Down Cellar Studio Podcast

  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 255 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. For full show notes with photos check out my website.   This week's segments included:   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming From the Armchair In my Travels KAL News Events Contest, News & Notes On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Carmen Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Yarn: Gusto Wool Carmen Sock Weight Yarn (80/20 Merino/Nylon) in Colorway 1402 Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the yarn: Half of the skein is navy blue the other half is a neon rainbow. At my gauge it is microstriping!   Scrappy Helical Socks Yarn: various fingering scraps Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Ravelry Project Page I am using Cate's Clasp Weft Join when joining a new yarn. Using this method, I only have 4 ends to weave in even though I am changing yarns often.   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Mini Skein Hexagon Blanket Pattern: Basic Crochet Hexagon Pattern & Tips from Make Do and Crew Website & YouTube Tutorial Hook: F (3.75 mm) Yarn: Mini skeins from 2022 agirlandherwool Advent Calendar, 24 Days of Cheer Swap minis + other scraps/swap yarn Ravelry Project Page I've been closing the end of each hexagon with this join- link to Instagram post 4 rounds per hexagon. Learned double magic circle from this YouTube video. Progress Update: 225 hexagons done on 5/22/23 (74 unwashed + 151 washed)- goal is 374   Chevron Scrap Blanket Pattern: Chevron Scrap Blanket by Maria's Blue Crayon (free crochet pattern) available on Ravelry & the Maria's Blue Crayon Website. This pattern presumes you already know the c2c crochet technique. Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted in White & Tranquil (light green), Lion Brand Pound of Love in Pastel Pink and Loops & Threads Snuggly Wuggly Big! in colorway Soft Lilac Hook: J (6.0 mm) Ravelry Project Page (I crocheted one of these in summer 2020- click here for that Ravelry Project Page) For help learning the Corner to Corner Crochet method you could check out this free Ravelry Download from Lauri Bolland or this video tutorial from Lion Brand on YouTube. Each section is 11 squares tall. Green, white, pink, white, purple, white. Progress: 3 strips finished. 1 more started.   Summer Scrappy Helical Socks #2 Yarn: various fingering scraps Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Ravelry Project Page I am using Cate's Clasp Weft Join when joining a new yarn. Using this method, I only have 4 ends to weave in even though I am changing yarns often. Progress: Sock 1 is close to the heel. Sock 2 has a cuff.   Ninja Turtle Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Yarn: Qing Fibre Dashing Fingering Yarn in the Ninja Turtle Colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Laura chose this yarn when we were shopping at Loop London in the Fall of 2022. Progress: almost to the toe on the second sock   Summer Rainbow Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Yarn:  Desert Vista Dyeworks Viso base in the Summer Rainbow Colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Progress: 1st cuff down + a few inches into the leg   Curiouser & Curiouser Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Yarn:  Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes in the Curiouser & Curiouser Colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page I purchased this as a Micro Sock set; 50g of main color + a 20g mini. I also had another LFA mini that I liked with it, so I have green and purple to choose from. Progress: ready to start heel on first sock   Purple Spring Spin Fiber: Fluffypuf #130 Hand Dyed Roving Batt Purple/Pink. 1.4 ounces. 50% BFL, 40% merino, 10% Tussah Silk. Twist direction: singles = Z plied = S This means when I'm spinning, my wheel is spinning clockwise and when plying my wheel is moving counter-clockwise. Ravelry Project Page About the Fluffypuf braid: contains purple (various shades), yellow, orange, gray, blue, pink I purchased 4 oz of 100% Rambouillet from Kingdom Fleece & Fiberworks at CT Sheep & Wool. I will plan to do a 3 ply Update this episode: I broke my new driveband! Will replace w/ kitchen cotton yarn for now   Brainstorming With the announcement of the Legacy Fiber Artz MAL, I decided to wind up all of my LFA minis on the sparkle base to knit some scrappy, helical, clasp-weft sparkle socks!   From the Armchair   The Cartographers by Peng Shepard. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson. 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 Friday night we had dinner at Water Street in Wiscasset, Maine Maine Botanical Gardens. The girls and I especially loved the 5 giant troll sculptures We loved the flowers and other exhibits too. One especially neat thing was The Lerner Garden of the Five Senses which made me think of Gretchin Rubin & her new Life in Five Senses book which I reviewed in Episode 254 Life in Five Senses by Gretchen Rubin. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link.   KAL News   Splash Pad Party 23: May 26-July 31, 2023 Sign up using this Google Form. To confirm you're signed up, check the Stats/Registration Spreadsheet here. Click here for the full list of Sponsors with all the links you need to their websites & social media. Many of our Sponsors are offering coupon codes. Find them here- Google Doc or Ravelry Thread.   Events Stash Dash, hosted by Leslie & Laura of the Knit Girllls Video Podcast starts May 26th and runs through August 31, 2023. Check out details in the knit girllls discord Jasmin (aka cuteknitter) & I will be doing our annual, mostly-friendly challenge. 2 pairs of socks so far= 548 meters You can check out my Stash Dash 2023 Progress on this Google Sheet. Legacy Fiber Artz Knit Your Stash MAL- check out the details on the Treehouse Fiber Arts website Runs May 29- September 4, 2023 #legacyfiberartzknityourstashMal and #flashyourstash Crafty Bingo- Craft Cook Read Repeat Podcast May 26-September 4, 2023 Grab the Bingo card over on their Instagram feed The Grocery Girls are hosting Hot Granny Square Summer MAL. Check out details in their Ravelry Group & in Episode 183 on their YouTube Channel. Summer Sock Camp hosted in the Crazy Sock Lady Ravelry Group 5/26- 8/31/2023 Maine Fiber Frolic: June 3-4th at the Windsor Fairgrounds Vermont Sheep & Wool: Sept 30 & Oct 1 at the Tunbridge Fairgrounds Check out some West Coast (US) Events on the Seattle Knitters Guild site (thanks Kristen- kips206)   Contest, News & Notes   Check out my latest shawl design- Mas Vida! Find all of the details on my website. Mas Vida is available on Ravelry & LoveCrafts for $7. Use code mas for 30% off on Ravelry through 6/2.   On a Happy Note Mother's Day celebrations seeing Millie in Matilda followed by dinner at a local brewery Flowers from Chris & Margarita Vikki & Katy visited from Las Vegas. I picked them up at the airport and then we met Mom, Dad, Trish and Liz for dinner. Dan & I celebrated our 19th Anniversary at a local brewery after work. Thank you Steph for the beautiful AdoreKnit Splash Pad '23 Exclusive Bag & Stitch Markers Getting video messages from Riley about her crochet project! Riley joined one of our Patrons-only Zooms during the Splash Pad Party and that was a lot of fun! Memorial Day weekend visits to my parents'.  Mom shared a cool tip on how to clean jewelry which I'll share on Instagram. Sunday after the pool, the 4 of us headed to Matt & Kris' to celebrate Matt's birthday and Carly's birthday. I gifted her the Carmen socks I'd just finished! She's a skiier so I'm hoping she enjoys them. On Monday, a bunch of my cousins and their kids came! We got a fun photo of 9 kiddos together on my parents' swing! The kids swam and ate ice cream. I played bocce with Garret.   Quote of the Week   In the beginning I was so young and such a stranger to myself I hardly existed. I had to go out into the world and see it and hear it and react to it, before I knew at all who I was, what I was, what I wanted to be.   –Mary Oliver   ------   Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: 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.  

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 254 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. Click here.    This week's segments included:   Off the Needles On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins From the Armchair Crafty Adventures Some Years Later In my Travels KAL News Events Contest, News & Notes On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Thanks to Riley, our special guest co-host this week!   Off the Needles   Winter Mint Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Winter Mint Colorway (Yarnable December 2022) You can see more of the December 2022 Winter Mint themed packaged in my Vlogmas 2022: Day 2 video Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the colorway: mint green with specks of gray and blue   Riley recently finished a knitted tote from the Rheinpack Tote pattern available on Ravelry.     On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Mini Skein Hexagon Blanket Pattern: Basic Crochet Hexagon Pattern & Tips from Make Do and Crew Website & YouTube Tutorial Hook: F (3.75 mm) Yarn: Mini skeins from 2022 agirlandherwool Advent Calendar, 24 Days of Cheer Swap minis + other scraps/swap yarn Ravelry Project Page I've been closing the end of each hexagon with this join- link to Instagram post 4 rounds per hexagon. 3.75 inches each. Likely need over 300 Twin sized blanket is 60x80 inches. 17x22 hexis- 374. Learned double magic circle from this YouTube video. The trick is to know how to pull both loops to tighten the loop. Bought 2 grab bags of minis from Legacy Fiber Artz and some yarn from Knit Picks with a gift card I got for my birthday. Minis from CT Sheep & Wool and Maryland S&W Thanks Nicole (ndoyle) for the care package for Riley that included a Crumbl cookie cutter and minis for Riley to make more hexis out of. You can check out our Crumbl taste test in this video.   Purple Spring Spin Fiber: Fluffypuf #130 Hand Dyed Roving Batt Purple/Pink. 1.4 ounces. 50% BFL, 40% merino, 10% Tussah Silk. Twist direction: singles = Z plied = S This means when I'm spinning, my wheel is spinning clockwise and when plying my wheel is moving counter-clockwise. Ravelry Project Page About the Fluffypuf braid: contains purple (various shades), yellow, orange, gray, blue, pink I purchased 4 oz of 100% Rambouillet from Kingdom Fleece & Fiberworks at CT Sheep & Wool. I split it in two. 2 oz already spun. I will plan to do a 3 ply   Shock Star Hat Yarn: Spun Right Round Squish DK in the Shock Star colorway Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) & US 7 (4.5 mm) Pattern: none Ravelry Project Page About the yarn: cream base with small bits of neons + black. 92 sts. 2x2 rib with the US 5 needles. Switched to US 7 needles after the brim. Planning on a slouchy hat   Silver Spoon Socks Yarn: A Whimsical Wood Yarn Company Pixie Toes Socks in the Silver Spoon Up My A$$ colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Ravelry Project Page About the yarn: peaches and pinks with gray/taupe. At my gauge it is striping (~2 rounds per color). I purchased this yarn at Yarncentric event in Maryland. Progress: Almost done with the first leg.   Scrappy Helical Socks Yarn: various fingering scraps Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Ravelry Project Page I tried to weave in ends as I went and I wasn't loving the look of it. My friend Nicki suggested Cate's Clasp Weft Join after starting new yarn. I thought of it but talked myself out of it, thinking it wouldn't work well. It totally does! Let me know if you'd like to see a tutorial on it. Progress: just finished heel on second sock   Ninja Turtle Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Yarn: Qing Fibre Dashing Fingering Yarn in the Ninja Turtle Colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Laura chose this yarn when we were shopping at Loop London in the Fall of 2022. About the yarn: it is the brightest, most neon yellow/green Progress: Turned second heel   Riley is knitting on her Riley Rose Cowl (pattern by me, named for her) out of Goosey Fibers Yarn. You can get this pattern on Ravelry & LoveCrafts. She is also practicing working flat in double crochet using Knit Picks Brava yarn.   From the Armchair   Life in Five Senses by Gretchen Rubin. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link.   Riley is re-reading The Summer I turned Pretty by Jenny Han. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link.   Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.   Crafty adventures This weekend, I had my first go at needle felting. It was a lot of fun!   Some Years Later Me Made May has me wearing my handknits and posting on Instagram. Day 1: Yorkshire Meadow Shawl- details on my website. Day 2: Grace & Frankie Shawl-  Day 3: Tan House Brook Shawl Day 4: World of Difference Shawl Day 5: Boxing Day Bonus (me) + Jean Marie Shawl (Mom) Day 6: Mas Vida Shawl (Coming soon) Day 7: Deschain Tee by Leila Raven Day 8: Soldotna Crop by Caitlin Hunter Day 10: Riley Rose Shawl Day 13: Amma Top  by Maria Valles (me) + Cozy Classic Raglan by Jessie Maed Designs (Riley)   In My Travels Riley & I attended Connecticut Sheep & Wool. Check out our vlog video on the Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel. Mom & I spent Thursday through Monday in Maryland, attending Yarncentrick on Friday & Maryland Sheep & Wool on Saturday. Stay tuned for a 2 part vlog series on my YouTube Channel   KAL News   Splash Pad Party Registration opened May 1st. Sign up using this Google Form. To confirm you're signed up, check the Stats/Registration Spreadsheet here. The 8th Annual Splash Pad Party opens on Friday May 26th and runs through July 31st. Virtual Events to open the Splash Pad will be Friday 5/26 & Saturday 5/27. Check out this link for details. All times are in Eastern Time. Check out the Sponsor list here.     Events   Massachusetts Sheep & Wool: May 27 & 28th at the Cummington Fairgrounds Maine Fiber Frolic: June 3-4th at the Windsor Fairgrounds Vermont Sheep & Wool: Sept 30 & Oct 1 at the Tunbridge Fairgrounds Check out some West Coast (US) Events on the Seattle Knitters Guild site (thanks Kristen- kips206)   Contest, News & Notes   My new shawl pattern, the Mas Vida Shawl is coming soon!!   Mas Vida is a simple sideways shawl that is written for 2 skeins of fingering weight yarn but can be knit up in any yarn you choose. There isn't a single purl in the project, and the eyelets are easy to work. Many of you will only need to reference the pattern occasionally once you understand the basic increases and increase repeats. I designed this to take along on a European vacation. I wanted something with a bit of interest, but that wouldn't be too large, wouldn't require too much brain space and that wouldn't work up too quickly (as smaller travel projects tend to do). - Note - This pattern has already been Tech Edited & Test Knit, so it should be smooth sailing!   On a Happy Note I went to see Irish comedian Tommy Tiernan with Megg, Tom & Matt. Seeing my 11 year old niece perform in Matilda. Zach's 1st birthday dinner. Riley got 2 awards in her last dance competition of the season!   Quote of the Week Do not look back. And do not dream about the future, either...Your duty, your reward—your destiny—are here and now.   –DAG HAMMARSKJOLD   ------ Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: 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.  

  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 253 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. For full show notes with photos check out my website.    This week's segments included: Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins From the Armchair In my Travels KAL News Events Contest, News & Notes Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Zach's 1st Birthday Teddy Yarn: Knit Picks Brava in the Dove Heather, Silver, Mint, Tranquil and Marina colorways Hooks: D (3.25 mm) for stuffed parts & H (5.0mm) for Granny Square Pattern: Theo the Teddy Bear from book: Snuggle & Play Crochet: 40 Amigurumi Patterns for Lovey Security Blankets and Matching Toys by Carolina Guzman Benitez Ravelry Project Page   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Winter Mint Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Winter Mint Colorway (Yarnable December 2022) You can see more of the December 2022 Winter Mint themed packaged in my Vlogmas 2022: Day 2 video Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the colorway: mint green with specks of gray and blue Progress: Turned heel of first sock   Zebra Stripes Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Yarn: Patons Kroy in the Zebra Stripes Colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the colorway: Progress: Turned heel of first sock and knit several inches on the foot during our trip to Nantucket   Musselburgh Hat   Pattern: Musselburgh by Ysolda Teague ($7.77 US/ 6 GBP knitting pattern available on Ravelry or on Ysolda's website) Yarn: YarnBaker Fingering in the Blazer Colorway & On The Round Nimble Sock (unsure of colorway) Needles: US 2 (2.75) circular- 32 in (magic loop for beginning & end of project & US 2 (also called US 2.5) 3.0 mm 16-inch circular for the body of the hat Ravelry Project Page Size: Adult Medium Progress check- More than half way done. Added in second color   Mini Skein Hexagon Blanket Pattern: Basic Crochet Hexagon Pattern & Tips from Make Do and Crew Website & YouTube Tutorial Hook: F (3.75 mm) Yarn: Mini skeins from 2022 agirlandherwool Advent Calendar, 24 Days of Cheer Swap minis + other scraps/swap yarn Ravelry Project Page I've been closing the end of each hexagon with this join- link to Instagram post 4 rounds per hexagon. 3.75 inches each. Likely need over 300 Twin sized blanket is 60x80 inches. 17x22 hexis- 374. Learned double magic circle from this YouTube video. The trick is to know how to pull both loops to tighten the loop. 196 hexagons done by 4/25/23 (151 washed/ 45 unblocked) More than half way there if my goal is 374   Children of Time Spinning Fiber: Into the Whirled Cheviot (4 oz) in the Children of Time colorway Twist direction: singles = Z plied = S This means when I'm spinning, my wheel is spinning clockwise and when plying my wheel is moving counter-clockwise. Ravelry Project Page About the Fiber: purple, plum, tans, browns and blues Progress: Finishing spinning all 4 oz   Benjamin's Christmas Stocking 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: finished green panel. Finished the last ~20 rows of the red side on the train this week.   From the Armchair   The Villa by Rachel Hawkins. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. "You Just Need to Lose Weight" and 19 Other Myths About Fat People by Aubrey Gordon. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link.   I'm also excited for new book from Virginia Sole-Smith- Fat Talk: Parenting in the Age of Diet Culture. Check out Episode 265 of the Forever 35 Podcast & Episode 30 of the Struggle Care Podcast for Interviews with Virginia Sole-Smith about her book. Virginia also has her own podcast called Burnt Toast (and a Substack by the same name) which I've just started listening to.   Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.   In My Travels   Check out our 2 part Nantucket Vlog series on my YouTube Channel: Part 1 & Part 2     KAL News Splash Pad Party Registration Opens May 1st. Sign up using this Google Form. To confirm you're signed up, check the Stats/Registration Spreadsheet here. The 8th Annual Splash Pad Party opens on Friday May 26th and runs through July 31st.   Events Maryland Sheep & Wool: May 6 & 7th at the Howard County Fairgrounds Mom & I are planning to attend NH Sheep & Wool: May 13 & 14 in Deerfield, NH Massachusetts Sheep & Wool: May 27 & 28th at the Cummington Fairgrounds Maine Fiber Frolic: June 3-4th at the Windsor Fairgrounds Vermont Sheep & Wool: Sept 30 & Oct 1 at the Tunbridge Fairgrounds Check out some West Coast (US) Events on the Seattle Knitters Guild site (thanks Kristen- kips206)   Contest, News & Notes Thanks to test knitters testing my Mas Vidas shawl   Life in Focus   I checked off two things on my 23 in 2023 list #1- Read 23 Books- now at 24! #23- Create a new music playlist. Riley's. Plus CMA fest artists.   On a Happy Note Walking at the beach with Megg & Maria before Oisin's boat race. His team set the course record for the day! Laura came in from NY that evening and joined us for Tom's birthday dinner. On Sunday, I drove down to Orleans where Laura was house sitting to watch the Love is Blind "live" Re-union debacle on Netflix. Training at the gym & the energy that comes with it! Going w/ Riley and Mom to get our nails done before Nantucket. Riley took us for boba smoothies afterwards. We had a great time. Riley was showing a friend a nail polish in TJ Maxx that looks like mine and it was the exact color of OPI I always get- Don't Bossa Nova Me Around- and she bought it for me. So sweet! Nantucket! 4 day weekend was just the break I needed from work. The candy and cookie taste tests were a fun way to do something memorable without having to spend a ton of time or money. Getting Mom to watch on Love is Blind Watching The Sinner on Netflix with Dan. Working on a slide show for my friend's son's Bar Mitzvah.   Quote of the Week Writer and psychoanalyst Marion Milner on the work required to be happy:   "Let no one think it is an easy way because it is concerned with moments of happiness rather than with stern duty or high moral endeavour. For what is really easy, as I found, is to blind one's eyes to what one really likes, to drift into accepting one's wants ready-made from other people, and to evade the continual day to day sifting of values."   Source: A Life of One's Own   ------   Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: 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.  

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 252 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website.   This week's segments included: On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming From the Armchair Some Years Later Knitting in Passing KAL News Events Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Winter Mint Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Winter Mint Colorway (Yarnable December 2022) You can see more of the December 2022 Winter Mint themed packaged in my Vlogmas 2022: Day 2 video Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the colorway: mint green with specks of gray and blue Progress: Leg of the 1st sock is complete Solstice Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Solstice Colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Progress- Finished 1st sock. Cast on second. Ninja Turtle Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Yarn: Qing Fibre Dashing Fingering Yarn in the Ninja Turtle Colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Laura chose this yarn when we were shopping at Loop London in the Fall of 2022. About the yarn: it is the brightest, most neon yellow/green Progress: Sock #1 done. 2nd one on the leg Carmen Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Yarn: Gusto Wool Carmen Sock Weight Yarn (80/20 Merino/Nylon) in Colorway 1402 Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the yarn: Half of the skein is navy blue the other half is a neon rainbow. At my gauge it is microstriping. Purple Spring Spin Fiber: Fluffypuf #130 Hand Dyed Roving Batt Purple/Pink. 1.4 ounces. 50% BFL, 40% merino, 10% Tussah Silk. Twist direction: singles = Z plied = S This means when I'm spinning, my wheel is spinning clockwise and when plying my wheel is moving counter-clockwise. Ravelry Project Page About the braid: contains purple (various shades), yellow, orange, gray, blue, pink Ordered 4 ounces of a purple fiber that I plan to split in half and ply with this for a 3-ply. Children of Time Spinning Fiber: Into the Whirled Cheviot (4 oz) in the Children of Time colorway Twist direction: singles = Z plied = S This means when I'm spinning, my wheel is spinning clockwise and when plying my wheel is moving counter-clockwise. Ravelry Project Page About the Fiber: purple, plum, tans, browns and blues Chevron Scrap Blanket Pattern: Chevron Scrap Blanket by Maria's Blue Crayon (free crochet pattern) available on Ravelry & the Maria's Blue Crayon Website. This pattern presumes you already know the c2c crochet technique. Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted in White & Tranquil (light green), Lion Brand Pound of Love in Pastel Pink and Loops & Threads Snuggly Wuggly Big! in colorway Soft Lilac Hook: J (6.0 mm) Ravelry Project Page (I crocheted one of these in summer 2020- click here for that Ravelry Project Page) For help learning the Corner to Corner Crochet method you could check out this free Ravelry Download from Lauri Bolland or this video tutorial from Lion Brand on YouTube. Each section is 11 squares tall. Green, white, pink, white, purple, white. Progress: 2 strips finished. 2 more started. I am going to run out of Knit Picks Brava White yarn. I did finish a top down elongated triangular shawl that was a design idea. I think I like it, but waiting for it to come off the blocking mats for final decisions. Brainstorming I'm debating what to make for my nephew Zachary's 1st birthday in May. This is a strong contender: Baby Snuggler by Cheryl of Crochet 365 Knit Too. Crochet pattern available for $4.49 on Ravelry or free on the Crochet 365 Knit Too Website or ad-free from Cheryl's website here. From the Armchair I talked in the last episode about  Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link.Thanks to Sarah, PAKnitWit who mentioned that some of the book tour might have been recorded. I found this video on YouTube. Foster by Claire Keegan. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Normal People by Sally Rooney. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases. Some Years Later Riley wore her Everyday Cables Cardigan to Easter this year. I knit this very bulky sweater for her for Christmas 2021 (From Dec 10-24th!). You can check out my Ravelry Project Page here. Knitting in Passing Eme sleepover We played Cube Escape Collection. We played The Mill which is like an electronic version of an escape game where you have to go around the room to find clues and figure out how to solve a puzzle. Grandmother knit her own hair (which we had to spin on a castle style spinning wheel) to make a pot holder so we could get hot duck out of oven. We messaged with Z, Emelyn's former roommate, and sending videos to try to help with their ssk issues. I had so much fun teaching Eme to crochet. I bought them some hooks and yarn to keep going. KAL News Splash Pad Party starts on Friday May 26th. Save the date for our virtual kick off events on Friday & Saturday May 26-27th. More details to come. Call for Sponsors went out. You can find information on my website. Events Saturday April 22 from 10a-5p Gore Place Annual Sheepshearing Festival in Waltham, MA. Click here for details. Connecticut Sheep & Wool: April 29, 2023 at the North Haven Fairgrounds. Maryland Sheep & Wool: May 6 & 7th at the Howard County Fairgrounds Mom & I are planning to attend NH Sheep & Wool: May 13 & 14 in Deerfield, NH Massachusetts Sheep & Wool: May 27 & 28th at the Cummington Fairgrounds Maine Fiber Frolic: June 3-4th from 9-10a at the Windsor Fairgrounds Vermont Sheep & Wool: Sept 30 & Oct 1 at the Tunbridge Fairgrounds Check out some West Coast (US) Events on the Seattle Knitters Guild site (thanks Kristen- kips206) Life in Focus While it's been difficult, I'm really enjoying taking small group workout classes at a new to me gym nearby. On a Happy Note Hiking with Megg and alone. Seeing The Secret Garden musical at The Company Theatre. Eme & Kris' birthday dinner. Watching Love is Blind on Netflix and talking about it with Laura. It's such a fun way to connect w/ a friend. Easter at my parents' house. Warmer, longer days. My houseplants. I've recently divided up some more of my plants. Getting ready to fertilize them. They are bringing me so much joy, and having kept them alive (many for well over a year now), I'm getting confidence to try a few new plants. Maybe soon! Quote of the Week“ The events of your past are fixed. The meaning of your past is not. The influence of every experience in your life is determined by the meaning you assign to it. Assign a more useful meaning to your past and it becomes easier to take a more useful action in the present.” -James Clear- —-Thank you for tuning in! Contact Information: 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.

  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 251 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. Click here.   This week's segments included:   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins From the Armchair Crafty Adventures Knitting in Passing KAL News Events Contest, News & Notes Life in Focus Ask Me Anything On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Shout out to Ultimate Insider Patrons: Aggie, Alexis, Alicia, Beth, Erica, Haidi, Kristina, Rachel, Rachel and Steph   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Grammy's 2nd Jean Marie Shawl Pattern: Jean Marie by Jennifer Lassonde ($6 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & LoveCrafts). Needles: US 9 (5.5 mm) Yarn: Plymouth Yarn DK Merino Superwash in Black, Light Gray and White (2 skeins each) Ravelry Project Page   Own Two Feet Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Yarn: Cloudborn Fibers Merino Superwash Sock Twist Tiny Stripe in the Own Two Feet Colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page 56 stitches. Cuff Down. About the yarn: 2 round stripes of plum, lavender, brown and gray   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Musselburgh Hat   Pattern: Musselburgh by Ysolda Teague ($7.77 US/ 6 GBP knitting pattern available on Ravelry or on Ysolda's website) Yarn: fingering weight yarn from stash in a denim blue (can't find the ballband) Needles: US 2 (2.75) circular- 32 in (magic loop for beginning & end of project & US 2 (also called US 2.5) 3.0 mm 16-inch circular for the body of the hat Ravelry Project Page Size: Adult Medium Plan: Switch colors half way through. I have a lighter blue skein from On the Round that I purchased at Wicked Good Yarns in Rockland, MA that I want to use to make it a reversible hat.   Ninja Turtle Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Yarn: Qing Fibre Dashing Fingering Yarn in the Ninja Turtle Colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page 56 stitches. Cuff Down. Laura chose this yarn when we were shopping at Loop London in the Fall of 2022. About the yarn: it is the brightest, most neon yellow/green. Progress: Sock #1 is most of the way through the foot.   Carmen Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Yarn: Gusto Wool Carmen Sock Weight Yarn (80/20 Merino/Nylon) in Colorway 1402 Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page   Cloudy + Rainbows Spinning Project Fiber: 4oz braid of BFL from Frabjous Fibers in the Rainy Day Rainbows Colorway Description- long stretches of light gray punctuated with shorter blips of rainbow colors Twist direction: singles = Z plied = S This means when I'm spinning, my wheel is spinning clockwise and when plying my wheel is moving counter-clockwise. I bought a new poly drive band for my Kromski Minstrel from Spinning Bunny on Etsy that I heard about on a Kromski Spinning Wheel Owners message board on Ravelry. Finished spinning all 4 ounces. I would like to ply with other gray fiber.   Wild Air Farm Fiber Fiber: 3.9 ounces of Shetland & Pygora from Wild Air Farm. Tag indicates "Melody & Cadence" which I presume are the animal names. 1 bump in green, 1 bump in blue Ravelry Project Page Twist direction: singles = Z plied = S This means when I'm spinning, my wheel is spinning clockwise and when plying my wheel is moving counter-clockwise.   From the Armchair   Unsheltered by Barbara Kingsolver. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr. 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 finally got around to hanging up items to create a collage wall in the Down Cellar Studio.   Knitting in Passing While knitting on my Musselburgh Hat at Oisin's show, the women behind me asked me at Intermission what I was making because she's a "big knitter." I explained about the hat and what a sensation the pattern was. It was nice chatting with her.   KAL News   The Annual Splash Pad Party is ON for this summer. Save the dates for virtual kick off events Friday & Saturday May 26-27th Call for sponsors going out soon. Sign up for my email newsletter & check the box for getting Sponsor emails if you want to be the first to know about available sponsor spots.  Participant sign-ups will start in May.   Events Saturday April 1 from 10a-3p: The Yarn Seller's 10th Annual Fiber Marketplace in York, Maine. Click here for details. Saturday April 22 from 10a-5p Gore Place Annual Sheepshearing Festival in Waltham, MA. Click here for details. Connecticut Sheep & Wool: April 29, 2023 at the North Haven Fairgrounds. Maryland Sheep & Wool: May 6 & 7th at the Howard County Fairgrounds Mom & I are planning to attend NH Sheep & Wool: May 13 & 14 in Deerfield, NH Massachusetts Sheep & Wool: May 27 & 28th at the Cummington Fairgrounds Vermont Sheep & Wool: Sept 30 & Oct 1 at the Tunbridge Fairgrounds Check out some West Coast (US) Events on the Seattle Knitters Guild site (thanks Kristen- kips206)   Contest, News & Notes I will have a new shawl pattern ready for test knitters soon. I think I will run the test on Ravelry because it's what I know and is easiest and life is still a little challenging for me right now, so thank you for giving me a little grace.   Life in Focus   Tune in for my update on 23 in 2023. Any tips for brands/types of fake eyelashes to try? Skiing didn't happen this year. Sigh. I'm making good progress of reading, going to musicals, sending cards and going to the movies!   I celebrated the 11 year anniversary of the Podcast with a quick look back at Episode 1!     On a Happy Note Follow-up after Mom's recent scans show things look good. She & Dad headed off to Florida for vacation. Dan & I helped Dad replace their broken TV and we had a nice dinner together. My cousin Susan's annual St. Patrick's Day Party with birthday cake for my cousin Christopher whose baby I met for the first time that day and a Bailey's toast to my dear Aunt Florence. Picked up Riley and Millie to go meet Mom & Trish for mani pedis before Mom & Dad headed to Florida on Vacation. Seeing Oisin play Shrek in Shrek Jr. at his Middle School. Girls Game Night at my cousin Joanie's house Going back to Zumba before my old gym closes. I had my annual mammogram and thought there was cause for concern but ultrasound proved everything is normal! PSA: Get those boobies checked!! It's important.   Quote of the Week   I realized I was as happy as I'd ever been in my life. It was the happiness of the right-before, when everything is potential and no branch on the tree of possibility has yet been closed off by action. –Dawn Drzal   Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: 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.  

    Thank you for tuning in to Episode 250 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website.   This week's segments included:   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbin On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming From the Armchair Crafty Adventures Knitting in Passing In my Travels KAL News Events On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Thank you to this episode's sponsor: The Yarn Sellar and be sure to check out their annual Fiber Marketplace Saturday April 1 2023, 10-3 pm  at the Union Bluff in York Beach,Maine.   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Hattie's Ice Cream Pattern: Ice Cream Cone by Shannon Holding. Free Crochet Pattern available on the LoopholeFox website & on Ravelry Hook: C (2.75) Yarn: Knit Picks Brava in Cotton Candy (pink), Blush (pink), White. Loops & Threads Impeccable in Soft Taupe (cone) 2 scoops of ice cream (instructions include option for 3 scoops). 1st scoop is pink, 2nd scoop is white. Pink and purple sprinkles Ravelry Project Page   Hattie's Cupcake Pattern: Cupcake by Stitch11. Free crochet pattern available on this website & on Ravelry. Hook: C (2.75) Yarn: Knit Picks Brava in White. Loops & Threads Impeccable in Soft Taupe (cake), Big Twist Twinkle in Gray (wrapper) Silver sparkle yarn for cupcake wrapper, taupe for cupcake, white frosting with pink and purple sprinkles to match ice cream. Ravelry Project Page   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Mini Skein Hexagon Blanket Pattern: Basic Crochet Hexagon Pattern & Tips from Make Do and Crew Website & YouTube Tutorial Hook: F (3.75 mm) Yarn: Mini skeins from 2022 agirlandherwool Advent Calendar, 24 Days of Cheer Swap minis + other scraps/swap yarn Ravelry Project Page I've been closing the end of each hexagon with this join- link to Instagram post 4 rounds per hexagon. 3.75 inches each. Likely need over 300 Twin sized blanket is 60x80 inches. 17x22 hexis- 374. Over 160 full hexagons done now. I washed all of my finished hexis (that already had ends woven in), in the washing machine on delicate inside a lingerie bag. The lingerie bag is important because with small pieces, you can lose pieces into your machine and cause problems. Results: 5 of them came apart at the join on the final round. No bleeding or fading. No shrinking. I'm glad I did this so I could get the bad ones out of the mix before I seam them. Learned double magic circle from this YouTube video. The trick is to know how to pull both loops to tighten the loop.   Ninja Turtle Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Yarn: Qing Fibre Dashing Fingering Yarn in the Ninja Turtle Colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page 56 stitches. Cuff Down. About the yarn: it is the brightest, most neon yellow/green. Laura chose this yarn when we were shopping at Loop London in the Fall of 2022. Progress: Sock #1 is beyond the heel.   Own Two Feet Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Yarn: Cloudborn Fibers Merino Superwash Sock Twist Tiny Stripe in the Own Two Feet Colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page 56 stitches. Cuff Down. About the yarn: 2 round stripes of plum, lavender, brown and gray Progress: Just finished the heel of the second sock.   Benjamin's Christmas Stocking 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: finished green panel. Almost done w/ the red.   Grammy's 2nd Jean Marie Shawl Pattern: Jean Marie by Jennifer Lassonde ($6 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & LoveCrafts). Needles: US 9 (5.5 mm) Yarn: Plymouth Yarn DK Merino Superwash in Black, Light Gray and White (2 skeins each) Ravelry Project Page Just finished Section 2 of 3.   Brainstorming   I charted out elongated shawl design idea which feels really good.   From the Armchair   Ready Player One by Ernest Cline. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Modern Loss: Candid Conversations about Grief. Beginners Welcome. by Rebecca Soffer and Gabrielle Birkner. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Part of your World by Abby Jimenez. 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 finished my January-June Covid Photo Book/Scrapbook that I made in Shutterfly and ordered it! I started working on second half of the year. I have notes about each day of the year that I'm mostly copying/pasting into Shutterfly and adding photos from Google Photos which makes it easier. So grateful I journaled during 2020 as it will likely end up being one of the wildest year of our lives.   Knitting in Passing Riley texted me that she's ready for her next knitting project. We purchased some Goosey Fibers yarn at Yarn's End during the Cape & South Shore Yarn Haul so she can knit the Riley Rose Cowl, which, yes, is named after her. You can find my pattern on Ravelry & LoveCrafts.   In My Travels Mom, Millie & I went to Russell's Garden Center for Farm Fiber Days Event. Blue Heron Farm set-up table for people to learn Needle Felting. Millie made a butterfly and then a bunny. We purchased a needle felting kit from them. Later Mom found cookie cutters. Millie got lots of snuggle time with 2 French Angora Rabbits that she wants to convince her dad to adopt. Thank you, Jessica. I purchased two batts of Shetland from Wild Air Farm in Bolton, MA. I also chose 3 minis from Sassy Black Yarns. Millie chose a skein of Making Tracks from Junction Fiber Mill Our marled variegated 2 ply yarn. Hand-dyed in small limited-edition batches. Made with 100% American wool.   KAL News I emailed all Grand Prize Winners and the sponsors who donated their prizes. Check your email if you haven't already. Splash Pad preliminary prep underway   Events Knit for Food Knit-a-thon 2023 Event: a Fundraiser for Feeding America, World Central Kitchen, No Kid Hungry and Meals on Wheels organized by Laura Nelkin is happening on March 26, 2023 Saturday April 1 from 10a-3p: The Yarn Seller's 10th Annual Fiber Marketplace in York, Maine. Click here for details. Saturday April 22 from 10a-5p Gore Place Annual Sheepshearing Festival in Waltham, MA. Click here for details. Connecticut Sheep & Wool: April 29, 2023 at the North Haven Fairgrounds. Maryland Sheep & Wool: May 6 & 7th at the Howard County Fairgrounds Mom & I are planning to attend Massachusetts Sheep & Wool: May 27 & 28th at the Cummington Fairgrounds Vermont Sheep & Wool: Sept 30 & Oct 1 at the Tunbridge Fairgrounds   On a Happy Note Getting more minis from Nicole in the mail! Met up with my friend Gary from college for coffee while he was in Boston. Hattie's first ever birthday sleepover for her 5th Birthday. I picked her up and then we picked up Millie, at Hattie's request. We had a low key night at home, and went to the Children's Museum the next morning. Hattie was overtired, so we drove her home and then Millie and I met up with my parents to head back into Boston for Riley's dance competition. Mom, Dad, Jeff, Millie, Garret and I all went to an early dinner between her performances. Monday night at a local Irish pub listening to live music for Megg's birthday. Last Saturday, Megg dropped off Oisín to work with Dan, and we all had breakfast before Megg and I went off for a hike. We got back to the car just as the rain started. Millie's Bucket List with a Twist item was to ride horses with Grammy in the snow. It nearly snowed on Saturday May 11, but it was too warm. Thankfully, the rain stopped while we were inside the barn at Nancy & Roger's house, meeting the animals. Our friend Terri is friends with Nancy and Roger who kindly and enthusiastically agreed to help make Millie check off her bucket list item. We met all of the animals, most of whom were rescued. They have a very silly goat, some miniature horses (Goliath, Delilah & Princess Buttercup), 2 Gypsy Vanners (Zoe & her mother Dulcie) and another large horse, Scooter. Mom and I each rode Zoe and Millie rode Dulcie. Garret's 13th birthday sleepover. We went to Altitude to jump on the trampolines, to Panera for dinner and then he taught me how to edit videos using the CapCut app.   Quote of the Week   In our concern for others, we worry less about ourselves. When we worry less about ourselves an experience of our own suffering is less intense.   –DALAI LAMA   ------ Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: 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.  

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 249 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes and photos can be found on my website. This week's segments included: Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins From the Armchair Knitting in Passing In my Travels KAL News Events Contest, News & Notes Ask Me Anything On a Happy Note Quote of the Week Thank you to this episode's sponsors: The Yarn Sellar The Yarn Sellar is hosting the annual Fiber Marketplace Saturday April 1 2023, from 10-3 pm at the Union Bluff in York Beach Maine. Local vendors will be selling hand dyed yarns, roving, buttons, bags, and  notions. $5 gets you in the door, a 15% off coupon to The Yarn Sellar and a chance to win prizes. Grab your fiber friends and make it a fun filled weekend! Make room reservation by calling 207-363-1333 and visit www.Yarnsellar.com for details. Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Cloudy Rainbow Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Yarn: Yarn Cafe Creations Biscotti Yarn (85% SW Merino/15% Nylon 4 ply) in the Thestrals Colorway (gray with blips of rainbow colors Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Cast on 60 stitches and worked 1/1 rib for 14 rounds. Knit about 2 inches and then reduced to 56 stitches (decreases like a toe- done at the beginning and end of each half of the sock). The leg is 10.25 inches before the heel flap. My friend Jen from JLsCreativeShop on Etsy sent me new, laser cut bamboo stitch markers that I started using with this project! They each have a knitting related thing on them. Lightweight, easy to take on and off. $14.99 for set of 5. Get 10% off her shop with code BOSTONJEN. On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Mini Skein Hexagon Blanket Pattern: Basic Crochet Hexagon Pattern & Tips from Make Do and Crew Website & YouTube Tutorial Hook: F (3.75 mm) Yarn: Mini skeins from 2022 agirlandherwool Advent Calendar, 24 Days of Cheer Swap minis + other scraps/swap yarn Ravelry Project Page I've been closing the end of each hexagon with this join- link to Instagram post 4 rounds per hexagon. 142 hexagons done as of now. 5 half hexagons. 3 pointy ones. 3.75 inches each. Likely need over 300 Twin sized blanket is 60×80 inches. 17×22 hexis- 374. Natalie, Knitty Natty, shared on Instagram that she had an issue with centers of her granny squares opening up in the wash. I've had issues with this too. My plan for this blanket is to wash all of the hexagons first before seaming together to try to weed out anything that's not secure. I've also thought of a new idea for knotting mine closed because I'm holding yarn double. I'll share a video for that soon! Ninja Turtle Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Yarn: Qing Fibre Dashing Fingering Yarn in the Ninja Turtle Colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page 56 stitches. Cuff Down. Laura chose this yarn when we were shopping at Loop London in the Fall of 2022. About the yarn: it is the brightest, most neon yellow/green. Progress: I'm maybe an inch past the first cuff. Own Two Feet Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Yarn: Cloudborn Fibers Merino Superwash Sock Twist Tiny Stripe in the Own Two Feet Colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page 56 stitches. Cuff Down. About the yarn: 2 round stripes of plum, lavender, brown and gray Progress: I've turned the first heel. Benjamin's Christmas Stocking 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 From the Armchair Movies A Man Called Otto (2022) Till (2022) The Fabelmans (2022) Books The Measure by Nikki Erlick. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. The Betrayal of Anne Frank; A Cold Case Investigation by Rosemary Sullivan. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Book Lovers by Emily Henry. 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 Riley finished the Reinpack Bag (free Ravelry Download she was knitting for my Mom, her grandmother. We bought yarn at Staci's Stitches. The yarn is a super bulky t-shirt yarn from Hoooked Zpaghetti. She did most of the bag in a white with black polka dots and then black towards the bottom. The black yarn was definitely thinner, which wasn't ideal but as long as Mom doesn't use it to store small buttons or screws, it should be just fine. I gave Riley a very brief kitchener stitch overview and she flew through the rest of it to close up this bag. I'm so proud of her. In My Travels I visited with Laura in Orleans over the last two weekends. We went to a movie theater to see A Man Called Otto. We browsed Provincetown, which is a bit sleepy in the offseason. We had fun browsing a few shops. We did a taste test of 3 peanut butter cups. Of the three milk chocolate peanut butter cups, Hilliard's Candy was our favorite followed by The Providence Fudge Factory and then Hot Chocolate Sparrow.  I taught Laura how to make homemade stovetop popcorn and that nearly turned into a disaster when we thought we ruined the bottom of a Les Creuset but were able to clean/remove the stain with vinegar and baking soda. We also visited the Antique Center & Cape Abilities Thrift Store in Yarmouth, MA. I made a quick trip to Adventures in Knitting in Harwich on Saturday. I bought 2 skeins of yarn and a set of Addi sock needles. Gusto Wool, Carmen in color 1402 Edelweiss Fibres Standard Sock in the Hillside Heather colorway (UK company) KAL News Pigskin Party'22: The Official Hashtag is #DCSPigskinParty22 Pigskin Landing Page on the Down Cellar Studio Website. Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Link to the Official Rules Player Registration- Google Form Check out our amazing Sponsors! Click here for the Google doc with their websites and Instagram profiles. Check out the list of available Coupons from our amazing sponsors- Ravelry Link. Google Doc. Check out the Pigskin Exclusive Items in this Ravelry Thread Important Updates in this Episode Tune in to hear if you're one of our 10 Grand Prize Winners Pigskin '22 Wrap-up & Highlights. 1030 on Roster this Season 189 people earned 1-25 entries 45 people earned 26-50 entries 17 people got between 51-100 entries 7 of you earned more than 100 entries or more entries towards grand prizes. 4,143 entries for Finished Projects 693 entries for non-project points 2,578 posts on Instagram using #DCSPigskinParty22 Special Challenges & Bonuses Talkgate Talk Fistbumps and Fives Creepy WIP challenge Night Bright challenge Gratitude WIP Bonus Spread the Warmth challenge Plus 4 Interceptions! Our Teams were Part of 3 Conferences this year- Alpaca Conference (Commissioner: Alicia) & Llama Conference (Commissioner: Emily) & Sheep Conference(Commissioner: Heather) Llama Conference won for the 2nd year in a row with over 211k points Sheep took second this year with over 188k points Alpaca Conference had a strong showing with over 161k points Highest scoring Team was also in the Llama conference- Team 10 Wildcard WIPers with 67,452 points 2nd Place goes to: Team 7- Garter Guards- 62,789 points In 3rd Place from the Sheep Conference is: Team 12 Sprinting Steekers- 58,213 Top Players Julia Wagner, Team 11: 22,514 points KathyG, Team 12: 19, 868 points EyeNowHour, Team 3: 19,732 points Kathleen_Ducharme, Team 7: 19,094 Events Sunday March 5 from 10:30a-3:00p Farm Fiber Days at Russell's Garden Center in Wayland, MA Check out this year's vendors on this page. Knit for Food Knit-a-thon 2023 Event: a Fundraiser for Feeding America, World Central Kitchen, No Kid Hungry and Meals on Wheels organized by Laura Nelkin is happening on March 26, 2023 Saturday April 1 from 10a-3p: The Yarn Seller's 10th Annual Fiber Marketplace in York, Maine. Click here for details. Saturday April 22 from 10a-5p Gore Place Annual Sheepshearing Festival in Waltham, MA. Click here for details. Connecticut Sheep & Wool: April 29, 2023 at the North Haven Fairgrounds Maryland Sheep & Wool: May 6 & 7th at the Howard County Fairgrounds Massachusetts Sheep & Wool: May 27 & 28th at the Cummington Fairgrounds Vermont Sheep & Wool: Sept 30 & Oct 1 at the Tunbridge Fairgrounds Contest, News & Notes If you check out JLsCreativeShop on Etsy & would like to purchase laser cut bamboo stitch markers or other items- you can use coupon code BOSTONJEN for 10% off. The progress keeper I shared is a set of 5 for $14.99. Conshy Connects Resale Therapy Live Sale on Thursday 3/2 at 7p Eastern on Facebook. Proceeds to benefit the FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada. Check out this YouTube Video where Mom & I talk more about this event and the Blind Center. Ask Me Anything Tune in to hear my answers to these questions Aggie asked: “How are you doing?” Cher asked: “Project progress please” Brittany asked: “When you went to overseas I saw you had a tiny bag attached to your cross body bag for your knitting.” Purse is the Liberty Sling Bag from Anthropologie Smaller bag that I attached with a carabiner was a ball holder from Pearl & Plum Etsy Shop. I believe it was a prototype, drawstring bag. Very lightweight. Not sure if they were ever sold. Frances asked: “all about those hexies” On a Happy Note Mom's friend Vikki came for a visit. Dan and I met Mom, Trish and Vikki for dinner and then they came back to our house for a drink. I shared about Mom's Bucket List with a Twist. Riley's item was a massive girls party/sleepover. She had an ice cream bar and a popcorn bar, lots of food and other desserts. We played silly games and had a blast! Dan & I bought a new washer and dryer to replace our broken one; Dan was so excited to try it out he did a ton of laundry including our sheets, which is my least favorite thing to do! Mom successfully completed her last 3-day set of chemotherapy! Her record for keeping nausea and vomiting at bay stands! We are very excited about that. I got to visit with my cousins Susan and Joanie who drove Mom in on the second and third days because my dad had vertigo. 90 minute massage, which was even better in the midst of a very busy work week. My time with Laura down in Orleans. Lots of talking, movies, & shopping. Quote of the Week Any self-prompt that reminds you to focus on flow not ebb, contributes to your greater sense of abundance. – Sarah Breathnach Contact Information: 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.

  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 248 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full Show Notes with links and photos can be found on my website.    This week's segments included:   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming From the Armchair Crafty Adventures KAL News Events On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Cascade Heritage Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Yarn: Cascade Heritage Prints in Colorway 111 Aqua Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) I finished these before the last episode, but I didn't talk about the colorwork I did before each toe. One sock says "just" and the other says "breathe."   Mom's Jean Marie Shawl Pattern: Jean Marie by Jennifer Lassonde ($6 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & LoveCrafts). Needles: US 9 (5.5 mm) Yarn: Section 1: Dirty Water Dyeworks Lillian in Sea Breeze with Knit PIcks Capretta in Colorway 27636. Section 2: Dirty Water Dyeworks Lillian in Mediterranean & Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in Clair de Lune. Section 3: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in Clair de Lune with Art by Ewe Signature Yarn in the Sapphire Colorway (70% Baby Alpaca/ 30% Silk). Bind Off: Art by Ewe Signature Yarn in the Sapphire Colorway with a 20g mini of a teal fingering weight yarn (no ball band). Ravelry Project Page Held fingering yarn doubled and went up a needle size from what pattern calls for. Result is a slightly larger size than the original which was exactly what I wanted. Cast on February 1. Finished on February 7. Blocked it, dry in time for Mom's birthday on the 9th.     On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Grammy's 2nd Jean Marie Shawl Pattern: Jean Marie by Jennifer Lassonde ($6 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & LoveCrafts). Needles: US 9 (5.5 mm) Yarn: Plymouth Yarn DK Merino Superwash in Black, Light Gray and White (2 skeins each) Ravelry Project Page Nearly done with Section 1.   Mini Skein Hexagon Blanket Pattern: Basic Crochet Hexagon Pattern & Tips from Make Do and Crew Website & YouTube Tutorial Hook: F (3.75 mm) Yarn: Mini skeins from 2022 agirlandherwool Advent Calendar, 24 Days of Cheer Swap minis + other scraps/swap yarn Ravelry Project Page Check out this Instagram post that talks about the join I've been using for the end of each hex 4 rounds per hexagon 62 hexagons done as of now   Cloudy Rainbow Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Yarn: Yarn Cafe Creations Biscotti Yarn (85% SW Merino/15% Nylon 4 ply) in the Thestrals Colorway (gray with blips of rainbow colors Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Cast on 60 stitches and worked 1/1 rib for 14 rounds. Knit about 2 inches and then reduced to 56 stitches (decreases like a toe- done at the beginning and end of each half of the sock). I am working on the 2 of them in tandem. Each on their own magic loop.   Brainstorming   No-Purl Ribbed Blanket by Purl Soho. Click here for the Ravelry Pattern or here for the Purl Soho website. I heard about this on the Knit Ink Podcast/YouTube Channel hosted by Natasha and her mother Petra.   I've been very tempted by the Leah Cowl by Susy Knotsosquare. Granny Stripe Crochet cowl with triangle point on front. Calls for DK weight yarn.  Crochet pattern available for a little more than $5 US. Check it out on Ravelry or Etsy. You can also check out her Padme Cowl which is similar but different. Details available on Susy's website.     Generally just thinking about how when a project doesn't have an imminent deadline, I'm far less motivated to pick it up. "What's the point?" is often what comes to mind. It's an interesting thing to consider because the very same project, given a due-date will often excite me to pick up. Does this happen to you?   From the Armchair   Movies   Tár The Banshees of Inisherin Check out these articles that talk about the handknits in this movie- Vanity Fair & Esquire. All Quiet on the Western Front (German) The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse (2022) Master (2022)   Books West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge. 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 worked with Millie on handmade Valentine cards for her classmates and teachers. Millie also made a cute Flamingo from a Plush Craft kit we purchased at Michael's. Here's an affiliate link to a similar one available on Amazon. I finished most of the border for the sheep punch needle project that I haven't picked up in more than a year.   Punch Needle Kit with pattern by Teresa Kogut Pattern: PN165- For Ewe Link to purchase pattern only on Etsy for $12. I purchased my complete kit from Tree House Fiber Arts. Click here for their website. Kit included: 7"/9" Morgan hoop, weavers cloth, floss, Ultra Punch Needle, Needle threaders, pattern, instructions. Kits no longer available but Rachel may have the other supplies available. Helpful resources: YouTube Videos by the Woolery & Kate Gillery   KAL News Pigskin Party'22: The Official Hashtag is #DCSPigskinParty22   Pigskin Landing Page on the Down Cellar Studio Website. Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Link to the Official Rules Player Registration- Google Form Check out our amazing Sponsors! Click here for the Google doc with their websites and Instagram profiles. Check out the list of available Coupons from our amazing sponsors- Ravelry Link. Google Doc. Check out the Pigskin Exclusive Items in this Ravelry Thread Important Updates in this Episode Tune in to hear if you won a January participation prize January Interception: Self Care Bingo by Fitness by Mara. Winner announced!   Events Sunday March 5 from 10:30a-3:00p Farm Fiber Days at Russell's Garden Center in Wayland, MA Check out this year's vendors on this page. Saturday April 1 from 10a-3p: The Yarn Seller's 10th Annual Fiber Marketplace in York, Maine. Click here for details. Saturday April 22 from 10a-5p Gore Place Annual Sheepshearing Festival in Waltham, MA. Click here for details. On a Happy Note Lunch with the girls, sundaes and popcorn and Tar at Mom's. Mom completed another 3 day round of chemo. We got good news that her January scans show the cancer remains the same. No new growth! My friend Laura came to visit for the weekend. We spent Friday night at my parents' hanging out and watching movies. We briefly lost power but it came back; cable did not, so thankfully we still had some more screener DVDs. Saturday, we hit some secondhand stores before going back over to Mom's for dinner with my parents, my brother and nieces Riley and Millie. The next day we visited Dan's friend Perry who was recently hospitalized and then to see his youngest brother Dave & our niece Gabriella and nephew Zachary. Mom & I each got a haircut (real hair for me, wig for Mom). On Thursday 2/9, we had dinner at Maggiano's for Mom & Hattie's birthdays before going to see Hamilton at the Boston Opera House. Millie came for her 11th Birthday Sleepover (even though her birthday isn't until 2/20). She wanted to record some videos to share, so look for that on the Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel soon.   Quote of the Week   If you have a good idea, use it so that you will not only accomplish something, but so that you can make room for new ones to flow into you. -Deng Ming-Dao   ------ Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: 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.  

  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 247 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. For Full Show Notes including photos please click here to visit my website.   This week's segments included:   Off the Needles On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming From the Armchair Some Years Later Knitting in Passing KAL News Events Contest, News & Notes Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Off the Needles   Cascade Heritage Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Yarn: Cascade Heritage Prints in Colorway 111 Aqua Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Contrast heel- mini skein in a beautiful solid teal. I did a little colorwork on the foot that I'll share more later.   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Mini Skein Hexagon Blanket Pattern: Basic Crochet Hexagon Pattern & Tips from Make Do and Crew Website & YouTube Tutorial Hook: F (3.75 mm) Yarn: Mini skeins from 2022 agirlandherwool Advent Calendar, 24 Days of Cheer Swap minis + other scraps/swap yarn Ravelry Project Page 4 rounds per hexagon 51+ hexagons done now. All ends woven in!   Chevron Scrap Blanket Pattern: Chevron Scrap Blanket by Maria's Blue Crayon (free crochet pattern) available on Ravelry & the Maria's Blue Crayon Website. This pattern presumes you already know the c2c crochet technique. Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted in White & Tranquil (light green), Lion Brand Pound of Love in Pastel Pink and Loops & Threads Snuggly Wuggly Big! in colorway Soft Lilac Hook: J (6.0 mm) Ravelry Project Page (I crocheted one of these in summer 2020- click here for that Ravelry Project Page) For help learning the Corner to Corner Crochet method you could check out this free Ravelry Download from Lauri Bolland or this video tutorial from Lion Brand on YouTube. 1st Strip is finished progress. 11 squares wide. Each section is 11 squares tall. Green, white, pink, white, purple, white. Some of this is spirit yarn from my friend Kim's SIL's stash that I received after she passed away (purple). I'm not sure where the pink yarn came from, but it might have been my Nana's stash. It feels great to put it to good use.     Musselburgh Hat Pattern: Musselburgh by Ysolda Teague ($7.77 US/ 6 GBP knitting pattern available on Ravelry or on Ysolda's website) Yarn: fingering weight yarn from stash in a denim blue (can't find the ballband) Needles: US 2 (2.75) circular- 32 in (magic loop for beginning & end of project & US 2 (also called US 2.5) 3.0 mm 16-inch circular for the body of the hat Ravelry Project Page Size: Adult Medium I found that I liked working this hat in the round. Purchased Addi Rocket Lace Turbo 16 inch needles in US 2 (but it turns out its technically a US 2.5 or a 3.0 mm needle- not a 2.75 mm needle like I use for the cast on). The difference isn't all that noticeable but it was a little frustrating.  Progress check- I have finished the increases and have knit about 4 inches. Plan: Switch colors half way through. I have a lighter blue skein from On the Round that I purchased at Wicked Good Yarns in Rockland, MA that I want to use to make it a reversible hat.     Solstice Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Solstice colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Progress- turned heel on first sock. Cast on the second sock.   Brainstorming   My Grandmother called to ask me to knit her another Jean Marie Shawl (named for her). You can find this knitting pattern for $6 on Ravelry & LoveCrafts.   Here's the story: My grandmother called me in mid-January 2023 saying she needed to place an order. I thought she wanted something from Amazon. She told me very time she wears her Jean Marie Shawl to dinner at her residence she gets tons of compliments. All of her friends love it. Its the right size and it just stays in place perfectly. I published this pattern in 2018 to suit the request that she have a slightly bigger shawl that would stay in place. Half hexagon shape is perfect for this. It is knit in 3 sections, originally done in sport/dk natural yarns from Ross Farm in browns/tans. For this one, she wants white/black to wear with different outfits.     From the Armchair Books Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Movies Everything Everywhere All at Once Women Talking Armageddon Time     Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.   Some Years Later   Wearing lately: Felicity Hat: Aran weight slouchy hat knit in Duck Duck Wool. Ravelry Project Page. Sagamore Flyover Slouch Hat: chunky weight hat. Ravelry Project Page. Yarn: Sugarbush Dawson in Colorway- Wild Willow, a great mustard color. 50/50 llama/wool blend   Knitting in Passing   Sunday night hang. Taught megg single and hdc. Knit a little with Hattie while Dan untangled Hattie's yarn again. Untangled same ball in Ireland. She'd been using it to create a laser course.   KAL News   Pigskin Party'22: The Official Hashtag is #DCSPigskinParty22   Pigskin Landing Page on the Down Cellar Studio Website. Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Link to the Official Rules Player Registration- Google Form Check out our amazing Sponsors! Click here for the Google doc with their websites and Instagram profiles. Check out the list of available Coupons from our amazing sponsors- Ravelry Link. Google Doc. Check out the Pigskin Exclusive Items in this Ravelry Thread Important Updates in this Episode January Self Care Interception: hosted by Fitness by Mara. Get your Bingo Card PDF Here or the JPG here. Find all of the details in this Google Doc or in this Ravelry Thread. Spread the Warmth Challenge; runs through the end of the Pigskin Party. Get details in this Google doc or this Ravelry Thread. Pigskin Ends on Monday February 13, 2023. Get those projects entered. Don't wait until the last day to get everything entered on the Google Form!   Events   Fiberuary Challenge on Instagram hosted by CreativeCeci   Contest, News & Notes My college roommate and friend Jen opened an Etsy Shop called JLSCreative Shop. Check it out Mom & I recorded an update video that went up on the Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel in the Just Breathe Playlist. You can find that video here. Right now, scans show things are going well and the combination of chemo and gene therapy is keeping the cancer at bay.   Life in Focus   23 for 2023 List Read 23 books Try at least one pair of fake eyelashes Print and hang at least 1 of our new family photos Kayak in one new place Hike in one new place See 4 plays/musicals Give blood at least 3 times Knit myself a pair of mittens Knit/crochet at least one project with handspun Watch 3 movies in one day - done! See a movie in the theater Go to a museum Finish 1 punch needle project Ski at least 1 day (ideally 2-4) Try at least 1 new gym/in person fitness option Make at least 1 new financial investment Purge at least 23 items from the house. Ideally 46. Publish 1 knitting pattern Send 5 cards to friends/family just because Go Camping Participate in the Fiberuary Challenge on Instagram Take a class (in person or virtual) Create a new music playlist   Word of the Year- FLOW flow to proceed smoothly and readily to issue or move in a stream To exist in abundance the continuous movement of a liquid in one direction to hang loose and billowing To move or proceed with a given movement or momentum To pass or move by a supply of something that continues without stopping a way of talking or thinking in an easy natural way, without any pauses or difficulties a  smooth uninterrupted movement or progress Smoothness or fluidity in one's movement A strong, regular repeated pattern of movement or sound   Things I'm thinking about: I want to be able to go with the Flow no matter what this year brings. I want to remember my dear Aunt Florence and remind myself what she would do. She was smart, caring, generous and strong. Her presence will be a good guide when things get tough. I want to find projects, especially creatively that I can keep up the flow with... that I can get into a flow state with. To zen/bliss out and enjoy. I want to keep my body strong and stretched so that I can move fluidly through the year without things getting in the way of my body's flow.   On a Happy Note Playing the sock game during our visit to the Rowan's. UK/European game. Fun for all ages. Surprise package from Nicole with mini skeins. Snow! Not a lot for as late into the season as we are, but I enjoy it. Visit from family friends who came down from NH. We played games at my parents' house! January Zoom with my Patrons! I had a blast catching up with you. 3 movies in 1 day- checked off my 23 for 23 list. Homemade popcorn. Lots of knitting and crochet time. Fixed dropped sts in Megg's socks. Drag show and dinner with Megg and Kris.   Quote of the Week   Everything and everyone at their own pace. Flow with not against yourself. -Akiroq Brost   Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: 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.  

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 246 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week's segments included: Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins From the Armchair Knitting in Passing KAL News Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Perry's Socks Yarn: Patons Kroy FX  Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Megg's 2nd Nanaimo Cardigan Pattern: Nanaimo Cardigan by by Tara-Lynn Morrison Yarn:  Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick in Colorway: Abalone  (5 skeins) Needles: US 13 – 9.0 mm, US 15 – 10.0 mm, US 19 – 15.0 mm (body) Size XS/S  Ravelry Project Page I added 2 sets of short rows before the bottom ribbing. Hattie's Cat Amigurumi Pattern: Siamese Cat Amigurumi by Mareeva Olga available on Ravelry, FireflyCrochet website & Etsy $6.40 Hook: C (2.75 mm) Yarn: Worsted Weight Acrylic from stash: Magenta with sparkle, Silver with sparkle, Purple. Ravelry Project Page Friends in Fiber Socks Yarn: Friends in Fiber Superwash Merino Nylon (75/25) in the Fibery Jewels Teal Speckle Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page These were my New Year's Cast on socks. 56 sts. 8.5 inches of knitting before starting the toe. On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Mini Skein Hexagon Blanket  Pattern: Basic Crochet Hexagon Pattern & Tips from Make Do and Crew Website & YouTube Tutorial Hook: F (3.75 mm) Yarn: Mini skeins from 2022 agirlandherwool Advent Calendar, 24 Days of Cheer Swap minis + other scraps/swap yarn Ravelry Project Page From the Armchair Watching: Severance on Apple TV+ Ted Lasso on Apple TV+ Reading: The Vacationers by Emma Straub. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion. Bookshop Affiliate Link.  Getting Me Cheap by Amanda Freeman & Lisa Dodson. Bookshop 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 One of my omg sock students Karen reached out via email with a photo of the 8 pairs of socks she knit and gifted for Christmas after taking my class at the beginning of the year!!  Suzanne, SewRunKnit, sent chemo caps for Mom. She chose one and donated the others to the MGH Cancer Center; the next day they were gone. KAL News Pigskin Party'22: The Official Hashtag is #DCSPigskinParty22 Pigskin Landing Page on the Down Cellar Studio Website. Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Link to the Official Rules Player Registration- Google Form Check out our amazing Sponsors! Click here for the Google doc with their websites and Instagram profiles.  Check out the list of available Coupons from our amazing sponsors- Ravelry Link. Google Doc. Check out the Pigskin Exclusive Items in this Ravelry Thread Important Updates in this Episode Tune in to hear if you're a December interception winner of a December participation prize winner. January Self Care Interception: hosted by Fitness by Mara. Get your Bingo Card PDF Here or the JPG here. Find all of the details in this Google Doc or in this Ravelry Thread. Spread the Warmth Challenge; runs through the end of the Pigskin Party. Get details in this Google doc or this Ravelry Thread. Life in Focus I enjoy doing a look back at the end of each year. You can see the video I made about Reviewing My Year/Goal Setting in this video on my YouTube Channel. Knitting/Crochet/Spinning 70 Knitting/Crochet Finished Projects in 2022 41 knitting  29 crochet 53 of 70 are gifts Spinning- 4 finished projects. 872 meters of yarn.  Released 0 new patterns but completed the writing and prototype for 2 designs- a shawl & cowl Sagamore Flyover Hat was my best seller this year. Tune in to hear a recap of my Word of the Year & Goals for 2022. We'll talk more about plans and goals in the next episode. On a Happy Note Going to my cousin Amanda's book party in Plymouth and out to dinner after with family and friends. Musical bingo! 105 people at my parents' Open House on January 7th, including my friend Laura who came in from NYC for the weekend. Starting process to kick off the Fearless Living Fund in my mom's name that will benefit blind population through the Blind Center of Nevada. Friends and family surprised Mom with over $1500 in initial donations. Mom's friend Katy shaved her head in solidarity (check out the YouTube video here) and is raising money.  Donate to the FearLESS Living Fund by sending a Venmo payment to: @FearlessLivingFund -or- a Zelle payment to: lvpinkpanther@cox.net Email the Lassonde family at: FearlessLivingFund@gmail.com Follow Diane's cancer diagnosis and treatment starting here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPseXZ0gqyU&t=0s Learn more about the Blind Center of Nevada: https://www.blindcenter.org/ While my aunt's passing has been incredibly difficult, there is still a happy note there in that many of us were able to go visit the Sunday before she passed. Dan and I picked up my grandmother and my parents met us at my cousin's house armed with leftover trays of food from the Open House. Earlier in the day I was able to help transfer Florence into the guest room bed while Dan and some of the guys disassembled her bed to ready her room for a hospital bed. Then we took turns visiting with her, saying our goodbyes, eating dinner and being together. very time the door to her bedroom opened she smiled and said “I love that sound!” and then “I want you to keep doing that. Even after.” I reminded her its not like we could stop it. It was a hard day but made easier being all together. She passed on Wednesday.  Came home that day to flowers and a beautiful from card that in my daze, I never even saw until he came home and pointed them out! Mom made it through another 3 day round of Chemo. 2 more to go (one in late January & one in February) Getting back into yoga.  Date night with Dan. We hit the local brewery and then onto the tavern for dinner. Just what we needed.  Sleeping in!  Quote of the Week It is amateurs who have one big bright beautiful idea that they can never abandon. Professionals know that they have to produce theory after theory before they are likely to hit the jackpot. – Francis Crick —— Thank you for tuning in! Contact Information: 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.

  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 245 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week's segments included:   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins From the Armchair Crafty Adventures In my Travels KAL News Life in Focus Ask Me Anything On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Lucy the Fox Pattern: Lucy the Fox by Banga Vaicekauskienė ($3.90 crochet pattern available on Ravelry and Etsy) Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted in White, Black and Orange Hook: C (2.75 mm) Ravelry Project Page   Shrek Pattern: Improvised using the basic instructions from Lucy Collin's Han Solo pattern. Pattern no longer available for individual sale. You can find it in this book available from Amazon (affiliate link). Yarn: Green- Spunky Eclectic Victoria in the Ginko Colorway. Cream- Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Cloud. Brown- Cascade 220 Superwash. Hook: B (2.25 mm) Ravelry Project Page. I used the basic top down instructions from Lucy Collin's Han Solo pattern but made the face and belly bigger using increases and HDCs.   Abington Hat Pattern: Abington Hat by Jennifer Lassonde ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & LoveCrafts Yarn: fingering held double. Knit Picks Capretta in the Sagebrush Colorway & Friends in Fiber sock yarn. Needles: US 4 & US 6. Size- Medium Ravelry Project Page   Sugarplum Socks Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Sugarplum Colorway (Yarnable Subscription Box) Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page   Belt for Mom's Wave of Change Cardigan Yarn:  Battenkill Fiber Mill Yarn (from Rhinebeck 2019). No label or other details available Needles: US 8 (5.0 mm) Mock i-cord edging with garter stitch for the center. Small number of increases at the beginning and decreases at the end. Will have to see if we want to add some icords onto the sweater to hold the belt or not.   Wave of Change Jacket  Pattern: Wave of Change Jacket by Denise Bayron ($9 US knitting pattern) Yarn: Battenkill Fiber Mill Yarn (from Rhinebeck 2019). No label or other details available Needles: US 8 (5.0 mm) for body. US 6 (4.0 mm) for ribbing. Size 3, 45” bust because it calls for 2-4 inches of positive ease. Switch to Lykke Needles for body. Thought I was using 32”. Was maybe 24.  Ravelry Project Page   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Perry's Socks Yarn: Patons Kroy FX in the Cascade Colors colorway Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page   Woolens and Nosh Socks Yarn: Woolens & Nosh Targee Socks- 2022 Advent Calendar Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page   Megg's 2nd Nanaimo Cardigan Pattern: Nanaimo Cardigan by by Tara-Lynn Morrison Yarn:  Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick in Colorway: Abalone  (5 skeins) Needles: US 13 - 9.0 mm, US 15 - 10.0 mm, US 19 - 15.0 mm (body) Size XS/S Ravelry Project Page   From the Armchair   Perfect Match by Jodi Picoult. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six by Lisa Unger. 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 Vlogmas 2022! 3rd year doing this project on my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel. You can find the playlist here. Christmas Day video still to come.   In My Travels I went to Las Vegas with my parents, my brother Jeff and our friends Trish and Thayer from December 13-19th. We visited the Hoover Dam, went ziplining down Fremont Street, had a couple really swanky dinners out including one at the Paris hotel on the Vegas strip overlooking the Bellagio fountains, did a bit of gambling on the slot machines, attended a Gatsby themed wedding and my brother and I ended the trip with a heck of a Patriots/Raiders game at the new Allegiant Stadium. We visited Blind Center of Nevada.   KAL News Pigskin Party'22: The Official Hashtag is #DCSPigskinParty22   Pigskin Landing Page on the Down Cellar Studio Website. Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Link to the Official Rules Player Registration- Google Form Check out our amazing Sponsors! Click here for the Google doc with their websites and Instagram profiles. Check out the list of available Coupons from our amazing sponsors- Ravelry Link. Google Doc. Check out the Pigskin Exclusive Items in this Ravelry Thread Important Updates in this Episode Thanks to everyone who participated in our: December Hat Interception hosted by Cori Eichelberger (irocknits) & Monique Leonard (Windswept Knits). Check out irocknits patterns on Ravelry & Windswept Monique's patterns on Ravelry. Find all of the Challenge details in this Google Doc- December Hat Interception: Iroc Knits & Windswept Designs Gratitude WIP Bonus: finish up WIPs started 9/22/22 or earlier (with a finish date of 11/24-12/31/22) and you can earn some bonus points. Check out all of the details & rules in this Doc- Gratitude WIP Bonus Night Bright Challenge: ends 12/31 get your entries into the Ravelry Thread Tune in to hear if you won a participation prize for November THANK YOU to Wendy, our Umpire, and Alicia, Heather and Emily, our fabulous commissioners!   Life in Focus I'm starting my year in review process. In 2020 I recorded a video about that which you can find on my  YouTube Channel. Check out that video here Worksheets for Reviewing Your Year & Planning Your Year are available on my website: http://www.downcellarstudio.com/goals/ I shared an update on my 22 for 2022 list   Ask Me Anything   Tune in to hear the answers to these questions asked by listeners: How is your Mom doing? I'm praying for her. I want to hear about your advent knits Knitting projects What was the make you most enjoyed making? What memory makes you happiest? Your plans for 2023, how you're holding up with all that's going on in your world. New Years Cast On Plans   On a Happy Note Going to see Six with my bestie, Kris. My friend Liz came over on the Thursday before Christmas to help me wrap. It was a good thing we finished because that night the power went out. Friday morning I went to the ocean to see the waves crashing in after the bombcylone blew through. Christmas Eve at my cousin Susan's- visit with Santa, cutting Mom's hair and a funny exchange where Santa thought I was the mother of one of my cousin's kids. Sleeping over Mom's on Christmas night, watching movies and playing Tock with Mom, Riley and Millie. Christmas morning snuggles with my youngest nephew, Zachary. Silly Christmas games Gail set up at my parents- Cling Wrap Game and the bows game (new to us this year). Stay tuned for the video to come soon! 2 unexpected packages- one from Woolen Women Fibers and one from Suzanne, SewRunKnit, who sent three beautiful chemo caps for Mom/donation.   Quote of the Week   There are years that ask questions and years that answer. –ZORA NEALE HURSTON   ------ Thank you for tuning in. Remember show notes for this episode can be found at www.downcellarstudio.com/# If you have a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, I'd greatly appreciate it. I can be found on Ravelry as BostonJen and I'd love it if you came over to join our lively and engaged Down Cellar Studio Ravelry Group. Check me out on Instagram at BostonJen1 if you want to see what I'm up to between episodes. Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Email me at downcellarstudio@gmail.com   For website: Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: 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.  

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

  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 243 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week's segments included:   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming From the Armchair KAL News Events Contest, News & Notes Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Fibernymph Dye Works & 3 Stitches Short   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Colin & Nora's Christmas Stockings 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: F (3.75 mm) You can find the project pages here- Nora's Ravelry Page & Colin's Ravelry Page     Musselburgh Pattern: Musselburgh by Ysolda Teague (6 GBP pattern available on Ravelry & Ysolda's website) Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm) Yarn: Malabrigo Sock in Colorway 195 Black & Bumblebee Acres Farm Squishy Sock in the Rainbow Room Colorway Cast on using crochet magic circle to create number of CO sts called for in the pattern. Chose that because you can pull it tight. I then picked up and knit into those stitches. I knit the Adult Medium and switched to a 16" cord once I had the full number of stitches. I knit 10 inches of black before starting in with the rainbow stripes.     On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Portal Socks Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes Base in the Portal Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Yarn from Legacy Fiber Artz- Pigskin Party Snack Shack Sponsor Progress- 1st sock finished. 2nd sock- leg & heel done. Nearly done with the foot.    Mermazing Socks Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Mermazing Colorway (April 2022 Subscription Box) & mini skeins from Legacy Fiber Artz. Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Check out my Unboxing Video Here Contrasting heel with LFA mini from my 2021 Advent Calendar First sock done. On the leg of the second sock.   First Point of Libra Cowl Pattern: First Point of Libra Cowl by Laura Aylor Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm) Yarn: Barnyard Knits, Fuse Fiber Studio, One Twisted Tree (shop formerly own Prairie Girl Danie) + other leftover sock yarn Ravelry Project Page Yarn purchased at Vogue Knitting Live January 2020 with Lauren. Planned to make a 2 color shawl. Cast on My Cryptonite by Melanie Berg and never got more than a couple inches in. Here's the Ravelry Project Page for the shawl that's now frogged. I've losing mojo on this so it will be going into hibernation until after Christmas.   Sagamore Flyover Cowl Ravelry Project Page A take-off on my Sagamore Flyover Hat available on Ravelry & LoveCrafts Nearly done. Interested to block this to see what tweaks I want/need to make to improve the design.   Chemo Cap Yarn: Bernat Velvet in the Blackbird Colorway Hook: G hook (4.5 mm) No real pattern. Improvising using notes from one I made for my Aunt Florence on December 1, 2020. You can find that Ravelry Project Page Here.   Brainstorming   Musselburgh hat for my brother with self-striping yarn in Boston Bruins (hockey) colors once I've finished my first one to make sure I like the fit. Socks and toys for Christmas gifts Advent socks with my kit from Woolens & Nosh. Travel packing- what to bring?!   From the Armchair   The Truth About Melody Brown by Lisa Jewell. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. These Precious Days by Ann Patchett. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. The White Lotus on HBO (Season 1)   Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.     KAL News   Pigskin Party'22: The Official Hashtag is #DCSPigskinParty22   Pigskin Landing Page on the Down Cellar Studio Website. Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Link to the Official Rules Player Registration- Google Form Check out our amazing Sponsors! Click here for the Google doc with their websites and Instagram profiles. Check out the list of available Coupons from our amazing sponsors- Ravelry Link. Google Doc. Check out the Pigskin Exclusive Items in this Ravelry Thread Important Updates in this Episode Congrats to Ravelry User MostlyaLurker who won our October Coin Toss Interception hosted by Sunsoaked Yarns. Reminder to finish up your November Interception hosted by Woolen Women Fibers. You can find the details in the Ravelry Group or in this Google doc Woolen Cafe Interception: Woolen Women Fibers Get ready for our December Hat Interception hosted by Cori Eichelberger (irocknits) & Monique Leonard (Windswept Knits). Check out irocknits patterns on Ravelry & Windswept Monique's patterns on Ravelry. Find all of the Challenge details in this Google Doc- December Hat Interception: Iroc Knits & Windswept Designs Announcement of the Gratitude WIP Bonus: finish up WIPs started 9/22/22 or earlier (with a finish date of 11/24-12/31/22) and you can earn some bonus points. Check out all of the details & rules in this Doc- Gratitude WIP Bonus     Contest, News & Notes There will be no second podcast episode in November.  I am planning to release Vlogmas videos on the Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel in December. Click here for my 2021 Vlogmas Playlist. or here for my 2020 Vlogmas Playlist.   Life in Focus Last time I shared that my Mom's lung cancer has returned. We've since learned that the cancer has transitioned to small cell lung cancer which is more aggressive and will require more aggressive chemo. Keep those thoughts & prayers coming. Check out this video where Mom shares more.   On a Happy Note We had new railings installed. Dan is very handy and was able to fix our broken water pump- even after power went out right after! Vlogging with the girls. You can find the video here. My aunt Florence came for a visit in a red convertible! Playing Tock with Mom, Millie, Riley and Liz. Decorating a Christmas Tree with Mom, Dad, Dan and the kids. Watching Elf & The Santa Clause Playing with a new vlogging camera I purchased. The kids had a lot of fun with it too. Family photos with Amanda Silva Photography. You can find a sneak peek in her Instagram Feed here.   Quote of the Week   “We may, by fixing our attention almost fiercely on the facts actually before us, force them to turn into adventures; force them to give up their meaning and fulfill their mysterious purpose.” -- G. K. Chesterton   ------ Thank you for tuning in. Remember show notes for this episode can be found at www.downcellarstudio.com/# If you have a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, I'd greatly appreciate it. I can be found on Ravelry as BostonJen and I'd love it if you came over to join our lively and engaged Down Cellar Studio Ravelry Group. Check me out on Instagram at BostonJen1 if you want to see what I'm up to between episodes. Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Email me at downcellarstudio@gmail.com   For website: Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: 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.  

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 242 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. For Full Show Notes with Photos, check out my website.   This week's segments included:   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming From the Armchair Knitting in Passing In my Travels KAL News Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Star Knits, Adore Knit, Lolo Did It  Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Woolens & Nosh Sprout Socks   Yarn:  Woolens and Nosh 90% SW Targhee, 10% Nylon 3 Ply Yarn (411 yards / 100 grams) in the Sprout Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Sprout- 10 stripe- Light yellow, peach, ballet pink, maroon, dusty blue, kelly green, tapue, lighter grass green, cream, pale green. Yarn from Woolens & Nosh-  Pigskin Party Pro Shop Sponsor Project Bag- Pigskin '22 Exclusive from Anne Beady Designs  Repaired the cuff on Mom's Deja Blue Knit Picks Felici Socks from 2019.   Click here for my Ravelry Project Page.  I knit cuff down, so it was a bit of project to cut off the top of the sock, unravel back to the stockinette. Worked back up and used Jeny's surprisingly stretchy bind off to finish them.  Check out this page on Knitty for the details on this Bind Off. On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Musselburgh Pattern: Musselburgh by Ysolda Teague (6 GBP pattern available on Ravelry & Ysolda's website) Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm) Yarn: Malabrigo Sock in Colorway 195 Black  Cast on using crochet magic circle to create number of CO sts called for in the pattern. Chose that because you can pull it tight. I then picked up and knit into those stitches. Colin & Nora's Christmas Stockings 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 (4.00 mm) Both stockings are joined & I'm working on the cuffs.  Mermazing Socks Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Mermazing Colorway (April 2022 Subscription Box) & mini skeins from Legacy Fiber Artz. Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Check out my  Blues and greens and purples.  Contrasting heel with LFA mini from my 2021 Advent Calendar Yarn from Pigskin Party Sponsors Hypnotic Yarn/Yarnable Box & Legacy Fiber Artz- both Snack Shack Sponsors Project Bag from Anne Beady Designs (Pro Shop Sponsor) Progress- 1st sock finished. 2nd cuff finished. Portal Socks Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes Base in the Portal Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Yarn from Legacy Fiber Artz- Pigskin Party Snack Shack Sponsor Yarn- speckles. Mostly reads pink/maroons. so many tiny specks of color. taupe, green, blue, purple, gray/brown.  Progress- 1st sock finished. 2nd sock has several inches done on the leg 2021 Scrappy Socks Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Yarn: sock yarn minis and scraps Ravelry Project Page (started in April 2021. Picked back up in September 2022) In this project, I used Helical knitting using Video Tutorial from Knitty Natty & Cate's Clasp Weft join- check out my YouTube Tutorial  by clicking here. Progress- 1st sock finished. 2nd cuff finished + an inch or so of the leg. Helical knitting made these so much more interesting to me. Game changer. First Point of Libra Cowl Pattern: First Point of Libra Cowl by Laura Aylor  Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm) Yarn: Barnyard Knits, Fuse Fiber Studio, One Twisted Tree (shop formerly own Prairie Girl Danie) + other leftover sock yarn  Ravelry Project Page Yarn purchased at Vogue Knitting Live January 2020 with Lauren. Planned to make a 2 color shawl. Cast on My Cryptonite by Melanie Berg and never got more than a couple inches in. Here's the Ravelry Project Page for the shawl that's now frogged.  Inspiration color= Barnyard Knits- Pricky Pear (multi- has grays, greens and pinks). Matches new long, green, quilted coat from J. Jill.  Plus Fuse Merino Sock in Mercury Glass (gray) & Fuse in Radical Acceptance (pink) I think this project would be great for small scraps because even though each section calls for X number of rows, you could easily modify it and have wider or thinner stripes in each direction.  Spinning 4oz of 100% Natural Cotswold purchased from Long Island Livestock Company at Rhinebeck for $20. Beautiful tan color.  No real plan or prep. Just enjoying the process. Brainstorming I'd like to make a fingering weight hat using yarns from the First Point of Libra Cowl to bring to the UK in November.  Found yarn for Megg's next Nanaimo Cardigan for Christmas- Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick in the Abalone Colorway. Ordered from Joann.com From the Armchair On a Quiet Street by Seraphina Nova Glass. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link.Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases. Knitting in Passing I shared stories about a women who took my knitting from me on the train and started knitting it herself, about how Hattie thought my Mom's cowl was the funniest beard she ever saw, how I was recognized by a local knitting in the lobby of a theater during intermission and about a chat with lovely woman at my local nail salon. In My Travels Rhinebeck 2022: Mom, Ryan, Nicki & I had a whirlwind weekend at CAKEPalooza and Rhinebeck- the NY Sheep & Wool Festival. Come along and enjoy the sights and sounds of the trip in this video on the  https://youtu.be/JmmjF1VcIGU In this episode I shared just a few highlights. Some key links: Shameka‘s cupcakes that we bought at CAKEpalooza Rhinebeck sweaters- Mom and I each wore our Wave of Change Jackets. Click here for the Ravelry Project Page for Jen's Sweater & the Ravelry Page for Mom's sweater. On Sunday, I wore my Boxing Day Bonus Shawl. Mom wore her new Shift Cowl- click here for the Ravelry Project Page.  Mom got to share her Scrapbox Challenge project with Crispina who hosted this challenge in March 2020 Ross Farm Fiber Tour 2022 Shirts In November I'm going to the UK. I'll be visiting Manchester, Newbury & London, England & Cardiff, Wales. Do you have any tips or suggestions for me? Restaurants, shops, best ways to get theater tickets etc.  KAL News Pigskin Party'22: The Official Hashtag is #DCSPigskinParty22   Pigskin Landing Page on the Down Cellar Studio Website. Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Link to the Official Rules Player Registration- Google Form Check out our amazing Sponsors! Click here for the Google doc with their websites and Instagram profiles.  Check out the list of available Coupons from our amazing sponsors- Ravelry Link. Google Doc. Check out the Pigskin Exclusive Items in this Ravelry Thread Important Updates in this Episode First of the Pigskin Participation Prizes. The 10 Grand Prizes will be shared soon! Check out November's Woolen Cafe Interception Challenge hosted by Woolen Women Fibers. You can find the details in the Ravelry Group or in this  November- Woolen Cafe Interception: Woolen Women Fibers The October Interception Winner will be shared in early November in the Ravelry Group & in the next episode. Thanks again to Sunsoaked Yarns for hosting! Rule update: you need to have a Unique URL for each submission. Check out this Ravelry Post for details. I've also updated the Official Rules.  This year we'll have 10 grand prizes! Will share details in the group soon! Life in Focus Quick health update on Mom who was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer on December 1, 2021. Her October scans showed new tumors in the pleura (lining) of her lungs which aren't responding to her Tagrisso gene therapy medicine. They'll be doing a biopsy to see if they can tell why it is resistant and perhaps there is another drug they can try. Since that will take about a month before we have results, she'll be starting chemotherapy in the meantime. 1st infusion on November 4th. Send out all those good wishes.  You can check out the video we recorded together if you want to hear more. The first 40 minutes are really just a recap of our spring, summer and fall fun- complete with photos and videos.  https://youtu.be/AGyUgXLHXGo On a Happy Note Rhinebeck! Sharon of Knit Style Yarns just released her first pattern- Celtic Christmas Cowl ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) & kindly gifted me a copy. Thank you Sharon & congrats! I went to see Sweeney Todd at Company Theater with Mom, Terri & Emelyn. My cousin Colleen got married last weekend! She looked beautiful. The wedding was perfect. They had cider donuts instead of wedding cake! Mom & my 94 year old Aunt Florence who also has cancer, set Colleen's wedding as their goal and they were both there with big smiles and so much energy. Dancing and laughing. We are all so grateful for that. Colin and Nora whooping it up on the dance floor. Colleen & her Dad dancing in the trolley all the way back to the hotel with Dan and my cousin Joanie's husband using their phone flashlights to create a strobe effect! Oisin and Dan working to cut and stack wood. Made Oisin a batch of applesauce even though I haven't had time to teach him how to make it yet.  My cousins sent me a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Total surprise. 20 years at my day job. Dinner celebration postponed but Dan and I look forward to going to that in early 2023. I got to pick out a gift from an online catalog. I picked an Air Fryer so hit me with your best vegetarian air fryer recipes! Our contractor starting putting new railings on our deck. We attended my cousins (Pat & Kevin's) joint Surprise Costume Birthday Party. Mom, Dad, Dan and I dressed up in a Little Mermaid Theme!  We saw a local production of Guys & Dolls. Megg is a Hot Box Dancer. Oisin was a Gambler. They were both great! Quote of the Week There is the touch of November in the air, chill enough to have a slight tang, like properly aged cider. Not air that caresses, nor yet air that nips.  Air that makes one breathe deeply and think of spring water and walk briskly.   -Hal Borland   Contact Information:   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.

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 241 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Check out full show notes with photos on my website by clicking here.  This week's segments included: Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming From the Armchair In my Travels KAL News Events On a Happy Note Quote of the Week Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Knit Style Yarn Woolen Women Fibers Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins The Shift (Cowl) Pattern: The Shift by Andrea Mowry ($7 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry & her website) Yarn: 3 Skeins of my Handspun Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm) Ravelry Project Page Marled Wave of Change Jacket Pattern: Wave of Change Jacket by Denise Bayron ($10 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 8 – 5.0 mm, US 9 – 5.5 mm + US 10 – 6.0 mm Yarn Marled effect achieved by holding yarn together. 2 sock + 1 DK or worsted 1 DK or worsted + 1 Aran Ravelry Project Page Needles: US 10 for the body. US 8 for the neck ribbing. US 9 for the bottom hem and non-button band ribbing sections. Yarns Used: Goosey Fibers, Sunsoaked Yarns, Hypnotic Yarn, Ross Farm (Henrietta), McKnits, Teenie Button Studio, Legacy Fiber Artz ,Spitfire & Fury DK+ my own handspun+ others! Modifications in the sleeves- after the first 3 decreases, I changed to doing decreases every other round until I got to the designated stitch count. Finished in the 3rd color stripe. If you're weary of marling, choose colors that are similar in value. Mixing a white with a dark color like black, dark purple or maroon is going to be a very stark contrast. I don't always love that. On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Woolens & Nosh Socks Yarn:  Woolens and Nosh 90% SW Targhee, 10% Nylon 3 Ply Yarn (411 yards / 100 grams) in the Sprout Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Sprout- 10 stripe- Light yellow, peach, ballet pink, maroon, dusty blue, kelly green, taupe, lighter grass green, cream, pale green. Yarn from Woolens & Nosh-  Pigskin Party Pro Shop Sponsor Project Bag- Pigskin '22 Exclusive from Anne Beady Designs Brainstorming Christmas ideas- like these cute crocheted pieces that attach to a large wooden ring. You put them over the bar on the oven or dishwasher and then you can hang a dishtowel from the wooden ring. Here's a Pinterest link for a crochet option. Aila wants a fox. Oisin wants an alien. Hattie wants a unicorn because she thinks hers was lost. TBD. From the Armchair The Girl Next Door Podcast: I thoroughly enjoyed their annual Fall Extravaganza episodeand this year was no exception. I didn't especially enjoy the Serial Podcast recent update about Adnan Syed's case but I was relieved to hear that Syed was officially ruled out as a suspect in the murder of Hae Min Lee in 1999 (though he served 23 years in prison) Check out this local Baltimore news story. Congrats to Syed & and his family and especially his fierce friend and advocate Rabia Chaudry. Check out this video on Rabia's Instagram Feed for more details. Listen to Season 1 of Undisclosed if you want more about this case (especially if you only ever listed to Serial). I also enjoyed episodes 1 & 2 of Rabia's new podcast- Rabia & Ellyn Solve the Case. Hocus Pocus 2 on Disney Plus I adored it! In My Travels Riley, Mom & I enjoyed the Cape & South Shore Yarn Haul. Check out video on the Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel. Highlights- getting to see Cheryl & Jess from Hypnotic Yarn. Getting to see (and purchase) Pigskin sponsor Mcknits Yarn in person at Plymouth Harbor Knits At Wicked Good Yarn in Rockland, MA we learned about the Open Studios Event coming up November 19th & 20th. Check out the event's Facebook page for more details. We learned about Locker Hooking at Wicked Good Yarns in Rockland during the 2022 Cape and South Shore Yarn Haul. The Color Crazy website has the mesh you need to make it and the crochet hook with the eye. Have you ever tried it? You can buy a book about Locker Hooking on the Woolery's website for $12. Here's a blog post that seems to cover the basics if you're curious. KAL News Pigskin Party'22: The Official Hashtag is #DCSPigskinParty22 Pigskin Landing Page on the Down Cellar Studio Website. Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Link to the Official Rules Player Registration- Google Form Check out our amazing Sponsors! Click here for the Google doc with their websites and Instagram profiles. Check out the list of available Coupons from our amazing sponsors- Ravelry Link. Google Doc. Check out the Pigskin Exclusive Items in this Ravelry Thread Important Updates in this Episode Check out October's Coin Toss Interception hosted by Sunsoaked Yarns. Click here for the Ravelry Thread or here for the Google Doc with all the details you need. Will announce first of the Participation prizes in the next episode! Events Rhinebeck – NY Sheep and Wool Festival. October 15 & 16. CAKEpalooza: October 14 from 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. with ticketed & timed slots in Saugerties, NY Rhinebeck Prep- check out this PDF for my best tips. Rhinebeck- come see at 1p Saturday Podcaster Meet up on the Hill. Behind the Petting Zoo on the Map. EarthTonesGirl Falling Leaves Sock KAL runs 9/15 through 11/15 Check out this Instagram Post for details. The 5th annual Falling Leaves Sock KAL (knit along) runs from September 15-November 15. The official hashtag is #fallingleavessockkal2022 On a Happy Note Our well is at a normal level again! Cooking & doing laundry feels like a privilege when you haven't been able to do it for months. We have some Sneaky Pumpkins growing near our deck (where last year's pumpkins must have met their demise!) Apple Picking- my favorite day of the year Kids working around the yard with Dan. Getting firewood chopped and stacked. They moved our back steps to get ready for new railings that we're hiring a contractor to install. My Dad turned 70! We had a super fun party for him at my parents' house. I had a nasty cold which was a bummer for me, but otherwise it was great. Merry Everything & Happy Always Yarn Swap is open for sign ups. Thanks to those who knew I wanted to sign up and made sure I got in there. Swap Partners will be assigned on 10/16 so get into the Between Knits & Purls Ravelry Group ASAP if you want to join. 24 mini skeins/balls of 5-7 grams each (Fingering/Sock Yarn) I got self striping from Desert Vista Dyeworks yarn in the mail + my October Yarnable Subscription Box. Check out my Yarnable Unboxing Video on my YouTube Channel. Quote of the Week To improve the golden moment of opportunity, and catch the good that is within our reach, is the great art of life.–SAMUEL JOHNSON Thank you for tuning in! Contact Information: 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.

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 240 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website.  This week's segments included: Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming From the Armchair Knitting in Passing KAL News Events Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Stormy Nanaimo Pattern: Nanaimo Cardigan by Tara-Lynn Morrison ($6.50 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry or in kits on this website) Yarn: Wool Ease Thick & Quick in the Storm Front colorway Needles: US 13 (9.0 mm), US 15 (10.0 mm), US 19 (15.0 mm) Ravelry Project Page  4.15 skeins (705 grams) Started collar in September 2021. Then put it aside and didn't pick up until Friday 9/23/22 Realized I forgot decrease round before ribbing on the sleeves and had to rip those back to fix them. On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Mermazing Socks Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Mermazing Colorway (April 2022 Subscription Box) & mini skeins from Legacy Fiber Artz. Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Check out my Unboxing Video Here Yarn from Pigskin Party Sponsors Hypnotic Yarn/Yarnable Box & Legacy Fiber Artz- both Snack Shack Sponsors Project Bag from Anne Beady Designs (Pro Shop Sponsor) The Shift Pattern: The Shift by Andrea Mowry ($7 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry & her website) Yarn: 3 Skeins of my Handspun Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm) Ravelry Project Page I messed up on a slipped stitch section in the decrease side, so I am going to continue it a few more times so it looks intentional, though you can hardly tell with the handspun. Portal Socks Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes Base in the Portal Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Yarn from Legacy Fiber Artz- Pigskin Party Snack Shack Sponsor Woolens & Nosh Socks Yarn:  Woolens and Nosh 90% SW Targhee, 10% Nylon 3 Ply Yarn (411 yards / 100 grams) in the Sprout Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Sprout- 10 stripe- Light yellow, peach, ballet pink, maroon, dusty blue, kelly green, tapue, lighter grass green, cream, pale green. Mini for cuffs and heels- brown with cream speckles.  Yarn from Woolens & Nosh-  Pigskin Party Pro Shop Sponsor Project Bag- Pigskin '22 Exclusive from Anne Beady Designs  Sagamore Flyover Cowl  Ravelry Project Page A take-off on my Sagamore Flyover Hat available on Ravelry & LoveCrafts.  2021 Scrappy Socks Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Yarn: sock yarn minis and scraps Ravelry Project Page (started in April 2021. Picked back up in September 2022) In this project, I used Helical knitting using Video Tutorial from Knitty Natty & Cate's Clasp Weft join- check out my YouTube Tutorial  by clicking here. Brainstorming Fidget Toys from Shanalines Designs-  Ravelry Link & Payhip I want to cast on all the things! Should I cast on a Wave of Change Jacket by Denise Bayron to match Mom's at Rhinebeck? $10 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry  Top down open front cardigan mostly stockinette w/ periodic purl ridges.  Mom's is tunic length. I think I'd make my cropped to wear as a layering piece. Thinking mustard.  This blog post by Susanna Winter has a great formula to help you figure out holding strands of various weights of yarn together to equal a different weight of yarn. Beth sent me Instagram stories from FashionSchoolDropOut who made one with worsted and 2 strands of sock. Changed colors after each purl bump.  Thanks to AJ for recommending Fundamentals of Caring with Paul Rudd (2016 movie). Available on Netflix. I'm planning to watch it soon. From the Armchair The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases. Knitting in Passing Take Back Bags from For Days does accept yarn. Thanks Rachel Kashani. Cost $20. They mail you a bag (takes 3 weeks to ship) The Large Bag measures 24 in x 24 in and fits 15 lbs Mail back with USPS. You will get a $20 credit to spend with them KAL News Pigskin Party'22: The Official Hashtag is #DCSPigskinParty22 Pigskin Landing Page on the Down Cellar Studio Website. Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Link to the Official Rules Player Registration- Google Form Check out our amazing Sponsors! Click here for the Google doc with their websites and Instagram profiles.  Check out the list of available Coupons from our amazing sponsors- Ravelry Link. Google Doc. Check out the Pigskin Exclusive Items in this Ravelry Thread Important Updates in this Episode Thanks to everyone who participated in our Kick Off Events. Beth joined us from the hospital. AJ, from South Africa, and EJ from South Korea joined us from all sorts of crazy time zones! So great to see so many familiar faces in long time friends and to also get to know some of the newbies a little better.  Tailgate Talk -ended 9/23 but you can enter for your points through 9/30 on the Points Tally Form.  Fistbumps & Fives: Send some positivity to one of your Teammates, Opponents or Commissioners. Complete this challenge anytime between 9/20-9/30 and enter on the Points Tally Form to earn 100 bonus points. You'll need a link to your Ravelry or Instagram Post for validation. Enter your points by 9/30. Check out the details in the Ravelry Group or in this Google Doc. Check out October's Coin Toss Interception hosted by Sunsoaked Yarns. Click here for the Ravelry Thread or here for the Google Doc with all the details you need. Events Cape & South Shore Yarn Haul- Thursday 9/29 through Sunday 10/2. Check out their Event Website for details.Facebook Page available here. Greater Boston Yarn Crawl– Thursday 9/29 through Sunday 10/2 Rhinebeck – NY Sheep and Wool Festival. October 15 & 16. Wool & Folk Event– October 14th from 12p until 7p in Kingston, NY.  Tickets still available. $45. 25 vendors. Podcaster Patio. 5 podcasts represented Outdoors. Food trucks and music.  CAKEpalooza: October 14 from 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. with ticketed & timed slots in Saugerties, NY EarthTonesGirl Falling Leaves Sock KAL runs 9/15 through 11/15 Check out this Instagram Post for details. The official hashtag is #fallingleavessockkal2022 Life in Focus Tune in to hear an update on my 22 for 2022 list.  Go Skiing 1/18/22 Loon mountain + 2 days in February Knit a garment out of handspun (from 2021)- Cowl in progress Spend at least two hours learning something new (on my own, in a class, YouTube videos etc) IDEAS FOR ME? Read 22 novels – 15 as of September Go to an art museum (travel in November- should be able to do this) Buy something a little extravagant – new skiis & bindings 1/17/22 Meet with financial planner about new investments. Emailed 9/27 Do at least 1 yoga video per month Jan, Feb, March, April  May, June, July, Sept (no August)  Kayak at one new place- NOPE Create the collage wall in my studio- purchased several items. Need to just pull the trigger. Visit Eme at school (April 2022) Try out the new trail on Grove Street -Sunday May 13, 2022 2nd Annual Nora Ephron Movies Day Laura visit in October. Maybe she wants to do this with me?  Purge & declutter the secretary Plan and go on at least 1 date with Dan that involves going at least 1 place we don't “normally” go IDEAS FOR ME? Take a vacation/staycation before August  (planned Saco trip & Northampton Concert trip for August) Buy a fabulous new dress to wear to weddings- April & September Have my car's backup camera checked out & ideally fixed- scheduled 10/12 Hire a professional photographer for family photos- emailed in Sept. Spend a weekend with Laura (in NY or MA) Go Apple Picking (on the calendar) Hang a calendar in the dining room- done in February On a Happy Note Conor's wedding (blog post available over on Patreon) Decorating for Fall Our friend Liz slept over so Dan could drive her to the airport very early the next morning. Long morning walks on the weekend. Quote of the Week A library is a medicine cabinet. What can heal one person may not work at all for somebody else. –SANDRA CISNEROS Contact Information: 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.  

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 239 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. For Full Show notes with photos check out my website. This week's segments included: Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming Knitting in Passing KAL News Events Contest, News & Notes On a Happy Note Quote of the Week Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Woolen Women Fibers Cniotáil Láimhe Designs- Ravelry Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Recollection Blanket Pattern: Recollection by Deanne Ramsay ($6 crochet pattern available on Ravelry & Etsy– written in both US & UK Crochet terms) Yarn: Various full skeins and 20+ gram fingering weight yarn stash. Hook: J (6.0 mm) Ravelry Project Page Cast on with US K. It was still a little too tight but it works. Body done in a US J (6.0 mm) Blanket is 56 inches wide (not including the fringe).  6,576 meters for Stash Dash Baker Street Socks Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Baker Street Colorway My Ravelry Project  278.6 meters for Stash Dash Hat for Dad Pattern: Turn a Square by Jared Flood ($4 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & on the Brooklyn Tweed website) Yarn: Fingering held double. Knit Picks Stroll Tweed in the Wellies Heather Colorway (black) & YarnBaker Fingering Weight Yarn in the Blazer colorway (blue) Needles: US 5 (4.5 mm) and US 7 (3.75 mm) My Ravelry Project Page 225.6 meters for Stash Dash. On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Solstice Socks Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Solstice Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Mermazing Socks Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Mermazing Colorway (April 2022 Subscription Box) Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Check out my Unboxing Video Here The Shift Pattern: The Shift by Andrea Mowry ($7 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry & her website) Yarn: 3 Skeins of my Handspun Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm) Ravelry Project Page Swatched- US 5, US 4 and finally US 3 LOVE working with my handspun. Cloudy + Rainbows Spinning Project Fiber: 4oz braid of BFL from Frabjous Fibers in the Rainy Day Rainbows Colorway Description- long stretches of light gray punctuated with shorter blips of rainbow colors Twist direction: singles = Z plied = S This means when I'm spinning, my wheel is spinning clockwise and when plying my wheel is moving counter-clockwise. Plans: will likely ply with another braid.  Brainstorming I should start 2 crochet stockings that I need to have done by Thanksgiving. Planning another Shift Cowl for me!  Yarn recycling. Do you know of any options besides mailing scraps to Hedgehog Fibres?  Knitting in Passing Package from Sarah- the martini knitter . Fiber fill and yarn 2 blues Knitting will Millie megg and Hattie over the weekend.  KAL News Pigskin Party'22: Official Hashtag is #DCSPigskinParty22 Pigskin Landing Page on the Down Cellar Studio Website. Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Link to the Official Rules Player Registration- Google Form Check out our amazing Sponsors! Click here for the Google doc with their websites and Instagram profiles.  Check out the list of available Coupons from our amazing sponsors- Ravelry Link Check out the Pigskin Exclusive Items in this Ravelry Thread Tip from Sarah- Imagined Landscapes- on Watching or Ignoring Team Threads: You can set Ravelry Threads to watch or ignore. Watching a thread means it will pop up to the highest point under the stickied threads if there‘s a new post. Ignoring a thread means you never see it again – I use it to clear up teams I‘m not on so there‘s less visual clutter for my PSP. Check out this page on Ravelry for instructions on how to Ignore a Thread. Fist Bumps & Fives Challenge– check out this link for details. Complete this challenge anytime between 9/20-9/30 and enter on the Points Tally Form to earn 100 bonus points. You'll need a link to your Ravelry or Instagram Post for validation. Enter for points between 9/23-9/30. Virtual Kick Off Weekend-click here for the schedule Events Stash Dash (Hosted by The Knit Girllls) ended August 31st My final tally- 27,546 m  Compare to previous years My best year ever! Beat 2020's total by 71 meters) 2021- 16,696.  2020-27,475 2019- 16,355 Funny how I bounce between 16k one year and 27 another!   32 projects 12 crochet. 14 knit, 6 skeins handspun Crochet- 20,679 meters Knit- 3,819 m Spinning- 3,046 m Types of Projects 11 pairs socks 6 skeins handspun 5 Blankets (18, 524 m) 4 cozies 2 Tops (1 crop, 1 tunic bathing suit cover up) 1 hat, 1 tie, 1 shawl, 1 toy,  Jasmin ended this year with 10,838 Meters. I beat her by 16,707 meters!!! Jen's Stash Dash Spreadsheet Tracker- Google Doc Jasmin's Stash Dash Spreadsheet Tracker- Google Doc Cape & South Shore Yarn Haul- Thursday 9/29 through Sunday 10/2. Check out their Event Website for details. Facebook Page available here. Pro Shop Sponsor Anne Beady will be at Salt Yarn Studio on Thursday 9/29 with her beautiful bags & design samples! Greater Boston Yarn Crawl– is also being held Thursday 9/29 through Sunday 10/2 EarthTonesGirl Falling Leaves Sock KAL runs 9/15 through 11/15 Check out this Instagram Post for details.   Contest, News & Notes Check out my Stash Dash projects in a 2 part series on my YouTube Channel- click here for  Video 1 & Video 2 September Yarnable Unboxing Video can be found here. On a Happy Note A quick visit from Laura in from NYC. Dan and I did a big cellar clean-out over Labor Day weekend.  We enjoyed a big pool day (Oisin and Eme practiced their diving, Hattie practiced her swimming with Auntie Di) over Labor Day Weekend. We followed that with a clam bake, a belated birthday celebration for Oisin who turned 14 in June (while still in Ireland).  Oisín working with Dan in the yard again this fall. They uncovered an impromptu pumpkin patch that sprung up next to our deck! We had our first fire of the fall. Pizza and beer after the boys were done working. Hattie (age 4) asked “are you gonna knit with me?”  I asked if she was going to knit with ME! And she did.  We enjoyed our last pool day and family trip to Hornstra for ice cream!  Quote of the WeekAt some point in life the world's beauty becomes enough. You don't need to photograph, paint or even remember it. It is enough.–TONI MORRISONMusic -“Soft Orange Glow” by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/——Thank you for tuning in.Remember show notes for this episode can be found at www.downcellarstudio.com/#If you have a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, I'd greatly appreciate it.I can be found on Ravelry as BostonJen and I'd love it if you came over to join our lively and engaged Down Cellar Studio Ravelry Group.Check me out on Instagram at BostonJen1 if you want to see what I'm up to between episodes.Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube ChannelEmail me at downcellarstudio@gmail.com For website:Thank you for tuning in! Contact Information: 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.

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 238 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. For full show notes, check out my website. This week's segments included: Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming From the Armchair Crafty Adventures Knitting in Passing KAL News Events On a Happy Note Quote of the Week Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Uneek Christmas Socks Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Yarn: Uneek Sock Yarn. Colorway 25- Xmas Limited Edition. 2 cakes 220 yards/200 meters each.  Ravelry Project Page 289.4 meters Tweed Tie Pattern: Tweed Tie by Jem Weston- 4 GBP (around $5 US)  Needles: US 2. (2.75) for body, US 3 (3.25 mm) for cast-on Yarn: Knit Picks Stroll Tonal in the Flagstone Heather colorway. My Ravelry Project Page Omitting all increases//decreases to keep the bottom at the end of the tie flat not pointed.  Finished tie is over 60 inches long.  126.6 meters  3 skeins in my Candombe Project- check out my Ravelry Project Page 2 skeins of 2ply yarn. Wool of the Andes Unspun Roving. Colorway: Delft Heather (100 grams) 100% Peruvian Highland Wool. & Malabrigo in the Candombe Colorway 2 ply-60 inch loop. 242 wraps.12,762 inches or 410 yards. 324 meters. Stash Dash- 324 x3= 972 meters 2 ply-59 inch loop. 81 wraps4,779 inches or 133 yards. 121 meters. Stash Dash= 121 x 3= 363 meters 1 skein of a 3 ply. those 2 singles plus 1 other random tan colored singles.  60 inch loop 38 wraps.2,280 inches or 63 yards. 57 meters Stash Dash= 57 x4= 228 meters Stash Dash Meters for this project: 1563 meters. All measurements taken after washing skeins 1 skein of yarn in Greens & Blues Blues: Included singles from  Kingdom Fleece & Fiber Works 100% Tunis Pete's Fleece Greens: Malabrigo Nube Roving  Ravelry Project Page 3 ply yarn 62 wraps around knitty noddy. 28 inches wide (or 56 inches around) after washing. 3,472 inches total or 96 yards or 88 meters 88×4 for Stash Dash = 352 meters Scrappy Hexagon Blanket Pattern: Basic Crochet Hexagon Pattern & Tips from Make Do and Crew Website & YouTube Tutorial Hook: F (3.75 mm) Yarn: Knit Picks Hawthorne Marl Sock Lab in the Grey White Marl Colorway, Patons Kroy in the Gentry Colorway + fingering weight scraps Ravelry Project Page Mapped out gradation plan in Excel. 21 rows total. 12 or 13 hexis depending on the column.  SCing them together with 2 strands like I am for the hexagons themselves. A great way to use up very small scraps because I only ever seam 3 sides together.  Working my way from the dark side to the light side when I pulled some hexis out of the bag where I was storing them- and pulled out a huge piece which I had forgotten I'd seamed together. It was the far right column and part of the top row of the light side! At least I realized it when I did, and only had to rip back a small bit of what I had already done.  I used safety pins and paper with notes to indicate which hexi was the start/end of each column. Worked like a charm and I didn't have any other issues after that.  Border- 1 round SC, 4 rounds HDC around.  switch light to dark gray to match blanket. Size (before washing) 45 in wide by 66 inches long 1976 grams total- almost 20 skeins of yarn!  Marled= 400 grams Patons= 450 grams 1126 grams of everything else 7,176 meters On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Recollection Blanket Pattern: Recollection by Deanne Ramsay ($6 crochet pattern available on Ravelry & Etsy– written in both US & UK Crochet terms) Yarn: Various full skeins and 20+ gram fingering weight yarn stash. Hook: J (6.0 mm) Ravelry Project Page Cast on with US K. It was still a little too tight but it works. Body done in a US J (6.0 mm) MC- 3 strands of gray Blanket is 56 inches wide (not including the fringe).  Baker Street Socks Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Baker Street colorway with Stroll Tonal in Navy for cuffs, heels & toe My Ravelry Project  Hat for Dad Pattern: Turn a Square by Jared Flood ($4 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & on the Brooklyn Tweed website) Yarn: Fingering held double. Knit Picks Stroll Tweed in the Wellies Heather Colorway (black) & YarnBaker Fingering Weight Yarn in the Blazer colorway (blue) Needles: US 5 (4.5 mm) and US 7 (3.75 mm) My Ravelry Project Page Brainstorming Rhinebeck sweaters. Wave of Change Jacket by Denise Bayron to match the one I made Mom for Christmas 2020. Check out the Ravelry Project Page for her sweater.  Use up some handspun for us to wear. Thinking of The Shift (Cowl) by Andrea Mowry (available on Ravelry & on the Drea Renee Knits Website for $7 US) From the Armchair Here's to Us by Elin Hilderbrand. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases. Crafty Adventures Decorations and costumes for Megg's Gatsby party.  Bought nearly all of it second hand. Gold and silver candles, candle holders, vases and glasses.  Got pink feather fan looking things on Clearance at Michaels along with what looks like sparkly crystal pink gravel. Put on silver and gold chargers under/around candles.  Spray painted feathers and sticks. Put in a large silver vase and added pearls strung through for centerpiece.  Knitting in Passing This week, I shared a story about a man I encountered on the train who talked about his family's history with fiber arts and the sewing he did in the Army. KAL News #DCSPigskinParty22 Pigskin Landing Page on the Down Cellar Studio Website. Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Link to the Official Rules Player Registration- Google Form Check out our amazing Sponsors! Click here for the Google doc with their websites and Instagram profiles. (COMING SOON) Check out the list of available Coupons from our amazing sponsors- Ravelry Link Check out the Pigskin Exclusive Items in this Ravelry Thread Sponsors Signed up (so far) Pro Shop: agirlandherwool Anne Beady Designs JDStudios480 Imagined Landscapes Charming Ewe Adoreknit Knit Style Yarns Knitters Brewing Company Jennifer Lassonde Designs Snack Shack Sunsoakedyarns Shanalines Designs KnittenKristen Designs Maple Roots Creative MollyHatChick  Christen Clement Designs Fitness by Mara  Desert Vista Dyeworks Mcknits Virtual kick off events Friday through Sunday 9/23- 9/25. Stay tuned for details! Welcome to our 3 new Commissioners this season! Heather (zoomdogknits) Emily- (ElsaandEm) Alicia (almariecraft) Teams will be announced 9/5 Tailgate Talk Challenge– runs 9/9-9/23. Stay tuned for details Events Stash Dash (Hosted by The Knit Girllls) will be hosted on Discord again and will be from May 27th-end of August. Discord link: knit girllls discord Current standings with Jasmin Jen: 20,465 meters (Jen's Stash Dash Spreadsheet Tracker- Google Doc.) Jasmin: 10,838 meters (Jasmin's Stash Dash Spreadsheet Tracker- Google Doc) Rhinebeck – NY Sheep and Wool Festival. October 15 & 16. Wool & Folk Event– October 14th from 12p until 7p in Kingston, NY.  Tickets still available. $45. On a Happy Note Mom's August scans look good despite having to come off her gene therapy medicine because of severe and painful issues with the skin and nails on her hands.  Dinner with my parents, brother and grandmother for her 87th birthday! Visiting Dan's friend Perry's for his 81st Birthday. We found a local bakery that makes delicious pies. Great find. Pool Days! Queen Cover Band at South Shore Music Circus, after which my brother stayed over. He, Dan and I stayed up late talking.  Mid-week trip out to Northampton with Kris & Megg for the Indigo Girls concert! We bought matching tank tops & wore them hiking the next morning. Every person we saw commented on them and asked if we were in some kind of club!  Megg's Gatsby Party! Hiking in Wompatuck w/ Megg now that she's back from Ireland. Shopping at Ollie's with Mom, Trish and Theresa. It's very similar to Building 19 which is an old-school New England favorite for bargain shopping. Watching Aila dance in the Cabaret show and Hattie (age 4) cheering her on (and having to stop her from dancing too much in the audience). I also got to see Eme for the first time since they got back from Ireland.  Mom's eBay New England Seller's Meet Up Group met for the first time since Covid this week! Had fun catching up with her crew. Check out their Facebook group here. Quote of the Week Yet occasionally we discover in the folds of an old handkerchief a shell or insignificant stone that had once embodied our happiest of afternoons. –PATTI SMITH Contact Information: 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.