Down Cellar Studio Podcast

Categories

general

Archives

2024
April
March
February
January

2023
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January

2022
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January

2021
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January

2020
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January

2019
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January

2018
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January

2017
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January

2016
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January

2015
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January

2014
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
January

2013
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
February
January

2012
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March

March 2024
S M T W T F S
     
          1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31

Syndication

Sun, 31 March 2024
Episode 275: Spring-ish

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 275 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
  • In my Travels
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Life in Focus
  • Ask Me Anything
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Stitched by Jessalu & The Yarn Sellar

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Thumper Hat

  • Yarn: Berrocco Ultra Alpaca in the Light Grey colorway
  • Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) & US 8 (5.0 mm)
  • Pattern: Thumper Hat by Jennifer Lassonde- $5 Knitting pattern available on Ravelry & LoveCrafts
    • The Thumper Hat is a worsted weight slouchy hat with a diamond lace pattern.
  • For the size Large/XL, I used 66g of yarn (around 144 yards/132 meters)

LFA Mystery Shortie Socks

  • Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About 12 rounds of ribbing. 1 round of knitting before starting the heel
  • I used 35 grams of yarn.

Hair bow

  • Pattern: Cottage Hair Accessories (Bow Tie) by Wool & Pine. $5 pattern available on Ravelry or on the Wool & Pine website)
  • Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Glitz Toes- multicolor mini skein from Christmas 2023 Advent Calendar.
  • Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Pattern was a part of my May 2024 Woolen Yarn Box package. Watch my unboxing video here. If you’re thinking of joining, please purchase using my Affiliate Link.
    • It won’t cost you any extra. I will make a small commission.

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Modern Classic Baby Blanket

  • Pattern: Modern Classic Baby Blanket by Kristin Holloway ($8 crochet pattern available on Ravelry: free version w/ ads available on this website)
  • Hook: I (5.5)
  • Yarn: Big Twist Tweed in White (7 skeins)
  • Size: Crib Blanket: 36 x 50”
  • The blanket is worked in 2 halves that you seam together at the center to make it symmetrical. The pattern features some crochet cables.

Woolen Camelot socks

  • Yarn: Woolen Women Fibers Sock (80/20 SW Merino/Nylon) in the Woolen Camelot colorway from the May 2024 Woolen Yarn Box.
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Check out my Unboxing Video for this May 2024 Woolen Yarn Box. If you’re thinking of joining, please purchase using my Affiliate Link.
    • It won’t cost you any extra. I will make a small commission.

Let the Mystery Unravel 2023 Blanket of Calm

  • Pattern: Blanket of Calm by Casapinka (free crochet pattern)
  • Yarn: Woolen Women Fibers- Let the Mystery Unravel subscription + Cascade Heritage Sock yarn in the Forged Iron Colorway
  • Hook: 3.25 mm (D)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • You can find my Let the Mystery Unravel Unboxing Video on YouTube in this Playlist
  • Progress: My January (Month 4) squares done and seamed and the border is in progress. My February (Month 5) squares are in progress.

Be Fearless Socks

  • Yarn: Area 51 Fibres Sturdy Alien Base in the Be FearLess Colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • About the Yarn: pink, peach yellow, green and blue stripes to look like the colors in our FearLESS Living Fund logo. Pet of our February fundraiser.
  • Progress: more than half way done with leg on the first sock

Christmas in July Socks

  • Yarn: Area 51 Fibres Sturdy Alien Base in the Christmas in July 2023 Colorway
  • Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Area 51. Snack shack sponsor.
  • Progress: finished first sock. Beyond the heel on the second sock.

Brainstorming

Keeping a “creative projects” list in Evernote is really helping me. With everything going on, I don’t always have the mental energy to decide on something but making feels good and I’m happier when I do it. Thinking ahead to upcoming birthdays and listing patterns out is working better for me this year than ever before.

April Plans

  • Crochet beer hat for Chris – Red heart gold + Lion Brand Homespun Yarn- Hepplewhite (May 31st  birthday)-  yarn purchased
  • Mini Mock Neck Tank for Liz. Pattern by Jessie Maed Designs. $9 knitting pattern on Ravelry
    • We bought yarn for this at Rhinebeck and in an over-tired state, lost ourselves in a fit of giggles over the description of this pattern.
    • I need to take Liz’s measurements

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

On Sunday March 24, my friend Megg and I spent the day at Raffa Life in Cranston, Rhode Island. We did the 4 hour Urban Sweat in the morning. We took a Worm Moon Sound Bath Yoga Workshop in the afternoon. I left feeling loose, refreshed, and calm. Curious about what a Sound Bath is? Click here for an article that may be helpful.

KAL News

Splash Pad Party will be coming!

Events

Know of an event I should spread the word about? Let me know!

Life in Focus

I shared an update on my 24 for 2024 list

  • 5) Organize a fundraiser for the FearLESS Living Fund
  • 15) Purge at least 20 items from my wardrobe (March: nearly 30 pieces)
  • 16) Go skiing- 2/24 with Rowans
  • 20) Buy a new quilt and/or duvet cover for our bed. Ordered in march.
  • 21) Buy a new blow dryer. March 21st ordered Dyson

Ask Me Anything

Rachel asked: How are you coping with your mom’s health concerns and making time for self care?

  • Going to bed early.
  • Not scrolling on social media- it can be fun, yes, but too much makes me feel anxious.
  • Talking with friends and with Dan.
  • I started seeing a therapist.
  • Making time- not having kids definitely helps with this, but as you all know, I can definitely over-schedule myself. I have been prioritizing family events and not much else. I don’t enjoying saying no or seeing so much white space on the calendar- but I know I’ll need it and I often do.

On a Happy Note

  • Friday night game night at my parents with my brother, Dan and the kids. We played a few spirited rounds of Skip-Bo and watched the Taylor Swift Eras tour movie on tv.
  • Mom, Riley, Millie and I had a sleepover then spent Saturday doing some thrift and clothing shopping, went out for lunch and brought home Crumbl cookies to taste test (with my Dad/Pepere). My phone fell into the cookie with the MOST sticky frosting. It was hilarious!
  • We all celebrated St. Patrick’s Day at my cousin Susan’s annual party. I had a blast catching up with cousins and especially playing with some of the little kiddos.
  • Seeing the Girl from North Country (Broadway in Boston series). While Megg and I did not enjoy the show, its always fun to experience live theater and the music was beautiful.
  • Monthly massage!
  • Lunch with Mom, Dad, Kris and Aila.
  • Garret’s playoff hockey game! He got a hat trick, they won and got to the next round of playoffs (they won the second game too).
  • Dinner with work friends.

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.

Quote of the Week

“Spring is when you feel like whistling, even with a shoe full of slush.”

— Doug Larson

——

Thank you for tuning in!

Contact Information:

Direct download: Episode_275_-_33024_9.12_AM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00am EDT
Fri, 15 March 2024
Episode 274: Fun, Sun & Chickens!
 
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 274 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
  • From the Armchair
  • In my Travels
  • Events
  • Contest, News & Notes
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week
 
Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
 
FearLESS Socks (DK)
  • Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz DK (75% Merino, 25% Nylon) in the FearLESS Colorway
  • Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Size: XS
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the Colorway- FearLESS is a special colorway by Legacy Fiber Artz for our February Fiber Community FearLESS Living Fund Fundraiser.
  • Made for Mom
 
FearLESS Socks (Steel Toes)
  • Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz DK Steel Toes (75% Merino, 25% Nylon) in the FearLESS Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Size: M
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the Colorway- FearLESS is a special colorway by Legacy Fiber Artz for our February Fiber Community FearLESS Living Fund Fundraiser.
  • Made for my Mom's chemo nurse, Nicole, who also cared for my Aunt Florence.
 
Greyhaven Hat
  • Pattern: Greyhaven hat by Robin Ulrich ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) & US 7 (4.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Berocco Ultra Alpaca in the Avocado Colorway
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Made for my niece's Aila's 15th birthday after she saw and like the grey one I wear a lot.
 
Emotional Support Chicken
  • Pattern: Emotional Support Chicken by Annette Corsino ($6.50 US Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry & this website)
  • Yarn: Various DK scraps
  • Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
 
On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
 
Modern Classic Baby Blanket
  • Pattern: Modern Classic Baby Blanket by Kristin Holloway ($8 crochet pattern available on Ravelry: free version w/ ads available on this website)
  • Hook: I (5.5)
  • Yarn: Big Twist Tweed in White (7 skeins)
  • Size: Crib Blanket: 36 x 50”
  • The blanket is worked in 2 halves that you seam together at the center to make it symmetrical. The pattern features some crochet cables.
 
Let the Mystery Unravel 2023 Blanket of Calm
  • Pattern: Blanket of Calm by Casapinka (free crochet pattern)
  • Yarn: Woolen Women Fibers- Let the Mystery Unravel subscription + Cascade Heritage Sock yarn in the Forged Iron Colorway
  • Hook: 3.25 mm (D)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • You can find my Let the Mystery Unravel Unboxing Video on YouTube in this Playlist
  • This subscription is not available to new subscribers but I hope you'll watch each month and see how my blanket comes along. Stay tuned to Woolen Women for all of the fun kits they have!
 
LFA Mystery Shortie Socks
  • Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About 12 rounds of ribbing. 1 round of knitting before starting the heel
  • Progress: Finished first sock and beyond the heel on the second sock.
 
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
  • I traveled to Orlando with my friend Megg who was going there for a conference. We stayed at the Gaylord Palms, visited Epcot one evening and had a great time.
  • I had a couple interesting conversations with people at the pool. One lady was fascinated by my knitting and we had a rather awkward chat when I told her I was knitting a chicken.
  • My poolside waiter told me he lived in NYC for a couple years with grandmother was a prolific knitter and he always enjoyed watching her knit.
  • Celebrated Megg's birthday while we were there with a delicious dinner, room decorations and of course some handknit socks (Ravelry Project Page)
 
Events
 
 
Contest, News & Notes
  • I announced the winners of the prizes I offered up for February FearLESS Living Fund Fundraiser.
  • Total raised during the event: $6,627. 67
 
Stitched by Jessalu is coming out with bags with the FearLESS Living Fund logo w/ a fibery twist. Check it out
 
Life in Focus
Health Update on Mom: March scans showed growth including in her brain. Radiation likely coming soon, but they're waiting until she's done with this round of chemo (hoping for 6 cycles)
 
On a Happy Note
  • Impromptu sleepover with Riley. We started a new secret project I'll tell you about in an upcoming episode. We also started a blanket for my cousin Joe who is expecting a baby boy in the summer. Riley chose a granny square that has a heart at the center. We each made just 1 to try it out and to make sure our squares would come out the same size. More on that in a future episode.
  • Riley and I went to Garret's hockey game. He got 2 goal but they ended up tying. That weekend, they did well enough to get to the next round of the playoffs.
  • My parents went to St. Maarten with 5 of my mom's first cousins and their spouses! She, Riley and I shared pics and videos of our daily outfits via text or Snapchat which is always fun.
  • Suzanne (SewRunKnit) turned me onto a new NY Times Game that's in beta: Strands.
  • My friend Marta messaged me to show me that her eldest son, Roc, has taken up crochet and made a little stuffed animal. Had planned to make a circle but he decided to free form it and it turned into a pear! Adorable!
  • Running around with Megg at Epcot like we were kids!
  • We even got our photo taken with Mickey. They got some candids as we were hugging him, and it looks like I'm bracing for an assault! Check out the hilarious photo.
  • I finished up my 4 part sock class at Staci's Stitches.
 
Quote of the Week
 
"It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade."
-Charles Dickens, Great Expectations 
 
------
Thank you for tuning in!
 
Contact Information:
 
Direct download: Episode_274_-_31524_12.30_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:38pm EDT
1