orders and kits
2. Brenda Castiel Designs 20% off any self-published patterns  Good Stuff Crafts- $5 off
3. Donita’s Sewing Rack 10% off any purchase
4. Freckled Whimsey 10% off any purchase of $20 or more
5. Infinite Twist Free Mini-skeins with purchase
6. Jan B Smiley- 10% off $25 purchase through 11/1
7. Just Run Knit- Megan William Designs 50% off any one check out (can purchase multiple patterns, but code is good once per person) thru Halloween
8. Kerri Knits Designs 25% off self published patterns
9. Kino Knits 25% off any Kino Knits pattern
10. Knitters Brewing Company 10% off purchase
11. KnittingsMyBag 20% off your entire purchase
12. Knitty kitty Bags 20% off purchase
13. Laura Linneman Designs- LaLa’s Knits  25% off purchase
14. Lilliput Yarn 15% off anything in the shop
15. The Little Mount Yarn Co. 15% off any order
16. Luv Knots 15% off your purchase
17. Lucia Pane (Pearl of the Pacific) Designs 10% off your purchase in Ravelry store
18. MediaPeruana Designs 25% off any self-published patterns thru Halloween
19. MyMuddlings 15% off any purchase
20. Noel Margaret Designs 15% off any self published patterns
21. Nomad Yarns Free shipping and free Football Head knitting pattern with every order
22. Soap-a-licious 15% off entire purchase
23. Suburban Stitcher 25% off your purchase
24. Sunsoaked Yarns 10% off purchase of at least $10 through Halloween 
25. Sun Valley Fibers 15% off purchase 
26. The Tangled Skein-CA 10% off your purchase- no minimum purchase required
27. Yarn Geek Fiber 10% off the total purchase

• 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!

• Crochet Pattern of same name by Justine Dalipe
• Hook: D
• Yarn: leftover Berrocco Vintage from stash
• Will calls him Rock n Rolla (after Pokemon character Roggenrola)
  

• Yarn: Miss Babs Kawaeh (leftovers in stash)
• Pattern: Best Bunny by Lion Brand
• Hook: D
• Pink body, face and limbs. Perfectly wreckless for ears. Safety eyes
• Friend's daughter's first birthday

• {This is a working title for new shawl design}
• Needles: US 7
• Yarn: Fiber Optic Kashmir, 420 yard set gradient- MCN base

• Yarn: Cascade 220 SW in various colors
• Pattern: Baby Owl by Little Muggles
• Hook: C

• Yarn: Opal Sweet & Spicy in colorway 8613 Zuckerstreusel
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
• Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams
• Cast on 56

Sock Yarn Blanket

• Yarn: leftover fingering weight yarn from sock & Plymouth Select DK (white)
• Hook Size: D& H
• Pattern: Double Crochet Granny Square
• 71 squares complete for Stash Dash
  • DK- used 142g (2.6 yards per gram)= 369.2 yards = 337 meters
  • Fingering (basing it on 400 yards to 100 grams) (4 yards per gram)- used 142 grams- 568 yards = 519 yards
  • Total: 865 meters
• I used the Citric Acid soak method with instructions from the Knitmore Girls on the colorful centers before adding white

Dan's Dress Socks

• Yarn: Dragonfly Fibers Djinni Sock in Rocky Top colorway (browns, navy, bit of dark green)
• Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5mm)

• Participating in Stash Dash- Knit Girllls Podcast
  • I have knit/crocheted 4695 meters (not including my Electric Slide socks which I need to weigh)!
  • I should be able to make my 5k goal!
• 2015 Down Cellar Studio Pigskin Party Knit-a-Long [September 10-February 8]
  • I'll review all of the rules and details on the next episode and will post them here on the website.
    • All 10 of our Headline Sponsor spots have been filled.
  • I'm still accepting prizes for participating and Interceptions so if you'd like to be a sponsor, check out this post for all of the details. We'd love to have you on the team.
• Stitches Midwest- August 6-9 in Shaumburg, IL
  • Podcaster Meet up will be Saturday from 1-2p in the Nirvana B room on the second level of the convention center. Check out this thread for more details.
  • I'm taking a class!: Plug it in, Plug it in with Candace Eisner Strick
• I'll be teaching my GoodReader Class at the Stitch House in Dorchester on Sunday August 23 from 10a-12 noon
• Greater Boston Yarn Crawl will be held: Thursday 9/17 through Sunday 9/20. There are 17 shops participating. I need to check my calendar. Let me know if you're going!

• 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

• I took Riley (7 years old) to my local knitting group last week when I was on vacation. She loved it and wanted to share some audio with you. 
  

• Update on Achilles - the boot is off. I need to do 4-6 weeks of physical therapy next
  
• Vacation was GREAT!
• Will & Aila sleepover from Sunday-Tuesday, Tuesday was Will's 8th birthday.  I decorated the kitchen and put a candle in his waffle. The kids thought that was great!
• On Will's birthday we went to Legoland! He and Aila had SO much fun! They shared audio too!
• Friday-Sunday I got to hang out with my friends Amy, Nicki & Ryan. So fun!