Mon, 30 July 2018
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 142 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week's segments included: - Off the Needles
- On the Needles
- Brainstorming
- From the Armchair
- In my Travels
- KAL News
- Events
- Life in Focus
- On a Happy Note
- Quote of the Week
Off the Needles - Pattern: Hibernate Blanket (free crochet pattern) by Yarnspirations Design Studio
- Hook: K (6.5 mm)
- Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Bulky (gray- 7 skeins- used 6 ) & Knitters Brewing Company fingering (24-30g each of red, orange, yellow, green blue and purple).
- Simple two row repeat.
- 14 rows of color. 4 plain gray.
- Total: 1224 meters
3 fingering weight yarns held together. Mint rain self striping. Two mystery skeins in Stash - H hook and I hook
- crocheted in a circle. Added a tie on each side to tie under pan. Can pack and not scratch the surface of the pan
- 46 grams. 168.4 meters worked up in about a half hour.
- Yarn: Lane Cervinia Forever (75% wool, 25% nylon)
- Pattern: Non-Euclidian heel by Sarah Jordan
- Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
Current Stash Dash Total: 10,338.3 On the Needles - Yarn: leftovers and mini skeins (fingering weight yarn)
- Hook: C yarn
- Inspiration: BetsyMakes Project
- Yarn: Paton’s Kroy Stripes in the Slate Jacquard colorway + black
- Pattern: Non-Euclidian heel by Sarah Jordan
- Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
- Yarn: Patons Kroy stripes in the Landscape Stripes Colorway
- Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
- Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan WIlliams
- I purchased most of my Paton's Kroy Yarn from Craftsy
- Yarn: Socks that Rock Lightweight (colorway unknown)
- Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
- Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
- Pattern: Construction Zone by Heidi Kirrmaier
- Yarn: Tempting Ewe Yarns Luxe Aran (90% Merino/10% Silk) in the Grey Goose Colorway. 2 skeins 340 yards total
- Needles: US 9 | 5.5 mm
- Knit this last year but am lengthening it with crochet + fingering weight yarn
- Pattern: Dawn to Dusk Triangle Scarf by Jess Coppom (free crochet pattern)
- Hook: H 5.0mm
- Yarn: Lion Brand Mandala in the Pegasus colorway
Brainstorming - I'd like to make some more crocheted circles for my Aunt' Camp to use between her pots.
- Reviewing my Stash Dash plans and schemes.
- I want to make all of the blankets!!!
From the Armchair Crafternoon Treats video podcast on Youtube hosted by Kathryn in the UK. Mostly Crochet some knits too i think. Must Love Yarn video podcast on YouTube hosted by Angela and Kelly who own an online shop & store in Shelburne, VT. Wool Hands Needlesvideo podcast on YouTube hosted by Tayler Earl, dyer behind Fiber for the people. Beautiful video quality, talks about knitting in the news, fun KALs etc. In My Travels KAL News "Courage doesn't mean you never feel afraid. It simply means you choose NOT to let your fear control you and step forward anyway." -Allanah Hunt ------ Thank you for tuning in. If you have a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, I'd greatly appreciate it. I can be found on Ravelry as BostonJen and I'd love it if you came ov
Direct download: Episode_142_-_10k_yarn_33mi_kayaking.mp3
Category: general
-- posted at: 8:23pm EDT
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Tue, 17 July 2018
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 141 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full Show Notes can be found on my website. This week's segments included: - Off the Needles
- On the Needles
- Brainstorming
- From the Armchair
- KAL News
- Contest, News & Notes
- Life in Focus
- On a Happy Note
- Quote of the Week
Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Prairie Bag Works, Lilliput Yarn, Stitched by Jessalu and Plum Deluxe Off the Needles - Yarn: Lion Brand Mandala in the Serpent Colorway
- Hook: H (5 mm)
- Pattern: Dawn to Dusk Triangle Scarf by Jess Coppom (Free crochet pattern)
- 490.5 meters
- Yarn: Lion Brand Mandala in the Spirit Colorway (#212)
- Hook: H (5 mm)
- Pattern: Dawn to Dusk Triangle Scarf by Jess Coppom (Free crochet pattern)
- 533.6 meters
Baby Barefoot Flower Sandals - Pattern: Baby Barefoot Flower Sandals by Esther Chandler (free crochet pattern)
- Yarn: leftover fingering weight yarn
- Hook: C and one marked 0 (very old hook)
- Link to first pair & second pair
- 6 grams each: 49.8 meters total
- Pattern: JustRight and BigTime Dishcloth by Deborah Ellis (free crochet pattern)
- Yarn: Lily Sugar and Cream held with Aunt Lydia's crochet cotton #10
- Hook: I
- Cotton thread almost gives it a subtle scrubbly quality.
- Green one: 73.9 meter
- Cream one: 69 meters
I also made 4 other dishcloths using Sugar and Cream cotton yarn in various patterns. 160 more meters - Yarn: We Are Knitters The Cotton In Salmon Pink
- Hook: F
- Pattern: Easy Breezy Swim cover up
- Used 4.3 skeins- 911.6 meters, 430 grams
- Yarn: Paton’s Kroy Stripes in the Dads Jacquard colorway
- Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
- Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
Stash Dash Total as of this episode: 8662.4 meters! On the Needles - Yarn: Lane Cervinia Forever (75% wool, 25% nylon)
- Pattern: Non-Euclidian heel by Sarah Jordan
- Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
- Yarn: Paton’s Kroy Stripes in the Slate Jacquard colorway + black
- Pattern: Non-Euclidian heel by Sarah Jordan
- Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
- Adding black to make it go further
- Pattern: Hibernate Blanket (free crochet pattern) by Yarnspirations Design Studio
- Hook: K (6.5 mm)
- Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Bulky (gray- 7 skeins) & Knitters Brewing Company fingering (24-30g each of red, orange, yellow, green blue and purple).
Brainstorming - Another Hibernate blanket. I'd like to re-finish the bottom of my Swoncho (I'm adding length), and the 2 crochet stockings before I head out on vacation in August.
- I'm thinking ahead for a trip coming up in August: Parallel bars crochet shawl and maybe the Beloved: Bonnet pattern by Tin Can Knits.
From the Armchair Two new podcasts I'm enjoying a lot right now: In my Travels - Dan and I went back up NH to my cousin's lake house this weekend. We visited with my cousin Meagan who was up from Florida. We kayaked. I walked, and knit and crocheted... just what I needed to clear my head during this busy month.
KAL News Life in Focus I described swapping out one of my 18 in 2018 goals for doing a "No spend" month in July. On a Happy Note - I tried stand up paddle boarding. Fun!
- Fourth of July -pool day fun!
- fireflies --we have so many this year. Do you!?
- I had fun taking my niece Hattie’s 5 month photos. Thought broke lens but it was just my UV filter. PSA get one! $8 on Amazon probably saved me $300.
- I talked about adding more structure back into my healthy eating and exercise habits and how much I'm loving that!
- Work is nuts right now. But there's a lot of good that will come out of it and the insanity will die down soon enough! Thank goodness I can still knit on a conference call from time to time. It saves my sanity.
Quote of the Week Treat people as if they were what they ought to be, and you help them to become what they are capable of being. – Goethe ------ Thank you for tuning in!
Direct download: Episode_141_-_Summer_Overwhelm.mp3
Category: general
-- posted at: 8:23pm EDT
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Fri, 29 June 2018
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 140 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. For full show notes including photos go to my website: www.downcellarstudio.com/140 This week's segments included: - Off the Needles
- On the Needles
- Brainstorming
- From the Armchair
- Knitting in Passing
- In my Travels
- KAL News
- Events
- On a Happy Note
- Quote of the Week
Off the Needles - Pattern: Granny Square Christmas Stockings from Family Circle Magazine 1977
- Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Red, Everglade Heather and White
- Hook: F (3.75 mm)
- Made for my cousin Kara who is expecting a baby girl in August!
- 458 meters
- Yarn: Knitting Fever KFI Luxury Collection Indulgence Cashmere in Colorway 601
- Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm)
- Pattern: OMG Heel sock
- 252 meters
- Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted in the Tranquil Colorway
- Hook: C
- Pattern: Small Alien by Kristi Tullus
- 48 meters
- Pattern: Riley Rose by Jennifer Lassonde
- Yarn: Hikoo by Skacel Simpliworsted in Aqua Mint, Deep Turquoise, Gypsy Red and White
- Needles: US 10 1/2 (6.5 mm)
- 368.7 meters
- Woolbearer's Gradient Sets- combined two gradient sets, using 8 of the 10 mini skeins
- Hook: H
- 832 meters
- Yarn: Twisted Owl Fiber Studio 2-ply Sock (80/20 SW Merino Nylon) in the Poison Ivy Colorway
- Pattern: Non-Euclidian Heel by Sarah Jordan
- Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)
- Cast on 56 stitches with 1x1 twisted rib.
- 1st sock cuff down Non-Euclidian
- 2nd sock test knit toe up version of this pattern- went well!
- 299.9 meters
5730.6 Meters for the Stash Dash KAL On the Needles - Yarn: Patons Kroy stripes in the Landscape Stripes Colorway
- Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
- Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
- Yarn: Patons Kroy stripes in the Slate Jacquard Colorway
- Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
- Pattern: Non-Euclidian Heel by Sarah Jordan
- Yarn: leftovers and mini skeins (fingering weight yarn)
- Hook: C yarn
- Plan: 3 large granny squares, bordered with cream or gray (TBD), 4-5 rows
- Inspiration: BetsyMakes Project
- Yarn: Lion Brand Mandala in the Serpent Colorway 150g/ 590 yards. 100% Acrylic DK
- Hook: H (5 mm)
- Pattern: Dawn to Dusk Triangle Scarf by Jess Coppom (Free crochet pattern)
- I messed up on the decrease side (apparently I was ready to stop the row half way through and didn't realize it for a bit so I eventually had to rip that back)
- Yarn: We Are Knitters The Cotton In Salmon Pink
- Hook: F
- Pattern: Easy Breezy Swim cover up
Brainstorming - I'd like to add some single color shawlettes for spring and summer in my wardrobe. I also have these 2 beautiful skeins of worsted weight wool/mohair yarns from my friends for my birthday. Any suggestions? Let me know in the Ravelry group
- Stuff I brought to Camp:
- Crochet Market Bag
- Easy Breezy Swim Cover Up in progress
- Thinking ahead to lengthening my ninilchik swoncho which I ripped back in March or April thinking it would be too warm to wear (wrong). Looked at project pages for ideas for adding short rows in back. Didn't find any but I did find a link in pattern page by KnitWit50 on how to have a better transition between stockinette and ribbing that I'm excited to try.
- Check out photo in the Tech Knitter Blog Post. It really does look much cleaner and evens out the knit stitches that trail down into the ribbing
From the Armchair B.A. Paris books - psychological thrillers loved both Behind Closed Doors and the Breakdown. I listened to audiobooks through my library using Overdrive App Knitting in Passing At Dan’s cousin’s lake house, a 20 year old construction worker tested out his childhood knitting skills on my sock. In my Travels - Staying at my cousin’s lake house for a few days while she’s away
- Two long kayak trips. 6 miles and 8 miles. Very windy
- Hanging out with the neighbors
- Out for a walk most mornings. Dan came with me yesterday.
KAL News On a Happy Note - Ballroom dance and Sombreros
- new charm for my necklace to include Hattie
- girls recital. Reese’s birthday party
- Father’s Day cookout at my parents. Riley made outfits for barbies outnof used latex balooons. Posted on Instagram
- Oisín 10th birthday party. Video game truck.
“People that feel happy, successful, and fulfilled by their lives and work all have one thing in common: they feel as though they are making progress on something that matters...what I do, as stupid as it sounds, is I don’t focus on balancing everything. I focus on just making sure I make progress on one thing a day. That’s right you heard me, just one thing a day that matters to me. Now, if I can make progress on one thing a day that matters to me, then I can let go and let the rest of my day get hijacked by kids, by my spouse, by phone calls, by emails, by social media, by all kinds of things that come up and tend to hijack your day when you are a busy person.” ------ Thank you for tuning in!
Direct download: Episode_140_-_62918_9.21_PM.mp3
Category: general
-- posted at: 9:36pm EDT
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Tue, 12 June 2018
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 139 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found at www.downcellarstudio.com/139 This week's segments included: - Off the Needles
- On the Needles
- Brainstorming
- From the Armchair
- Knitting in Passing
- In my Travels
- KAL News
- Events
- On a Happy Note
- Quote of the Week
Off the Needles - Yarn: Bergere de France Goomy 50 - Imprim Beige
- Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)
- Pattern OMG Heel by Megan Williams
- 283 meters
- Yarn: Patons Kroy Stripes: Coastal Stripes
- Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
- Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
- 273 meters
- Yarn: Leftovers of black, white, gray, orange, yellow, tan
- Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
- Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
- 302 meters
- Pattern by: Daisy Farm Crafts (blog)
- Yarn: Sprightly Acrylic Worsted Yarn from Craftsy in Navy, White and Silver Grey
- Washed and dried the finished blanket in washing machine. It's so squishy soft!
- 926 meters
- Yarn: Bergere de France Goomy 50 in the Imprim Bleu colorway
- Pattern: OMG Heel
- Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)
- 296 meters
- Yarn: Sprightly Acrylic Worsted (Craftsy)
- Needles: US 6 & US 8
- Pattern: Barley Hat by Tin Can Knits
- 59 meters (1/3 of the skein)
- Yarn: Dragonfly Fibers Djinni in the Rocky Top Colorway
- Needles: US 1.5
- Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
- Reknit toe after it developed a hole
- 368.7 meters
- Yarn: Dancing Dog Dyeworks Twist Sock in the Holly Jolly colorway
- Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
- Pattern: Fish Lips Kiss Heel
- 252 meters
3840 meters for Stash Dash as of this recording On the Needles - Yarn: Woolbearer's Gradient Sets purchased at Vogue Knitting Live a couple years ago. 5 mini skeins, 700 yards fingering Put two sets together using 8 of the 10 mini skeins. (140 yards per mini x 8= 1120 yards)
- Pattern: Dragon Belly Shawl (free crochet pattern)
- H hook
- Yarn: Twisted Owl Fiber Studio in the Poison Ivy Colorway (red/green variegated)
- Pattern: Non-Euclidian Heel
- Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)
Brainstorming From the Armchair Margaret from Teaching Your Brain to knit came over to the Episode 134 thread to say-- "Thanks for the shout out for the TYBTK podcast. Since we recorded that episode about colorwork I discovered Roxanne Thanks for sharing, Margaret!! Knitting in Passing Man on the train one morning ask- how many things do you make in a year. First time I’ve gotten that one. Funny timing since I’m in productivity mode right now. Maybe that was all over my face. He and the women he was standing with seemed to know I was crocheting but it got her talking about a mutual friend whom she described as a rabid knitter. He didn’t seem to think those terms jived. But I assumed him there were many of us out there. In My Travels - I had a fun night visiting a local brewery- Barrel House Z- with my knitting friends a couple weeks ago.
- I made a trip to the Pints & Purls (Thursday night event) at Gather Here in Cambridge, MA
KAL News Slay the Stash 2018 - Each month you can declare a skein of yarn to knit/crochet/weave to its very end. Let’s use up those older special skeins that are soooo pretty we don’t want to touch them. In 2018, we are turning those sacred skeins into beautiful projects you can enjoy-- and maybe win a new beautiful skein of yarn from one of our sponsors along the way! Full details and rules can be found here.
- June Post
- Check the show notes to see if you won in the month of May.
- Use and follow #slaythestash2018 on Social Media
- Don't forget you can double dip with Splash Pad Party, Stash Dash or any other KAL you participate in as long as you meet criteria.
Slay the Stash 2018: Sponsor List The Splash Pad Party KAL Runs June 1-July 31 Pro Shop Sponsors - AdoreKnit
- Celestial Sews
- Designs of Acadia
- Fibernymph Dye Works
- Just Run Knit Designs
- Knit Circus Yarns
- Knit Style Yarns
- Knits4comfort
- Knitters Brewing Company
- Lilliput Yarn
- Love Bird Lane
- Pearl and Plum
- Plum Deluxe
- Prairie Bag Works
- A Simple Homestead
- Stitched by Jessalu
- Sunsoaked Yarns
- Twisted Owl Fiber Studio
- Yarnandewe
- YumiYarns
Snack Shack - Be Ewe Fibers
- Brenda Castiel Designs & Good Stuff Crafts
- Daizie Knits
- Heddi Craft Designs
- Imagined Landscapes
- Jennifer Lassonde Designs
- Knit/Wit Designs
- Knit-by-Bit Designs
- Knitty by Nature Shop
- Progress Keepers by Meliabella
- Mrs U Makes
- Remade by Hand
- V Yarn
- Windswept Designs
Events 2018 Box O' Balls Round Robin Mini Swap: sign up anytime during 2018. Shipping cost of $13.50 (within US; have option to send Internationally) The contents will include: at least 20 mini yarn balls (each ball will be minimum of 5g/ 20 yards) to choose from, a handwritten note or card and a small gift. Find all of the details in this thread in the Ravelry Group. On a Happy Note - Dan and I are taking ballroom dance lessons
- I've been freshening up our deck where we spend a lot of time in summer- I bought a new rug and a table at a yard sale.
- Birthday weekend fun included Riley and Millie's dance recitals, lunch with my family and drinks with friends at another friend's surprise party.
- My friend Claire gifted me some handspun from her sister who is a new spinner
- I took some photos of my niece Hattie is is now 4 months old
- Loveable boys- I share stories about my nephew Oisin and our friend's son, EJ!
Quote of the Week "Every man makes his own summer. The season has no character of its own, unless one is a farmer with a professional concern for the weather. Circumstances have not allowed me to make a good summer for myself this year... My summer has been overcast by my own heaviness of spirit. I have not had any adventures, and adventures are what make a summer." -Robertson Davies, "Three Worlds, Three Summers," The Enthusiasms of Robertson Davies ------ Thank you for tuning in! Contact Information:
Direct download: Episode_139__Dancing_into_Summer_Fun.mp3
Category: general
-- posted at: 7:49pm EDT
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Tue, 29 May 2018
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 138 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website: www.downcellarstudio.com/138 This week's segments included: - Off the Needles
- On the Needles
- Brainstorming
- From the Armchair
- Crafty Adventures
- In my Travels
- KAL News
- Events
- On a Happy Note
- Quote of the Week
Off the Needles - Pattern: Gradient Angles by Janice Hamby
- Yarn: Infinite Twist Helix: Colors= Spooky Purple, African Violet, Mona Lisa, Tickled, Sakura, Anthurium (purples, pinks into peach)
- Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm)
- 491.4 meters
- Yarn: Paintbox Sock yarn in the Rainbow stripe colorway
- Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) and US 1 (2 mm)
- Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
- Notes: Cast on 56 with US 1.5 needles. Feeling a little too big. Instead of ripping back, I switched to US 1 needles. Second sock knit on US 1.
- 288.9 meters
- Pattern: Non-Eucilidian by Sarah Jordan
- Yarn: Olann Hand Dyed in Ireland Sock Lite in the Pewter Colorway
- Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
- Cast on 60, went down to 56 stitches.Second sock cast on 56 sts.
- 297.6 meters
I created a Tab in Ravelry. I tag each FO that I finish during stash dash with stashdash18 and then set up a tab that pulls all projects with that tag. - Stash Dash Total to date: 1,076 meters in 3 projects
On the Needles - Pattern: Riley Rose by Jennifer Lassonde
- Yarn: Hikoo by Skacel Simpliworsted in Aqua Mint, Deep Turquoise, Gypsy Red and White
- Needles: US 10 1/2 (6.5 mm)
Christmas Stockings - 3 to do in 2018. One for my cousin Kara who is expecting a baby girl in August! 2 for out of state cousins Noelle & Noah
- Pattern: Granny Square Christmas Stockings from Family Circle Magazine 1977
- Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Red, Everglade Heather and White
- Hook: F (3.75 mm)
- All 3 have been crocheted together. ready to start cuff.
- 170 grams used before the cuff.
- Yarn: leftovers and mini skeins (fingering weight yarn)
- Hook: C yarn
- Plan: 3 large granny squares, bordered with cream or gray (TBD), 4-5 rows
- Inspiration: BetsyMakes Project
- I've added the border on 2 squares. The weight of a finished square after 3 rounds of border is 60-62 grams.
- Pattern by: Daisy Farm Crafts (blog)
- Yarn: Sprightly Acrylic Worsted Yarn from Craftsy in Navy, White and Silver Grey
- Chained 148 bigger hooked than called for. love the fabric I don't love crocheting through the back loop only but I do love the effect.
Brainstorming From the Armchair Two audiobooks I enjoyed recently Crafty Adventures - I shared a #the100dayproject update and talked about work on 2 of my current Scrapbooking Projects- my 2017 and 2018 Week in the Life Albums
In My Travels - Dan and I went camping in Thompson CT this weekend.We kayaked on West Thompson Lake and in Quinbaug River. We collected 53 pieces of trash on our way back. I found a baby doll! freaked me out (especially after listening to hours of My Favorite Murder.
So thankful this was a doll floating in the river! KAL News ------ Thank you for tuning in!
Direct download: Episode_138__Socks_Shawls__Baby_Dolls.mp3
Category: general
-- posted at: 9:47pm EDT
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Tue, 15 May 2018
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 137 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website: www.downcellarstudio.com/137 This week's segments included: - On the Needles
- Brainstorming
- Crafty Adventures
- KAL News
- Events
- Life in Focus
- Ask Me Anything
- On a Happy Note
- **Bonus Audio at the end of Riley and Aila
On the Needles Large Granny Square Blanket -
Yarn: leftovers and mini skeins (fingering weight yarn) -
Hook: C yarn -
Plan: 3 large granny squares, bordered with cream or gray (TBD), 4-5 rows -
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Finished 4th Squares & blocked them Christmas Stockings -
3 to do in 2018. One for my cousin Kara who is expecting a baby girl in August! 2 for out of state cousins Noelle & Noah -
Pattern: Granny Square Christmas Stockings from Family Circle Magazine 1977 -
Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Red, Everglade Heather and White -
Hook: F (3.75 mm) -
3 red, 3 green done and blocked. Ready to crochet together and add cuffs. -
Pattern: Gradient Angles by Janice Hamby -
Yarn: Infinite Twist Helix: Colors= Spooky Purple, African Violet, Mona Lisa, Tickled, Sakura, Anthurium (purples, pinks into peach) -
Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) Hexagon Scrappy Blanket -
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Yarn: leftover sock yarn -
Hook: D 3.25 mm Brainstorming My nephew Garret asked for another pair of two-part socks (like those shown below)! I ordered yarn from Knitters Brewing Company to fulfill his request for 1 pink and 1 purple. Crafty Adventures KAL News Slay the Stash 2018 Slay the Stash 2018: Sponsor List The Splash Pad Party KAL Runs June 1-July 31  Events 2018 Box O' Balls Round Robin Mini Swap: sign up anytime during 2018. Shipping cost of $13.50 (within US; have option to send Internationally) The contents will include: at least 20 mini yarn balls (each ball will be minimum of 5g/ 20 yards) to choose from, a handwritten note or card and a small gift. Find all of the details in this thread in the Ravelry Group. Life in Focus Update on 18 in 2018 Projects -
I played around with iMovie for slideshow for my Cabaret Cast Party. It was very simple but it was good practice at playing more with video -
Try New Exercise classes: I've tried out free classes at the gym at my work as part of their #30x30StopStroke Challenge in honor of National Stroke Awareness Month. I've done Tabata, Yoga and a new Zumba class. - We had plans to buy paint for the Spare Room make over but had a mix up with the location of the Sherwin Williams store.
Ask Me Anything Stormcoast- Jen from Uncreative Crafter Podcast said: Just curious, so you don’t have to answer this if you don’t want to. As a fellow New Englander, I would say that your mom and brother have Boston/Massachusetts accents. I don’t notice one with you. Do you have any insights into why that is? On a Happy Note -
Aila's birthday dinner! -
Second weekend Cabaret- with surprise visits from my college friends Laura & Jessica. -
Took that Monday off. Got a massage and went to late lunch with Dan -
Aila's friend birthday party- complete with Magic Show! -
Dan and I had a blast a my Cabaret Cast Party -
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Riley & Aila's Birthday Sleepover ------ Thank you for tuning in!
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Thu, 26 April 2018
Check out show notes for all details and links: www.downcellarstudio.com/136
Direct download: Episode_136__Chatting_with_Mom.mp3
Category: general
-- posted at: 10:28pm EDT
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Sun, 15 April 2018
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 135 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found at: www.downcellarstudio.com/135 This week's segments included: - Off the Needles
- On the Needles
- Crafty Adventures
- KAL News
- Events
- Contest, News & Notes
- Life in Focus
- Ask Me Anything
- On a Happy Note
- Quote of the Week
Off the Needles On the Needles -
Hook: C yarn -
Plan: 3 large granny squares, bordered with cream or gray (TBD), 4-5 rows -
- Yarn: leftovers and mini skeins (fingering weight yarn)
-
Takes about 6 grams per round on outside. Plan is to do 3 rounds in a solid, cream color around each of the 12 squares. 12 squares with 3 rounds of cream- 18g per square- 216 grams required (I'll buy 3 skeins) -
12 squares (3x4) at 18 inches each will yield a 54 inch by 72 inch blanket. Pattern: Mezzo Cardigan by Alexis Winslow $7 Needles: US 10 (6.0 mm) Yarn: -
“DK” Mystery skeins (pink and grays). Exact yardage not known. Yarn purchased from Sweitzer’s Fiber Mill at Rhinebeck 2017. 3 skeins blush pink, 2 skeins of dark gray, 1 skein light gray. 3 50gram skeins of Plymouth DK Merino in white looks a bit more cream to me). -
Held with Fingering. 2 skeins of Legacy Fiber Artz also purchased this year. The Mayor (grays, pinks, cream and bits of rust), Edwards Scissorshands- cream base with blush pink and small pops of charcoal. Light gray Cloudborn Highland Superwash Sock (2 50 gram skeins). Crafty Adventures KAL News Slay the Stash 2018 Slay the Stash 2018: Sponsor List Splash Pad Party! Are you ready?! What is the Splash Pad Party? - Make-along that runs June 1-July 31.
- Official Rules can be found here.
- The current list of sponsors is below. It will be updated until the time
- The Prize Thread is open and ready. Our Pro Shop Sponsors will be offering up some amazing Exclusive Products. Check back to this thread often to get the first look!
- Interested in sponsoring?- Sponsor Spots available
Pro Shop Sponsors (to date) Snack Shack (to date) Events 2018 Box O' Balls Round Robin Mini Swap: sign up anytime during 2018. Shipping cost of $13.50 (within US; have option to send Internationally) The contents will include: at least 20 mini yarn balls (each ball will be minimum of 5g/ 20 yards) to choose from, a handwritten note or card and a small gift. Find all of the details in this thread in the Ravelry Group. Festival Schedule - Gore Place Annual Sheepsheering Festival: April 28
- Connecticut Sheep, Wool & Fiber Festival: April 28 in Vernon, CT
- Needles Up: May 4 from 2-6p in Columbia Maryland
- Knot House Event: May 4 (and through the weekend), Frederick, MD
- Maryland Sheep & Wool: May 5 & 6 in West Friendship, MD
- NH Sheep & Wool: May 12 & 13 in Deerfield, NH
- Rhode Island Fiber Festival & Craft Fair: May 19 & 20 in Bristol, RI
- Massachusetts Sheep & Wool Festival: May 26 & 27 in Cummington, MA
- Fiber Frolic:June 2 & 3 in Windsor, ME
- VT Sheep & Wool: September 29 & 30 in Tunbridge, VT
- NY State Sheep & Wool Festival: October 20 & 21 in Rhinebeck, NY
- Fiber Festival of New England: November 3 & 4 in West Springfield, MA
100daysoflists with my bFF -posting on IG not every day so it doesn't fill up my feed. just prompts I came up with. If you want me to list some in the group as a kick off for chatter later me know. I'd love to hear your answers! Contest, News & Notes My latest shawl design, Jean Marie, is now available on Ravelry! Jean Marie is a top-down half-hexagon shawl designed for 3 colors of Ross Farm Sport weight yarn. It uses simple knit, purl and slipped stitches to create three distinct textures- one for each color. The result is a very wearable, warm shawl that sits nicely on the shoulders. It is also great for use with commercial or handspun yarn in a single solid, tonal or variegated yarn. You can easily use Sport or DK weight! Ask me Anything This episode I answered a question from SewRunKnit about how to photograph FOs late at night before a KAL deadline. - First tip would be-- take the best photo you can without killing yourself. Consider more of a proof of life so you're eligible for the contest and then after you post- delete those photos so you HAVE to take a better photo in the daylight. Natural light photos always come out best, especially if your photography skills are limited.
But if you do have to shoot inside your house at midnight when the lighting is dim at best- here are my best tips: - Find the best possible light your house has to offer.
- Try to find a lighter background to shoot agains
- Shoot straight at your FO instead of looking down on it, if possible.
If using DSLR Camera (some require a built-in flash) - Shoot in Aperture priority mode- and look for a low F stop number. Raise your ISO-. You may need a tripod or self timer because shake from hand can ruin the shot. Sometimes this is still really tricky and if we're going for simple it may not be your best bet.
- Use a flash but diffuse the light. Some options:
- Use the flash with tissue over it
- Hold a white index card/paper at a 45 degree angle in front of your flash, and take your shot. The light should hit the card, bounce to the ceiling, and spread out the light.
- Cut a water bottle and place over flash to diffuse light
- DIY diffuser tutorial
- Pop-up flash tips
If using your smart phone to take photos - Tap screen to focus, picking the darkest area. The camera should adjust and brighten it up some.
- Find a better camera app. I like the Camera Plus app. It allows you to adjust the brightness.
On a Happy Note - Easter with my big, crazy family was tons of fun, especially the egg hunt with the kiddos.
- Lunch with Holli with Qdoba!
- Date night Dan at a new local restaurant
- My Aunt Florence's 90th brithday!
- Starting #the100dayproject with Kris. I've also opened a thread in the Ravelry Group if you want to share your answers to the prompts
- Taking time for a mini-retreat day at home while Dan was away (and before the chaos of the musical really ramps up)
- Birthday breakfast with my 2 besties and my niece Hattie
Quote of the Week "To blame someone for not understanding you fully is deeply unfair because, first of all, we don't understand ourselves, and even if we do understand ourselves, we have such a hard time communication ourselves to other people. Therefore, to be furious and enraged and bitter that people don't get all of who we are is a really cruel piece of immaturity." Alain De Botton ------ Thank you for tuning in!
Direct download: Episode_135__Jean_Marie.mp3
Category: general
-- posted at: 6:22pm EDT
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Sat, 31 March 2018
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 134 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast.Full show notes including photos can be found at www.downcellarstudio.com/134 This week's segments included: Off the Needles On the Needles From the Armchair Crafty Adventures KAL News Events Contest, News & Notes Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week Off the Needles Aunt Florence shawl. Got to half way point during 3/13 noreaster. - Needles: US 6
- Yarn: Invictus Yarn Beyond XL in the Colorway Believe 150g skein- 600 yards
- Pattern: to be published
- Still looking for test knitters. Very loose timeline for this one. Would love to see how it works with handspun since it can be done based on weight instead of yards.
On the Needles Pattern: Mezzo Cardigan by Alexis Winslow $7 Needles: US 10 (6.0 mm) Yarn: - “DK” Mystery skeins (pink and grays). Exact yardage not known. Yarn purchased from Sweitzer’s Fiber Mill at Rhinebeck 2017. 3 skeins blush pink, 2 skeins of dark gray, 1 skein light gray. 3 50gram skeins of Plymouth DK Merino in white looks a bit more cream to me).
- Held with Fingering. 2 skeins of Legacy Fiber Artz also purchased this year. The Mayor (grays, pinks, cream and bits of rust), Edwards Scissorshands- cream base with blush pink and small pops of charcoal. Light gray Cloudborn Highland
- Pattern: Non-Eucilidian by Sarah Jordan
- Yarn: Olann Hand Dyed in Ireland Sock Lite in the Pewter Colorway
- Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
- Yarn: Paintbox Sock yarn in the Rainbow stripe colorway
- Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) and US 1 (2 mm)
- Pattern: planning to do the Non-Euclidian heel by Sarah Jordan
- Yarn: Knit Picks Felici (Self Striping) in the Witch's Brew Colorway with Knit Picks Stroll Fingering in the Ash Colorway for contrast
- Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
From the Armchair talked about Arne and Carlos video that talks about if you want even tension with colorwork you shouldn't do it two handed Goop Podcast (hosted by Gweneth Paltrow- 1st episode features Oprah Winfrey) Crafty Adventures Collage wall in the hallway is nearly done! KAL News Slay the Stash 2018 - Each month you can declare a skein of yarn to knit/crochet/weave to its very end. Let’s use up those older special skeins that are soooo pretty we don’t want to touch them. In 2018, we are turning those sacred skeins into beautiful projects you can enjoy-- and maybe win a new beautiful skein of yarn from one of our sponsors along the way! Full details and rules can be found here.
- January Post
- Use and follow #slaythestash2018 on Social Media
Slay the Stash 2018: Sponsor List Events 2018 Box O' Balls Round Robin Mini Swap: sign up anytime during 2018. Shipping cost of $13.50 (within US; have option to send Internationally) The contents will include: at least 20 mini yarn balls (each ball will be minimum of 5g/ 20 yards) to choose from, a handwritten note or card and a small gift. Find all of the details in this thread in the Ravelry Group. Festival Schedule I won't be going to Maryland Sheep & Wool :( but if you do I hope you have fun - 5th Annual Fiber Marketplace- Yarn Sellar, York, ME: Saturday April 7 from 10a-3p
- York Harbor Inn in York ME. $5 entry fee List of vendors available on their website!
- Gore Place Annual Sheepsheering Festival: April 28
- Connecticut Sheep, Wool & Fiber Festival: April 28 in Vernon, CT
- Needles Up: May 4 from 2-6p in Columbia Maryland
- Knot House Event: May 4 (and through the weekend), Frederick, MD
- Maryland Sheep & Wool: May 5 & 6 in West Friendship, MD
- NH Sheep & Wool: May 12 & 13 in Deerfield, NH
- Rhode Island Fiber Festival & Craft Fair: May 19 & 20 in Bristol, RI
- Massachusetts Sheep & Wool Festival: May 26 & 27 in Cummington, MA
- Fiber Frolic:June 2 & 3 in Windsor, ME
- VT Sheep & Wool: September 29 & 30 in Tunbridge, VT
- NY State Sheep & Wool Festival: October 20 & 21 in Rhinebeck, NY
- Fiber Festival of New England: November 3 & 4 in West Springfield, MA
Contest, News & Notes Life in Focus On a Happy Note - Lots of family fun, musical adventures and self care!
Quote of the Week To be rooted is perhaps the most important and least recognized need of the human soul. -Simone Weil ------ Thank you for tuning in!
Direct download: Episode_134__Go_with_the_Flo.mp3
Category: general
-- posted at: 11:21am EDT
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Tue, 20 March 2018
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 133 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week's segments included: - On the Needles
- Crafty Adventures
- KAL News
- Events
- Contest, News & Notes
- Life in Focus
- Ask Me Anything
- On a Happy Note
- Quote of the Week
Thank you to Macolrich, knittergirlkatie, ms.knitslot, knitternicole for the new reviews in Apple Podcasts. Thank you to everyone for your support and community as I celebrate my 6th Podiversary! On the Needles - Pattern: Non-Eucilidian by Sarah Jordan
- Yarn: Olann Hand Dyed in Ireland Sock Lite in the Pewter Colorway
- Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
- Heel notes:
- Cuff down only. The heel turn takes what feels like a long time. You're adding stitches but still working in the round. It takes many rounds to increase out for the heel but the turn itself felt quick. Much less purling than any other heel flap I've done. No picking up stitches. I think it will be easy to memorize which is important to me.
- Yarn: Paintbox Sock yarn in the Rainbow stripe colorway
- Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) and US 1 (2 mm)
- Pattern: planning to do the Non-Euclidian heel by Sarah Jordan
Christmas Stockings - 3 to do in 2018. One for my cousin Kara who is expecting a baby girl in August! 2 that my mom's cousin in VA asked for for grandkids. 1 girl (Noelle), 1 boy (Noah)
- Pattern: Granny Square Christmas Stockings from Family Circle Magazine 1977
- Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Red, Everglade Heather and White
- Hook: F (3.75 mm)
- Progress to date: 2 red pieces done. 1 green done.
- Yarn: leftovers and mini skeins (fingering weight yarn)
- Hook: C yarn
- Plan: 3 large granny squares, bordered with cream or gray (TBD), 4-5 rows
- Inspiration: BetsyMakes Project
- Pattern: Log Cabin Mitts by Karen Templer (free)
- Needles: US 6
- Yarn: scraps of worsted
Go with the Flo Shawl - Yarn: Invictus Yarn
- Needles: US 6
- Pattern: to be published soon
Crafty Adventures Got a little work done on my Week in the Life album from 2017. I am planning to participate in this project again this year. Check out Ali Edwards website for more details. KAL News Slay the Stash 2018 - Each month you can declare a skein of yarn to knit/crochet/weave to its very end. Let’s use up those older special skeins that are soooo pretty we don’t want to touch them. In 2018, we are turning those sacred skeins into beautiful projects you can enjoy-- and maybe win a new beautiful skein of yarn from one of our sponsors along the way! Full details and rules can be found here.
- Use and follow #slaythestash2018 on Social Media
- March Thread
- Tune in to see if you're the February Winner!
Slay the Stash 2018: Sponsor List Events 2018 Box O' Balls Round Robin Mini Swap: sign up anytime during 2018. Shipping cost of $13.50 (within US; have option to send Internationally) The contents will include: at least 20 mini yarn balls (each ball will be minimum of 5g/ 20 yards) to choose from, a handwritten note or card and a small gift. Find all of the details in this thread in the Ravelry Group. Festival Schedule - Stitches United, Hartford CT- March 22-25
- 5th Annual Fiber Marketplace- Yarn Sellar, York, ME: Saturday April 7 from 10a-3p
- York Harbor Inn in York ME. $5 entry fee List of vendors available on their website
- Gore Place Annual Sheepsheering Festival: April 28
- Connecticut Sheep, Wool & Fiber Festival: April 28 in Vernon, CT
- Needles Up: May 4 from 2-6p in Columbia Maryland
- Knot House Event: May 4 (and through the weekend), Frederick, MD
- Maryland Sheep & Wool: May 5 & 6 in West Friendship, MD
- NH Sheep & Wool: May 12 & 13 in Deerfield, NH
- Rhode Island Fiber Festival & Craft Fair: May 19 & 20 in Bristol, RI
- Massachusetts Sheep & Wool Festival: May 26 & 27 in Cummington, MA
- Fiber Frolic:June 2 & 3 in Windsor, ME
- VT Sheep & Wool: September 29 & 30 in Tunbridge, VT
- NY State Sheep & Wool Festival: October 20 & 21 in Rhinebeck, NY
- Fiber Festival of New England: November 3 & 4 in West Springfield, MA
Contest, News & Notes Life in Focus I've been very regimented all year- documenting goals for each week and checking off boxes. This month has thrown me for a loop with storms and sickness. But that's life, right? I've eased up and adjusted. It was a good reminder that we need to be able to pivot. Go with the flow... It will all be ok. Ask Me Anything Question from Michelle- chellescraps on Ravelry: I am interested in what type of ball winder and swift you have or would recommend. I am getting to the point that I could really use one. I know that I would rather spend more money on something that would last, but I do not need the gold version. Answer: - I have a Stanwood swift that I bought on Amazon. I love it and it's held up well. At $52 it's not cheap but its not crazy expensive either. I like that i folds down and doesn't take up a lot of space.
- I have the Nancy's Knit Knacks Ball Winder. I have this one. At $299 it's a huge investment. I'm not 100% sure I'd have purchased it for myself. My mom kindly gifted it to me for Christmas. I've had it for a few years now and it's amazing. I've used others at friend's houses and nothing comes close to the experience I've had with this.
- If you want a more in depth comparison of these items I'd check out Episode 300 of the Knitmore Girls podcast.
On a Happy Note - We've had three Nor'easters here in Boston already this March! For us that's meant at least 4 days without power, 2 of those had us trapped at home when a tree took down the power line in the driveway. Dan and I made the best of it, chatting, listening to podcasts and crafting. During the second storm, I got struck down with my first virus of the season and it was a doozie!
T - I was able to my niece Riley’s 1st dance competition. She did great!
- Planning my nephew's Garret’s birthday celebration. He wants to go to one of the trampoline park type places and then for me to bring my big camera to his dirt bike race.
- I had my costume fitting for Cabaret. Most of my costumes aren't family-friendly but here's one I can share.
Quote of the Week Don't expect much from a drowning man. He's not going to offer you a candy bar or ask how your day was. He's too busy not drowning. Generosity takes effort. It requires the space to take your mind off your own problems long enough to see someone else's. It requires the confidence to share when a big part of you wants to hoard. And it requires the emotional labor of empathy. Generosity begins by trusting ourselves enough to know that we're not actually drowning. -Seth Godin ------ Thank you for tuning in! Contact Information:
Direct download: Episode_133__Socks_Shawls__Storms.mp3
Category: general
-- posted at: 1:42pm EDT
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