Down Cellar Studio Podcast
 
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 245 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week's segments included:
 
  • Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • From the Armchair
  • Crafty Adventures
  • In my Travels
  • KAL News
  • Life in Focus
  • Ask Me Anything
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week
 
Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
 
Lucy the Fox
  • Pattern: Lucy the Fox by Banga Vaicekauskienė ($3.90 crochet pattern available on Ravelry and Etsy)
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted in White, Black and Orange
  • Hook: C (2.75 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
 
Shrek
  • Pattern: Improvised using the basic instructions from Lucy Collin's Han Solo pattern. Pattern no longer available for individual sale. You can find it in this book available from Amazon (affiliate link).
  • Yarn: Green- Spunky Eclectic Victoria in the Ginko Colorway. Cream- Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Cloud. Brown- Cascade 220 Superwash.
  • Hook: B (2.25 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page.
  • I used the basic top down instructions from Lucy Collin's Han Solo pattern but made the face and belly bigger using increases and HDCs.
 
Abington Hat
  • Pattern: Abington Hat by Jennifer Lassonde ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & LoveCrafts
  • Yarn: fingering held double. Knit Picks Capretta in the Sagebrush Colorway & Friends in Fiber sock yarn.
  • Needles: US 4 & US 6.
  • Size- Medium
  • Ravelry Project Page
 
Sugarplum Socks
  • Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Sugarplum Colorway (Yarnable Subscription Box)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
 
Belt for Mom's Wave of Change Cardigan
  • Yarn:  Battenkill Fiber Mill Yarn (from Rhinebeck 2019). No label or other details available
  • Needles: US 8 (5.0 mm)
  • Mock i-cord edging with garter stitch for the center. Small number of increases at the beginning and decreases at the end. Will have to see if we want to add some icords onto the sweater to hold the belt or not.
 
Wave of Change Jacket 
  • Pattern: Wave of Change Jacket by Denise Bayron ($9 US knitting pattern)
  • Yarn: Battenkill Fiber Mill Yarn (from Rhinebeck 2019). No label or other details available
  • Needles: US 8 (5.0 mm) for body. US 6 (4.0 mm) for ribbing.
  • Size 3, 45” bust because it calls for 2-4 inches of positive ease.
  • Switch to Lykke Needles for body. Thought I was using 32”. Was maybe 24. 
 
On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • Perry's Socks
  • Yarn: Patons Kroy FX in the Cascade Colors colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
 
Woolens and Nosh Socks
  • Yarn: Woolens & Nosh Targee Socks- 2022 Advent Calendar
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
 
Megg's 2nd Nanaimo Cardigan
  • Pattern: Nanaimo Cardigan by by Tara-Lynn Morrison
  • Yarn:  Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick in Colorway: Abalone  (5 skeins)
  • Needles: US 13 - 9.0 mm, US 15 - 10.0 mm, US 19 - 15.0 mm (body)
  • Size XS/S
 
From the Armchair
 
 
Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.
 
Crafty Adventures
  • Vlogmas 2022! 3rd year doing this project on my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel. You can find the playlist here.
  • Christmas Day video still to come.
 
In My Travels
  • I went to Las Vegas with my parents, my brother Jeff and our friends Trish and Thayer from December 13-19th.
  • We visited the Hoover Dam, went ziplining down Fremont Street, had a couple really swanky dinners out including one at the Paris hotel on the Vegas strip overlooking the Bellagio fountains, did a bit of gambling on the slot machines, attended a Gatsby themed wedding and my brother and I ended the trip with a heck of a Patriots/Raiders game at the new Allegiant Stadium.
 
KAL News
Pigskin Party'22: The Official Hashtag is #DCSPigskinParty22
 
  • Pigskin Landing Page on the Down Cellar Studio Website.
  • Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group
  • Link to the Official Rules
  • Player Registration- Google Form
  • Check out our amazing Sponsors! Click here for the Google doc with their websites and Instagram profiles.
    • Check out the list of available Coupons from our amazing sponsors- Ravelry Link. Google Doc.
    • Check out the Pigskin Exclusive Items in this Ravelry Thread
  • Important Updates in this Episode
    • Thanks to everyone who participated in our:
    • Tune in to hear if you won a participation prize for November
    • THANK YOU to Wendy, our Umpire, and Alicia, Heather and Emily, our fabulous commissioners!
 
Life in Focus
  • I'm starting my year in review process. In 2020 I recorded a video about that which you can find on my  YouTube Channel. Check out that video here
  • I shared an update on my 22 for 2022 list
 
Ask Me Anything
 
Tune in to hear the answers to these questions asked by listeners:
  • How is your Mom doing? I'm praying for her.
  • I want to hear about your advent knits
  • Knitting projects
  • What was the make you most enjoyed making? What memory makes you happiest?
  • Your plans for 2023, how you're holding up with all that's going on in your world.
  • New Years Cast On Plans
 
On a Happy Note
  • Going to see Six with my bestie, Kris.
  • My friend Liz came over on the Thursday before Christmas to help me wrap. It was a good thing we finished because that night the power went out.
  • Friday morning I went to the ocean to see the waves crashing in after the bombcylone blew through.
  • Christmas Eve at my cousin Susan's- visit with Santa, cutting Mom's hair and a funny exchange where Santa thought I was the mother of one of my cousin's kids.
  • Sleeping over Mom's on Christmas night, watching movies and playing Tock with Mom, Riley and Millie.
  • Christmas morning snuggles with my youngest nephew, Zachary. Silly Christmas games Gail set up at my parents- Cling Wrap Game and the bows game (new to us this year). Stay tuned for the video to come soon!
  • 2 unexpected packages- one from Woolen Women Fibers and one from Suzanne, SewRunKnit, who sent three beautiful chemo caps for Mom/donation.
 
Quote of the Week
 
There are years that ask questions and years that answer.
–ZORA NEALE HURSTON
 
------
Thank you for tuning in.
Remember show notes for this episode can be found at www.downcellarstudio.com/#
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 over to join our lively and engaged Down Cellar Studio Ravelry Group.
Check me out on Instagram at BostonJen1 if you want to see what I'm up to between episodes.
 
For website:
Thank you for tuning in!
 
Contact Information:
 
Direct download: Episode_245_-_123122_11.44_AM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:48am EDT

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 244 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes can be found on my website.

Direct download: Episode_244_-_121322_11.11_AM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:57am EDT

 
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 243 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week's segments included:
 
  • Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • Brainstorming
  • From the Armchair
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Contest, News & Notes
  • Life in Focus
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week
 
Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Fibernymph Dye Works & 3 Stitches Short
 
Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
 
Colin & Nora's Christmas Stockings
 
 
Musselburgh
  • Pattern: Musselburgh by Ysolda Teague (6 GBP pattern available on Ravelry & Ysolda's website)
  • Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm)
  • Yarn: Malabrigo Sock in Colorway 195 Black & Bumblebee Acres Farm Squishy Sock in the Rainbow Room Colorway
  • Cast on using crochet magic circle to create number of CO sts called for in the pattern. Chose that because you can pull it tight. I then picked up and knit into those stitches.
  • I knit the Adult Medium and switched to a 16" cord once I had the full number of stitches. I knit 10 inches of black before starting in with the rainbow stripes.
 
 
On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
 
Portal Socks
  • Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes Base in the Portal Colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Yarn from Legacy Fiber Artz- Pigskin Party Snack Shack Sponsor
  • Progress- 1st sock finished. 2nd sock- leg & heel done. Nearly done with the foot. 
 
Mermazing Socks
  • Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Mermazing Colorway (April 2022 Subscription Box) & mini skeins from Legacy Fiber Artz.
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Check out my Unboxing Video Here
  • Contrasting heel with LFA mini from my 2021 Advent Calendar
  • First sock done. On the leg of the second sock.
 
First Point of Libra Cowl
  • Pattern: First Point of Libra Cowl by Laura Aylor
  • Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm)
  • Yarn: Barnyard Knits, Fuse Fiber Studio, One Twisted Tree (shop formerly own Prairie Girl Danie) + other leftover sock yarn
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Yarn purchased at Vogue Knitting Live January 2020 with Lauren. Planned to make a 2 color shawl. Cast on My Cryptonite by Melanie Berg and never got more than a couple inches in. Here's the Ravelry Project Page for the shawl that's now frogged.
  • I've losing mojo on this so it will be going into hibernation until after Christmas.
 
Sagamore Flyover Cowl
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • A take-off on my Sagamore Flyover Hat available on Ravelry & LoveCrafts
  • Nearly done. Interested to block this to see what tweaks I want/need to make to improve the design.
 
Chemo Cap
  • Yarn: Bernat Velvet in the Blackbird Colorway
  • Hook: G hook (4.5 mm)
  • No real pattern. Improvising using notes from one I made for my Aunt Florence on December 1, 2020. You can find that Ravelry Project Page Here.
 
Brainstorming
 
  • Musselburgh hat for my brother with self-striping yarn in Boston Bruins (hockey) colors once I've finished my first one to make sure I like the fit.
  • Socks and toys for Christmas gifts
  • Advent socks with my kit from Woolens & Nosh.
  • Travel packing- what to bring?!
 
From the Armchair
 
 
Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.
 
 
KAL News
 
Pigskin Party'22: The Official Hashtag is #DCSPigskinParty22
 
 
 
Contest, News & Notes
  • There will be no second podcast episode in November. 
  • I am planning to release Vlogmas videos on the Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel in December. Click here for my 2021 Vlogmas Playlist. or here for my 2020 Vlogmas Playlist.
 
Life in Focus
  • Last time I shared that my Mom's lung cancer has returned. We've since learned that the cancer has transitioned to small cell lung cancer which is more aggressive and will require more aggressive chemo. Keep those thoughts & prayers coming.
  • Check out this video where Mom shares more.
 
On a Happy Note
  • We had new railings installed.
  • Dan is very handy and was able to fix our broken water pump- even after power went out right after!
  • Vlogging with the girls. You can find the video here.
  • My aunt Florence came for a visit in a red convertible!
  • Playing Tock with Mom, Millie, Riley and Liz.
  • Decorating a Christmas Tree with Mom, Dad, Dan and the kids. Watching Elf & The Santa Clause
  • Playing with a new vlogging camera I purchased. The kids had a lot of fun with it too.
  • Family photos with Amanda Silva Photography. You can find a sneak peek in her Instagram Feed here.
 
Quote of the Week
 

“We may, by fixing our attention almost fiercely on the facts actually before us, force them to turn into adventures; force them to give up their meaning and fulfill their mysterious purpose.”

-- G. K. Chesterton
 
------
Thank you for tuning in.
Remember show notes for this episode can be found at www.downcellarstudio.com/#
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 over to join our lively and engaged Down Cellar Studio Ravelry Group.
Check me out on Instagram at BostonJen1 if you want to see what I'm up to between episodes.
 
For website:
Thank you for tuning in!
 
Contact Information:
 
Direct download: Episode_243_-_111722_11.23_AM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:27pm EDT

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 242 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. For Full Show Notes with Photos, check out my website.
 
This week’s segments included:
 
  • Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • Brainstorming
  • From the Armchair
  • Knitting in Passing
  • In my Travels
  • KAL News
  • Life in Focus
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Star KnitsAdore KnitLolo Did It 

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Woolens & Nosh Sprout Socks
 
  • Yarn:  Woolens and Nosh 90% SW Targhee, 10% Nylon 3 Ply Yarn (411 yards / 100 grams) in the Sprout Colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Sprout- 10 stripe- Light yellow, peach, ballet pink, maroon, dusty blue, kelly green, tapue, lighter grass green, cream, pale green.
  • Yarn from Woolens & Nosh-  Pigskin Party Pro Shop Sponsor
  • Project Bag- Pigskin ’22 Exclusive from Anne Beady Designs 
Repaired the cuff on Mom’s Deja Blue Knit Picks Felici Socks from 2019.
 
  • Click here for my Ravelry Project Page. 
  • I knit cuff down, so it was a bit of project to cut off the top of the sock, unravel back to the stockinette. Worked back up and used Jeny’s surprisingly stretchy bind off to finish them. 

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Musselburgh
  • Pattern: Musselburgh by Ysolda Teague (6 GBP pattern available on Ravelry & Ysolda’s website)
  • Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm)
  • Yarn: Malabrigo Sock in Colorway 195 Black 
  • Cast on using crochet magic circle to create number of CO sts called for in the pattern. Chose that because you can pull it tight. I then picked up and knit into those stitches.
Colin & Nora’s Christmas Stockings
Mermazing Socks
  • Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Mermazing Colorway (April 2022 Subscription Box) & mini skeins from Legacy Fiber Artz.
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Check out my 
  • Blues and greens and purples. 
  • Contrasting heel with LFA mini from my 2021 Advent Calendar
  • Yarn from Pigskin Party Sponsors Hypnotic Yarn/Yarnable Box & Legacy Fiber Artz- both Snack Shack Sponsors
  • Project Bag from Anne Beady Designs (Pro Shop Sponsor)
  • Progress- 1st sock finished. 2nd cuff finished.
Portal Socks
  • Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes Base in the Portal Colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Yarn from Legacy Fiber Artz- Pigskin Party Snack Shack Sponsor
  • Yarn- speckles. Mostly reads pink/maroons. so many tiny specks of color. taupe, green, blue, purple, gray/brown. 
  • Progress- 1st sock finished. 2nd sock has several inches done on the leg
2021 Scrappy Socks
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: sock yarn minis and scraps
  • Ravelry Project Page (started in April 2021. Picked back up in September 2022)
  • In this project, I used Helical knitting using Video Tutorial from Knitty Natty & Cate’s Clasp Weft join- check out my YouTube Tutorial  by clicking here.
  • Progress- 1st sock finished. 2nd cuff finished + an inch or so of the leg. Helical knitting made these so much more interesting to me. Game changer.
First Point of Libra Cowl
  • Pattern: First Point of Libra Cowl by Laura Aylor 
  • Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm)
  • Yarn: Barnyard Knits, Fuse Fiber Studio, One Twisted Tree (shop formerly own Prairie Girl Danie) + other leftover sock yarn 
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Yarn purchased at Vogue Knitting Live January 2020 with Lauren. Planned to make a 2 color shawl. Cast on My Cryptonite by Melanie Berg and never got more than a couple inches in. Here’s the Ravelry Project Page for the shawl that’s now frogged. 
  • Inspiration color= Barnyard Knits- Pricky Pear (multi- has grays, greens and pinks). Matches new long, green, quilted coat from J. Jill.  Plus Fuse Merino Sock in Mercury Glass (gray) & Fuse in Radical Acceptance (pink)
  • I think this project would be great for small scraps because even though each section calls for X number of rows, you could easily modify it and have wider or thinner stripes in each direction. 
Spinning
  • 4oz of 100% Natural Cotswold purchased from Long Island Livestock Company at Rhinebeck for $20. Beautiful tan color. 
  • No real plan or prep. Just enjoying the process.

Brainstorming

  • I’d like to make a fingering weight hat using yarns from the First Point of Libra Cowl to bring to the UK in November. 
  • Found yarn for Megg’s next Nanaimo Cardigan for Christmas- Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick in the Abalone Colorway. Ordered from Joann.com

From the Armchair

On a Quiet Street by Seraphina Nova Glass. Bookshop Affiliate LinkAmazon Affiliate Link.Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.

Knitting in Passing

  • I shared stories about a women who took my knitting from me on the train and started knitting it herself, about how Hattie thought my Mom’s cowl was the funniest beard she ever saw, how I was recognized by a local knitting in the lobby of a theater during intermission and about a chat with lovely woman at my local nail salon.

In My Travels

  • Rhinebeck 2022: Mom, Ryan, Nicki & I had a whirlwind weekend at CAKEPalooza and Rhinebeck- the NY Sheep & Wool Festival. Come along and enjoy the sights and sounds of the trip in this video on the 
    • In this episode I shared just a few highlights. Some key links:
  • Shameka‘s cupcakes that we bought at CAKEpalooza
  • Rhinebeck sweaters- Mom and I each wore our Wave of Change Jackets. Click here for the Ravelry Project Page for Jen’s Sweater & the Ravelry Page for Mom’s sweater. On Sunday, I wore my Boxing Day Bonus Shawl. Mom wore her new Shift Cowl- click here for the Ravelry Project Page
  • Mom got to share her Scrapbox Challenge project with Crispina who hosted this challenge in March 2020
  • Ross Farm Fiber Tour 2022 Shirts
In November I’m going to the UK. I’ll be visiting Manchester, Newbury & London, England & Cardiff, Wales. Do you have any tips or suggestions for me? Restaurants, shops, best ways to get theater tickets etc. 

KAL News

Pigskin Party’22: The Official Hashtag is #DCSPigskinParty22
 
  • Pigskin Landing Page on the Down Cellar Studio Website.
  • Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group
  • Link to the Official Rules
  • Player Registration- Google Form
  • Check out our amazing Sponsors! Click here for the Google doc with their websites and Instagram profiles. 
    • Check out the list of available Coupons from our amazing sponsors- Ravelry Link. Google Doc.
    • Check out the Pigskin Exclusive Items in this Ravelry Thread
  • Important Updates in this Episode
    • First of the Pigskin Participation Prizes.
    • The 10 Grand Prizes will be shared soon!
    • Check out November’s Woolen Cafe Interception Challenge hosted by Woolen Women Fibers. You can find the details in the Ravelry Group or in this 
    • The October Interception Winner will be shared in early November in the Ravelry Group & in the next episode. Thanks again to Sunsoaked Yarns for hosting!
    • Rule update: you need to have a Unique URL for each submission. Check out this Ravelry Post for details. I’ve also updated the Official Rules. 
    • This year we’ll have 10 grand prizes! Will share details in the group soon!

Life in Focus

  • Quick health update on Mom who was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer on December 1, 2021. Her October scans showed new tumors in the pleura (lining) of her lungs which aren’t responding to her Tagrisso gene therapy medicine. They’ll be doing a biopsy to see if they can tell why it is resistant and perhaps there is another drug they can try. Since that will take about a month before we have results, she’ll be starting chemotherapy in the meantime. 1st infusion on November 4th. Send out all those good wishes. 
  • You can check out the video we recorded together if you want to hear more. The first 40 minutes are really just a recap of our spring, summer and fall fun- complete with photos and videos. 

On a Happy Note

  • Rhinebeck!
  • Sharon of Knit Style Yarns just released her first pattern- Celtic Christmas Cowl ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) & kindly gifted me a copy. Thank you Sharon & congrats!
  • I went to see Sweeney Todd at Company Theater with Mom, Terri & Emelyn.
  • My cousin Colleen got married last weekend! She looked beautiful. The wedding was perfect. They had cider donuts instead of wedding cake! Mom & my 94 year old Aunt Florence who also has cancer, set Colleen’s wedding as their goal and they were both there with big smiles and so much energy. Dancing and laughing. We are all so grateful for that. Colin and Nora whooping it up on the dance floor. Colleen & her Dad dancing in the trolley all the way back to the hotel with Dan and my cousin Joanie’s husband using their phone flashlights to create a strobe effect!
  • Oisin and Dan working to cut and stack wood. Made Oisin a batch of applesauce even though I haven’t had time to teach him how to make it yet. 
  • My cousins sent me a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Total surprise.
  • 20 years at my day job. Dinner celebration postponed but Dan and I look forward to going to that in early 2023. I got to pick out a gift from an online catalog. I picked an Air Fryer so hit me with your best vegetarian air fryer recipes!
  • Our contractor starting putting new railings on our deck.
  • We attended my cousins (Pat & Kevin’s) joint Surprise Costume Birthday Party. Mom, Dad, Dan and I dressed up in a Little Mermaid Theme! 
  • We saw a local production of Guys & Dolls. Megg is a Hot Box Dancer. Oisin was a Gambler. They were both great!

Quote of the Week

There is the touch of November in the air, chill enough to have a slight tang, like properly aged cider. Not air that caresses, nor yet air that nips.  Air that makes one breathe deeply and think of spring water and walk briskly.
 
-Hal Borland
 
Contact Information:
 
Direct download: Episode_242.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:39am EDT

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 241 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Check out full show notes with photos on my website by clicking here. 

This week’s segments included:

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

Thank you to this episode’s sponsors:

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

The Shift (Cowl)

  • Pattern: The Shift by Andrea Mowry ($7 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry & her website)
  • Yarn: 3 Skeins of my Handspun
  • Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page

Marled Wave of Change Jacket

  • Pattern: Wave of Change Jacket by Denise Bayron ($10 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 8 – 5.0 mm, US 9 – 5.5 mm + US 10 – 6.0 mm
  • Yarn
    • Marled effect achieved by holding yarn together.
    • 2 sock + 1 DK or worsted
    • 1 DK or worsted + 1 Aran
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Needles: US 10 for the body. US 8 for the neck ribbing. US 9 for the bottom hem and non-button band ribbing sections.
  • Yarns Used: Goosey Fibers, Sunsoaked Yarns, Hypnotic Yarn, Ross Farm (Henrietta), McKnits, Teenie Button Studio, Legacy Fiber Artz ,Spitfire & Fury DK+ my own handspun+ others!
  • Modifications in the sleeves- after the first 3 decreases, I changed to doing decreases every other round until I got to the designated stitch count. Finished in the 3rd color stripe.
  • If you’re weary of marling, choose colors that are similar in value. Mixing a white with a dark color like black, dark purple or maroon is going to be a very stark contrast. I don’t always love that.

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Woolens & Nosh Socks

  • Yarn:  Woolens and Nosh 90% SW Targhee, 10% Nylon 3 Ply Yarn (411 yards / 100 grams) in the Sprout Colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Sprout- 10 stripe- Light yellow, peach, ballet pink, maroon, dusty blue, kelly green, taupe, lighter grass green, cream, pale green.
  • Yarn from Woolens & Nosh-  Pigskin Party Pro Shop Sponsor
  • Project Bag- Pigskin ’22 Exclusive from Anne Beady Designs

Brainstorming

  • Christmas ideas- like these cute crocheted pieces that attach to a large wooden ring. You put them over the bar on the oven or dishwasher and then you can hang a dishtowel from the wooden ring. Here’s a Pinterest link for a crochet option.
  • Aila wants a fox.
  • Oisin wants an alien.
  • Hattie wants a unicorn because she thinks hers was lost. TBD.

From the Armchair

  • The Girl Next Door Podcast: I thoroughly enjoyed their annual Fall Extravaganza episodeand this year was no exception.
  • I didn’t especially enjoy the Serial Podcast recent update about Adnan Syed’s case but I was relieved to hear that Syed was officially ruled out as a suspect in the murder of Hae Min Lee in 1999 (though he served 23 years in prison)
    • Check out this local Baltimore news story.
    • Congrats to Syed & and his family and especially his fierce friend and advocate Rabia Chaudry. Check out this video on Rabia’s Instagram Feed for more details.
    • Listen to Season 1 of Undisclosed if you want more about this case (especially if you only ever listed to Serial).
  • I also enjoyed episodes 1 & 2 of Rabia’s new podcast- Rabia & Ellyn Solve the Case.
  • Hocus Pocus 2 on Disney Plus I adored it!

In My Travels

KAL News

Pigskin Party’22: The Official Hashtag is #DCSPigskinParty22

  • Pigskin Landing Page on the Down Cellar Studio Website.
  • Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group
  • Link to the Official Rules
  • Player Registration- Google Form
  • Check out our amazing Sponsors! Click here for the Google doc with their websites and Instagram profiles.
    • Check out the list of available Coupons from our amazing sponsors- Ravelry Link. Google Doc.
    • Check out the Pigskin Exclusive Items in this Ravelry Thread
  • Important Updates in this Episode
    • Check out October’s Coin Toss Interception hosted by Sunsoaked Yarns. Click here for the Ravelry Thread or here for the Google Doc with all the details you need.
    • Will announce first of the Participation prizes in the next episode!

Events

On a Happy Note

  • Our well is at a normal level again! Cooking & doing laundry feels like a privilege when you haven’t been able to do it for months.
  • We have some Sneaky Pumpkins growing near our deck (where last year’s pumpkins must have met their demise!)
  • Apple Picking- my favorite day of the year
  • Kids working around the yard with Dan. Getting firewood chopped and stacked. They moved our back steps to get ready for new railings that we’re hiring a contractor to install.
  • My Dad turned 70! We had a super fun party for him at my parents’ house. I had a nasty cold which was a bummer for me, but otherwise it was great.
  • Merry Everything & Happy Always Yarn Swap is open for sign ups. Thanks to those who knew I wanted to sign up and made sure I got in there. Swap Partners will be assigned on 10/16 so get into the Between Knits & Purls Ravelry Group ASAP if you want to join.
    • 24 mini skeins/balls of 5-7 grams each (Fingering/Sock Yarn)
  • I got self striping from Desert Vista Dyeworks yarn in the mail + my October Yarnable Subscription Box. Check out my Yarnable Unboxing Video on my YouTube Channel.

Quote of the Week

To improve the golden moment of opportunity, and catch the good that is within our reach, is the great art of life.–SAMUEL JOHNSON

Thank you for tuning in!
Contact Information:

Direct download: Episode_241_-_101322_1.14_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00pm EDT

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 240 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. 

This week’s segments included:

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

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Stormy Nanaimo

  • Pattern: Nanaimo Cardigan by Tara-Lynn Morrison ($6.50 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry or in kits on this website)
  • Yarn: Wool Ease Thick & Quick in the Storm Front colorway
  • Needles: US 13 (9.0 mm), US 15 (10.0 mm), US 19 (15.0 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page 
  • 4.15 skeins (705 grams)
  • Started collar in September 2021. Then put it aside and didn’t pick up until Friday 9/23/22
  • Realized I forgot decrease round before ribbing on the sleeves and had to rip those back to fix them.

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Mermazing Socks

  • Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Mermazing Colorway (April 2022 Subscription Box) & mini skeins from Legacy Fiber Artz.
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Check out my Unboxing Video Here
  • Yarn from Pigskin Party Sponsors Hypnotic Yarn/Yarnable Box & Legacy Fiber Artz- both Snack Shack Sponsors
  • Project Bag from Anne Beady Designs (Pro Shop Sponsor)

The Shift

  • Pattern: The Shift by Andrea Mowry ($7 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry & her website)
  • Yarn: 3 Skeins of my Handspun
  • Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • I messed up on a slipped stitch section in the decrease side, so I am going to continue it a few more times so it looks intentional, though you can hardly tell with the handspun.

Portal Socks

  • Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes Base in the Portal Colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Yarn from Legacy Fiber Artz- Pigskin Party Snack Shack Sponsor

Woolens & Nosh Socks

  • Yarn:  Woolens and Nosh 90% SW Targhee, 10% Nylon 3 Ply Yarn (411 yards / 100 grams) in the Sprout Colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Sprout- 10 stripe- Light yellow, peach, ballet pink, maroon, dusty blue, kelly green, tapue, lighter grass green, cream, pale green.
  • Mini for cuffs and heels- brown with cream speckles. 
  • Yarn from Woolens & Nosh-  Pigskin Party Pro Shop Sponsor
  • Project Bag- Pigskin ’22 Exclusive from Anne Beady Designs 

Sagamore Flyover Cowl 

  • Ravelry Project Page
  • A take-off on my Sagamore Flyover Hat available on Ravelry & LoveCrafts. 

2021 Scrappy Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: sock yarn minis and scraps
  • Ravelry Project Page (started in April 2021. Picked back up in September 2022)
  • In this project, I used Helical knitting using Video Tutorial from Knitty Natty & Cate’s Clasp Weft join- check out my YouTube Tutorial  by clicking here.

Brainstorming

  • Fidget Toys from Shanalines Designs-  Ravelry Link & Payhip
  • I want to cast on all the things!
  • Should I cast on a Wave of Change Jacket by Denise Bayron to match Mom’s at Rhinebeck? $10 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry 
    • Top down open front cardigan mostly stockinette w/ periodic purl ridges. 
    • Mom’s is tunic length. I think I’d make my cropped to wear as a layering piece. Thinking mustard. 
    • This blog post by Susanna Winter has a great formula to help you figure out holding strands of various weights of yarn together to equal a different weight of yarn.
    • Beth sent me Instagram stories from FashionSchoolDropOut who made one with worsted and 2 strands of sock. Changed colors after each purl bump. 
  • Thanks to AJ for recommending Fundamentals of Caring with Paul Rudd (2016 movie). Available on Netflix. I’m planning to watch it soon.

From the Armchair

The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren. Bookshop Affiliate LinkAmazon Affiliate Link.

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

Knitting in Passing

  • Take Back Bags from For Days does accept yarn. Thanks Rachel Kashani.
    • Cost $20. They mail you a bag (takes 3 weeks to ship)
    • The Large Bag measures 24 in x 24 in and fits 15 lbs
    • Mail back with USPS. You will get a $20 credit to spend with them

KAL News

Pigskin Party’22: The Official Hashtag is #DCSPigskinParty22

  • Pigskin Landing Page on the Down Cellar Studio Website.
  • Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group
  • Link to the Official Rules
  • Player Registration- Google Form
  • Check out our amazing Sponsors! Click here for the Google doc with their websites and Instagram profiles. 
    • Check out the list of available Coupons from our amazing sponsors- Ravelry Link. Google Doc.
    • Check out the Pigskin Exclusive Items in this Ravelry Thread
  • Important Updates in this Episode
    • Thanks to everyone who participated in our Kick Off Events. Beth joined us from the hospital. AJ, from South Africa, and EJ from South Korea joined us from all sorts of crazy time zones! So great to see so many familiar faces in long time friends and to also get to know some of the newbies a little better. 
    • Tailgate Talk -ended 9/23 but you can enter for your points through 9/30 on the Points Tally Form. 
    • Fistbumps & Fives: Send some positivity to one of your Teammates, Opponents or Commissioners. Complete this challenge anytime between 9/20-9/30 and enter on the Points Tally Form to earn 100 bonus points. You’ll need a link to your Ravelry or Instagram Post for validation. Enter your points by 9/30. Check out the details in the Ravelry Group or in this Google Doc.
    • Check out October’s Coin Toss Interception hosted by Sunsoaked Yarns. Click here for the Ravelry Thread or here for the Google Doc with all the details you need.

Events

Life in Focus

Tune in to hear an update on my 22 for 2022 list. 

  1. Go Skiing 1/18/22 Loon mountain + 2 days in February
  2. Knit a garment out of handspun (from 2021)- Cowl in progress
  3. Spend at least two hours learning something new (on my own, in a class, YouTube videos etc)
    • IDEAS FOR ME?
  4. Read 22 novels – 15 as of September
  5. Go to an art museum (travel in November- should be able to do this)
  6. Buy something a little extravagant – new skiis & bindings 1/17/22
  7. Meet with financial planner about new investments. Emailed 9/27
  8. Do at least 1 yoga video per month Jan, Feb, March, April  May, June, July, Sept (no August) 
  9. Kayak at one new place- NOPE
  10. Create the collage wall in my studio- purchased several items. Need to just pull the trigger.
  11. Visit Eme at school (April 2022)
  12. Try out the new trail on Grove Street -Sunday May 13, 2022
  13. 2nd Annual Nora Ephron Movies Day
    • Laura visit in October. Maybe she wants to do this with me? 
  14. Purge & declutter the secretary
  15. Plan and go on at least 1 date with Dan that involves going at least 1 place we don’t “normally” go
    • IDEAS FOR ME?
  16. Take a vacation/staycation before August  (planned Saco trip & Northampton Concert trip for August)
  17. Buy a fabulous new dress to wear to weddings- April & September
  18. Have my car’s backup camera checked out & ideally fixed- scheduled 10/12
  19. Hire a professional photographer for family photos- emailed in Sept.
  20. Spend a weekend with Laura (in NY or MA)
  21. Go Apple Picking (on the calendar)
  22. Hang a calendar in the dining room- done in February

On a Happy Note

  • Conor’s wedding (blog post available over on Patreon)
  • Decorating for Fall
  • Our friend Liz slept over so Dan could drive her to the airport very early the next morning.
  • Long morning walks on the weekend.

Quote of the Week

A library is a medicine cabinet. What can heal one person may not work at all for somebody else.

–SANDRA CISNEROS

Contact Information:

 

Direct download: Episode_240_-_93022_12.12_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:16pm EDT

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 239 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. For Full Show notes with photos check out my website.

This week’s segments included:

  • Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • Brainstorming
  • Knitting in Passing
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Contest, News & Notes
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Thank you to this episode’s sponsors:

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Recollection Blanket

  • Pattern: Recollection by Deanne Ramsay ($6 crochet pattern available on Ravelry & Etsy– written in both US & UK Crochet terms)
  • Yarn: Various full skeins and 20+ gram fingering weight yarn stash.
  • Hook: J (6.0 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Cast on with US K. It was still a little too tight but it works. Body done in a US J (6.0 mm)
  • Blanket is 56 inches wide (not including the fringe). 
  • 6,576 meters for Stash Dash

Baker Street Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Baker Street Colorway
  • My Ravelry Project 
  • 278.6 meters for Stash Dash

Hat for Dad

  • Pattern: Turn a Square by Jared Flood ($4 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & on the Brooklyn Tweed website)
  • Yarn: Fingering held double. Knit Picks Stroll Tweed in the Wellies Heather Colorway (black) & YarnBaker Fingering Weight Yarn in the Blazer colorway (blue)
  • Needles: US 5 (4.5 mm) and US 7 (3.75 mm)
  • My Ravelry Project Page
  • 225.6 meters for Stash Dash.

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Solstice Socks

  • Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Solstice Colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page

Mermazing Socks

  • Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Mermazing Colorway (April 2022 Subscription Box)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Check out my Unboxing Video Here

The Shift

  • Pattern: The Shift by Andrea Mowry ($7 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry & her website)
  • Yarn: 3 Skeins of my Handspun
  • Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Swatched- US 5, US 4 and finally US 3
  • LOVE working with my handspun.

Cloudy + Rainbows Spinning Project

  • Fiber: 4oz braid of BFL from Frabjous Fibers in the Rainy Day Rainbows Colorway
  • Description- long stretches of light gray punctuated with shorter blips of rainbow colors
  • Twist direction: singles = Z plied = S
    • This means when I’m spinning, my wheel is spinning clockwise and when plying my wheel is moving counter-clockwise.
  • Plans: will likely ply with another braid. 

Brainstorming

  • I should start 2 crochet stockings that I need to have done by Thanksgiving.
  • Planning another Shift Cowl for me! 
  • Yarn recycling. Do you know of any options besides mailing scraps to Hedgehog Fibres

Knitting in Passing

Package from Sarah- the martini knitter . Fiber fill and yarn 2 blues Knitting will Millie megg and Hattie over the weekend. 

KAL News

Pigskin Party’22: Official Hashtag is #DCSPigskinParty22

  • Pigskin Landing Page on the Down Cellar Studio Website.
  • Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group
  • Link to the Official Rules
  • Player Registration- Google Form
  • Check out our amazing Sponsors! Click here for the Google doc with their websites and Instagram profiles. 
    • Check out the list of available Coupons from our amazing sponsors- Ravelry Link
    • Check out the Pigskin Exclusive Items in this Ravelry Thread

Tip from Sarah- Imagined Landscapes- on Watching or Ignoring Team Threads:

  • You can set Ravelry Threads to watch or ignore.
    • Watching a thread means it will pop up to the highest point under the stickied threads if there‘s a new post.
    • Ignoring a thread means you never see it again – I use it to clear up teams I‘m not on so there‘s less visual clutter for my PSP.
  • Check out this page on Ravelry for instructions on how to Ignore a Thread.

Fist Bumps & Fives Challenge– check out this link for details.
Complete this challenge anytime between 9/20-9/30 and enter on the Points Tally Form to earn 100 bonus points. You’ll need a link to your Ravelry or Instagram Post for validation. Enter for points between 9/23-9/30.

Virtual Kick Off Weekend-click here for the schedule

Events

  • Stash Dash (Hosted by The Knit Girllls) ended August 31st
  • My final tally- 27,546 m 
    • Compare to previous years
      • My best year ever! Beat 2020’s total by 71 meters)
        • 2021- 16,696. 
        • 2020-27,475
        • 2019- 16,355
        • Funny how I bounce between 16k one year and 27 another!  
    • 32 projects
      • 12 crochet. 14 knit, 6 skeins handspun
      • Crochet- 20,679 meters
      • Knit- 3,819 m
      • Spinning- 3,046 m
    • Types of Projects
      • 11 pairs socks
      • 6 skeins handspun
      • 5 Blankets (18, 524 m)
      • 4 cozies
      • 2 Tops (1 crop, 1 tunic bathing suit cover up)
      • 1 hat, 1 tie, 1 shawl, 1 toy, 

Jasmin ended this year with 10,838 Meters. I beat her by 16,707 meters!!!

  • Jen’s Stash Dash Spreadsheet Tracker- Google Doc
  • Jasmin’s Stash Dash Spreadsheet Tracker- Google Doc

Cape & South Shore Yarn Haul- Thursday 9/29 through Sunday 10/2. Check out their Event Website for details. Facebook Page available here. Pro Shop Sponsor Anne Beady will be at Salt Yarn Studio on Thursday 9/29 with her beautiful bags & design samples!

Greater Boston Yarn Crawl– is also being held Thursday 9/29 through Sunday 10/2

EarthTonesGirl Falling Leaves Sock KAL runs 9/15 through 11/15 Check out this Instagram Post for details.

 

Contest, News & Notes

On a Happy Note

  • A quick visit from Laura in from NYC.
  • Dan and I did a big cellar clean-out over Labor Day weekend. 
  • We enjoyed a big pool day (Oisin and Eme practiced their diving, Hattie practiced her swimming with Auntie Di) over Labor Day Weekend. We followed that with a clam bake, a belated birthday celebration for Oisin who turned 14 in June (while still in Ireland). 
  • Oisín working with Dan in the yard again this fall. They uncovered an impromptu pumpkin patch that sprung up next to our deck!
  • We had our first fire of the fall. Pizza and beer after the boys were done working. Hattie (age 4) asked “are you gonna knit with me?”  I asked if she was going to knit with ME! And she did. 
  • We enjoyed our last pool day and family trip to Hornstra for ice cream! 

Quote of the WeekAt some point in life the world’s beauty becomes enough. You don’t need to photograph, paint or even remember it. It is enough.–TONI MORRISONMusic -“Soft Orange Glow” by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/——Thank you for tuning in.Remember show notes for this episode can be found at www.downcellarstudio.com/#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 over to join our lively and engaged Down Cellar Studio Ravelry Group.Check me out on Instagram at BostonJen1 if you want to see what I’m up to between episodes.Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube ChannelEmail me at downcellarstudio@gmail.com
For website:Thank you for tuning in!
Contact Information:

Direct download: Episode_239_-_91522_3.25_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:38pm EDT

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 238 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. For full show notes, check out my website.

This week’s segments included:

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

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Uneek Christmas Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Uneek Sock Yarn. Colorway 25- Xmas Limited Edition. 2 cakes 220 yards/200 meters each. 
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • 289.4 meters

Tweed Tie

  • Pattern: Tweed Tie by Jem Weston- 4 GBP (around $5 US) 
  • Needles: US 2. (2.75) for body, US 3 (3.25 mm) for cast-on
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Stroll Tonal in the Flagstone Heather colorway.
  • My Ravelry Project Page
  • Omitting all increases//decreases to keep the bottom at the end of the tie flat not pointed. 
  • Finished tie is over 60 inches long. 
  • 126.6 meters 

3 skeins in my Candombe Project- check out my Ravelry Project Page

  • 2 skeins of 2ply yarn. Wool of the Andes Unspun Roving. Colorway: Delft Heather (100 grams) 100% Peruvian Highland Wool. & Malabrigo in the Candombe Colorway
    • 2 ply-60 inch loop. 242 wraps.12,762 inches or 410 yards. 324 meters. Stash Dash- 324 x3= 972 meters
    • 2 ply-59 inch loop. 81 wraps4,779 inches or 133 yards. 121 meters. Stash Dash= 121 x 3= 363 meters
  • 1 skein of a 3 ply. those 2 singles plus 1 other random tan colored singles. 
    • 60 inch loop 38 wraps.2,280 inches or 63 yards. 57 meters Stash Dash= 57 x4= 228 meters

Stash Dash Meters for this project: 1563 meters. All measurements taken after washing skeins

1 skein of yarn in Greens & Blues

  • Blues: Included singles from  Kingdom Fleece & Fiber Works 100% Tunis Pete’s Fleece
  • Greens: Malabrigo Nube Roving 
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • 3 ply yarn 62 wraps around knitty noddy. 28 inches wide (or 56 inches around) after washing. 3,472 inches total or 96 yards or 88 meters
  • 88×4 for Stash Dash = 352 meters

Scrappy Hexagon Blanket

  • Pattern: Basic Crochet Hexagon Pattern & Tips from Make Do and Crew Website & YouTube Tutorial
  • Hook: F (3.75 mm)
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Hawthorne Marl Sock Lab in the Grey White Marl Colorway, Patons Kroy in the Gentry Colorway + fingering weight scraps
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Mapped out gradation plan in Excel.
  • 21 rows total. 12 or 13 hexis depending on the column. 
  • SCing them together with 2 strands like I am for the hexagons themselves. A great way to use up very small scraps because I only ever seam 3 sides together. 
  • Working my way from the dark side to the light side when I pulled some hexis out of the bag where I was storing them- and pulled out a huge piece which I had forgotten I’d seamed together. It was the far right column and part of the top row of the light side! At least I realized it when I did, and only had to rip back a small bit of what I had already done. 
    • I used safety pins and paper with notes to indicate which hexi was the start/end of each column. Worked like a charm and I didn’t have any other issues after that. 
  • Border- 1 round SC, 4 rounds HDC around. 
    • switch light to dark gray to match blanket.
  • Size (before washing) 45 in wide by 66 inches long
  • 1976 grams total- almost 20 skeins of yarn! 
    • Marled= 400 grams
    • Patons= 450 grams
    • 1126 grams of everything else
    • 7,176 meters

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Recollection Blanket

  • Pattern: Recollection by Deanne Ramsay ($6 crochet pattern available on Ravelry & Etsy– written in both US & UK Crochet terms)
  • Yarn: Various full skeins and 20+ gram fingering weight yarn stash.
  • Hook: J (6.0 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Cast on with US K. It was still a little too tight but it works. Body done in a US J (6.0 mm)
  • MC- 3 strands of gray
  • Blanket is 56 inches wide (not including the fringe). 

Baker Street Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Baker Street colorway with Stroll Tonal in Navy for cuffs, heels & toe
  • My Ravelry Project 

Hat for Dad

  • Pattern: Turn a Square by Jared Flood ($4 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & on the Brooklyn Tweed website)
  • Yarn: Fingering held double. Knit Picks Stroll Tweed in the Wellies Heather Colorway (black) & YarnBaker Fingering Weight Yarn in the Blazer colorway (blue)
  • Needles: US 5 (4.5 mm) and US 7 (3.75 mm)
  • My Ravelry Project Page

Brainstorming

  • Rhinebeck sweaters. Wave of Change Jacket by Denise Bayron to match the one I made Mom for Christmas 2020. Check out the Ravelry Project Page for her sweater. 
  • Use up some handspun for us to wear. Thinking of The Shift (Cowl) by Andrea Mowry (available on Ravelry & on the Drea Renee Knits Website for $7 US)

From the Armchair

Here’s to Us by Elin Hilderbrand. Bookshop Affiliate LinkAmazon Affiliate Link.

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

Crafty Adventures

  • Decorations and costumes for Megg’s Gatsby party. 
  • Bought nearly all of it second hand. Gold and silver candles, candle holders, vases and glasses. 
    • Got pink feather fan looking things on Clearance at Michaels along with what looks like sparkly crystal pink gravel. Put on silver and gold chargers under/around candles. 
  • Spray painted feathers and sticks. Put in a large silver vase and added pearls strung through for centerpiece. 

Knitting in Passing

This week, I shared a story about a man I encountered on the train who talked about his family’s history with fiber arts and the sewing he did in the Army.

KAL News

#DCSPigskinParty22

  • Pigskin Landing Page on the Down Cellar Studio Website.
  • Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group
  • Link to the Official Rules
  • Player Registration- Google Form
  • Check out our amazing Sponsors! Click here for the Google doc with their websites and Instagram profiles. (COMING SOON)
    • Check out the list of available Coupons from our amazing sponsors- Ravelry Link
    • Check out the Pigskin Exclusive Items in this Ravelry Thread

Sponsors Signed up (so far)
Pro Shop:

  • agirlandherwool
  • Anne Beady Designs
  • JDStudios480
  • Imagined Landscapes
  • Charming Ewe
  • Adoreknit
  • Knit Style Yarns
  • Knitters Brewing Company
  • Jennifer Lassonde Designs

Snack Shack

  • Sunsoakedyarns
  • Shanalines Designs
  • KnittenKristen Designs
  • Maple Roots Creative
  • MollyHatChick 
  • Christen Clement Designs
  • Fitness by Mara 
  • Desert Vista Dyeworks
  • Mcknits

Virtual kick off events Friday through Sunday 9/23- 9/25. Stay tuned for details!

Welcome to our 3 new Commissioners this season!

  • Heather (zoomdogknits)
  • Emily- (ElsaandEm)
  • Alicia (almariecraft)

Teams will be announced 9/5
Tailgate Talk Challenge– runs 9/9-9/23. Stay tuned for details

Events

  • Stash Dash (Hosted by The Knit Girllls) will be hosted on Discord again and will be from May 27th-end of August.
    • Discord link: knit girllls discord
    • Current standings with Jasmin
      • Jen: 20,465 meters (Jen’s Stash Dash Spreadsheet Tracker- Google Doc.)
      • Jasmin: 10,838 meters (Jasmin’s Stash Dash Spreadsheet Tracker- Google Doc)

On a Happy Note

  • Mom’s August scans look good despite having to come off her gene therapy medicine because of severe and painful issues with the skin and nails on her hands. 
  • Dinner with my parents, brother and grandmother for her 87th birthday!
  • Visiting Dan’s friend Perry’s for his 81st Birthday. We found a local bakery that makes delicious pies. Great find.
  • Pool Days!
  • Queen Cover Band at South Shore Music Circus, after which my brother stayed over. He, Dan and I stayed up late talking. 
  • Mid-week trip out to Northampton with Kris & Megg for the Indigo Girls concert! We bought matching tank tops & wore them hiking the next morning. Every person we saw commented on them and asked if we were in some kind of club! 
  • Megg’s Gatsby Party!
  • Hiking in Wompatuck w/ Megg now that she’s back from Ireland.
  • Shopping at Ollie’s with Mom, Trish and Theresa. It’s very similar to Building 19 which is an old-school New England favorite for bargain shopping.
  • Watching Aila dance in the Cabaret show and Hattie (age 4) cheering her on (and having to stop her from dancing too much in the audience). I also got to see Eme for the first time since they got back from Ireland. 
  • Mom’s eBay New England Seller’s Meet Up Group met for the first time since Covid this week! Had fun catching up with her crew. Check out their Facebook group here.

Quote of the Week

Yet occasionally we discover in the folds of an old handkerchief a shell or insignificant stone that had once embodied our happiest of afternoons.

–PATTI SMITH


Contact Information:

Direct download: Episode_238_-_8_31_22_10.01_AM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:46am EDT

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 237 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. For full show notes with photos, please check out my website: www.downcellarstudio.com/237 

 

This week’s segments included:

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

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Shawl Design 

  • I finished up the sample for a new shawl design using a 150g skein of fingering weight from  agirlandherwool in the On the Boardwalk. I lost at yarn chicken andended up finding another similar colorway in leftovers bin. I think it was Queen City Pigskin Colorway- the Huddle is Real. 
  • The finished shawl weighs 160 grams
  • 676.8 meters for Stash Dash

Tiles for Miles Blanket

  • Pattern: Tiles for Miles Crochet Baby Blanket by Yarnspirations. Free crochet pattern available on the Yarnspirations website
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted. Mint for MC. Many colors of greens, blues and grays for Contrast Colors.
  • Hook: I (5.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • 586 grams
  • 1172.0 meters for Stash Dash

Scrappy Europe Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Double Dog Dare Colorway, Paton’s Kroy FX in the Geranium Colors Colorway and other fingering weight leftovers. 
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) 
  • Leftovers from Megg’s Socks that I knit and left in Ireland in May and Marta’s socks that I knit in Scotland and Spain and leftt behind for Marta. 
  • Cate’s Clasp Weft join- check out this video on my YouTube Channel for the tutorial.
  • My Ravelry Project Page
  • 60 grams. 238.8 meters for Stash Dash

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Spinning

  • Malabrigo Nube Roving.113g combed top Merino wool. Colorway: 870 Candombe. 1 bobbin full.
  • Wool of the Andes Unspun Roving. Colorway: Delft Heather (100 grams) 100% Peruvian Highland Wool. 

Uneek Christmas Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Uneek Sock Yarn. Colorway 25- Xmas Limited Edition. 2 cakes 220 yards/200 meters each. 
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • 1st sock done. 2nd is beyond the heel

Tweed Tie

  • Pattern: Tweed Tie by Jem Weston- 4 GBP (around $5 US) 
  • Needles: US 2. (2.75) for body, US 3 (3.25 mm) for cast-on
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Stroll Tonal in the Flagstone Heather colorway.
  • My Ravelry Project Page
  • Omitting all increases//decreases to keep the bottom at the end of the tie flat not pointed. 
  • Modification: for the last stitch of each row, I am slipping purlwise with the yarn in front for a neater edge.
 

Recollection Blanket

  • Pattern: Recollection by Deanne Ramsay ($6 crochet pattern available on Ravelry & Etsy– written in both US & UK Crochet terms)
  • Yarn: Various full skeins and 20+ gram fingering weight yarn stash.
  • Hook: J (6.0 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Cast on with US K. It was still a little too tight but it works. Body done in a US J (6.0 mm)
  • Holding all yarn triple. Clusters of treble crochet.

Scrappy Hexagon Blanket

  • Pattern: Basic Crochet Hexagon Pattern & Tips from Make Do and Crew Website & YouTube Tutorial
  • Hook: F (3.75 mm)
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Hawthorne Marl Sock Lab in the Grey White Marl Colorway, Patons Kroy in the Gentry Colorway + fingering weight scraps
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Planned for 20 columns total. 11 or 13 hexis depending on the column. 
  • SCing them together with 2 strands like I am for the hexagons themselves. A great way to use up very small scraps because I only ever seam 3 sides together. 

From the Armchair

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

In My Travels

  • Camping at On the Saco Campground in Fryeburg ME
  •  2 days paddling. 9 miles each day
  • Thurs night went to Saco River Brewing then to the restaurant next door.
  • Living my best life sleeping my hammock tent.
  • Trash collecting. 

KAL News

#SplashPadParty22

  • Link to the 2022 Splash Pad Party Rules.docx
  • Participant Sign Up- Google Form
  • Check out our amazing Sponsors! Click here for the Google doc with their websites and Instagram profiles.
    • Check out the list of available Coupons from our amazing sponsors: Ravelry link
    • Check out the Splash Pad Exclusive Items here
  • Enter your FOs using this Splash Pad Summer Celebration Form to be eligible for prizes (not a Ravelry link).
  • View all the Entries and the Leaderboard here -> Splash Pad Party Player Stats
  • Need help with an entry submission? -> Splash Pad Support Request Form
  • Questions- check out this Ravelry Thread or email Jen.

Stats:

  • 155 players entered
  • 1022 projects finished & entered
    • 424 used around 50g
    • 357 used around 100g
    • 189 projects used around 200g!
    • 52 used around 150g
  • 10 Pro Shop Sponsors
  • 17 Snack Shack Sponsors
  • 2,268 Sponsor Products used in the creation of the 1022 FOs
  • 33 Participation Prizes
  • 30 Final Prizes

Thank you to Wendy and Jen!!!!!
Tune in to hear if you’re one of our end of the summer winners! I will email all winners within a week of this recording.

Events

On a Happy Note

  • My friend Laura visited during the first weekend in August. Celebrated her birthday. She, Mom and I saw The Neil Diamond Musical; A Beautiful Noise in Boston.
  • Second hand shopping. I bought a beautiful cedar entertainment center.
  • Dan, Laura, Aila and I all had sleepovers at Mom & Dad’s. Pool time, ice cream and penny drop. 
  • The Rowans are home from Ireland!
  • Tuesday August 9 we celebrated Mom & Hattie’s half birthdays at the beach.
  • Camping!
  • Sunday- pooltime and dinner with Mom, Dad and my brother, Jeff.

Quote of the Week

For nothing is fixed, forever and forever and forever, it is not fixed; the earth is always shifting, the light is always changing, the sea does not cease to grind down rock.–JAMES BALDWIN

Thank you for tuning in!
Contact Information:

Direct download: Episode_237_-_81522_12.34_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:28pm EDT

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 236 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. For full show notes with photo check out my website.

This week’s segments included:

  • Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • From the Armchair
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Ask Me Anything
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Woolen Women Splash Pad Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Woolen Women Fibers 80/20 SW Merino/Nylon Blend. Colorway: Into the Deep
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • 219.6 meters for Stash Dash

4 Crocheted Jar Cozies

  • Yarn: Lion Brand Re-up in various colors
  • Hook: G (4.25) for bottom and F (3.75 mm) for the sides
  • Patterns: some are a take off on my Ball Band with a Twist pattern available on Ravelry & LoveCrafts
  • Rainbow Ball Band with a Twist- Ravelry Project Page. 38.5 meters
  • Improv Cluster Cozy- Ravelry Project Page. 35.4 meters 
  • Teal Vanicream Cozy- Ravelry Project Page. 40.7 meters
  • Gray Vanicream Cozy- Ravelry Project Page. 41.6 meters

Rabbit in a Carrot Sleeping Bag #2

  • Pattern: Rabbit in a Carrot Sleeping Bag by Laura Sutcliffe (2 GBP crochet pattern) $2.70 US 
  • Hook: 2.75 mm (C) for bunny & 3.25 mm (D) for sleeping bag
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Worsted- gray, white, pink, orange and green colors
  • Made one in February 2020 for my niece Hattie’s 2nd birthday. This is for Gabriella’s 2nd birthday 
  • Stuffing: mostly used the cotton that comes at the top of a new bottle of pills/OTC medicine.
  • 84 meters for Stash Dash
  •  

 On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Malabrigo Nube Roving

  • 113g combed top Merino wool
  • Colorway: 870 Candombe
  • Have at least 2. Maybe 3 of these. 
  • Purples, pinks, dusty pumpkin/mustard. 
  • Pre-drafting really helps.

Uneek Christmas Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Uneek Sock Yarn. Colorway 25- Xmas Limited Edition. 2 cakes 220 yards/200 meters each. 
  • Ravelry Project Page

Recollection Blanket

  • Pattern: Recollection by Deanne Ramsay ($6 crochet pattern available on Ravelry & Etsy– written in both US & UK Crochet terms)
  • Yarn: Various Fingering Weight Yarns from stash held triple. Yarns include (but not limited to)- Legacy Fiber Artz, Yarnable, Goosey Fibers, Knitters Brewing Company, Cascade, Knit Picks Felici.
  • Hook: J (6.0 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Changed color plan- after purchasing new pillows for our couch. Pinks, peach, orange, yellow. bits of tan and purple.
  • Blanket is 56 inches wide (not including the fringe). 

Shawl Design 

Sideways shawl design that I had to rip back to center (after finishing the increases) because I wasn’t happy with how decreases are laying. Figured out what I needed to fix. Ripped back a lot, finally got back to virgin yarn again.

Scrappy Hexagon Blanket

  • Pattern: Basic Crochet Hexagon Pattern & Tips from Make Do and Crew Website & YouTube Tutorial
  • Hook: F (3.75 mm)
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Hawthorne Marl Sock Lab in the Grey White Marl Colorway, Patons Kroy in the Gentry Colorway + fingering weight scraps
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Mapped out gradation plan in Excel.
  • Need:- 132 dark gray & 128 light gray. Completed: 203 of 260 

Tiles for Miles Blanket

  • Pattern: Tiles for Miles Crochet Baby Blanket by Yarnspirations. Free crochet pattern available on the Yarnspirations website
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted. Mint for MC. Many colors of greens, blues and grays for Contrast Colors.
  • Hook: I (5.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page

From the Armchair

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

KAL News

#SplashPadParty22

  • Link to the 2022 Splash Pad Party Rules.docx
  • Participant Sign Up- Google Form
  • Check out our amazing Sponsors! Click here for the Google doc with their websites and Instagram profiles.
    • Check out the list of available Coupons from our amazing sponsors: Ravelry link
    • Check out the Splash Pad Exclusive Items here
  • Enter your FOs using this Splash Pad Summer Celebration Form to be eligible for prizes (not a Ravelry link).
  • View all the Entries and the Leaderboard here -> Splash Pad Party Player Stats
  • Need help with an entry submission? -> Splash Pad Support Request Form
  • Questions- check out this Ravelry Thread or email Jen.
  • All projects must be finished by the end of the day (your time) on Sunday July 31, 2022). All entries must be submitted via the Summer Celebration Form by Friday 8/5/22.
  • 823 projects entered so far!3,404 entries for prizes!!
  • Will announce winners of our final prizes in Episode 237!

 Events

Ask Me Anything

  • Mazzygirl1- How is your sweet Mom doing?
  • Pebblesgirlcrafts- This isn’t podcast related but would ever do a sock drawer tour on YouTube?
  • Genna-with-a-Gee- What are your favorite sources of crafting inspiration? Crafts, YouTube etc?YouTube Channels: Legacy Fiber ArtzKnitty NattyEarthtones GirlStitching the High Notes.Scrolling Instagram. Photos in Ravelry Chat Thread. 

On a Happy Note

  • Visit with Sue from Legacy Fiber Artz & Sharon from Knit Style Yarns
  • 90 min massage was great even though it left my calves with polka dot bruises
  • Beachside drinks and dinner with my bestie Kris, my mom and hers. 
  • Not so happy about wrist pain that lasted for about 4 days but it passed quickly.
  • Furniture shopping with Mom. First night out we got a bookcase about 27 baskets for me. I took Friday off of work, and we did some more furniture shopping.
  • I went to the Keith Urban Concert with the fam including a few of our cousins, followed by family sleepover at Mom & Dads that turned into two  90+ degree pool days. Floating. Diving contests. Penny drop (if you want to play this game with your family consider using my Amazon Affiliate link for purchase)
  • Cardio jazz class with my girlfriends.
  • Being eligible to donate blood again- 1 year after treatment from Lyme disease ended.
  • Going to the Red Sox/Gaurdians Game for the David Ortiz Hall of Fame Induction Celebration. 
  •  

Quote of the Week

I believe one thing; that today is yesterday and tomorrow is today and you can’t stop. 

-Martha Graham

Thank you for tuning in!
Contact Information:

Direct download: Episode_236_-_73122_12.45_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:40pm EDT

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 235 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. For full show notes with photos, check out my website

 

This week’s segments included:

  • Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • Brainstorming
  • From the Armchair
  • Knitting in Passing
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Life in Focus
  • Ask Me Anything
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Felici Socks (2 finished)

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Desert Rose (Ravelry Page), Bayou Colorway (Ravelry Page) 
  • Bayou (greens and grays). 292.5 meters (10.5 inch foot and leg)
  • Desert Rose- (pinks, purple, dusty mustard/orange).  230.8 meters (8-9 in leg and 9.5 inch foot)

Marled Felici Cozy Clusters Baby Blanket

  • Pattern: Cozy Clusters Baby Blanket by Leelee Knits (free & paid options available on the LeeLeeKnits website) 
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Brava 500 in White held double with Knit Picks Felici in the Bookshop, Rustic Cabin & Friendly Skies colorways
  • Hooks: 5.5mm (J) for the body 
  • 6 skeins Felici + 12g of another to finish border. 634g of Brava worsted.
  • Border: sc around. hdc around. hdc through 3rd loop around. 
  • 32 inches wide x 48 inches long.
  • 2,505 Meters for Stash Dash

Mom’s Breezy Cover-Up

  • Pattern: Easy Breezy Swim Cover by Megan Shaimes (free on the Meg Made with Love Blog or ad-free for $3.50 on Etsy).
  • Yarn: Wool & The Gang Shiny Happy Cotton in the Turquoise Waters Colorway (~8.4 skeins used)
  • Hook: F (3.75 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Knit i-cord for belt. 3 sts with US 8 DPNs.
  • 1195.6 meters for Stash Dash

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Malabrigo Nube Roving

  • 113g combed top Merino wool
  • Colorway: 870 Candombe
  • Pre-drafting really helps. darkest dye sections are usually the most condensed. 

Scrappy Hexagon Blanket

  • Pattern: Basic Crochet Hexagon Pattern & Tips from Make Do and Crew Website & YouTube Tutorial
  • Hook: F (3.75 mm)
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Hawthorne Marl Sock Lab in the Grey White Marl Colorway, Patons Kroy in the Gentry Colorway + fingering weight scraps
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • *7/14 update- 99 light gray. 80 dark gray- 179 total (of 260)- 81 left

Woolen Women Splash Pad Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Woolen Women Fibers 80/20 SW Merino/Nylon Blend. Colorway: Into the Deep
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Cast on Sunday July 10th beginning of Knitty Natty’s Sock Week. Check out her YouTube Channel if you haven’t already
  • Finished heel on Wednesday. Into the foot on Thursday.
  • You can still get your official logo bag and sock set on the Woolen Women Website

Brainstorming


Pattern: Recollection by Deanne Ramsay. Ravelry Link to Pattern. Blog Link. $6 US
“Designed to utilise all those leftovers that seem too small to be useful, but too precious to throw away, this blanket can be made in any size and with any yarn weight.Use your chosen

 From the Armchair

This Is My Brain In Love by I.W. Gregorio Bookshop Affiliate LinkAmazon Affiliate Link.

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

Knitting in Passing

  • A lady asked what I was knitting during the opening act of The Chicks concert. She said she’s an avid knitter too.
  • Helped a new hat knitter find needles in Michaels 
  • I received a text from my friend Laura’s pilates client, David, of his bright Felici Socks in his work pants/shoes in a conference room in summer. 

KAL News

#SplashPadParty22

  • Link to the 2022 Splash Pad Party Rules.docx
  • Participant Sign Up- Google Form
  • Check out our amazing Sponsors! Click here for the Google doc with their websites and Instagram profiles.
    • Check out the list of available Coupons from our amazing sponsors: Ravelry link
    • Check out the Splash Pad Exclusive Items here
  • Enter your FOs using this Splash Pad Summer Celebration Form to be eligible for prizes (not a Ravelry link).
  • View all the Entries and the Leaderboard here -> Splash Pad Party Player Stats
  • Need help with an entry submission? -> Splash Pad Support Request Form
  • Questions- check out this Ravelry Thread or email Jen.

Events

  • Summer Bingo hosted by Monica & Cortney of the Craft Cook Read Repeat Podcast
    • Starts friday evening may 27, ends Mon Sept 5
    • Need to post a photo of completed Bingo with #CCRRsummerbingo2021 to Instagram or Ravelry
  • Sock Week with Knitty Natty. July 10-17th. I’ll be co-hosted an event with Natalie on Tuesday July 12th at 8p Eastern! If you paid for the option that includes this -you can watch the replay! 
  • Summer Sock Camp hosted by Kay of The Crazy Sock Lady YouTube Channel. The KAL runs 5/28/22 – 8/31/22 this year!
  • Two Ewes Fiber Adventures Summer Spin In. June 1-September 5th. Find their Ravelry Group thread here. #SummerSpinIn2022
  • Stash Dash (Hosted by The Knit Girllls) will be hosted on Discord again and will be from May 27th-end of August.
  • Discord link: knit girllls discord
  • Jen’s Stash Dash Spreadsheet Tracker- Google Doc
  • Jasmin’s Stash Dash Spreadsheet Tracker- Google Doc
  • The New York Sheep & Wool Festival in Rhinebeck, NY will be held October 15 & 16, 2022

Life in Focus

I reviewed my: Word of the Year: Pause

Primary Goals:

  1. Move your body 4 days a week. Any movement for 15 minutes or more counts. 
    • January: 19 workouts/4 weeks= 4.75 times per week.
    • February: 12 workouts/ 4 weeks= 3 per week
    • March: 13 workouts
    • April: 13 workouts
    • May: 8 workouts
    • June- 21 workouts
    • 86= divide by 26 weeks of the years- 3.3 
  2. Say Yes to time spent with Mom – that’s going well!
  3. Journaling. Major fail on journal except for tracking mom’s important health details, taking as many photos as I can, and doing my 1 line a day journal.

Ask Me Anything

Val asked if I’d seen any interesting wildlife on my walks lately. We have a new fawn in the yard. The hawks are especially loud! I found some interesting information on the Mass Audubon website. I think the ones near us are the Red-tailed hawks.

On a Happy Note

  • Laura’s visit. Pool day. Heidi’s for ice cream. Consignment shopping- where we scored, clothes, jewelry and a new/old mirror for our guest room which Dan hung this week. 
  • Zero Refills No waste store in Cohasset, MA.
  • Laura left Sunday of July 4th weekend. Dan and I worked around house Monday morning then enjoy the pool in the afternoon & dinner with fresh local corn with Mom and Dad. 
  • The Chicks concert with Mom, Dad, Jeff and Riley- tailgaiting, sneaking in my knitting & singing our lungs out! 
  • Trish’s 50th birthday at the Japanese Hibachi and pool day.
  • Dinner and pool night with Mom, Dad and Millie. Millie and I picked wild blueberries. I found necklaces that say Fearless for Mom, Riley, Millie and Me. 

Quote of the Week

One discovers the light in darkness, that is what darkness is for; but everything in our lives depends on how we bear the light. –JAMES BALDWIN

Thank you for tuning in!


Contact Information:

Direct download: Episode_235_-_71522_1.53_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:12pm EDT

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 234 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast.

Full show notes with photos can be found on my website.

This week’s segments included:

  • Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • Brainstorming
  • From the Armchair
  • Some Years Later
  • Knitting in Passing
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Life in Focus
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Love Letters Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Fibernymph Dye Works Mountain Tweed BFL in the Love Letters Colorway
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Meters for Stash Dash= 232.6

Blue/Green/Yellow 3 ply handspun

  • Three Waters farm Fiber- Forested Hills Colorway (blues & greens). Three Waters Farm Corriedale- pulled out the blues/greens and yellows pulled from the Quintessence colorway.  Rhapsody Fiber Arts- 2oz 50% Angora/50% merino no colorway- lighter blue.  
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Meters for Stash Dash= 464 

Cozy Clusters Baby Blanket

  • Pattern: Cozy Clusters Baby Blanket by Leelee Knits (free & paid options available on the LeeLeeKnits website) 
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Brava 500 in the Peacock colorway (Main), Brava in the Dove Heather Colorway (gray), and Craft Smart Value Yarn in the Neon Yellow Colorway
  • Hooks: 5.5mm (J) for the cast on & 6.0mm (I) for the body
  • I wanted a bobble edging (inspired by this blanket). I used this free blog tutorial for the bobble border.
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Stash Dash Meters- 1,095.2

Psychedelic Sunset Felici Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Psychedelic Rainbow Colorway
  • Ravelry Page
  • Stash Dash Meters: 252.7

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Shawl Design 

  • Yarn: 150g skein of fingering weight from  agirlandherwool in the On the Boardwalk.
  • Pattern: in progress 
  • Update: I am not happy with how decreases are laying on the decrease side so I’ll rip back and redo.

Felici Socks (3 in progress) 

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Baker Street Colorway (Ravelry Page), Desert Rose (Ravelry Page), Bayou Colorway (Ravelry Page) 

Scrappy Hexagon Blanket

  • Pattern: Basic Crochet Hexagon Pattern & Tips from Make Do and Crew Website & YouTube Tutorial
  • Hook: F (3.75 mm)
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Hawthorne Marl Sock Lab in the Grey White Marl Colorway, Patons Kroy in the Gentry Colorway + fingering weight scraps
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • 162 done of 260= 62% done. 

Malabrigo Nube Roving- Spinning Project

  • 113g combed top Merino wool
  • Colorway: 870 Candombe

Marled Felici Cozy Clusters Baby Blanket

  • Pattern: Cozy Clusters Baby Blanket by Leelee Knits (free & paid options available on the LeeLeeKnits website) 
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Brava 500 in White held double with Knit Picks Felici in the Bookshop, Rustic Cabin & Friendly Skies colorways
  • Hooks: 5.5mm (J) for the body 
  • Ravelry Project Page

Brainstorming

  • Acquiring 2 bags of yarn from a friend moving on from knitting into quilting. Not sure what I can make out of her stash, but very much looking forward to giving that a go. 
  • I have all sorts of blanket mojo. If you do too, check out some of these charities excepting donations.

From the Armchair

The Long Weekend by Gilly Macmillan. Bookshop Affiliate LinkAmazon Affiliate Link.

The Mother-In-Law by Sally Hepworth. Bookshop Affiliate LinkAmazon Affiliate Link

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

Some Years Later

I crocheted in 2018. Check out my Ravelry Project Page here. Pattern is the Easy Breezy Swim Cover by Megan Shaimes (free on the Meg Made with Love Blog or ad-free for $3.50 on Etsy).

Knitting in Passing

  • Millie called me to re-learn the purl but she knew how to do it after all.
  • While waiting for a train, a lady sat down and asked if this was the knitting bench. She pulled out a lime green dish cloth she brought with her to knit on while waiting for an appointment.
  • As I was getting off train the other day, a man asked when I was done crocheting what was my project going to be. He said he looked forward to seeing my progress if he sees me again. 

KAL News

#SplashPadParty22

  • Link to the 2022 Splash Pad Party Rules.docx
  • Participant Sign Up- Google Form
  • Check out our amazing Sponsors! Click here for the Google doc with their websites and Instagram profiles.
    • Check out the list of available Coupons from our amazing sponsors: Ravelry link
    • Check out the Splash Pad Exclusive Items here
  • Enter your FOs using this Splash Pad Summer Celebration Form to be eligible for prizes (not a Ravelry link).
  • View all the Entries and the Leaderboard here -> Splash Pad Party Player Stats
  • Need help with an entry submission? -> Splash Pad Support Request Form
  • Questions- check out this Ravelry Thread or email Jen.

Tune in to hear if you won a June Participation Prize!

Events

Stash Dash Update:

  • Jen’s Stash Dash Spreadsheet Tracker- Google Doc
  • Jasmin’s Stash Dash Spreadsheet Tracker- Google Doc
  • Jasmin is 1700 meters ahead, but we still have 2 full months! I am planning to go to Rhinebeck and look forward to the satisfcation of having her hand over our Sash!

Life in Focus

  • Furious about the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe versus Wade? Check out this website Action For All (choice.crd.co). It is really easy to navigate website that gives options for where to donate, volunteer, protest, and to find access to healthcare including abortion including region specific links. 
  • I also invite you to check out the Earbuds Collective recommendations for podcasts on the topic of Abortion.

On a Happy Note

  • Dancing in the 40th Anniversary Recital & a fun after party.
  • Millie’s impromptu sleepover. pancakes and hike before heading to dad’s for Father’s Day
  • Father’s Day- too cold for a pool day, but we had fun inside playing games.
  • Carly’s bridal shower
  • Riley graduated 8th grade!.
  • Pool Day with Mom’s eBay friends + a few of our friends too.

Quote of the Week

Beauty is as much about how and whether you look as what you see. –JOHN GREEN

Thank you for tuning in!

Direct download: Episode_234.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:45pm EDT

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Pumpkin Patch colorway (October Yarnable Subscription Box Colorway). Click here for my YouTube Unboxing Video.
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • 264.0 meters for Stash Dash
  • Curious about Yarnable? Consider checking out my Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link. Use Coupon Code BOSTONJEN for $5 off your first box.
  • Don’t forget- Yarnable/Hypnotic Yarn is a Snack Shack Sponsor

Mr. Fezziwig Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Yarn: Woolens & Nosh Corriedale Sock in the Mr. Fezziwig Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • My Ravelry Project Page
  •  238.0 meters for Stash Dash

Rainbow Crochet Crop

  • Pattern: 100% improvised.
  • Yarn: Lion Brand Re-up. Colors: Ecru, Red, Orange, Sunflower, Lime, Aqua, Lilac and Raspberry
  • Hook: E (3.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • 482 g used. 719.7 meters for Stash Dash. 

3 ply yarn in Blues & Greens

  • Wool of the Andes Unspun Roving. Colorway: Delft Heather (100 grams) 100% Peruvian Highland Wool. 
  • Malabrigo Nube. 113 grames Combed Top 100% Merino Wool in Colorway 809 Solis. 
  •  Rhapsody Fiber Arts- 2oz 50% Angora/50% merino no colorway- lighter blues.
  • This 3 ply skein is 31 inches long from end to end, or 62 inches per wrap of the noddy noddy. 106 wraps= 6,572 inches or 166.9 meters for Stash Dash (because the fiber went through the orifice 4 times)

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Shawl Design 

  • I shared some preliminary details about a new design idea using a 150g skein of fingering weight from  agirlandherwool in the On the Boardwalk colorway.

Meggsie/Marta Scrappy Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Patons Kroy Socks FX in the Geranium Colors Colorway (leftover from Marta’s Socks) & Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Double Dog Dare Colorway (leftover from Meggsie’s socks) + also added yarn from Aila’s dance socks.
  • Ravelry Project Page

Love Letters Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Fibernymph Dye Works Mountain Tweed BFL in the Love Letters Colorway
  • Ravelry Project Page

Felici Socks (4 in progress) 

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Baker Street Colorway (Ravelry Page), Desert Rose (Ravelry Page), Bayou Colorway (Ravelry Page) Psychedelic Rainbow (Ravelry Page- used a Lemonade Shop yarn for heel) 

Scrappy Hexagon Blanket

  • Pattern: Basic Crochet Hexagon Pattern & Tips from Make Do and Crew Website & YouTube Tutorial
  • Hook: F (3.75 mm)
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Hawthorne Marl Sock Lab in the Grey White Marl Colorway, Patons Kroy in the Gentry Colorway + fingering weight scraps
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • As of 6/14: 95 light gray, 27 dark gray – 112 total

Brainstorming

Stash Dash Planning

I’m brainstorming baby blanket options

  • Snuggle Bean Blanket by Little Duck Crochet available on Etsy Ravelry Link ($5 US)
  • Abacus Blanket by Susan Carlson available on LoveCrafts & Ravelry & Etsy ($6 US)
  • or maybe a simple corner to corner (C2C) crochet blanket?

From the Armchair

Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link.

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

Knitting in Passing

Kris’ Felici sock (Ravelry Project Page) blew out after just more than a year but keep in mind that Kris wears her socks daily from October- May and teaches dance in them.

In My Travels

I shared some stories about my recent trip to Ireland, Scotland and Spain. Patrons, don’t forget to check out the Patreon feed for blog posts, photos and a Google Album of my trip pictures.

KAL News

#SplashPadParty22

  • Link to the 2022 Splash Pad Party Rules.docx
  • Participant Sign Up- Google Form
  • Check out our amazing Sponsors! Click here for the Google doc with their websites and Instagram profiles.
    • Check out the list of available Coupons from our amazing sponsors: Ravelry link
    • Check out the Splash Pad Exclusive Items here
  • Enter your FOs using this Splash Pad Summer Celebration Form to be eligible for prizes (not a Ravelry link).
  • View all the Entries and the Leaderboard here -> Splash Pad Party Player Stats
  • Need help with an entry submission? -> Splash Pad Support Request Form
  • Questions- check out this Ravelry Thread or email Jen.

On this episode I talked about:

  • Thanks to everyone who joined our May 30th Kick Off.
  • Thursday June 23rd at 8p Eastern we’re doing another Zoom hangout for Patrons at the$5 level and up. Check out the details here.
  • Splash Pad ’22 logo bags are available from Woolen Women Fibers. Check out their knit kits here or sock sets here.  

Events

  • Sock Week with Knitty Natty. July 10-17th. I’ll be co-hosting an event with Natalie on Tuesday July 12th at 8p Eastern!
  • Summer Sock Camp hosted by Kay of The Crazy Sock Lady YouTube Channel. The KAL runs 5/28/22 – 8/31/22 this year!
  • Irocknitters KAL hosted by Cori (Irocknits Designs, also a Splash Pad Sponsor). Check out this post in her Ravelry Group. KAL runs from April 25th through June 30, 2022.
  • Woolen Women Fibers Rock It Tee KAL. Check out this post on Instagram for details. Runs May 7-July 30th.
  • Two Ewes Fiber Adventures Summer Spin In. June 1-September 5th. Find their Ravelry Group thread here. #SummerSpinIn2022
  • Stash Dash (Hosted by The Knit Girllls) will be hosted on Discord again and will be from May 27th-end of August.

Stash Dash Update:

  • Jen’s Stash Dash Spreadsheet Tracker- Google Doc
  • Jasmin’s Stash Dash Spreadsheet Tracker- Google Doc

On a Happy Note

  • Girls weekend with Kris and Laura. Got a cool embroidered art piece for our guest room which Mom and Dad got me for my birthday.
  • Birthday celebrations. Friday- kayaking with Mom, Dad and Dan. Beer out on the sandbar, local brewery, then ice cream and dinner with RGM. Sleepover at Mom’s. Pool day, lobsters. Kids bouncing on air mattress. Fake out with a small ice cream cake- which I have VERY strong feelings about. Kara’s kids- Emelie and Teddy. Em asked me if she could lick my cake. I thought she said Look AT my cake and I said SURE!

Quote of the Week

One does not ‘find oneself’ by pursuing one’s self, but on the contrary by pursuing something else and learning through some discipline or routine (even the routine of making beds) who one is and wants to be.

–May Sarton

Thank you for tuning in!

Contact Information:

Direct download: Episode_233_-_61422_3.45_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00am EDT

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 232 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website.

This week’s segments included:

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

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

Note- there will be only one episode in May 2022. Talk to you again in June (or join us May 30th for our Splash Pad Virtual Kick Off)

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Mom’s Zen Socks 

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Zen Colorway
  • Ravelry Project Page

2 Tiny Turtles

  • Pattern: Little Miss Turtle by Diana Moore (free crochet pattern available on Ravelry & on the PinkMouseBoutique website)
  • Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Minis in various greens
  • Hook: B 2.25 m 
  • Ravelry Project Page for Turtle 1
  • Ravelry Project Page for Turtle 2

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Spinning:

  • Wool of the Andes Unspun Roving. Colorway: Delft Heather (100 grams) 100% Peruvian Highland Wool & Malabrigo Nube. 113 grames Combed Top 100% Merino Wool in Colorway 809 Solis. 
  • Planning to ply these together with Rhapsody Fiber Arts- 2oz 50% Angora/50% merino no colorway- lighter blues.

Scrappy Hexagon Blanket

Double Dog Dare Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Double Dog Dare Colorway
  • Ravelry Project Page

Pumpkin Patch Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Pumpkin Patch colorway (October Yarnable Subscription Box Colorway). Click here for my YouTube Unboxing Video.
  • Curious about Yarnable? Consider checking out my Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link. Use Coupon Code BOSTONJEN for $5 off your first box.
    • 2 recent Unboxing Videos- check out April & May on YouTube.

Brainstorming

Shawl idea forming. Maybe a new design? Maybe a disaster? Time will tell.

From the Armchair

Knitting in Passing

  • My cousin Gayle gave me an antique darning egg that was her great grandmother’s. 
    • It appears to be a vintage white milk glass hand blown darning egg- similar to this one listed on eBay
  • Mom got us matching pink socks with sheep on them for upcoming Wool Festivals!

KAL News

Events

On a Happy Note

  • Scituate Salt Cave
    • I enjoyed the quiet time & guided meditation. I’m not sure I believe in the benefits of the salt and am especially skeptical that the website sites Dr. Oz as their source.
  • Morgen’s First Communion and A’s birthday dinner. 
  • I saw a local production of Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat with my cousins, my grandmother & my great aunt Florence as part of her 94th birthday celebration. She’s always wanted red leather pants. Her daughter Joanie bought them for her and she rocked them!
  • Savers trip with Mom! Always fun (and funny)
  • My cousin Bella’s performance as Fiona in Shrek the Musical
  • Our friend Liz’s surprise 30th Birthday- Star Wars Themed Party. The decorations were on point!
  • We have a new nephew- Zachary!
  • Mother’s Day at Mom’s.
  • My mom, Diane Lassonde, was on Episode 190 of the eBay for Business Podcast. Check it out!

Quote of the Week

Life will hit you hard in the face, wait for you to get back up just so it can kick you in the stomach. But getting the wind knocked out of you is the only way to remind your lungs how much they like the taste of air.– Sarah Kay

Thank you for tuning in!
Contact Information:

Direct download: Episode_232_-_51122_12.19_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:30pm EDT

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 231 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. For full show notes check out: www.downcellarstudio.com/231 

This week’s segments included:

  • Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • Brainstorming
  • From the Armchair
  • Some Years Later
  • Knitting in Passing
  • In my Travels
  • KAL News
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Wordle

  • Pattern: Wordle by Ham & Eggs (free crochet pattern available on Ravelry) Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted in Peapod (Green), Loops & Thread Impeccable in True Gray, Rowan Purelife in Alder Buckthorn (Mustard), Red Heart Super Saver in White
  • Hook: D (3.25 mm)
  • Directions tell you exactly how to make the format they show in the pattern or you can create your own. I chose to use one of the Riley’s actually Wordle days using a screenshot she sent me.
  • I did the bottom row as one strip instead of five squares. When I joined the columns, I ran a slipped stitch down the existing stitches to match where I seamed up the previous rows
  • I didn’t weave in any ends. I tucked them inside snd tied some of them together. I did one round of white to edge the front piece. Then seamed together the front and back together with sc with right sides facing out.
  • I made the back piece in gray. I dont think that’s what was called for in the pattern.
  • He has safety eyes and two little white arms.
  • Riley is calling him Stove- after the winning word I based it on. She wants me to embroider STOVE on the back so we don’t forget his name

Perry’s Hat

  • Pattern:Turn a Square by Jared Flood ($4 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & on the Brooklyn Tweed website)
  • Yarn: Berroco Vintage in the Dungaree Colorway
  • Needles: US 5 (4.5 mm) and US 7 (3.75 mm)
  • My Ravelry Project Page
  • I realized i don’t do all the decreases correctly. I work them every other round until the end. 

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Wool Ease Hexagon Blanket

  • Pattern: Basic Crochet Hexagon Pattern & Tips from Make Do and Crew Website & YouTube Tutorial
  • Hook: 10 mm (N/P) hook
  • Yarn: Wool Ease Thick & Quick- Solids, Stripes and Prints (colorways used, Wheat, Seaglass, Slate, Fern, Coney Island and 
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • My hexagons are 3 rounds each- 2 with color (earth tones, mostly gray/blue/green), last round with Wheat. 

Brainstorming

I’m looking for a necktie pattern to knit up for my friend Liz. She’d like one with a squared off bottom (not the V bottom)

From the Armchair

Weaving the Rainbow written by George Ella Lyon & illustrated by Stephanie Anderson-Bookshop Affiliate LinkAmazon Affiliate Link

 If you’re looking for a great book for a child in your life- check this out. It’s beautiful!

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

Some Years Later

April 2015- I knit the sample for my Trickle Shawl pattern.Ravelry LinkLoveCrafts Link. $5 US Knitting Pattern 

Knitting in Passing

  • Riley wore her Everyday Cardigan in Merino Number 5 by Loopy Mango. Click here for my Ravelry Project Page.
  • Aila love her A’s Scrappy Dance Shoe Legwarmers My Ravelry Project Page
  • I shared a story about knitting with Eme’s roommate Zi.

In My Travels

  • Visit to the Berkshires with the kiddos for Riley, Aila & Eme’s birthdays
  • We visited Hancock Shaker Village
    • Baby animal petting through May 8, 2022
  • Riley, Aila and Eme wanted to record a bit to tell you about our adventures.

KAL News

Splash Pad Party ’22 

  • Official Rules- Google Doc
  • Participant Sign Up- Google Form
  • Check out our Sponsors- Google Doc
  • Want to be a Sponsor? Please email me before 5/5- downcellarstudio at gmail dot com

On a Happy Note

  • Date night with Dan the local Brewery.
  • Day trip to Visit Eme. Dan drove. I knit on the way there and then was motion sick the whole way home!
  • Easter!
  • Ihecked out nail salon near my house and they were great.
  • Dinner with Mom, Dad & Mom’s eBay friends. 

Quote of the Week

“Sometimes magic is just someone spending more time on something than anyone else might reasonably expect.” 

-Raymond Joseph Teller

Thank you for tuning in!
Contact Information:

Direct download: Episode_231_-_42922_10.00_AM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:22pm EDT

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 230 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Check out show notes with photos on my website.

This week’s segments included:

  • Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • From the Armchair
  • In my Travels
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Ask Me Anything
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Kim’s Christmas Stocking

  • Pattern: Christmas Stockings to Knit and Crochet from Family Circle Magazine. Available in this web archive link. I’ve also saved it to my podcast Gmail Google Drive in case it disappears! 
  • Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver in Cherry Red, Hunter Green and White
  • Hook: G (4.00 mm)
  • My Ravelry Project Page

A’s Scrappy Dance Shoe Legwarmers

  • Pattern: Dance Shoe Legwarmers by Sherry Katherine Vernon (free knitting pattern)
  • Yarn: Various Fingering Weight leftovers including Knit Picks Felici
  • Needles: US 1 5(2.5 mm)
  • My Ravelry Project Page

Kris’ birthday socks 

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Berocco Sox in the Rosehearty colorway 
  • My Ravelry Project Page

Eme’s Unicorn Macaron Amigurumi

  • Pattern: Unicorn Macaron Amigurumi free crochet pattern by Anitha Domacin available on their website.
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted in white and various other colors. Small bit of silver metallic yarn from Stash
  • Hook: C (2.75 mm)
  • My Ravelry Project Page

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Pumpkin Patch Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Pumpkin Patch colorway (October Yarnable Subscription Box Colorway). Click here for my YouTube Unboxing Video.
  • Curious about Yarnable? Consider checking out my Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link. Use Coupon Code BOSTONJEN for $5 off your first box.

Perry’s Hat 

  • Pattern:Turn a Square by Jared Flood ($4 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & on the Brooklyn Tweed website)
  • Yarn: Berroco Vintage in the Dungaree Colorway
  • Needles: US 5 (4.5 mm) and US 7 (3.75 mm)
  • My Ravelry Project Page

Spinning:

  • Wool of the Andes Unspun Roving. Colorway: Delft Heather (100 grams) 100% Peruvian Highland Wool. 
    • Spun one braid. I have one more to go.
  • Malabrigo Nube. 113 grames Combed Top 100% Merino Wool in Colorway 809 Solis. 
  • Planning to ply these together with Rhapsody Fiber Arts- 2oz 50% Angora/50% merino no colorway- lighter blues. Already plied some of this with two other singles. 

Riley’s Christmas Cardigan

  • Pattern: Everyday Cardigan in Merino No. 5 by Loopy Mango
  • Needles: US 15 (10 mm)
  • Yarn: Bernat Blanket in Misty Green (sage color)
  • My Ravelry Project Page

From the Armchair

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. Bookshop Affiliate LinkAmazon Affiliate Link.

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

In My Travels

  • Tune in to hear about our trip to Newport, Rhode Island for my cousin’s wedding 
  • We enjoyed a visit to Newport Vineyards for cocktail hour Friday night.
  • We got breakfast at Diego’s on Saturday morning. Tip: get a reservation and order the Diego’s Huevos
  • I wore a fabulous dress I got second hand at the Second 2 None Consignment Shop in Hanover, MA

KAL News

  • Splash Pad Party ’22 Call for Sponsors!
  • Sponsor Call: Deadline 4/25/22
  • Want to sign up (after you read the details)? Please fill out this Google Form
  • Info Page for Sponsors on my Website- click here 
  • Kick Off Date- Monday 5/30- Memorial Day. Virtual Events.Sign ups for Participants coming soon

Events

Ask Me Anything

I received a couple questions asking about how Mom is doing after her lung cancer diagnosis in December 2021. Tune in for more. You can also check out the video we shared in March, if you want to hear/see more.

On a Happy Note

  • My friend Laura came for a visit. We celebrated our friend Kris’ birthday with shopping and dinner.
  • I went for my annual physical and mammogram! PSA- don’t put off those doctor’s appointments. It’s important.
  • I am enjoying the signs of Spring!
  • Went for mani pedis with Mom and Trish
  • My Cousin’s Wedding in Newport!
  • I booked weekend getaway with Riley and Aila for their 14th and 13th birthdays. 
  • Wordle text chat with my family

Quote of the Week

Learning how to be still, to REALLY be still and let life happen- that stillness becomes radiance.

-Morgan Freeman 


Thank you for tuning in!
Contact Information:

 

 

Direct download: Episode_230_-_41322_4.32_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00am EDT

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 229 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. For full show notes with photos, check out my website.

This week’s segments included:

  • Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • From the Armchair
  • Some Years Later
  • Crafty Adventures
  • Knitting in Passing
  • KAL News
  • Life in Focus
  • Ask Me Anything
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Thank you to this episode’s sponsor: The Yarn Sellar. Check out their Fiber Marketplace on Saturday 4/9/22 in York Beach Maine!

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Kris’ Dance Shoe Legwarmers

  • Pattern: Dance Shoe Legwarmers by Sherry Katherine Vernon (free knitting pattern)
  • Yarn: Charming Ewe Suki Sock in the Mystic Topaz  Colorway
  • Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm) & US 2 (2.75 mm)
  • My Ravelry Project Page
  • If you’d like a good afterthought heel pattern, consider Susan B. Anderson’s Smooth Operator Heel pattern (Ravelry Link) For a video tutorial, check out this video from the EarthtonesGirl YouTube Channel

Blue Kamakaze Socks

  • Yarn: ThreadHeadKnits Co. Plump Sock (100% Superwash Merino 4 ply- 438 yards/100g) in the Blue Kamakaze Colorway.
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams $5 on Ravelry.
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • My Ravelry Project Page

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins


A’s Scrappy Dance Shoe Legwarmers

  • Pattern: Dance Shoe Legwarmers by Sherry Katherine Vernon (free knitting pattern)
  • Yarn: Various Fingering Weight leftovers including Knit Picks Felici
  • Needles: US 1 5(2.5 mm)
  • My Ravelry Project Page

Eme’s Unicorn Macaron Amigurumi

  • Pattern: Unicorn Macaron Amigurumi free crochet pattern by Anitha Domacin available on their website.
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted in white and various other colors. Small bit of silver metallic yarn from Stash
  • Hook: C (2.75 mm)
  • My Ravelry Project Page

Pumpkin Patch Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Pumpkin Patch colorway (October Yarnable Subscription Box Colorway). Click here for my YouTube Unboxing Video.
  • Curious about Yarnable? Consider checking out my Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link. Use Coupon Code BOSTONJEN for $5 off your first box.

Sagamore Flyover Cowl

  • Pattern: in draft
  • Needles: US 9 (5.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Sugarbush Dawson in the Graphite Gray Colorway- 50% Llama/50% Merino 100 grams, 151 meters
  • My Ravelry Project Page
  • Ribbing, mistake rib used in my Sagamore Flyover Hat pattern.

Kim’s Christmas Stocking

From the Armchair

Some Years Later

March 11. 2022 was our 10 year podcast anniversary! THANK YOU to everyone who has listened, told a friend, left a review, purchased a pattern, joined my Patreon group, participated in a KAL. THANK YOU! I’m so appreciative.

Crafty Adventures

I helped Millie (age 10) with a craft kit: Mini Garden Unicorn- Amazon Affiliate Link

Knitting in Passing

  • I was gifted yarn from Megg in Ireland: Hedgehog Fibres– Sock Yarn (90% Merino, 10% nylon) in the Crush colorway. Pinks from light to magenta with yellows, oranges and royal blues.
  • My niece Millie received yarn from the nurse at her school whose daughter had taken up knitting and then given it up.
  • I ordered needles for Millie and cast on a cowl she wants to knit with the skein of yarn from A Hundred Ravens at Russell’s Garden Center Farm Fiber Days at the beginning of March.

KAL News

  • Splash Pad Party ’22 Call for Sponsors!
  • Sponsor Call: Deadline 4/25/22
  • Want to sign up (after you read the details)? Please fill out this Google Form
  • Info Page for Sponsors on my Website- click here
  • Kick Off Date- Monday 5/30- Memorial Day. Virtual Events.Sign ups for Participants coming soon

Life in Focus

  • Thanks to Nikki for telling us about the Hiking Project App (available for Apple & Android)
  • I shared an update on my plan to incorporate 20 min of movement/4 times per week into my life and a check in on my word for the year PAUSE.

Ask Me Anything

  • Tune in to hear more about killing acrylic. Check out this blog post from Sew Homey who found using a hair dryer to flatten acrylic worked best.

On a Happy Note

  • Something Rotten Musical
  • Garret’s birthday sleepover
  • St. Patrick’s Day with my cousins
  • Tom visiting from Ireland
  • A weeknight sleepover with Riley, Garret & Millie. Snuggles and reading Ply magazine from Suzanne during the kids’ reading time before bed.
  • Oscar party
  • Dress shopping with Mom
  • Immersive Frida Exhibit in Boston with Melissa

Quote of the Week

Poet May Sarton on the importance of rest:
“I always forget how important the empty days are, how important it may be sometimes not to expect to produce anything, even a few lines in a journal. A day when one has not pushed oneself to the limit seems a damaged, damaging day, a sinful day. Not so! The most valuable thing one can do for the psyche, occasionally, is to let it rest, wander, live in the changing light of a room.”

Thank you for tuning in!
Contact Information:

Direct download: Episode_229_-_33122_10.28_AM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:58pm EDT

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 228 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. For full show notes including photos check out my website by clicking here.

This week’s segments included:

  • Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • Brainstorming
  • From the Armchair
  • Some Years Later
  • Crafty Adventures
  • Knitting in Passing
  • In my Travels
  • Life in Focus
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Megg’s 40th Birthday Socks

  • Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn in Raspberry Cream Colorway (from my Yarnable February 2022 Subscription Box). Check out my YouTube Unboxing Video here

Unicorn for Millie’s 10th Birthday

  • Pattern: Unicorn Amigurumi by Amy Faulkner 4.90 Euros. About $5.50 crochet pattern (US & UK terms) Available on Etsy.
  • Hook: C (2.75 mm)
  • Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver (white). Knit Picks Brava Worsted Minis (tail & mane)
  • My Ravelry Project Page

Bunny fix

  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Pattern: Best Bunny by Tamie Oldridge. Free crochet pattern from Lion Brand. Available as a PDF directly- click here.
  • Hook: C (2.75 mm)
  • Yarn: Berrocco Vintage in purple. Repaired with Knit Picks Brava Worsted 
  • Knit in October 2016

Milly Doll Makeover

  • Pattern: Mary, Millie & Morgan by Susan B. Anderson
  • My Ravelry Project Page
  • Knit in 2015. 
  • 7 years later she’s getting a makeover. 

Garret’s Nana Blanket

  • My Ravelry Project Page
  • Hook: I (5.5. mm)
  • Yarn: likely Red Heart Super Saver
  • Fixing Garret’s Nana blanket. I shared more on a blog post on my Down Cellar Studio Patreon!
  • I used the Crumpled Griddle stitch, which I believe is what my Nana used, to redo the side panel that I ripped back.

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Blue Kamakaze Socks

  • Yarn: ThreadHeadKnits Co. Plump Sock (100% Superwash Merino 4 ply- 438 yards/100g) in the Blue Kamakaze Colorway. 
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams $5 on Ravelry. 
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • My Ravelry Project Page

Dance Shoe Legwarmers

  • Pattern: Dance Shoe Legwarmers by Sherry Katherine Vernon (free knitting pattern)
  • Yarn: Charming Ewe Suki Sock in the Mystic Topaz  Colorway
  • Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm) & US 2 (2.75 mm)
  • My Ravelry Project Page
  • If you’d like a good afterthought heel pattern, consider Susan B. Anderson’s Smooth Operator Heel pattern (Ravelry Link) For a video tutorial, check out this video from the EarthtonesGirl YouTube Channel

Pumpkin Patch Socks

  • Pattern: TBD
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Pumpkin Patch colorway 
  • Ravelry Project Page

Kim’s Christmas Stocking

  • Pattern: Christmas Stockings to Knit and Crochet from Family Circle Magazine. Available in this web archive link. I’ve also saved it to my podcast Gmail Google Drive in case it disappears! You can find that PDF here. 
  • Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver in Cherry Red, Hunter Green and White
  • Hook: G (4.00 mm)
  • My Ravelry Project Page

2022 Fun with Fiber

  • Kingdom Fleece & Fiber Works 100% Tunis Pete’s Fleece (light blues, dark blues and whites)
  • Check them out on Facebook
  • Check out my Ravelry Project Page
  • Mom’s tried on Jessica’s Shift Cowl- pattern: The Shift by Andrea Mowry available for $7 on Ravelry. I might turn some handspun into this project.

Brainstorming

Inspired by PliedYarnCo’s Instagram post- this Log Cabin Pillow. Check out this free pattern “Little Log Cabins Recipe” on their website.

From the Armchair

Love is Blind Season 1 on Netflix

Some Years Later

  • Mezzo Cardigan by Alexis Winslow. $9 US Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry or directly from their website.
  • Knit in March/April 2018
  • My Ravelry Project Page
  • Can’t really wear it with a coat but I do wear it several times a season in fall/winter/early spring. Add some fun jewelry, leggings, heels. great for a date night. Great for chilly winter day when you just want to be wrapped up in many layers!
  • Caesious by Hunter Hammersen
  • Curls: Versatile, Wearable Wraps to Knit at Any Gauge- book details on the Pantsville Press website.
  • Knit Feb-April 2015
  • My project notes do not say, but think I used close to/all of fingering weight skein and yet it wasn’t big enough to wrap around my neck and stay put.
  • In the end, I frogged it to use the yarn for something else.

Knitting in Passing

Stephanie @farmsteadknits on Instagram sent mom a very special car package including a pair of handknit socks & a shawl. Shawl pattern: Around Every Corner by Stephanie Lotven (tellybeanknits). Check out Stephanie’s Ravelry Project Page for full details. Yarn: Sea Panda Yarn- click here for their website. Looks like their Blue Lagoon Mini Set.

In My Travels

Russell's Garden Center- March 2022 Farm Fiber Days Event
  • Purchases-
    • Fibery Jewels Teal Speckle Sock Yarn
    • 4 oz of Falkland Fiber Jewels Spots
    • 2 skeins of Lillian from Dirty Water Dyeworks- in Mediterranean and Sea Breeze
    • Subito Farms yarn for Millie- pink yarn gradient set- 35 yards each pf the pinks and 90 yards natural- 100% cormo raised in Montana, dyed in MA
    • A Hundred Ravens for Millie- Vanir 100% merino DK in the Fantasia Colorway
  • Lunch across the street at The Local afterwards
 
Visited The Goodwill Bins location in Hudson, NH.

Life in Focus

  • Checked off another item on my 22 for 2022 list- check out new trail. I’ve also done yoga several times in March- towards my goal of doing yoga every month. 

On a Happy Note

  • Garret had a scare with appendicitis but didn’t need emergency surgery!
  • Booked basics of our trip to Ireland, Scotland and Barcelona.
  • Millie’s Birthday Weekend
  • Dinner in an igloo with a tiki theme
  • Decorated for Easter 

Quote of the Week

People pay for what they do, and still more, for what they have allowed themselves to become. And they pay for it very simply: by the lives they lead.

–James Baldwin

Direct download: Episode_228_-_31522_3.12_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:30pm EDT

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 227 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website- click here.

This week’s segments included:

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

Off the Needles

Unicorn Macaron Amigurumi

  • Pattern: Unicorn Macaron Amigurumi free crochet pattern by Anitha Domacin available on their website.
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted in white and various other colors. Small bit of silver metallic yarn from Stash
  • Hook: C (2.75 mm)
  • My Ravelry Project Page

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Blue Kamakaze Socks

  • Yarn: ThreadHeadKnits Co. Plump Sock (100% Superwash Merino 4 ply- 438 yards/100g) in the Blue Kamakaze Colorway. 
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams $5 on Ravelry. 
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • My Ravelry Project Page

Mr. Fezziwig Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Yarn: Woolens & Nosh Corriedale Sock in the Mr. Fezziwig Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • My Ravelry Project Page
  • Click here for Wiki page on Mr. Fezziwig from A Christmas Carol

Kim’s Christmas Stocking

  • Pattern: Christmas Stockings to Knit and Crochet from Family Circle Magazine. Available in this web archive link. I’ve also saved it to my podcast Gmail Google Drive in case it disappears! You can find that PDF here. 
  • Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver in Cherry Red, Hunter Green and White
  • Hook: G (4.00 mm)
  • My Ravelry Project Page

Brainstorming

Check out this Granny Square Chain. It’s a free Crochet pattern from Homemade@MyPlace

From the Armchair

The Overnight Guest by Heather Gudenkauf. Bookshop Affiliate LinkAmazon Affiliate Link.Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.

Knitting in Passing

  • I met my cousin Chris’ fiancee’s grandmother who will soon be 98 years old. She told me she used to knit and crochet.
  • I found some lovely handkerchiefs at my Mom’s. I think some of the edges were trimmed by my grandmother and my great-aunt Rachel.

In My Travels

KAL News

Pigskin Party ’21: is officially over! WOW!

278 on Roster this Season

  • 135 people earned 1-25 entries
  • 66 people earned 26-50 entries
  • 58 people got between 51-100 entries
  • 14 of you earned more than 100 entries or more entries towards grand prizes. 
  • Only 5 did not post any points. 

Pigskin ’21 Teams & Conferences

  • Our Teams were Part of 2 Conferences this year- Alpaca Conference (Commissioner: Wendy) & Llama Conference (Commissioner: Jen)
  • Llama Conference won- 508,420 points
  • Alpaca Conference had a strong showing with 456,414 points
  • Highest scoring Team was also in the Llama conference- Team 2- Llamaste- 62,849
  • 2nd Place goes to : Team 10- International Llamas- 50,896
  • In 3rd Place from the Alpaca Conference is: Team 24 Suri Longnecks- 50,721!

Congrats to all of our players and teams! Tune in to hear if you won a participation prize or one of our 10 GRAND PRIZES!

Ask Me Anything

How do you knit for Massachusetts winters (Elisa.knits)

  • Layers!
  • Worsted weight hats and shawls.
  • Make fingerless mitts or mittens. Purchase gloves if you prefer those and the idea of making them doesn’t sound appealing.

Which fiber did you spin with when you began to spin (kmac0107)

  • Corriedale. Highly recommend!

What do you want to hear “my name winning a prize? Smile- Mom updates that you are willing to share” (javajennie) & related question “How’s Mom doing? Sending good vibes her way “(bayoumamaLA)

On a Happy Note

  • Random dance parties during Ski weekend.
  • I only fell once skiing in two days!
  • Sharing IPAs with my brother.
  • So much fun with Snapchat filters. Millie made everyone participate.
  • I got to see my friend Laura’s new apartment on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
  • My cousin’s fiancee’s bridal shower. 
  • Visiting with my former boss & totally losing track of time. 

Quote of the Week

“You don’t have a right to the cards you believe you should have been dealt with. You have an obligation to play the hell out of the ones you’re holding and my dear one, you and I have been granted a mighty generous one.”-Cheryl Strayed

Thank you for tuning in!
Contact Information:

Direct download: Episode_227_-_22822_7.50_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:55pm EDT

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 226 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:

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

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Dotted Rays

  • Pattern: Dotted Rays by Stephen West (Knitting pattern available on Ravelry  for 6 Euros ~$7 US. Also available on Gumroad.)
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Capretta Superwash in the Sagebrush colorway, Knit Picks Palette in Wonderland Heather, Opal Heather, Caribbean, Seafaring, Spruce.
  • Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm)
  • My Ravelry Project Page

Pink Moon Sweater

  • Pattern: Pink Moon by This.Bird.Knits. $8 US Pattern available on Ravelry and on the This.Bird.Knits Site.
  • Needles: US 5 & 7 (3.75 & 4.5 mm)
  • Yarn:
    • Sweitzer Fiber Mill unknown (gray)- Rhinebeck 2019
    • Lisa Daschinger Wools (mustard)- Farm Fiber Day’s Russell’s Market January 2020
    • mur yarn merino cashmere fingering (pink)- Barcelona 2019
    • Rowan Alpaca Classic (pink) Staci’s Stitches- LYS
    • Marroon- Handspun
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • The sleeves were too long so I ripped back after the cuff, then did the kitchener stitch in the round to reattach to the sleeve. 
  • Check out this video I used to learn how to do the Kitchener Stitch in the Round
  • Vlog January 29 & 30th – shared a little bit of the process.

Fear Less Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Emma’s Yarn Practically Perfect Sock in the Knit & Stitch Colorway
  • My Ravelry Project Page
  • Story about the yarn: Shortly after my cousin Gayle listened to E222 that I recorded with mom where we talked about her cancer diagnosis, she was out running an errand and the only parking spot she could find was directly in front of a yarn shop. She took it as a sign and asked for something local that would be good for socks. 
  • Knit & Stitch Boutique in Cocoa Village, FL
  • I stitched Fear & Less just before the toes on each sock using stranded color work and a basic chart I made in Excel.

Boujee New Years Socks

Ball Band Cozy

  • Pattern: Ball Band by Jennifer Lassonde (free crochet pattern on Ravelry & LoveCrafts). 
  • Yarn: Aqua- Lion Brand re-up. Green- other kitchen cotton of unknown origin
  • Hook:
  • My Ravelry Project Page

Citrus Hat

  • Pattern: Citrus Hat by Laura Treadway (free knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Felici Worsted in the Zen Colorway
  • Needles: US 4 (3.5 mm) and US 6 (4.0 mm)
  • Size: Adult small which is 96 sts. 20″ circumference but I know from experience this cast on count should work. 
  • 2×2 rib then a 6×2 rib
  • Stripes- blues, greens, grays. 
  • My Ravelry Project Page
  • Gift for my brother’s 40th birthday!

Heart Garland

  • Pattern: Heart Garland by Sarahndipities Designs (free crochet pattern available on this blog)
  • Hook: G (4.0 mm)
  • Yarn: Knitters Brewing Company Brewski Worsted
  • Gift for my friend Liz.

Mom’s Card Heart Garland 

  • Pattern: Heart Garland by Sarahndipities Designs (free crochet pattern available on this blog)
  • Hook: G (4.0 mm)
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted & other worsted weight acrylic yarn from stash- blues, greens, yellows, white and silver. 
  • My Ravelry Project Page
  • Gift for Mom for all of the cards she’s received recently.

 February Yarnable Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Raspberry Creme Colorway (February Yarnable Subscription Box colorway)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • My Ravelry Project Page
  • Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Garret’s Nana Blanket

Caribbean Blue Handspun Cowl- frogged

  • Yarn: Handpun made with Merino Fiber from Beesy Bee Fibers on Etsy in Caribbean Hues Colorway. 5 colors greens/blues. 3 ply yarn
  • Needles: US 7 (4.5)
  • Pattern: None- playing around with stitch pattern for potential design. didn’t love it. 
  • My Ravelry Project Page

Mr. Fezziwig Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Yarn: Woolens & Nosh Corriedale Sock in the Mr. Fezziwig Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • My Ravelry Project Page
  • Click here for Wiki page on Mr. Fezziwig from A Christmas Carol
  • Finished first sock!

Brainstorming

  • Check out this video from Ysolda on Instagram. It shows how you don’t need to start with a slip knot to start a long-tail cast on and how that can help you avoid that extra little bump of fabric that slip knot creates. Mind blown!
  • Millie’s birthday gifts.
    • Tip: Warm water and white vinegar worked perfectly to get slime off a commercial stuffed animal. It removed the thick, crusted on slime from her handmade but still left a bit of a pink color cast on them.

From the Armchair

The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley. Bookshop Affiliate LinkAmazon Affiliate Link.

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

Knitting in Passing

  • Kris legwarmer sock. It fits. Now that I know that, I can make second. 
  • Knitting at local brewery turned into a conversation!
  • Finished up my Ice Time Hat Class.
  • I visited Staci’s Stitches for the Hypnotic Yarn trunk show last weekend.

KAL News

Pigskin Party ’21:

The Pigskin Party is officially over. Thank you to all of you who made it such a huge success! I will announce all of the rest of the winners on Episode 227 at the end of February!

Contest, News & Notes

On a Happy Note

  • We got about 2 feet of snow in 1 storm during the last weekend in January
  • Decorating my very boring laptop shell with stickers
  • Netflix Series: The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window
  • Mom’s birthday. Sleepover. Spa day. Shopping lunch. Dinner. Presents every couple hours. So much fun!
  • Some good news at mom’s recent appointment with her Oncologist.
  • My brother Jeff’s birthday fun at Dave and Busters. 
  • Rachel kindly sent me a gift card to try out Silk and Sonder monthly journal. 
  • Wordle– I’m enjoying it! Are you?

Quote of the Week

“What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal.”~ Albert Pike

Thank you for tuning in!
Contact Information:

Direct download: Episode_226_-_21522_11.32_AM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:10pm EDT

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 225 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast.

Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. Click here.

This week’s segments included:

  • Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • From the Armchair
  • Crafty Adventures
  • In My Travels
  • KAL News
  • Life in Focus
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Winter Carnival Hat

  • Pattern: Winter Carnival Hat by Margaret Stauffacher
  • Yarn: Hedgehog Fibers Merino DK in Genie (multicolored), Pachamama’s Alpacas Trixie & Preston Sport (natural), Spunky Eclectic Victoria (100% Polworth) in Sky (Blue) & Ginko (Green)
  • Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm) & US 5 (3.75 mm)
  • Size: Adult Medium
  • My Ravelry Project Page

Costume Party Socks

  • Yarn: Woolens & Nosh Sock in the Costume Party Colorway (75% SW Merino/25% nylon)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Ravelry Project Page

Plied 2 skeins of yarn:

  • Three Waters Fiber- Forested Hills Colorway- 4 ozs. Split into 3rds but didn’t weigh anything.
  • Rhapsody Fiber Arts- 2oz 50% Angora/50% merino no colorway
  • Washed it but I still need to measure, weight etc. 
  • Check out my Ravelry Project Page

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Mr. Fezziwig Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Yarn: Woolens & Nosh Corriedale Sock in the Mr. Fezziwig Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • My Ravelry Project Page
  • Click here for Wiki page on Mr. Fezziwig from A Christmas Carol
  • Finished the first sock

Emma’s Yarn Socks

Boujee New Years Socks

Dotted Rays

  • Pattern: Dotted Rays by Stephen West (Knitting pattern available on Ravelry  for 6 Euros ~$7 US. Also available on Gumroad.)
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Capretta Superwash in the Sagebrush colorway, Knit Picks Palette in Wonderland Heather, Opal Heather, Caribbean, Seafaring, Spruce.
  • Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm)
  • My Ravelry Project Page

2022 Fun with Fiber

  • Kingdom Fleece & Fiber Works 100% Tunis Pete’s Fleece (light blues, dark blues and whites)
  • Liz from Kingdom Fleece & Fiber Works very kindly sent this braid, and a few others, for me to try out.
  • Check them out on Facebook
  • 1 bobbin full. Started second. 
  • Check out my Ravelry Project Page

From the Armchair

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

Crafty Adventures

  • Taught Millie how to make pom poms to make them into little doggies. She didn’t finish but we got the basics of 2 pom poms done. 

Knitting in Passing

  • I lost my new ski hat in NH but thankfully was able to find it.
  • Riley got her sweater project back and knit on that during sleepover at my parents and then on our ski trip. Millie brought her cowl and knit a bit in the car… and then per usual got car sick. 
  • Millie wore a granny square jacket mom made for me when I was little, out to dinner the other night! It looks super cute on her. 
  • My friend Laura sends me photos of her feet, warm and cute in her handknit socks which makes me so happy! Now my friend Megg has started doing that too. It’s a fun little game.
    • Check out my Reel. Use the Hashtag. Share your knits. Encourage your loved ones to play along too! 
    • #knitgiftwearshare
  • I picked up a bottle of wine for big storm this weekend and received a nice compliment on my Felici Hat. Aran weight slouchy hat I knit out of Duck Duck Wool in the Summer Sidewalk Colorway. Click here for my Ravelry Project Page.

In My Travels

  • Tune in to hear a story of our ski trip to Loon Mountain in New Hampshire. PSA: Please wear a helmet!
  • Patrons, check out the Patreon feed for a video vlog from that weekend!

KAL News


Pigskin Party ’21: Official Hashtag: #DCSPigskinParty21

Important Links:

Tune in to hear if you’re a December Participation Winner

Life in Focus

Tune in to hear an update on my Goals for 2022 and my 22 for 2022 list.

On a Happy Note

  • Encanto on Disney Plus. Riley made us a popcorn/candy bar! 
  • Liz & Millie playing guitars
  • I got to see Millie’s last session of gymnastics for the season.
  • Meeting up with my friend Melissa and her daughter for lunch. 
  • We bought a book called “Mom Tell Me Your Stories” from Savers. It’s a book where you can document answers to questions about your Mom’s life.  Riley and Millie are into it. We spent an hour Sunday morning asking Mom questions.
  • Dan bought me a cool new contraption so I can make hot coffee when we go camping.
  • Dan surprising me with dinner one night and lunch another day when my week was really hectic.
  • Not so great- Millie & Mom getting Covid. Happy note- Mom was chosen in the lottery to get monoclonal antibody infusion!
  • Snow is coming! 

Quote of the Week

“The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small, manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.”

—Mark Twain

Contact Information:

Direct download: Episode_225_-_12922_10.02_AM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00am EDT

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 224 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Click here for full show notes & photos on my website.

This week’s segments included:

  • Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • Brainstorming
  • KAL News
  • Life in Focus
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Perry’s Vase Cozy

Ripped back and repaired toe of Mom’s Patons Kroy Deep End Socks. Click here for my Ravelry Project Page.

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

2022 Fun with Fiber

Citrus Hat

  • Pattern: Citrus Hat by Laura Treadway (free knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Felici Worsted in the Zen Colorway
  • Needles: US 4 (3.5 mm) and US 6 (4.0 mm)
  • Size: Adult small which is 96 sts. 20″ circumference but I know from experience this cast on count should work. 
  • My Ravelry Project Page

Dotted Rays

  • Pattern: Dotted Rays by Stephen West (Knitting pattern available on Ravelry  for 6 Euros ~$7 US. Also available on Gumroad.)
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Capretta Superwash in the Sagebrush colorway, Knit Picks Palette in Wonderland Heather, Opal Heather, Caribbean, Seafaring, Spruce.
  • Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm)
  • My Ravelry Project Page

Winter Carnival Hat

  • Pattern: Winter Carnival Hat by Margaret Stauffacher
  • Yarn: Hedgehog Fibers Merino DK in Genie (multicolored), Pachamama’s Alpacas Trixie & Preston Sport (natural), Spunky Eclectic Victoria (100% Polworth) in Sky (Blue) & Ginko (Green)
  • Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm) & US 5 (3.75 mm)
  • Size: Adult Medium
  • My Ravelry Project Page

Emma’s Yarn Socks

Bayou Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Bayou Colorway
  • My Ravelry Project Page
  • New Years Eve cast on based on ones you all selected on Instagram
  • Want to try Knit Picks? Please consider using my Knit Picks Affiliate Link

Mr. Fezziwig Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Yarn: Woolens & Nosh Corriedale Sock in the Mr. Fezziwig Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • My Ravelry Project Page
  • Click here for Wiki page on Mr. Fezziwig from A Christmas Carol

Brainstorming

Pink Moon Sweater

  • Pattern: Pink Moon by This.Bird.Knits. $8 US Pattern available on Ravelry and on the This.Bird.Knits Site.
  • Needles: US 5 & 7 (3.75 & 4.5 mm)
  • Yarn:
    • Sweitzer Fiber Mill unknown (gray)- Rhinebeck 2019
    • Lisa Daschinger Wools (mustard)- Farm Fiber Day’s Russell’s Market January 2020
    • mur yarn merino cashmere fingering (pink)- Barcelona 2019
    • Rowan Alpaca Classic (pink) Staci’s Stitches- LYS
    • Marroon- Handspun
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Finished before the last episode. Blocked it again and the sleeves are too long. 
  • I am going to wash and block again, but there’s a 95% chance I’ll be ripping back the sleeves by a good 4-5 inches. 

KAL News

Pigskin Party ’21: Official Hashtag: #DCSPigskinParty21

Important Links:

Updates for this episode:

  • December Interception Winner: Congrats to sarahkatsq for Post #10. Thanks to Natalie for hosting the Cozy Up Interception
  • No Interception in January 
  • Monthly Scavenger Hunt (January clues have been posted): Figure out these fun clues and earn points each month. Check out this Ravelry Thread or this Google Doc.
  • KAL ends on February 14, 2022

Life in Focus

Word of the Year: Pause

  • Pause: take a time out. Breathe. Relax. Be present. 
  • Pause: put obligations that you may no otherwise, on hold and reprioritize. 
  • Pause: savor the moment. Cherish it. Freeze time if only for a second.
  • Pause: I want the cancer to pause. To stop, if only for awhile, to give us some more time. I know it won’t be forever but I am putting energy into this pause. 
  • Pause: a period or time free from engagement
  • Pause: take a breather
  • Pause: take five
  • Pause- and connect. connect my feelings. connect with others. 

Primary Goals:

  • Move your body 4 days a week. Any movement for 15 minutes or more counts. 
  • Say Yes to time spent with Mom. Call often. Visit once a week, more if possible. Say yes to things that involve her unless it’s interferes with my own mental health or need for rest.
  • Journal about each day of this year. I can write about things a day or two later if need be, but I do want to keep a record. I do want to pause and reflect on things are they happen this year. 

22 for 2022 List

Check out this episode of Happier with Gretchen Rubin to hear more about this project.

  1. Go Skiing (from 2021)
  2. Knit a garment out of handspun (from 2021)
  3. Spend at least two hours learning something new (on my own, in a class, YouTube videos etc)
  4. Read 22 novels 
  5. Go to an art museum 
  6. Buy something a little extravagant 
  7. Meet with financial planner about new investments.
  8. Do at least 1 yoga video per month
  9. Kayak at one new place
  10. Create the collage wall in my studio
  11. Visit Eme at school
  12. Try out the new trail on Grove Street
  13. 2nd Annual Nora Ephron Movies Day
  14. Purge & declutter the secretary
  15. Plan and go on at least 1 date with Dan that involves going at least 1 place we don’t “normally” go
  16. Take a vacation/staycation before August 
  17. Buy a fabulous new dress to wear to weddings
  18. Have my car’s backup camera checked out & ideally fixed
  19. Hire a professional photographer for family photos
  20. Spend a weekend with Laura (in NY or MA)
  21. Go Apple Picking
  22. Hang a calendar in the diningroom

On a Happy Note

  • Quiet New Year’s Eve at home, with Covid all around us. Homemade popcorn, cold craft beer, and Lupin on Netflix.
  • I got a text from my cousin Joanie. Her mom, my Aunt Florence has been struggling to make pom poms for the hats she’s been knitting. I showed her early in December how to use the Clover pom pom maker I bought her, but she was still a bit stuck. Joanie’s daughters helped her make the pom poms! They came out great! Love a good family project.
  • January 2: Nora Ephron Day. Started with You’ve Got Mail, found a Nora Ephron documentary Everything is Copy on HBO Max, then proceeded to watch Sleepless in Seattle and When Harry Met Sally.
  • Getting silly videos of my niece Hattie in Ireland
  • My January Yarnable Box! Check out the video on my YouTube Channel
  • Yoga with Adriene: Move- A 30 Day Yoga Journey. Check out the Playlist on YouTube. I’ve done 4 so far. 
  • SNOW! We got a good 7-8 inches and it was beautiful. 
  • Fun dinner, post-Christmas but still exchanging gifts with friends, and Yahtzee playing game night at Mom’s last Saturday. 
  • I’ve kept my succulent alive for 1 whole year!
  • Started teaching my Ice Time Hat Class at Staci’s Stitches this week. I won’t be teaching again this year, but I will keep you posted if that changes.
  • An impromptu dinner and game night at mom’s this Thursday.

Quote of the Week

New Year- new verse, new chapter, or just the same old story? Ultimate we write it. The choice is ours. 

-Alex Morritt.

Direct download: Episode_224_-_11422_3.24_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:44pm EDT

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