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  • Episode 288: Makeup & Mint

    Episode 288: Makeup & Mint

    · Down Cellar Studio Podcast

    Thank you for tuning in to Episode 288 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. 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 KAL News Events Contest, News & Notes Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Cold, Cold Heart Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Yarn: June Pryce Fiber Arts Coventry DK in the Cold, Cold Heart Colorway Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm) Ravelry Project Page Hattie’s Scrappy Helical Socks Yarn: Random bits & bobs of fingering weight leftovers in pinks, purples and blues 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. Millie's Christmas Makeup Patterns from Etsy by Tugs & Stitches: Crochet Makeup Bundle Pattern: $15 Crochet Pattern Yarn: Worsted Weight Acrylic Yarns Hooks: C & D (2.75 & 3.25 mm) On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Wintermint Socks Yarn: Woolens & Nosh SW Targhee Sock in the Wintermint Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Working on both socks. First one is beyond the heel. Second one is ready for the heel. Moosonee Sweater Pattern: Moosonee Sweater by Tara-Lynn Morrison. $6.50 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & good night, day website. Yarn: Wool Ease Thick & Quick in Deep Lagoon Needles: US 13, 17 & 19 (9, 12 & 15 mm) Pullover sweater similar to the Nanaimo Cardigan I like to make (Here's one of Megg's: Ravelry link). 103 Hat Pattern: 103 Hat by Jennifer Lassonde. $5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry & LoveCrafts Yarn: Malabrigo Rios (worsted) in 845 Cirrus Gray Needles: US 5 & US 7 (3.75 & 4.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Peace & Light Mitts Yarn: Woolens & Nosh SW Targhee Sock in the Peace & Light Colorway Pattern: Soccer Mitts by Erica Lueder. Free Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry. Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the yarn: 6 stripes in blues/teals, 3 in creams/yellows Cast on with 56 sts like socks. Brainstorming 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 KAL News Pigskin Party '24 #DCSPigskinParty24 Event Dates: Thursday September 5, 2024- Monday February 10, 2025 Find everything you need in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Official Rules Registration 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. Coupon Codes are listed in this Ravelry Thread Exclusive Items from our Pro Shop Sponsors are listed in this Ravelry Thread Questions- ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com Our Official Sponsor for Q2 (November) was Twin Mountain Handcrafts. Check this Ravelry thread for details about the Button challenge! Tune in to see if you're the winner! Our Official Sponsor for Q3 (December) is Fangirl Fibers. Check out this Ravelry thread for details about the Colorwork challenge. Commentator Mary Klute's report- CONTAINS RAVELRY LINKS🙂 This week, I wandered over to the end zone dance thread to take a peek at some of the beautiful projects folks have finished in the last month or so. Lots of players are double-dipping--that is, making projects that count for both the pigskin party and another make along! KnitsandReads, oneyarn, Sandyrlevin all participated in the Arne & Carlos Christmas Stocking MKAL. Their finished objects are beautiful! Sandyrlevin even completed two! https://www.ravelry.com/discuss/down-cellar-studio-podcast/4327543/676-700#676 https://www.ravelry.com/discuss/down-cellar-studio-podcast/4327543/676-700#680 https://www.ravelry.com/discuss/down-cellar-studio-podcast/4327543/701-725#713 foryouandyarn finished an amazing crochet blanket for the Scheepjes Festival of Lights CAL...it is so intricate and with a beautiful rainbow of colors. Definitely go check it out! https://www.ravelry.com/discuss/down-cellar-studio-podcast/4327543/726-750#740 michembry finished a project for the indie gift along--the radvent cowl. It is so pretty with nice cheery warm-toned colors. Perfect for a cold winter's day. https://www.ravelry.com/discuss/down-cellar-studio-podcast/4327543/751-775#761 Of course, many players are participating in the December Mystery Gnome KAL from PSP-sponsor Imagined Landscapes, but we'll have to wait a bit longer to see those FOs! Finally, a few players are double-dipping with other KALs for the Q3 colorwork challenge--I think that would actually be a triple-dip--three ways to win prizes for one project! VTKimmyKim and Cherlynpickering are participating in the "A Very Merry MKAL," which is a mystery colorwork cowl challenge. LauraKnitsPA and tanksoup are participating in the "Step into Christmas MKAL," which is a mystery colorwork socks challenge. I think all this double and triple dipping is a great motivator to be extra productive during the PSP! Events Wayland Winter Farmers' Market- Farm Fiber Days: January 19 & March 9, 2025 at Russell's Garden Center in Wayland, MA New England Farm & Fiber Festival: February 2 from 11a-5p at the Cyclorama in Boston Check out my 2024 Vlogmas Playlist on the Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Contest, News & Notes Cancer unit where my mom stayed is always looking for donations of adult hats if you're looking for a place to donate. Reach out to me and I'm happy to coordinate. Life in Focus 24 for 2024 list updates Get 2 massages beyond the one per month at Massage Envy DONE Read more books than you did in 2023 (50) 53 as of 12/11 Knit at least 1 finished project with handspun- Dan's citrus hat Knit/crochet myself a new sweater Silverlining On a Happy Note Haircut & color with Erika Visiting with Julie and Chris who came to visit from Ohio 80 min massage and running into my trainer from my former gym Visiting with my cousins- Joanie, Nancy, Paul, Colleen and Erin House clean out with Aila and Ois Savers with Riley and Aila. Hattie in Frozen Jr- Patrons, check out your feed for a private video of all of Hattie's highlights in the show. Productive and successful software integration. Quote of the Week It doesn't interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart's longing. It doesn't interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love, for your dream, for the adventure of being alive... It doesn't interest me where or what or with whom you have studied. I want to know what sustains you, from the inside, when all else falls away. -Oriah, The Invitation ------ Thank you for tuning in! Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ 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.

  • Episode 287: Peace & Light

    Episode 287: Peace & Light

    · Down Cellar Studio Podcast

    Thank you for tuning in to Episode 287 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week's segments included: Life in Focus Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Knitting in Passing KAL News Events On a Happy Note Quote of the Week Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Irocknits Designs, Mandi's Makings and Stitched by Jessalu Life in Focus Join in to hear the latest updates about my Mom's cancer journey Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Owen'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! 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) Ravelry Project Page Peace & Light Socks Yarn: Woolens & Nosh SW Targhee Sock in the Peace & Light 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: 6 stripes in blues/teals, 3 in creams/yellows- Pigskin Pro Shop Sponsor On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Hattie’s Scrappy Helical Socks Yarn: Random bits & bobs of fingering weight leftovers in pinks, purples and blues 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. Cold, Cold Heart Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Yarn: June Pryce Fiber Arts Coventry DK in the Cold, Cold Heart Colorway Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm) Ravelry Project Page Bee Stacking Toy Pattern: Bee Stacking Toy by Elisa Sartori. $5 crochet pattern available on Ravelry & Etsy Yarn: Bernat Blanket in Black & Sunsoaked (yellow) Hook: H (5.0 mm) Wintermint Socks Yarn: Woolens & Nosh SW Targhee Sock in the Wintermint Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Moosonee Sweater Pattern: Moosonee Sweater by Tara-Lynn Morrison. $6.50 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & good night, day website. Yarn: Wool Ease Thick & Quick in Deep Lagoon Needles: US 13, 17 & 19 (9, 12 & 15 mm) Pullover sweater similar to the Nanaimo Cardigan I like to make (Here's one of Megg's: Ravelry link). Knitting in Passing Knitting in Ambulance with Mom. Nicole, EMT, learned to crochet a year ago and showed me all sorts of photos of the blankets and sweaters she's made! When we got home, Megg was there hanging out with Dan and Laura getting things ready for Mom to come home. She was tinking part of Miles' Christmas stocking because she messed up letter. Then Riley wanted to learn colorwork, so Megg was reading the chart and Riley was knitting. Win win! Megg joined our last Patreon Zoom. She was working on crafts for upcoming Frozen Jr which she's dir/choreo. with some help from Dan- and reworking another colorwork chart for a stocking. Riley joined for a bit too which was fun! Nicole sent Riley an advent! We are SOOO grateful. Thanks again! KAL News Pigskin Party '24 #DCSPigskinParty24 Event Dates: Thursday September 5, 2024- Monday February 10, 2025 Find everything you need in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Official Rules Registration 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. Coupon Codes are listed in this Ravelry Thread Exclusive Items from our Pro Shop Sponsors are listed in this Ravelry Thread Questions- ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com Our Official Sponsor for Q2 (November) is Twin Mountain Handcrafts. Check this Ravelry thread for details about the Button challenge! Our Official Sponsor for Q3 (December) is Fangirl Fibers. Check out this Ravelry thread for details about the Colorwork challenge. Commentator Mary Klute's report- CONTAINS RAVELRY LINKS🙂 This month, pigskin partiers have been getting really creative with buttons, thanks to our quarter 2 challenge sponsored by twin mountain handcrafts. I've seen lots of different varieties of ponytail/messy bun hats. Our umpire socalknitgirl, was the first to post one of these in the Q2 thread and it looks great! You can also check out some other examples by skymama09, fldhckygrl, stitchintime82, and Aliceortega Cowls have been another popular option. A few people have made the supine cowl. Check out the finished projects by hawkeyegirl3, ronnale, and jeanscully. I always think it is fun to see how different a pattern can look when worked up in different color combinations. Speaking of cowls, kikukat's deco fan cowl is absolutely beautiful! What a cool pattern and her color choices were spot on! Players thought of a lot of other creative ways to use buttons this month! I've seen two emotional support chickens so far with button embellishments (kimbuktu7 and heelsknitter). scitchr made an adorable Santa Clause Doll (with removable clothes! impressive!). And lmecoll and ladida2u embellished their gnomes with buttons! I encourage you all to head on over to the Quarter 2 thread to check out these amazing finished objects along with many others! Events Wayland Winter Farmers' Market- Farm Fiber Days: January 19 & March 9, 2025 at Russell's Garden Center in Wayland, MA New England Farm & Fiber Festival: February 2 from 11a-5p at the Cyclorama in Boston I'm going to plan to record at least some Vlogmas videos, depending on how the next few weeks go. Any requests of things you want to see? On a Happy Note Megg and I went to see a local production of Cabaret. Laura flew in to visit! We saw Oisin in his high school's production of Hadestown. He was fantastic! Before the show, Laura and I picked up Millie and met Megg Hattie and Eme for dinner at the Cottage. Millie slept over and made us pancakes for breakfast. We hit a local craft fair that's become a tradition for us. Liz joined us too. I bought some beautiful pottery- a mug, 2 bowls and a planter. I've been wearing my Silverlining sweater non-stop! I love that it matches earrings Eme made me. Thanksgiving at my cousin Susan's. Funny story- Mom wanting to get the kids ready in the middle of the night. She just needed toilet paper and wall paper! So grateful for Laura coming and just being here to support me. I have some great friends, so blessed but she's defintely one of the best. Quote of the Week There are unheralded tipping points, a certain number of times that we will unlock the front door of an apartment. At some point you were closer to the last time than you were to the first time, and you didn’t even know it. You didn’t know that each time you passed the threshold you were saying good-bye. –COLSON WHITEHEAD Thank you for tuning in! Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ 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.

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  • Episode 286: An Actual Knitting Emergency

    Episode 286: An Actual Knitting Emergency

    · Down Cellar Studio Podcast

    Thank you for tuning in to Episode 286 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 Knitting in Passing In My Travels KAL News Events Contest, News & Notes Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Fangirl Fibers, Love in Stitches & Woolen Women Fibers Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Silverlining Sweater Pattern: Silverlining by Jennifer Steingass $8 pattern available on Ravelry Yarn: Lion Brand Fishermen's Wool in the Oatmeal Colorway + Junction Fiber Mill Making Tracks Yarn in the Day's End Colorway Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) Ravelry Project Page Size B: 12 inches underarm to body. 40 inches around. I thought I was getting 18 sts/4 inches but I got 19, so it is 40 inches not 42 inches around. I was thrilled to meet Peggy from Junction Fiber Mill at Fiber Festival of New England. They shared a clip of my video on their podcast which you can find here. Welcome to Litchfield Hat Pattern: Citrus Hat by Laura Treadway (free knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Yarn: Handspun (Ravelry Project Page)- Into the Whirled; 2 braids Texel & BFL Tussah Silk in the Welcome to Litchfield Colorway + Traveler colorway on Cheviot base to make a 3 ply yarn Needles: US 4 (3.5 mm) & US 6 (4.0 mm) Ravelry Project Page Vegas Baby Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Vegas Baby Colorwork Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the colorway- gray tinted rainbow with stripes of purple, blue, darker green, lime green, mustard/yellow, pink Mom's 2024 Christmas Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Yarn: Cascade Heritage Prints in the Holly Stripe Colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the colorway- Red, white and green uneven stripes. On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Peace & Light Socks Yarn: Woolens & Nosh SW Targhee Sock in the Peace & Light 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: 6 stripes in blues/teals, 3 in creams/yellows Dirty Crayon Box Socks Yarn: Fiber Stash Strong Toes Sock (80% SW Merino/ 20% Nylon) in the Dirty Crayon Box Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Hattie’s Scrappy Helical Socks Yarn: Random bits & bobs of fingering weight leftovers in pinks, purples and blues 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. Cold, Cold Heart Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Yarn: June Pryce Fiber Arts Coventry DK in the Cold, Cold Heart Colorway Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm) Ravelry Project Page From the Armchair Bel Canto by Ann Patchett. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. (read in paperback in 2008). I listened to this in prep for the Bad on Paper Podcast Book Club Episode Here One Moment by Liane Morriarty. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Watching: The Comeback: 2004 Boston Red Sox (Netflix)- 3 parts. The Diplomat (Season 2) on Netflix- 6 episodes. Santa Tell Me (Hallmark) 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 of how Dan bailed me out of a knitting emergency and Riley sent me photos of her progress on her Riley Rose Cowl- a free pattern by me- available on Ravelry | LoveCrafts In My Travels Riley & I attended Fiber Festival of New England- check out our vlog video on the Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel. Met up with Michelle (chellescraps) and her friends in the morning. Great to see Lisa- who met us at Rhinebeck after following mom's Crispina Scrapbox challenge project! Find a photo of mom in that outfit in this Instagram post. It was great to see Jen, Carlos, Aurora and Zelda around lunch time,vAmy from Ross Farm & Jess from Stitched by Jessalu . KAL News Pigskin Party '24 #DCSPigskinParty24 Event Dates: Thursday September 5, 2024- Monday February 10, 2025 Find everything you need in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Official Rules Registration 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. Coupon Codes are listed in this Ravelry Thread Exclusive Items from our Pro Shop Sponsors are listed in this Ravelry Thread Questions- ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com Tune in to see if you're the Q1 Challenge Winner (hint- the winner posted this blog post about her project) or if you won an October Participation Prize. Our Official Sponsor for Q2 (November) is Twin Mountain Handcrafts. Check this Ravelry thread for details about the Button challenge! Commentator Update We are 10 weeks into the NFL season (and our knit a long) so I thought it would be fun to take a look at the scoreboard to see if any players had completed 10 or more projects...that is, averaging at least one project per week. I was stunned. Over 35 players have completed 10 or more projects! Leading the way is player eyenowhour who has completed 27 projects--including 5 shawls and 12 baby garments! Impressive! But don't be dismayed if you can't imagine being as productive as eyenowhour! The great thing about the PSP is you can craft as much or as little as you want and still have a chance to win! Events Wayland Winter Farmers' Market- Farm Fiber Days: January 19 & March 9, 2025 at Russell's Garden Center in Wayland, MA New England Farm & Fiber Festival: February 2 from 11a-5p at the Cyclorama in Boston Contest, News & Notes My friend Linda is looking for donations of 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 the First Church in Woburn, MA. 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 also talked about Socks for Sam. Check out their website. You can raise awareness for VWM by knitting a sock using #SocksForSam and tagging @Knitsocksforsam. Life in Focus I shared some updates about Mom's new cancer treatments and recent hospital stays. On a Happy Note I'm finding it very hard to be happy after the US election, but I try hard to look for these happy notes. As Gretchen Rubin reminded us on a recent episode of the Happier Podcast it is not selfish or unimportant to look for ways to be happy even when and especially when life feels really hard. When we are happier, we can do more to assert our values in the world and do hard things, so I started this segment with that reminder. Knitting on Hattie's socks and Sue's Instagram live on the day after the election helped me through a very difficult day. Halloween! Leaning into connecting with my people- whether that's work, friends, family, knitting community. Its small but its powerful. During Mom's first infusion, we played UNO. Mom slaughtered us! Dad got up and jokingly said he was going to smother her with a pillow before she could beat us any further and she was laughing so hard she almost offed herself! That was a bit of levity we all needed that night. We watched G&Z while their parents went out for their anniversary and again on Veteran's Day. Date night with Dan between Mom's treatments. I had a delicious pumpkin beer- Night Shift Pumpkin Piescraper Pumpkin Pie Ale. I went to see & Juliet with Megg, Terri, Liz and Riley. Then I had a sleepover at my brothers where Riley, Millie and I inadvertently had a matching PJs night. Quote of the Week “The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.” ― G.K. Chesterton ------ Thank you for tuning in! Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ 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.

  • Episode 285: Silverlining

    Episode 285: Silverlining

    · Down Cellar Studio Podcast

    Thank you for tuning in to Episode 285 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 Crafty Adventures KAL News Events Contest, News & Notes Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Cniotáil Láimhe Designs on Ravelry, Area 51 Fibres, Stitched by Jessalu & Paper Daisy Creations on Ravelry. Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Static Musselburgh Pattern: Musselburgh Hat by Ysolda Teague (7 GBP Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry & 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 Note- the pattern just got some updates About the yarn: blues, grays, cream and a bit of a salmony orange. Self patterning yarn. On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Owen'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! 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) Ravelry Project Page Progress: 2 pieces done, seamed up. Cuff is done and steamed. Snowman applique pieces finished. Sidetracked by all the mojo Vegas Baby Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Vegas Baby Colorwork Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Progress: cast on both socks using 2 50g cakes. Sock 2 has a heel. Sock 2 is almost ready for a heel About the colorway- gray tinted rainbow with stripes of purple, blue, darker green, lime green, mustard/yellow, pink Mom's 2024 Christmas Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Yarn: Cascade Heritage Prints in the Holly Stripe Colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the colorway- Red, white and green uneven stripes. The first sock is finished. The second sock is beyond the heel. Hattie’s Scrappy Helical Socks Yarn: Random bits & bobs of fingering weight leftovers in pinks, purples and blues 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. I measured Hattie's foot recently when she tried on this WIP. I need a 7-7.5 inch foot. Toe will be 12 rounds, which is about an inch of knitting, so Ii knit a little more than 6 inches before starting the toe. Progress: First sock finished. Better Waverly Cardigan Pattern: Better Waverly by Taylor E Owen. $8 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry. Yarn: Lion Brand Fishermen's Wool in the Brown Heather Colorway Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the Pattern: I saw Taylor talk about this pattern in her recent YouTube Video. Progress: Still working on the raglan increases Silverlining Sweater Pattern: Silverlining by Jennifer Steingass $8 pattern available on Ravelry Yarn: Lion Brand Fishermen's Wool in the Oatmeal Colorway + Junction Fiber Mill Making Tracks Yarn in the Day's End Colorway Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) Ravelry Project Page Size B (because working with fabric that has about 18 inches over 4 inches) Progress: several inches into the body (put on hold) and about half way through the first sleeve. Brainstorming Bee Stacking Toy- Ravelry link for $5 crochet pattern (also available for free on this website) From the Armchair Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun by Elle Cosimano. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Gilmore Girls: The Official Knitting Book: Knit Your Way Through Stars Hollow and Beyond by Tanis Gray- available on Amazon. Link to patterns on Ravelry. Be sure to check out: A Thousand Yellow Daisies by Beth Leath- Ravelry Pattern Link I also like the Daily News Hat by Alina Appasova- Ravelry Pattern 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. Crafty Adventures Dan went to a Better Off Dead movie party. I helped him make pig ears to sew onto a chef's hat (he did the sewing). He also made slime (with raisins because "you like raisins') and lots of other props from the movie. KAL News Pigskin Party '24 #DCSPigskinParty24 Event Dates: Thursday September 5, 2024- Monday February 10, 2025 Find everything you need in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Official Rules Registration 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. Coupon Codes are listed in this Ravelry Thread Exclusive Items from our Pro Shop Sponsors are listed in this Ravelry Thread Questions- ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com Our Official Sponsor for Q1 (October) is The Little Wolf Knits. This means you've got a challenge that can earn you more points and entry towards a cool prize. Check out the challenge details in this Ravelry post. Winner will be announced in the next episode. Our Official Sponsor for Q2 (November) is Twin Mountain Handcrafts. Check this Ravelry thread for details about the Button challenge! Events Fiber Festival of New England- November 2 & 3- Mom, Riley and I are going on Sunday November 3rd Maryland Alpaca and Fleece Festival: November 9-10, 2024 in West Friendship, Maryland For more West Coast (US) event- check out the Seattle Knitters Guild Site. Contest, News & Notes Check out this article if you're an Apple user who plans to become a member of any new Patreon communities to avoid this 30% fee to Apple. You can check out my Patreon page here. Life in Focus I gave a quick update on Mom who will be starting a new cancer treatment on 11/1/24. Keep her in your thoughts and prayers, please. On a Happy Note Outing with Mom to get eyelash extensions & Savers. Laura's visit: Matching PJs- Cuddl Duds Coffee PJs from Kohls, My first trip to Costco! Grand Opening of Dance Legacy Arts + Hattie preview of Frozen Jr. Movies (Substance= terrible) + dinner with Megg (lovely) Ryan and Nicki visit with Mom, Dad and me after Rhinebeck & they brought me a skein of yarn! 2 massages in 1 week (24 for 2024 list) Dan and I went to vote together last Saturday morning, then I headed over to a local Sample Sale, knitting on my Silverlining sweater while I waited and listening to others local gossip. I got a ton of Christmas shopping done, then I met up with my mom's friends Patrick and Szymon in from Arizona. Mom, our friend Sharon (in from CT) and our cousin Linda (who I just found out listens- HI), met us for lunch! Liz came over and we watched Little Women (2019 version) which I hadn't seen and was on our to watch list. (3 of 5 movies for my 24 in 2024 list). I visited my parents on Sunday. Millie and Garret were there. We took a walk to neighborhood nearby for Mom's PT for the day. Group text with friends who went to VT- about our sweaters and other adjacent things. Lots of fun and motivation. Monday night dinner with my parents, Patrick and Szymon. Early morning walk to local State park. beautiful sunrise and golden leaves around the reservoir. Need to do this more often. Quote of the Week It doesn’t matter how strong your opinions are. If you don’t use your power for positive change, you are indeed part of the problem. -Coretta Scott King Thank you for tuning in! Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ 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.

  • Episode 284: Vermont Sheep & Wool

    Episode 284: Vermont Sheep & Wool

    · Down Cellar Studio Podcast

    Thank you for tuning in to Episode 284 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 In my Travels KAL News Events Contest, News & Notes Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Woolen Women Fibers, Bronwyn the Brave Designs & Chit Chat Knits Designs Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Farmhouse Pumpkin Pattern: Farmhouse Pumpkins by More Dreams Less Life. $4.25 crochet pattern available on Ravelry. Yarn: KnitKraft Wintuk Yarn in the Rust Colorway Hook: F (3.75 mm) Ravelry Project Page Rest Relax Recharge Socks Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn: Plush Sock in the Rest Relax Recharge Colorway (from the March 2023 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 Check out my Yarnable Unboxing Playlist on YouTube Get $5 off with coupon code BOSTONJEN using my Affiliate Link Urth Yarn Turn a Square Hat Pattern: Turn a Square by Jared Flood ($5 pattern available on Ravelry & Brooklyn Tweed website) Yarn: Urth Yarn Uneek Worsted Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) for ribbing. US 7 (4.5 mm) for body. Ravelry Project Page Started August 5th but never talked about on the podcast. Purchased during Cape and South Shore Yarn Haul a year or two ago. Ended up being about 48g. Still have about 56 g leftover so I will make another. On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Owen'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! 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) Ravelry Project Page Progress: 2 pieces done, seamed up and working on the cuff. I need to finish the cuff, create the appliqué, sew on the name the hook. Peace & Light Socks Yarn: Woolens & Nosh SW Targhee Sock in the Peace & Light 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: 6 stripes in blues/teals, 3 in creams/yellows- Pigskin Pro Shop Sponsor Purchased from Michele at VT Sheep and Wool. Wound up the yarn on Sue’s ballwinder the next morning and knit most of the leg of the first sock on a boat on Lake Champlain with Sue & Dave Stokes, Paige and Paul Miller and Rachel!! Woolens & Nosh is a Pigskin Pro Shop Sponsor Dirty Crayon Box Socks Yarn: Fiber Stash Strong Toes Sock (80% SW Merino/ 20% Nylon) in the Dirty Crayon Box Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page I bought this yarn at a festival a long time ago. Speckly with an overall purple tone. Progress: cuff done and a few inches of the first leg. Dream Big Socks Yarn: Fibernymph Dye Works Strong DK (75% SW Merino/ 25% Nylon) in the Dream Big Colorway (Fundraiser for our FearLESS Living Fund) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm) Ravelry Project Page 48 sts cuff down Cast on in June but haven't talked about on the pod before. leg of the first sock is nearly done: About the colorway: larger stripes of blue, green, orange. Smaller stripes of orange, purple, gray. Fibernymph Dye Works is a Pigskin Pro Shop Sponsor Vegas Baby Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Vegas Baby Colorwork Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Welcome to Litchfield Hat Pattern: Citrus Hat by Laura Treadway (free knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Yarn: Handspun (Ravelry Project Page)- Into the Whirled; 2 braids Texel & BFL Tussah Silk in the Welcome to Litchfield Colorway + Traveler colorway on Cheviot base to make a 3 ply yarn Needles: US 4 (3.5 mm) & US 6 (4.0 mm) Ravelry Project Page Brainstorming I fell in love with the Love Today Cowl by Knit Sisu that I saw at a VT Sheep and Wool. I found some of my handspun (Ravelry page here) that I thought would work, wound it up and then did a wraps per inch test and its too thin. I went back to the handspun bin, and found another skein (Ravelry page) and now I'm thinking they'd be nice in the Inclinations Cowl by Andrea Mowy (Ravelry | website). The goal of this cowl was for a potential Christmas gift even though I'd like it for me, but I think with these 2 skeins of handspun I want to keep it, so we'll see if I cast these on now or let it marinate, because I also want to cast on a sweater for me, and more socks and hats for Christmas gifts. I swatched for a sweater with yarn from VT Sheep and Wool. More on that next time. From the Armchair The Glassmaker by Tracy Chevalier. 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've been wearing lots of woolies lately as have my loved ones! Same as It Ever Was by Sarah Jordan (Pigskin Sponsor)- Ravelry Project Page Dad wore his Musselburgh to Topsfield Fair- Ravelry Project Page Megg also wore Nanaimo Cardigan to Mamma Mia- Ravelry Project Page I also have 2 Nanaimos that I've been wearing- the original one I knit is in earthy oatmealy tones and the other in gray- Ravelry Project Page 1 & Ravelry Project Page 2 here. I'm also wearing a lot of wool socks, especially with wool clogs. I need more supportive clogs for walking. Any suggestions for me? In My Travels Check out my VT Sheep and Wool Vlog Video on YouTube. Patrons, check out the video linked in your feed for more photos and no ads. I talked about the following makers: Woolens & Nosh, Wooly Thistle, KnitSisu, Junction Fiber Mill, Jennifer Steingass's Silverlining Sweater- available on Ravelry. KAL News Pigskin Party '24 #DCSPigskinParty24 Event Dates: Thursday September 5, 2024- Monday February 10, 2025 Find everything you need in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Official Rules Registration 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. Coupon Codes are listed in this Ravelry Thread Exclusive Items from our Pro Shop Sponsors are listed in this Ravelry Thread Questions- ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com Our Official Sponsor for Q1 (October) is The Little Wolf Knits. This means you've got a challenge that can earn you more points and entry towards a cool prize. Check out the challenge details in this Ravelry post Q2- November- sneak peek- sponsor= Twin Mountain Handcrafts- using buttons! Commentator Mary Klute's report: The first quarter challenge has really inspired pigskin partiers! There has been a lot of chatter in the huddle thread about the new techniques folks are planning to meet the requirements of the challenge! Some players are planning to tackle knitting techniques that they have never tried before like half fisherman's rib, colorwork, intarsia, magic loop, a new cast on or bind off, and brioche. Others are trying out a new tool like an i-cord maker or a new knitting app Others are trying new kinds of projects: a garment with lace down the side, joggers, knitting a shawl for the first time, knitting a shawl with an unusual construction, and colorwork socks A couple of people have mentioned joining mystery knit a longs for the challenge Others have mentioned using varieties of yarn they've never used before like boucle yarn or non-superwash wool. And a finally a bunch of players are planning crochet projects--some who have never successfully crocheted before and others who want to grow their crochet skills by moving beyond granny squares or learning how to join crocheted pieces. This challenge is really motivating players to step out of their comfort zones! If you still haven't decided what to do for the quarter 1 challenge--head on over to the huddle thread for some inspiration! Events NY Sheep & Wool Festival (aka Rhinebeck): October 19 & 20, 2024 in Rhinebeck, NY Fiber Festival of New England- November 2 & 3- Mom, Riley and I are going on Sunday November 3rd Maryland Alpaca and Fleece Festival: November 9-10, 2024 in West Friendship, Maryland For more West Coast (US) event- check out the Seattle Knitters Guild Site. Contest, News & Notes My friend Linda is looking for donations of 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 the First Church in Woburn, MA. 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 2024 Word of the Year- Heart 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 Updates Get 2 massages beyond the one per month at Massage Envy (1 at Oasis in July, 1 scheduled Oct had to move. scheduled 2 more) Read more books than you did in 2023 (50) 45 as of now Knit at least 1 finished project with handspun in progress Knit/crochet myself a new sweater swatched Make a Christmas afghan for the living room- in progress Try a new local restaurant - Lolita (want one even MORE local) On a Happy Note Mamma Mia + dinner at Ruka beforehand October 4: we celebrated my dad's birthday with an evening cookout and swim! Dad left the pool open while mom was in the hospital, and heated it back up to a warm 88 degrees for us to all enjoy one last swim. VT Sheep and Wool!!! Mom, Dad, my Uncle Bob and Aunt Wendy all went to the Topsfield Fair. Beautiful quilts, handknits, emotional support chickens. Live Laugh Love cross stitch- live, laugh, love. Mom got some blue tinsel in her hair! Adorable. Saw everyone's photos of the Northern Lights on Facebook on the way home so I had to take a few! Baby Jane- adapted for the stage by my Mom's friend Michael Hammond for Company Theatre- Marybeth in it. Quote of the Week Bob Dylan on the advice his father gave him: "Even if you don't have all the things you want, be grateful for the things you don't have that you don't want." ------ Thank you for tuning in! Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ 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.

  • Episode 283: PUMPKINS!

    Episode 283: PUMPKINS!

    · Down Cellar Studio Podcast

    Thank you for tuning in to Episode 283 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 Contest, News & Notes Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Stitchin with Yarn, winemakerssister, Yumi Yarns & Fibernymph Dye Works Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins 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 September 5. Forgot to share in the last episode. Frozen Shake Cozy Pattern: Ball Band with a Twist by Jennifer Lassonde. $2 crochet pattern available on Ravelry | LoveCrafts Yarn: worsted crochet cotton Hooks: F (3.75mm) & G (4.0mm) Ravelry Project Page Yarn- mystery blue cotton on a cone that was from Aunt Rachel's stash. Made for mom during September hospital stay when the dietitians started making frozen shakes to get nutrients into her. Ribbed Bobble Pumpkin Pattern: Ribbed Bobble Pumpkin by Breann Mauldin. $3 crochet pattern available on Ravelry. Free version available here. Yarn: KnitKraft Wintuk Yarn in the Tangerine Colorway Hook: F (3.75 mm) Ravelry Project Page Yarn gifted to me by my friend Heather. We became friends through the dancing school we went to. Her mother was the stage manager and my mom was the house manager for our recitals. We've all know each other since I was 12. Heather's mother Rita passed away a few years ago. When Heather heard my mom was in the hospital she dropped off a care package at the dancing school- chemo caps for Mom and yarn from her mom's stash for me! Rita's pumpkins Pattern: Pumpkin by June Gilbank. Free crochet pattern available on Ravelry. Free version available here. Yarn: KnitKraft Wintuk Yarn in the Tangerine Colorway Hook: F (3.75 mm) Ravelry Project Page 5 finished Yarn is definitely 1970s/1980s squeeky acrylic, so not my favorite to work with, but it feels great to put it to good use and to bring a bit of life to Rita's old stash. Farmhouse Pumpkin Pattern: Farmhouse Pumpkins by More Dreams Less Life. $4.25 crochet pattern available on Ravelry. Yarn: KnitKraft Wintuk Yarn in the Tangerine Colorway Hook: F (3.75 mm) Ravelry Project Page Worked in the round. Does use FP & BP HDC which I learned in my crochet cables class at Staci's! Love the look of this. Worked up in an evening of TV. Pumpkin Patch Cup Cozy Pattern: Pumpkin Patch Cup Cozy by Kylee Keller. Free crochet pattern available on Ravelry & this blog. Yarn: KnitKraft Wintuk Yarn in the Tangerine Colorway, Knit Picks Brava Worsed in the Dublin colorway (green) & mystery brown acrylic yarn from stash. Hook: F (3.75 mm) Ravelry Project Page The pattern calls for thicker yarn and a larger hook than I had. It also calls for what's essentially a 1x1 ribbed look, but I liked the look of the ribbing from the front/back post crochets on the Farmhouse Pumpkins, so I used that pattern instead. I used the stitch count from my Ball Band with a Twist pattern (available on Ravelry | LoveCrafts). On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Farmhouse Pumpkin Pattern: Farmhouse Pumpkins by More Dreams Less Life. $4.25 crochet pattern available on Ravelry. Yarn: KnitKraft Wintuk Yarn in the Rust Colorway Hook: F (3.75 mm) Ravelry Project Page I initially grabbed the yarn from Heather and threw some in my bag for the hospital and rest (still in its plastic Thom McCann shoe store bag lol into my craft room). I though the other skein of Wintuk was red- but when I went down there again, I realized it was rust! and the pumpkin madness continued! Cast on Saturday 9/28 watching Season 2 of the OA with Dan on Netflix. Static Musselburgh Pattern: Musselburgh Hat by Ysolda Teague (7 GBP Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry & 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 Note- the pattern just got some updates About the yarn: blues, grays, cream and a bit of a salmony orange. Self patterning yarn. Progress: 15 inches. I will plan to add one more inch and then work the decreases. 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. Progress: I finished 9 my July squares & seamed them. I started my August squares and have 1 package waiting for me to open- the last batch. Stranger Things 2 Socks Yarn: Desert Vista Dyeworks Viso base (75% SW Merino/25% Nylon) in the Stranger Things 2 Self Striping 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 the morning of Thursday 9/5 for the Pigskin Party. I didn't get to join in the round until that night, but now its well underway. About the colorway- stripes of: orange, hot pink, purple, navy blue, medium blue and red. Progress- My first Pigskin Cast on using Snack Shack Sponsor yarn. I'm almost to heel of the first sock. Rest Relax Recharge Socks Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn: Plush Sock in the Rest Relax Recharge Colorway (from the March 2023 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 Cast on both cuffs so I can try to work these up quickly. They'll match some of Mom's go-to pjs. Cute acrylic Pigskin markers from Twin Mountain Handcrafts on them. Thanks ladies for sending them to me. I love them. Brainstorming Making the pumpkins has me itching to make toys. It would be great to make some for the little kiddos for Christmas. I need to start the Christmas stocking for my cousin Colleen's little boy Owen so I have that ready for Thanksgiving. The pumpkins also have me longing to crochet some hats. From the Armchair Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead by Elle Cosimano. 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 Talked to several nurses and other staff about my knitting and crochet while in with Mom. One PCA learned to knit before but said she never really full understood it. I told her I'd be happy to meet her for coffee and a lesson anytime. The staff all oooh and ahhh over Mom's handknit socks. One morning when Mom was really out of it from anesthesia the day before, I was putting on her handknit socks and I had them totally crooked, heel on the side, and she was busting my chops. I told her "hey, I said I was good at knitting them, not putting them on!" and she insisted on taking a photo for me to share! Little glimpses of her coming back to her real self were great- even if it was going to be a bit more time before she was back to normal. I recently saw a notice in my town's Facebook page that the senior center is looking for yarn they can use to make things to sell at holiday's craft fairs. PSA: even if your community hasn't reached out- see if they need yarn so you can clear out anything you don't need and know it will go to good use. KAL News Pigskin Party '24 #DCSPigskinParty24 Event Dates: Thursday September 5, 2024- Monday February 10, 2025 Find everything you need in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Official Rules Registration 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. Coupon Codes are listed in this Ravelry Thread Exclusive Items from our Pro Shop Sponsors are listed in this Ravelry Thread Questions- ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com 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). Our Official Sponsor for Q1 (October) is The Little Wolf Knits. This means you've got a challenge that can earn you more points and entry towards a cool prize. Check out the challenge details in this Ravelry post Commentator Mary Klute's report- One of the best things about the pigskin party is the community! It is so much fun to get to know other players and the annual Tailgate Talk is a great way to do that. It looks like this year's Tailgate Talk was a great success--at the time of this report nearly 200 players had submitted for their Tailgate Talk points! But players aren't just chatting--they are also finishing projects! So far there are 307 finished projects on the scoreboard, including 10 blitzes! And it looks like players are really using sponsor products to rack up some extra points. So far, finished projects have earned over 50 points on average by using sponsor products! Symama09 is a great example of how to really maximize those sponsor points. She earned 280 sponsor points on her recently finished gnome by using 2 proshop exclusive products, three proshop non-exclusive products, and two products from snack shack sponsors! Her gnome is super cute too- check out the Ravelry Project Page here! Finally, don't forget to spread the word about the PSP! You can join 14 players who have been earning points by drafting players! Tune in to hear if you're a September Participation Prize winner. I will be in touch with all winners via email. Events Vermont Sheep & Wool: October 5 & 6, 2024 in Tunnebridge, VT Lambtown, Dixon, CA - Oct 5-6, 2024 NY Sheep & Wool Festival (aka Rhinebeck): October 19 & 20, 2024 in Rhinebeck, NY Maryland Alpaca and Fleece Festival: November 9-10, 2024 in West Friendship, Maryland For more West Coast (US) event- check out the Seattle Knitters Guild Site. Know of an event I should spread the word about? Let me know! Contest, News & Notes My friend Linda is looking for donations of 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 the First Church in Woburn, MA. 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 Update on Mom: Diane is still in the hospital after being admitted on 9/12. Attempts at the bedside to put filler into her right vocal cord to bring back her voice didn't work, so they brought her down to the OR and did the procedure there. She has so much more volume now! She doesn't notice a huge difference but we all do. We thought about 2 weeks in that she'd be going home, bags were all packed and they decided to do a last minute CT which showed spots in her lungs. We were told it wasn't cancer but it took until Thursday to do a Bronchoscopy to reveal the cause of that issue- 2 different bacterial infections. Of course at first we were told it was just 1 and she could go home on oral antibiotics. 10 minutes later the other was found and now she has to stay for at least a few days of IV antibiotics. How to make it fun in the hospital Get to know your caregivers; find out what you have in common. It makes it more interesting if you can actually have a bond with the people you're interacting with on a regular basis. Get some new pajamas- especially if that's all you get to wear. If your family can stay over with you- get matching PJs. It's a little thing but it can make it feel a bit more special. Find ways to make the little things into bigger things. Our first matching PJ night, we wore flamingo pajamas. In advance of that, I purchased flamingo decorations at the party store and bought light up necklaces, straws & ice cubes to turn the evening into a party. The next night, we planned to have an ice cream sundae party. The unit always has ice cream on hand. Mom ordered a peach puree from the daily menu and I saved M&Ms that my cousin Jenny brought and we had an ice cream party. As it turns out, I spotted fireworks out the windows of the elevator lobby that night and was able to bring Mom over to see. Made what could have been an average night - or a depressign one because we thought she'd be home, more entertaining. Have folks send in mail and bring it to the patient! Chellescraps- Michelle, sent a bouquet of paper flowers (I believe they're from freshcutpaper)- my brother's family also got her one early on in her stay (these are great because, you may not know this but some patients cannot have fresh cut flowers- burn patients, some immunocompromised patients etc); Sewrunknit, Suzanne, sent a funny card, ElsaandEm, Emily, sent a handknit/embroidered flower pin, my cousin Jenny brought a WonderWoman balloon and ironically on the same day, a friend dropped off a Wonder Woman pillow at the house (great to use to push into Mom's side when she had pain) Ask friends and family to text photos and videos! Hattie sent Mom the cutest video of a little dance/kartwheel which was so fun. On a Happy Note Sharpie Rollerball Pens (.5mm)- available on Amazon. The only thing that would make it better is if it was a click top, but I'm totally willing to live without the convenience. Trader Joe's Honey Hydration Day & Night Cream Duo. $7.99 (dupe for Farmacy Honey Halo, which I've never tried) One day when my SIL brought Riley, Garret and Millie in to see Mom at the hospital, Millie said she wanted to see my office, so since Mom was still at her MRI, we took a detour. Millie did a full on simulation of me at work, drinking selzter, typing on my computer etc. My parents celebrated their 47th Wedding Anniversary. Thankfully Dan had more brain cells and time than the rest of us and got Mom flowers on his way in to visit. I picked up my grandmother to bring her in for a visit with my Mom. We had a lovely visit. My cousin Sabrina came up from Tennessee with her girlfriend Maria for a visit with my Mom. It was so great catching up with them. Watching The American President. I love that movie. Mom and I had been talking about it in the hospital that day- specifically the line from Michael J. Fox (as Lewis Rothschild) "I tell any girl I'm going out with to assume that all plans are soft until she receives confirmation from me thirty minutes beforehand." Robin McCall: "And they find this romantic?" Lewis Rothschild: "Well, I say it with a great deal of charm." I was able to use our John Deere tractor/backhoe to free myself when a tree fell in our driveway and I was trapped. Dan was in Vermont and I thought I'd have to call my nephew Oisin but it didn't come to that! I scored a $300 ski bag with a charging set-up for boot warmers for $15 at a yard sale this weekend. Trader Joe's pumpkin Kringle! with Cinnamon coffee. Quote of the Week Strive to be whole, not perfect, for in wholeness we embrace both our strengths and our flaws, while in perfection, we lose the beauty of our true selves. -Unknown ------ Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ 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.

  • Episode 282: Every Room is the Craft Room

    Episode 282: Every Room is the Craft Room

    · Down Cellar Studio Podcast

    Thank you for tuning in to Episode 282 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:

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

    Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Imagined Landscapes, Fibernymph Dye Works, BellaFio Yarn

    Off 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) 96 total hexagons + half hexies to square off the edges. Border: 1 round of sc (used nearly 1 skein of yarn), 2 rounds of hdc, 2 rounds of Dc on short sides and sc on long sides 4,499 grams used 1,728 grams of multi color yarns / around 10 skeins 2,771 grams wheat used. / around 16 skeins used Total for Stash Dash: 2,567.6 meters

    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 Cast on July 12 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.

    Stash Dash Update

    Jasmin (of the Knitmore Girls Podcast) & I competed again this year. Check out my Stash Dash Spreadsheet here. Here’s Jasmin’s Spreadsheet. My 2024 Stash Dash Total: 12,088 26 projects- 16 knit, 8 crochet, 2 spinning 2 blankets, a cowl, 3 hats, a book holder, a pair of mitts, 11 pairs of socks, 1 Christmas stocking, 2 tops and 4 skeins of yarn Jasmin’s total: 29,811 with the meters for a finished spinning project not yet on her spreadsheet. I always knew if she buckled down and finished one of her massive spinning projects she’d annihilate me and she finally did! One of her spinning projects was 23k! Nicely done, friend!! My hat is off to you. On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

    Static Musselburgh

    Pattern: Musselburgh Hat by Ysolda Teague (7 GBP Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry & 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 Note- the pattern just got some updates About the yarn: blues, grays, cream and a bit of a salmony orange. Self patterning yarn. I’m loving how its working up 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 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. Progress: I finished 9 my July squares & seamed them. I started my August squares and have 1 package waiting for me to open- the last batch.

    Stranger Things 2 Socks

    Yarn: Desert Vista Dyeworks Viso base (75% SW Merino/25% Nylon) in the Stranger Things 2 Self Striping 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 the morning of Thursday 9/5 for the Pigskin Party. I didn’t get to join in the round until that night, but now its well underway. About the colorway- stripes of: orange, hot pink, purple, navy blue, medium blue and red. Progress- almost to heel of the first sock. Brainstorming

    Autumn Doodle Cup Cozy by Jamie Lomax ($2 knitting pattern- Ravelry) . Quick fall colorwork project with DK yarn.

    From the Armchair

    Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link.

    Listened to this because I want to watch the Netflix series based on this starring Sarah Chalke & Katherine Heigl

    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

    During Marta’s visit, the kids turned the living room at my parents’ into a craft room. Millie knit on the hat she’s making for her dad. Riley worked on crochet hexagons for our matching blankets. Roc crocheted on a crab and eventually started a giraffe amigurumi and a baby hat. Riley taught Roc to make a crochet hexagon. Even Max & Garret got in on the action and did some drawing.

    One of the first afternoons, we were sitting at the bar at my parents’ pool. Marta was sewing up a hole in Max’s shirt, I was finishing some socks and Roc was crocheting his crab.

    Throughout the trip, Roc (age 12) was crocheting constantly- in the car, at the table, at the park, anytime he had a few free minutes. He was incredibly adept at chatting and keeping up with his pattern working in increases and decreases.

    We ended up going to 6 craft stores- Plymouth Harbor Knits, Michaels, Joann, The Craft Loft, Hobby Lobby, Gather Here. Roc also got a crochet kit at Dollar Tree (the same dinoaur my niece Aila bought earlier this summer).

    We had a campfire at my house one night. Roc, Millie and Hattie spent most of the night crafting in my studio.

    We visited my house after kayaking & ice cream one afternoon- Hattie also did a bit of knitting on my Musselburgh hat. I found a few dropped stitches the next time I picked it up but that’s ok.

    Crafty Adventures

    Marta, Roc and I did some resin projects while they were visiting. Roc put resin in the bottom of a small wooden crate and then we worked together on a pumpkin lazy susan.

    KAL News

    Pigskin Party ’24 #DCSPigskinParty24

    Event Dates: Thursday September 5, 2024- Monday February 10, 2025 Find everything you need in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Official Rules Registration 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. Coupon Codes are listed in this Ravelry Thread Exclusive Items from our Pro Shop Sponsors are listed in this Ravelry Thread Questions- ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com Playoff Prediction Contest: Check this Ravelry Thread 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).

    Stay Tuned for our October Challenge hosted by The Little Wolf Knits.

    Commentator Mary:

    The season is off to a great start! The first Monday Night Football game was still on and there were already 18 projects in the end zone dance thread! There were lots of hats and dishcloths, of course, as these are often quick projects. But one player went above and beyond! Shellylynnknits already completed a blitz in 4 days! She crocheted a scrap yarn basket that is super cool! https://www.ravelry.com/projects/Shellylynnknits/scrap-yarn-basket That pattern looks like a really fun idea for using up scraps! The September chat thread is in full swing. There are lots of old friends reconnecting after some months away and new players introducing themselves and getting warm welcomes. There is a lot of chatter about life events, plans for pigskin, and an interesting discussion about why people like knitting socks. In addition, if you are a reader or a cook, be sure to check out that Pigskin Book Talk (Ravelry Link) and Pigskin Recipe Ideas (Ravelry Link)! threads as they are quite lively too! Don’t be worried about falling behind on any of these threads…you can jump in at any time! Events Adirondack Wool & Arts Festival; September 21 & 22, 2024 in Greenwich, NY (GREEN-Witch) Vermont Sheep & Wool: October 1 & 2, 2024 in Tunnebridge, VT NY Sheep & Wool Festival (aka Rhinebeck): October 19 & 20, 2024 in Rhinebeck, NY Sierra Nevada Yarn Crawl, (CA and NV) – Sept 12-15, 2024 Cape & South Shore Yarn Haul (MA) September 14-17, 2024 Lambtown, Dixon, CA – Oct 5-6, 2024 For more West Coast (US) event- check out the Seattle Knitters Guild Site.

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

    Contest, News & Notes

    My friend Linda is looking for donations of 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 the First Church in Woburn, MA. 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! This year they’re especially looking for men’s things.

    Life in Focus

    2024 Word of the Year- Heart

    Thank you Emily for sending me a knit & embroidered heart pin! Its so beautiful and it made my day!

    Update on Mom:

    Mom had a couple good days while Marta was visiting. Grateful we were able to spend time together even when she couldn’t leave the house. The sound of the boys laughing brought her joy.

    She had the catheter removed from her lung. Began having throat issues that worsened day after day. On Thursday 9/12 came for scans and chemo, but only had scans and then was admitted. She’s had a whole slew of tests and so far they haven’t found anything wrong which is good news, but we still need to get to the bottom of things.

    One bit of good news, she should be having an injection of filler into her paralyzed right vocal cord that will allow her voice to come back.

    Ask Me Anything

    Herdofhills asked about: fall project plans, books, favorite fall recipes

    I am looking forward to: apple picking, apple sauce, wood chopping weekend, oven baked oatmeal (here’s a recipe I like to use), a Better Off Dead movie party, I’ve already enjoyed watching Hocus Pocus (1 & 2), pulling out the wool socks and wearing those at night, decorating, overnight oats for breakfast which I tend to eat more in fall/winter. Even better for fall is warm.

    Deborahjay- Love is blind UK

    I was watching but got sidetracked with Marta’s visit. For the first time, I found myself fast forwarding through the pre-wedding stuff to hear yes/no. Liked that it seemed like folks were actually there for love and that the cast was far less dramatic than the US participants.

    kjkcrochet- I’d love to know a little bit more about your job

    I’m a Project Manager in the Nursing Dept of a big boston hospital, supporting a communication system and other projects thank involve communication, responsiveness (to patients) and technology). Tune in to hear more. On a Happy Note Max’s reaction to Plymouth Rock! Teaching Roc some new crochet stitches and seeing his enthusiasm. He’s definitely my new buddy. My heart almost burst when he sent me a screenshot of his Home Screen- photo of us outside the Craft Loft in Cambridge. Handpicked sunflowers from my friend Eileen’s garden. Laser tag Going on a Duck Tour 2 whole weeks with Marta. We haven’t been together that long since 1998! And all of the funny moments and inside jokes that come from it. Connections at work making tough days a little easier. Quote of the Week

    Summer ends, and Autumn comes, and he who would have it otherwise would have high tide always and a full moon every night.

    ~ Hal Borland

    ——

    Thank you for tuning in!

    Contact Information:

    Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out myDown Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -“Soft Orange Glow” by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ 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.
  • Episode 281: Ready to PARTY!

    Episode 281: Ready to PARTY!

    · Down Cellar Studio Podcast

    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: Twin Mountain Handcrafts Irocknits Designs Thelittlewolfknits Stitched by Jessalu 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 The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. No One Tells You This by Glynnis Macnicol. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. All Fours by Miranda July. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Bitter Blood: A True Story of Southern Family Pride, Madness and Multiple Murder by Jerry Bledsoe. 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 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 Event Dates: Thursday September 5, 2024- Monday February 10, 2025 Find everything you need in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Official Rules Registration Form (you must be Registered to be eligible for prizes) Find out what Team you're on (Team Chats will open 9/1/24) Enter your projects using the Point Tally Form Find the full list of Sponsors in this Google Doc. Being updated regularly so keep checking back. Coupon Codes are listed in this Ravelry Thread Exclusive Items from our Pro Shop Sponsors are listed in this Ravelry Thread Questions- ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com 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: Summer Bingo with Monica & Cortney of the Craft Cook Read Repeat Podcast Colors of Fall with the Yarniacs Podcast Group. June 20- September 22 Summer Spin In with the Two Ewes Fiber Adventures Podcast Group- May 27 - September 2 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 Jasmin (of the Knitmore Girls Podcast) & I are competing again this year. Check out my Stash Dash Spreadsheet here. Here's Jasmin's Spreadsheet. 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 Sierra Nevada Yarn Crawl, (CA and NV) - Sept 12-15, 2024 Cape & South Shore Yarn Haul (MA) September 14-17, 2024 Adirondack Wool & Arts Festival; September 21 & 22, 2024 in Greenwich, NY Vermont Sheep & Wool: October 1 & 2, 2024 in Tunnebridge, VT Lambtown, Dixon, CA - Oct 5-6, 2024 NY Sheep & Wool Festival (aka Rhinebeck): October 19 & 20, 2024 in Rhinebeck, NY For more West Coast (US) event- check out the Seattle Knitters Guild Site. 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? Millie's Squishmallow Sheltie Dog that I crocheted without a pattern- Ravelry Project Page Emotional Support Chicken- Ravelry Project Page 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: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ 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.

  • Episode 280: Ring the Bell!

    Episode 280: Ring the Bell!

    · Down Cellar Studio Podcast

    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 Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. I'll Just Be Five More Minutes (and other tales from my ADHD brain) by Emily Farris. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. We Were Never Here by Andrea Bartz. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Feed by M.T. Anderson. Bookshop Affiliate Link (not available). Amazon Affiliate Link. 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: Summer Bingo with Monica & Cortney of the Craft Cook Read Repeat Podcast Colors of Fall with the Yarniacs Podcast Group. June 20- September 22 Summer Spin In with the Two Ewes Fiber Adventures Podcast Group- May 27 - September 2 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 Jasmin (of the Knitmore Girls Podcast) & I are competing again this year. Check out my Stash Dash Spreadsheet here Events Flock Fiber Festival- August 9-11 in Seattle, WA FIber Revival: August 10 in Newbury, MA Adirondack Wool & Arts Festival; September 21 & 22, 2024 in Greenwich, NY (GREEN-Witch) Vermont Sheep & Wool: October 1 & 2, 2024 in Tunnebridge, VT NY Sheep & Wool Festival (aka Rhinebeck): October 19 & 20, 2024 in Rhinebeck, NY Sierra Nevada Yarn Crawl, (CA and NV) - Sept 12-15, 2024 Cape & South Shore Yarn Haul (MA) September 14-17, 2024 Lambtown, Dixon, CA - Oct 5-6, 2024 For more West Coast (US) event- check out the Seattle Knitters Guild Site. 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: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ 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.

  • Episode 279: Makes, Milestones & Memories

    Episode 279: Makes, Milestones & Memories

    · Down Cellar Studio Podcast

    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 Linked instructions 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 The Nix by Nathan Hill. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Such a Bad Influence by Olivia Muenter. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. One Last Summer by Kate Spencer. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan. Bookshop Affiliate Link.Amazon Affiliate Link. 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.

    Summer Bingo with Monica & Cortney of the Craft Cook Read Repeat Podcast Tour de Fleece- check out this Ravelry Group for official details. Saturday, June 29, 2024 through Sunday, July 21, 2024. Rest Days: Monday, July 8 and Monday, July 15. There are challenge days, Teams and prizes. Colors of Fall with the Yarniacs Podcast Group. June 20- September 22 Summer Spin In with the Two Ewes Fiber Adventures Podcast Group- May 27 – September 2 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 Jasmin (of the Knitmore Girls Podcast) & I are competing again this year. Check out my Stash Dash Spreadsheet here

    My total as of this episode: 3,765.2 meters

    Events Flock Fiber Festival– August 9-11 in Seattle, WA FIber Revival: August 10 in Newbury, MA Adirondack Wool & Arts Festival; September 21 & 22, 2024 in Greenwich, NY (GREEN-Witch) Vermont Sheep & Wool: October 1 & 2, 2024 in Tunnebridge, VT NY Sheep & Wool Festival (aka Rhinebeck): October 19 & 20, 2024 in Rhinebeck, NY For more West Coast (US) event- check out the Seattle Knitters Guild Site.

    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:

    Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out myDown Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -“Soft Orange Glow” by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ 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.
  • Episode 278: Game ON!

    Episode 278: Game ON!

    · Down Cellar Studio Podcast

    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 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 Linked instructions 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 One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Wellness by Nathan Hill. 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 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 Summer Bingo with Monica & Cortney of the Craft Cook Read Repeat Podcast Tour de Fleece- check out this Ravelry Group for official details. Saturday, June 29, 2024 through Sunday, July 21, 2024. Rest Days: Monday, July 8 and Monday, July 15. There are challenge days, Teams and prizes. Colors of Fall with the Yarniacs Podcast Group. June 20- September 22 Summer Spin In with the Two Ewes Fiber Adventures Podcast Group- May 27 - September 2 WIP Bingo with Cerulean Orchid- June 1-30th. (several West Coast US LYSs participating but you can join online too) Summer Sock Camp with the Crazy Sock Lady The Knit Girllls are hosting their annual Stash Dash Event from May 24-August 31,2024. Discord link: knit girllls discord Jasmin (of the Knitmore Girls Podcast) & I are competing again this year. Check out my Stash Dash Spreadsheet here Events Flock Fiber Festival- August 9-11 in Seattle, WA Adirondack Wool & Arts Festival; September 21 & 22, 2024 in Greenwich, NY (GREEN-Witch) Vermont Sheep & Wool: October 1 & 2, 2024 in Tunnebridge, VT NY Sheep & Wool Festival (aka Rhinebeck): October 19 & 20, 2024 in Rhinebeck, NY For more West Coast (US) event- check out the Seattle Knitters Guild Site. 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). Minot's Light Lighthouse's light signal, a 1-4-3 flashing cycle adopted in 1894, is locally referred to as "I LOVE YOU" (1-4-3 being the number of letters in that phrase), and it is often cited as such by romantic couples within its range. 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: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ 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.

  • Episode 277: 1 month of making + updates

    Episode 277: 1 month of making + updates

    · Down Cellar Studio Podcast

    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 Linked instructions 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 Watch Me Disappear by Janelle Brown. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Counting the Cost: A Memoir. by Jill Duggar with Derick Dillard and Craig Borlaise. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Forever, Interrupted by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. A Funny Story by Emily Henry. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Every Summer After by Carley Fortune. 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 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 Webs Fleece Market: May 18 in Northampton, MA (Tent sale May 16-17) Coggeshall Farm Sheep & Wool Festival: May 18th in Bristol, RI Massachusetts Sheep & Wool: may 25 & 26, 2024 in Cummington, MA Flock Fiber Festival- August 9-11 in Seattle, WA Adirondack Wool & Arts Festival; September 21 & 22, 2024 in Greenwich, NY (GREEN-Witch) Vermont Sheep & Wool: October 1 & 2, 2024 in Tunnebridge, VT NY Sheep & Wool Festival (aka Rhinebeck): October 19 & 20, 2024 in Rhinebeck, NY For more West Coast (US) event- check out the Seattle Knitters Guild Site. 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: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ 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.

  • Episode 276: More Chicken Please

    Episode 276: More Chicken Please

    · Down Cellar Studio Podcast

    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 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 Linked instructions From the Armchair Booth by Karen Joy Fowler. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. None of This is True by Lisa Jewell. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. I'll Be You by Janelle Brown. 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 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. Henry David Thoreau Footbridge Hickory Stick Bookstore The Washington Food Market Five Janes (had some cute Gilmore Girls themed merch) Stuart's Floral The Po Cafe (for lunch) Mayflower Inn and Spa- inspiration for the Independence Inn Stars Hollow Yarn in New Preston, CT Arethusa Farm Ice Cream We shopped in a couple local thrift shops, did some window shopping in downtown Litchfield before stopping for coffee at Espresso 59. 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 Fiber Witch Festival: April 19-21, 2024 in Salem, MA (marketplace and classes) Connecticut Sheep & Wool: Sunday April 27, 2024 in North Haven, CT Yarncentrick Pop-up Event: May 2 & 3, 2024 in Frederick, MD Maryland Sheep & Wool: May 4 & 5, 2024 in West Friendship, MD New Hampshire Sheep & Wool: May 11 & 12, 2024 in Deerfield, NH Webs Fleece Market: May 18 in Northampton, MA (Tent sale May 16-17) Coggeshall Farm Sheep & Wool Festival: May 18th in Bristol, RI Massachusetts Sheep & Wool: may 25 & 26, 2024 in Cummington, MA Flock Fiber Festival- August 4-6 in Seattle, WA Adirondack Wool & Arts Festival; September 21 & 22, 2024 in Greenwich, NY (GREEN-Witch) Vermont Sheep & Wool: October 1 & 2, 2024 in Tunnebridge, VT NY Sheep & Wool Festival (aka Rhinebeck): October 19 & 20, 2024 in Rhinebeck, NY For more West Coast (US) event- check out the Seattle Knitters Guild Site. 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: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ 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.

  • Episode 275: Spring-ish

    Episode 275: Spring-ish

    · Down Cellar Studio Podcast

    Thank you for tuning in to Episode 275 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:

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

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

    Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

    Thumper Hat

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

    LFA Mystery Shortie Socks

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

    Hair bow

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

    Modern Classic Baby Blanket

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

    Woolen Camelot socks

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

    Let the Mystery Unravel 2023 Blanket of Calm

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

    Be Fearless Socks

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

    Christmas in July Socks

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

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

    April Plans

    Crochet beer hat for Chris – Red heart gold + Lion Brand Homespun Yarn- Hepplewhite (May 31st birthday)- yarn purchased Mini Mock Neck Tank for Liz. Pattern by Jessie Maed Designs. $9 knitting pattern on Ravelry We bought yarn for this at Rhinebeck and in an over-tired state, lost ourselves in a fit of giggles over the description of this pattern. I need to take Liz’s measurements From the Armchair I’ll Have What She’s Having: How Nora Ephron’s Three Iconic Films Saved the Romantic Comedy by Erin Carlson. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. The Women by Kristin Hannah. Bookshop Affiliate Link.Amazon Affiliate Link. The Middle Place by Kelly Corrigan. 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

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

    KAL News

    Splash Pad Party will be coming!

    Events

    The Yarn Seller’s Fiber Marketplace– April 6, 2024 in York Beach, ME Shepard’s Extravaganza: April 6-7 in Enumclaw, WA Whidbey Weavers Guild Spin-In: April 6-7 in Oak Harbor, WA Fiber Witch Festival: April 19-21, 2024 in Salem, MA (marketplace and classes) Connecticut Sheep & Wool: Sunday April 27, 2024 in North Haven, CT Yarncentrick Pop-up Event: May 2 & 3, 2024 in Frederick, MD Maryland Sheep & Wool: May 4 & 5, 2024 in West Friendship, MD New Hampshire Sheep & Wool: May 11 & 12, 2024 in Deerfield, NH Webs Fleece Market: May 18 in Northampton, MA (Tent sale May 16-17) Coggeshall Farm Sheep & Wool Festival: May 18th in Bristol, RI Massachusetts Sheep & Wool: May 25 & 26, 2024 in Cummington, MA Flock Fiber Festival– August 4-6 in Seattle, WA Adirondack Wool & Arts Festival; September 21 & 22, 2024 in Greenwich, NY Vermont Sheep & Wool: October 1 & 2, 2024 in Tunnebridge, VT NY Sheep & Wool Festival (aka Rhinebeck): October 19 & 20, 2024 in Rhinebeck, NY For more West Coast (US) event- check out the Seattle Knitters Guild Site.

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

    Life in Focus

    I shared an update on my 24 for 2024 list

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

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

    Going to bed early. Not scrolling on social media- it can be fun, yes, but too much makes me feel anxious. Talking with friends and with Dan. I started seeing a therapist. Making time- not having kids definitely helps with this, but as you all know, I can definitely over-schedule myself. I have been prioritizing family events and not much else. I don’t enjoying saying no or seeing so much white space on the calendar- but I know I’ll need it and I often do. On a Happy Note Friday night game night at my parents with my brother, Dan and the kids. We played a few spirited rounds of Skip-Bo and watched the Taylor Swift Eras tour movie on tv. Mom, Riley, Millie and I had a sleepover then spent Saturday doing some thrift and clothing shopping, went out for lunch and brought home Crumbl cookies to taste test (with my Dad/Pepere). My phone fell into the cookie with the MOST sticky frosting. It was hilarious! We all celebrated St. Patrick’s Day at my cousin Susan’s annual party. I had a blast catching up with cousins and especially playing with some of the little kiddos. Seeing the Girl from North Country (Broadway in Boston series). While Megg and I did not enjoy the show, its always fun to experience live theater and the music was beautiful. Monthly massage! Lunch with Mom, Dad, Kris and Aila. Garret’s playoff hockey game! He got a hat trick, they won and got to the next round of playoffs (they won the second game too). Dinner with work friends.

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

    Quote of the Week

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

    — Doug Larson

    ——

    Thank you for tuning in!

    Contact Information:

    Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out myDown Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -“Soft Orange Glow” by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ 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.
  • Episode 274: Fun, Sun & Chickens!

    Episode 274: Fun, Sun & Chickens!

    · Down Cellar Studio Podcast

    Thank you for tuning in to Episode 274 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week's segments included: Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins From the Armchair In my Travels Events Contest, News & Notes On a Happy Note Quote of the Week Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins FearLESS Socks (DK) Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz DK (75% Merino, 25% Nylon) in the FearLESS Colorway Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Size: XS Ravelry Project Page About the Colorway- FearLESS is a special colorway by Legacy Fiber Artz for our February Fiber Community FearLESS Living Fund Fundraiser. Made for Mom FearLESS Socks (Steel Toes) Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz DK Steel Toes (75% Merino, 25% Nylon) in the FearLESS Colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Size: M Ravelry Project Page About the Colorway- FearLESS is a special colorway by Legacy Fiber Artz for our February Fiber Community FearLESS Living Fund Fundraiser. Made for my Mom's chemo nurse, Nicole, who also cared for my Aunt Florence. Greyhaven Hat Pattern: Greyhaven hat by Robin Ulrich ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) & US 7 (4.5 mm) Yarn: Berocco Ultra Alpaca in the Avocado Colorway Ravelry Project Page Made for my niece's Aila's 15th birthday after she saw and like the grey one I wear a lot. Emotional Support Chicken Pattern: Emotional Support Chicken by Annette Corsino ($6.50 US Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry & this website) Yarn: Various DK scraps Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) Ravelry Project Page On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Modern Classic Baby Blanket Pattern: Modern Classic Baby Blanket by Kristin Holloway ($8 crochet pattern available on Ravelry: free version w/ ads available on this website) Hook: I (5.5) Yarn: Big Twist Tweed in White (7 skeins) Size: Crib Blanket: 36 x 50” The blanket is worked in 2 halves that you seam together at the center to make it symmetrical. The pattern features some crochet cables. Let the Mystery Unravel 2023 Blanket of Calm Pattern: Blanket of Calm by Casapinka (free crochet pattern) Yarn: Woolen Women Fibers- Let the Mystery Unravel subscription + Cascade Heritage Sock yarn in the Forged Iron Colorway Hook: 3.25 mm (D) Ravelry Project Page You can find my Let the Mystery Unravel Unboxing Video on YouTube in this Playlist This subscription is not available to new subscribers but I hope you'll watch each month and see how my blanket comes along. Stay tuned to Woolen Women for all of the fun kits they have! LFA Mystery Shortie Socks Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About 12 rounds of ribbing. 1 round of knitting before starting the heel Progress: Finished first sock and beyond the heel on the second sock. From the Armchair Tuesday Mooney Talks to Ghosts by Kate Racculia. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Big Swiss by Jen Beagin. 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 I traveled to Orlando with my friend Megg who was going there for a conference. We stayed at the Gaylord Palms, visited Epcot one evening and had a great time. I had a couple interesting conversations with people at the pool. One lady was fascinated by my knitting and we had a rather awkward chat when I told her I was knitting a chicken. My poolside waiter told me he lived in NYC for a couple years with grandmother was a prolific knitter and he always enjoyed watching her knit. Celebrated Megg's birthday while we were there with a delicious dinner, room decorations and of course some handknit socks (Ravelry Project Page) Events Connecticut Sheep & Wool: Sunday April 27, 2024 in North Haven, CT Yarncentrick Pop-up Event: May 2 & 3, 2024 in Frederick, MD Maryland Sheep & Wool: May 4 & 5, 2024 in West Friendship, MD New Hampshire Sheep & Wool: May 11 & 12, 2024 in Deerfield, NH Coggeshall Farm Sheep & Wool Festival: May 18th in Bristol, RI Massachusetts Sheep & Wool: March 25 & 26, 2024 in Cummington, MA Vermont Sheep & Wool: October 1 & 2, 2024 in Tunnebridge, VT NY Sheep & Wool Festival (aka Rhinebeck): October 19 & 20, 2024 in Rhinebeck, NY Contest, News & Notes I announced the winners of the prizes I offered up for February FearLESS Living Fund Fundraiser. Total raised during the event: $6,627. 67 Stitched by Jessalu is coming out with bags with the FearLESS Living Fund logo w/ a fibery twist. Check it out Life in Focus Health Update on Mom: March scans showed growth including in her brain. Radiation likely coming soon, but they're waiting until she's done with this round of chemo (hoping for 6 cycles) On a Happy Note Impromptu sleepover with Riley. We started a new secret project I'll tell you about in an upcoming episode. We also started a blanket for my cousin Joe who is expecting a baby boy in the summer. Riley chose a granny square that has a heart at the center. We each made just 1 to try it out and to make sure our squares would come out the same size. More on that in a future episode. Riley and I went to Garret's hockey game. He got 2 goal but they ended up tying. That weekend, they did well enough to get to the next round of the playoffs. My parents went to St. Maarten with 5 of my mom's first cousins and their spouses! She, Riley and I shared pics and videos of our daily outfits via text or Snapchat which is always fun. Suzanne (SewRunKnit) turned me onto a new NY Times Game that's in beta: Strands. My friend Marta messaged me to show me that her eldest son, Roc, has taken up crochet and made a little stuffed animal. Had planned to make a circle but he decided to free form it and it turned into a pear! Adorable! Running around with Megg at Epcot like we were kids! We even got our photo taken with Mickey. They got some candids as we were hugging him, and it looks like I'm bracing for an assault! Check out the hilarious photo. I finished up my 4 part sock class at Staci's Stitches. Quote of the Week "It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade." -Charles Dickens, Great Expectations ------ Thank you for tuning in! Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ 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.

  • Episode 273: Prizes Galore!

    Episode 273: Prizes Galore!

    · Down Cellar Studio Podcast

    Thank you for tuning in to Episode 273 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 Contest, News & Notes 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 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 I first used this border on a Cozy Clusters Blanket (Ravelry project page here). I learned about this edge technique on this website. Millie's 2nd Squishmallow Pattern: None. I did base some of the basic shaping on this pattern on Etsy Hook: D (3.25 mm) Yarn: worsted weight acrylic yarn in brown, tan, white & pink I worked bottom up with the brown, adding in a patch of white at the belly. I created the face out of tan/white and added safety eyes and sewed it on. I added 2 brown ears and a pink and white headband like this Squishmallow: Andres the Sheltie Dog (Amazon Affiliate Link) 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. Thanks for all the tips for his care package! Definitely taking some of those into account. On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins FearLESS Socks (DK) Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz DK (75% Merino, 25% Nylon) in the FearLESS Colorway Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Size: XS About the Colorway- FearLESS is a special colorway by Legacy Fiber Artz for our February Fiber Community FearLESS Living Fund Fundraiser. Special Colorway “FearLESS” available in DK, Steel Toes (sock) and Cozy Toes (sock) Progress: 1st sock is finished. I'm knitting on the foot of the second sock. FearLESS Socks (Cozy Toes) Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz DK (75% Merino, 25% Nylon) in the FearLESS Colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Size: M About the Colorway- FearLESS is a special colorway by Legacy Fiber Artz for our February Fiber Community FearLESS Living Fund Fundraiser. Special Colorway “FearLESS” available in DK, Steel Toes (sock) and Cozy Toes (sock) Progress: Finished the first sock and the cuff of the second. These socks will be gifted to my Mom's chemo nurse, Nicole, who also cared for my Aunt Florence. Modern Classic Baby Blanket Pattern: Modern Classic Baby Blanket by Kristin Holloway ($8 crochet pattern available on Ravelry: free version w/ ads available on this website) Hook: I (5.5) Yarn: Big Twist Tweed in White (7 skeins) Size: Crib Blanket: 36 x 50” The blanket is worked in 2 halves that you seam together at the center to make it symmetrical. The pattern features some crochet cables. Let the Mystery Unravel 2023 Blanket of Calm Pattern: Blanket of Calm by Casapinka (free crochet pattern) Yarn: Woolen Women Fibers- Let the Mystery Unravel subscription + Cascade Heritage Sock yarn in the Forged Iron Colorway Hook: 3.25 mm (D) Ravelry Project Page You can find my Let the Mystery Unravel Unboxing Video on YouTube in this Playlist This subscription is not available to new subscribers but I hope you'll watch each month and see how my blanket comes along. Stay tuned to Woolen Women for all of the fun kits they have! Don't forget, they're Pro Shop Sponsors. Progress Notes- I finished the 3 round DC border to my December squares. My January squares done and seamed. I need to add the border to that. From the Armchair Reading The Invisible Hour by Alice Hoffman. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. You, Again by Kate Goldbeck. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Watching: Dan and I recently watched all 4 seasons of Jack Ryan on Prime. We also loved Jury Duty (also on Prime). I'm thoroughly enjoying Love is Blind Season 6 & chatting about it with my friend Laura. 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 Tune in to hear if you're a January Participation Winner and/or a Grand Prize Winner! Contest, News & Notes 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. Life in Focus I gave updates on a few of my 24 for 2024 items #4- Read more books than you did in 2023 (50) well on my way with 10 books in first 2 months of the year. #10- Publish at least one new pattern redid the math and proportions for a shawl I came up with last year. talked to an indie dyer about yarn support #16- go skiing 6 of 24 completely done! On a Happy Note Valentine's Day software upgrade at work went well. I was awake at 2:30a so it was a long day and nothing festive really but it was a good day! We hosted Millie and Hattie for their birthday sleepovers. I took them to the Altitude trampoline park and Panera on Friday night. Saturday morning: Millie and I hiked while Hattie and Dan did a dump run and rode around in the tractor. We all did some crafts together before heading to the movies to see Migration. I tried a new OPI nail color and loved it. It's called "Pink in Bio" I've completed teaching 2 of 4 classes on the OMG Heel at my LYS and we've already got more than half of the class successfully turning heels. I enjoyed a movie night at my Mom's to watch Wonka. Dan and I did a 1000 piece Ford puzzle. I went skiing at Crotched Mountain. Tune in to hear a funny story about Megg's fall. We all had a fabulous time at my cousin Jenny's baby shower. She loved her crochet blanket. I had a lovely visit with my middle-school best friend Maribeth who is very sick. She was inpatient at the hospital where I work and I was able to go up and see her and catch up. I love the daily puzzles from the New York Times- especially Spelling Bee. On the 21st I got every possible word earning me Queen Bee status! My friend Trish gave me a souvenir from a trip she took to New Orleans; she went to a local yarn shop and bought yarn from Louisiana- which I'll definitely knit into socks for her. Cat Tails yarn dyed exclusively for the Quarter Stitch Colorway Christmas Bonfires Quote of the Week It is hard, so terribly hard, to please yourself. Far from being the easy thing that it sounds like, it is almost the hardest thing in the world, because we are not always comfortable with that true self that lies deep within us. –Christopher Alexander ------ Thank you for tuning in! Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ 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.

  • Episode 272: Birthday Bonanza!

    Episode 272: Birthday Bonanza!

    · Down Cellar Studio Podcast

    Thank you for tuning in to Episode 272 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Show notes with photos can be found on my website- www.downcellarstudio.com/272 This week's segments included: Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming Knitting in Passing From the Armchair KAL News Events Contest, News & Notes Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins 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 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 length to the body before the underarms. I worked 13 inches before the sleeves (4 inches longer than called for) Goofed up working on front left. Didn't read the instructions well and I bound off stitches for the underarm on the RS of the piece instead of the WS. Thankfully the rows were very short after that, so ripped back and was able to fix it in less than an hour. Seaming- I seamed the shoulders and then the sides before setting in the sleeve. I should have done it in this order 1) shoulders 2) sleeves, 3) sides. This post from Amy Herzog was helpful re: Setting in Sleeves. Collar- added a row of SC around the collar to make it look a little neater. Finished Project 700g. 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: Finished all 5 color-block sections. I am using the 6th color for the border because the blanket was already long enough with 5 colors. The pattern has 2 border options, a scalloped edge & a modified picot edge. The latter is what I was planning but I think instead I'll use a bobble edging. I first used this border on a Cozy Clusters Blanket (Ravelry project page here). I learned about this edge technique on this website. 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 About the colorway- pink/mauve base with taupes, blues, greens and other pinks/maroons. 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- I finished the first sock and turned the heel on the second sock this weekend. FearLESS Socks Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz DK (75% Merino, 25% Nylon) in the FearLESS Colorway Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Cast on for the smallest size and that fits well. About the Colorway- Special Colorway “FearLESS” available in DK, Steel Toes (sock) and Cozy Toes (sock). Sue & Chelsea are donating 50% of sales to our FearLESS Living Fund. Progress: Leg of the first sock is almost done!. Brainstorming Greyhaven Hat by Robin Ulrich. $5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry Chicken Family Crochet Pattern by Atomic Crochet Shop on Etsy. $5 crochet pattern on Etsy. Knitting in Passing Millie finished the headband she'd started for Mom. Riley made Mom a chemo hat on a knitting loom in craft class at school. I cast on for a hat with the Plied Yarn we bought for Millie at the Farm Fiber Days event in January and handed it off to Millie to knit a hat for her Dad. From the Armchair Bad Mormon by Heather Gay. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Spare by Prince Harry. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Maybe Once, Maybe Twice by Alison Rose Greenberg. 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 Tune in to hear about: Quarter 4 Challenge: Cable It Up winners Participation Prize Winners Commentator Update The mad dash to get all those points entered was in full swing on Saturday night (superbowl eve). As of the time I looked, players had entered 299 projects since the start of February! On the boards, HikesandBikes (Nikii) shared their experience with a new approach to the tubular cast on where you use Judy's Magic Cast On. I'd seen this on Patty Lyon's instagram and was intrigued so I was super interested in what Nikii thought of it (as were others). There's also been some talk of knitting and walking. Loonyhiker shared that when she knits and walks she has a lot of interesting conversations because people are fascinated that she can do it. Deafelis shared the hot tip that Lowes or Home Depot are great places to practice because the aisles are wide and the floors are smooth (so fewer tripping hazards). Azknitwit noted that an indoor mall might be a great place to practice too! Finally, continuing with a recent theme about how yarn and how many projects to bring when traveling, Socalknit girl shared a sad cautionary tale of how to recover when disaster strikes the one and only project you brought on vacation. Thanks for a fun season! Mary 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. Contest, News & Notes New Videos on the Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Let the Mystery Unravel February Box Yarnable Unboxing- February 2024 Diane Lassonde Health Update #10 including more background on the FearLESS Living Fund inspiration with videos from the Blind Center of Nevada and more information about our February Fundraiser. Check out this video with Lisa from Fibernymph Dyeworks about the FearLESS Living Fund and her custom colorway- Dream Big Check out this video with Sue from Legacy Fiber Artz about the FearLESS Living Fund and their custom colorway- FearLESS Life in Focus 2024 Word of the Year- Heart In sorting jewelry with Mom, I found a pair of gold earrings and a necklace that coordinate; both have hearts on them. I've been wearing them most of the time and loving them. Connection to her and to my word, which is a million times better than any of the items I was looking at on Etsy. I hung the heart collage photo poster in the dining room with painters tape! Let's not overcomplicate things! 24 for 2024 list Get 2 massages beyond the one per month at Massage Envy End the year with more money in the bank than when I started in January. Make & assess goals each month of the year - Jan done Read more books than you did in 2023 (50) Organize a fundraiser for the FearLESS Living Fund Come up with better temporary & more permanent storage for memory items. Bought a beautiful box to put items in. Store in hutch in diningroom where I work most days. Visit 1 new (to me) museum or historical site Add one new indoor plant to my collection Buy/make/work with Dan/Oisin on at least 1 plant stand for the living or dining room Publish at least one new pattern Knit at least 1 finished project with handspun Knit/crochet myself a new sweater Make a Christmas afghan for the living room Take a class Purge at least 20 items from my wardrobe Go skiing Watch at least 5 of the movies on the Jen/Liz movie list Do something special for our Anniversary in May Do a regular (ideally monthly) review of Dropbox Camera Uploads to delete unnecessary items Buy a new quilt and/or duvet cover for our bed Buy a new blow dryer. Get my car detailed Buy new curtains for living room Ordered 3. We picked one! I ordered more, they arrived and we hung them up! YAY! Try a new local restaurant On a Happy Note The whole family went to Garret's hockey game and out for dinner after. I've been trying out Dinnerly meal kit delivery service. So far, I'm really enjoying the 2 meals a week I'm getting. The food is fresh and the portions are generous. If you'd like to try it, you can use this link to get a free box. There is a limit, so don't wait. If the link doesn't work, please email me and I can get a unique offer sent to your email address. Birthday dinner at Mom's on her actual birthday with Mom, Dad, Jeff and the kids + Dan. Dad & Riley lipsyncing to Taylor Swift. Hilarious! Birthday dinner for birthday twins, Diane & Hattie. Karaoke, hair shaving, presents, cake and lots of silliness. I planted amaryllis from a bulb that was gifted to me and its flowering beautifully! I'm so excited. Quote of the Week Kindness eases change / Love quiets fear –OCTAVIA E. BUTLER ------ Thank you for tuning in! Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ 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.

  • Episode 271: Fiber Events & FearLESS Fundraising

    Episode 271: Fiber Events & FearLESS Fundraising

    · Down Cellar Studio Podcast

    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 Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewel. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. The Ruin by Dervla McTiernan. 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 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. Coupon Codes are listed in this Google Doc & in this Ravelry Thread Exclusive Items from our Pro Shop Sponsors are listed in this Ravelry Thread 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 Get 2 massages beyond the one per month at Massage Envy End the year with more money in the bank than when I started in January. ($51,397- includes CD) Make & assess goals each month of the year Read more books than you did in 2023 (50) Organize a fundraiser for the FearLESS Living Fund (DONE) Come up with better temporary & more permanent storage for memory items. Visit 1 new (to me) museum or historical site Add one new indoor plant to my collection (DONE) Buy/make/work with Dan/Oisin on at least 1 plant stand for the living or dining room Publish at least one new pattern Knit at least 1 finished project with handspun Knit/crochet myself a new sweater Make a Christmas afghan for the living room- in progress Take a class (DONE) Purge at least 20 items from my wardrobe Go skiing Watch at least 5 of the movies on the Jen/Liz movie list 1) Hercules Do something special for our Anniversary in May Do a regular (ideally monthly) review of Dropbox Camera Uploads to delete unnecessary items Buy a new quilt and/or duvet cover for our bed Buy a new blow dryer. Get my car detailed (DONE) Buy new curtains for living room- ordered some to try on 1/19 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: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ 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.

  • Episode 270: Heart

    Episode 270: Heart

    · Down Cellar Studio Podcast

    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 The Bodyguard by Katherine Center. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center. 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 #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. Coupon Codes are listed in this Google Doc & in this Ravelry Thread Exclusive Items from our Pro Shop Sponsors are listed in this Ravelry Thread 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. Tune in to see if you're one of our Quarter 3 Challenge Winners or a December Participation Prize Winners The last day to register for Pigskin is 1/31. Reminder- the event ends on Monday 2/12/24! Get those projects finished. Updates from Commentator Mary Lots of chatter on the ravelry boards about the Q4 challenge! First to submit was player Audioann--who knit a really cool beanie with a large diagonal cable. It has a super interesting construction--you knit a flat parallelogram shaped piece and then seam it up. Check it out: https://www.ravelry.com/projects/audioann/viviani-beanie-2 In the endzone dance thread, there are so many great projects! In particular, a lot of stuffies caught my eye. It should come as no surprise that a bunch of people knit imaginedlandscapes' mystery gnomes last month since she is a sponsor. Here are a few examples: stillstranding: https://www.ravelry.com/discuss/down-cellar-studio-podcast/4272642/476-500#498 nellsknitting: https://www.ravelry.com/discuss/down-cellar-studio-podcast/4272642/476-500#491 supercraftygirl: https://www.ravelry.com/projects/Supercraftygirl/snow-matter-what esalaza: https://www.ravelry.com/discuss/down-cellar-studio-podcast/4272642/501-525#516 In other stuffie news, stitchr made pill bug stuffed animal that is truly awesome! It has rainbow legs and a bright orange and red body but it still rolls up into a gray ball. Super cool! https://www.ravelry.com/discuss/down-cellar-studio-podcast/4272642/501-525#508 She also made a grizzly bear that is so lifelike--really cool! https://www.ravelry.com/discuss/down-cellar-studio-podcast/4272642/501-525#520 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 Jean Marie shawl for Mom's birthday- Ravelry Project Page (fingering held double) Crochet Ice Cream Cone for Hattie's Birthday- Ravelry Project Page Domingo the Easter Goat for Millie for Christmas- Ravelry Project Page 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 Read 23 books (35 as of August) Try at least one pair of fake eyelashes Print and hang at least 1 of our new family photos (ordered 8/9 from Walgreens- 8x10 for $12!) Kayak in one new place Did not complete Hike in one new place See 4 plays/musicals (Hamilton 2/9, Shrek in March twice. Secret Garden at Company in April, Matilda [Millie] in May) Give blood at least 3 times (March, May, August, October & December done) Knit myself a pair of mittens Knit/crochet at least one project with handspun (Strathcona sweater "aka my Rhinebeck sweater" Watch 3 movies in one day (1/22 w/ Mom, Terri, Megg- Everything. Everywhere, All At Once. Women Talk. Armageddon Time) See a movie in the theater (A Man Called Otto w/ Laura) Go to a museum (Liz and I went in December) Finish 1 punch needle project- Did not complete Ski at least 1 day (ideally 2-4)- Did not complete 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. Make at least 1 new financial investment (CD started in February) 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. Publish 1 knitting pattern Send 5 cards to friends/family just because- Did not complete Go Camping- Did not complete Participate in the Fiberuary Challenge on Instagram Take a class (in person or virtual)- Zumba twice. 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 Get 2 massages beyond the one per month at Massage Envy End the year with more money in the bank than when I started in January. Make & assess goals each month of the year Read more books than you did in 2023 (50) Organize a fundraiser for the FearLESS Living Fund Come up with better temporary & more permanent storage for memory items. Visit 1 new (to me) museum or historical site Add one new indoor plant to my collection Buy/make/work with Dan/Oisin on at least 1 plant stand for the living or dining room Publish at least one new pattern Knit at least 1 finished project with handspun Knit/crochet myself a new sweater Make a Christmas afghan for the living room Take a class Purge at least 20 items from my wardrobe Go skiing Watch at least 5 of the movies on the Jen/Liz movie list Do something special for our Anniversary in May Do a regular (ideally monthly) review of Dropbox Camera Uploads to delete unnecessary items Buy a new quilt and/or duvet cover for our bed Buy a new blow dryer. Get my car detailed Buy new curtains for living room 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 [email protected] For website: Thank you for tuning in! Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ 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.

  • Episode 269: Warm Hands & Hearts

    Episode 269: Warm Hands & Hearts

    · Down Cellar Studio Podcast

    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: Shift by Hugh Howey. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Dust by Hugh Howey. 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 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. Coupon Codes are listed in this Google Doc & in this Ravelry Thread Exclusive Items from our Pro Shop Sponsors are listed in this Ravelry Thread 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: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ 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.

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