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Episode 281: Ready to PARTY!31 Aug 202401:12:53
  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 281 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
  • Ask Me Anything
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week
  Thank you to this episode's sponsors:     Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Declan's 70s Socks
  • Yarn: Patons Kroy Stripes in the Seventies Stripes Colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Finished August 3rd
  • Total for Stash Dash: 278.2 meters (304.2 yards)
  Log Cabin Mitts
  • Pattern: Log Cabin Mitts by Karen Templar (free knitting pattern available on Ravelry & on this site)
  • Yarn: Barnyard Knits, Fuse Fiber Studio, One Twisted Tree (shop formerly own Prairie Girl Danie) + other leftover sock yarn
  • Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm)
  • 9 sections of garter stitch log cabin. I decided to knit the 2 squares concurrently so I'd remember which yarns I used for each section, not reading ahead enough to know that you were supposed to work them slightly differently to make matching mitts, but that doesn't bother me at all, so I just went with it and mine are opposites. I like that I can see all of the colors on the top or bottoms of my hands. 
  • 60g fingering weight yarn (held double)
  • 253.8 meters for Stash Dash
  Rafa's Hat
  • Yarn: Malabrigo Rios in the Cielo y Tierra colorway
  • Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm)
  • Pattern: Rafa's Hat by Joji Locatelli (free knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Ravelry Project Page:
  • Started July 9. Finished August 7th.
  • Total for Stash Dash: 115.2 meters
  Laura's London Socks
  • Yarn: Qing Fibre Dashing Fingering Base in the Salt colorway (cream with blips of neons & gray) & a 50g Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes Micro Skein in a Mystery Colorway (gray)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Bought the Qing Fibres Yarn in London in November 2022 with Laura. She chose this skein from my stash in 2023 not realizing we bought it when we were together.
  • Total for Stash Dash: 272 meters
  On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Wool Ease Hexagon Blanket
  • Pattern: Basic Crochet Hexagon Pattern & Tips from Make Do and Crew Website & YouTube Tutorial
  • Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick. Centers in colorways- Fern, Coney Island, Seaglass, Slate. Borders- Wheat & Oatmeal
  • Hook: 10mm (N/P)
  • 2 rounds of color- 1 round of wheat or oatmeal
  • 30 done in July. 47 done by August 7th. Had to order more yarn (twice) and ended up with 96 hexagons. The blanket is nearly the size of a full sized comforter. 
    • Last summer's hexi blanket was fingering held double- 60x84 inches and took about 300 hexis which were 4 rounds each (these have only 3). (Check out the Ravelry Project Page here)
  Berry Bliss Socks
  • Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock (75% SW Merino/25% Nylon) in the Berry Bliss Colorway (May 2024 Yarnable Box) & Legacy Fiber Artz Glitzy Toes (pink mini from 2023 Advent Calendar)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Progress: I've finished the heel on the second sock.
  LFA Helical Socks
  • Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes in the Portal Colorway & a Mystery Colorway (both 50g skeins: 75% SW Merino, 25% Nylon). Knit Picks Felici in the Beatnik Colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Cast on in June 2023.
  • Finished the first sock and am nearly to the heel on the second sock. I'm helical striping the LFA yarn and used leftover Knit Picks Felici Self Striping Yarn (purple, blue and a pumpkin orange) for the heel and toes.
    • You can't tell its striped at all. Looks like 1 cohesive colorway.
  • Progress: first sock finished, nearly to the heel on the second sock.
  Brainstorming
  • I'm debating starting my first Woolens and Nosh advent sock early since December is hectic I never get as far as I'd like.
  • I thought I could make a sweater from me with the leftovers of Mom's Rhinebeck Sweater yarn, but it doesn't look like I'll have enough yarn, so that project is on hold. Perhaps I'll look for more yarn to add to it and save it for that.
  • Dan's Litchfield Hat with Welcome to Litchfield Handspun (Ravelry Project Page)
  • I'm planning to knit socks for my friend Sheri.
  • My niece Aila asked for socks for Christmas. She'd like these Daisy Socks- pattern on Ravelry.
  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.   Knitting in Passing Last Saturday, Oisin came here to Work with Dan. When Megg, Tom and Hattie came to pick him up they stayed for a chat. Hattie got out the ponies and Barbies, then she abandoned that to knit on my Berry Lemonade socks with me. She did fantastic after a quick reminder of the stitches and even took my feedback about putting her left index finger on the second stitch on the needle to prevent that from falling off while slipping the stitch she just worked, off the left needle. Hattie asked to start her own pair of socks (ambitious) and tried on scrappy helical socks I started in November (Ravelry Project Page) She tried on the scrappy helical socks I started in November and they fit. I need about 1.5 inches before toe on the first sock, so I should pick those back up soon.   KAL News Pigskin Party '24 #DCSPigskinParty24   A special THANK YOU to our team
    • Umpire- Wendy- socalknitgirl
    • Commissioners
      • Emily- (ElsaandEm)- Llama Conference
      • Alicia (almariecraft)- Alpaca Conference
      • Nicole (KnitterNicole)- Sheep Conference
    • Commentator- Mary (Maryklute)
 
  • Playoff Prediction Contest:  Check the Ravelry Group on 9/4 for post. Choose the NFL team you think will win the Super Bowl this year (before the thread closes on 9/19). Correct guesses will get you extra points.
  • Tailgate Talk Challenge- Click here for Ravelry Link
    • Great way to get to know your team. There will be daily prompts from 9/5 through 9/16. Answer them in your Team thread in the Ravelry Group. If you answer them all, no more than 2 per day, you'll get 150 points (as long as you enter them on the Points Tally form by 10/1). 
  • This year, we'll have 4 primary challenges during the full months of the event- Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan. Stay tuned for those details. The sponsors are:
    • October: Thelittlewolfknits
    • November: Twin Mountain Handcrafts
    • December: Fangirl Fibers
    • January: Fibernymph Dye Works
  Other current & upcoming events:   I have 9,273 meters as of August 25. Jasmin is on the board with 5,910 meters Sending much love to Jasmin & Gigi after hearing about Gigi's recent stroke.    Events   Know of an event I should spread the word about? Let me know!   Life in Focus   Mom Update: After Whole Brain Radiation, Mom went right into 5 targeted radiation treatments to help reduce the size of the cancer in a lymph node that was pressing on nerves that then get in the way of her right vocal cord. As of about mid-July, she didn't have any voice, and they hoped to correct that. On her last day of that radiation, she also had a PleureX cathetered installed in her right lung to allow regular at-home drainage to keep that pressure off her lung. The day after that- Dad and I tested positive for Covid and by Monday Mom had too. Thankfully Dad and I had only mild symptoms and Mom had none- which was a blessing because the insertion of that port left her riddled with pain for days. Now she's coming out of that but starting a new chemo. We're hopeful that this will take away some of her pain and its already meant she doesn't need her lung drained as frequently. Hoping September will be a better month for her than the last couple.   Ask Me Anything   NDoyle asks: What has been your favorite item you've made this year and why? Marilynknits- What gauge do you knit your socks at?
  • 8-8.5 sts per inch.
  • 56 sts on US 1.5 needles= 6.5 to 7 inch circumference
  On a Happy Note
  • I am very relieved that Covid was mild for us, especially for my Mom. Also very grateful that my brother who was on vacation in Virginia just as we came down with Covid, ended up having a bicycle accident that left him with bruises all over and a broken rib- but is going to be OK. I made everyone promise we'd all stay out of the hospital for one full week!
  • Visits with my cousin Jenny and her daughter Vera who often come over to see my Mom.
  • Weekend pool time, especially with our youngest niece and nephew who are absolute fishies!
  • My dear friend Nathan (only a couple years older than me) had a successful heart and kidney transplant only 1 day apart from each other but is recovering well. Our family all bought t-shirts and made donations to help his family and got a great photo to send him poolside one afternoon!
  • My Mom wanted to get eyelash extensions so she, my cousin Jenny and I all went and it was a lovely experience.
  • Dan and I picked up my grandmother and we all went to my cousin Nancy's Surprise 60th birthday. Mom and Gram both had a great day that. Beautiful sunny poolday with all the kiddos swimming, I caught up with many of my cousins who I don't get to see all the time, learned there's another new baby coming in January and enjoyed fresh pizza from a woodfired oven. We also sang to my grandmother.
  • From there, we headed to Terri's Graduation Party. She runs the dancing school where I met Kris & Megg, two of my best friends who have 5 of our niblings. Dan's younger brother Dave played in the band, the kids all played together. We got to see Terri's brother who came up from FL, and Conor, Carly and baby Miles after they were in Nantucket for a couple weeks.
  • Dinner & Les Mis with Kris, Aila and Megg.
  • At Mom's chemo treatment, we got to see my friend Waveney who was my officemate in my first job at the hospital 22 years ago and her son, Tighe, checked us in at the Infusion Clinic. As soon as I said hello, his whole face lit up with a smile and he came around and immediately hugged us all. It was pure joy! He'll be back off to college soon.
  • We hosted a 90th birthday party for my grandmother at The Tavern in her assisted living facility. I put together all sorts of cool photo decorations & used some of her old picture frames for the tables and guests could take them as favors. Dan DJed, and my Dad, our friend Sharon & cousin Susan prepared the food) and the kiddos all acted as bartenders. Hattie even went around and took photos.
  • All of the joy and hope coming out of Democratic party with coverage of the DNC. It feels great to have a candidate I'm truly joyful about supporting.
  • A quieter weekend- getting ready for my friend Marta to arrive from Barcelona (if I'm a bit MIA that's why)
  Quote of the Week One evening in August, you have an errand outdoors, and all of a sudden, it’s pitch-black. It is still summer, but the summer is no longer alive.   ~ Tove Jansson   ------ Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information:  
Episode 280: Ring the Bell!31 Jul 202401:03:00
  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 280 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
  • Crafty Adventures
  • Knitting in Passing
  • In my Travels
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Life in Focus
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week
  Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Stitched by Jessalu   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins     Silver Spoon Socks
  • Yarn: A Whimsical Wood Yarn Company Pixie Toes Socks in the Silver Spoon Up My A$$ colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the yarn: peaches and pinks with gray/taupe. At my gauge it is striping (~2 rounds per color). I purchased this yarn at Yarncentric event in Maryland.
  • Started in May 2023. Finished on June 28, 2024
  • Total for Stash Dash: 262 meters
  Baby James' Cozy Clusters Blanket
  • Pattern: Cozy Clusters Baby Blanket by Leelee Knits (free & paid options available on the LeeLeeKnits website)
  • Yarn: Caron Cinnamon Swirl Cakes in the Slush Colorway (purchased 3). 1 skein of Loops & Threads Impeccable in Colorway 01110 [Navy] for the border
  • Hook: I (5.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Bobble Border instructions from this blog
  • Finished size- 30.5 inches wide by 38.8 inches tall (not including the bobbles)
  • Finished on July 2
  • Total for Stash Dash: 1,010 meters (833 meters Caron Cakes [2.25 skeins] - 178 meters Loops & Threads- less than 1 skein)
  Trish's New Orleans Socks
  • Yarn- Cat Tails Yarn in the Chartreux Base (75% Superwash Merino, 15% Nylon, 10% Silver Stellina) in the Christmas Bonfires Colorway (part of the Down in New Orleans Collection)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Trish purchased in New Orleans in 2024 (exclusive colorway for the Quarter Stitch). $34.
  • Finished on July 3
  • Total for Stash Dash: 259 meters
  American Ewe Turn a Square Hat
  • Yarn: American Ewe Worsted Tweed in the Terrace Mountain Colorway
  • Pattern: Turn a Square by Jared Flood ($5 pattern available on Ravelry & Brooklyn Tweed website)
  • Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) & US 7 (4.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the yarn: 3 ply Merino/Rambouillet Shaniko Wool (89%) with 6% acrylic and 5% rayon flecks. The colorway is a natural with brownish tweedy bits.
  • I purchased the yarn for $15 at Adventures in Knitting in Harwich, MA on the way to visit friends who were staying in Wellfleet. They had a cool display of "used needles" for $4 each. I bought bamboo US.
  • Modifications: I use worsted weight yarn and knit the smallest size, omitting the increases after the ribbing. I knit 6 inches before the crown decreases.
  • Total for Stash Dash: 99.8 meters (109.2 yards), 51 grams
  Portland Socks
  • Yarn: Urth Yarns Uneek Fingering in Colorway 3024
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the yarn: self striping yarn- cornflower blue, dusty orange, yellowy green, peach, magenta and purple. I purchased the yarn at Knit Wit Yarn Shop in Portland, Maine. You can purchase the same yarn online from them.
  • I held a strand of navy blue nylon thread along with yarn for the heel flap and gusset to give more strength to the heel.
  • I used the Lemonwood Mini Minder (also purchased at Knit Wit) and knit the vast majority of this pair of socks in 2 days walking around Portland, visiting breweries and hanging out with friends. You can see a video I made of this project on Instagram.
  • Total for Stash Dash: 254.7 meters
  Welcome to Litchfield Spinning Project
  • Fiber: I purchased two 4oz braid of fiber from Into the Whirled in the Welcome to Litchfield colorway (1 braid Texel & 1 braid BFL Tussah Silk) along with 1 gray  (The Traveler on Cheviot base) braid to ply them together.
  • 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.
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • I didn't fully spin the gray Traveler colorway braid.
  • Finished Project- 3 braids of 3 ply yarn: 184g= 252.2 meters (275.9 yards) ~Aran weight
  • Total for Stash Dash= 252.2 meters x 4= 1,008.8 meters
  Book Holder
  • Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease Roving Stripes in Daisy & 1 other mystery colorway (lost the ball band), Premier Yarns Parfait Chunky (mustard) & Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Worsted
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Hook: 9.0 mm (M/N)
  • I took inspiration from this pattern on Ravelry. (Boho Book Nook crochet pattern- but I was using MUCH chunkier yarn and I didn't want to use the same textured stitches)
  • I chained 21 sts and worked with 20 hdcs across each row- working in the third loop after the first row. I wasn't going to have enough of the Lion Brand Roving to make the whole thing, so I held the Wool of the Andes double for the part that would be covered. I worked a single crochet around the edges, and then sewed the front to back in just 1 spot on either side. I used a chain for the loop to tack it up on the wall.
  • Total for Stash Dash: 128.1 meters
  Declan's Adrift Socks
  • Yarn: Patons Kroy Stripes in the Adrift colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the colorway- short stripes (about 3 rounds each) with 3 shades of blue- navy, denim and cornflower plus orange and brown.
  • Total for Stash Dash: 278.2 meters
  Deschain
  • Pattern Deschain by Leila Raven
  • Needles: US 9 (5.5 mm)
  • Yarn. Rowan Creative Linen. Colorway 00624-   Gray.
    • Worsted weight 50% Linen / Flax, 50% Cotton. 200 meters / 100 grams. Bought 4 skeins. Used a little more than 2
  • Size: Smallest (54 1/4 in bust) Calls for 16-22" positive ease. I should have around 19"
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Originally finished July 10, 2021. I ripped out in 2024 because the back was far too short. I ripped out the sleeves (tossed) and unseamed the back and front. The instructions call for the back to be 12 inches but the front falls about 17 inches from collarbone to the bottom hem. I knit about 14 inches on the back and then worked a few sets of German Short Rows before the bottom hem instructions.
  • I tried a few options for sleeves and then decided I"d just sew up the ends in a way to tuck/hem the ends under and I love that.
  • In the end I made the body longer and the sleeves shorter
  • Total for Stash Dash: 424.0 meters (463.7 yards), 212 grams
  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 started in October 2022. My November 2022 notes say- I'm losing mojo on this and I don't think it has to do w/ the pattern or my yarn. I like it... but its not getting finished before my trip to the UK so I will need to find other wooly accessories to bring with me.
  • I picked up again July 2024 and it flew off the needles!
  • Modifications: In Section 4, I skipped adding color 4 & 5 (1-3 only). Skipped Section 5.
  • Finished size: 21 inches around. 15 inches tall.
  • Total for Stash Dash: 406 meters
  Vera'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: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Red, Everglade Heather and White
  • Hook: F (3.75 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Total for Stash Dash: 456.5 meters
  8,353 meters for Stash Dash Over 4,500 meters added since the last episode!   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Wool Ease Hexagon Blanket
  • Pattern: Basic Crochet Hexagon Pattern & Tips from Make Do and Crew Website & YouTube Tutorial
  • Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick. Centers in colorways- Fern, Coney Island, Seaglass, Slate. Borders- Wheat & Oatmeal
  • Hook: 10mm (N/P)
  • Notes: started in April 2022. I never talked about it on the podcast.  Inspired by an instagram post from Lion Brand. This WIP has been taking up a ton of space in my craft room ever since. When the pump in my dehumidifer went and we had to move some things to get at it, I decided I had to get this WIP done.
  • 2 rounds of color- 1 round of wheat or oatmeal
  • 18 were done. 30 finished now
  Berry Bliss Socks
  • Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock (75% SW Merino/25% Nylon) in the Berry Bliss Colorway (May 2024 Yarnable Box) & Legacy Fiber Artz Glitzy Toes (pink mini from 2023 Advent Calendar)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the yarn- lemon yellow, sherbet orange and pink. I worked the first heel in a pink sparkle yarn from Legacy Fiber Artz because I have some spiral striping going on and didn’t want to disrupt it.
  • Progress: I've finished the heel on the first sock.
  Rafa's Hat
  • Yarn: Malabrigo Rios in the Cielo y Tierra colorway
  • Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm)
  • Pattern: Rafa's Hat by Joji Locatelli (free knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Ravelry Project Page:
  • About the yarn: blues/tans that is almost striping at my gauge. The hat is a 1x1 rib that has a cool purl ridge detail.
  • Progress: I've worked two repeats of the pattern
  Cold Goat Farm Spinning
  • Fiber: Cold Goat Farm Batt- I believe its Merino/Mohair but there are no details on the business card in my bag. I think I purchased it at Rhinebeck 2023.
  • 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.
  • Ravelry Project Page
  Brainstorming Connections socks! Have you heard about them? You take your Daily NY Times Game- Connections Results and put them into colorwork socks. Suzanne told me about them- and recently saw and loved Wendy's! Here's a link to Wendy's Connection Socks Ravelry Project Page.   From the Armchair
  1. Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link.
  2. Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link.
  3. I'll Just Be Five More Minutes (and other tales from my ADHD brain) by Emily Farris. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link.
  4. We Were Never Here by Andrea Bartz. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link.
  5. Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link.
  6. Feed by M.T. Anderson. Bookshop Affiliate Link (not available). Amazon Affiliate Link.
  7. Briefly Perfectly Human by Alua Arthur. 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.   Crafty Adventures
  • I found a small hole in my Mabel Style cross body sling bag and decided to use embroidery floss for a better hold and to add a bit of visible mending color. I received great customer service when I reached out to them!
  • I'm in the midst of a massive studio clean out. It started w/ issues with my dehumidifier and it's really spiraled from there. I'm excited to see how it all comes back together.
  Knitting in Passing   Aila FaceTimed me from a friend’s house after buying a crochet dinosaur kit at the dollar store. The next day after pool day and dinner we practiced chain and single crochet.   In My Travels
  • Dan and I spent a long weekend in Portland, Maine to celebrate our 20th Anniversary.
  • I was able to go up a night early to attend the knit night at Rising Tide Brewery. I loved meeting Heather from Rising Tide and Jenn & her husband Chuck from Knit Wit.
  • Friday morning, I visited Knit Wit Yarn Shop's new location and then walked around. Dan, Dana and Sheri arrived and we met at Duck Fat for lunch before showing them around to some of our favorite breweries.
  • Saturday we visited local shops and more breweries before going to see comedian Kathleen Madigan.
  • Sunday, I did some shopping while Dan watched soccer then we enjoyed some drinks together and ended up back at Rising Tide where there was a 6p Burlesque show so Dan got us tickets. Really fun end to an awesome weekend.
  KAL News Pigskin Party '24 will kick off in the fall (specific date TBD). We're looking for Sponsors for this season. Interested or know someone who is? Sign up for my email newsletter and click the box saying you're potentially interested in sponsoring events and you'll get first dibs on spots. And/or email me for details!   Other current & upcoming events:     Events   Know of an event I should spread the word about? Let me know!   Life in Focus   Tune in for a health Update on BostonJensMom   On a Happy Note
  • Dan and I took vacation the first week of July. Monday after Portland we just chilled. Tuesday I took Mom for whole brain radiation, then to visit my grandmother (her mother) and out for lunch. Wednesday/Thursday we visited friends renting a house in Wellfleet (Cape Cod) and Thursday/Friday we visited friends in Falmouth. Friday morning we picked up Riley from Camp and brought her to our house before she and I headed to Hornstra to get ice cream for lunch (because that's what vacation is for!) and over to my parents to the pool for the day.
  • Monday 7/8- I met up with my friend Megg to do a 5+ mile beach walk before she headed out to Ireland for the month.
  • Wed 7/10  Mom and I stayed in Boston to save her the back & forth daily for treatment. We met her friend Jacky for lunch. I went back to work in the afternoon. After work, we cooled off in the hotel pool and then had dinner, played Uno and bar trivia at The Hill. We stunk but it was fun!
  • Sunday July 14th pool day at my parents. Jenna, Dave, Gabriella and Zach came over. Within a few hours they were both jumping off the diving board!
  • July 17-18th Mom and I stayed in Boston again after her Radiation treatment. We hit the pool and fared slightly better at trivia but it was hard to be out as long. Mom's energy was much lower, she was coughing more and couldn't speak above a whisper.
  • July 21st we had a pool day at my parents. Jeff, Millie and Garret, Jenna, and the 2 kiddos, Kris, Will, Aila and Matt. We celebrated Will's 17th birthday. Mom's hair had started falling out and the blank spots at the back of her head looked like a butterfly! Mom told us to go find some Sharpies and color it in! It was a hard day for her and by extension us, but this added a bit of fun and whimsy to it! Millie even attached little plastic gems to parts of the butterfly. After the "temporary tattooing" we shaved off the rest of her hair to help w/ the shedding.
  • July 23rd- Mom's last day of Whole Brain Radiation!
  • Coming home to a beautiful bouquet of flowers from Dan.
  • Getting 2 massages this month after missing my scheduled on in June for our Portland trip! I always feel like I need it but I've been going up on weights at the gym and my upper body was screaming!
  Quote of the Week “I know nothing in the world that has as much power as a word. Sometimes I write one, and I look at it, until it begins to shine.” -Emily Dickinson   ------ Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information:  
Episode 271: Fiber Events & FearLESS Fundraising31 Jan 202400:57:00
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 271 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website- www.downcellarstudio.com/271    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
  • Events
  • Life in Focus
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week
  Thank you to this episode's sponsor: Stitched by Jessalu   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   I Love You More Socks
  • Yarn: Malabrigo Arroyo in the Azules colorway (medium denim blue)
  • Needles: US 3(3.25 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • For these DK socks, I cast on 48 sts and followed the OMG heel instructions for that stitch count. I worked more ruonds of ribbing than I usually do and used that as the whole leg of the sock, then worked heel, and foot as usual.  I included some colorwork in a neon coral DK yarn to say " I love" on the left sock and "you more" on the right sock. When squished up it looks like it says I Love You Mom which is also perfect!
  On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Jenny's Blanket
  • Pattern: Modified Sedge Stitch Blanket by Nicole Mansfield ($2 crochet pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Yarn: Big Twist Value Solids in Sky Blue, Teal, Mint, Cyan, Jade Green and Aqua
  • Hook: I (5.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Progress: nearly done with color 2 of 6.
  Same as It Ever Was Hat
  • Pattern: Same as It Ever Was by Sarah Jordan ($6 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Beatnik colorway
  • Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Knit wit designs. Snack shack sponsor.
  • Progress: nearly ready for the decreases.
  Same as It Ever Was Hat #2
  • Pattern: Same as It Ever Was by Sarah Jordan ($6 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Yarn: Kingdom Fleece and Fiberworks. No colorway listed.
  • Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Progress: more than half way done.
  Nimbus Vest
  • Pattern: Nimbus by Berrocco Design Team (free knitting pattern)
  • Yarn: Worsted Weight 100% Wool (from Rhinebeck 2022) held double
  • Needles:  US 10 (6.0mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Notes: I added about 4 inches to the body before the armholes.
  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  
  • We recently had a crafty sleepover at my parents- Kris, Aila, Megg, Hattie, Millie, Riley (Jeff for a bit), Mom & her long-time friend Lin.
  • Needle felting & Alcohol Inks + Fire on Glass (click here for a related video tutorial if you're curious)
  Stitched by JessaLu is the home of handmade project bags in a variety of fun, floral, geeky, or pop-culture themed prints. All bags are made by one woman - JessaLu - on an antique Singer sewing machine in her home in Western Massachusetts. JessaLu has been making quality project bags and an assortment of sewn accessories since 2008 and has recently begun to design her own exclusive prints! Check them out at StitchedbyJessalu.com and stay tuned for a special FearLESS Living Fund themed bag coming soon as part of the February Fundraiser for BostonJensMom.   In My Travels  
  • Mom, Millie and I met up with our friend Ryan at the Farm Fiber Days Event at Wayland Farmers Market at Russells Garden Center.
  • Millie was looking for yarn to knit a hat for her dad. We found it in one of the first booths- Plied Yarns. Always great to see Ann Weaver. We did a full loop and went back to purchase yarn.
  • I bought a handsewn chicken potholder set.
  • The Blue Heron Farm (in Vermont) hosted their table for folks to learn Needle Felting. Millie made Ryan a butterfly like the ones she made for us. Thanks to "Auntie Shelly" at Blue Heron for encouraging Millie.
  • I got some great info from Jim Grant from Good Karma Farm about getting going on my Cricular Sock Machine. Check out their video on How to Knit a Sock on Circular Sock Machine for beginners.
  • We got lunch after at The Local. Then Mom and I went back and I bought a few plants, a watering can & a decorative pumpkin from the clearance section.
  • The next Farm Fiber Days at Wayland Farmer's Market is March 3, 2024. Details can be found on their website.
  Vogue Knitting Live in New York City
  • Class: A Lace for Everything and Everything in Its Lace with Bristol Ivy
  • In the marketplace, I ran into my friend Sarah in the Cowgirlblues booth where I bought some mini skeins.
  • I was thrilled to run into Petrina, Shameika, Twinset Jan
  • I was so happy to meet Pigskin Sponsor, Terri from At Haynes House Yarns.
  • I bought a mini skein bundle from The Golden Purls. I got a quilted bucket bag from M.A.B.E.L, yarn for hat, earrings & a bracelet with fabric covered beads.
  Other New York City Notable Moments:
  • Saturday- farmer's market, walked the High Line, visited Chelsea Market, had dinner at Shukette & saw Kimberly Akimbo on Broadway.
  • Sunday- we saw Poor Things at a theater in Lincoln Center and continued our Oscar Nominee movie watch with Past Lives & Anatomy of a Fall (which I didn't enjoy as much as The Replacements which we watched earlier in the weekend)
  KAL News Pigskin Party '23
    • #DCSPigskinParty23
  • Official Rules
  • Find everything you need on my website or in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group
  • Register using this Google Form (you must be Registered to be eligible for prizes)
  • Enter your projects using the Point Tally Form
  • Find the full list of Sponsors in this Google Doc.
  • Questions-  ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com
  • Quarter 4 Challenge: Cable It Up brought to you by our Official Sponsor of the 4th Quarter Lolodidit. Full details can be found in this Google Doc and in this Ravelry Thread.
  • Reminder- the KAL ends on February 12th. Get those projects finished!
  • Update from Commentator: Mary
  • There's lots of strategizing and discussion about what there is and is not time to finish before the end of PSP.  Relatedly, there is some discussion about the joys of finishing longstanding WIPs even if those projects don't count for pigskin party.
  • There was also recently some discussion on pros and cons of different approaches to provisional cast ons, including a method where you use a stitch saver instead of scrap yarn (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olAZk2tkTus). 
  • Finally, there's been some talk of travel plans including the intense decision making process that crafters go through when they are trying to decide what projects to bring on a trip.  This has included discussion of pros and cons of checking luggage vs. carrying on and some musings about who decided that packing light is a value we should all aspire to anyway.
  • Kristen recently shared a link to a story about monkeyshine hunting.  Its a neat tradition that coincides with lunar new year in Tacoma. https://gritcitymag.com/2020/01/a-little-backstory-on-monkeyshines-in-tacoma/
  • Here's a highlight from the endzone dance thread: Sandyrlevin completed an amazing sweater with a really detailed octopus on it. She did it all with duplicate stitch!  It is truly amazing. https://www.ravelry.com/projects/Sandyrlevin/217-12-amur-maple
    Events   Check out all of the details about our Fiber Community February FearLESS Living Fundraiser including the participating makers.   To make a personal donation, you can use this link 
  • Please use the option to “Add a Public Comment” to let us know you’re part of this Fiber Community Fundraiser. 
  • I recommend including your Instagram/Ravelry user name so sponsors doing prize drawings and confirm/find you.
  More About This Project: February 9th is my mom, Diane Lassonde’s, birthday. Diane came up with the idea for the FearLESS Living Fund when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer in December 2021. Since then, each birthday we celebrate with her is precious and this year, with your help, I want to make her birthday month even MORE special by raising funds for this charity she’s created.   The FearLESS Living Fund picks up where the Blind Center of Nevada’s services leave off, helping their outstanding clients to live more fearlessly in pursuit of their dreams. In 2023, we gave out over $9,000 in scholarships. You can watch a video of the event here. With your help, we can raise even more.   I also have some wonderful goodies here that I am going to giveaway. I'll be pulling winners from those who donate via the PayPal page. Be sure to mention you're part of the Fiber Community Fundraiser and list your Instagram or Ravelry Name so I can find you and send you your prize.   Life in Focus   2024 Word of the Year- Heart
  • Found a heart mural in NYC
  • Bought a small heart shaped pottery dish to use for stitch markers at a local shop where everything is handcrafted by disabled students at their school.
  • Made a collage of photos (from Walgreens template) from family photo shoot and had it printed 11x14. Now I need to find a place to hang it.
  • Looked at heart jewelry but didn't find any pieces that were "me" so I'm still looking.
  24 for 2024 List- updates
  1. Get 2 massages beyond the one per month at Massage Envy
  2. End the year with more money in the bank than when I started in January. ($51,397- includes CD)
  3. Make & assess goals each month of the year
  4. Read more books than you did in 2023 (50)
  5. Organize a fundraiser for the FearLESS Living Fund (DONE)
  6. Come up with better temporary & more permanent storage for memory items.
  7. Visit 1 new (to me) museum or historical site
  8. Add one new indoor plant to my collection (DONE)
  9. Buy/make/work with Dan/Oisin on at least 1 plant stand for the living or dining room
  10. Publish at least one new pattern
  11. Knit at least 1 finished project with handspun
  12. Knit/crochet myself a new sweater
  13. Make a Christmas afghan for the living room- in progress
  14. Take a class (DONE)
  15. Purge at least 20 items from my wardrobe
  16. Go skiing
  17. Watch at least 5 of the movies on the Jen/Liz movie list 1) Hercules
  18. Do something special for our Anniversary in May
  19. Do a regular (ideally monthly) review of Dropbox Camera Uploads to delete unnecessary items
  20. Buy a new quilt and/or duvet cover for our bed
  21. Buy a new blow dryer.
  22. Get my car detailed (DONE)
  23. Buy new curtains for living room- ordered some to try on 1/19
  24. Try a new local restaurant - Lolita (want one even MORE local)
  4 of 24 done in January!   On a Happy Note
  • I was chatting with my friend Margarita who is from the Philippines. She mentioned she gets dried mango in bulk from home and sent some over to me! So sweet of her!
  • Movie night with Liz- Hercules.
  • Car Detailing! It literally feels and smells like a new car! Usually 3+ month wait list- but not at this time of year.
  • Mom made it through Round 1 of Chemo- 3 days in a row. My cousin Jenny (also a nurse at the hospital) visited during day 2 and our cousin Joanie took Mom in on day 3 instead of dad. It was great to spend some quality time with them.
  • Seeing Moulin Rouge with Megg at the Boston Opera House (and dinner at Lolita beforehand)
  • Quality time with Laura & my first visit to NYC since before the pandemic...
  Quote of the Week Energy creates energy. It is by spending myself that I become rich. –SARAH BERNHARDT   ------ Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information:
Episode 270: Heart15 Jan 202400:51:05
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 270 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website.    This week's segments included:  
  • On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • Brainstorming
  • From the Armchair
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Contest, News & Notes
  • Life in Focus
  • Ask Me Anything
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week
  On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Calendula Christmas Quilt
  • Pattern: Calendula Quilt by Elena Fedotova available on Ravelry for $7.50 US.
  • Yarn: Big Twist Value Solids in Ivory, Deep Red, Varsity Green, Aqua, Medium Rose
  • Hook:  G (4.0 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • I used Canva to help me figure out color placement to extend out the quilt pattern. I am extending what is written as a square into a rectangle.
  • 64 squares now. about 24 totally seamed
  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! Don't forget, they're Pro Shop Sponsors.
  • Progress Notes- first 3 sets of squares seamed & border added. December squares- all 9 done. not seamed.
  Jen/Riley's Matching Hexi Blankets
  • Pattern: Using this photo tutorial & this video tutorial.
  • Hook: D (3.25 mm)
  • We are making 4 round hexagons.
  • As Riley finishes one, she texts me and I work up my corresponding mini. We've done 14 so far. I'm making collages in Canva for each.
  Same as It Ever Was Hat
  • Pattern: Same as It Ever Was by Sarah Jordan ($6 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Beatnik colorway
  • Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Knit Wit Sesigns is a Pigskin Snack Shack Sponsor.
  • Progress: around 75% done.
  • I think this pattern is a great use for Felici which I've found doesn't hold up as well to hard wearing things like socks.
  Nimbus Vest
  • Pattern: Nimbus by Berrocco Design Team (free knitting pattern on the Berrocco website)
  • Yarn: Worsted Weight 100% Wool (from Rhinebeck 2022) held double
  • Needles:  US 10 (6.0mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Progress: I'm currently working on the back and am almost done with the 13 inches I need before I decrease for the armholes.
  Declan's 2nd Socks
  • Yarn: Patons Kroy in the Greener Pastures Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Green, black, gray, cream, mustard stripes + gray/green/white self patterning stripe.
  • Progress- the first sock probably about ready for the toe. Second sock- cuff is done, about 3 inches into the leg.
  • I also did some darning on his first pair of handknit socks.
  Brainstorming   Bought yarn for 3 blanket projects huge sale at Joann
  • Conor & Carly Baby using this crochet pattern on Ravelry.
  • Colleen & Patrick Baby Blanket using this crochet pattern on Ravelry.
  • Jenny & Manny Baby Blanket  using the Modified Sedge Stitch Baby Blanket- a $2 crochet pattern available on Ravelry.
  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 '23   Events
  • Vogue Knitting Live, New York: January 25-28th, 2024
    • I'm taking classes on Friday & then planning to go to the market 5-8p Friday.
  • I'm teaching a class on the OMG Sock Pattern at Staci's Stitches in Scituate, MA on Sundays starting February 18th (4 classes)- the class is SOLD OUT
  Contest, News & Notes
  • Yarnable Unboxing January 2024 Video posted- this kit came with stitch markers with numbers on them, 25, 50, 75, 100 intended for use when casting on a large amount of stitch. Hawkeygirl3 on YouTube suggested it would also be great for counting rows/rounds like on the leg of a sock if you want to do matching ones! Great idea
  • December 2023 Let the Mystery Unravel Unboxing + Blanket Update
  Life in Focus 2023 Review:
  • Knitting/Crochet/Spinning
    • 61 Finished Projects
    • 32 knitting - 2 sweaters (1 for me, 1 for Mom). Lots of hats & socks.
    • 29 crochet (same as last year)- 9 toys
    • 43 are gifts (+ 3 charity items)
    • Spinning- 3 finished projects. 880 meters of yarn. (3 Spinning WIPs)
Favorite projects   2023 Numbers:
  • 50 Books read
  • 24 Podcast Episodes
  • 66 Videos on YouTube (some only available for Patrons)
  • YouTube Subscribers- 461 new subscribers, 2,578 subscribers total
  • 5 times- Donated Blood
  • 14 Massages
  • Book Signings- 1
  • Plays/Musicals/drag Shows- 12
  • Concerts- 5 (night time only in Nashville) + 1 (Kane Brown) + 1 (Lainey Wilson ) + 1 (Old Dominion)= 8
  • Birthday Sleepovers- 3
  • Fiber Events- 6 (Russells, CT sheep & Wool, Maryland, Rhinebeck, C&SSYH, Fiber Fest of NE)
  • Trips: Nashville, Maryland, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Rhinebeck.
23 for 2023 list
  1. Read 23 books (35 as of August)
  2. Try at least one pair of fake eyelashes
  3. Print and hang at least 1 of our new family photos  (ordered 8/9 from Walgreens- 8x10 for $12!)
  4. Kayak in one new place Did not complete
  5. Hike in one new place
  6. See 4 plays/musicals (Hamilton 2/9, Shrek in March twice. Secret Garden at Company in April, Matilda [Millie] in May)
  7. Give blood at least 3 times (March, May, August, October & December done)
  8. Knit myself a pair of mittens
  9. Knit/crochet at least one project with handspun (Strathcona sweater "aka my Rhinebeck sweater"
  10. Watch 3 movies in one day (1/22 w/ Mom, Terri, Megg- Everything. Everywhere, All At Once. Women Talk. Armageddon Time)
  11. See a movie in the theater (A Man Called Otto w/ Laura)
  12. Go to a museum (Liz and I went in December)
  13. Finish 1 punch needle project- Did not complete
  14. Ski at least 1 day (ideally 2-4)- Did not complete
  15. Try at least 1 new gym/in person fitness option 4/8- consult at Big Day Fitness. First class on 4/10. Signed up for a month. 
  16. Make at least 1 new financial investment (CD started in February)
  17. Purge at least 23 items from the house. Ideally 46. After a smaller clean out earlier in the year, I took a full car load to Savers in October- lots of clothes.
  18. Publish 1 knitting pattern
  19. Send 5 cards to friends/family just because- Did not complete
  20. Go Camping- Did not complete
  21. Participate in the Fiberuary Challenge on Instagram
  22. Take a class (in person or virtual)- Zumba twice.
  23. Create a new music playlist. Riley’s. Plus CMA fest artists.
  2024 Word of the Year- Heart Definitions:
  • The central or innermost part of something
  • To like very much, love
  • courage, determination, hope or enthusiasm (don't lose heart)
  • the vital part or essence
  • one's real nature (at heart)
  What I want to focus on in 2024:
  • Stay close to my family- which is the heart and life blood of my life.
  • Be true to my heart- what I value, what's most important to me.
  • I won't lose heart even when times are hard.
  • I will be true to my heart, my real nature, the heart of me.
  2024-  Goals:
  • Use my podcast/YouTube/Instagram following to raise money for the FearLESS Living Fund (details in the Ravelry group- and email if you're one of our regular sponsors)
  • Make & assess goals every month in 2024
  • Monthly review of number of workouts + weigh on at least twice a month.
  • Stretch/Theragun 2-4 times a week [][][][]
  24 for 2024 list
  1. Get 2 massages beyond the one per month at Massage Envy
  2. End the year with more money in the bank than when I started in January.
  3. Make & assess goals each month of the year
  4. Read more books than you did in 2023 (50)
  5. Organize a fundraiser for the FearLESS Living Fund
  6. Come up with better temporary & more permanent storage for memory items.
  7. Visit 1 new (to me) museum or historical site
  8. Add one new indoor plant to my collection
  9. Buy/make/work with Dan/Oisin on at least 1 plant stand for the living or dining room
  10. Publish at least one new pattern
  11. Knit at least 1 finished project with handspun
  12. Knit/crochet myself a new sweater
  13. Make a Christmas afghan for the living room
  14. Take a class
  15. Purge at least 20 items from my wardrobe
  16. Go skiing
  17. Watch at least 5 of the movies on the Jen/Liz movie list
  18. Do something special for our Anniversary in May
  19. Do a regular (ideally monthly) review of Dropbox Camera Uploads to delete unnecessary items
  20. Buy a new quilt and/or duvet cover for our bed
  21. Buy a new blow dryer.
  22. Get my car detailed
  23. Buy new curtains for living room
  24. Try a new local restaurant
  Health update on my Mom, Diane: She was hospitalized for several days because of issues with heart palpitation and then we learned her cancer is back in brain, lymph nodes, pleura (lining of lungs) and ribs. She will start with the same chemo she had last time (Oct '22- March '23). It’s likely she’ll also need radiation for the brain, but will do an MRI 4 weeks after chemo starts to know for sure & decide what’s best… Health update video coming soon. Keep those prayers and good wishes coming. Diane starts chemo Monday 1/22.   On a Happy Note
  • We had a great visit with my friend Laura who was here for New Year's. We struck a great balance of lazily watching tv (The Gilded Age & Slow Horses) and getting out and about. We also went to see Boys in the Boat the movie theater.
  • My parents' annual open house the Saturday after Christmas.
  • Mom gave the girls needle felting kits for Christmas; Millie Facetimed me several times with questions and showing me her progress!
  • Getting sick has not been fun, but the fact that it didn't ruin my holidays and the fact that work is also still relatively quiet is a huge happy note. Dan has been taking great care of me, and we're rewatching Hell On Wheels.
  • I spent Sunday of MLK weekend at my parents'. We played Wordle board game (Amazon affiliate link) with Mom, Riley, Millie and Aila. We visited my cousin Jenny's new house, got our nails done, went out for Mexican, played more games! Fun impromptu sleepover.
  • Millie- All of the Jokers have been Joked! and telling Grammy to "be her best self" adorable.
  Quote of the Week   Everything and everyone at their own pace. Flow with not against yourself. -Akiroq Brost   ------ 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 Channel Email me at downcellarstudio@gmail.com   For website: Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information:  
Episode 269: Warm Hands & Hearts30 Dec 202300:46:54
  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 269 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
  • Some Years Later
  • Crafty Adventures
  • Knitting in Passing
  • KAL News
  • Contest, News & Notes
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week
  Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Stitched by Jessalu   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Tailgate Party Mittens
  • Pattern: Tailgate Party Hat & Mittens by Wendy Gaal of Knitters Brewing Co
  • Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) & US 7 (4.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Dancing Leaf Dyeworks. Bee Bop 100% SW Merino DK  (no colorway name)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • After finishing the mittens, I used Duplicate Stitch to write "fear" on the left palm and "less" on the right palm. I used this video tutorial from Very Pink Knits to help me.
  Boxing Gloves Ornament
  • Pattern: Boxing Gloves by Michael Hon ($3 crochet pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Hook: D (3.25 mm)
  • Yarn: Caron One Pound in Scarlet + white acrylic worsted weight yarn
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • These worked up in one busy evening after work and were a gift for the owners of my gym.
  Colourful Mini Dino
  • Pattern: Colourful Mini Dino by Anika Kam (free crochet pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Hook: C (2.75 mm)
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Brava in the Lady Slipper colorway + mystery worsted acrylic yarn of a similar shade of purple
  Clown collar
  • Pattern: improvsing on my own. Used this free Clown Ruff pattern from Slipped Stitch Hollow as a starting point
  • Hook: H (5.0 mm)
  • Yarn: Big Twist Twinkle (Gray), Big Twist Value (Grape), Craft Smart Neon Value (neon yellow) & mystery worsted sparkle yarn in pink and white
  • Ravelry Project Page
  On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Welcome to Litchfield Spinning Project
  • 4 oz of Texel from Into the Whirled- Welcome to Litchfield
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Progress: working on second 4 oz in the Welcome to Litchfield Colorway in 70/30 BFL/Tussah Silk
  Christmas in July Socks
  • Yarn: Random bits & bobs of fingering weight leftovers
  • 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. Half way through leg on second.
  Hattie’s Scrappy Helical Socks
  • Yarn: Random bits & bobs of fingering weight leftovers
  • Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • US 1 (not 1.5), 48 sts. long cuff.
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Check out my video tutorial for using Cate's Clasp Weft Join along with Helical Knitting.
  Woolens & Nosh 2023 Advent Socks
  • Yarn: Woolens & Nosh Targhee Sock. 2023 Advent Set
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  Calendula Christmas Quilt
  • Pattern: Calendula Quilt by Elena Fedotova
  • Yarn: Big Twist Value Solids in Ivory, Deep Red, Varsity Green, Aqua, Medium Rose
  • Hook:  G (4.0 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
    From the Armchair   Books 2 & 3 of the Silo Series:   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
  • We celebrated Christmas with friends by decorating Gingerbread houses which was a ton of fun!
  Knitting in Passing I went consignment shopping and reminded the owner that we'd met before and that I was the "knitter" and she promptly asked for help with gauge math for a handspun cabled sweater she wants to cast on.   KAL News Pigskin Party '23
    • #DCSPigskinParty23
  • Official Rules
  • Find everything you need on my website or in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group
  • Register using this Google Form (you must be Registered to be eligible for prizes)
  • Enter your projects using the Point Tally Form
  • Find the full list of Sponsors in this Google Doc.
  • Questions-  ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com
  • Quarter 3 Challenge: The Waymaker's Cowl brought to you by our Official Sponsor of the Quarter Mandi's Makings. Runs December 1-31, 2023. Full details can be found in this Google Doc and in this Ravelry Thread.
  • WIPs Challenge: Finish WIPs you started before the Pigskin Party kicked off on 9/7/23! If you finish them between 11/10/23 and 1/10/24, you'll earn 150 points. Full details can be found in this Google Doc and in this Ravelry Thread.
  • I announced November participation winners.
  • Updates from Commenter- Mary
    • Pigskin partiers have been busy this month! Over 500 projects have been submitted for points already this month! Players are finishing both small and large projects. There have been over 30 blitzes and over 40 safeties so far this month.
    • There’s still time to participate in the Q3 challenge.  14 people have submitted their finished projects for the challenge so far. BlkGirlsKnitPurl (EJ) posted a beautiful Christmas-y version in the end zone dance thread: https://www.ravelry.com/projects/BlkGirlsKnitPurl/the-waymaker-cowl
    • In the huddle thread, lots of folks who have time off at the end of the year and/or are traveling have been discussing plans for what to work on. There’s also lots of talk of holiday plans and gift knits! Finally, there’s been a bit of chatter about the pros and cons of monogamous knitting and strategies to make sure you are never caught waiting somewhere without a project to work on. 
  Contest, News & Notes Vlogmas 2023 highlights:
  • Day 15: Gingerbread Houses
  • Day 23: At the request of viewer, Suzanne, I shared a few of my shawl patterns, MEGAROW, World of Difference, Boxing Day Bonus and the Riley Rose Shawl. You can use coupon code 10years for 25% off my patterns on Ravelry through the Superbowl!
  • You can find the full 2023 Vlogmas Playlist here.
  On a Happy Note
  • Riley’s sleepover. Crafting. Watching Spirited (Apple tv movie) for first time.
  • Dana and Sheri’s Christmas party.
  • Helping with and enjoying Hattie & Aila's dance recital
  • Gifting Hattie her ride-on Jeep
  • We lost power in a storm, but the power outage was shorter quicker than usual. Dan finished his advent puzzles.
  • Helping to hide Secret Santas at the gym. Taylor, who was the actual Secret Santa, also gifted me a handmade wooden tree and ornament! They are so beautiful and I'm thankful for her thoughtfulness.
  • Christmas lunch with my friends Waveney and Kim.
  • Running into Megg at the consignment store I kept telling her to visit. We bought found Christmas outfits!
  • Relaxing Christmas Eve day and ending the day at my cousin Susan’s party.
  • Christmas Day- playing on the floor with Gabriella and Zachary. Seeing Will and Aila excited about Christmas even well into their teens. A fabulous and fun time spent with my family for the rest of the day.
  •  
Quote of the Week Beauty is as much about how and whether you look as what you see. –John Green   ------   For website: Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information:  
Episode 268: Christmas Cheer15 Dec 202300:47:06
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 268 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
  • Crafty Adventures
  • Knitting in Passing
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Contest, News & Notes
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week
  Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Domingo the Easter Goat
  • Pattern: I used the basic idea from this crochet pattern available on Etsy.
  • Hook:
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Brava in Clarity (blue- body), Mint (green- stripe on egg), Custard (yellow- egg) + pink and taupe mystery yarn
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • I made mine much smaller than called for in the Etsy pattern. chained around 10 stitches, worked in the round from there to make a base and then come up for body/head like a Squishmallow.
  Space Daddy Socks
  • Yarn: Fan Girl Fibers Fingering in the Space Daddy Colorway (80% Superwash Merino, 20% Nylon)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Don't forget, Fan Girl Fibers is a Pro Shop sponsor. This project is living in a wedge bag from Snack Shack Sponsor Stitched by Jessalu.
  Liz's Socks
  • Yarn: Area 51 Fibres Sturdy Alien Base ( n the  (80% Superwash Merino, 20% Nylon) in the National Periodic Table Day Colorway (self striping with rainbow and gray)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Area 51 Fibres is Snack Shack Sponsor.
  On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   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! Don't forget, they're Pro Shop Sponsors.
  • Progress Notes- I crocheted all 9 squares from the November kit (theme- Tomb of the Lost Queen). I still need to seam them up and add a border
  Christmas in July Socks
  • Yarn: Random bits & bobs of fingering weight leftovers
  • Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Area 51 Fibres is Snack Shack Sponsor.
  • Progress: 1st sock is finished.
  Same as It Ever Was Hat
  • Pattern: Same as It Ever Was by Sarah Jordan ($6 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Sarah Jordan of Knit/Wit designs is a Snack Shack Sponsor.
  Colourful Mini Dino
  • Pattern: Colourful Mini Dino by Anika Kam (free crochet pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Hook: C (2.75 mm)
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Brava in the Lady Slipper colorway + mystery worsted acrylic yarn of a similar shade of purple
  Hattie’s Scrappy Helical Socks
  • Yarn: Random bits & bobs of fingering weight leftovers
  • Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • US 1 (not 1.5), 48 sts. long cuff.
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Check out my video tutorial for using Cate's Clasp Weft Join along with Helical Knitting.
  • Progress: I'm about half way through the leg of the first sock.
  Woolens & Nosh 2023 Advent Socks
  • Yarn: Woolens & Nosh Targhee Sock. 2023 Advent Set
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Progress: keeping up on one sock. The other has maybe 6 stripes. After day 12 ready to turn heel so I might get behind for a couple days depending.
  • Woolens & Nosh is a Pro Shop Sponsor.
  Vampires of Venice Spinning
  • Fiber: Into the Whirled. 4oz Falkland in the Vampires of Venice colorway.
  • 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.
  • Split braid in half. First half has already been spun, washed and dried.
  • Plan is to use the yarn to knit this Tweed Tie available on Ravelry.
  Tailgate Party Mittens
  • Pattern: Tailgate Party Hat & Mittens by Wendy Gaal of Knitters Brewing Co
  • Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) & US 7 (4.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Dancing Leaf Dyeworks. Bee Bop 100% SW Merino DK  (no colorway name)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  Brainstorming   I have such a strong urge to cast on a Christmas afghan that has a quilt-like effect. Any suggestions for me?  
  • Crochet Star Quilt by Sandra Paul (~$6 crochet pattern available on Ravelry)
    • Sport weight yarn
  • C2C Barn Quilt Blanket by Emily Marie Davies ($5 crochet pattern available on Ravelry or on this website)
  • Granny Square Snowflake Blanket by Briana K Designs ($8 Crochet pattern available on Ravelry
  • Winter Plaid Blanket  by Mallory Krall- (~4.66 crochet pattern on Ravelry)
  From the Armchair Wool by Hugh Howey (The Silo Series- Book 1) 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.   Crafty Adventures Sled Decorating with Mom. Check out our beautiful project.   Knitting in Passing
  • In talking about vlogging at the gym, we also got talking about knitting and I learned that my friend Taylor wants to learn to knit.
  • I was knitting at Nutcracker intermission and Hattie did a stitch before the lights went down.
  • I was knitting at my niece's Funky Nutcracker performance which was so long. Megg’s neighbors said I’d have a whole blanket done before it was over.
  KAL News Pigskin Party '23
    • #DCSPigskinParty23
  • Official Rules
  • Find everything you need on my website or in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group
  • Register using this Google Form (you must be Registered to be eligible for prizes)
  • Enter your projects using the Point Tally Form
  • Find the full list of Sponsors in this Google Doc.
  • Questions-  ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com
  • Quarter 3 Challenge: The Waymaker's Cowl brought to you by our Official Sponsor of the Quarter Mandi's Makings. Runs December 1-31, 2023. Full details can be found in this Google Doc and in this Ravelry Thread.
  • WIPs Challenge: Finish WIPs you started before the Pigskin Party kicked off on 9/7/23! If you finish them between 11/10/23 and 1/10/24, you'll earn 150 points. Full details can be found in this Google Doc and in this Ravelry Thread.
  • Updates from Commentator Mary
  • Tune in to hear if you're the winner of the Quarter 2 challenge.
  • November Participation Prize Winners be will announced in the next episode.
  • Updates from Commentator Mary
    • There’s lots of talk about favorite warm beverages and baking in the December thread:
      • If you are a tea lover, check out post 288, where multiverseknits shared some of their favorite places to buy tea. 
      • If you are a sourdough baker, check out post 628 where lmecoll shared a recipe for sourdough chocolate chip cookies that she will not be making but has heard are quite good. 
    • I also popped over to the end zone dance thread to see what people have finished lately. One project in particular caught my eye:
      • Rubyrx recently finished a slip stitch party shawl in yarn from sheep she raised! She proceeded, spun, dyed and knit up the yarn into a gorgeous shawl! Amazing!! Check it out on Ravelry.
  Events   Contest, News & Notes   On a Happy Note
  • December 1 we celebrated Dan's birthday & Mom's 2nd anniversary of diagnosis. So grateful she’s here!
  • Mom, Riley, Trish, Merry and I went to a Sample Sale. Mom, Riley and I then did more shopping and a "bakery tour." I definitely recommend that Vlogmas episode. It’s very silly.
  • Attending live performances of: Aladdin Jr. , the Nutcracker, The Plot Thickens and the Funky Nutcracker.
  • Running into my old boss at work
  • Hattie's sleepover. She enjoyed crafting time, pancakes and a tractor ride with Uncle Dan.
  • My cousin Colleen having a baby boy in June!
  • Deer in the compost bins.
  • Working on a puzzle advent with Dan.
  Quote of the Week "Summer is for surrendering; winter is for wondering.”  — Debasish Mridha   ------ Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information:  
Episode 267: Knit, Spin, Crochet, Gift, Repeat30 Nov 202300:51:12
  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 267 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
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Contest, News & Notes
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week
  Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Stitched by Jessalu, The Little Wolf Knits & Suburban Stitcher   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Splash Socks
  • Yarn: Biscotte Yarn Bis Sock in the Splash Colorway (blue self-striping yarn)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Made for David Markus as a thank you for donating to the FearLESS Living Fund in October of 2023. Finished in time for Laura to bring them back with her after her visit the weekend before Thanksgiving.
  • Length of foot- 8.5 inches before toe
  • Knit them in line at a Sample Sale Mom, Laura, Trish and I went to the Saturday morning of Laura's visit. People in line jumped in to photo bomb so that was fun.
  2 Christmas Stockings     Drawn Together Cowl
  • Pattern: Drawn Together by Shana Cohen ($7 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & Payhip)
  • Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) and a 3.75 mm (F) crochet hook for the provisional cast on
  • Yarn: neon coral DK yarn (lost ball band; believe its from Spun Right Round)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Provisional cast on using this Purl Soho video.
    Wish Star
  • Patterns: Sol Amigurumi by Vanessa Doncatto (free crochet pattern on Ravelry )
  • Hooks: B (2.25 mm), C (2.75 mm) & D (3.25 mm)
  • Yarn: Big Twist- Solids in Varsity Yellow (for the sun body) and Big Twist Twinkle in Yellow for the heart/face. Leftover red fingering yarn for the mustache.
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Made on Black Friday afternoon
  Brachiosaurus
  • Pattern:  Dinosaur Jurassic World No Sew Crochet Pattern by Klein Maker on Etsy ($9.89 for 4 patterns)
  • Yarn: Loops & Threads Impeccable in the Jade colorway (body) & Knit Picks Brava Worsted in the Sky colorway
  • Hook: C (2.75 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Pattern wouldn't be ideal for beginners. Doesn't tell you when/where to put in Safety Eyes before closing things up. No other major issues, but just be thoughtful. I paid less than $4 for the 4 pack of dino patterns. Worth it.
  Bobble pumpkin
  • Pattern: Ribbed Bobble Pumpkin by Breann Mauldin ($3 crochet pattern on Ravelry or free option on this website)
  • Hook: I (5.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Wool Ease Thick & Quick in the Succulent Colorway
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • I used nearly all 97 meters in this skein with 6 repeats of the pattern.
  On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Silver Spoon Socks
  • Yarn: A Whimsical Wood Yarn Company Pixie Toes Socks in the Silver Spoon Up My A$$ colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the yarn: peaches and pinks with gray/taupe. At my gauge it is striping (~2 rounds per color). I purchased this yarn at Yarncentric event in Maryland.
  • Progress: Almost done with the first leg.
  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! Don't forget, they're Pro Shop Sponsors.
  • Progress Notes- 1st two sets of squares are done. I've crocheted a few from the November kit.
  Hattie’s Scrappy Helical Socks
  • Yarn: Random bits & bobs of fingering weight leftovers
  • Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • US 1 (not 1.5), 48 sts. long cuff.
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Check out my video tutorial for using Cate's Clasp Weft Join along with Helical Knitting
  • Progress: I'm about half way through the leg of the first sock.
  Woolens & Nosh 2023 Advent Socks
  • Yarn: Woolens & Nosh Targhee Sock. 2023 Advent Set
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Note- pair 199 of OMG Heel Socks!
  DK Bella Fio Socks
  • Yarn: BellaFio DK Sock (75% SW Merino/ 25% recycled nylon) in the Great Gray Owl colorway.  Goosey Fibers Goosey Hefty (100% SW Merino- Worsted Weight) in Buckbeack (cuffs, heels and toes)
  • Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About this project: Great Gray Owl colorway is a beautiful blend of light blues with hints of green, some small bits of a yellowy green and some neutral cream/tan hues. Buckbeak is a beautiful taupe color that pairs beautifully and I love that both colorway names are based on birds. Perfect for our Q2 challenge! Thanks again to BellaFio for sponsoring this month and encouraging us to Embrace Nature!
  • Pair 200 of OMG Heel for me!
  Vampires of Venice Spinning
  • Fiber: Into the Whirled. 4oz Falkland in the Vampires of Venice colorway.
  • 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.
  • Split braid in half. First half has already been spun.
  • Plan is to use the yarn to knit this Tweed Tie available on Ravelry.
  Clown collar
  • Pattern: improvsing on my own. Used this free Clown Ruff pattern from Slipped Stitch Hollow as a starting point
  • Hook: H (5.0 mm)
  • Yarn: Big Twist Twinkle (Gray), Big Twist Value (Grape), Craft Smart Neon Value (neon yellow) & mystery worsted sparkle yarn in pink and white
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • I had a quick visit with Emelyn while they were home for Thanksgiving break. When I asked if there was anything on their Christmas wish list I should know about, they said they'd like a handmade clown collar! I love a good curveball!
  Brainstorming
  • Millie wants a goat squishy/toy that looks like her squishmellow
  • I'd like to make toys for Hattie and Gabriella and another dinosaur for Zachary.
  • Mom picked out a skein of yarn for mitts at Rhinebeck that I'd like to knit up before Christmas.
  • I'd like to make 1 other pumpkin.
  From the Armchair   Escaping Twin Flames Documentary on Netflix Lessons in Chemistry on Apple TV   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 two recent stories about meeting other knitters/talking about knitting in the wild. I met a lovely woman named Joanne at her consignment shop. She was knitting when Mom was wandering around the store so of course she struck up a conversation. Turns out, Joanne also spins too! We had a lovely chat and Mom took a photo of us.
  • I was recently waiting for my car to get it's oil changed when a kind.79 year old woman asked about my knitting and we ended up chatting for an hour. We talked about restoration of old Victorian in my home town where she owns a condo now.
  Stitched by JessaLu is the home of handmade project bags in a variety of fun, floral, geeky, or pop-culture themed prints. All bags are made by one woman - JessaLu - on an antique Singer sewing machine in her home in Western Massachusetts. JessaLu has been making quality project bags and an assortment of sewn accessories since 2008 and has recently begun to design her own exclusive prints! The 2023 Limited Edition Holiday prints are currently listed - hurry to order yours while they are still available!   KAL News Pigskin Party '23
    • #DCSPigskinParty23
  • Official Rules
  • Find everything you need on my website or in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group
  • Register using this Google Form (you must be Registered to be eligible for prizes)
  • Enter your projects using the Point Tally Form
  • Find the full list of Sponsors in this Google Doc.
  • Questions-  ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com
  • In this episode:
    • Finish up your Q2 Project by the end of November. Quarter 2 Challenge: Embrace Nature brought to you by our Official Sponsor of the Quarter Bella Fio. Runs 11/1-11/30/23. Full details can be found in this Google Doc and in this Ravelry Thread.
    • Quarter 3 Challenge: The Waymaker's Cowl brought to you by our Official Sponsor of the Quarter Mandi's Makings. Runs December 1-31, 2023. Full details can be found in this Google Doc and in this Ravelry Thread.
    • WIPs Challenge: Finish WIPs you started before the Pigskin Party kicked off on 9/7/23! If you finish them between 11/10/23 and 1/10/24, you'll earn 150 points. Full details can be found in this Google Doc and in this Ravelry Thread.
    • Updates from Commentator Mary
  Lots of players are talking about double-dipping in other make-alongs. A great thing about the PSP is that you can work on whatever you want so it is easy to have one project count for both PSP points and another MAL!
  • Hikesandbikes is planning an epic shawl project (the Genesis Shawl- check out her Ravelry Project Page) for the Yarniacs podcast’s self-indulgent make along. Find details in their Ravelry group.
  • Many many players are planning to participate in PSP-sponsor Imagined Landscapes’ snow matter what December mystery gnome knit along. There’s lots of chatter on the boards about what colors folks plan to use. 
  • There’s also some talk of the Indie Gift Along which is hosted on Ravelry. Several PSP sponsors are participating so this one is particularly ripe for double-dipping!
  • Some players are also planning on joining Andrea Mowry’s instafriends KAL
  • Also on the boards there is lots of chatter about holiday movies, including Emmet Otter’s Jug Band. That is a new to me Jim Henson movie that I definitely plan to check out!
    Events
  • THANK YOU to everyone who donated handknit/crocheted items for adult and youth homeless in Massachusetts. They set up tables on Thanksgiving and put all of the handmade items on the fence outside their church in Woburn center. Check out these beautiful photos.
  • I'll be participating in Vlogmas again this year. Is there anything you especially want to see? Let me know and I'll see what I can do. Check out previous years playlists:  Vlogmas 2022 Playlist & Vlogmas 2021 Playlist
  • Advent Knitting. Check out this Ravelry Bundle put together by Knitty Natty if you need ideas for an Advent project. Thanks for including my Boxing Day Bonus Shawl- Ravelry | LoveCrafts. Don't forget you can use coupon code 10 years for 25% off any of my patterns on Ravelry.
  • Vogue Knitting Live- New York City: January 25- 28, 2024 (not sure if I'll be there yet. More to come)
  Contest, News & Notes What's going on on the YouTube Channel?
  • Health Update videos with Mom (Diane Lassonde). Check out Part 1 and Part 2.
  • November Let the Mystery Unravel Video
  On a Happy Note
  • My friend Laura visited from NYC the weekend before Thanksgiving! We did some consignment shopping & went out to eat with Mom on Friday. Saturday we went to a Sample sale then a couple craft fairs with Mom & Trish. We had a wuick visit to Megg and got to see my nephew Oisin.
  • We survived a big regulatory visit at the hospital I work at.
  • Thanksgiving highlights- Coloring with Gabriella, reading and making snowflakes with my cousins' kids.
  • Black Friday shopping. No lines
  • Decorating with Mom and Dad. Oisín signing Christmas carols.
  • Decorating our tree with Liz.
  • Dan is finished a huge work project. Crazy hours over holiday but it all went well.
  • I'll do an update on my 23 for 2023 list in the next episode but I'm feeling really good about it. If you do these kinds of lists, I'd love to crowdsource ideas in the Ravelry Group!
  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:  
Episode 266: Head to Toe16 Nov 202300:59:18
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 266 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
  • In my Travels
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Contest, News & Notes
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week
  Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Rising Tide Fiber Co, Enchanted Etchings, Chit Chat Knits   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   3 Crochet Charity Hats
  • Wool Ease Thick & Quick Bedrock Hat. Ravelry Project Page. 9 mm crochet hook
    • Standard circle increases up to (inc, sc5)
  • Lion Brand Baby's First Hat. Ravelry Project Page. 8 mm crochet hook.
  • Purple Crochet Hat. Ravelry Project Page. 8 mm crochet hook. Mystery yarn.
  Perry's Christmas Hat
  • Pattern: Turn a Square by Jared Flood
  • Yarn: Goosey Fibers, Squishy DK. OOAK colorway
  • Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) for ribbing. US 7 (4.5 mm) for body.
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Notes- This is the 14th time I've knit this pattern. Yarn was a sample from collab with Cait for my Stay Out of the Forest Hat which you can find on  Ravelry & LoveCrafts.
  I blocked & sewed the buttons on Mom's 2023 Rhinebeck Sweater
  • Pattern: Carbeth Cardigan by Kate Davies (~$8 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & this website)
  • Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) for the ribbing and US 9 (5.5 mm) for the body
  • Yarn: Sweitzer Fiber Mill mystery yarn purchased at Maryland Sheep & Wool 2023
  • My Ravelry Project Page
  I added belt loops to Mom's Wave of Change Cardigan- Ravelry Project Page.   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Liz's Socks
  • Yarn: Area 51 Fibres Sturdy Alien Base ( n the  (80% Superwash Merino, 20% Nylon) in the National Periodic Table Day Colorway (self striping with rainbow and gray)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Ravelry Project Page
  Jen/Riley's Matching Hexi Blankets
  • Pattern: Using this photo tutorial & this video tutorial.
  • Hook: D (3.25 mm)
  • We are making 4 round hexagons.
  • As Riley finishes one, she texts me and I work up my corresponding mini. We've done 4 so far.
  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
  • Hook: 3.25 mm (D)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Check out the October Unboxing video
  • Progress: I finished the 3-round border in the dark gray.
  Welcome to Litchfield Spinning Project
  • 4 oz of Texel from Into the Whirled- Welcome to Litchfield
  • Ravelry Project Page
  Christmas Stockings     Brainstorming
  • I received my Woolens & Nosh Advent socks. I wound up the contrast color and I'm going to plan to finish both cuffs before December 1st.
  From the Armchair  
  1. The Armor of Light by Ken Follett (read by John Lee). Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link.
  2. Red White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link.
  3. Christmas Orphans Club by Becca Freeman. 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.   In My Travels   Fiber Festival of New England
  • Ran into Jean (Mazzy Girl), Amy (CapeNeddickknitter),  Michelle- chellescrips, Jen, Carlos, Aurora & Zelda.
  • Jess & Roger and team from Stitched by Jessalu. Donated a percentage of their sales to our FearLESS Living Fund. Donation for $350 came through this week and we are so grateful. If any other sponsors would like to do a fundraiser like this in the future, let us know! We'd love to help promote it.
  • Check out our video to see the Eastern States Exposition Center, see what we bought and all of the fun eye candy!
  KAL News Pigskin Party '23 #DCSPigskinParty23
  • Official Rules
  • Find everything you need on my website or in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group
  • Register using this Google Form (you must be Registered to be eligible for prizes)
  • Enter your projects using the Point Tally Form
  • Find the full list of Sponsors in this Google Doc.
  • Questions-  ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com
  • Updates this Episode
    • Tune in to hear if you won an October Participation Prize.
    • I also announced the winners of our Announce Q1 Challenge winners- hosted by Paper Daisy Creations.
    • Quarter 2 Challenge: Embrace Nature brought to you by our Official Sponsor of the Quarter Bella Fio. Runs 11/1-11/30/23. Full details can be found in this Google Doc and in this Ravelry Thread.
    • I gave a sneak peek of our Quarter 3 Challenge.  Check out the Waymaker Cowl by Amanda Massingill (Mandi's Makings). Free knitting pattern available on Ravelry.
    • WIPs Challenge: Finish WIPs you started before the Pigskin Party kicked off on 9/7/23! If you finish them between 11/10/23 and 1/10/24, you'll earn 150 points. Full details can be found in this Google Doc and in this Ravelry Thread.
    • I announced October Participation Prize Winners, Quarter 1 Challenge Winners & gave a sneak peek of our Quarter 3 Challenge hosted by Mandi's Makings. Check out The Waymaker Cowl on Ravelry.
    • Update from Commissioners:
      • There is lots of excitement about the Q2 challenge.
      • Most of the people who have finished have completed hats. If you poke around the scoreboard and the chat threads you’ll see so many stunning examples. For example, quite a few folks have finished patterns from the knitting the National parks book. 
        • Juliepoolie71 made the Crater Lakes hat. Ravelry Project Page.
        • Esalaza made the Hawai’i Volcanoes Beanie. Ravelry Project Page.
        • Knitternicole made the Theodore Roosevelt Beanie. Ravelry Project Page.
      • But you don’t have to knit a hat for this challenge. Hollyelyse finished a whole colorwork sweater for the challenge (in 10 days!) Check out the Ravelry Project Page.
      • You don’t even have to knit for this challenge. You can crochet or spin too. For example:
        • Sarahsyarn86 is crocheting adorable granny squares that have daisies in the center. Check out the Ravelry Project Page.
        • Katanorand is working on a spinning project using fiber in the colorway strawberry fields. Check out this Ravelry Post. 
  Events
  • My cousin Linda's friend is looking for warm handknit/crocheted items for adult and youth homeless in Massachusetts. They set up tables on Thanksgiving and put all of the handmade items on the fence outside their church in Woburn center. Calling for all makers who want to donate. PM me on Ravelry or email me at downcellarstudio at gmail.com and I'll give you the address to send them to. Any fiber type welcome. Hats, scarves, mitts, shawls, blankets. Anything warm is welcome!
  • I'll be participating in Vlogmas again this year. Is there anything you especially want to see? Let me know and I'll see what I can do. Check out previous years playlists:  Vlogmas 2022 Playlist & Vlogmas 2021 Playlist
  • Vogue Knitting Live- New York City: January 25- 28, 2024
    Contest, News & Notes   On a Happy Note
  • For Halloween, Mom & I reprised our Sanderson sister roles. I trick or treated with Hattie for a little while then hung out by the fire with family and friends.
  • Megg & I bought a 5 pack of tickets for shows at the Boston Opera House this season. Our first show was November 1st, Frozen. We were able to add on two tickets and bring Millie and Hattie with us. We had an absolutely magical night!
  • On the Saturday while Mom & I were at New England Fiber Festival, Riley was texting me. She did her first hexi all on her own! Then a couple more! When she ran out of minis, she moved onto her Riley Rose Cowl and sent a photo of her knitting and watching Gilmore Girls. Be still my heart!
  • Watching Gabriella & Zachary for the afternoon.
  • Finally making a dent in my Christmas shopping. My goal the last couple years has been to be completely finished before December 1 so I can really enjoy December. Sometimes I'm better at that than other years, but I'm going to really try hard to get that done by my deadline this year.
  • One of my cousin Lauren's friends from Amsterdam gifted me a pack of Stroopwafels which I enjoyed with coffee in my new chicken mug from NE Fiber Fest!
  • We went to Flight Club in Seaport District of Boston for Conor's 35th Birthday- just after I found out he and Carly are expecting their first baby in June (right around my. birthday)!
  Quote of the Week   Bad luck in small doses can cast a glittering light on the rest of life. –Ann Patchett   ------ Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information:  
Episode 265: Red-Eyed & Bushy Tailed!31 Oct 202300:55:09
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 265 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
  • In my Travels
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Contest, News & Notes
  • Life in Focus
  • Ask Me Anything
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week
  Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Imagined Landscapes, Cniotáil Láimhe Designs on Ravelry & Buxom Cat Knits   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Mom's 2023 Rhinebeck Sweater
  • Pattern: Carbeth Cardigan by Kate Davies (~$8 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & this website)
  • Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) for the ribbing and US 9 (5.5 mm) for the body
  • Yarn: Sweitzer Fiber Mill mystery yarn purchased at Maryland Sheep & Wool 2023
  • My Ravelry Project Page
  Sneaky Pumpkins (& their Ghost friends)
  • Yarn: Worsted Weight Acrylic (various) in white, orange and brown.
  • Hook: C (2.75 mm)
  • Pattern: Cute Halloween Decorations by Laura Sillar (~$3.85 US Crochet pattern) available on Ravelry
  • Safety Eyes from 6060 on Etsy.
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About this Project: I saw this on Instagram and knew I had to make them because "sneaky pumpkins" is a running joke for Liz, Riley and me. You'll find shots of sneaky pumpkins all through our Rhinebeck weekend videos on Youtube-  Part 1 (Indie Untangled) and Part 2 (Rhinebeck).
  • I made 3 sets, one for each of us.
  On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Liz's Socks
  • Yarn: Area 51 Fibres Sturdy Alien Base ( n the  (80% Superwash Merino, 20% Nylon) in the National Periodic Table Day Colorway (self striping with rainbow and gray)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Progress- I finished the first sock in Vegas and half of the second sock at Rhinebeck. I'm beyond the heel on sock #2 now.
  Christmas Stockings  
  • 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! web.archive.org-Christmas Stockings to Knit and Crochet from Our Archives.pdf
  • Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver in Cherry Red, Hunter Green and White
  • Hook: G (4.0 mm)
  • I thought I had 3 to make before Thanksgiving, but it's really only two which is a huge relief.
  • Progress: The front & back of one stocking is done. I finished the foot shaping on the both sides of the stocking.
  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
  • Hook: 3.25 mm (D)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Check out the October Unboxing video
  • Progress: Riley helped me complete the 9 squares for October. I've single crocheted them together and started the border.
  Brainstorming   Samples & patterns we found at Rhinebeck:  
  • Mini Mock Neck Tank by Jessie Maed Designs ($9 knitting pattern available on Ravelry).
  • The Traveler by Andrea Mowry ($9 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & the Drea Renee Knits website)
  • PhD Candidate Sweater by Hannah Mann (free knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  In My Travels Las Vegas
  • We attended the BOSS Reseller Remix Event hosted at the Blind Center of Nevada
  • FearLESS Living Fund: find all of our links to social media etc on this linktree.
  • We ran a silent auction and raised over $6k
  • Gave away the first two awards to Blind Center Clients. Video will be available soon.
  Rhinebeck with Mom, Liz and Riley
  • Friday- we grabbed lunch then headed to Indie Untangled for the last spot of the day.
  • We got an AirBnB in Hudson that was adorable. Saturday we arrived at the Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck around 11a. We shopped until 2p meet-up. It was sS lovely seeing/meeting so many of you! We chatted for awhile- longer than Riley would have liked, I'm sure! See the video for candid reactions!  Then we shopped until they closed.
  • Saturday night we had dinner at a lovely little place in Hudson - the Grazin' Diner.
  • Sunday morning we shopped with Lauren and her boyfriend Pete, then checked out the animal barns, bought more stuff!
  • I bought nearly all of the things on my "to purchase" list.
  • Check out Part 1 (Indie Untangled) and Part 2 (Rhinebeck) videos on the Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel.
  KAL News Pigskin Party '23
    • #DCSPigskinParty23
  • Official Rules
  • Find everything you need on my website or in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group
  • Register using this Google Form (you must be Registered to be eligible for prizes)
  • Enter your projects using the Point Tally Form
  • Find the full list of Sponsors in this Google Doc.
  • Questions-  ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com
  • Commentator Updates- tune in to hear more. I talked about the following- these are all RAVELRY project pages:
  • Stats
    • 525 Participants
    • Of those, 323 with Points
    • Average of those with points 552 Points
    • Highest: 4332 & Lowest: 10
    • Blitzes 52
    • Top 3 players: 1) foryouandyarn (4332 points) 2) Pebblesgirlcraft (3839 points), 3) mostlymunchies (3626 points)
    • Top Conference: LFC
    • Top Team: #7 Garter Guards 21,8356
  • Quarter 2 Challenge: Embrace Nature brought to you by our Official Sponsor of the Quarter Bella Fio. Runs 11/1-11/30/23. Full details can be found in this Google Doc and in this Ravelry Thread.
  • WIPs Challenge- starting 11/10. Stay tuned for more details.
  Contest, News & Notes   My cousin Linda's friend is looking for warm handknit/crocheted items for adult and youth homeless in Massachusetts. They set up tables on Thanksgiving and put all of the handmade items on the fence outside their church in Woburn center. Calling for all makers who want to donate. PM me on Ravelry or email me at downcellarstudio at gmail.com and I'll give you the address to send them to. Any fiber type welcome. Hats, scarves, mitts, shawls, blankets. Anything warm is welcome!   Life in Focus
  • Mom's October scans showed no changes! Cancer is stable at this time. She goes back again for scans in January!
  Ask Me Anything Shana asked about any recent Savers adventures. Tune in for a story that's more of a misadventure (spoiler alert- all ends well)   On a Happy Note
  • Vegas- pool day with sharks in the tank & dressing as the Sanderson sisters for the Gala.
  • Rhinebeck weekend. Great time with Mom, Liz and Riley. Liz did 100% of the driving and it saved me! I am so grateful. The 4 of us just got along so well and had so much fun. 2p meet-up. So many compliments on my sweaters- both Sat and Sun. Everyone loved Mom's sweater too. Found buttons for her on Saturday.
  • Sing-a-long on the drive home from Rhinebeck.
  • Liz found Mom's favorite blow up seat cushion when she dropped her fidget spinner under the seat and had to retrieve it!
  • Laura (lauraknitspa) brought her Abington Mitts to show me (Ravelry Project Page link)
  • I got to see our youngest niece and nephew- Gabriella & Zach when Dan and Oisin were over at their house putting in a new shed. We watched a Curious George Halloween Special that Gabriella was dying to show me, had a snack and read books in their tent before I had to go.
  • Dan & I attended a Clue (movie based on the board game) Party as Miss Scarlet & Mr. Green. After striking out at the thrift stores, I bought a dress on Amazon that was more perfect than I realized. Thanks to Mom, I had the perfect costume jewelry. Dan brought all sorts of props from home for the "weapons." Fun was had by all.
  Quote of the Week   Daily life may seem trivial and routine, but in fact it contains a multitude of incidents, at once rich, expansive, and touching. –YU HUA  ------     Contact Information:  
Episode 264: Rhinebeck Sweaters15 Oct 202300:59:14
  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 264  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
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Contest, News & Notes
  • Life in Focus
  • Ask Me Anything
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week
  Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Fibernymph Dye Works, Twin Mountain Handcrafts, AdoreKnit & Suburban Stitcher   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Benjamin's Christmas Stocking   Strathcona Sweater
  • Pattern: Strathacona Sweater by Tara-Lynn Morrison ($6.50 knitting pattern available on Ravelry or on the Good Night, Day website)
  • Yarn: 3 yarns 1) handspun, 2) Lion Brand Fisherman's Wool in the Birch Tweed Colorway 3) Aisling Yarns BFL in the Hurry Sundown Colorway
  • Needles: US 13 (9.0 mm) (neck), US 19 (15 mm) (body)
  • I'm knitting Size S/M (pattern offers sizing from 38"- 53" bust)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Liz's Socks
  • Yarn: Area 51 Fibres Sturdy Alien Base ( n the  (80% Superwash Merino, 20% Nylon) in the National Periodic Table Day Colorway (self striping with rainbow and gray)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Progress- 6 inches on the first leg & a couple rows of the heel. I purposely
  Drawn Together Cowl
  • Pattern: Drawn Together by Shana Cohen ($7 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & Payhip)
  • Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) and a 3.75 mm (F) crochet hook for the provisional cast on
  • Yarn: neon coral DK yarn (lost ball band; believe its from Spun Right Round)
  • Provisional cast on using this Purl Soho video.
  Space Daddy Socks
  • Yarn: Fan Girl Fibers Fingering in the Space Daddy Colorway (80% Superwash Merino, 20% Nylon)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Ravelry Project Page
  Mom's 2023 Rhinebeck Sweater
  • Pattern: Carbeth Cardigan by Kate Davies (~$8 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & this website)
  • Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) for the ribbing and US 9 (5.5 mm) for the body
  • Yarn: Sweitzer Fiber Mill mystery yarn purchased at Maryland Sheep & Wool 2023
  • My Ravelry Project Page
  Brainstorming   During the Cape & South Shore Yarn Haul, Liz found a sweater pattern she likes- The Order of the Jedi Pullover by Meghan Regan. Available on in Star Wars Knitting the Galaxy: The Official Star Wars Knitting Pattern Book.   Garter Stitch Cardigans
  • Cruiser by Kristen Finlay ~$7 US knitting pattern available on Ravelry
  • Kallias by Isabell Kraemer is another contender.
    • Worsted weight cardigan, no button bands, positive ease. ~$7 US knitting pattern available on Ravelry.
  • Carbeth Cardigan by Kate Davies (~$8 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & this website)
  I talked a bit about travel knitting/crochet for my upcoming trip to Vegas/NY   Sue from Legacy Fiber Artz is crocheting a super bulky blanket and I'm totally inspired!   From the Armchair Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver. 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.     KAL News Pigskin Party '23   Events  
  • Vermont Sheep & Wool: Sept 30 & Oct 1 at the Tunbridge Fairgrounds
  • NY Sheep & Wool Festival in Rhinebeck - October 21 & 22, 2023
    • Join Me for a Rhinebeck Meet Up- Saturday 2p. There are permanent booths with food next to Building A. Across from that is a beer tent. To the left of the beer tent there's a covered pavilion area. Look for Mom, Liz, Riley & I there.
    • Come over to the Ravelry Thread about Pigskin Partiers going to Rhinebeck. Thanks ElsaandEm for starting it. It's her first year attending. Hoping we get to meet!
  • Indie Untangled: Friday October 20 from 10a-4p in Saugerties. Tickets for 1, 2:30p and 4p still available.  
  • Cakepalooza: Friday October 20 from 10a-5p in Saugerties. Tickets for the 2p & 4p entries are still available
  • Wool & Folk: Friday October 20 from 12-7p in Stoneridge, NY
  • Fiber Festival of New England: November 4 & 5 in West Springfield, MA
  • Check out some West Coast (US) Events on the Seattle Knitters Guild site (thanks Kristen- kips206)
  Life in Focus  
  • #1- Read 23 books (35 as of August- 43 as of early october)
  • #7- Give blood at least 3 times (March, May, August, October done)
  • #9- Knit/crochet at least one project with handspun- Strathcona sweater
  • #17- Purge at least 23 items from the house. Ideally 46. After a smaller clean out earlier in the year, I took a full car load to Savers in October- lots of clothes.
  • #23 Create a new music playlist. Riley’s. Plus CMA fest artists. Summer playlist, Old Dominion
    On a Happy Note
  • My friend Megg and I took a longer than usual walk through our local State Park! After almost 8 miles, I came home and pressure washed the house & deck. For the deck, I used a surface cleaner from Ryobi that Dan purchased. You can find the same one on Amazon for $51. Parts of the deck were so badly stained from years of drought when we couldn't wash it. Areas where the wood pile is were especially bad. Exhausting but very satisfying day.
  • My cousin Chris & his wife Kim threw a wonderful party for their son Benjamin's Baptism.
  • I spent a week night at brother and sister-in-law's while they attended a work function. Ran the kids around to their activities, then Millie and I knit for a bit before she and Garret went to bed. Riley & I knit and watch Gilmore Girls before we went to bed. Truly delightful.
  • My financial advisor reached out to me after hearing that my work Open Enrollment is coming up and there was an option for a high deductible health plan that allows for a Health Savings Account, which he had encouraged me to do before (but it wasn't an option). Great customer service! Find a good financial advisor. It is so worth it.
  • Dan and I spent one evening at our nephew Will's soccer game in our home town. They got clobbered but it was fun to see him play. I also knit a bit and listened to my audiobook during part of the second half.
  • Mom, Riley, Millie & I got mani pedis at a local place!
  • Our annual Woodchopping Weekend Party went off without a hitch. Perfect weather. Great food. Dan took the kids on hayrides using a trailer pulled by the backhoe. Kids played disc golf and later flashlight tag, then retreated inside to make TikTok videos while the adults and littles made s'mores outside by the fire and chatted.
  • Mom & I put blue streaks in our hair after our friend Erika, who cuts/colors our hair, encouraged Mom to do this before her Vegas trip last year. Mom said if she was still here to go this year, she'd do it. Here we are! It looks great.
  • Finished up work on our FearLESS Living Fund Website. The bulk of the work and formatting, design was done by my Mom's friend Emma who was really generous to do this for us! So far we've raised  almost $14,000 help the Blind community of Nevada. We are giving away awards for 2 special people to assist with their housing and cell phone costs for the upcoming year! Can't wait to raise more money. You can donate here.
  • Watching Love is Blind and chatting about it with my friend Laura.
  • Great customer service from AirBnB after our host canceled our Rhinebeck AirBnB.
  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   "Don't fear failure. Not failure, but low aim, is the crime. In great attempts it is glorious even to fail."   -Bruce Lee ------   Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information:  
Episode 263: Apples & Pumpkins30 Sep 202300:55:23
  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 263 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes 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
  • Crafty Adventures
  • In my Travels
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Ask Me Anything
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week
  Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Sunsoaked Yarns, winemakersister and Buxom Cat Knits   Shout out to Ultimate Insider Patrons: knitprincess83, Haidi, Rachel, Alexi, Adoreknit, Alicia, Rachel, Agnes, Kristina and Beth   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Bobble Pumpkin
  • Pattern: Ribbed Bobble Pumpkin by Breann Mauldin ($3 crochet pattern on Ravelry or free option on this website)
  • Hook: G (4.0 mm)
  • Yarn: Sprightly Acrylic Worsted in the Ecru Colorway
  • My Ravelry Project Page
  Bedside Pocket
  • Pattern: None
  • Yarn: Kindful Yarn, Swish DK, Kenzie Yarn, Cape Cod Yarn Co
  • Hook: 6.5 mm (K)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • I started this project on 9/4.
  • 75 sts across. Single crochet.
  • First section- Kindful yarn with Swish DK in Mimic
  • Second section- Kenzie Yarn with Cape Cod Yarn Co
  • Third Section- Kindful Yarn (lighter colorway) with Quince & Co
  • I folded it over, seamed up both sides then put border around all the way over. I used yarn to seam up the middle to separate pocket into 2 so it would be less floppy.
  • Final thoughts- could be a little deeper, but I can always add to it.
  On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   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
  • Hook: 3.25 mm (D)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • You can find my September 2023 Let the Mystery Unravel Unboxing Video on YouTube.
  • 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! Don't forget, they're Pro Shop Sponsors.
  • Progress Notes- I didn't like the sc border I originally added (confirmed by blocking) so I ripped it back. I am now working the border in dc like the granny squares. 1 DC in the spot where each square is seamed together, then (2dc, ch2, 2 dc) in each corner and that seems to be working well.
  Space Daddy Socks
  • Yarn: Fan Girl Fibers Fingering in the Space Daddy Colorway (80% Superwash Merino, 20% Nylon)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the colorway- blues with pink, neon yellow, purple.
  • I bought this yarn at the Yarncentric event before the Maryland Sheep & Wool festival this year. I bought it with my friend Laura in mind. During her last visit, I asked her to pick out new yarn for socks. She picked out three skeins and decided this should be #1.
  • Progress: I'm in a couple inches beyond the first cuff.
  • Don't forget, Fan Girl Fibers is a Pro Shop sponsor. This project is living in a wedge bag from Snack Shack Sponsor Stitched by Jessalu.
  Mom's 2023 Rhinebeck Sweater
  • Pattern: Carbeth Cardigan by Kate Davies (~$8 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & this website)
  • Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) for the ribbing and US 9 (5.5 mm) for the body
  • Yarn: Sweitzer Fiber Mill mystery yarn purchased at Maryland Sheep & Wool 2023
  • My Ravelry Project Page
  • Progress: Body is finished up through what will likely be the sleeve join. I've cast on both sleeves.
  Drawn Together Cowl
  • Pattern: Drawn Together by Shana Cohen ($7 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & Payhip)
  • Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) and a 3.75 mm (F) crochet hook for the provisional cast on
  • Yarn: neon coral DK yarn (lost ball band; believe its from Spun Right Round)
  • Provisional cast on using this Purl Soho video.
  • Progress- I've added another inch since last time we talked.
  Crafty Adventures My cousin Gayle came up for another visit and led another Resin art class with cousins on my Mom's side of the family. Last time I made a cutting board. This time I made a pumpkin lazy susan- perfect for fall hosting! My cousins made some really beautiful things. I'll share some photos in the show notes for you. Thanks, Gayle, for sharing your talents with us!   In My Travels Cape & South Shore Yarn Haul- video coming soon. Safe to say, I had lots of fun with Riley, Liz and Mom. Spoiler alert- stay tuned to the end of the video for some fun bloopers and outtakes. Thanks Riley & Liz for getting some awesome footage of the weekend. I don't think I held the camera once the entire time! It's really fun to share this with them.   KAL News Pigskin Party '23
    • #DCSPigskinParty23
  • Official Rules
  • Find everything you need on my website or in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group
  • Register using this Google Form (you must be Registered to be eligible for prizes)
  • Enter your projects using the Point Tally Form
  • Find the full list of Sponsors in this Google Doc.
  • Questions-  ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com
  • Tailgate Talk Challenge (September 7-21. Enter for points by September 30). Check out the details in this Google Doc or in this Ravelry Thread.
  • Quarter 1 Challenge: Sock it to ’em brought to you by our Official Sponsor of the Quarter Paper Daisy Creations (Ravelry Link). Runs 10/1-10/31. Full details can be found in this Google Doc and in this Ravelry Thread.
  • Thanks to our Correspondents for checking in with some fun updates.
    • Check out the Ravelry Group to find some of the new Pigskin chat threads- Pigskin Recipe Ideas,Pigskin ‘23 Book Club, Pigskin Participant Podcast, and Pigskin ‘23 Westknits MKAL
    • Congrats to PAKnitWit (Sarah) who already got a blitz (first of the season!). She finished a crochet corner to corner blanket- Ravelry link here.
    • As of Sunday evening 9/24 we have 512 Participants- 236 with Points on the Scoreboard (Average of those with points is 204 Points. Highest: 1532 Lowest: 2. 3 Blitz projects!
    • As of 9/29- Conference Standings LFC (22,460 pts) SFC (22,375 pts)  AFC (18,632 pts)-
    • Top Team= 7 Garter Guards
  Events   Ask Me Anything
  • Anita asked about: Ideas for color schemes for yarn choices- how to use variegated yarns to help blend different color schemes.
  • Shelly asked: "Do you have any tips or tricks on how to calculate the yards used in a project?"
    • Tip: Check Ravelry Project Pages & check the "All Helpful Projects" filter. Here's the Ravelry link for helpful projects for this pattern. THis particular Ravelry project gives the cast on stitches and number of rows and says she 1 50g skein would have been enough "if I did a 40 round leg (ran out of the first skein when I had 10 rounds left on the foot of the second sock)."
  On a Happy Note
  • Dinner with Gayle, Joanie, Mom and Dad. Gave Joanie gifts from Sedona and Gayle some new socks.
  • Old Dominion- took girls to arcade after then got a drink and something to eat with Jeff & Melissa
  • Brunch. Singing in the car with the girls. Garret’s hockey game
  • Apple picking! Bisque! Cider donuts!
  • Thanks to Patrons who talked about The Vow on HBO. Dan and I are fully hooked.
  • Pumpkin coffee: usually I have a few cups a year and I'm good, but this year its growing on me. They have a great one at the coffee shop at work, Marylous, and I even bought a container from Trader Joe's that I enjoyed some of this week.
  • Cooler temps- they hit us fast this year. We went from hot and muggy to mornings that are 55 and crisp and days in the 60's. I'm loving pulling on wool socks and a wool sweater to stave off the chill.
  Quote of the Week   Since time is the one immaterial object which we cannot influence—neither speed up nor slow down, add to nor diminish—it is an imponderably valuable gift. –Maya Angelou   ------   Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information:  
Episode 262: Mojo15 Sep 202300:54:57
  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 262 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
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Ask Me Anything
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week
  Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Stitched by Jessalu, Bella Fio & Mandis Makings   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Wild Air Farm Spinning
  • I am spinning a 4 oz braid of Polwarth/Silk (85/15) from Jakira Farms to ply with Wild Air Farm Shetland & Pygora- Melody & Cadence (dyed in blues and greens)
  • 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.
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Skein 1: 60" loop. 94 wraps= 5640 inches/156 yards. 92g
  • Skein 2: 59" loop. 95 wraps= 5605 inches/155 yards. 96g
  • Skein 3: 60" loop. 116 wraps= 6960 inches/193 yards. 96 g
  • Total: 284 grams- 504 yards/ 460.9 meters
  • Meters for Stash Dash= 4x 460.9 (for a 3 ply)= 1843.6 meters
  My total for Stash Dash 2023= 22,908.44 You can check out my Stash Dash 2023 Progress on this Google Sheet.   Petrichor Socks
  • Yarn: Oink Pigments Targhee Sock in the Petrichor Colorway (90% Targhee, 10% Nylon)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • I used 74 grams of yarn.
  Shock Star Hat #2
  • Yarn: Spun Right Round Squish DK in the Shock Star colorway
  • Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) & US 7 (4.5 mm)
  • Pattern: none
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • 92 sts. 2x2 rib with the US 5 needles. Switched to US 7 needles after the brim. I was running out of yarn as I got close to the crown so I striped in 3 rounds of neon coral and neon blue with the Shock Star color in between.
  • 52g of yarn used.
  On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Bedside Pocket
  • Pattern: None
  • Yarn: Kindful Yarn, Swish DK, Kenzie Yarn, Cape Cod Yarn Co
  • Hook: 6.5 mm (K)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • I started this project on 9/4.
  • 75 sts across. Single crochet.
  • First section- Kindful yarn with Swish DK in Mimic
  • Second section- Kenzie Yarn with Cape Cod Yarn Co
  My Little Unicorn Socks
  • Yarn: Andre Sue Knits Sock Blank in the My Little Unicorn colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Progress: Past the cuff of the second sock (not the heel as I mentioned last time).
  Space Daddy Socks
  • Yarn: Fan Girl Fibers Fingering in the Space Daddy Colorway (80% Superwash Merino, 20% Nylon)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the colorway- blues with pink, neon yellow, purple.
  • I bought this yarn at the Yarncentric event before the Maryland Sheep & Wool festival this year. I bought it with my friend Laura in mind. During her last visit, I asked her to pick out new yarn for socks. She picked out three skeins and decided this should be #1.
  • Progress: I'm in a couple inches beyond the first cuff.
  • Don't forget, Fan Girl Fibers is a Pro Shop sponsor. This project is living in a wedge bag from Snack Shack Sponsor Stitched by Jessalu.
  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
  • Hook: 3.25 mm (D)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Progress: 9 squares for September complete. I'm planning to buy a neutral sock yarn to seam and border them with. Each month's 3x3 square will have a border around it and then be seamed with the other 11 for the year.
  • You can find my September 2023 Let the Mystery Unravel Unboxing Video on YouTube.
  • 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! Don't forget, they're Pro Shop Sponsors.
  Strathcona Sweater
  • Pattern: Strathacona Sweater by Tara-Lynn Morrison ($6.50 knitting pattern available on Ravelry or on the Good Night, Day website)
  • Yarn: 3 yarns 1) handspun, 2) Lion Brand Fisherman's Wool in the Birch Tweed Colorway 3) Aisling Yarns BFL in the Hurry Sundown Colorway
  • Needles: US 13 (9.0 mm) (neck), US 19 (15 mm) (body)
  • I'm knitting Size S/M (pattern offers sizing from 38"- 53" bust)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  Drawn Together Cowl
  • Pattern: Drawn Together by Shana Cohen ($7 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & Payhip)
  • Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) and a 3.75 mm (F) crochet hook for the provisional cast on
  • Yarn: neon coral DK yarn (lost ball band; believe its from Spun Right Round)
  • Provisional cast on using this Purl Soho video.
  • I flew through the rolled top, ripped out provisional cast on and joined it together on the train which, I must say made me feel like a wizard!
  •  
Brainstorming   Patterns from our Pigskin Bundle on Ravelry  
  • Wear it with Pride Hat by Cori Eichelberger ($10 pattern available on Ravelry. Proceeds go to the Trevor Project. There is a coupon code available if you want/need to pay less). It uses worsted weight self striping with a contrast color and corrugated ribbing to create a nice pattern.
  • Easy Striped Men's Beanie by Lena Mathisson ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry). Worsted weight, striped beanie.
  • Shave Ice Beanie (worsted weight garter stitch hat) by @hookmountainhandmade- $5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry.⁣⁣
  • Gandy Dancer Mitts (star stitch textured mittens) by @chitchatknits ⁣$4 knitting pattern available on Ravelry (great for variegated or tonals)
  • Lucky Break (garter shawl using minis where you bind off/cast back on to create large eyelets) by @paperdaisycreations $7 knitting pattern available on Ravelry.
  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 '23
    • #DCSPigskinParty23
  • Official Rules
  • Find everything you need on my website or in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group
  • Register using this Google Form (you must be Registered to be eligible for prizes)
  • Enter your projects using the Point Tally Form
  • Find the full list of Sponsors in this Google Doc.
  • Questions-  ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com
  • Tailgate Talk Challenge (September 7-21. Enter for points by September 30). Check out the details in this Google Doc or in this Ravelry Thread.
  • Playoff Prediction starts 9/6. Who will win the Super Bowl? Submit your guess by 9/20. Find all the details in this thread. Thanks Nicole for the idea!
  • Official Sponsors of the Quarter: There will be a special point-earning challenge issued for this "Quarter"- Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan.  We won't reveal all of the challenges ahead of time, but you will find out about them in the days leading up to that month. You can assume, correctly, that you will get more points for using products from that Official Sponsor. 
    • October: Paper Daisy Creations
    • November: Bella Fio
    • December: Mandi's Makings
    • January: Lolodidit
  • Welcome aboard to our 2 Commentators- Mary (Maryklute) and Kristen (Kips206)! THis episode I shared Mary's first report.
    • Pigskin started with a bang! Over 1000 posts before the Sunday football games even started!  One topic of the chatter has been that it has been so chatty, with lots of folks offering the advice to just jump in and not worry about what you missed!
    • People are all over the place in terms of projects. 38 people already had points on the board by midday Sunday! 16 of those people got points for drafting other players!
    • Erica -- Esalaza has already completed two projects that used over 600 yards each!  She’s been making crochet scrap yarn baskets that are super cute! You can find her Ravelry Project Pages here & here (both are Ravelry links)  
    • There’s lots of chatter in the team threads as people complete the Tailgate Talk challenge. 
    • Some folks (like me” are working on finishing up pre-PSP WIPs  There’s still plenty of time to play so no worries if you haven’t even cast on a PSP eligible project yet. To quote imaginedlandscapes, “This knitalong is definitely a marathon and not a sprint.”
  Events   Ask Me Anything
  • Shana asked to hear about "Savers!"
  • Rachel asked for a wildlife update.
  • Anita asked "Ideas for getting ready for the holidays- decorations and gifts. Check out links to some of the things I discussed:
    • Decor
      • Christmas Balls Ornament Set- knitting pattern by Amy Gaines. $4 knitting pattern available on Ravelry.
      • Triangle Santa Ornament- free knitting pattern available on this blog.
      • Sarah's (of Imagined Landscapes) gnomes
      • I've crocheted triangles and seamed together, put stuffing in between and attached to a twig glued to a ring of wood as the base to make a tree- similar to this Pin. You could do the same thing with knitted fabric.
      • Crochet star ornaments (could also be used as garland). I used cream sparkle yarn and used mod podge stiffener on them.
      • Knitted Christmas garland ideas can be found here.
    • Gifts
      • Heart Garland (crochet) free pattern from Skip to my Lou (great to get ready for Valentine's Day- I also printed small photos & gifted them with mini clothespins from craft store)
      • Nanaimo Cardigan by Tara-Lynn Morrison
      • Moonrise Necklace by Sivia Harding. You can find my Ravelry Project Page here.
      • DK weight socks
      • Baskets- there are tons of patterns for crochet baskets. Useful + cute! You could use them as the container for other gifts too.
      • Cup cozy (great to pair with a gift certificate to your favorite local coffee place)
      • Fingerless mitts. Sizing is easier to guess on, aim for a ribbed pattern if you're really unsure about sizing.
      • Toys!
  On a Happy Note
  • Labor Day weekend fun. Laura was in visiting from NY. Friday we scored big at the local second hand shops. We had an epic pool day at my parents' on Saturday. Sunday we hit the local dairy for ice cream with the girls then went to Megg's for dinner before seeing a Queen Cover Band at night.
  • Pigskin Kick Off & getting to spend so much time with you.
  • The New York Times Games App: Wordle, Spelling Bee, Connections, Daily Mini are my favorites
  • Decorating for fall!
  • I scored a Luke's Diner tee from the clearance section at Target after Aila suggested it.
  • Stretching & Theragunning on a regular basis now that Liz and I text to check in on each other.
  • Liz took a picture of Millie's creepy baby doll which I later found on my phone and laughed myself silly over. Then Riley found the photo and made it one of my scrolling background/screensaver photos! Hijinx for the win!
  Quote of the Week   Each of us is born with a box of matches inside us but we can't strike them all by ourselves. –LAURA ESQUIVEL   Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information:  
Episode 279: Makes, Milestones & Memories30 Jun 202400:57:55

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 279 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

Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Stitched by Jessalu

Announcement- I’ll be putting out only 1 episode per month through the summer to keep things manageable.

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Julia’s Cozy Clusters Blanket

  • Pattern: Cozy Clusters Baby Blanket by Leelee Knits (free & paid options available on the LeeLeeKnits website)
  • Yarn: Caron Cinnamon Swirl Cakes in the Hibiscus Colorway (purchased 3). 1 skein of Loops & Threads Impeccable in Orange for the border)
  • Hooks: H (5.0 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Bobble Border instructions came from this blog
  • Caron Cakes – 1054.6 meters
  • Loops & Threads – 130.5 meters
  • Meters for Stash Dash- 1,185.10

My Little Unicorn Socks

  • Yarn: Andre Sue Knits Sock Blank in the My Little Unicorn colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Gray background with white and pink unicorns that look like My Little Pony. My inner 80’s child loved this one.
  • Meters for Stash Dash: 286.3

4 Bowl Savers for Mom

  • Pattern: None
  • Yarn: Lion Brand Re-Up in the Seaglass colorway
  • Hook: 5.0 mm (H)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • I crocheted 2 circles and 2 hexagons for Mom to put between her Pyrex bowls.
  • Meters for Stash Dash: 119

Riley’s 16th Birthday Flower Top

  • Pattern:  Riley found in this TikTok video
  • Hook: G (4.0 mm)
  • Yarn: Caron Skinny Cakes in the Grape Raisin UVA colorway (purchased 3)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • YouTube Video
  • Meters for Stash Dash: 872.4 (1.2 skeins)
  • I am calling it done but I need Riley to try it on and may need to adjust the neck.

Children of Time 2 Ply Yarn

  • Fiber: Into the Whirled Cheviot in the Children of Time colorway
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About: I originally spun this last summer and plied 1 ply of Into the Whirled with 2 plies of Knit Picks Wool of the Andes fiber (Ravelry Project Page here). I had two bobbins of leftovers and I needed the bobbins so I plied those up. The result was much more yarn than I expected.
  • Total= 116 Meters
  • 2 ply: which means things went through the oriface of the wheel 3 times=  Stash Dash Meters- 116.5 x3= 349.5

Woolens & Nosh 2023 Advent Socks

  • Yarn: Woolens & Nosh Targhee Sock. 2023 Advent Set
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Meters for Stash Dash: 285.8
On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Welcome to Litchfield Spinning Project

  • 4 oz of Texel from Into the Whirled- Welcome to Litchfield
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Progress: finished the second braid- 4 oz in the Welcome to Litchfield Colorway in 70/30 BFL/Tussah Silk
  • Up next: spinning 3rd braid- Into the Whirled- The Traveler colorway (medium gray). 4 oz Cheviot

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 there’s a new one coming in the Fall.
    • Blanket Pre-Orders for the Murder She Knit club are available now! Please consider using my Affiliate Link.
    • The patterns for this kit will be the Northeasterly Blanket by Melissa Alexander-Loomis (knit version) and the Northeasterly blanket by Katy Stevens (crochet version). 
  • Progress: I finished 9 my May squares but haven’t seamed them yet.

Vera’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: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Red, Everglade Heather and White
  • Hook: F (3.75 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Progress: Stocking and cuff are finished and ironed. I crocheted the three circles for the snowman, made the scarf and earmuffs and ironed those too. I still need to crochet a carrot nose, sew on the snowman and add the name to the cuff. Nearly done!

Trish’s New Orleans Socks

  • Yarn- Cat Tails Yarn in the Chartreux Base (75% Superwash Merino, 15% Nylon, 10% Silver Stellina) in the Christmas Bonfires Colorway (part of the Down in New Orleans Collection)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Trish purchased in New Orleans in 2024 (exclusive colorway for the Quarter Stitch). $34.
  • Progress: Friday night we hung out with friends and I finished the leg of the second sock, and turned the heel on a rainy Saturday.

Baby James’ Cozy Clusters Blanket

  • Pattern: Cozy Clusters Baby Blanket by Leelee Knits (free & paid options available on the LeeLeeKnits website)
  • Yarn: Caron Cinnamon Swirl Cakes in the Slush Colorway (purchased 3). 1 skein of Loops & Threads Impeccable in Colorway 01110 [Navy] for the border)
  • Hook: I (5.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Progress: Nearly done w/ the second Caron cake.
  • Bobble Border instructions from this blog

Silver Spoon Socks

  • Yarn: A Whimsical Wood Yarn Company Pixie Toes Socks in the Silver Spoon Up My A$$ colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the yarn: peaches and pinks with gray/taupe. At my gauge it is striping (~2 rounds per color). I purchased this yarn at Yarncentric event in Maryland.
  • Started in May 2023
  • Progress: nearly to the toe on the second sock.
Brainstorming
  • Socks for Dan
  • Christmas stocking for my cousin Colleen’s son, Owen
  • At least another pair of socks.
  • I really want to crochet a summer top but I can’t find anything that’s really exciting me… Ideas welcome!
From the Armchair
  1. The Nix by Nathan Hill. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link.
  2. Such a Bad Influence by Olivia Muenter. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link.
  3. One Last Summer by Kate Spencer. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link.
  4. Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan. Bookshop Affiliate Link.Amazon Affiliate Link.
  5. Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto. 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

I was crocheting on Riley’s top on the T. Man told me about how he crocheted as a kid in Cape Verde and Holland. He had nothing to do. No tv. Needed something to entertain himself so he taught himself. Sister knew but couldn’t teach him.  It wasn’t a normal thing for boys in holland. Or girls as far as he knew and they didn’t teach it in school but he had fond memories of it. Great chat learning about his travels and his work as a union carpenter now.

KAL News

Pigskin Party ’24 will kick off in the fall (specific date TBD). I will be sending out an email to sponsors in the next 2-3 weeks asking folks to sign up. Interested or know someone who is? Sign up for my email newsletter and click the box saying you’re potentially interested in sponsoring events and you’ll get first dibs on spots.

My total as of this episode: 3,765.2 meters

Events

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

Life in Focus

24 for 2024 list

  • #1-Get 2 massages beyond the one per month at Massage Envy (1 and the guy was GREAT)
  • #4- Read more books than you did in 2023 (50) 31 as of June 24
  • #7-Visit 1 new (to me) museum or historical site. Going to Portland- maybe will look there.

Health Update– BostonJensMom begins whole brain radiation on July 1. Every weekday (except July 4) through July 22. Keep those prayers and good vibes coming. We recorded a very long health update video that will go up in 2 parts on the YouTube Channel. It takes a bit of time to edit because I like to add in photos/videos of the fun life stuff we chat about to make it more fun. Keep an eye out for that if you want the full story of my parents car accident and April and everything that’s happened since our last recording in February.

Health Update Video Part 1

Health Update Video Part 2

On a Happy Note
  • Mom, Megg, Kris and I went to see Come From Away in Boston
  • I helped Dan build a shed for his brother and then relaxed in the pool at my parents once we were done (and good and sweaty).
  • I pressure washed the house and the deck- it’s currently covered in pollen but at least I got the worst of it off. It’s such a satisfying chore!
  • Mom and I went to Aila’s voice recital and out for drinks after.
  • I brought my grandmother to my cousin Jenny’s daughter Vera’s Baptism Party. Beautiful day!
  • Celebrated my birthday at a local Irish Pub for live Irish music. Dan treated us all for dinner. My parents, Megg, Tom (who is from Ireland) and their friend David (visiting from Ireland), Megg’s Mom Terri, Trish and Liz. Very fun, silly night as usual. Megg and I weren’t doing gifts this year because of our Opera House season tickets but I made her socks in March and she brought me a beautiful plant! We all went back to Megg and Tom’s after which was fun because I got to see Eme, Oisin and Hattie too. The boys made lobster for David who hadn’t tried New England Lobster before.
  • After the most stressful and hellish week at work I’ve had in 22 years, I convinced the directors in charge of my Nurse Call Integration project that it was too unstable and had to be shut down so while it was awful, it was done in little more than 3 days. Thankfully, none of the blame was on me (didn’t make it feel that much better). Vendor was woefully unprepared and mismanaged things. On that Friday, my boss told me to leave early. I met up with Dan for lunch at The Galley in Scituate. Sitting in the window/door until a huge storm blew in and they had to close it up.
  • June 11th- my cousin Colleen had her baby boy- Owen (not on my birthday but soo close)
  • June 12th- my nephew Garret graduated from 8th Grade and my Mom (and Dad) were there for it!
  • June 14th- Conor and Carly welcomed their baby boy Miles.
  • I did the stage decorations and played house manager in the last ever Terri’s School of Dance recital. We had a party at Kris’ house after.
  • Father’s Day Pool Party- Dan taught Garret and his friend Terry how to properly shuck a lobster. We played games and swam a little in the pool.
  • My cousin Gayle flew in from FL and joined us for the recital and Father’s Day fun. I had Monday off and headed over to Mom and Dad’s. Jenny and Vera were there, and Millie never left. We swam, played Tock, and went to Heidi’s for an ice cream.
  • On Juneteenth- I hit the gym then took Millie and Riley to get their nails done, then took Gayle to Athleta, swam a bit. Dan, Jeff and Melissa came over and we all had dinner together by the pool.
Quote of the Week

As soon as I have a deadline, I work much better. Time unbounded is hard to handle.

–May Sarton

——

Thank you for tuning in!

Contact Information:

Episode 261: 10th Annual Pigskin Party31 Aug 202300:49:49
  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 261 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
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week
  Thank you to this episode's sponsors:     Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Sweet Liberty  Socks
  • Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Sweet Liberty Colorway (July 2023 Yarnable Colorway)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Check out my July 2023 Yarnable Unboxing Video
  • Get $5 off with coupon code BOSTONJEN using my Affiliate Link
  • 272 meters for Stash Dash
  Summer Scrappy Helical 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 May, finished in August)
  • 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.
  • 272 meters for Stash Dash
  Liz's Water Bottle Holder
  • Yarn: Loops & Threads Capri Eco Cotton (85% Cotton, 15% Polyester)
  • Hook: F (3.75 mm)
  • Pattern: None
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • From Amazon, I ordered Black Buckles to allow for adjusting the length of the strap.
  • My friend Liz was walking around sightseeing on a recent trip to St. Louis and mentioned she may need a water bottle holder like the one I made for Hattie (Ravelry Project Page).
  • 169.2 meters for Stash Dash
  Mini Skein Hexagon Blanket
  • Pattern: Basic Crochet Hexagon Pattern & Tips from Make Do and Crew Website & YouTube Tutorial
  • Hook: F (3.75 mm)
  • Yarn: Mini skeins from 2022 agirlandherwool Advent Calendar, 24 Days of Cheer Swap minis + other scraps/swap yarn
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • I've been closing the end of each hexagon with this join- link to Instagram post
  • 4 rounds per hexagon.
  • 3.75 inches each.
  • Learned double magic circle from this YouTube video. The trick is to know how to pull both loops to tighten the loop.
  • Final blanket- 15x22 hexagons with 5 rounds of single crochet for the border.
  • 62x80 inches (twin size- 60x80 inches)
  • Finished blanket- 11,392 meters
  Stash Dash total on the morning of 8/31/23= 21,064 meters (before counting my last spinning project).   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Wild Air Farm Spinning
  • I am spinning a 4 oz braid of Polwarth/Silk (85/15) from Jakira Farms to ply with Wild Air Farm Shetland & Pygora- Melody & Cadence (dyed in blues and greens)
  • 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.
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Progress: morning of 8/31- spinning is complete. Plying will be done this afternoon, but I can't measure the finished yarn until it is washed and dried.
  My Little Unicorn Socks
  • Yarn: Andre Sue Knits Sock Blank in the My Little Unicorn colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Gray background with white and pink unicorns that look like My Little Pony. My inner 80's child loved this one.
  • Progress: Past the heel of the second sock
  Petrichor Socks
  • Yarn: Oink Pigments Targhee Sock in the Petrichor Colorway (90% Targhee, 10% Nylon)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Progress: Past the heel of the second sock
  Brainstorming  
  • Mom's Rhinebeck Sweater. Yarn from Sweitzer's Fiber Mill from Maryland Sheep & Wool 2023. My gauge swatch in progress. I started with US 8s, then did a purl bump row and switched to US 9s. Please send your suggestions of relatively simple cardigan pattern for worsted/aran weight yarn.
  • Socks with Pigskin Sponsor Yarn
  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.   Knitting in Passing   Liz, Riley and I went to the Marshfield Fair. We spent a good bit of time inside the exhibition building looking at flower arrangements, plants and other crafty items that were given awards. Lots of knitting and crochet projects as well as quilts. While the plants and things were really accessible on tables, it was nice to see that the fiber crafts were behind a low railing so you couldn't touch anything.   KAL News   Pigskin Party '23
    • #DCSPigskinParty23
  • Official Rules
  • Find everything you need on my website or in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group
  • Register using this Google Form (you must be Registered to be eligible for prizes)
  • Enter your projects using the Point Tally Form
  • Find the full list of Sponsors in this Google Doc.
  • Questions-  ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com
  • Teams will be announced on 9/1. Stay tuned to the Ravelry group and look for the "find your teams" thread.
  • Tailgate Talk Challenge (September 7-21. Enter for points by September 30). Check out the details in this Google Doc or in this Ravelry Thread.
  • Virtual Kick Off Weekend
    • Thursday night for Patrons only. Patrons of every level will be invited to join. For the rest of the seaon, only those at the $5/month level and up are invited to our monthly hangouts.
    • Friday September 8 &  Saturday September 9th, events will be open to ALL.
  • Crowd Sourcing:
    • Do you have ideas for challenges or events for this season? Share your ideas in this Ravelry Thread.
    • Does anyone want to be a correspondent and report in before each episode with some key stats or highlights from the games, interesting post or projects?  Email me or DM me on Instagram if you're interested.
  On a Happy Note
  • Beach walk and dinner w/ Megg & Kris.
  • Breakfast with Mom & two of her Infusion nurses we've known for years.
  • Marshfield Fair with Liz and Riley. We watched part of the demolition derby, played some games and listened to music.
  • Dan and I went Kayaking with Megg, Oisin, Hattie and Will, then got food from the Hingham Lobster Pound and chilled at the Rowan's.
  • We celebrated my grandmother's 89th birthday with a fun brunch at The Friendly Toast
  • I went to see Oppenheimer at the movies with Liz.  Then to see Barbie (for the second time) with Liz and our Mom's who hadn't seen it yet. We met early for a drink, all wearing our pink. They loved the movie.
  • Dinner the night before Eme left for school then Megg and I brought them out to Simon's Rock for their 3rd year. It was a long day- 6 hours of driving + unpacking, organizing, a late lunch and snacks in the car singing all the way home.
  • Riley found "Make Dolly Proud" tees while shopping w/ a friend and I sent her money to get them for us. She's making WWDD bracelets for us too!
  • 5 of the nieces and nephews started school + Gabriella started pre-school so far. FaceTimed with Riley and Gabriella & Zach 
  Quote of the Week   "Most people fail in life not because they aim too high and miss, but because they aim too low and hit." ― Les Brown   ------   Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information:    
Episode 260: Things are Getting Wild15 Aug 202300:42:32
  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 260 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
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Life in Focus
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week
  Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   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
  • I originally finished in June 2022 but it was too short. I ripped out the bottom section and changed from 1 round of each color to 2 rounds each on the bottom trip and added 2 more colors (purple and pink)
  • 552 grams. 819.5 meters for Stash Dash
  On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Mini Skein Hexagon Blanket
  • Pattern: Basic Crochet Hexagon Pattern & Tips from Make Do and Crew Website & YouTube Tutorial
  • Hook: F (3.75 mm)
  • Yarn: Mini skeins from 2022 agirlandherwool Advent Calendar, 24 Days of Cheer Swap minis + other scraps/swap yarn
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • I've been closing the end of each hexagon with this join- link to Instagram post
  • 4 rounds per hexagon.
  • Learned double magic circle from this YouTube video. The trick is to know how to pull both loops to tighten the loop.
  • Progress as of 8/14- 58 x70 inches  (14x20 hexis)
  • My goal is for it to be twin blanket size which is 60x80 inches. I would need to add 2 more rows to the length= 28 hexis to make, wash and seam. Plus add the border.
  My Little Unicorn Socks
  • Yarn: Andre Sue Knits Sock Blank in the My Little Unicorn colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Gray background with white and pink unicorns that look like My Little Pony.
  • Progress: 1st sock finished. 2nd cuff started.
  Petrichor Socks
  • Yarn: Oink Pigments Targhee Sock in the Petrichor Colorway (90% Targhee, 10% Nylon)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Progress: Past the heel of the first sock
  Sweet Liberty  Socks
  • Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Sweet Liberty Colorway (July 2023 Yarnable Colorway)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Progress: 1st sock done. On the leg of the second sock.
  • Check out my July 2023 Yarnable Unboxing Video
  Liz's Water Bottle Holder
  • Yarn: Loops & Threads Capri Eco Cotton (85% Cotton, 15% Polyester)
  • Hook: F (3.75 mm)
  • Pattern: None
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • From Amazon, I ordered Black Buckles to allow for adjusting the length of the strap.
  • My friend Liz was walking around sightseeing on a recent trip to St. Louis and mentioned she may need a water bottle holder like the one I made for Hattie (Ravelry Project Page).
  Wild Air Farm Spinning
  • I am spinning a 4 oz braid of Polwarth/Silk (85/15) from Jakira Farms to ply with Wild Air Farm Shetland & Pygora- Melody & Cadence (dyed in blues and greens)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  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.   Brainstorming   I'd like to crochet a pocket to put between the mattress and the platform part of our bed. I sleep with my heating pad nearly every night and depending on how I move, and especially when I get out of bed, the controller for the heating pad clangs loudly against the wooden drawers and metal drawer pulls of the platform bed. I'd like to hold several strands together and make a large piece of fabric with a pocket in it, to hold the controller and muffle the sound. I need to go through my stash to see what I can find. I will likely crochet it for the sake of time and I think it will also yield a denser fabric that will work well without hurting my hands too much.   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   Tune in to hear if you won a prize in the Splash Pad Party. I will email all winners within a week of this recording.   The 10th Annual Pigskin Party is Coming SOON! The event will run from Thursday September 7, 2023 through Monday February 12, 2024
  • Official hashtag- #DCSPigskinParty23 (feel free to start using it while you prep for the KAL)
  • Registration starts Monday 8/21
  • Our Commissioners will announce Teams on 9/1
  • KAL Starts 9/7
  • Virtual Kick Off- Friday  9/8 & Saturday 9/9
  • Updated rules coming soon
  Back this year we have
  • Wendy (socalknitgirl) Wendy- Umpire
  • Heather (zoomdogknits) - Sheep Football Conferece
  • Emily- (ElsaandEm)- Llama Football Conference
  • Alicia (almariecraft)- Alpaca Football Conference
  • Broadcast- yours truly
  Events   Life in Focus   23 for 2023 list (a few updates)
  • Read 23 books (37 as of August)
  • Print and hang at least 1 of our new family photos  (ordered 8/9 from Walgreens- 8x10 for $12!)
  • Give blood at least 3 times (March, May, August done)
  • Knit myself a pair of mittens
  On a Happy Note
  • Dan and I went to a local brewery on a Sunday afternoon and came home to a black bear in our yard!
  • Barbie Movie- purchased a new pink top and heels to wear with floral pants I bought. Stephanie deemed me Resort Barbie!
  • Gabriella's 3rd birthday. Dan and I had so much fun playing with playdough with them in the backyard.
  • Mom's friends at List Perfectly treated us to box seats at a Red Sox at Fenway. The game itself was terrible- they lost 13-1 and put in the short stop as pitcher in the top of the 9th, but we had so much fun we didn't care. The box was decked out with every kind of delicious beverage you could want, pizza, lobster rolls, hot dogs, pretzels and more... and they even have a ice cream sundae cart come around!
  • 2 nights of Tock and ice cream at the pool. The first night Liz and I taught Stephanie and Kris how to play. The second night, Mom, Riley and I played.
  • Emelie's birthday party
  • Kayaking for the first time this season; it was cut a bit short by a storm that was threatening. Not sure if would have ever actually come where we were, but it wasn't worth the risk.
  Quote of the Week   No matter how mundane some action might appear, keep at it long enough and it becomes a contemplative, even meditative act. –HARUKI MURAKAMI   ------   Contact Information:  
Episode 259: Covid Frenzy31 Jul 202301:03:56
  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 259 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
  • Some Years Later
  • Crafty Adventures
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Life in Focus
  • Ask Me Anything
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week
  Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Enchanted Etchings   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Shock Star Hat
  • Yarn: Spun Right Round Squish DK in the Shock Star colorway
  • Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) & US 7 (4.5 mm)
  • Pattern: none
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the yarn: cream base with small bits of neons + black.
  • 92 sts
  • 130.5 meters for Stash Dash
  Watermelon cozies
  • Pattern: Ball Band (free pattern on Ravelry & LoveCrafts) & Ball Band with a Twist ($2 crochet pattern on Ravelry & LoveCrafts)  by Jennifer Lassonde
  • Yarns: Loops & Threads Capri Eco Cotton in Colorway: Cranberry. Loops & Threads Everyday Cotton in Jade. Leftover scrubby yarn for lighter green
  • Hooks: 3.75 mm (F) & 4.25 mm (G)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Inspiration- Ali (starryeyesali) posted a watermelon bowl she made with leftover yarn on Instagram
  • Small Jar cozy (16 oz wide mouth Mason jars). All sc (like the original ball band pattern). 7 rounds of Jade, 2 rounds of light green, 9 rounds of red. Black "seeds" sewn in later.
  • Large Jar cozy (24 oz wide mouth Mason jars)- following Ball Band with a Twist instructions. 6 rounds of bottom section in Jade. 2 rounds of light green and the rest in Red. Black "seeds" sewn in later.
  • Large Jar cozy #2  (24 oz wide mouth Mason jars)-  rounds of Jade, 2 rounds of light green,  rest was done in red. Black "seeds" sewn in later.
  • 156.4 meters for Stash Dash
  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
  • 20g mini in dark purple; used for cuff and heel.
  • 285.8 meters for Stash Dash
  Zebra Stripes Socks  
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Yarn: Patons Kroy in the Zebra Stripes Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • 273.6 meters for Stash Dash
  Children of Time Spinning
  • Fiber: Into the Whirled Cheviot (4 oz) in the Children of Time colorway
  • 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.
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • 1 ply of Wool of the Andes in 2 colors of blue + 2 plies of Into the Whirled
    • Skein 1= 94g. 116.91 yards or 106.9 meters
    • Skein 2= 82g  120.3 yards, 110 meters
    • Total meters of yarn 216.9
  • For Stash Dash= 4 x 216.9 = 867.6 meters
  Purple Spring Spin
  • Fiber: Fluffypuf #130 Hand Dyed Roving Batt Purple/Pink. 1.4 ounces. 50% BFL, 40% merino, 10% Tussah Silk.
  • 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.
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • 2 skeins of finished yarn with Fluffypuf & Kingdom Fleece & Fiber Works
    • Skein 1- 66g. 80.97 yards or 74.04 meters
    • Skein 2= 66g. 79.44 yards or 72.64 meters
    • Total Meters= 146.68
  • I still had singles left of the Kingdom Fleece & Fiberworks fiber, so I plied that with some mystery purple singles.
    • Skein 3: 28g. 54.44 yards or 49.78 meters
    • Meters for Stash Dash- 49.78 x 4= 199.12
  • Total Meters for Stash Dash for all 3 skeins = 795.84
  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.   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Mini Skein Hexagon Blanket
  • Pattern: Basic Crochet Hexagon Pattern & Tips from Make Do and Crew Website & YouTube Tutorial
  • Hook: F (3.75 mm)
  • Yarn: Mini skeins from 2022 agirlandherwool Advent Calendar, 24 Days of Cheer Swap minis + other scraps/swap yarn
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • I've been closing the end of each hexagon with this join- link to Instagram post
  • 4 rounds per hexagon.
  • 3.75 inches each. Likely need over 300
    • Twin sized blanket is 60x80 inches. 17x22 hexis- 374.
  • Learned double magic circle from this YouTube video. The trick is to know how to pull both loops to tighten the loop.
  • As of 7/25/23- 51' wide by 58" long. (13 x 17 hexis)
  Silver Spoon Socks
  • Yarn: A Whimsical Wood Yarn Company Pixie Toes Socks in the Silver Spoon Up My A$$ colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Progress: on the foot of the first sock.
  3 Christmas Stockings     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
  • Wide, oversized crochet top that I completely improvised on the go. Thought I'd do all granny squares but didn't think I'd have enough yarn.
  • Originally finished in June 2022, but it was too short and I only wore it once.
  • Had hdc rows in rainbow colors at the bottom. Ripped all of that back and instead of doing 1 round of each color, I did 2. Extending beyond blue to include purple and pink.
  My Little Unicorn Socks
  • Yarn: Andre Sue Knits Sock Blank in the My Little Unicorn colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Gray background with white and pink unicorns that look like My Little Pony. My inner 80's child loved this one.
  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.   Some Years Later
  • Mom sent 2 socks to be repaired. Her Knit Picks Felici Zen Socks had a hole in the foot. It was easy to repair with a bit of yarn. I washed them and they're ready to give back. I only finished these in May 2022, right before Mother's Day so these haven't held up very well. Click here for my Ravelry Project Page.
  • I also did a blanket repair on a knitted blanket a friend's mother asked me to fix. I was assuming it was crochet, so the fact that it was knitted was a surprise. The section that was torn was part of a very long strip of knitting that was knit on the bias, so it was a little tricky but it was in garter stitch and I did a good job of pulling the stitches back up. Its not 100% invisible, but I'm happy with it. I have it washed and ready to return.
  Crafty Adventures   Resin adventures with Gayle & Meagan for their Bucket List with a Twist. They made us aprons to wear while working that Bucket List with a Twist!   KAL News   Splash Pad Party 23: May 26-July 31, 2023   Events     Life in Focus
  • After 3+ years I got Covid.
  • Mom's July MRI & CT Scans show that the cancer has not grown/changed! Great news!
  Ask Me Anything Tune in to hear my answers to these questions:
  • AnnahB wants to know how many UFOs I have. (12 somewhat active + hibernations)
  • MaysMomNH- How your Mom is doing.
  • Elisa.Knits- How you pick yarn for sweaters and cardis please.
  • Nali_Knits- what motivates you to keep knitting/podcasting after so many years?
  • KGZKnits- Can we watch instead?
  • Red-Christina- trying to knit men's cardigan for my grandpa- any suggestions?
    • Classic Cardigan by Tin Can Knits. $8 knitting pattern on Ravelry or Tin Can Knits website.
    • Slade by Michelle Wang (for Brooklyn Tweed). $10 pattern available on Ravelry; $9 on Brooklyn Tweed Website.
    • Reading Cardigan by Jared Flood. $16 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & for $15 on Brooklyn Tweed website)
  • DogMomKnits- Fall Knitting Plans- Pigskin Party (if there will be one) info?
    • There will be a Pigskin Party. I'll be planning it very soon!
  On a Happy Note
  • After a day of resin crafts and pool time, Mom, Dad, Gayle, Meagan, Liz and I headed out for ice cream and then back for 2 round Tock match (Meagan & I won one, Gayle & Liz won one).
  • I went to Minute Clinic to confirm I had Covid, but mostly to see if I also had strep throat, and was treated by my childhood bestie, Maribeth!
  • Grateful for my own craft room with a comfy chair in a cool part of the house. Perfect for isolating and making sure Dan didn't get sick. I did go outside a bit on the weekend days. Dan brought up my wheel. I still spent a lot of time lying down between projects but it was nice to get out. I missed our nephew's 16th birthday pool party, though, so that was a bummer.
  • Jeff was able to get an extra ticket for me to join he and Riley to see Lainey Wilson at the Mohegan Sun casino on Friday night! We had dinner, loved the show, got a cool Watermelon Moonshine Stanley Tumbler, and then I slept over at their house. Hung out with Riley & Millie in the morning, singing Hamilton as Riley made us homemade waffles.
  Quote of the Week   The great thing in this world is not so much where we stand as in what direction we are moving. –OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES, SR ------   Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information:  
Episode 258: Finally Home & Fun Finishes15 Jul 202300:41:40
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 258 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
  • In my Travels
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Life in Focus
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week
Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Summer Rainbow Socks  
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Yarn:  Desert Vista Dyeworks Viso base in the Summer Rainbow Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • 253.8 meters for Stash Dash
Hattie’s Water Bottle Holder  
  • Pattern: Freedom Water Bottle Holder by Wendy Serrao (free crochet pattern available on Ravelry & on Wendy’s website)
  • Yarn: Lion Brand Re-Up
  • Hook: G (4.25 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the project: Hattie (age 5) saw a water bottle holder at the local refill store and asked for one. Her Mom, Megg texted asking if I could please make one for Hattie. The pattern is designed for an adult/larger sized water bottle so I knew I wanted to make mine smaller than called for in the pattern. I started in blue and increased up to about 38 sts around. Instead of double crochets, I worked half double crochets instead. 6 rows hdc, followed by 3 rows of (ch1, dc around) in purple. Then I repeated that in pink.
  • I had planned to do the strap half pink and half purple, but when I had Hattie try it on, it was too long (even though I had been accounting for a serious amount of stretch). She said it needed attention regardless because there wasn’t any blue in the strap. Noted. Thankfully, I’d anticipated my picky client and brought all three colors with me to the pool. I ripped back, adjusted the length, added some blue to the second half of the strap and voila!
  • 80.2 meters for Stash Dash
Seeing Spirals Washcloth  
  • Pattern: Seeing Spirals Washcloth by Lindsey Dale (free crochet pattern available on Ravelry or on Lindsey’s website)
  • Yarn: Lion Brand Re-Up
  • Hook: G (4.25 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • 14 meters for Stash Dash
Musselburgh Hat  
  • Pattern: Musselburgh by Ysolda Teague ($7.77 US/ 6 GBP knitting pattern available on Ravelry or on Ysolda’s website)
  • Yarn: YarnBaker Fingering in the Blazer Colorway & On The Round Nimble Sock (unsure of colorway)
  • Needles: US 2 (2.75) circular- 32 in (magic loop for beginning & end of project & US 2 (also called US 2.5) 3.0 mm 16-inch circular for the body of the hat
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Size: Adult Medium
  • About the project: Half light blue, half darker denim blue, about 8.5 inches tall. You can still fold up the brim if you really want to.
  • 384.7 meters for Stash Dash
Chevron Scrap Blanket  
  • Pattern: Chevron Scrap Blanket by Maria’s Blue Crayon (free crochet pattern) available on Ravelry & the Maria’s Blue Crayon Website.
    • This pattern presumes you already know the c2c crochet technique.
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted in White & Tranquil (light green), Lion Brand Pound of Love in Pastel Pink and Loops & Threads Snuggly Wuggly Big! in colorway Soft Lilac
  • Hook: J (6.0 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page (I crocheted one of these in summer 2020- click here for that Ravelry Project Page)
  • For help learning the Corner to Corner Crochet method you could check out this free Ravelry Download from Lauri Bolland or this video tutorial from Lion Brand on https://youtu.be/mQPVlaRE4Gw
  • Each section is 11 squares tall. Green, white, pink, white, purple, white.
  • I used mattress stitch to seam  all 6 strips together. I used white to do a dc border round, then a hdc round. From there I did a crochet pom pom border using 2 puff stitches that you fold over to make bobbles. I first used this border on a Cozy Clusters Blanket last summer (Ravelry project page here). I learned about this edge technique on this website.
  • 3,024 meters for Stash Dash
On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Mini Skein Hexagon Blanket  
  • Pattern: Basic Crochet Hexagon Pattern & Tips from Make Do and Crew Website & https://youtu.be/X4hgFCAKHkg?list=PLsrz34yAA5TqZ9zDYjyLp4A1tx_2x0Ub6
  • Hook: F (3.75 mm)
  • Yarn: Mini skeins from 2022 agirlandherwool Advent Calendar, 24 Days of Cheer Swap minis + other scraps/swap yarn
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • I’ve been closing the end of each hexagon with this join- link to Instagram post
  • 4 rounds per hexagon.
  • 3.75 inches each. Likely need over 300
    • Twin sized blanket is 60×80 inches. 17×22 hexis- 374.
  • Learned double magic circle from this YouTube video. The trick is to know how to pull both loops to tighten the loop.
  • Progress: I started seaming!
3 Christmas Stockings   LFA Helical Socks  
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes in the Portal Colorway + 50g skein in a mystery colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the colorways: both have a pink base. The mystery skein leans more to blues and purples. Portal has some brighter sky blues and bits of green and maroon. Together they just look like one beautiful colorway. 
  • Progress: a few inches from the heel on the first sock
Zebra Stripes Socks  
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Yarn: Patons Kroy in the Zebra Stripes Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the colorway- approximately 3 round stripes of black and cream
  • Progress: Finished first sock. Turned the heel on the second sock.
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
  • 1 stripe a day. So manageable– then I got to Vegas and realized I was using US 2 instead of US 1.5. Thought the gauge looked strange. Ripped back to cuff. I got off track after that.
  • 20g mini in dark purple; used for cuff and will use for the heel.
  • Progress: I finished the first sock (did not use the mini for the toe). Cast on the second sock, using the mini for the cuff.
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
  • While in Phoenix with Mom, she, Merry & I took a day trip tour to Sedona through Detours. Nicki was our guide. First stop: Montezuma Castle. where the Sinagua people built dwellings into the side of the rock face. It was a 20 room, multi-story structure access via sets of wooden ladders.
  • Bell Rock trailhead/ vista. 
  • Chapel of the Holy Cross – beautiful setting with nearly 360 views of the red rocks all around, beautiful face of windows on one end with a large statue of Jesus over the altar.
  • Uptown Sedona. Lunch. Coffee. Shopping. Ice cream!
KAL News Splash Pad Party 23: May 26-July 31, 2023   Events Life in Focus
  • I shared in the last episode that my mother-in-law, Marilyn, passed away shortly before I left for Phoenix. When I returned home, we finished the of the plans and held her funeral mass that Thursday morning. Dan’s younger sister Kathy (and her husband Tony) came in from Florida and stayed with us as did my friend Laura (from NYC). We all met up for dinner on Wednesday night with Dan & Matt’s aunt who came in from Maine and 2 of her daughters and their families.
  • The services and lunch afterwards were beautiful. Readings and music were all specially chosen and read/performed by people she loved. Its was a beautiful send off. We had a small gathering after at my friend Megg’s house. She, Laura and I walked down to the beach just before sunset.
On a Happy Note
  • While Laura was in town we went for a late lunch with Kris and Megg at the Salt Society and then Laura, Kris and I got ice cream at Hornstra and Laura and I went on to see No Hard Feelings at the movies.
  • Saturday July 8th we had a big pool party for our friend Trish’s birthday. Fun day with all the kiddos before they head off to their various camps.
  • On Sunday, Dan’s friends came for a visit and brought us a delicious homemade strawberry rhubarb pie.
  • Monday night we did a double date night with Megg and Tom to The Snug, an Irish pub, for live music to catch up before they head to Ireland for summer visits.
  • Thursday I celebrated 20 years at Mass General with the annual Ether Day Dinner (normally held in October but ours was postponed) where they celebrate staff with milestones in 5 year increments from 20-60 years of service. Cocktail hour with live music followed by a delicious dinner for over 600 people! It was made especially fun because my dear friend Waveney and her husband Atticus were there- and Dan ran into a friend from work whose wife was also celebrating 20 years.
    • On October 16, 1846, the first successful public demonstration of the use of ether for surgical anesthesia was performed, making pain-free surgery possible.
  • Friday pool night. Meagan and Gayle, up from NH, brought resin/acrylic crafts and the fam decorated cutting boards and trays. I missed it but Dan and the others who learned are going to teach me.
Quote of the Week We can take a wonderful vacation in spirit, even though we are obliged to stay at home, if we will only drop our burdens from our minds for a while. –Laura Ingalls Wilder Thank you for tuning in!Contact Information:  
Episode 257: Fiber in Phoenix30 Jun 202300:42:48

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 257 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
  • Some Years Later
  • In my Travels
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Life in Focus
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Sunsoaked Yarns, Bella Fio, Woolen Women
Thanks to Mom for joining me for part of this episode!

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Cushion Bags

  • Pattern: none
  • Yarn: Lion Brand Re-Up & Other Dish Cloth Cotton
  • Hook: F (3.75 mm)
  • I made 2 cushion covers for Mom because the bags for her inflatable seat cushions were too small to easily fit back into.
  • Ravelry Project Page- Cushion 1: green and aqua
  • Ravelry Project Page- Cushion 2 : black and aqua
  • 155 meters for Stash Dash (in the 2 projects)

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.
  • 228 meters for Stash Dash

In a Fog Mittens

  • Pattern: In a Fog by Allison O’Mahony ($5.50 US knitting pattern available on Ravelry & the designer’s website)
  • Needles: US 4 (3.5mm) & US 6 (4.0mm)
  • Yarn: MC: Spun Right Round (multi color) CC: Fibre Seed Costa Laurel worsted yarn in Colorway CL014 (gray)
  • Size: Medium (3 sizes available)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • 161 meters for Stash Dash

Curiouser & Curiouser Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Yarn:  Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes in the Curiouser & Curiouser Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • These count for the #legacyfiberartzknityourstashMal
  • Will weigh these socks when I get home from Phoenix
On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Summer Rainbow Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Yarn:  Desert Vista Dyeworks Viso base in the Summer Rainbow Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Progress: Almost to the heel of sock #2

Zebra Stripes Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Yarn: Patons Kroy in the Zebra Stripes Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the colorway:
  • Progress: Finished most of the first sock

Chevron Scrap Blanket

  • Pattern: Chevron Scrap Blanket by Maria’s Blue Crayon (free crochet pattern) available on Ravelry & the Maria’s Blue Crayon Website.
    • This pattern presumes you already know the c2c crochet technique.
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted in White & Tranquil (light green), Lion Brand Pound of Love in Pastel Pink and Loops & Threads Snuggly Wuggly Big! in colorway Soft Lilac
  • Hook: J (6.0 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page (I crocheted one of these in summer 2020- click here for that Ravelry Project Page)
  • For help learning the Corner to Corner Crochet method you could check out this free Ravelry Download from Lauri Bolland or this video tutorial from Lion Brand on YouTube.
  • Each section is 11 squares tall. Green, white, pink, white, purple, white.
  • Progress: 5 strips finished. 1 more started. Once finished, I need to seam them together & debating a border.
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.

Some Years Later

Cozy Classic Raglan

  • Pattern: Cozy Classic Raglan by Jessie Maed Designs
  • Needles: US 3 for Ribbing. US 7 for body
  • Yarn: Rowan Cashsoft DK in color 547 Sunny
  • Knitting Size Medium. 
  • Finished in May 2020
  • I never loved the way it fits me. Riley recently wore it during sleepover, so I let her take it home. She sent me a fit check wearing it with white jean cut offs, a slick hairdo and some poppin lips! Looking gorgeous. Makes me even happier than the meters that helped me kick Jasmin’s butt in 2020!
In My Travels KAL News

Splash Pad Party 23: May 26-July 31, 2023

Events
  • Stash Dash, hosted by Leslie & Laura of the Knit Girllls Video Podcast starts May 26th and runs through August 31, 2023. Check out details in the knit girllls discord
    • My total as of this episode: 1,619 meters (plus socks I haven’t been able to weigh)
    • You can check out my Stash Dash 2023 Progress on this Google Sheet.
  • Legacy Fiber Artz Knit Your Stash MAL- check out the details on the Treehouse Fiber Arts website
    • Runs May 29- September 4, 2023
    • #legacyfiberartzknityourstashMal and #flashyourstash
  • Crafty Bingo- Craft Cook Read Repeat Podcast
    • May 26-September 4, 2023
    • Grab the Bingo card over on their Instagram feed
  • The Grocery Girls are hosting Hot Granny Square Summer MAL. Check out details in their Ravelry Group & in Episode 183 on their YouTube Channel.
  • Summer Sock Camp hosted in the Crazy Sock Lady Ravelry Group
    • 5/26- 8/31/2023
  • Maine Fiber Frolic: June 3-4th at the Windsor Fairgrounds
  • Vermont Sheep & Wool: Sept 30 & Oct 1 at the Tunbridge Fairgrounds
  • Check out some West Coast (US) Events on the Seattle Knitters Guild site (thanks Kristen- kips206)
Life in Focus
  • It’s been a tough couple weeks with Mom having a bad reaction to her normal infusion, then Dan’s mother, Marilyn passed away on June 25th.
On a Happy Note
  • Our nephew Oisin turned 15 and we enjoyed his taco truck birthday party.
  • That same weekend, we had 3 kiddos in a dance recital, and our niece Aila was in Beauty & the Beast as Maurice that night. Mom, Riley, Millie and I grabbed dinner (and for the adults a cold beer) in between!
  • We enjoyed Father’s Day with my dad and gave him custom corn hole boards and bags!
  • Mom, Riley and I got VIP tickets to Kane Brown at Fenway Park. We wore matching tees Mom bought for us.
  • Not one but 2 bucks in our driveway at the same time. Stayed long enough for me to bring Dan back.
  • Fireflies are out! I got to show our friend Liz when she came for dinner.
  • I got to go into the ORs for the first time, after working at MGH for nearly 21 years.
Quote of the Week

One’s life begins on so many occasions, constructing itself out of accident derived from coincidence compounded by character.–DONALD HALL


——

Thank you for tuning in!


Contact Information:

Episode 256: Nashville Notes15 Jun 202300:50:29

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 256 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:

  • Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • Crafty Adventures
  • Knitting in Passing
  • In my Travels
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Quote of the Week
  • Stay tuned for a special interview at the end of the episode
Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Ninja Turtle Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Yarn: Qing Fibre Dashing Fingering Yarn in the Ninja Turtle Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Laura chose this yarn when we were shopping at Loop London in the Fall of 2022.

Solstice Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Solstice Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Summer Rainbow Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Yarn:  Desert Vista Dyeworks Viso base in the Summer Rainbow Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Progress: I finished the first sock in Nashville & cast on the cuff of the second

Curiouser & Curiouser Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Yarn:  Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes in the Curiouser & Curiouser Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • I purchased this as a Micro Sock set; 50g of main color + a 20g mini. I also had another LFA mini that I liked with it, so I have green and purple to choose from.
  • Progress: I finished the first sock at Lucky Bastard Bar in Nashville and kitchenered the toe listening to live music. I cast on the second sock.

In a Fog Mittens

  • Pattern: In a Fog by Allison O’Mahony ($5.50 US knitting pattern available on Ravelry & the designer’s website)
  • Needles: US 4 (3.5mm) & US 6 (4.0mm)
  • Yarn: MC: Spun Right Round (multi color) CC: Fibre Seed Costa Laurel worsted yarn in Colorway CL014 (gray)
  • Size: Medium (3 sizes available)
  • Progress: finished 1st mitten
Crafty Adventures

Emelyn came over after work to do a crafty project together. They decided they wanted to make a snail backpack for which we could find no ready-made tutorials online. We found instructions for round bag that we’ll modify. We went to JoAnn to purchase supplies, grabbed dinner and headed home. Eme cut the two circles (using a large bowl as a guide) and sewed swirl pattern on each piece before we ran out of time. I’m looking forward to picking it back up soon.

Knitting in Passing

My mom’s childhood friend Rosie came to Nashville with us. She was asking about my circular knitting on magic loop and we got talking about how her mother knit and taught her to knit as a kid. Her mother would make sweaters, hats, scarves and mittens.

In My Travels

My brother Jeff, my parents and I went to Nashville for CMA Fest 2023. Tune in to hear all about our trip and the incredible musicians & bands we saw.

KAL News

Splash Pad Party 23: May 26-July 31, 2023

Events Quote of the Week

“Would you rather love the more, and suffer the more; or love the less, and suffer the less? That is, I think, finally, the only real question.”– Julian Barnes

This episode we had a special conversation originally recorded by my friend Beverly Baptiste who co-hosts the weekly sewing podcast-  Punk Frockers with her friend Jenny Hassler for their series on sewing adjacent hobbies. My friends Nicki, Karen, Ryan and Maggie and I share about the kinds of fiber crafts we enjoy, other creative outlets, whether creative people attract creative partners and whether our partners know how much we spend on craft supplies.  You can find the Punk Frockers podcast on their website. You can also find this conversation on Episode 118 Knitting #PFSewingAdjacent.


——Thank you for tuning in!


Contact Information:

Episode 255: Event-Full Summers31 May 202300:48:48
  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 255 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
  • In my Travels
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Contest, News & Notes
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week
  Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Carmen Socks
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Yarn: Gusto Wool Carmen Sock Weight Yarn (80/20 Merino/Nylon) in Colorway 1402
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the yarn: Half of the skein is navy blue the other half is a neon rainbow. At my gauge it is microstriping!
  Scrappy Helical Socks
  • Yarn: various fingering scraps
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • I am using Cate's Clasp Weft Join when joining a new yarn. Using this method, I only have 4 ends to weave in even though I am changing yarns often.
  On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Mini Skein Hexagon Blanket
  • Pattern: Basic Crochet Hexagon Pattern & Tips from Make Do and Crew Website & YouTube Tutorial
  • Hook: F (3.75 mm)
  • Yarn: Mini skeins from 2022 agirlandherwool Advent Calendar, 24 Days of Cheer Swap minis + other scraps/swap yarn
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • I've been closing the end of each hexagon with this join- link to Instagram post
  • 4 rounds per hexagon.
  • Learned double magic circle from this YouTube video.
  • Progress Update: 225 hexagons done on 5/22/23 (74 unwashed + 151 washed)- goal is 374
  Chevron Scrap Blanket
  • Pattern: Chevron Scrap Blanket by Maria's Blue Crayon (free crochet pattern) available on Ravelry & the Maria's Blue Crayon Website.
    • This pattern presumes you already know the c2c crochet technique.
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted in White & Tranquil (light green), Lion Brand Pound of Love in Pastel Pink and Loops & Threads Snuggly Wuggly Big! in colorway Soft Lilac
  • Hook: J (6.0 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page (I crocheted one of these in summer 2020- click here for that Ravelry Project Page)
  • For help learning the Corner to Corner Crochet method you could check out this free Ravelry Download from Lauri Bolland or this video tutorial from Lion Brand on YouTube.
  • Each section is 11 squares tall. Green, white, pink, white, purple, white.
  • Progress: 3 strips finished. 1 more started.
  Summer Scrappy Helical Socks #2
  • Yarn: various fingering scraps
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • I am using Cate's Clasp Weft Join when joining a new yarn. Using this method, I only have 4 ends to weave in even though I am changing yarns often.
  • Progress: Sock 1 is close to the heel. Sock 2 has a cuff.
  Ninja Turtle Socks
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Yarn: Qing Fibre Dashing Fingering Yarn in the Ninja Turtle Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Laura chose this yarn when we were shopping at Loop London in the Fall of 2022.
  • Progress: almost to the toe on the second sock
  Summer Rainbow Socks
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Yarn:  Desert Vista Dyeworks Viso base in the Summer Rainbow Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Progress: 1st cuff down + a few inches into the leg
  Curiouser & Curiouser Socks
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Yarn:  Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes in the Curiouser & Curiouser Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • I purchased this as a Micro Sock set; 50g of main color + a 20g mini. I also had another LFA mini that I liked with it, so I have green and purple to choose from.
  • Progress: ready to start heel on first sock
  Purple Spring Spin
  • Fiber: Fluffypuf #130 Hand Dyed Roving Batt Purple/Pink. 1.4 ounces. 50% BFL, 40% merino, 10% Tussah Silk.
  • 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.
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the Fluffypuf braid: contains purple (various shades), yellow, orange, gray, blue, pink
  • I purchased 4 oz of 100% Rambouillet from Kingdom Fleece & Fiberworks at CT Sheep & Wool.
  • I will plan to do a 3 ply
  • Update this episode: I broke my new driveband! Will replace w/ kitchen cotton yarn for now
  Brainstorming
  • With the announcement of the Legacy Fiber Artz MAL, I decided to wind up all of my LFA minis on the sparkle base to knit some scrappy, helical, clasp-weft sparkle socks!
  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   KAL News   Splash Pad Party 23: May 26-July 31, 2023   Events
  • Stash Dash, hosted by Leslie & Laura of the Knit Girllls Video Podcast starts May 26th and runs through August 31, 2023. Check out details in the knit girllls discord
    • Jasmin (aka cuteknitter) & I will be doing our annual, mostly-friendly challenge.
    • 2 pairs of socks so far= 548 meters
    • You can check out my Stash Dash 2023 Progress on this Google Sheet.
  • Legacy Fiber Artz Knit Your Stash MAL- check out the details on the Treehouse Fiber Arts website
    • Runs May 29- September 4, 2023
    • #legacyfiberartzknityourstashMal and #flashyourstash
  • Crafty Bingo- Craft Cook Read Repeat Podcast
    • May 26-September 4, 2023
    • Grab the Bingo card over on their Instagram feed
  • The Grocery Girls are hosting Hot Granny Square Summer MAL. Check out details in their Ravelry Group & in Episode 183 on their YouTube Channel.
  • Summer Sock Camp hosted in the Crazy Sock Lady Ravelry Group
    • 5/26- 8/31/2023
  • Maine Fiber Frolic: June 3-4th at the Windsor Fairgrounds
  • Vermont Sheep & Wool: Sept 30 & Oct 1 at the Tunbridge Fairgrounds
  • Check out some West Coast (US) Events on the Seattle Knitters Guild site (thanks Kristen- kips206)
  Contest, News & Notes   Check out my latest shawl design- Mas Vida! Find all of the details on my website. Mas Vida is available on Ravelry & LoveCrafts for $7. Use code mas for 30% off on Ravelry through 6/2.   On a Happy Note
  • Mother's Day celebrations seeing Millie in Matilda followed by dinner at a local brewery
  • Flowers from Chris & Margarita
  • Vikki & Katy visited from Las Vegas. I picked them up at the airport and then we met Mom, Dad, Trish and Liz for dinner.
  • Dan & I celebrated our 19th Anniversary at a local brewery after work.
  • Thank you Steph for the beautiful AdoreKnit Splash Pad '23 Exclusive Bag & Stitch Markers
  • Getting video messages from Riley about her crochet project! Riley joined one of our Patrons-only Zooms during the Splash Pad Party and that was a lot of fun!
  • Memorial Day weekend visits to my parents'.  Mom shared a cool tip on how to clean jewelry which I'll share on Instagram. Sunday after the pool, the 4 of us headed to Matt & Kris' to celebrate Matt's birthday and Carly's birthday. I gifted her the Carmen socks I'd just finished! She's a skiier so I'm hoping she enjoys them.
  • On Monday, a bunch of my cousins and their kids came! We got a fun photo of 9 kiddos together on my parents' swing! The kids swam and ate ice cream. I played bocce with Garret.
  Quote of the Week   In the beginning I was so young and such a stranger to myself I hardly existed. I had to go out into the world and see it and hear it and react to it, before I knew at all who I was, what I was, what I wanted to be.   –Mary Oliver   ------   Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information:  
Episode 254: Making, Wearing, Traveling, Sharing15 May 202300:37:33
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 254 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. https://www.downcellarstudio.com/254.    This week's segments included:  
  • Off the Needles
  • On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • From the Armchair
  • Crafty Adventures
  • Some Years Later
  • In my Travels
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Contest, News & Notes
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week
  Thanks to Riley, our special guest co-host this week!   Off the Needles   Winter Mint Socks
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Winter Mint Colorway (Yarnable December 2022)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the colorway: mint green with specks of gray and blue
  Riley recently finished a knitted tote from the Rheinpack Tote pattern available on Ravelry.     On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Mini Skein Hexagon Blanket
  • Pattern: Basic Crochet Hexagon Pattern & Tips from Make Do and Crew Website & YouTube Tutorial
  • Hook: F (3.75 mm)
  • Yarn: Mini skeins from 2022 agirlandherwool Advent Calendar, 24 Days of Cheer Swap minis + other scraps/swap yarn
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • I've been closing the end of each hexagon with this join- link to Instagram post
  • 4 rounds per hexagon.
  • 3.75 inches each. Likely need over 300
    • Twin sized blanket is 60x80 inches. 17x22 hexis- 374.
  • Learned double magic circle from this YouTube video. The trick is to know how to pull both loops to tighten the loop.
  • Bought 2 grab bags of minis from Legacy Fiber Artz and some yarn from Knit Picks with a gift card I got for my birthday. Minis from CT Sheep & Wool and Maryland S&W
  • Thanks Nicole (ndoyle) for the care package for Riley that included a Crumbl cookie cutter and minis for Riley to make more hexis out of. You can check out our Crumbl taste test in this video.
  Purple Spring Spin
  • Fiber: Fluffypuf #130 Hand Dyed Roving Batt Purple/Pink. 1.4 ounces. 50% BFL, 40% merino, 10% Tussah Silk.
  • 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.
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the Fluffypuf braid: contains purple (various shades), yellow, orange, gray, blue, pink
  • I purchased 4 oz of 100% Rambouillet from Kingdom Fleece & Fiberworks at CT Sheep & Wool. I split it in two. 2 oz already spun. I will plan to do a 3 ply
  Shock Star Hat
  • Yarn: Spun Right Round Squish DK in the Shock Star colorway
  • Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) & US 7 (4.5 mm)
  • Pattern: none
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the yarn: cream base with small bits of neons + black.
  • 92 sts. 2x2 rib with the US 5 needles. Switched to US 7 needles after the brim. Planning on a slouchy hat
  Silver Spoon Socks
  • Yarn: A Whimsical Wood Yarn Company Pixie Toes Socks in the Silver Spoon Up My A$$ colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the yarn: peaches and pinks with gray/taupe. At my gauge it is striping (~2 rounds per color). I purchased this yarn at Yarncentric event in Maryland.
  • Progress: Almost done with the first leg.
  Scrappy Helical Socks
  • Yarn: various fingering scraps
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • I tried to weave in ends as I went and I wasn't loving the look of it. My friend Nicki suggested Cate's Clasp Weft Join after starting new yarn. I thought of it but talked myself out of it, thinking it wouldn't work well. It totally does! Let me know if you'd like to see a tutorial on it.
  • Progress: just finished heel on second sock
  Ninja Turtle Socks
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Yarn: Qing Fibre Dashing Fingering Yarn in the Ninja Turtle Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Laura chose this yarn when we were shopping at Loop London in the Fall of 2022.
  • About the yarn: it is the brightest, most neon yellow/green
  • Progress: Turned second heel
  Riley is knitting on her Riley Rose Cowl (pattern by me, named for her) out of Goosey Fibers Yarn. You can get this pattern on Ravelry & LoveCrafts. She is also practicing working flat in double crochet using Knit Picks Brava yarn.   From the Armchair     Riley is re-reading The Summer I turned Pretty by Jenny Han. 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.   Crafty adventures
  • This weekend, I had my first go at needle felting. It was a lot of fun!
  Some Years Later   In My Travels   KAL News  
  • Splash Pad Party Registration opened May 1st. Sign up using this Google Form.
  • To confirm you're signed up, check the Stats/Registration Spreadsheet here.
  • The 8th Annual Splash Pad Party opens on Friday May 26th and runs through July 31st.
  • Virtual Events to open the Splash Pad will be Friday 5/26 & Saturday 5/27. Check out this link for details. All times are in Eastern Time.
  • Check out the Sponsor list here.
    Events     Contest, News & Notes   My new shawl pattern, the Mas Vida Shawl is coming soon!!  
  • Mas Vida is a simple sideways shawl that is written for 2 skeins of fingering weight yarn but can be knit up in any yarn you choose. There isn’t a single purl in the project, and the eyelets are easy to work. Many of you will only need to reference the pattern occasionally once you understand the basic increases and increase repeats.
  • I designed this to take along on a European vacation. I wanted something with a bit of interest, but that wouldn’t be too large, wouldn’t require too much brain space and that wouldn’t work up too quickly (as smaller travel projects tend to do). -
  • Note - This pattern has already been Tech Edited & Test Knit, so it should be smooth sailing!
  On a Happy Note
  • I went to see Irish comedian Tommy Tiernan with Megg, Tom & Matt.
  • Seeing my 11 year old niece perform in Matilda.
  • Zach’s 1st birthday dinner.
  • Riley got 2 awards in her last dance competition of the season!
  Quote of the Week Do not look back. And do not dream about the future, either...Your duty, your reward—your destiny—are here and now.   –DAG HAMMARSKJOLD   ------ Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information:  
Episode 253: Travel & Tasting30 Apr 202300:51:00
  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 253 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
  • In my Travels
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Contest, News & Notes
  • Life in Focus
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week
  Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • Zach’s 1st Birthday Teddy
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Brava in the Dove Heather, Silver, Mint, Tranquil and Marina colorways
  • Hooks: D (3.25 mm) for stuffed parts & H (5.0mm) for Granny Square
  • Pattern: Theo the Teddy Bear from book: Snuggle & Play Crochet: 40 Amigurumi Patterns for Lovey Security Blankets and Matching Toys by Carolina Guzman Benitez
  • Ravelry Project Page
  On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Winter Mint Socks
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Winter Mint Colorway (Yarnable December 2022)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the colorway: mint green with specks of gray and blue
  • Progress: Turned heel of first sock
  Zebra Stripes Socks
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Yarn: Patons Kroy in the Zebra Stripes Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the colorway:
  • Progress: Turned heel of first sock and knit several inches on the foot during our trip to Nantucket
  Musselburgh Hat  
  • Pattern: Musselburgh by Ysolda Teague ($7.77 US/ 6 GBP knitting pattern available on Ravelry or on Ysolda's website)
  • Yarn: YarnBaker Fingering in the Blazer Colorway & On The Round Nimble Sock (unsure of colorway)
  • Needles: US 2 (2.75) circular- 32 in (magic loop for beginning & end of project & US 2 (also called US 2.5) 3.0 mm 16-inch circular for the body of the hat
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Size: Adult Medium
  • Progress check- More than half way done. Added in second color
  Mini Skein Hexagon Blanket
  • Pattern: Basic Crochet Hexagon Pattern & Tips from Make Do and Crew Website & YouTube Tutorial
  • Hook: F (3.75 mm)
  • Yarn: Mini skeins from 2022 agirlandherwool Advent Calendar, 24 Days of Cheer Swap minis + other scraps/swap yarn
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • I've been closing the end of each hexagon with this join- link to Instagram post
  • 4 rounds per hexagon.
  • 3.75 inches each. Likely need over 300
    • Twin sized blanket is 60x80 inches. 17x22 hexis- 374.
  • Learned double magic circle from this YouTube video. The trick is to know how to pull both loops to tighten the loop.
  • 196 hexagons done by 4/25/23 (151 washed/ 45 unblocked) More than half way there if my goal is 374
  Children of Time Spinning
  • Fiber: Into the Whirled Cheviot (4 oz) in the Children of Time colorway
  • 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.
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the Fiber: purple, plum, tans, browns and blues
  • Progress: Finishing spinning all 4 oz
  Benjamin's Christmas Stocking   From the Armchair  
  1. The Villa by Rachel Hawkins. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link.
  2. Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link.
  3. I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link.
  4. "You Just Need to Lose Weight" and 19 Other Myths About Fat People by Aubrey Gordon. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link.
  I'm also excited for new book from Virginia Sole-Smith- Fat Talk: Parenting in the Age of Diet Culture.   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   Check out our 2 part Nantucket Vlog series on my YouTube Channel: Part 1 & Part 2     KAL News
  • Splash Pad Party Registration Opens May 1st. Sign up using this Google Form.
  • To confirm you're signed up, check the Stats/Registration Spreadsheet here.
  • The 8th Annual Splash Pad Party opens on Friday May 26th and runs through July 31st.
  Events   Contest, News & Notes
  • Thanks to test knitters testing my Mas Vidas shawl
  Life in Focus   I checked off two things on my 23 in 2023 list
  • #1- Read 23 Books- now at 24!
  • #23- Create a new music playlist. Riley’s. Plus CMA fest artists.
  On a Happy Note
  • Walking at the beach with Megg & Maria before Oisin's boat race. His team set the course record for the day!
  • Laura came in from NY that evening and joined us for Tom's birthday dinner.
  • On Sunday, I drove down to Orleans where Laura was house sitting to watch the Love is Blind "live" Re-union debacle on Netflix.
  • Training at the gym & the energy that comes with it!
  • Going w/ Riley and Mom to get our nails done before Nantucket. Riley took us for boba smoothies afterwards. We had a great time.
  • Riley was showing a friend a nail polish in TJ Maxx that looks like mine and it was the exact color of OPI I always get- Don't Bossa Nova Me Around- and she bought it for me. So sweet!
  • Nantucket! 4 day weekend was just the break I needed from work. The candy and cookie taste tests were a fun way to do something memorable without having to spend a ton of time or money.
  • Getting Mom to watch on Love is Blind
  • Watching The Sinner on Netflix with Dan.
  • Working on a slide show for my friend's son's Bar Mitzvah.
  Quote of the Week Writer and psychoanalyst Marion Milner on the work required to be happy:   "Let no one think it is an easy way because it is concerned with moments of happiness rather than with stern duty or high moral endeavour. For what is really easy, as I found, is to blind one’s eyes to what one really likes, to drift into accepting one's wants ready-made from other people, and to evade the continual day to day sifting of values."   Source: A Life of One's Own   ------   Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information:  
Episode 252: Socks, Chevrons & Gardens14 Apr 202300:39:28

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 252 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website.

 

This week’s segments included:

  • 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

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Winter Mint Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Winter Mint Colorway (Yarnable December 2022)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the colorway: mint green with specks of gray and blue
  • Progress: Leg of the 1st sock is complete

Solstice Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Solstice Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Progress- Finished 1st sock. Cast on second.

Ninja Turtle Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Yarn: Qing Fibre Dashing Fingering Yarn in the Ninja Turtle Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Laura chose this yarn when we were shopping at Loop London in the Fall of 2022.
  • About the yarn: it is the brightest, most neon yellow/green
  • Progress: Sock #1 done. 2nd one on the leg

Carmen Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Yarn: Gusto Wool Carmen Sock Weight Yarn (80/20 Merino/Nylon) in Colorway 1402
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the yarn: Half of the skein is navy blue the other half is a neon rainbow. At my gauge it is microstriping.

Purple Spring Spin

  • Fiber: Fluffypuf #130 Hand Dyed Roving Batt Purple/Pink. 1.4 ounces. 50% BFL, 40% merino, 10% Tussah Silk.
  • 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.
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the braid: contains purple (various shades), yellow, orange, gray, blue, pink
  • Ordered 4 ounces of a purple fiber that I plan to split in half and ply with this for a 3-ply.

Children of Time Spinning

  • Fiber: Into the Whirled Cheviot (4 oz) in the Children of Time colorway
  • 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.
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the Fiber: purple, plum, tans, browns and blues

Chevron Scrap Blanket

  • Pattern: Chevron Scrap Blanket by Maria’s Blue Crayon (free crochet pattern) available on Ravelry & the Maria’s Blue Crayon Website.
    • This pattern presumes you already know the c2c crochet technique.
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted in White & Tranquil (light green), Lion Brand Pound of Love in Pastel Pink and Loops & Threads Snuggly Wuggly Big! in colorway Soft Lilac
  • Hook: J (6.0 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page (I crocheted one of these in summer 2020- click here for that Ravelry Project Page)
  • For help learning the Corner to Corner Crochet method you could check out this free Ravelry Download from Lauri Bolland or this video tutorial from Lion Brand on YouTube.
  • Each section is 11 squares tall. Green, white, pink, white, purple, white.
  • Progress: 2 strips finished. 2 more started. I am going to run out of Knit Picks Brava White yarn.

I did finish a top down elongated triangular shawl that was a design idea. I think I like it, but waiting for it to come off the blocking mats for final decisions.

Brainstorming

I’m debating what to make for my nephew Zachary’s 1st birthday in May. This is a strong contender:
Baby Snuggler by Cheryl of Crochet 365 Knit Too. Crochet pattern available for $4.49 on Ravelry or free on the Crochet 365 Knit Too Website or ad-free from Cheryl’s website here.


From the Armchair

I talked in the last episode about  Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link.Thanks to Sarah, PAKnitWit who mentioned that some of the book tour might have been recorded. I found this video on YouTube.

  1. Foster by Claire Keegan. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link.
  2. This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link.
  3. Normal People by Sally Rooney. 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.

Some Years Later

Riley wore her Everyday Cables Cardigan to Easter this year. I knit this very bulky sweater for her for Christmas 2021 (From Dec 10-24th!). You can check out my Ravelry Project Page here.

Knitting in Passing

  • Eme sleepover We played Cube Escape Collection. We played The Mill which is like an electronic version of an escape game where you have to go around the room to find clues and figure out how to solve a puzzle. Grandmother knit her own hair (which we had to spin on a castle style spinning wheel) to make a pot holder so we could get hot duck out of oven.
  • We messaged with Z, Emelyn’s former roommate, and sending videos to try to help with their ssk issues.
  • I had so much fun teaching Eme to crochet. I bought them some hooks and yarn to keep going.

KAL News

  • Splash Pad Party starts on Friday May 26th.
  • Save the date for our virtual kick off events on Friday & Saturday May 26-27th. More details to come.
  • Call for Sponsors went out. You can find information on my website.

Events

Life in Focus

  • While it’s been difficult, I’m really enjoying taking small group workout classes at a new to me gym nearby.

On a Happy Note

  • Hiking with Megg and alone.
  • Seeing The Secret Garden musical at The Company Theatre.
  • Eme & Kris’ birthday dinner.
  • Watching Love is Blind on Netflix and talking about it with Laura. It’s such a fun way to connect w/ a friend.
  • Easter at my parents’ house.
  • Warmer, longer days.
  • My houseplants. I’ve recently divided up some more of my plants. Getting ready to fertilize them. They are bringing me so much joy, and having kept them alive (many for well over a year now), I’m getting confidence to try a few new plants. Maybe soon!

Quote of the Week“

The events of your past are fixed. The meaning of your past is not. The influence of every experience in your life is determined by the meaning you assign to it. Assign a more useful meaning to your past and it becomes easier to take a more useful action in the present.”

-James Clear-

—-Thank you for tuning in!
Contact Information:

Episode 278: Game ON!31 May 202400:46:21
  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 278 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
  • In my Travels
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Life in Focus
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week
  Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Stitched by Jessalu   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   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)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the yarn: this self striping colorway is a bright rainbow colorway that's meant to mimic the logo for our FearLESS Living Fund
  • Meters for Stash Dash: 290.4 meters
  Raven Socks
  • Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn in the Raven Colorway from the Yarnable Box.
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the Yarn: Speckled colorway with a cream base. Green, gray/black and hot pink colors speckled in.
  • Meters for Stash Dash: 256 meters
  Beer Hat
  • Pattern: Beer Stein Hat by Lindsay Hoffman (free crochet hat available on this blog)
  • Yarn: Lion Brand Homespun Yarn- Hepplewhite & Red Heart Super Saver- Gold
  • Hook: G: 4.25 mm (started with an H but thought the gauge was too large.
  • Other Materials: 3 Pipe Cleaners
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Dan's friend Chris' wife asked for this for her husband (he excitedly agreed). He's a brewer and manager at one of our local breweries, Vitamin Sea, so maybe he'll sport it to work.
  • Meters for Stash Dash: 120.7
  Total for Stash Dash meters for this episode: 667.1 meters   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Vera'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: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Red, Everglade Heather and White
  • Hook: F (3.75 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  Riley's 16th Birthday Flower Top   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 there's a new one coming in the Fall.
    • Blanket Pre-Orders for the Murder She Knit club are available now! Please consider using my Affiliate Link.
    • The patterns for this kit will be the Northeasterly Blanket by Melissa Alexander-Loomis (knit version) and the Northeasterly blanket by Katy Stevens (crochet version). 
  • Progress: I finished 5 (of 9) my May squares.
  Static Musselburgh
  • Pattern: Musselburgh Hat by Ysolda Teague (7 GBP Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry & on Ysolda's website)
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Static Fingering Weight Yarn in the Peppercorn colorway
  • Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm) & US 2.5 (3.0 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  My Little Unicorn Socks
  • Yarn: Andre Sue Knits Sock Blank in the My Little Unicorn colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Gray background with white and pink unicorns that look like My Little Pony. My inner 80's child loved this one.
  • Progress: Started in July of 2023. Past the cuff of the second sock when I picked them up. I knit the leg and heel over Memorial Day Weekend 2024.
  Trish's New Orleans Socks
  • Yarn- Cat Tails Yarn in the Chartreux Base (75% Superwash Merino, 15% Nylon, 10% Silver Stellina) in the Christmas Bonfires Colorway (part of the Down in New Orleans Collection)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Trish purchased in New Orleans in 2024 (exclusive colorway for the Quarter Stitch). $34.
  • Progress: at the heel of the first sock
  Julia's Cozy Clusters Blanket
  • Pattern: Cozy Clusters Baby Blanket by Leelee Knits (free & paid options available on the LeeLeeKnits website)
  • Yarn: Caron Cinnamon Swirl Cakes in the Hibiscus Colorway (purchased 3). 1 skein of Loops & Threads Impeccable in Orange for the border)
  • Hooks: H (5.0 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • I initially bought 2 skeins based on the size of a similar blanket I made with this pattern, but after coming to the end of the first skein I knew it wouldn't be large enough. I probably should have/could have used an I hook.
  • 2 row repeat that is easy to memorize. Almost done with the 3rd skein. Plan to finish the first week of June.
  Brainstorming Took a chair off the side of the road- the arms are ripped at the front but the rest looks great, so I am going to crochet covers for the arms!   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 Aila and I drove out to Great Barrington for Eme's Associate Degree graduation ceremony. We enjoyed dinner at Steam and an ice cream afterwards. In taking Eme to pick up their pottery pieces for the year to bring home, I got to see and hear all about it! At the graduation ceremony the next day, I was chatting for awhile only to look up when asked what I was knitting to see Crispina French, who I know from her vending at Rhinebeck! Talk about a small world!   KAL News   Events   Know of an event I should spread the word about? Let me know!   Life in Focus I give a quick update on my word of the year HEART, which I've been seeing hearts in/on the trees lately! I share a quick goals update and a health update about my parents.   On a Happy Note
  • Dan and I celebrated our 20th Anniversary on May 22nd- the 143rd day of the year (which happened in 2024 only because its a Leap Year- usually Day 143 is May 23rd).
  • Friday of Memorial Day Weekend we went out for dinner (to use up a gift card- which we still had $1 left on when we left) and to a friends' house for a fire.
  • Saturday & Sunday pool days
    • My niece Riley got her learner's permit and drove us home from the grocery store!
    • Teddy and the snorkel (so cute)
    • Baby Vera's first swim
  • The long weekend allowed me the extra day off to clean out our pantry and my closet. I switched out my winter clothes for summer ones, took donations to Savers and did shopping and meal prep for the week. It felt great.
  • Deer and turtles abound!
  Quote of the Week Writer and designer Edith Wharton, the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize, on what causes old age: "The producer of old age is habit: the deathly process of doing the same thing in the same way at the same hour day after day, first from carelessness, then from inclination, at last from cowardice or inertia. Habit is necessary; but it is the habit of having careless habits, of turning a trail into a rut, that must be incessantly fought against if one is to remain alive... one can remain alive long past the usual date of disintegration if one is unafraid of change, insatiable in intellectual curiosity, interested in big things, and happy in small ways." Source: A Backward Glance (lightly edited for clarity)   Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information:          
Episode 251: Spinning 'round31 Mar 202300:52:47
  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 251 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
  • Knitting in Passing
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Contest, News & Notes
  • Life in Focus
  • Ask Me Anything
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week
  Shout out to Ultimate Insider Patrons: Aggie, Alexis, Alicia, Beth, Erica, Haidi, Kristina, Rachel, Rachel and Steph   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Grammy's 2nd Jean Marie Shawl
  • Pattern: Jean Marie by Jennifer Lassonde ($6 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & LoveCrafts).
  • Needles: US 9 (5.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Plymouth Yarn DK Merino Superwash in Black, Light Gray and White (2 skeins each)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  Own Two Feet Socks
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Yarn: Cloudborn Fibers Merino Superwash Sock Twist Tiny Stripe in the Own Two Feet Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • 56 stitches. Cuff Down.
  • About the yarn: 2 round stripes of plum, lavender, brown and gray
  On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Musselburgh Hat  
  • Pattern: Musselburgh by Ysolda Teague ($7.77 US/ 6 GBP knitting pattern available on Ravelry or on Ysolda's website)
  • Yarn: fingering weight yarn from stash in a denim blue (can't find the ballband)
  • Needles: US 2 (2.75) circular- 32 in (magic loop for beginning & end of project & US 2 (also called US 2.5) 3.0 mm 16-inch circular for the body of the hat
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Size: Adult Medium
  • Plan: Switch colors half way through. I have a lighter blue skein from On the Round that I purchased at Wicked Good Yarns in Rockland, MA that I want to use to make it a reversible hat.
  Ninja Turtle Socks
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Yarn: Qing Fibre Dashing Fingering Yarn in the Ninja Turtle Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • 56 stitches. Cuff Down.
  • Laura chose this yarn when we were shopping at Loop London in the Fall of 2022.
  • About the yarn: it is the brightest, most neon yellow/green.
  • Progress: Sock #1 is most of the way through the foot.
  Carmen Socks
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Yarn: Gusto Wool Carmen Sock Weight Yarn (80/20 Merino/Nylon) in Colorway 1402
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  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.
  • I bought a new poly drive band for my Kromski Minstrel from Spinning Bunny on Etsy that I heard about on a Kromski Spinning Wheel Owners message board on Ravelry.
  • Finished spinning all 4 ounces. I would like to ply with other gray fiber.
  Wild Air Farm Fiber
  • Fiber: 3.9 ounces of Shetland & Pygora from Wild Air Farm. Tag indicates "Melody & Cadence" which I presume are the animal names. 1 bump in green, 1 bump in blue
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • 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.
  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
  • I finally got around to hanging up items to create a collage wall in the Down Cellar Studio.
  Knitting in Passing
  • While knitting on my Musselburgh Hat at Oisin's show, the women behind me asked me at Intermission what I was making because she's a "big knitter." I explained about the hat and what a sensation the pattern was. It was nice chatting with her.
  KAL News  
  • The Annual Splash Pad Party is ON for this summer. Save the dates for virtual kick off events Friday & Saturday May 26-27th
  • Call for sponsors going out soon. Sign up for my email newsletter & check the box for getting Sponsor emails if you want to be the first to know about available sponsor spots. 
  • Participant sign-ups will start in May.
  Events   Contest, News & Notes
  • I will have a new shawl pattern ready for test knitters soon. I think I will run the test on Ravelry because it's what I know and is easiest and life is still a little challenging for me right now, so thank you for giving me a little grace.
  Life in Focus   Tune in for my update on 23 in 2023.
  • Any tips for brands/types of fake eyelashes to try?
  • Skiing didn't happen this year. Sigh.
  • I'm making good progress of reading, going to musicals, sending cards and going to the movies!
  I celebrated the 11 year anniversary of the Podcast with a quick look back at Episode 1!     On a Happy Note
  • Follow-up after Mom's recent scans show things look good. She & Dad headed off to Florida for vacation.
  • Dan & I helped Dad replace their broken TV and we had a nice dinner together.
  • My cousin Susan's annual St. Patrick's Day Party with birthday cake for my cousin Christopher whose baby I met for the first time that day and a Bailey's toast to my dear Aunt Florence.
  • Picked up Riley and Millie to go meet Mom & Trish for mani pedis before Mom & Dad headed to Florida on Vacation.
  • Seeing Oisin play Shrek in Shrek Jr. at his Middle School.
  • Girls Game Night at my cousin Joanie's house
  • Going back to Zumba before my old gym closes.
  • I had my annual mammogram and thought there was cause for concern but ultrasound proved everything is normal! PSA: Get those boobies checked!! It's important.
  Quote of the Week   I realized I was as happy as I’d ever been in my life. It was the happiness of the right-before, when everything is potential and no branch on the tree of possibility has yet been closed off by action. –Dawn Drzal   Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information:  
Episode 250: Cake & Ice Cream14 Mar 202300:41:40
    Thank you for tuning in to Episode 250 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 Bobbin
  • On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • Brainstorming
  • From the Armchair
  • Crafty Adventures
  • Knitting in Passing
  • In my Travels
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week
  Thank you to this episode's sponsor: The Yarn Sellar and be sure to check out their annual Fiber Marketplace Saturday April 1 2023, 10-3 pm  at the Union Bluff in York Beach,Maine.   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Hattie's Ice Cream
  • Pattern: Ice Cream Cone by Shannon Holding. Free Crochet Pattern available on the LoopholeFox website & on Ravelry
  • Hook: C (2.75)
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Brava in Cotton Candy (pink), Blush (pink), White. Loops & Threads Impeccable in Soft Taupe (cone)
  • 2 scoops of ice cream (instructions include option for 3 scoops).
  • 1st scoop is pink, 2nd scoop is white. Pink and purple sprinkles
  • Ravelry Project Page
  Hattie's Cupcake
  • Pattern: Cupcake by Stitch11. Free crochet pattern available on this website & on Ravelry.
  • Hook: C (2.75)
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Brava in White. Loops & Threads Impeccable in Soft Taupe (cake), Big Twist Twinkle in Gray (wrapper)
  • Silver sparkle yarn for cupcake wrapper, taupe for cupcake, white frosting with pink and purple sprinkles to match ice cream.
  • Ravelry Project Page
  On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Mini Skein Hexagon Blanket
  • Pattern: Basic Crochet Hexagon Pattern & Tips from Make Do and Crew Website & YouTube Tutorial
  • Hook: F (3.75 mm)
  • Yarn: Mini skeins from 2022 agirlandherwool Advent Calendar, 24 Days of Cheer Swap minis + other scraps/swap yarn
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • I've been closing the end of each hexagon with this join- link to Instagram post
  • 4 rounds per hexagon.
  • 3.75 inches each. Likely need over 300
    • Twin sized blanket is 60x80 inches. 17x22 hexis- 374.
  • Over 160 full hexagons done now.
  • I washed all of my finished hexis (that already had ends woven in), in the washing machine on delicate inside a lingerie bag. The lingerie bag is important because with small pieces, you can lose pieces into your machine and cause problems.
  • Results:
    • 5 of them came apart at the join on the final round.
    • No bleeding or fading.
    • No shrinking.
    • I'm glad I did this so I could get the bad ones out of the mix before I seam them.
  • Learned double magic circle from this YouTube video. The trick is to know how to pull both loops to tighten the loop.
  Ninja Turtle Socks
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Yarn: Qing Fibre Dashing Fingering Yarn in the Ninja Turtle Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • 56 stitches. Cuff Down.
  • About the yarn: it is the brightest, most neon yellow/green. Laura chose this yarn when we were shopping at Loop London in the Fall of 2022.
  • Progress: Sock #1 is beyond the heel.
  Own Two Feet Socks
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Yarn: Cloudborn Fibers Merino Superwash Sock Twist Tiny Stripe in the Own Two Feet Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • 56 stitches. Cuff Down.
  • About the yarn: 2 round stripes of plum, lavender, brown and gray
  • Progress: Just finished the heel of the second sock.
  Benjamin's Christmas Stocking   Grammy's 2nd Jean Marie Shawl
  • Pattern: Jean Marie by Jennifer Lassonde ($6 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & LoveCrafts).
  • Needles: US 9 (5.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Plymouth Yarn DK Merino Superwash in Black, Light Gray and White (2 skeins each)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Just finished Section 2 of 3.
  Brainstorming   I charted out elongated shawl design idea which feels really good.   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
  • I finished my January-June Covid Photo Book/Scrapbook that I made in Shutterfly and ordered it!
  • I started working on second half of the year. I have notes about each day of the year that I'm mostly copying/pasting into Shutterfly and adding photos from Google Photos which makes it easier. So grateful I journaled during 2020 as it will likely end up being one of the wildest year of our lives.
  Knitting in Passing   In My Travels
  • Mom, Millie & I went to Russell's Garden Center for Farm Fiber Days Event.
  • Blue Heron Farm set-up table for people to learn Needle Felting. Millie made a butterfly and then a bunny. We purchased a needle felting kit from them. Later Mom found cookie cutters.
  • Millie got lots of snuggle time with 2 French Angora Rabbits that she wants to convince her dad to adopt. Thank you, Jessica.
  • I purchased two batts of Shetland from Wild Air Farm in Bolton, MA.
  • I also chose 3 minis from Sassy Black Yarns.
  • Millie chose a skein of Making Tracks from Junction Fiber Mill
    • Our marled variegated 2 ply yarn. Hand-dyed in small limited-edition batches. Made with 100% American wool.
  KAL News
  • I emailed all Grand Prize Winners and the sponsors who donated their prizes. Check your email if you haven't already.
  • Splash Pad preliminary prep underway
  Events   On a Happy Note
  • Getting more minis from Nicole in the mail!
  • Met up with my friend Gary from college for coffee while he was in Boston.
  • Hattie's first ever birthday sleepover for her 5th Birthday. I picked her up and then we picked up Millie, at Hattie's request. We had a low key night at home, and went to the Children's Museum the next morning. Hattie was overtired, so we drove her home and then Millie and I met up with my parents to head back into Boston for Riley's dance competition. Mom, Dad, Jeff, Millie, Garret and I all went to an early dinner between her performances.
  • Monday night at a local Irish pub listening to live music for Megg's birthday.
  • Last Saturday, Megg dropped off Oisín to work with Dan, and we all had breakfast before Megg and I went off for a hike. We got back to the car just as the rain started.
  • Millie's Bucket List with a Twist item was to ride horses with Grammy in the snow. It nearly snowed on Saturday May 11, but it was too warm. Thankfully, the rain stopped while we were inside the barn at Nancy & Roger's house, meeting the animals. Our friend Terri is friends with Nancy and Roger who kindly and enthusiastically agreed to help make Millie check off her bucket list item. We met all of the animals, most of whom were rescued. They have a very silly goat, some miniature horses (Goliath, Delilah & Princess Buttercup), 2 Gypsy Vanners (Zoe & her mother Dulcie) and another large horse, Scooter. Mom and I each rode Zoe and Millie rode Dulcie.
  • Garret's 13th birthday sleepover. We went to Altitude to jump on the trampolines, to Panera for dinner and then he taught me how to edit videos using the CapCut app.
  Quote of the Week   In our concern for others, we worry less about ourselves. When we worry less about ourselves an experience of our own suffering is less intense.   –DALAI LAMA   ------ Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information:  
Episode 249: Winners28 Feb 202300:56:10

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 249 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes and 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
  • Knitting in Passing
  • In my Travels
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Contest, News & Notes
  • Ask Me Anything
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: The Yarn Sellar

The Yarn Sellar is hosting the annual Fiber Marketplace Saturday April 1 2023, from 10-3 pm at the Union Bluff in York Beach Maine. Local vendors will be selling hand dyed yarns, roving, buttons, bags, and  notions. $5 gets you in the door, a 15% off coupon to The Yarn Sellar and a chance to win prizes. Grab your fiber friends and make it a fun filled weekend! Make room reservation by calling 207-363-1333 and visit www.Yarnsellar.com for details.

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Cloudy Rainbow Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Yarn: Yarn Cafe Creations Biscotti Yarn (85% SW Merino/15% Nylon 4 ply) in the Thestrals Colorway (gray with blips of rainbow colors
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Cast on 60 stitches and worked 1/1 rib for 14 rounds. Knit about 2 inches and then reduced to 56 stitches (decreases like a toe- done at the beginning and end of each half of the sock).
  • The leg is 10.25 inches before the heel flap.
  • My friend Jen from JLsCreativeShop on Etsy sent me new, laser cut bamboo stitch markers that I started using with this project! They each have a knitting related thing on them. Lightweight, easy to take on and off. $14.99 for set of 5. Get 10% off her shop with code BOSTONJEN.
On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Mini Skein Hexagon Blanket

  • Pattern: Basic Crochet Hexagon Pattern & Tips from Make Do and Crew Website & YouTube Tutorial
  • Hook: F (3.75 mm)
  • Yarn: Mini skeins from 2022 agirlandherwool Advent Calendar, 24 Days of Cheer Swap minis + other scraps/swap yarn
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • I’ve been closing the end of each hexagon with this join- link to Instagram post
  • 4 rounds per hexagon. 142 hexagons done as of now. 5 half hexagons. 3 pointy ones.
  • 3.75 inches each. Likely need over 300
    • Twin sized blanket is 60×80 inches. 17×22 hexis- 374.
  • Natalie, Knitty Natty, shared on Instagram that she had an issue with centers of her granny squares opening up in the wash. I’ve had issues with this too. My plan for this blanket is to wash all of the hexagons first before seaming together to try to weed out anything that’s not secure. I’ve also thought of a new idea for knotting mine closed because I’m holding yarn double. I’ll share a video for that soon!

Ninja Turtle Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Yarn: Qing Fibre Dashing Fingering Yarn in the Ninja Turtle Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • 56 stitches. Cuff Down.
  • Laura chose this yarn when we were shopping at Loop London in the Fall of 2022.
  • About the yarn: it is the brightest, most neon yellow/green.
  • Progress: I’m maybe an inch past the first cuff.

Own Two Feet Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Yarn: Cloudborn Fibers Merino Superwash Sock Twist Tiny Stripe in the Own Two Feet Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • 56 stitches. Cuff Down.
  • About the yarn: 2 round stripes of plum, lavender, brown and gray
  • Progress: I’ve turned the first heel.

Benjamin’s Christmas Stocking

From the Armchair

Movies

Books

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
  • Riley finished the Reinpack Bag (free Ravelry Download she was knitting for my Mom, her grandmother. We bought yarn at Staci’s Stitches. The yarn is a super bulky t-shirt yarn from Hoooked Zpaghetti. She did most of the bag in a white with black polka dots and then black towards the bottom. The black yarn was definitely thinner, which wasn’t ideal but as long as Mom doesn’t use it to store small buttons or screws, it should be just fine.
  • I gave Riley a very brief kitchener stitch overview and she flew through the rest of it to close up this bag. I’m so proud of her.
In My Travels
  • I visited with Laura in Orleans over the last two weekends. We went to a movie theater to see A Man Called Otto.
  • We browsed Provincetown, which is a bit sleepy in the offseason. We had fun browsing a few shops.
  • We did a taste test of 3 peanut butter cups. Of the three milk chocolate peanut butter cups, Hilliard’s Candy was our favorite followed by The Providence Fudge Factory and then Hot Chocolate Sparrow. 
  • I taught Laura how to make homemade stovetop popcorn and that nearly turned into a disaster when we thought we ruined the bottom of a Les Creuset but were able to clean/remove the stain with vinegar and baking soda.
  • We also visited the Antique Center & Cape Abilities Thrift Store in Yarmouth, MA.
  • I made a quick trip to Adventures in Knitting in Harwich on Saturday. I bought 2 skeins of yarn and a set of Addi sock needles.
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
    • Tune in to hear if you’re one of our 10 Grand Prize Winners

Pigskin ’22 Wrap-up & Highlights.

  • 1030 on Roster this Season
    • 189 people earned 1-25 entries
    • 45 people earned 26-50 entries
    • 17 people got between 51-100 entries
    • 7 of you earned more than 100 entries or more entries towards grand prizes.
  • 4,143 entries for Finished Projects
  • 693 entries for non-project points
  • 2,578 posts on Instagram using #DCSPigskinParty22
  • Special Challenges & Bonuses
    • Talkgate Talk
    • Fistbumps and Fives
    • Creepy WIP challenge
    • Night Bright challenge
    • Gratitude WIP Bonus
    • Spread the Warmth challenge
    • Plus 4 Interceptions!
  • Our Teams were Part of 3 Conferences this year- Alpaca Conference (Commissioner: Alicia) & Llama Conference (Commissioner: Emily) & Sheep Conference(Commissioner: Heather)
    • Llama Conference won for the 2nd year in a row with over 211k points
    • Sheep took second this year with over 188k points
    • Alpaca Conference had a strong showing with over 161k points
  • Highest scoring Team was also in the Llama conference- Team 10 Wildcard WIPers with 67,452 points
    • 2nd Place goes to: Team 7- Garter Guards- 62,789 points
    • In 3rd Place from the Sheep Conference is: Team 12 Sprinting Steekers- 58,213
  • Top Players
    • Julia Wagner, Team 11: 22,514 points
    • KathyG, Team 12: 19, 868 points
    • EyeNowHour, Team 3: 19,732 points
    • Kathleen_Ducharme, Team 7: 19,094
Events Contest, News & Notes
  • If you check out JLsCreativeShop on Etsy & would like to purchase laser cut bamboo stitch markers or other items- you can use coupon code BOSTONJEN for 10% off.
    • The progress keeper I shared is a set of 5 for $14.99.
  • Conshy Connects Resale Therapy Live Sale on Thursday 3/2 at 7p Eastern on Facebook. Proceeds to benefit the FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada. Check out this YouTube Video where Mom & I talk more about this event and the Blind Center.
Ask Me Anything

Tune in to hear my answers to these questions

  • Aggie asked: “How are you doing?”
  • Cher asked: “Project progress please”
  • Brittany asked: “When you went to overseas I saw you had a tiny bag attached to your cross body bag for your knitting.”
  • Frances asked: “all about those hexies”
On a Happy Note
  • Mom’s friend Vikki came for a visit. Dan and I met Mom, Trish and Vikki for dinner and then they came back to our house for a drink.
  • I shared about Mom’s Bucket List with a Twist. Riley’s item was a massive girls party/sleepover. She had an ice cream bar and a popcorn bar, lots of food and other desserts. We played silly games and had a blast!
  • Dan & I bought a new washer and dryer to replace our broken one; Dan was so excited to try it out he did a ton of laundry including our sheets, which is my least favorite thing to do!
  • Mom successfully completed her last 3-day set of chemotherapy! Her record for keeping nausea and vomiting at bay stands! We are very excited about that. I got to visit with my cousins Susan and Joanie who drove Mom in on the second and third days because my dad had vertigo.
  • 90 minute massage, which was even better in the midst of a very busy work week.
  • My time with Laura down in Orleans. Lots of talking, movies, & shopping.
Quote of the Week

Any self-prompt that reminds you to focus on flow not ebb, contributes to your greater sense of abundance. – Sarah Breathnach


Contact Information:

Episode 248: Birthday Month15 Feb 202300:41:33
  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 248 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full Show Notes with links and 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
  • Crafty Adventures
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week
  Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Cascade Heritage Socks
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Yarn: Cascade Heritage Prints in Colorway 111 Aqua
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • I finished these before the last episode, but I didn't talk about the colorwork I did before each toe. One sock says "just" and the other says "breathe."
  Mom's Jean Marie Shawl
  • Pattern: Jean Marie by Jennifer Lassonde ($6 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & LoveCrafts).
  • Needles: US 9 (5.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Section 1: Dirty Water Dyeworks Lillian in Sea Breeze with Knit PIcks Capretta in Colorway 27636. Section 2: Dirty Water Dyeworks Lillian in Mediterranean & Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in Clair de Lune. Section 3: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in Clair de Lune with Art by Ewe Signature Yarn in the Sapphire Colorway (70% Baby Alpaca/ 30% Silk). Bind Off: Art by Ewe Signature Yarn in the Sapphire Colorway with a 20g mini of a teal fingering weight yarn (no ball band).
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Held fingering yarn doubled and went up a needle size from what pattern calls for. Result is a slightly larger size than the original which was exactly what I wanted.
  • Cast on February 1. Finished on February 7. Blocked it, dry in time for Mom's birthday on the 9th.
    On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Grammy's 2nd Jean Marie Shawl
  • Pattern: Jean Marie by Jennifer Lassonde ($6 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & LoveCrafts).
  • Needles: US 9 (5.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Plymouth Yarn DK Merino Superwash in Black, Light Gray and White (2 skeins each)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Nearly done with Section 1.
  Mini Skein Hexagon Blanket
  • Pattern: Basic Crochet Hexagon Pattern & Tips from Make Do and Crew Website & YouTube Tutorial
  • Hook: F (3.75 mm)
  • Yarn: Mini skeins from 2022 agirlandherwool Advent Calendar, 24 Days of Cheer Swap minis + other scraps/swap yarn
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Check out this Instagram post that talks about the join I've been using for the end of each hex
  • 4 rounds per hexagon
  • 62 hexagons done as of now
  Cloudy Rainbow Socks
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Yarn: Yarn Cafe Creations Biscotti Yarn (85% SW Merino/15% Nylon 4 ply) in the Thestrals Colorway (gray with blips of rainbow colors
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Cast on 60 stitches and worked 1/1 rib for 14 rounds. Knit about 2 inches and then reduced to 56 stitches (decreases like a toe- done at the beginning and end of each half of the sock).
  • I am working on the 2 of them in tandem. Each on their own magic loop.
  Brainstorming   No-Purl Ribbed Blanket by Purl Soho. Click here for the Ravelry Pattern or here for the Purl Soho website. I heard about this on the Knit Ink Podcast/YouTube Channel hosted by Natasha and her mother Petra.   I've been very tempted by the Leah Cowl by Susy Knotsosquare. Granny Stripe Crochet cowl with triangle point on front. Calls for DK weight yarn.  Crochet pattern available for a little more than $5 US. Check it out on Ravelry or Etsy. You can also check out her Padme Cowl which is similar but different. Details available on Susy's website.     Generally just thinking about how when a project doesn't have an imminent deadline, I'm far less motivated to pick it up. "What's the point?" is often what comes to mind. It's an interesting thing to consider because the very same project, given a due-date will often excite me to pick up. Does this happen to you?   From the Armchair   Movies     Books   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
  • I worked with Millie on handmade Valentine cards for her classmates and teachers.
  • Millie also made a cute Flamingo from a Plush Craft kit we purchased at Michael's. Here's an affiliate link to a similar one available on Amazon.
  • I finished most of the border for the sheep punch needle project that I haven't picked up in more than a year.
  Punch Needle   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
    • Tune in to hear if you won a January participation prize
    • January Interception: Self Care Bingo by Fitness by Mara. Winner announced!
  Events On a Happy Note
  • Lunch with the girls, sundaes and popcorn and Tar at Mom's.
  • Mom completed another 3 day round of chemo. We got good news that her January scans show the cancer remains the same. No new growth!
  • My friend Laura came to visit for the weekend. We spent Friday night at my parents' hanging out and watching movies. We briefly lost power but it came back; cable did not, so thankfully we still had some more screener DVDs. Saturday, we hit some secondhand stores before going back over to Mom's for dinner with my parents, my brother and nieces Riley and Millie. The next day we visited Dan's friend Perry who was recently hospitalized and then to see his youngest brother Dave & our niece Gabriella and nephew Zachary.
  • Mom & I each got a haircut (real hair for me, wig for Mom).
  • On Thursday 2/9, we had dinner at Maggiano's for Mom & Hattie's birthdays before going to see Hamilton at the Boston Opera House.
  • Millie came for her 11th Birthday Sleepover (even though her birthday isn't until 2/20). She wanted to record some videos to share, so look for that on the Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel soon.
  Quote of the Week   If you have a good idea, use it so that you will not only accomplish something, but so that you can make room for new ones to flow into you. -Deng Ming-Dao   ------ Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information:  
Episode 247: Socks & Scraps31 Jan 202300:48:47
  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 247 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. For Full Show Notes including photos please click here to visit my website.   This week's segments included:  
  • Off the Needles
  • On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • Brainstorming
  • From the Armchair
  • Some Years Later
  • Knitting in Passing
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Contest, News & Notes
  • Life in Focus
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week
  Off the Needles   Cascade Heritage Socks
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Yarn: Cascade Heritage Prints in Colorway 111 Aqua
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Contrast heel- mini skein in a beautiful solid teal. I did a little colorwork on the foot that I'll share more later.
  On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Mini Skein Hexagon Blanket
  • Pattern: Basic Crochet Hexagon Pattern & Tips from Make Do and Crew Website & YouTube Tutorial
  • Hook: F (3.75 mm)
  • Yarn: Mini skeins from 2022 agirlandherwool Advent Calendar, 24 Days of Cheer Swap minis + other scraps/swap yarn
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • 4 rounds per hexagon
  • 51+ hexagons done now. All ends woven in!
  Chevron Scrap Blanket
  • Pattern: Chevron Scrap Blanket by Maria's Blue Crayon (free crochet pattern) available on Ravelry & the Maria's Blue Crayon Website.
    • This pattern presumes you already know the c2c crochet technique.
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted in White & Tranquil (light green), Lion Brand Pound of Love in Pastel Pink and Loops & Threads Snuggly Wuggly Big! in colorway Soft Lilac
  • Hook: J (6.0 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page (I crocheted one of these in summer 2020- click here for that Ravelry Project Page)
  • For help learning the Corner to Corner Crochet method you could check out this free Ravelry Download from Lauri Bolland or this video tutorial from Lion Brand on YouTube.
  • 1st Strip is finished progress. 11 squares wide. Each section is 11 squares tall. Green, white, pink, white, purple, white.
  • Some of this is spirit yarn from my friend Kim's SIL's stash that I received after she passed away (purple). I'm not sure where the pink yarn came from, but it might have been my Nana's stash. It feels great to put it to good use.
    Musselburgh Hat
  • Pattern: Musselburgh by Ysolda Teague ($7.77 US/ 6 GBP knitting pattern available on Ravelry or on Ysolda's website)
  • Yarn: fingering weight yarn from stash in a denim blue (can't find the ballband)
  • Needles: US 2 (2.75) circular- 32 in (magic loop for beginning & end of project & US 2 (also called US 2.5) 3.0 mm 16-inch circular for the body of the hat
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Size: Adult Medium
  • I found that I liked working this hat in the round. Purchased Addi Rocket Lace Turbo 16 inch needles in US 2 (but it turns out its technically a US 2.5 or a 3.0 mm needle- not a 2.75 mm needle like I use for the cast on). The difference isn't all that noticeable but it was a little frustrating. 
  • Progress check- I have finished the increases and have knit about 4 inches.
  • Plan: Switch colors half way through. I have a lighter blue skein from On the Round that I purchased at Wicked Good Yarns in Rockland, MA that I want to use to make it a reversible hat.
    Solstice Socks
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Solstice colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Progress- turned heel on first sock. Cast on the second sock.
  Brainstorming   My Grandmother called to ask me to knit her another Jean Marie Shawl (named for her). You can find this knitting pattern for $6 on Ravelry & LoveCrafts.   Here's the story:
  • My grandmother called me in mid-January 2023 saying she needed to place an order. I thought she wanted something from Amazon.
  • She told me very time she wears her Jean Marie Shawl to dinner at her residence she gets tons of compliments. All of her friends love it. Its the right size and it just stays in place perfectly.
  • I published this pattern in 2018 to suit the request that she have a slightly bigger shawl that would stay in place. Half hexagon shape is perfect for this. It is knit in 3 sections, originally done in sport/dk natural yarns from Ross Farm in browns/tans. For this one, she wants white/black to wear with different outfits.
    From the Armchair Books Movies     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   Wearing lately:
  • Felicity Hat: Aran weight slouchy hat knit in Duck Duck Wool. Ravelry Project Page.
  • Sagamore Flyover Slouch Hat: chunky weight hat. Ravelry Project Page. Yarn: Sugarbush Dawson in Colorway- Wild Willow, a great mustard color. 50/50 llama/wool blend
  Knitting in Passing  
  • Sunday night hang. Taught megg single and hdc. Knit a little with Hattie while Dan untangled Hattie’s yarn again. Untangled same ball in Ireland. She’d been using it to create a laser course.
  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
    • January Self Care Interception: hosted by Fitness by Mara. Get your Bingo Card PDF Here or the JPG here. Find all of the details in this Google Doc or in this Ravelry Thread.
    • Spread the Warmth Challenge; runs through the end of the Pigskin Party. Get details in this Google doc or this Ravelry Thread.
    • Pigskin Ends on Monday February 13, 2023. Get those projects entered. Don't wait until the last day to get everything entered on the Google Form!
  Events   Fiberuary Challenge on Instagram hosted by CreativeCeci   Contest, News & Notes
  • My college roommate and friend Jen opened an Etsy Shop called JLSCreative Shop. Check it out
  • Mom & I recorded an update video that went up on the Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel in the Just Breathe Playlist. You can find that video here. Right now, scans show things are going well and the combination of chemo and gene therapy is keeping the cancer at bay.
  Life in Focus   23 for 2023 List
  1. Read 23 books
  2. Try at least one pair of fake eyelashes
  3. Print and hang at least 1 of our new family photos
  4. Kayak in one new place
  5. Hike in one new place
  6. See 4 plays/musicals
  7. Give blood at least 3 times
  8. Knit myself a pair of mittens
  9. Knit/crochet at least one project with handspun
  10. Watch 3 movies in one day - done!
  11. See a movie in the theater
  12. Go to a museum
  13. Finish 1 punch needle project
  14. Ski at least 1 day (ideally 2-4)
  15. Try at least 1 new gym/in person fitness option
  16. Make at least 1 new financial investment
  17. Purge at least 23 items from the house. Ideally 46.
  18. Publish 1 knitting pattern
  19. Send 5 cards to friends/family just because
  20. Go Camping
  21. Participate in the Fiberuary Challenge on Instagram
  22. Take a class (in person or virtual)
  23. Create a new music playlist
  Word of the Year- FLOW flow
  • to proceed smoothly and readily to issue or move in a stream
  • To exist in abundance
  • the continuous movement of a liquid in one direction
  • to hang loose and billowing
  • To move or proceed with a given movement or momentum
  • To pass or move by
  • a supply of something that continues without stopping
  • a way of talking or thinking in an easy natural way, without any pauses or difficulties
  • a  smooth uninterrupted movement or progress
  • Smoothness or fluidity in one's movement
  • A strong, regular repeated pattern of movement or sound
  Things I'm thinking about:
  • I want to be able to go with the Flow no matter what this year brings.
  • I want to remember my dear Aunt Florence and remind myself what she would do. She was smart, caring, generous and strong. Her presence will be a good guide when things get tough.
  • I want to find projects, especially creatively that I can keep up the flow with... that I can get into a flow state with. To zen/bliss out and enjoy.
  • I want to keep my body strong and stretched so that I can move fluidly through the year without things getting in the way of my body's flow.
  On a Happy Note
  • Playing the sock game during our visit to the Rowan's. UK/European game. Fun for all ages.
  • Surprise package from Nicole with mini skeins.
  • Snow! Not a lot for as late into the season as we are, but I enjoy it.
  • Visit from family friends who came down from NH. We played games at my parents' house!
  • January Zoom with my Patrons! I had a blast catching up with you.
  • 3 movies in 1 day- checked off my 23 for 23 list. Homemade popcorn. Lots of knitting and crochet time. Fixed dropped sts in Megg's socks.
  • Drag show and dinner with Megg and Kris.
  Quote of the Week   Everything and everyone at their own pace. Flow with not against yourself. -Akiroq Brost   Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information:  
Episode 246: Cleaning off the Needles15 Jan 202300:45:16

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 246 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
  • Knitting in Passing
  • KAL News
  • Life in Focus
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week
Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • Perry’s Socks
  • Yarn: Patons Kroy FX 
  • 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 
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • I added 2 sets of short rows before the bottom ribbing.

Hattie’s Cat Amigurumi

  • Pattern: Siamese Cat Amigurumi by Mareeva Olga available on Ravelry, FireflyCrochet website & Etsy $6.40
  • Hook: C (2.75 mm)
  • Yarn: Worsted Weight Acrylic from stash: Magenta with sparkle, Silver with sparkle, Purple.
  • Ravelry Project Page

Friends in Fiber Socks

  • Yarn: Friends in Fiber Superwash Merino Nylon (75/25) in the Fibery Jewels Teal Speckle Colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • These were my New Year’s Cast on socks.
  • 56 sts. 8.5 inches of knitting before starting the toe.
On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Mini Skein Hexagon Blanket 

  • Pattern: Basic Crochet Hexagon Pattern & Tips from Make Do and Crew Website & YouTube Tutorial
  • Hook: F (3.75 mm)
  • Yarn: Mini skeins from 2022 agirlandherwool Advent Calendar, 24 Days of Cheer Swap minis + other scraps/swap yarn
  • Ravelry Project Page
From the Armchair

Watching:

Reading:

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

  • One of my omg sock students Karen reached out via email with a photo of the 8 pairs of socks she knit and gifted for Christmas after taking my class at the beginning of the year!! 
  • Suzanne, SewRunKnit, sent chemo caps for Mom. She chose one and donated the others to the MGH Cancer Center; the next day they were gone.
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
    • Tune in to hear if you’re a December interception winner of a December participation prize winner.
Life in Focus

I enjoy doing a look back at the end of each year. You can see the video I made about Reviewing My Year/Goal Setting in this video on my YouTube Channel.

  • Knitting/Crochet/Spinning
    • 70 Knitting/Crochet Finished Projects in 2022
      • 41 knitting 
      • 29 crochet
      • 53 of 70 are gifts
    • Spinning- 4 finished projects. 872 meters of yarn. 
  • Released 0 new patterns but completed the writing and prototype for 2 designs- a shawl & cowl
  • Sagamore Flyover Hat was my best seller this year.

Tune in to hear a recap of my Word of the Year & Goals for 2022. We’ll talk more about plans and goals in the next episode.

On a Happy Note
  • Going to my cousin Amanda’s book party in Plymouth and out to dinner after with family and friends. Musical bingo!
  • 105 people at my parents’ Open House on January 7th, including my friend Laura who came in from NYC for the weekend.
  • Starting process to kick off the Fearless Living Fund in my mom’s name that will benefit blind population through the Blind Center of Nevada. Friends and family surprised Mom with over $1500 in initial donations. Mom’s friend Katy shaved her head in solidarity (check out the YouTube video here) and is raising money. 
  • While my aunt’s passing has been incredibly difficult, there is still a happy note there in that many of us were able to go visit the Sunday before she passed. Dan and I picked up my grandmother and my parents met us at my cousin’s house armed with leftover trays of food from the Open House. Earlier in the day I was able to help transfer Florence into the guest room bed while Dan and some of the guys disassembled her bed to ready her room for a hospital bed. Then we took turns visiting with her, saying our goodbyes, eating dinner and being together. very time the door to her bedroom opened she smiled and said “I love that sound!” and then “I want you to keep doing that. Even after.” I reminded her its not like we could stop it. It was a hard day but made easier being all together. She passed on Wednesday. 
  • Came home that day to flowers and a beautiful from card that in my daze, I never even saw until he came home and pointed them out!
  • Mom made it through another 3 day round of Chemo. 2 more to go (one in late January & one in February)
  • Getting back into yoga. 
  • Date night with Dan. We hit the local brewery and then onto the tavern for dinner. Just what we needed. 
  • Sleeping in! 
Quote of the Week

It is amateurs who have one big bright beautiful idea that they can never abandon. Professionals know that they have to produce theory after theory before they are likely to hit the jackpot.

– Francis Crick

——

Thank you for tuning in!
Contact Information:

Episode 245: Christmas Craziness!31 Dec 202201:03:49
  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. 
  • Ravelry Project Page
  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
  • 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
  • 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.
  • We visited Blind Center of Nevada.
  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. Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Email me at downcellarstudio@gmail.com   For website: Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information:  
Episode 244: Fours20 Dec 202200:44:49

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

Episode 243: Grateful17 Nov 202200:41:33
  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. Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Email me at downcellarstudio@gmail.com   For website: Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information:  
Episode 242: Travels, Trials, Tales & Treats31 Oct 202201:05:31
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 Knits, Adore Knit, Lolo 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 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
  • 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  https://youtu.be/JmmjF1VcIGU
    • 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  November- Woolen Cafe Interception: Woolen Women Fibers
    • 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.  https://youtu.be/AGyUgXLHXGo
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:  
Episode 277: 1 month of making + updates15 May 202400:58:02
  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 277 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
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Life in Focus
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week
  Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   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 & the more recent June box which is available now. 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.
  Same as It Ever Was Hat #2
  • Pattern: Same as It Ever Was by Sarah Jordan ($6 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Yarn: Kingdom Fleece and Fiberworks. No colorway listed.
  • Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • I started this project in January. Used nearly all of the yarn. Loved this yarn/pattern combo. I am planning to keep this hat! It is plenty long enough to wear with the brim folded and still have it worn slouchy.
  Colleen's Baby Blanket
  • Pattern: Crochet Modern Boho Granny Blanket by Tiffany Brown (free crochet pattern available on this website)
  • Yarn: Caron Simply Soft in Blue Mint, Soft Green, Riviera (Speckle), Kelly Green, Robin's Egg, White Sage (Speckle) & White
  • Hook: H (5.0 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • I learned about this edge technique on this website.
    On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Riley's 16th Birthday Flower Top
  • Pattern:  Riley found in this TikTok video
  • Hook: G (4.0 mm)
  • Yarn: Caron Skinny Cakes in the Grape Raisin UVA colorway (purchased 3)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • YouTube Video
  • About the yarn- probably about a sport weight yarn that gradiates through purples, blues and white.
  • I'm enjoying this project but it involves a lot of counting on each row so it takes focused time which I haven't had a ton of.
  • Working on the Front (or Back): 3 repeats of the pattern = 6 flowers
  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 there's a new one coming in the Fall.
    • Blanket Pre-Orders for the Murder She Knit club are available now! Please consider using my Affiliate Link.
    • The patterns for this kit will be the Northeasterly Blanket by Melissa Alexander-Loomis (knit version) and the Northeasterly blanket by Katy Stevens (crochet version). 
  • Progress: I finished my April squares and am working on the border.
  Raven Socks
  • Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn in the Raven Colorway from the Yarnable Box.
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the Yarn: Speckled colorway with a cream base. Green, gray/black and hot pink colors speckled in.
  Static Musselburgh
  • Pattern: Musselburgh Hat by Ysolda Teague (7 GBP Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry & on Ysolda's website)
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Static Fingering Weight Yarn in the Peppercorn colorway
  • Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm) & US 2.5 (3.0 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  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)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the yarn: this self striping colorway is a bright rainbow colorway that's meant to mimic the logo for our FearLESS Living Fund
  Julia's Cozy Clusters Blanket
  • Pattern: Cozy Clusters Baby Blanket by Leelee Knits (free & paid options available on the LeeLeeKnits website)
  • Yarn: Caron Cinnamon Swirl Cakes in the Hibiscus Colorway (purchased 3). 1 skein of Loops & Threads Impeccable in Orange for the border)
  • Hooks: H (5.0 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • I really enjoy this pattern. It's a 2 row repeat that I remember having memorized the first time around but thought I couldn't this time. After working maybe 10 repeats, I was able to memorize it. It's just the cozy comfort project I need right now.
  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 No Splash Pad Party this Summer, but check out these other awesome online events
  • Summer Sock Camp with the Crazy Sock Lady
  • The Knit Girllls are hosting their annual Stash Dash Event from May 24-August 31,2024.
    • Here's a chatter thread for stash dash 2024! Stash Dash will run from May 24th-the end of August. Craft all the things and see how your FO pile grows! This is a competition only against yourself.
    • Discord link: knit girllls discord
    •  
Events   Know of an event I should spread the word about? Let me know!   Life in Focus  
  • I shared more details about my parents' car accident. Tune in to hear more. Thankfully they are both recovering.
  • Resources- Scituate Etrusco- serves the South Shore of MA with medical equipment that they loan out. Huge savings! Look for something similar near you.
  • I'm not sure what this will mean for mom's upcoming cancer treatments. She was supposed to be healing to be ready for radiation. Will know more within the next week.
  On a Happy Note
  • Conor & Carly hosted a family game night for their Bucket List with a Twist item with my mom. We played Code Names & Penny Drop!
  • Riley gave Auntie Krissy the chicken we made together and she was over the moon! It was awesome.
  • My cousin Jenny had her baby girl, Vera Camela, at the hospital where I work, so I got to hold her when she was only a few hours old!
  • I went to see a local production of Gypsy that my friend Megg was in.
  • My 12 year old niece Millie was a huge help with my parents.
  • I finished my drawing class at the local rec center. I had to miss 2 out of 6 classes, but I learned a lot doing a portrait of Eme from a photo I took of them at the playground when they were a kid.
  • I took my grandmother to my cousin Colleen's baby shower. Coleen had a great reaction to her crocheted blanket. I'm always grateful for that.
  • We had a birthday dinner for Aila- low key backyard party made more interesting by a full-family cartwheel contest!
  • Big work project rolling out new technology went well. I was still able to take Mom to her appointments (while Dad wasn't driving and they didn't have a car), and was able to work other shifts so my coworkers could attend their kids events. As a thank you for that, my boss invited us to use a suite at the Garden for game 1 of the Celtics/Cavaliers Playoff Game! The Celtics crushed it. Dan wasn't able to come, so I brought my friend Liz who is a huge fan.
  • My friend Laura came in to visit for Mother's Day weekend- along w/ 7 of my Mom's friends. We went to a movie on Friday night then to visit Mom and her guests on Saturday. Sunday we made brunch for Mother's Day and then off to see Millie as a Munchkin and Flying Monkey in the Wizard of Oz at a local theater.
  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 “It’s easier to take than to give. It’s nobler to give than to take. The thrill of taking lasts a day. The thrill of giving lasts a lifetime.” ~ Joan Marques   Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information:  
Episode 241: Rhinebeck Sweater14 Oct 202200:45:45

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:

Episode 240: Mojo30 Sep 202200:45:48

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 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
  • 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:

 

Episode 239: Party People!15 Sep 202200:44:28

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:

Episode 238: Finishing & Fall Fun Prep31 Aug 202200:54:33

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 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.

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:

Episode 237: Paddling, Packing & Prizes15 Aug 202200:44:47

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:

Episode 236: Cozy Bunnies!29 Jul 202200:49:13

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 Artz, Knitty Natty, Earthtones Girl, Stitching 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:

Episode 235: I've Got It Covered15 Jul 202200:50:14

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 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
  • 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:

Episode 234: Blankets & Bobbins01 Jul 202200:49:13

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 Link. Amazon Affiliate Link.

The Mother-In-Law by Sally Hepworth. 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.

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!

Episode 233: Europe, Socks & Crops15 Jun 202200:56:36
  • 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:

Episode 232: Tiny Turtles & Splash Pad Prep15 May 202200:42:53
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:

Episode 276: More Chicken Please15 Apr 202400:44:06
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 276 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes 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
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week
  Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins     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
  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 (5.5mm)
  • Yarn: Big Twist Tweed in White (7 skeins- I used just shy of 5 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.
  Auntie Krissy's Chickens
  • Pattern: Chicken Family by Kensey Davis ($5 crochet pattern on Etsy)
  • Hook: G (4.0 mm)
  • Yarn: Premier Yarns Chunky Parfair in Mushroom, White, Ruby and Mustard.
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Thanks to Riley for joining me to talk about this joint project.
  On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   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!
  • Progress: I finished my March squares (month 6) and unboxed month 7!
  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.
  Colleen's Baby Blanket
  • Pattern: Crochet Modern Boho Granny Blanket by Tiffany Brown (free crochet pattern available on this website)
  • Yarn: Caron Simply Soft in Blue Mint, Soft Green, Riviera (Speckle), Kelly Green, Robin's Egg, White Sage (Speckle) & White
  • Hook: H (5.0 mm)
  • Progress: I've finished 3 colors, doing 7 pairs of DC/DC3 tog per color. On the 3rd color, Riviera, I ran out of yarn, so couldn't complete the last row, so I ripped back and had to start with the Kelly Green early.
  Riley's 16th Birthday Flower Top   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 took my nieces Riley and Aila to Connecticut for their birthday weekend sleepover. We got an AirBnB in Litchfield. Friday night, we stayed in and watched Gilmore Girls on Netflix (the inspiration for our adventure). Saturday we toured around! Here are some handy links.   Check out this blog post for more ideas of Exploring Washington Connecticut with a Gilmore Girls themed lens.   Stay tuned for a vlog coming to the Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel.   KAL News
  • Splash Pad Registration Opens May 1
  • Event will run Friday May 24th through Wednesday July 31, 2024
  • Sponsor Call will go out SOON!
  Events     Know of an event I should spread the word about? Let me know!   On a Happy Note  
  • I went to see the musical Company in Boston.
  • I joined my parents and a few of my cousins at the Spring Fling event at my Grandmother's Assisted Living.
  • Riley came for a sleepover to finish Kris's chicken. On Saturday, we spent some time at my parents, and then Dad drove us to my nephew Garret's hockey final. His team won and he scored the first and last goal of the game.
  • After spending Sunday morning with a headache, I rallied to join my parents for Riley's dance competition.
  • I've had 2 weeks of drawing classes through my town's Rec program. We did some basic exercises the first week and then moved into more structural architectural drawing using 2 point perspective.
  • My mom's friends ran an auction event and raised over $1200 for the FearLESS Living Fund!
  • Mom completed another round of chemo.
  • I did a bit of studio tidying.
  • Gilmore Girls weekend with Riley & Aila.
  Quote of the Week We have to continually be jumping off cliffs and developing our wings on the way down. –KURT VONNEGUT   ------   Contact Information:
Episode 231: Wordle, Geometry & Travel Adventures30 Apr 202200:49:58

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 Link. Amazon 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 Link. LoveCrafts 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:

Episode 230: Unicorns, Spaceships & Mermaids15 Apr 202200:42:54

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 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.

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:

 

 

Episode 229: 10 Years Later!31 Mar 202200:49:03

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:

Episode 228: What's Old is New Again15 Mar 202200:56:56

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
    • Friends in Fiber on Etsy
    • 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

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