Podcast appearances and mentions of Megan Williams

Episode 191 June 4, 2026 On the Needles 1:42 ALL KNITTING LINKS GO TO RAVELRY UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.  Please visit our Instagram page @craftcookreadrepeat for non-Rav photos and info   Vesna Tee by Ksenia Naidyon/Life is Cozy, Shel Designs Finito Fingering in Tutti Frutti and Shel Designs Suri Silk Lace in seafoam   Cuff Club Vol. 2 Socks (march) by Summer Lee, Seismic Yarn & Dyeworks Butter Sock in why did the frog cross the road and mini: To see what the chicken was doing – DONE!!   OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams, Knit Picks Felici in Silent Film On the Easel 9:07 CONNECTIONS TODAY!   Calendar is a GO! Which means I'm painting envelopes this summer, and aiming for an OIL-paint theme.   On the Table 18:47 Rainbow Rave Cookies from Cookies by NYT   Strawberry Frosted Sugar Cookies - by Yossy Arefi   I Dream of Dinner– May cookbook Chicken with So Much Garlic Green Curry Meatball Soup (this is not exactly the same as the one I made from her book, but similar)   Simple pork tenderloin with garden rosemary Steak marinade–24 hour.   On the Nightstand 31:47 We are now a Bookshop.org affiliate!  You can visit our shop to find books we've talked about or click on the links below.  The books are supplied by local independent bookstores and a percentage goes to us at no cost to you! Antiquarian's Object of Desire by India Holton The Duke by Anna Cowan The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton by Jennifer N. Brown  Everyone in this Bank is a Thief by Benjamin Stevenson The In Crowd by Charlotte Vassell (audio) The Fine Art of Lying by Alexandra Andrews Mostly Hero by Anna Burns   The Briars by Sarah Crouch Celestial Lights by Cecile Pin   Bingo 52:27 Starts friday may 22, ends Mon Sept 7 Need to post a photo of completed Bingo with #CCRRsummerbingo2026 to instagram or Ravelry.  Get a blackout for a second entry.    Monica's Bingo Debut author: lost book of elizabeth barton Read something american: voter information pamphlet and my primary ballot!   Cortney's Bingo: Let someone else cook: Steaks on the grill Read an award NOMINEE: Celestial Lights

Megan Williams sy'n sgwrsio gyda Ffion Havard o'r pwyllgor trefnu ym Mrycheiniog.

Megan Williams sy'n clywed mwy am Academi eleni gan Einir Haf Davies o Gyswllt Ffermio.

  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 321 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week's segments included:   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins From the Armchair In my Travels KAL News Contest, News & Notes Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Inclinations Cowl Inclinations Cowl by Andrea Mowry ($7.00 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry & her website. Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm) Yarn: 2 skeins of handspun Color A: Fiber Addict Designs 100% Merino in the Wild Plum Colorway- Ravelry link. Color B: Candombe, I think the fiber is from Malabrigo- Ravelry link. My Ravelry Project Page   Sunday Brunch Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Yarn: Woolens & Nosh Targhee Sock in the Sunday Brunch at the Breakfast Club colorway; club colorway Ravelry Project Page About the yarn: mini skein in a medium denim blue. Self striping- tan, navy, mustard, pink, coffee w/ milk brown.   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Pucker Brush Farm BFL Sweater Spin Fiber: 16 oz of multi colored BFL roving from Pucker Brush Farm (purchased at Rhinebeck 2025), 4 oz Merino in a mustard color & 20 ounces of Grey Shetland from Forever in Fiber on Etsy Ravelry Project Page I am planning to knit a Traveler sweater inspired by Emily Curtis' handmade version- click here for her Ravelry Project Page. I was thrilled to see a recent post on Emily's Instagram that she made a YouTube video about this spin/knit. Plied 5 bobbins over Memorial Day weekend. and have since finished and washed 5 skeins of yarn! If my math is right, I have 224g of fiber and 352 yards.   Jelly Roll Blanket    Pattern: Crocheted Jelly Roll Blanket by Kay F Jones ($6.70 US on Ravelry) Hook: H (5.0 mm) Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes Mini Skeins + other minis from stash Ravelry Project Page I was inspired by KnitwithNat's blanket- check it out on Instagram. Progress: I finished my 7th strip   Midnight Orchid Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Yarn: Patons Kroy Stripes in the Midnight Orchid colorway Ravelry Project Page About the yarn: skinny stripes of cream with contrast colors- greens, ochre and mauvy purples. Progress: First sock is finished. The second is just beyond the heel.   Merry Christmas Kevin Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz, Steel Toes in the Merry Christmas, Kevin colorway Ravelry Project Page Progress: finished first sock. Finished cuff of second in Portland. No specific rush on these so they're just hanging out in my purse   Goldwing Sweater Pattern: Goldwing by Jennifer Steingass ($8 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 6 (4.0mm) for body and US 5 (3.75 mm) for rolled neck Yarn: Valley Superwash DK in Sand (MC) and handspun from Wound Up Fiber Arts for CC (Ravelry page for handspun details) Ravelry Project Page Handspun is all different yellows, mustards, peach, pink orange, rusts. Progress: I'm working on the colorwork yoke   From the Armchair   The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah. Amazon Affiliate Link. Famesick by Lena Dunham. Amazon Affiliate Link. Into the Blue by Emma Brodie. Amazon Affiliate Link.   Musical: Something Rotten playing at the Lyric Stage, Boston through June 7, 2026   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 Dan and I spent a weekend in Portland, MA Yarn stores visited: The Purling Pigeon, Knit Wit Yarn Shop, Port Fiber Coffee: Buzz Coffee Breweries: Rising Tide Brewing, Batson River Brewing & Distillery, Orange Bike Brewing (Gluten Free), Apres (seltzers!), Lone Pine Brewing Restaurant: Isa Bistro   KAL News   Splash Pad Party '26 Details Event runs 5/22-7/31 Splash Pad Party Registration is open View Stats and/or Verify Registration here. Check out our Sponsor List Splash Pad '26 Official Rules Enter your FOs using the Summer Celebration Form. Then come over to this Ravelry Thread to share pics and let us ooh and ahh with you! Submit something incorrectly? Need help? Fill out this Support Form & we'll be in touch. Find official SPP'26 images you can use on social media in this Google folder.   Splash Pad RAVELRY Links Start Here Thread Pro Shop Exclusive Items Thread Coupon Codes Thread Questions Thread   Contest, News & Notes I was so sad to hear of Gigi Knitmore's passing. Sending so much love and support to their whole family. Haven't listened? Check out the Knitmore Girls Podcast back catalog.   On a Happy Note We had Gabriella and Zach for another sleepover and it was a blast! We all enjoyed seeing Hattie in Seussical. Dad, Jeff and I all went to one of Garret's last lacrosse games of the year. Normal Mammogram! Reminder to get checked if you're due for this or any other health screening. Anniversary weekend in Portland with Dan Jury Duty Presents- Company Retreat (on Prime). Patreon Zoom- always love hanging out with you. Getting salads back in the rotation + watermelon! All of the Splash Pad Mojo! My fav Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) musical got picked up for a national tour. It starts in Providence in fall of 2027! They also got nominated for 8 Tony's! I'm so excited for them.   Quote of the Week An artist is a sort of emotional or spiritual historian. His role is to make you realize the doom and glory of knowing who you are and what you are. He has to tell, because nobody else in the world can tell, what it is like to be alive.   -James Baldwin ------   Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.  

Megan Williams sy'n trafod yr hwb i'r diwydiant wyau gyda Dafydd Jarrett o NFU Cymru.

Megan Williams sy'n sgwrsio gyda Beth Williams, un o'r criw fydd yn teithio i Beriw.

  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 320 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week's segments included:   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming From the Armchair Some Years Later In my Travels KAL News On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Heart & Squirrel & AdoreKnit   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Venom Pattern: Venom Keychain crochet pattern available on Ravelry for $5 & on Etsy (on sale for $1.50 in May 2026). Yarn: Vanna's Choice in Black, Knit Picks Brava (red) & white felt for eyes and mouth Hook: C (2.75 mm) Ravelry Project Page Glue used: Aleene's Fabric Fusion   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Inclinations Cowl Inclinations Cowl by Andrea Mowry ($7.00 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry & her website. Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm) Yarn: 2 skeins of handspun Color A: Fiber Addict Designs 100% Merino in the Wild Plum Colorway- Ravelry link. Color B: Candombe, I think the fiber is from Malabrigo- Ravelry link. My Ravelry Project Page   Jelly Roll Blanket    Pattern: Crocheted Jelly Roll Blanket by Kay F Jones ($6.70 US on Ravelry) Hook: H (5.0 mm) Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes Mini Skeins + other minis from stash Ravelry Project Page I was inspired by KnitwithNat's blanket- check it out on Instagram. Progress: on my 6th strip   Midnight Orchid Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Yarn: Patons Kroy Stripes in the Midnight Orchid colorway Ravelry Project Page About the yarn: skinny stripes of cream with contrast colors- greens, ochre and mauvy purples. Progress: Cast on both socks on two separate needles. First sock is finished. The second is just beyond the heel.   Merry Christmas Kevin Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz, Steel Toes in the Merry Christmas, Kevin colorway Ravelry Project Page Progress: turned the heel on the first sock over the weekend.   Brainstorming   Granny Square Muff by Allyson Dykhuizen- free pattern available on Ravelry Nautilus, The Submarine- Ravelry Pattern by Paola Navarro for $4.20 on Etsy Ace the Airplane- $5.20 on Etsy (view on Ravelry) Airplane by Joyce Overheul- $4.99 Ravelry & Etsy   From the Armchair   Books Sea Wife by Amity Gaige. Amazon Affiliate Link Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke. Amazon Affiliate Link. Diabolical Lies Podcast (a long-form culture and politics podcast by Katie Gatti Tassin and Caro Claire Burke). Check out their Substack. I enjoyed this episode- Is there a Skinny Apocalypse in Hollywood? A Summer Affair by Elin Hilderbrand. Amazon Affiliate Link   2 Plays   It's a Madhouse! by Todd Wallinger. Faust by the Embody Project Theatre If you heard me mention the Suffs musical in Episode 317 it's now available on PBS until July 31, 2026!   Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.   Some Years Later I've rotated out our couch blankets and I'm loving my Recollections Throw (check out my Ravelry Project Page- from September 2022).   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 All yarn held triple MC- 3 strands of gray.- separates each row of colorful yarns Blanket is 56 inches wide (not including the fringe). LOVED working on this project. Great end of stash dash project. no finishing required. no borders. no weaving in ends. finish twisting fringe and its done! 6,576 meters for Stash Dash     In My Travels NH Sheep and Wool with Ryan We had a great time catching up with Jess & Anne in the Stitched by Jessalu booth. Fearless Living Fund fabric design is part of the Stitched by Jessalu banner! Anne and I geeked out over musicals and theater stuff! I bought a large bag with deer and foxes and other animals all dressed up for winter Got to see Stephanie from Dirty Water Dyeworks and got some gray yarn DK to border my jellyroll blanket. I bought some minis for my jellyroll blanket from a new to me dyer Appena Fiber I wore Mom's Dotted Rays shawl (Ravelry Project Page) Brown Bunny pottery had a chicken soap dispenser and a spotted chicken bowl I couldn't resist!   KAL News Splash Pad Party '26 Details Event runs 5/22-7/31 Splash Pad Party Registration is open as of 5/1 View Stats and/or Verify Registration here. Check out our Sponsor List Splash Pad '26 Official Rules Enter your FOs using the Summer Celebration Form. Then come over to this Ravelry Thread to share pics and let us ooh and ahh with you! Submit something incorrectly? Need help? Fill out this Support Form & we'll be in touch. Find official SPP'26 images you can use on social media in this Google folder.   Splash Pad RAVELRY Links Start Here Thread Pro Shop Exclusive Items Thread Coupon Codes Thread Questions Thread   Splash Pad '26 Official Logo Bags & Stitch Markers I've partnered up with Steph from AdoreKnit on official SPP '26 logo bags and stitch markers. Full disclosure, I do earn a small affiliate fee for all products sold (for the use of the artwork). Check them out here.   Other Things from the Ravelry Board Sweater MAL Chat- thanks Danielle for starting the chat. If you want to make a sweater in 2026, check it out, chat it up and get some encouragement.   On a Happy Note Longer, warmer days! We had our niece & nephew, Gabriella & Zach over for a sleepover. We went on deer walks, watched The Wizard of Oz, made pancakes, and took turns on the mower and backhoe. Aila's birthday dinner which ended with an impromptu dance show by Hattie and a  not-so-subtle take over by almost 2 year old Miles Zach's birthday party had animals- they had the most gorgeous rooster I've ever seen. After looking at machines for years, I finally bought an espresso maker. The girls Im going to Rhinebeck with this year started a Marco Polo group chat. Woke up early before NH Sheep and Wool- so I got a car wash and came with 10 min of vacuuming. I got that done and it felt SO good. Took a little field trip to the Beacon Hill Bookstore on Charles St with my co-workers. Lovely to get out, talk books, connect.   Quote of the Week "Everybody has a little bit of the sun and moon in them. Everybody has a little bit of man, woman, and animal in them. Darks and lights in them. Everyone is part of a connected cosmic system. Part earth and sea, wind and fire, with some salt and dust swimming in them. We have a universe within ourselves that mimics the universe outside. None of us are just black or white, or never wrong and always right. No one. No one exists without polarities. Everybody has good and bad forces working with them, against them, and within them.   From- PART SUN AND MOON by Suzy Kassem" ------   Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.  

Megan Williams sy'n sgwrsio am y wobr a'r dyddiad cau gyda Dylan Morgan o NFU Cymru.

Megan Williams sy'n trafod yr wythnos gyda Kate Miles o elusen wledig Sefydliad DPJ.

Megan Williams sy'n sgwrsio am y prosiect gydag un o'r ffermwyr, Daniel Owen.

Megan Williams sy'n trafod y diweddaraf gyda Wyn Williams, aelod newydd o'r Bwrdd Gwlân.

Megan Williams sy'n sgwrsio am Ras Fawr y Sir gydag Elin a Ffion Havard o'r pwyllgor.

Megan Williams sy'n sgwrsio gydag Elis Pari, Cyfarwyddwr y ddrama 'Praidd'

Megan Williams sy'n clywed cyngor y milfeddyg, Aled Bradbourn.

Megan Williams sy'n trafod y maniffesto gyda Gareth Parry o Undeb Amaethwyr Cymru.

Megan Williams sy'n sgwrsio gydag Ysgrifennydd Cyffredinol y Sioe, Eirian Lloyd Hughes.

  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 319 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 Knitting in Passing In my Travels KAL News Events Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Stitched by Jessalu- Check out all of Jessalu's bags and accessories at NH Sheep and Wool - May 9 & 10 in Deerfield NH & at the Webs Tent Sale- May 15-17 in Northampton, MA, Massachusetts Sheep & Wool- May 23 & 24 in Cummington, MA   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Log Cabin Blanket Pattern: Log Cabin Square by Julie Harrison. Free crochet pattern available on Ravelry. Video tutorial available on the Little Woollie Makes YouTube Channel Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Minis (mostly from Advent calendars 2023 & 2024) Hook: I (5.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Inspired by Rachel (treehousefiberarts on Instagram) and Sue & Chelsea (Legacy Fiber Artz on Instagram). Check out the Floss Toss Ravelry Group for details on their Scrappy Blanket CAL. Ends December 21st (but you don't have to finish. 2 prize drawings will be done). My color placement is inspired by this project/pattern available on Ravelry. Inspired to pick it back up after see Sue (from Legacy Fiber Artz)'s version on their latest podcast episode. She bordered with cream before seaming. I love it. You can see a peek in this Instagram post. I bordered one square with a worsted weight Cascade 220 black yarn which I didn't like. Tune in to hear my tale of woe after I decided to machine wash squares before weaving in all of the ends. 23 squares (I think)   Jelly Roll Blanket    Pattern: Crocheted Jelly Roll Blanket by Kay F Jones Hook: H (5.0 mm) Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes Mini Skeins + other minis from stash Ravelry Project Page I was inspired by KnitwithNat's blanket- check it out on Instagram. Progress: I finished 2 columns and nearly done with the third   Inclinations Cowl Inclinations Cowl by Andrea Mowry ($7.00 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry & her website. Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm) Yarn: 2 skeins of handspun Color A: Fiber Addict Designs 100% Merino in the Wild Plum Colorway- Ravelry link. Color B: Candombe, I think the fiber is from Malabrigo- Ravelry link. My Ravelry Project Page Progress, I am finally onto the decrease section.   Pucker Brush Farm BFL Sweater Spin Fiber: 16 oz of multi colored BFL roving from Pucker Brush Farm (purchased at Rhinebeck 2025), 4 oz Merino in a mustard color & 20 ounces of Grey Shetland from Forever in Fiber on Etsy Ravelry Project Page I am planning to knit a Traveler sweater inspired by Emily Curtis' handmade version- click here for her Ravelry Project Page. I was thrilled to see a recent post on Emily's Instagram that she made a YouTube video about this spin/knit. Finished spinning the first 4 oz of Shetland and started spinning another. I wound off 2 bobbins of the Pucker Brush onto storage bobbins and then wound off the Shetland onto storage bobbins.   Midnight Orchid Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Yarn: Patons Kroy Stripes in the Midnight Orchid colorway Ravelry Project Page About the yarn: skinny stripes of cream with contrast colors- greens, ochre and mauvy purples. Progress: Cast on both socks on two separate needles.   Sunday Brunch Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Yarn: Woolens & Nosh Targhee Sock in the Sunday Brunch at the Breakfast Club colorway; club colorway Ravelry Project Page About the yarn: mini skein in a medium denim blue. Self striping- tan, navy, mustard, pink, coffee w/ milk brown. Progress: several inches into the first sock's foot   Merry Christmas Kevin Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz, Steel Toes in the Merry Christmas, Kevin colorway Ravelry Project Page Progress: a few inches to the first leg. Knit on these in Saturday in NYC, during Book of Mormon.   Brainstorming   I knit a swatch out of DK cream yarn I had in stash with colorwork in handspun. I haven't taken the time to check gauge after washing it, but that may be my next colorwork yoke sweater. I love using the Ravelry advanced search to search by gauge.   DK Tank & similar fingering weight version (DK) Top Sol by Mochi Knits $9.77 US knitting pattern available on Ravelry or the designer's website. (Fingering weight yarn) the Claire vest- available on Ravelry or the designer's website.   Summer Raffia Clutch Bag by Anna Ushakova -$4 crochet pattern available on Ravelry or $7.50 on Etsy   From the Armchair   Books Good People by Patmeena Sabit. Amazon Affiliate Link. Buckeye by Patrick Ryan. Amazon Affiliate Link. River is Waiting by Wally Lamb. Amazon Affiliate Link.   Musicals Beauty and the Beast- this show is touring through next November. Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York- check out our video set to the opening song. Book of Mormon  (this show is also touring if you want to see it in a city near you)   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 had a nice chat with a little boy and his grandmother on the train during MA school vacation week. He was absolutely mesmerized.   In My Travels   NYC for Riley & Aila's birthdays! Friday: Thrifting, shopping, coffee, FAO Schwartz (for JellyCat Cafe but they didn't have any openings). We met Laura for dinner at Serendipity in Times Square. Saturday: we scored Rush tickets for Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York, did a little more shopping and eating (got in some NYC pizza of course) then to see the show at 2p which Laura joined us for. Then we all had dinner at Dos Caminos before our 7p Book of Mormon Show. At home, we heated up a cinnamon roll Laura went all the way downtown to get us from Losers. Sunday: we got bagels and then coffee, finished the TikTok video to the Two Strangers opening song and then hit the road. Stay tuned for a YouTube video of our adventures.   KAL News   Splash Pad Party '26 Details Event runs 5/22-7/31 Splash Pad Party Registration is open as of 5/1 View Stats and/or Verify Registration here. Check out our Sponsor List Splash Pad '26 Official Rules Enter your FOs using the Summer Celebration Form. Then come over to this Ravelry Thread to share pics and let us ooh and ahh with you! Submit something incorrectly? Need help? Fill out this Support Form & we'll be in touch. Find official SPP'26 images you can use on social media in this Google folder.   Splash Pad RAVELRY Links Start Here Thread Pro Shop Exclusive Items Thread Coupon Codes Thread Questions Thread   Events NH Sheep and Wool - May 9 & 10 in Deerfield NH Coggeshall Farm Fiber Festival- May 16 in Bristol, RI Webs Tent Sale- May 15-17 in Northampton, MA Massachusetts Sheep & Wool- May 23 & 24 in Cummington, MA   Life in Focus   26 in 2026 List   E- Events- go to at least 26 ticketed events (17 as of 4/25!) L- Literary pursuit- read at least 65 books (24 as of 4/27) N- NYC- go visit Laura at least once (scheduled for April) Q-Quarterly review of calendar/photos & goals (to make Year in Review easier and faster)- calendar it! March done S- Socks- knit 26 pair- 6 done so far. W- Wheel- sit down at my spinning wheel every month (put reminders on my calendar at the beginning of each month to help remind me) Jan, Feb, March, April done     On a Happy Note During a short spell of what actually felt like Spring weather, Dan and I went to our friend's daughter's high school lacrosse game and then out for dinner after. I joined Dan for his weekly card game. We played Five Crowns, which I really enjoy. We had dinner with Dan's cousins who we don't see often and then with an old high school friend of Dan's who he hasn't seen in over 25 years! He and his wife were lovely. Fun chat. We brought Hattie to Beauty and the Beast, looking all beautiful in her Belle dress. She had an absolute blast. My work friends were reminiscing about this funny old cell phone commercial video we used to love watching it. Check out show notes for link to the video    Quote of the Week   " I think one of the things that makes theater special is first of all, it's one of the last places you put your phone away." - Lin-Manuel Miranda   " I know the world is filled with troubles and many injustices. But reality is as beautiful as it is ugly. I think it is just as important to sing about beautiful mornings as it is to talk about slums. I just couldn't write anything without hope in it." - Oscar Hammerstein   ------ Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.  

The attacks on Dubai over the past month and a half have shaken the Gulf city's reputation as a safe haven in a volatile region. The dazzling skyline with 200-storey towers have been a huge draw for expats, tourists, influencers and the ultra rich. CBC's Megan Williams looks into what the future holds for Dubai, in the wake of missile and drone attacks from Iran.

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 318 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 Crafty Adventures KAL News Events On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Northern Lights Socks Yarn: Patons Kroy in the Northern Lights Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Started November 2024, but I don't think I've ever mentioned them on the podcast. About the yarn- thin stripes of cream broken up 3 shades of teal/light blue, 2 grays and 1 deep purple.   October 2025 Sock Club Socks Yarn: agirlandherwool Sock Yarn in the October 2025 Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Mystery self-striping sock yarn club- stripes of peach, orange, yellow and green.   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Log Cabin Blanket Pattern: Log Cabin Square by Julie Harrison. Free crochet pattern available on Ravelry. Video tutorial available on the Little Woollie Makes YouTube Channel Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Minis (mostly from Advent calendars 2023 & 2024) Hook: I (5.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Inspired by Rachel (treehousefiberarts on Instagram) and Sue & Chelsea (Legacy Fiber Artz on Instagram). Check out the Floss Toss Ravelry Group for details on their Scrappy Blanket CAL. Ends December 21st (but you don't have to finish. 2 prize drawings will be done). My color placement is inspired by this project/pattern available on Ravelry. Inspired to pick it back up after see Sue (from Legacy Fiber Artz)'s version on their podcast episode. She bordered with cream before seaming. I love it. You can see a peek in this Instagram post. Progress- 23 squares   Inclinations Cowl Inclinations Cowl by Andrea Mowry ($7.00 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry & her website. Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm) Yarn: 2 skeins of handspun Color A: Fiber Addict Designs 100% Merino in the Wild Plum Colorway- Ravelry link. Color B: Candombe, I think the fiber is from Malabrigo- Ravelry link. My Ravelry Project Page Progress: Nearly done with the increase section!   Midnight Orchid Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Yarn: Patons Kroy Stripes in the Midnight Orchid colorway Ravelry Project Page About the yarn: skinny stripes of cream with contrast colors- greens, ochre and mauvy purples. Progress: Cast on both socks on two separate needles.   Pollen Party Socks Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Pollen Party colorway + 20g mini (I think it's Legacy Fiber Artz mini) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Progress: I am nearly done with sock 1   Pucker Brush Farm BFL Sweater Spin Fiber: 16 oz of multi colored BFL roving from Pucker Brush Farm (purchased at Rhinebeck 2025), 4 oz Merino in a mustard color & 20 ounces of Grey Shetland from Forever in Fiber on Etsy Ravelry Project Page I am planning to knit a Traveler sweater inspired by Emily Curtis' handmade version- click here for her Ravelry Project Page. I was thrilled to see a recent post on Emily's Instagram that she made a YouTube video about this spin/knit. I started spinning the Shetland and its so dreamy. I'm still working on the first 4 oz bump.   From the Armchair   Books So Old, So Young by Grant Ginder. Amazon Affiliate Link. Intermezzo by Sally Rooney. Amazon Affiliate Link. There's a great review of Intermezzo by Alexandra Harris (with some potential spoilers) on the Guardian's website. Bring the House Down by Charlotte Runcie. Amazon Affiliate Link.   Musical: The Outsiders   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 Making a flower arrangement to put under the headstone/bench at the cemetery for Mom.   KAL News Splash Pad Party will start Friday May 22nd and run through July 31st. Sponsor call has gone out to email subscribers. Will share on social soon. Click here to learn more about sponsor options for Splash Pad '26.   Events Fiber Witch Festival- April 24-26th in Salem, MA Connecticut Sheep & Wool- April 25 in North Haven, CT NH Sheep and Wool - May 9 & 10 in Deerfield NH Coggeshall Farm Fiber Festival- May 16 in Bristol, RI Webs Tent Sale- May 15-17 in Northampton, MA Massachusetts Sheep & Wool- May 23 & 24 in Cummington, MA   On a Happy Note Connecting with our nephew Oisin over a re-watch of West Wing. Seeing Rent- but especially how much Riley enjoys it. The show fell on Eme's 22nd birthday so that was fun too! Riley turned 18! So proud of that kid! Katie's Randomness (Pigskin sponsor) was having a winter sale. I splurged on two winter bags- one Gilmore Girls themed and the other Christmas chickens! I checked out a new to our area secondhand shop- Uptown Cheapskate. Despite cooler temps and rain, we had a lovely Easter dinner at my Dad's. A text from my SIL after Easter dinner saying that Zach (who turns 4 in May) went to bed Easter night asking if my dad was coming to his birthday party. I inadvertently made a ridiculously large batch of Superhero muffins because I added too much salt. Turns out I can make 94 muffins in about 3 hours. Not too shabby! Good thing they freeze well. Warming temps and quieter weekends after a stressful work week. My Monday morning workout turned into a country music jam! Such a fun way to start the week.   Quote of the Week Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it. -William Arthur Ward ------ Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.  

  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 317 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 In my Travels Events Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Thank you to this episode's sponsor: Stitched by Jessalu & shop with them at the Fiber Witch Festival- April 24-26th in Salem, MA   Thank you to this episode's sponsor The Yarn Sellar & check out details for their Fiber Marketplace (April 11, 2026) here       Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Spectrum Socks Yarn: Woolens & Nosh Targhee Sock in the Spectrum Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page   Back to the Future Socks Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes. Micro-Sock Kit in the Back to the Future Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Back to the Future Sock set- gifted to me by Sue & Chelsea- part of their 4 Sundays of Advent yarn in 2025.   Treysta Pattern: Treysta by Jennifer Steingass $8.50 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & the Laine publishing website Yarn: MC- Lion Brand Fishermen's Wool in Oatmeal. CC1: Handspun (Ravelry Project Page) dark blue.  CC2: Harrisville Designs New England Highland in #34 High Aster (pink). CC3: Brown Sheep Company Prairie Spun DK in Rain Cloud (gray) Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) & US 6 (4.0 mm) Ravelry Project Page   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   October 2025 Sock Club Socks Yarn: agirlandherwool Sock Yarn in the October 2025 Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Mystery self-striping sock yarn club- stripes of peach, orange, yellow and green. Progress: finished sock 1 and cast on sock 2. I'm a few inches into the leg.   Pollen Party Socks Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Pollen Party colorway + 20g mini (I think it's Legacy Fiber Artz mini) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Progress: I've knit most of the leg of the first sock.   Pucker Brush Farm BFL Sweater Spin Fiber: 16 oz of multi colored BFL roving from Pucker Brush Farm (purchased at Rhinebeck 2025), 4 oz Merino in a mustard color & 20 ounces of Grey Shetland from Forever in Fiber on Etsy Ravelry Project Page I am planning to knit a Traveler sweater inspired by Emily Curtis' handmade version- click here for her Ravelry Project Page. I was thrilled to see a recent post on Emily's Instagram that she made a YouTube video about this spin/knit. Progress: I started spinning the Shetland and its so dreamy. I'm about half way through the first 4 oz bump.   Brainstorming Cream DK weight yarn from Aunt Florence will pair well with mustard handspun for another colorwork yoke sweater! I received the latest subscription yarn from Woolens & Nosh in the mail this weekend and I'm itching to cast it on. The colorway is called Sunday Brunch at the Breakfast Club   From the Armchair   Books Meet Me At the Lake by Carley Fortune. Amazon Affiliate Link. Theo of Golden by Allen Levi.  Amazon Affiliate Link. Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. Amazon Affiliate Link.   Movie: Project Hail Mary Musical: Suffs Check out this Time Magazine article.   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 got a lot of great compliments on the new flower granny square ski balaclava (Ravelry Project Page) I crocheted last month. I wore it skiing at Sunday River.   In My Travels I shared about our recent ski trip to Sunday River in Maine. We enjoyed dinner at the Brick & Stone Tavern in Rumford on Friday night, Dance party at VRBO house Friday night, Steam Mill Brewing in Bethel (right near the mountain) on Saturday night and breakfast at Terry & Maxine's in Turner, ME Riley and I visited the Boston Public Market's 2026 Fiberfest on March 22. I think they had about 20 vendors there, some free demos, and a great atmosphere. Parking is only $3 for 3 hours. It was my first real outing wearing my Traveler Sweater!   Events Fiber Marketplace- April 11 from 10a-3p in York Beach, ME. Fiber Witch Festival- April 24-26th in Salem, MA Connecticut Sheep & Wool- April 25 in North Haven, CT NH Sheep and Wool - May 9 & 10 in Deerfield NH Coggeshall Farm Fiber Festival- May 16 in Bristol, RI Webs Tent Sale- May 15-17 in Northampton, MA Massachusetts Sheep & Wool- May 23 & 24 in Cummington, MA   Life in Focus   A few updates   26 in 2026 Updates B- Blood- donate at least 4 times (1/20, 3/17) D- Declutter 26+ items- delivered a trunk full in February E- Events- go to at least 26 ticketed events 9 as of now) F-Find 2-6 new things and try them out! 1) Live music at The Cottage J- Journal- Write 365 entries in my I Remember Journal about Mom (inspired by Liz Craft who talked about it on Ep 451 of Happier in Hollywood podcast) K- Knit at least 2 projects with handspun (Treysta sweater, Inclinations Cowl in progress) L- Literary pursuit- read at least 65 books (18 as of March) N- NYC- go visit Laura at least once (scheduled for April) R- Restaurant- try at least 1 new local restaurant (Blu in Theater District 3/26) S- Socks- knit 26 pair- 6 done so far. W- Wheel- sit down at my spinning wheel every month ---Jan, Feb, March done     On a Happy Note Ski weekend at Sunday River. At the igloo we ordered a chocolate chip cookie from the gluten free food truck and it was HUGE (and delicious). There was a very low ceiling in our rental house- and I just looked back at photos to get ready for to record and there's a funny one of Riley and me touching the ceiling- I knew Hattie jumped in for the last one but I didn't realize she was holding a kids sized pool cue to touch the ceiling too! Hilarious. Jeff, Megg, Riley and I all did a word search on the breakfast menu after skiing- we all took it so seriously which was just so fun! Lost power after a big wind storm, but it came back on earlier than expected- Dan and I still went out to dinner at fav local Italian restaurants (pro tip- it was a great choice on St. Patrick's Day) Broadway soundtrack for Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York came out on the SAME day as the Project Hail Mary movie released in theater (yes, we went opening day). Megg and I renewed our Broadway in Boston subscription for 2027! It's a great line up- Hell's Kitchen, Phantom of the Opera, A Beautiful Noise, Tommy, Death Becomes Her, Maybe Happy Ending, Operation Mincemeat & The Notebook. There are a few other shows available that we may add on. My friend Marta booked her plane tickets to come visit from Barcelona this summer! Going out for Live Irish music at a local pub My friend Nancy Kelley's second book just came out! The Courage of Two: Anne Hutchinson, Mary Dyer and the Fight for Freedom of Conscience in Early America.   Quote of the Week "The beautiful spring came; and when Nature resumes her loveliness, the human soul is apt to revive also." -Harriet Jacobs   ------ Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.  

Megan Williams sy'n trafod yr adroddiad gyda Dirprwy Lywydd NFU Cymru, Paul Williams.

Megan Williams sy'n trafod y canlyniadau efo Mared Rand Jones, Prif Weithredwr CFFI Cymru

Megan Williams sy'n trafod gyda Dafydd Peredur Jones o Undeb Amaethwyr Cymru.

Megan Williams sy'n clywed ymateb y Cynghorydd Ceris Jones o Gyngor Sir Ceredigion.

Megan Williams sy'n trafod y feirws gyda'r milfeddyg Phil Thomas o Aberystwyth.

  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 316 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 From the Armchair Knitting in Passing In my Travels Events On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Thank you to this episode's sponsor The Yarn Sellar & check out details for their Fiber Marketplace (April 11, 2026) here.   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Neckerchief Pattern: none (inspired by Sophie Scarf by Petite Knit (paid pattern available on Ravelry) Yarn: Kingdom Fleece & Fiberworks,  Dream base (80% Merino, 10% Cashmere goat, 10% Nylon). No colorway name listed. Variegated yarn with a tan base, pinks, greens, purples and mustards. Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) Because I'm using fingering weight yarn, I decided to use the cast on from my Millie Margaret Shawl and figure it out as I go. Millie Margaret Shawl (fingering weight)-Ravelry I did the increases up to 5 inches the pattern calls for and now I'm knitting straight. I'll reverse my increases w/ decreases on the other side and see how I like it.   Inclinations Cowl Inclinations Cowl by Andrea Mowry ($7.00 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry & her website. Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm) Yarn: 2 skeins of handspun Color A: Fiber Addict Designs 100% Merino in the Wild Plum Colorway- Ravelry link. Color B: Candombe, I think the fiber is from Malabrigo- Ravelry link. My Ravelry Project Page I love working with my handspun, but I don't necessarily love 1x1 ribbing every other row. Still I'm making progress and I know I'll love wearing it.   Treysta Pattern: Treysta by Jennifer Steingass $8.50 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & the Laine publishing website Yarn: MC- Lion Brand Fishermen's Wool in Oatmeal. CC1: Handspun (Ravelry Project Page) dark blue. CC2: Harrisville Designs New England Highland in #34 High Aster (pink). CC3: Brown Sheep Company Prairie Spun DK in Rain Cloud (gray) Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) & US 6 (4.0 mm) Ravelry Project Page Progress: I finished the colorwork section and have split for the sleeves.   Spectrum Socks Yarn: Woolens & Nosh Targhee Sock in the Spectrum Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Progress: finished first sock during Hattie's birthday sleepover. Worked on sock #2 while Megg, Rose and I saw Cabaret.   Northern Lights Socks Yarn: Patons Kroy in the Northern Lights Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the yarn- thin stripes of cream broken up 3 shades of teal/light blue, 2 grays and 1 deep purple. Finished sock 1 recently. Cast on sock 2.    October 2025 Sock Club Socks Yarn: agirlandherwool Sock Yarn in the October 2025 Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Progress: beyond the heel on the first sock   From the Armchair   Our Last Resort by Clémence Michallon. Amazon Affiliate Link. The Housemaid by Freida McFadden. Amazon Affiliate Link. The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston. Amazon Affiliate Link. I'm Mostly Here to Enjoy Myself by Glynnis MacNicol. 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 traded socks for handmade bowls with my new friend Rose! What a great trade!   In My Travels   Ryan, Millie and I went to Farm Fiber Days at Russell's Gardens Center in Wayland, MA. Some highlights include: It was our 3rd year of wearing overall's- Millie's choice for our somewhat matching outfits. 3rd year without Mom. She didn't come in 2024, the last one she was here for, because she was in St. Maarten. Good for her! But we obviously missed her last year and this year too. I purchased 3 plants. Millie picked out a plant for her mom. I bought 20 ounces of Gray Shetland from Forever in Fiber (Etsy). Millie got to show Ann Weaver of Plied Yarns the hat she knit for her Dad for Christmas. We needlefelted with the folks from Blue Heron Farm We enjoyed lunch at The Local across the street after.     Events Fiberfest at the Boston Public Market- March 21 & 22nd from 10a-5p in Boston, MA Fiber Witch Festival- April 24-26th in Salem, MA NH Sheep and Wool - May 9 & 10 in Deerfield NH Massachusetts Sheep & Wool- May 23 & 24 in Cummington, MA     On a Happy Note Chris Stapleton concert with Jeff, Riley & Dad Seussical with Megg and Hattie Hattie's birthday sleepover- trampoline park, pizza, cookies, Cat & the Hat pancake, pompoms and rehearsing for her Seussical audition A quieter week! Starting a March Madness Challenge at the gym + taking an adult ballet class from my friend Kris Chatting with my friend Marta about her trip back to America this summer Seeing Cabaret Karaoke night in a private room for my friend Megg's birthday. I got to see my nephew Garret on his 16th birthday. I got a text of him driving with his learner's permit a few days later.   Quote of the Week "Community is much more than belonging to something; it' about doing something together that makes belonging matter." — Brian Solis     Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.  

Megan Williams sy'n trafod y strategaeth gyda'r Arolygydd Mathew Howells o'r llu.

Megan Williams sy'n trafod prisiau Chwefror gyda Glesni Phillips o Hybu Cig Cymru.

Megan Williams sy'n trafod mwy gyda Teleri Fielden o Undeb Amaethwyr Cymru.

  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 315 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week's segments included:   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming From the Armchair KAL News On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Stitched by Jessalu   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Gus the Dino Pattern: Gus the Dino by KP Crochet Patterns. $8.50 US Pattern on Etsy Yarn: Bernat Blanket in Misty Green & Parfait Chunky in White Hook: J (6.0 mm) Ravelry Project Page The original eyes were too big, so I ripped off his head, made a new one and used smaller eyes which look great. Millie loves him.   Manta Ray Pattern: Mega Ray & Sea Friends by Theresa's Crochet Shop- $15.50 pattern on website or Etsy Hook: I (5.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Two versions available- I chose the one with an inner pocket. it looks like a  hot water bottle that opens up at the mouth, which makes the ray a pocket for all of the other toys (well, barely).   Nemo Pattern: Mega Ray & Sea Friends by Theresa's Crochet Shop- $15.50 pattern on website or Etsy Yarn: Knit Picks Brava minis in Orange, Black & White Hook: C (2.75 mm) Ravelry Project Page Clown Fish   Gill Pattern: Mega Ray & Sea Friends by Theresa's Crochet Shop- $15.50 pattern on website or Etsy Yarn: Knit Picks Brava minis in Custard, Black & White Hook: C (2.75 mm) Ravelry Project Page   Pearl Pattern: Mega Ray & Sea Friends by Theresa's Crochet Shop- $15.50 pattern on website or Etsy Yarn: Big Twist Value Solids in Pink Hook: C (2.75 mm) Ravelry Project Page Octopus   Bubbles Pattern: Mega Ray & Sea Friends by Theresa's Crochet Shop- $15.50 pattern on website or Etsy Yarn: Big Twist Value Solids in Yellow Hook: C (2.75 mm) Ravelry Project Page Yellow Tang fish   Angelfish Pattern: Mega Ray & Sea Friends by Theresa's Crochet Shop- $15.50 pattern on website or Etsy Yarn: Big Twist Value Solids in White & Yellow Hook: C (2.75 mm) Ravelry Project Page   Seahorse- Sheldon Pattern: Mega Ray & Sea Friends by Theresa's Crochet Shop- $15.50 pattern on website or Etsy Yarn: Big Twist Value Solids in Yellow & Orange Hook: C (2.75 mm) Ravelry Project Page   Arielle's Socks Yarn: Edelweiss Fibres Standard Sock (75% SW Merino/25% Nylon), 425m for 100g in the Hillside Heather Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the colorway- maroons, browns and greens.   Kirby Wirby 2025 Advent Socks Yarn: Kirby Wirby 75/25 Superwash Merino/Nylon in the 2025 Advent Christmas Toys from the 80s 24 Stripe Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Yarn theme: Christmas Toys from the 80s   Flower Ski balaclava Pattern: none Yarn: Big Twist Value Solids & Knit Picks Brava Worsted Hook: I (5.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page My Blizzard of 2026 project. I wanted another colorful balaclava. I wanted more peripheral vision. I'm excited to wear this skiing and decide if I like the fit better than my first ski helmet balaclava (Ravelry Project Page).   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Northern Lights Socks Yarn: Patons Kroy in the Northern Lights Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the yarn- thin stripes of cream broken up 3 shades of teal/light blue, 2 grays and 1 deep purple. Progress: I finished sock 1 recently. Cast on sock 2.    October 2025 Sock Club Socks Yarn: agirlandherwool Sock Yarn in the October 2025 Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page     Brainstorming I really want to cast on a sweater ideally using at least some handspun and I keep getting stuck. UGH. I may swatch for this tank with cream handspun- Camisole No 7 pattern by My Favourite Things- Ravelry Pattern Page   From the Armchair   Wuthering Heights by Emma Bronte. Amazon Affiliate Link. All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker.  Amazon Affiliate Link. Tough Guy by Rachel Reid (Book 3 in Game Changer series). Amazon Affiliate Link.   Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.   KAL News   Pigskin Party '25 Wrap Up   Thank Yous!   Wendy (socalknitgirl)- Umpire Heather (zoomdogknits)- Sheep Conference Emily (ElsaandEm)- Llama Conference Alicia (almariecraft)- Alpaca Conference Mary (Maryklute)- Commentator Nicole (knitternicole)- Utility Player Thank you to ALL of our sponsors and especially our official sponsors for each of our 4 Quarters: Official Sponsor for Quarter 1 (October)- Love in Stitches Official Sponsor for Quarter 2 (November)- Twice Sheared Sheep Official Sponsor for Quarter 3 (December)- Suburban Stitcher Official Sponsor for Quarter 4 (January)- Yarnaceous Fibers   Pigskin '25 By the Numbers   1 Awesome event! 3 Conferences, comprised of 12 Teams! 43 Projects completed during the WIP challenge 70 Projects completed on the most popular completion date: 12/31/25 75 Support Forms addressed 146 Projects started on the 2nd most-popular starting date: 12/1/25  (Advent projects, anyone?!) 184 Projects completed during the Pink Challenge to support Breast Cancer Awareness 200 Most popular yardage reported for projects 224 Projects started on Kick Off Day 9/4/25 276 Projects completed for the most popular challenge (Q1 Challenge) 578 Participants!  New high!  41% reported being first timers 730 Charity projects completed!  Charity was the most popular of the Special Teams 1,301 Non-project submissions (challenges, bonuses, draft) 4,736 Projects started and completed during the event 19,148 Total points for the leader 904Stephanie.  She made 79 projects and is frequently crocheting blankets for charity.   12 Grand Prize Winners Announced! Tune in to hear if you won big!     On a Happy Note Skiing with Jeff and Millie. Great weather, great conditions, lines weren't too long! We had Hattie for a sleepover Millie's birthday sleepover Blizzard of 2026 Dinner with my cousins   Quote of the Week "I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently? And then it covers them up snug, you know, with a white quilt; and perhaps it says, "Go to sleep, darlings, till the summer comes again."   ― Lewis Carroll,

Megan Williams sy'n trafod y cyfleoedd cneifio gyda Gareth Jones o gwmni Gwlân Prydain.

Megan Williams sy'n trafod pryderon NFU Cymru gyda Dafydd Jarrett o'r undeb.

Megan Williams sy'n clywed mwy am yr ymgyrch gan Edward Morgan o gwmni Castell Howell.

Megan Williams sy'n hel atgofion am y cyfnod hwnnw gyda Bob Parry, cyn-lywydd yr FUW.

  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 314 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 Contest, News & Notes Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Hattie's Rainbow Mittens Pattern: Little Waiting for Winter Mittens by Susan B. Anderson- $4 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry Yarn: Knit Picks Felici Worsted in the Vegas Baby colorway Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the colorway- stripes of gray, blue, green, mustard, red and pink.   Hattie's Sparkly Mittens Pattern: Little Waiting for Winter Mittens by Susan B. Anderson-  $4 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry Yarn: Fingering yarn held double- 1 sparkle & 1 non-sparkle base (sparkles are 20g minis from Legacy Fiber Artz Advent calendars of years past) Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page   Traveler Sweater Pattern: The Traveler by Andrea Mowry ($9 pattern available on Ravelry & the designer's website) Yarn: Hazel Knits Small Batch Sport (90/10 SW/Nylon) in a sage green Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm) & US 4 (3.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Size: 3 Drawstring- fingering weight yarn- US 6 DPNs. I washed it several times, because it was bleeding yellow. I had to wash it several times before all of the rest of the dye let go. Finished. Washed it. Sleeves were too big. I had 28 purl ridges on the sleeves, I ripped back 7 and then worked the ribbing. Wore to Hattie's birthday dinner. Very comfy cozy. I am finding the weight of the hood wants to pull it back on my neck which I'm not sure I love. Have you found this?   Woolens & Nosh 2025 Advent Socks Yarn: Woolens & Nosh, 75/25 Superwash Wool/Nylon 2025 Advent Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Finished right after I finished the last episode. Love these so much!   Dory Pattern: Mega Ray & Sea Friends by Theresa's Crochet Shop- $15.50 pattern on website or Etsy Yarn: Knit Picks Brava minis in Celestial, Custard, Black & White Hook: C (2.75 mm) Ravelry Project Page   Gus the Dino Pattern: Gus the Dino by KP Crochet Patterns. $8.50 US Pattern on Etsy (on sale right now) Yarn: Bernat Blanket in Misty Green & Parfait Chunky in White Hook: J (6.0 mm) Ravelry Project Page 35 mm eyes were too big! I bought smaller ones, beheaded Gus and gave him a new head with new eyes!   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Back to the Future Socks Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes. Micro-Sock Kit in the Back to the Future Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Back to the Future Sock set- gifted to me by Sue & Chelsea- part of their 4 Sundays of Advent yarn in 2025. About the Colorway- speckles of pink, orange, yellow purple and blue with a blue/purple mini. Progress- just about to toe of sock 1   Arielle's Socks Yarn: Edelweiss Fibres Standard Sock (75% SW Merino/25% Nylon), 425m for 100g in the Hillside Heather Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the colorway- maroons, browns and greens. Cast on both on separate needles. Progress- a few inches into leg on one sock, ready to work the toe on the other US 6 shoe. 7.25 inches before toe. About 8.5 inches total foot length.   Kirby Wirby 2025 Advent Socks Yarn: Kirby Wirby 75/25 Superwash Merino/Nylon in the 2025 Advent Christmas Toys from the 80s 24 Stripe Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Yarn theme: Christmas Toys from the 80s Progress- turned heel on sock 2   Pucker Brush Farm BFL Sweater Spin Fiber: 16 oz of multi colored BFL roving from Pucker Brush Farm (purchased at Rhinebeck 2025), 4 oz Merino in a mustard color Ravelry Project Page I am planning to knit a Traveler sweater inspired by Emily Curtis' handmade version- click here for her Ravelry Project Page. I was thrilled to see a recent post on Emily's Instagram that she made a YouTube video about this spin/knit. I plied up about 8.5grams of the BFL with the Finnsheep. 23 wraps (690 inches/19 yards) .3 ounces / around 8.5 grams I've been keeping my wheel next to my spot on the couch and spinning if not every day, then more days than not.   Handspun documentation I went through nearly all of my handspun skeins of yarn. I made updates in each page on Ravelry to add skein information. You can enter length and weight and it add that to your stash.  I also ended up changing the names of the finished projects to include the weight and length! I wrote yarn weight (dk sport etc) on physical tags i have on the yarn. So much easier for me to work with.   Brainstorming I have 3 skeins of Lion Brand Fisherman's Wool that I used to start a Waverly Cardigan (but the gauge is just too tight)- click here for my Ravelry Project Page. I think it might be good for the Lakes Pullover by Ozetta (Ravelry Pattern- $8 knitting pattern). I found this by searching the yarn on ravelry then doing the advance pattern search to look for sweaters people knit with this yarn. Related- Eileen recently asked if someone in our group had knit a certain pattern she had questions about before purchasing/committing to. If you look at the pattern on Rav and click the Projects Tab. You can use the filters there to select "Made by Group Members" and then click on the Rav group you want to look in. You can use that to see who you want to chat w/ about it. ElizabethisKnitting (on Instagram- shared her Winter Soul Sweater in this post. Its so beautiful! Why are you not all knitting this? Great question. You can find this pattern on Ravelry.   From the Armchair   Greenwich by Kate Broad. Amazon Affiliate Link. Best Offer Wins by Marisa Kashino. Amazon Affiliate Link. The Maid by Nita Prose. Amazon Affiliate Link. Little One by Olivia Muenter. Amazon Affiliate Link Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid. Amazon Affiliate Link. The Widow's Husband's Secret Lie (A Satirical Novella) by Freida McFadden. 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 At Hattie's birthday dinner, Emelyn asked for help crocheting a circle. They were making a stuffed animal to look like a stage like and had everything done but the center bulk part. Aila also ended up working on it with us.   OMG Sock Classes are finished! All of my students turned their heels, some did both socks. Many did their toes and kitchenered. They all had fun and were far more successful than they anticipated so that was very exciting.   KAL News   Pigskin Party '25 is over! Event Dates: KAL Dates- Thursday September 4, 2025- Monday February 9, 2026   Updates In This Episode Official Sponsor for Quarter 4 (January)- Yarnaceous Fibers- winner announced Commentary from Mary January Participation Prize Winners Announced Grand Prize winners will be announced in the next episode. Commentator Update Thanks to everyone for another fantastic season! The February huddle has been full of chatter about all the projects people rushed to finish before the deadline. However, one of my favorite conversations has been in response to beachsideknits2's question: What is weirdest/most random thing you've ever made?  Here are some fantastic answers (prepare to be wowed!)   Beachsideknit2's succulent pillow- Ravelry Project Page   Tanksoup's Tiktaalik (in case you are like me and had no idea what a tiktaalik is, it "is a 375 million year old fossil fish that was discovered in the Canadian Arctic in 2004" according to this site. Check out Tanksoup's Ravelry Project Page    Leahbothe's nose sweaters- Ravelry Project Page   And socalknitgirl's top hat—Ravelry Project Page   I hope everyone has as much fun as I did this season!  See you all this summer for splash pad party!   Mary     Contest, News & Notes   Ross Farm fire   Check out this news article with details about the fire. Click here if you're interested in donating or consider purchasing yarn, fiber etc and letting these sheep live on even after they're gone.   On a Happy Note I bought a new car! I went to see Sleepwalker at a local theater.  Here's a link to a review that sums up some of my thoughts. I went to see Some Like it Hot in Boston. Megg & I got a fabulous dinner beforehand at Yvonne's. Our waitress even brought over a delicious dumpling dish for us to try (sans lobster). Friday date nights with Dan Running into Riley & her bestie Ellie at Lucky Finn, my current local favorite coffee shop- after the gym on a Saturday morning. It was so hilarious! Very much enjoyed Pluribus on Apple TV+.  Seeing Millie in Finding Nemo Jr. and an early dinner after with family. Mani/pedis with Megg, Eme & Hattie for Hattie's birthday. Super Bowl- while we lost it's always fun to watch. I enjoyed the commercials, and had fun cheering on the Seahawks kicker Jason Myers who played football at Marist where I went to college (now Marist University) Hattie's 8th birthday dinner. Dad and I did a Zoom beforehand in celebration of what would have been Mom's 70th with a few of her cousins.   Quote of the Week Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive. -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 FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.  

Megan Williams sy'n sgwrsio am y cyfarfod gyda Gwynne Davies o Gymdeithas NSA Cymru.

Megan Williams sy'n siarad â'r ffermwraig o Sir Benfro ar ôl cael ei hethol.

Megan Williams sy'n trafod yr ymgyrch efo Glyn Davies, Partneriaeth Diogelwch Fferm Cymru

  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 313 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week's segments included:   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins From the Armchair Some Years Later Knitting in Passing KAL News Events Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   I mended Hattie's mittens (store bought) and added snaps to her mermaid's removable tail.   Granny Square Ski Helmet Balaclava Pattern: none Hook: I (5.5 mm) Yarn: Knit Picks Brava in Dove Heather & Marina, Big Twist Value Solids in Aqua, Vanna's Choice in Charcoal Gray + 1 unknown blue worsted weight acrylic yarn. Ravelry Project Page I did one square to practice and see how I liked the colors together. Originally had a pop of a lime green in there. Liked the colors but didn't love the square. I also used that square to see for the smaller skeins (~30g) would I have enough yarn. I made a second square and that one I really enjoyed. 7 colors- from center out- light gray, medium/bright blue, white, aqua, charcoal, marina (teal), white I made 8 squares. Check out this Instagram post from Grandma.era on how to seam them together. Chroma Twist Bulky in Cousteau for trim around the face and along the bottom edge. It was riding on the train with me in my AdoreKnit Pigskin Party bag. Did you see that Steph from Adoreknit donated 10% of her Down Cellar Studio KAL items to our FearLESS Living Fund? With your help she donated $613 in 2025!   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Back to the Future Socks Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes. Micro-Sock Kit in the Back to the Future Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Back to the Future Sock set- gifted to me by Sue & Chelsea- part of their 4 Sundays of Advent yarn in 2025. About the Colorway- speckles of pink, orange, yellow purple and blue with a blue/purple mini. I cast these on before day trip up to Loon Mountain. I am almost to the heel of sock 1.   Traveler Sweater Pattern: The Traveler by Andrea Mowry ($9 pattern available on Ravelry & the designer's website) Yarn: Hazel Knits Small Batch Sport (90/10 SW/Nylon) in a sage green Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm) & US 4 (3.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Size: 3 Drawstring- fingering weight yarn- US 6 DPNs. I washed it several times, because it was bleeding yellow. I had to wash it several times before all of the rest of the dye let go.   Pucker Brush Farm BFL Sweater Spin Fiber: 16 oz of multi colored BFL roving from Pucker Brush Farm (purchased at Rhinebeck 2025), 4 oz Merino in a mustard color Ravelry Project Page I am planning to knit a Traveler sweater inspired by Emily Curtis' handmade version- click here for her Ravelry Project Page. I was thrilled to see a recent post on Emily's Instagram that she made a YouTube video about this spin/knit. I plied up about 8.5 grams of the BFL with the Finnsheep. 23 wraps (690 inches/19 yards) Knit up a swatch on a US 4 and got gauge almost exactly To knit another size 3 Traveler I think I need approximately 19 ounces of each fiber. I did a lot of spinning during the big snowstorm we got last weekend. I am so into it! I cleaned my wheel and wound off fiber onto storage bobbins.   Woolens & Nosh 2025 Advent Socks Yarn: Woolens & Nosh, 75/25 Superwash Wool/Nylon 2025 Advent Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Progress: worked on the foot of the second sock during game night at home   Log Cabin Blanket Pattern: Log Cabin Square by Julie Harrison. Free crochet pattern available on Ravelry. Video tutorial available on the Little Woollie Makes YouTube Channel Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Minis (mostly from Advent calendars 2023 & 2024) Hook: I (5.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Inspired by Rachel (treehousefiberarts on Instagram) and Sue & Chelsea (Legacy Fiber Artz on Instagram). Check out the Floss Toss Ravelry Group for details on their Scrappy Blanket CAL. Ends December 21st (but you don't have to finish. 2 prize drawings will be done). My color placement is inspired by this project/pattern available on Ravelry. Inspired to pick it back up after see Sue (from Legacy Fiber Artz)'s version on their latest podcast episode. She bordered with cream before seaming. I love it. You can see a peek in this Instagram post. Progress- made one more. Total to date: 12   Hattie's Rainbow Mittens Pattern: Little Waiting for Winter Mittens by Susan B. Anderson Yarn: Knit Picks Felici Worsted in the Vegas Baby colorway Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) Cast on at Fiber Club at my library. The next morning my train was slow so I finished all but the thumb on the first mitten.  Cast on second About the colorway- stripes of gray, blue, green, mustard, red and pink.   From the Armchair   Podcast: The Walkers- The real Salt Path (Tortoise Investigates/The Observer) The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods. Amazon Affiliate Link Beyond That, The Sea by Laura Spence-Ash. Amazon Affiliate Link. (recommended by Paige)   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   A look back my 2025 fiber crafting and podcast related items.   60 projects- click here to see these projects in Ravelry. 47 gifts/ 13 for me 34 knit/ 26 crochet No finished spinning projects 1 bag 3 blankets 6 cozies 8 hats 25 socks 1 Christmas stocking 1 sweater 2 tops 13 toys   Other fun numbers: Podcast Episodes- 23 Videos on YouTube- 33 BostonJen1- Instagram Followers-10,275 - I finally hit 10k!!!!!!! Ravelry Group Members: 3137  (up from 2981 in 2024) 1 Interview for Love in Stitches Group Podcaster Meet-ups: 1 with Natalie at Flock; 1 at Rhinebeck I was paid to do social media for the Cape & South Shore Yarn Haul   Knitting in Passing   I am teaching classes on the OMG Sock at Staci's Stitches, my LYS and enjoying seeing my students progress! My friend Mara texted me from the Celtics game the other night saying she was fairly sure one of the other fans in her section was wearing an Ice Time Hat (one of my designs)- you can find the pattern on  Ravelry & LoveCrafts   KAL News   Pigskin Party '25 Event Dates: KAL Dates- Thursday September 4, 2025- Monday February 9, 2026 Find everything you need in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Official Rules Registration Form  (you must be Registered to be eligible for prizes) Enter your projects using the Point Tally Form Find the full list of Sponsors in this Google Doc. Coupon Codes are listed in this Ravelry Thread Exclusive Items from our Pro Shop Sponsors are listed in this Ravelry Thread Questions-  ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com   Updates In This Episode Official Sponsor for Quarter 4 (January)- Yarnaceous Fibers. Check out this Ravelry Thread for  4th & Goal with Yarnaceous Fibers Challenge Details Wild Card WIP Bonus- check out this Ravelry thread for details (ran 1/5/26 through 1/16/26)- 43 projects finished. Check out this view of the Ravelry chat thread which shows all of the Projects mentioned. A few highlights: ScrapperChris made a beautiful snowflake cardigan (started in 2020)- Ravelry Project Page TXHeather crocheted a 2k+ meter Christmas Tree skirt (also started in 2020)- Ravelry Project Page IWillKnitUaSock- finished knitting a beautiful Angel's Eyes cabled cardigan sweater by Thea Colman that she started in 2022- Ravelry Project Page ImaginedLandscapes finished not 1 but 2 beautiful sweaters, the Diona Pullover (Ravelry Project Page) & the Sonrae (Ravelry Project Page)   Commentator Update We are in the home stretch of the Pigskin Party and players are working hard to finish their projects before the clock expires!     I wandered over to the end zone dance thread to see what players have finished recently. Here are some amazing projects that caught my eye:   Adrie9 finished a knitted knockers blitz!  Some of them are specific requests and others for general donation. https://www.ravelry.com/discuss/down-cellar-studio-podcast/4375943/951-975#965 Katanorand finished an amazing spinning project! 26 oz of beautiful 3-ply  yarn! https://www.ravelry.com/discuss/down-cellar-studio-podcast/4375943/951-975#960 Players have also completed some beautiful intricate socks! Rosberrycrafts completed some beautiful Christmas colorwork socks https://www.ravelry.com/discuss/down-cellar-studio-podcast/4375943/951-975#962 Fgcreations posted a picture of her second completed pair of socks for 2026! Amazing! They are another beautiful colorwork pattern and the colors she chose are beautiful https://www.ravelry.com/discuss/down-cellar-studio-podcast/4375943/951-975#955 Sandima finished a lovely pair of mosaic socks that used 4 colors for the q4 challenge. So pretty! https://www.ravelry.com/discuss/down-cellar-studio-podcast/4375943/951-975#954 There's been a lot of conversation in the January huddle about laundry…yep, you heard that right. It's actually pretty fascinating. I've learned a lot. But whether you are into laundry or not, come on over to the friendliest place on the internet before the PSP is over!   Events New England Farm & Fiber Festival- Sunday February 8 from 10a-4p in Boston, MA Fiberfest at the Boston Public Market- March 21 & 22nd from 10a-5p in Boston, MA Fiber Witch Festival- April 24-26th in Salem, MA NH Sheep and Wool - May 9 & 10 in Deerfield NH   Life in Focus   26 in 2026 List A-Aim for one night at week at the pool in July and August- make it regular and invite friends to pop over B- Blood- donate at least 5 times C- Christmas Sleepover D- Declutter 26+ items E- Events- go to at least 26 ticketed events F-Find 2-6 new things and try them out! G-Go on a trip with Dan (just us) H- Headshots for Hattie I- Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum- GO! J- Journal- Write 365 entries in my I Remember Journal about Mom (inspired by Liz Craft who talked about it on Ep 451 of Happier in Hollywood podcast) K- Knit at least 2 projects with handspun L- Literary pursuit- read at least 65 books M- Museum- go to at least 1 N- NYC- go visit Laura at least once O- Organize a FearLESS Living Fundraiser P- Puzzle- do at least 1 with Dan Q-Quarterly review of calendar/photos & goals (to make Year in Review easier and faster)- calendar it! R- Restaurant- try at least 1 new local restaurant S- Socks- knit 26 pair T- Tattoo U- Up the amount of muscle in my body- at least 1 pound by end of the year. V- Vlogmas- take the year off (even if you're tempted) W- Wheel- sit down at my spinning wheel every month (put reminders on my calendar at the beginning of each month to help remind me) X- Cross 1 thing off this list that no longer serves me Y-Yoga at least 2-6 times Z- Create Zone to keep important papers   2026 Word of the Year: Fresh (think: fresh start, fresh foods, fresh powder, fresh air,  etc new & therefore interesting or exciting recently made, done etc & especially not yet changed by time in a natural condition rather than artificially preserved by a process such as freezing clean and pleasant energetic, enthusiastic, and not tired: (of a face) natural, healthy, and young looking (of air) clean and cool; found outside rather than in a room: recently done   On a Happy Note Wonder at ART- extended through 2/5. Check out their website for tickets. Sound of Music at the Boston Opera House Game night with Liz, Jay, Riley and Dan. A snowy slow MLK weekend. Car shopping. I've been able to hack 3 classes a week at my gym. A cold walk with Megg at Wompatuck. A cute message about Miles enjoying his Christmas gifts- "emotional support calendar" A pipe broke while I was washing woolies on Sunday during snowstorm. Silverlining was that Dan had the part we needed on hand and was able to fix it so quickly.   Quote of the Week "Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you." -Nathaniel Hawthorne   ---- Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.  

L'incontro a Pechino tra il presidente cinese Xi Jinping e il premier britannico Keir Starmer è stato definito costruttivo da entrambe le parti. Dimenticati i vecchi dissapori, i due Paesi si apprestano ad avviare una collaborazione di lungo termine all'insegna degli interessi reciproci. Ma è possibile che l'avvicinamento tra Regno Unito e Cina possa essere stato favorito anche dalla postura, scomposta e imprevedibile, di Donald Trump? Si sta insomma delineando quel sistema di alleanze tra medie potenze indicato da Carney a Davos? Ne parliamo con Zeno Leoni, professore di Relazioni internazionali al King's College di Londra, Giorgia Scaturro, collaboratrice di Radio24 a Londra, e con Megan Williams, corrispondente da Roma di CBC.

  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 312 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 Knitting in Passing From the Armchair KAL News Events Contest, News & Notes Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Sheri's Christmas Socks Yarn: Gusto Wool Echos in Colorway 1515 (blue to purple gradient in 2-50g skeins) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page   Gus the Dino Pattern: Gus the Dino by KP Crochet Patterns. $8.50 US Pattern on Etsy (on sale right now) Yarn: Bernat Blanket in Misty Green & Parfait Chunky in White Hook: J (6.0 mm) Ravelry Project Page I got 35 mm eyes from Amazon   Very Hungry Caterpillar Socks Yarn: Teal Torch Knits Splendid Sock (100% SW Merino) in the Emerald Colorway, Murky Depths Deep Sock in the Age of Aquarium Colorway & Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes in the Vanilla Bean colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) and US 2 Ravelry Project Page The first sock is a colorwork leg sock with things the Very Hungry Caterpillar I measured from another socks- 12 rounds per inch. Goal is a 5 inch leg (after cuff), so ~60 rounds Cast on 56 sts with US 1.5 for cuff. After cuff, knit a few rounds before doing 4 sets of increases (4 increases each time) to get to 72 sts. Then changed to US 2 needles and tested for stretchiness after first block of colorwork. Using that I plotted out the colorwork for one sock based on Pacific Knit Co's Garden Doodle set. The second sock is has 12 round stripes of the 2 green colorways with a red toe to look like the caterpillar.   Miles Penguin Pattern: Penguin by Lion Brand Yarn- free crochet pattern on the Lion Brand website Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted minis in Black, Clarity, White and Orange colorways Hook: C (2.75 mm) Ravelry Project Page For this one I used two black circles bordered by white so I could skip the safety eyes (Miles is under 2 years old).   Dirty Crayon Box Socks Yarn: Fiber Stash Strong Toes Sock (80% SW Merino/ 20% Nylon) in the Dirty Crayon Box Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page I started these socks in October 2024 and finished on January 5, 2026   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Woolens & Nosh 2025 Advent Socks Yarn: Woolens & Nosh, 75/25 Superwash Wool/Nylon 2025 Advent Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page   Kirby Wirby 2025 Advent Socks Yarn: Kirby Wirby 75/25 Superwash Merino/Nylon in the 2025 Advent Christmas Toys from the 80s 24 Stripe Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Yarn theme: Christmas Toys from the 80s   Traveler Sweater Pattern: The Traveler by Andrea Mowry ($9 pattern available on Ravelry & the designer's website) Yarn: Hazel Knits Small Batch Sport (90/10 SW/Nylon) in a sage green Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm) & US 4 (3.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Progress: finished the first sleeve and I'm at the cuff of the the second.   Pucker Brush Farm BFL Sweater Spin Fiber: 16 oz of multi colored BFL roving from Pucker Brush Farm (purchased at Rhinebeck 2025), 4 oz Merino in a mustard color Ravelry Project Page I am planning to knit a Traveler sweater inspired by Emily Curtis' handmade version- click here for her Ravelry Project Page. I was thrilled to see a recent post on Emily's Instagram that she made a YouTube video about this spin/knit. I found 4oz of Ironwood Hill Farm Roving- Finnsheep combed top that I purchased in April 2021. Unfortunately I can't find more of this on Cece's Wool site or Ironwood's etsy shop, but I think it will give me the idea for a tan/brown color plied with the colorful yarn, so I spun enough to make a sample yarn to swatch with.   Brainstorming Crochet Ski Helmet Balaclava available on Etsy for $7.36   Knitting in Passing Millie finished the hat she was knitting for her dad with yarn from Plied Yarn Co. Aila loved her goose purse! Her reaction was priceless Eme loved their Very Hungry Caterpillar socks My dad bought me a set of 2 organizers for socks. Each holds 30 pair. Great for my handknits. They sit on the shelf in our closet and are a gray cotton/linen that matches our hampers! Here's an Amazon Affiliate Link in case you're interested in checking them out.   From the Armchair The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. Amazon Affiliate Link. Tilt by Emma Pattee. Amazon Affiliate Link.   Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.   KAL News   Pigskin Party '25 Event Dates: KAL Dates- Thursday September 4, 2025- Monday February 9, 2026 Find everything you need in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Official Rules Registration Form  (you must be Registered to be eligible for prizes) Enter your projects using the Point Tally Form Find the full list of Sponsors in this Google Doc. Coupon Codes are listed in this Ravelry Thread Exclusive Items from our Pro Shop Sponsors are listed in this Ravelry Thread Questions-  ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com   Updates In This Episode Official Sponsor for Quarter 3 (December)- Suburban Stitcher Mini Maker's Merry Month See details in this Ravelry Thread. Winner announced Official Sponsor for Quarter 4 (January)- Yarnaceous Fibers. Check out this Ravelry Thread for  4th & Goal with Yarnaceous Fibers Challenge Details December Participation Winners Announced Wild Card WIP Bonus- check out this Ravelry thread for details   Commentator Update Happy new year pigskin partiers!  The January huddle is abuzz with conversation. Several players have posted a list of everything that they made in 2025. We have some really prolific players in the group! The best thing about the conversation is that no one is competitive about it. Just lots of celebrations!  I find it kind of inspiring to see what others have accomplished. For example, hikesandbikes finished 54 knitted knockers! What a great cause! It inspires me to try knitting some this year.  Come on over and join the chat if you want to get inspired too!  A few players have decided that they want to make sweaters in 2026. If you want to join in the fun, hop on over to a new Sweater MAL thread: https://www.ravelry.com/discuss/down-cellar-studio-podcast/4390076/1-25 Another interesting topic of conversation in the January huddle stemmed from the unfortunate injury of one of our players. Sadly, she sprained her wrist. The group came through with lots of ideas for what to do when you can't knit and crochet, including needle felting, doing puzzles, watercolors, playing with art supplies, journaling and as MrsQuilt put it, "whining, reading, and actually paying attention to what is on the TV" I am wishing you all health, happiness, and strong crafting mojo in the new year! Mary   Events Farm Fiber Days at Russell's Garden Center- January 18th & March 8th in Wayland, MA Sunkissed Fiber Festival: January 24-25, 2026- just outside Tampa, FL New England Farm & Fiber Festival- Sunday February 8 from 10a-4p in Boston, MA Fiber Witch Festival- April 24-26th in Salem, MA   Contest, News & Notes Check out my Vlogmas videos if you haven't already- click here for the full playlist. Thanks to Nellsknitting for starting a thread in the Ravelry Group about a Sweater KAL 2026. (Danielle in MA)- great chatter about WIPs, planning etc. Want to cast on and need some encouragement? check it out.   Life in Focus   In this episode I reviewed my 2025 word of the year and 25 in 25 list.   My Word of the Year for 2025: Welcome   25 in 2025   Donate Blood at least 4 times (January, March, May, Sept) Go shopping for plants with Dan 4 times in the year (my Christmas gift from him) Buy new ski boots Go camping (scheduled for June) Kayak 2-5 times (Saco- 2 days) Do at least 5 walks with others (Megg 3/30)  bike riding with Dan twice in March. Walked with Megg (April), hike Mount Monument (Dan, Megg, Tom, Aila), Laura in 2 National Parks in Washington State  Take 2-5 yoga classes (outside of the house)--- option- https://balancestudiocohasset.com/book-a-class/ Do at least 30 lessons in Mondly (had 25 done in 2024)- does not include daily lessons Spend a day at Raffa Life-  September 21 with Laura and Megg Record 2-5 things I'm grateful for each day before bed (more days than not counts)- fallen off. Read all of Simple Abundance (ideally daily or close to)(10) Read at least 60 books- all books count (even poetry etc) Get at least 2 massages at Oasis (1 in April, 1 in June, 1 in September) See 2-5 movies in the theater (Paddington in Peru, The Long Walk, Blue Moon, Wicked for Good) Knit 2-5 garments for me (Aurealis - WIPs-Monsoonee Sweaters, granny stripe tank, Bayside tank) Granny tank, Bayside Shirt Finish and enjoy my Christmas Granny Square Blanket Crochet at least 5 toys (1: hedgehog 2& 3: Love Bugs, 4 pop-tart, 5 butterfly- another butterfly WIP, and TRex) Use my spinning wheel at least once a month (Jan, Feb & March, April,  July, August, September, Oct, Nov (forgot May & June) Have a crafty day with Emelie Knit a slouchy hat for myself Try out 3 new to me podcasts (Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend, White Lotus official podcast, severance official podcast, Cramped) Watch White Christmas with Jenny & Kara (bringing the tradition back) Buy a firebox and put important papers inside (working with Dan on list of things to put in it) https://www.thenokbox.com (Debbie, deafelis recommended) Create a list of things to pack in case of an evacuation https://www.thenokbox.com/ -deafelis- Debbie told me about it Purge at least 20 items of clothing/accessories/shoes     On a Happy Note Dad's knee replacement was a big success! I stayed with him from December 5-21. Dad and I had a lovely visit from our friend Merry who came with an unexpected gift- a bracelet with beads made from my mom's funeral flowers in red (ruby slipper), yellow (yellow brick road) and white for home. Dan and I had a lovely double date night at the Irish pub with friends. I was able to see my 7 year old niece Hattie as Gretl in Sound of Music (twice!!!) Making Aunt Milly's cookies with Riley and Millie (and having a sleepover with them). Christmas Eve & Christmas Day were both lovely. Definitely different without my Mom and grandmother there but it was still a joy to be together. Our friend Gail joined us as she usually does and brought all sorts of fun games for us to play. The Sunday after Christmas, I was able to spend all afternoon with my grandmother, some of that alone. My friend Megg came over because she wanted to visit and say goodbye. We had dinner together after. My friend Laura came in for NYE. Small get together with friends at my Dad's turned into a real party, though most didn't stay until midnight. Megg wanted it to be a sparkly kind of night so Laura and I got outfits for the three of us at the consignment shop on the way over! Very silly fun. My cousin Mike and his husband Kyle came up from Florida. My grandmother's services were beautiful with contributions from lots of family members. While it was more stressful than mom's, and it was the worst form of deja vu having the same schedule for that exact same Thur/Fri two years in a row- my grandmother would be happy with how it all turned out.  Skiing on Saturday after the funeral. 7 of us, impromptu trip, icy conditions but we still had a blast.   Quote of the Week "Amidst the normal hard stuff is the abnormal hard stuff. You may be doing great, but no one great always had it great. At the end of each day, as you prepare for the next, I hope you take an inventory of your life, your thoughts and where you're headed. The wind can take you some cool places, but so can your paddle."   ― Richie Norton   ------   Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.  

  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 311 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week's segments included:   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming From the Armchair KAL News Events Contest, News & Notes On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Kris' Christmas socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Yarn: West Yorkshire Spinners in the Fairy Lights colorway & Patons Kroy in Red for heels Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page I knit pair of socks out of this same colorway for Mom in 2019- Ravelry Project Page here. That was my 100th pair of OMG Heel socks.   Elsa Pattern: Queen Elsa Amigurumi by Chiara Cremon (free crochet pattern available on Ravelry) Yarn: Knit Picks Brava (worsted weight acrylic yarn) Hook: D (3.25 mm) Ravelry Project Page Fantastic, really clear pattern. Body is worked from the bottom up all the way through the head, then you add two arms and a cape on the back. I ironed the cape and body to smooth out the fabric.   Penguin Pattern: Penguin by Lion Brand Yarn- free crochet pattern on the Lion Brand website Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted minis in Black, Clarity, White and Orange colorways Hook: C (2.75 mm) Ravelry Project Page   Over the Rainbow Socks Yarn: Cashmere & Coconuts MCN Sock yarn in the Somewhere Over the Rainbow colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Woolens & Nosh 2025 Advent Socks Yarn: Woolens & Nosh, 75/25 Superwash Wool/Nylon 2025 Advent Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page   Kirby Wirby 2025 Advent Socks Yarn: Kirby Wirby 75/25 Superwash Merino/Nylon in the 2025 Advent Christmas Toys from the 80s 24 Stripe Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Yarn theme: Christmas Toys from the 80s   Very Hungry Caterpillar Socks Yarn: Teal Torch Knits Splendid Sock (100% SW Merino) in the Emerald Colorway, Murky Depths Deep Sock in the Age of Aquarium Colorway & Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes in the Vanilla Bean colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) and US 2 Ravelry Project Page Cast on 56 sts with US 1.5 for cuff. After cuff, knit a few rounds. 4 sets of increases (4 increases each time) to get to 72 sts. Then change to US 2 needles and test for stretchiness after first block of colorwork. Mapped out the colorwork for one sock based on Pacific Knit Co's Garden Doodle set.   Sheri's Christmas Socks Yarn: Gusto Wool Echos in Colorway 1515 (blue to purple gradient in 2-50g skeins) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page I cast this on to bring to Rhinebeck on my Lemonwood Mini Minder (I have this Art Deco one) so I could walk and knit. Cast on cuff of sock #2 on a separate pair of needles before going to see Hattie in Shrek so I had that ready to work on. Back at home, I finished the first leg and heel and am on to the foot.   Gus the Dino Pattern: Gus the Dino by KP Crochet Patterns. $8.50 US Pattern on Etsy (on sale right now) Yarn: Bernat Blanket in Misty Green & Parfait Chunky in White Hook: J (6.0 mm) Ravelry Project Page   Brainstorming I shared a check in on Christmas making plans/schedule   From the Armchair   Bury our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab. Amazon Affiliate Link. Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover. Amazon Affiliate Link.   Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.   KAL News   Pigskin Party '25 Event Dates: KAL Dates- Thursday September 4, 2025- Monday February 9, 2026 Find everything you need in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Official Rules Registration Form  (you must be Registered to be eligible for prizes) Enter your projects using the Point Tally Form Find the full list of Sponsors in this Google Doc. Coupon Codes are listed in this Ravelry Thread Exclusive Items from our Pro Shop Sponsors are listed in this Ravelry Thread Questions-  ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com Check out this Ravelry Thread with helpful tips for the event, crowd sourced from our incredible players.   Updates In This Episode Count On It Challenge hosted by Twice Sheared Sheep, Official Sponsor for Quarter 2 (November). Details in this Ravelry thread. Winner announced. Official Sponsor for Quarter 3 (December)- Suburban Stitcher Mini Maker's Merry Month See details in this Ravelry Thread. Stay tuned for more about our Official Sponsor for Quarter 4 (January)- Yarnaceous Fibers November participation prize winners were announced   Commentator Update from Mary- links in this section bring you to Ravelry Inspired by the Q3 challenge, there's lots of chatter in the December huddle about things to make with mini skeins!  If you are at a loss for what to make, head on over to the huddle for some ideas!  Three players have already submitted for points in the Q3 challenge--and all three of them made patterns by PSP sponsor Sarah Schira (Imagined Landscapes) * Esalaza made a super cute textured stripe scrappy hat in red, green, and white....very festive! * Fgcreations made a gnoel gnome--also very festive in Christmas colors! *Amazeh made a Gnatty the Unexpected Gnome   Way to rack up those points by combining a sponsor pattern with the Q3 challenge!   Speaking of racking up points...I was curious what the highest scoring single point project is so far. DebLinden got 1155 points for one project!  How'd she do it, you ask? *She knit a sweater holding two yarns together using 3639 yards (plenty of yardage for a blitz!),  *She used 4 pigskin exclusive products, and  *She used 3 additional proshop sponsor products. Well done!   Wishing you all a happy holiday season!   Contest, News & Notes Check out my 2025 Vlogmas Playlist on YouTube   On a Happy Note Laura texted me a photo of she and her friend Arielle wearing socks I knit them! Dad, Dan and I went to the Irish pub for Dan's birthday Dad's knee replacement surgery went really well. Seeing Hattie in Shrek and spending the afternoon with Riley. Sue and Chelsea from Legacy Fiber Artz sent me their 4 Sundays Advent- micro sock sets Our friend Merry came to visit and brought homemade food for Dad. She also brought me a beautiful bracelet whose beads are made with Mom's funeral flowers in Wizard of Oz colors. Riley and Milie came down this weekend. We did lots of knitting, crochet and a bit of latch hook. Check out the 13th and 14th vlogmas videos for more.   Quote of the Week "Welcome winter. Your late dawns and chilled breath make me lazy, but I love you nonetheless." —Terri Guillemets   ------   Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.  

  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 310 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website.   This week's segments included:   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins From the Armchair KAL News Contest, News & Notes Life in Focus Ask Me Anything On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Stitched by Jessalu   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Dan's Birthday Hat Pattern: Turn a Square by Jared Flood. $5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & Brooklyn Tweed Site Yarn: Yarnbaker DK ((75% SW Merino/25% Nylon) in the Burnt Indigo Colorway (dusty navy blue with black Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) & US 7 (4.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page I used 54g of yarn and have 52g left. It was living in my Stitched by Jessalu Rhinebeck bag which is, for now, my hat bag.   Game Day Party Socks Yarn: Mandi's Makings SW Merino Fingering Weight Yarn in the Pigskin '25 Exclusive Game Day Party Colorway. Green mini skein for heels/toes from Goosey Fibers (Wizard of Oz Advent Calendar yarn) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Ravelry Project Page Yarn: Pigskin '25 Exclusive- 60 points 62g used   Aila's Goose Bag Pattern: None. Using this Ravelry Project Page as a guide Yarn: Loops & Threads Impeccable in the Aran colorway (~400g skein) Hooks: G (4.0 mm) & H (5.0 mm) Ravelry Project Page Started at the bottom with smaller hook and holding yarn double. ch31 work both sides of that to create the base. increased up to 62 stitches. larger hook. SC around for sides. 7 sts for handle (smaller hook) with the goose head at end of handle which is attached to other side of the bag. Then I added feet at the bottom.   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Kris' Christmas Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Yarn: West Yorkshire Spinners in the Fairy Lights colorway  Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page I knit pair of socks out of this same colorway for Mom in 2019- Ravelry Project Page here. That was my 100th pair of OMG Heel socks. Progress: I am almost to the toe of sock 1.   Over the Rainbow Socks Yarn: Cashmere & Coconuts MCN Sock yarn in the Somewhere Over the Rainbow colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the colorway: Yarn was gift from Kris on Mom's 1st heavenly birthday. I decided these will be for Hattie (my niece who is Mom's birthday twin). Progress: I'm on the leg of sock 2.   Zoe Hat Pattern: Zoe Hat by Alexandra Davidoff- $6 knitting pattern available on Ravelry Yarn: Berrocco Vintage in a teal color Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) & US 7 (4.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Laura picked out this yarn at Knitty City in NY Progress: I am still on the ribbing.   Elsa Pattern: Queen Elsa Amigurumi by Chiara Cremon (free crochet pattern available on Ravelry) Yarn: Knit Picks Brava (worsted weight acrylic yarn) Hook: D (3.25 mm) Ravelry Project Page Progress: just barely started the legs.   From the Armchair   Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah. Amazon Affiliate Link. Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld. Amazon Affiliate Link.   Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.   KAL News   Pigskin Party '25 Event Dates: KAL Dates- Thursday September 4, 2025- Monday February 9, 2026 Find everything you need in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Official Rules Registration Form  (you must be Registered to be eligible for prizes) Enter your projects using the Point Tally Form Find the full list of Sponsors in this Google Doc. Coupon Codes are listed in this Ravelry Thread Exclusive Items from our Pro Shop Sponsors are listed in this Ravelry Thread Questions-  ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com Check out this Ravelry Thread with helpful tips for the event, crowd sourced from our incredible players.   Updates In This Episode Count On It Challenge hosted by Twice Sheared Sheep, Official Sponsor for Quarter 2 (November). Details in this Ravelry thread. Official Sponsor for Quarter 3 (December)- Suburban Stitcher Mini Maker's Merry Month See details in this Ravelry Thread. Stay tuned for more about our Official Sponsor for Quarter 4 (January)- Yarnaceous Fibers   Commentator Update (links in this section go to Ravelry) Like most of the knitting internet, our November huddle has had lots of chatter about the game of wool, including tips for how to watch it if you are in the US!  This has spawned lots of conversations about: how long it really takes to knit something,  how hard on your body it can be to knit for long periods of time, and  whether crafting with time pressure is a fun challenge or just robs the joy out of our hobby.  Several pigskin partiers have shared their experiences with times crafting challenges, such as the sheep to sweater challenges, sock madness, and the super sock world challenge.    In other news, players are posting some amazing projects in the end zone dance thread!  A few players have completed some really intricate projects lately.  For example,   Enchantingpastime recently completed an amazing C2C crochet blanket with a penguin wearing a Santa hat!  It is so cute. https://www.ravelry.com/projects/Enchantingpastime/larger-penguin-blanket Fgcreations completed some fabulous colorwork "spooky bogeyman mitts: https://www.ravelry.com/projects/fgcreations/spooky-bogeyman-mittens Adrie9 completed a lovely sunset silhouette hat https://www.ravelry.com/projects/adrie9/sunset-silhouette-hat What a talented group of players we have!    Contest, News & Notes Check out this Gay Sheep Fashion Show article that I heard about on the 7 podcast from the Washington Post   Life in Focus   25 in 2025 Donate Blood at least 4 times (January, March, May, Sept) - done Go shopping for plants with Dan 4 times in the year Buy new ski boots- done Go camping (scheduled for June)- done Kayak 2-5 times (Saco- 2 days)- done Do at least 5 walks with others- done Take 2-5 yoga classes- will not complete Do at least 30 lessons in Mondly- will still try Spend a day at Raffa Life-  done Record 2-5 things I'm grateful for each day before bed (more days than not counts)- I've fallen off. Read all of Simple Abundance- gave up. Got too religious for me. Read at least 60 books- - 58 books as 11/29 Get at least 2 massages at Oasis- done See 2-5 movies in the theater- done Knit 2-5 garments for me- done Finish and enjoy my Christmas Granny Square Blanket- not happening this year. Crochet at least 5 toys- done Use my spinning wheel at least once a month- all but May & June! Calling this a win Have a crafty day with Emelie- done Knit a slouchy hat for myself-  not yet but it could still happen. Try out 3 new to me podcasts- done Watch White Christmas with Jenny & Kara- its on the calendar Buy a firebox and put important papers inside- working with Dan on finding the right one. Create a list of things to pack in case of an evacuation- not done yet Purge at least 20 items of clothing/accessories/shoes- done   Ask Me Anything   Tune in to hear my answer to this question: Hi, I'm a newer listener to your podcast and really enjoy it.  But just how fast do you knit? It seems you have a job (in addition to the podcast), have time to be in a musical, family,,...yet your projects seem to fly off the needles.  How do you get it all done?  Are you knitting constantly?? Slow at knitting, Cathleen   On a Happy Note My cousin Jenny hosted a girls/cousins game night. We had a lot of fun! Dad, Jeff, Riley, Millie & I started decorating at Dad's and then had a big Wicked (part 1) watch party in the evening. Megg, Eme, Ois, Hattie, Kris, Aila, Riley, Millie, Kara and Emelie all came. Only 3 of them had seen it before. Laura's visit- our craft fair tradition, lots of laughter with Megg and some great second-hand finds to add to my winter wardrobe Seeing Cabaret with Megg and Terri A surprise 4 Sundays advent box delivery from Legacy Fiber Artz- thanks Sue & Chelsea!! Fiber Club at my local library Thanksgiving with the family!  My cousin Joanie gifted Dad, Jeff and me each an ornament with flowers from mom's funeral made into beads and put together with crystals into a beautiful snowflake ornament Wicked For Good!   Quote of the Week "Gratitude is the inward feeling of kindness received. Thankfulness is the natural impulse to express that feeling. Thanksgiving is the following of that impulse." — Henry Van Dyke   ------ Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.  

  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 309 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week's segments included:   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming From the Armchair Crafty Adventures Knitting in Passing In my Travels KAL News On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Fibernymph Dye Works & Imagined Landscapes   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Gary's LeHigh Hat Pattern: Turn a Square by Jared Flood. $5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & Brooklyn Tweed Site Yarn: Cesium Yarn Strong DK ( 75% SW Merino/25% Nylon) in the One More Sleep Colorway Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) & US 7 (4.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Project Notes & Mods: did not increase after ribbing as called for. Knit 7 inches before working decreases. I used 52g of yarn and have 56g remaining so I can make another hat with this yarn.   Gary's Delaware Hat Pattern: Turn a Square by Jared Flood. $5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & Brooklyn Tweed Site Yarn: Robin's Promise Yarn Co, Two Birds in the Hand (DK 4ply 100% SW Merino) in the White-Tailed Robin Feather Colorway Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) & US 7 (4.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the Yarn- purchased Rhinebeck Weekend at CAKEpalooza. Its a mostly solid royal blue.  This project is living in my new Stitched by Jessalu Rhinebeck 2025 bag. I think this will be my fall/winter hat project and I'll just keep the needles in here and keep replacing the yarn.   Yarn Cozy Lite Yarn: Cascade Heritage Yarn (75% SW Merino 25% Nylon) in the Highlighter Guava colorway Pattern: Yarn Cozy Lite by Knitty Natty- $6 pattern available on Ravelry Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm) Ravelry Project Page Natalie's video support for the stretchy i-cord bind off is great.   Vivienne's Christmas Stocking Pattern: Christmas Stockings to Knit and Crochet from Family Circle Magazine. Available in this web archive link. I've also saved it to my podcast Gmail Google Drive in case it disappears! Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver in Cherry Red, Hunter Green and White Hook: G (4.0 mm)   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Pucker Brush Farm BFL Sweater Spin Fiber: 16 oz of multi colored BFL roving from Pucker Brush Farm (purchased at Rhinebeck 2025), 4 oz Merino in a mustard color Ravelry Project Page I am planning to knit a Traveler sweater inspired by Emily Curtis' handmade version- click here for her Ravelry Project Page. I was thrilled to see a recent post on Emily's Instagram that she made a YouTube video about this spin/knit. I found 4oz of Ironwood Hill Farm Roving- Finnsheep combed top that I purchased in April 2021. Unfortunately I can't find more of this on Cece's Wool site or Ironwood's etsy shop, but I think it will give me the idea for a tan/brown color plied with the colorful yarn, so I'll spin just enough to make a sample yarn-- but this Finn is spinning like a dream. Where could I get more? Send suggestions my way   Spectrum Socks Yarn: Woolens & Nosh Targhee Sock in the Spectrum Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the colorway- skinny stripes of color with 1 round of black between. Colors include Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, 3 shades of Blue, Pink + Purple. Progress: I've passed the heel on the first sock   Game Day Party Socks Yarn: Mandi's Makings SW Merino Fingering Weight Yarn in the Pigskin '25 Exclusive Game Day Party Colorway. Green mini skein for heel from Goosey Fibers (Wizard of Oz Advent Calendar yarn) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Ravelry Project Page Yarn: Pigskin '25 Exclusive- 60 points Progress: First sock done. Onto the leg of the second sock. Hattie knit on them at her uncle's birthday party.   Traveler Sweater Pattern: The Traveler by Andrea Mowry ($9 pattern available on Ravelry & the designer's website) Yarn: Hazel Knits Small Batch Sport (90/10 SW/Nylon) Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm) & US 4 (3.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Sleeve progress- knit a few more sets of decreases on the first sleeve. Still have a second sleeve to go and the whole hood. Focusing a bit more on Christmas gifts coming up so this one will be taking a backseat.   Brainstorming Queen Elsa Amigurumi by Chiara Cremon. Free crochet pattern available on Ravelry. You can find lots of cute character patterns on her Instagram account. Zach- maybe something spiderman   From the Armchair Heart the Lover by Lily King. Amazon Affiliate Link. Check out the October Book Club Episode of the Bad on Paper Podcast where they talk about this book. Sandwich by Catherine Newman. Amazon Affiliate Link. Three Days in June by Anne Tyler. 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 During Gabriella & Zachary's sleepover we pained and made plastic ornaments with spiraled pipe cleaners inside. So cute and easy!   Knitting in Passing A cute preteen girl came over when I was crocheting on the train to ask what kind of hook I was using and then asked if I was making a stocking for Christmas. I asked if she crocheted. She said yes but didn't offer more. When she went back to the grown up she was with, they gave her a big high five. So cute. Then the gentleman across from me who saw me counting rows then asked what happened if I lose count. Told him I could read the stitches. He congratulated me onto who new addition to our family.   In My Travels I shared highlights from a recent trip to New York City. I spent a wonderful morning at the MET Aida Silvestri- artist from Eritrea who had a triptych of pieces on display. Her work is motivated by social concern, but it also explores the camera's ability to connect people to a place. In these portraits of immigrant women, the artist strategically blurs her subjects' faces. This gesture, born of a need for protective anonymity, seems to evoke a greater enigma of the self. Mapping the course of migration to London are lines of thread stitched into the surfaces of the print- permanent, identity-altering interventions. Silvestri regards her series as a documentary project dedicated to those travelers who never reached their destination. Two embroidery samplers from Bostonian women from the late 1700s that were just beautiful. We visited the Chelsea Flea- I got a cool pair of earrings We got cookies from Levain Bakery We made a quick trip to Knitty City and Laura picked out yarn for a hat Musical- Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York We also saw Blue Moon at the movies. Tells the story of Lorenz Hart's struggles with alcoholism and mental health as he tries to save face during the opening of "Oklahoma!".   KAL News   Pigskin Party '25 Event Dates: KAL Dates- Thursday September 4, 2025- Monday February 9, 2026 Find everything you need in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Official Rules Registration Form  (you must be Registered to be eligible for prizes) Enter your projects using the Point Tally Form Find the full list of Sponsors in this Google Doc. Coupon Codes are listed in this Ravelry Thread Exclusive Items from our Pro Shop Sponsors are listed in this Ravelry Thread Questions-  ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com Check out this Ravelry Thread with helpful tips for the event, crowd sourced from our incredible players.   Updates In This Episode Our Official Sponsor for Quarter 1 (October): Love in Stitches with Knitty Natty- Winner Announced julicorn.makes made a Maxine Hot Water Bottle Cozy by Laura Penrose (fair isle snowflakes)- Ravelry Project Page MrsZoom made Knitty Natty's Yarn Cozy Lite with the new football exclusive pattern in Colts colors- Ravelry Project Page Random number generator chose yesthatshelby as our winner! Pink Challenge is over- details in this Ravelry Thread. Winner Announced! CinderGA made Defying Gravity Socks by Lisa Ross- Paper Daisy Creations- Ravelry page Wizabef knit the Elinor Mittens by Irene Nielson- Ravelry Project Page Random number generator picked Alice Ortega who knit the Barn Swallow Socks by Cheryl Toy- Ravelry Project Page Count On It Challenge hosted by Twice Sheared Sheep, Official Sponsor for Quarter 2 (November). Details in this Ravelry thread. Official Sponsor for Quarter 3 (December)- Suburban Stitcher  Details announced. See details in this Ravelry Thread. Stay tuned for more about our Official Sponsor for Quarter 4 (January)- Yarnaceous Fibers Charity Challenge (runs through Thanksgiving)- details in this Ravelry Thread (36 of you have already asked for the address to mail in items! THANK YOU). Please email me to request the address.   Commentator Update (links in this section go to Ravelry)   Quarter 2 is in full swing and, when I looked today, 9 players had already submitted for points for the Q2 challenge!  Are you still thinking of what you can make that is at least 60 rows, using a row counter?  Here are some ideas! Hats! Many of our early Q2 finishers completed hats.  Neferetri, Hollyelyse and Janknitdun completed beautiful cabled hats...I bet the row counter came in handy for those projects! Kimbuktu7 completed a lovely colorwork hat Adrie9 completed a lovely two colored musselburgh hat  Neckwear is also a popular choice among our early Q2 finishers Mikkaelab completed a lovely crocheted cowl and a knit bandana! Sandyrlevin also completed a cowl in steelers colors (note--she used a pattern by PSP Knitty Natty too)--Way to rack up those points! There's still plenty of time for you to get your projects in for Q2. These finishers have definitely demonstrated that there are plenty of patterns with at least 60 rows that work up in a flash!   PepperRN added in Pigskin Party Tips Thread on Ravelry If you are budgeting but still want to support sponsors buy something re usable. Stitch markers can be used in 1 project and then when finished in the next. I like knitting hats for charity so I bought a hat pattern from a sponsor. I put that pattern with a sponsor bag and sponsor stitch markers and can knit it over and over during the PSP.   On a Happy Note New York City! I took the train this time which was a great option. Laura and I had dinner with two of her pilates clients. We all enjoyed Gabriella and Zachary's first sleepover. We watched the KPOP Demon Hunters movie and after going to bed early and reading the Hot Air Balloon book, wehad fun hunting for the orange eyed monster! Dan made the kids pancakes and we'll put their photos on the collage wall in the guest room. Gabriella asked for a unicorn and a ghost Spiderman. Zach wanted Spiderman. I received a really nice message from my cousin Gayle who was visiting her friend in NH and let me know that Mom's shawl that she chose was keeping her warm. Love you Gayle! My childhood friend Maribeth has shared a few photos of things her family has found when cleaning out her parents' attic- costumes and things my mom made. It was sweet of her to send me those photos so we could reminisce. I finally got to join Beth's Karaoke Night Zoom (part of the Love in Stitches Membership). Dad is recovering from a back injury but doing better. We successfully moved my grandmother into the Memory Care side of the independent living home she's lived at for 5 years. Hope this will be a good fit for her. I got a massage this week!   Quote of the Week   "In November, the earth is growing quiet. It is making its bed, a winter bed for flowers and small creatures. The bed is white and silent, and much life can hide beneath its blankets."   ― Cynthia Rylant, In November  ------   Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.  

This week at camp, we're recapping our wild tour stops through Nashville, Kansas City, and Chicago. Yes, a honky-tonk woman in an arm sling was hitting on us at the Nashville Dolly Parton rooftop bar. Then we cover the riveting story of a man who spent months convincing Costco to give him their iconic $1.50 hot dog sign, and the Vatican finally returning Indigenous artifacts to Canada. Naturally we spiral into a series of passionate rants about everything from being forced to “pre-save” albums that aren't even out yet and sandwich shops drowning their food in mayo. UGH! (though Jonathan approves of the mayo-forward recipes lol) We also yearn for the golden age of DVDs with alternate endings, confess our love for reading smut in public, and weigh in on Hayley Williams' new album drop for Ego Death. Plus a little Zara Larsson appreciation to round things out.This episode was mixed and edited by Kevin Betts.Get your tickets to see Zachariah Porter's new Live Comedy Tour!Want BONUS CONTENT? Join our PATREON!Sponsors:➜ Go to BollAndBranch.com/camp to get up to 25% off! Exclusions apply. See site for details.➜ Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/2daxxo2x As a Cash App partner, we may earn a commission when you sign up for a Cash App account. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App's bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.➜ Bring your A-game and talk to your doctor. Learn more at Apretude.com or call 1-888-240-0340.Works Cited:➜ Michael Gwilliam. “Man Spends Months Convincing Costco to Give Him Iconic $1.50 Hot Dog Sign.” Dexerto, 2024.➜ Megan Williams. “Indigenous artifacts held in Vatican Museums heading back to Canada.” CBC News, 22 Oct. 2025.Camp Songs:Spotify Playlist | YouTube Playlist | Sammich's Secret MixtapeSocial Media:Camp Counselors TikTokCamp Counselors InstagramCamp Counselors FacebookCamp Counselors TwitterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 308 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week's segments included:   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins From the Armchair In my Travels KAL News Events Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Stitched by Jessalu, Suburban Stitcher, The Wandering Purl & agirlandherwool   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Born to Be Mild Socks Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Born to Be Mild Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page   Granny Square Chicken Yarn: Knit Picks Felici Worsted in the Palm Springs Colorway Pattern: Granny Square Chicken by Sweet Softies- $3.99 crochet pattern on Ravelry. Hook: G (4.0 mm) Yarn- self striping with cream, rust, peach, dusty pink, dusty orange. I didn't change color between rounds- I just let the self striping yarn do its thing. I used an organza bag to put the polyfill in. Put the tortoise shell glasses I bought at Another Yarn on her but they're a little big.   Essex Beanie Pattern: Essex Beanie by Justine Walley (AlyseCrochet). $5 crochet pattern available on Ravelry Yarn: Berroco Ultra Wool in colorway 3361 Kale (used 68g/ 148 yards for the hat, before the pom pom) Hook: I (5.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Sheri's Christmas Socks Yarn: Gusto Wool Echos in Colorway 1515 Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page I cast this on to bring to Rhinebeck on my Lemonwood Mini Minder (I have this Art Deco one) so I could walk and knit.   Traveler Sweater Pattern: The Traveler by Andrea Mowry ($9 pattern available on Ravelry & the designer's website) Yarn: Hazel Knits Small Batch Sport (90/10 SW/Nylon) Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm) & US 4 (3.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Body was done and seamed before I left for Rhinebeck but I had to rip back the sleeve twice because I mis-read the instructions. Finally on track now.   Yarn Cozy Lite Yarn: Cascade Heritage Yarn (75% SW Merino 25% Nylon) in the Highlighter Guava colorway Pattern: Yarn Cozy Lite by Knitty Natty- $6 pattern available on Ravelry Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm) Progress: I have about 1 inch of knitting left.   Game Day Party Socks Yarn: Mandi's Makings SW Merino Fingering Weight Yarn in the Pigskin '25 Exclusive Game Day Party Colorway. Green mini skein for heel from Goosey Fibers (Wizard of Oz Advent Calendar yarn) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Ravelry Project Page   Pucker Brush Farm BFL Sweater Spin Fiber: 16 oz of multi colored BFL roving from Pucker Brush Farm (purchased at Rhinebeck 2025), 4 oz Merino in a mustard color Ravelry Project Page I am planning to knit a Traveler sweater inspired by Emily Curtis' handmade version- click here for her Ravelry Project Page. I was thrilled to see a recent post on Emily's Instagram that she made a YouTube video about this spin/knit. Emily made a 2-ply where   Gary's LeHigh Hat Pattern: Turn a Square by Jared Flood. $5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & Brooklyn Tweed Site Yarn: Cesium Yarn Strong DK ( 75% SW Merino/25% Nylon) in the One More Sleep Colorway Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) & US 7 (4.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page   From the Armchair   The Names by Florence Knapp. 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 Rhinebeck 2025   Friday Highlights: Seeing Kacey of Kacey Knits in person at Indie Untangled Seeing Maggie of Yarnaceous Fibers, Emily of Fan Girl Fibers & Jamie of Pacific Knit Co Seeing Christy of Yarn Cafe Creations (she signed up as a Snack Shack Sponsor and donated a skein of yarn)- she also had these cool trinket dishes. I bought 3 for gifts! Love them. Of Dust and Dew had beautiful pottery. I waited too long and didn't get the chicken vase I had my heart set on. It was my first time at A Woolen Affair. Ran into Lori & Justine of Skein Yarn Shop in RI & co-hosts of the Skein Scoop Podcast on Youtube. and their friend Hope of Hope Made Yarn Co. I was thrilled to bump into friend Sarah- themartiniknitter and Katie from Twice Sheared Sheep They had a beautiful art installation called Tributary- "A collective art installation as a celebration of community, creativity and collective power."   Saturday & Sunday Highlights: Saturday- we met up with our friend Lauren (lbeth21) and we spent the day together. Lauren kindly gifted me two bars of her homemade soap. Check out her Instagram- Happy Cat Suds (website coming soon) One our first stops was to see Jess and Roger of Stitched by Jessalu. It was an emotional visit and we didn't get a photo together. Across the barn, we saw Beth (mdquilter) along with Pigskin Sponsor Kim Shaffir. 2p Meet-up: Thank you to everyone who came out. Sunday morning we started with breakfast at a diner before heading to the fairgrounds. We made it over to see Amy of Ross Farm. I ran into Hope again and she gifted me a beautiful sock set from her yarn store-Hope Made Yarn Co. Sunday we left around 3/3:30p drove through Saugerties to get dinner so we popped into The Perfect Blend yarn store before we ate.   KAL News   Pigskin Party '25 Event Dates: KAL Dates- Thursday September 4, 2025- Monday February 9, 2026 Find everything you need in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Official Rules Registration Form  (you must be Registered to be eligible for prizes) Enter your projects using the Point Tally Form Find the full list of Sponsors in this Google Doc. Coupon Codes are listed in this Ravelry Thread Exclusive Items from our Pro Shop Sponsors are listed in this Ravelry Thread Questions-  ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com   Updates In This Episode Our Official Sponsor for Quarter 1 (October): Love in Stitches with Knitty Natty is hosting a Cozy Up Challenge. Check out the details in this Ravelry Thread. Remember, projects need to be finished by 10/31 but you can enter for points until 11/5/25. Official Sponsor for Quarter 2 (November)- Twice Sheared Sheep is hosting the Count On It Challenge. Details in this Ravelry thread. Official Sponsor for Quarter 3 (December)- Suburban Stitcher (minis will be involved) Official Sponsor for Quarter 4 (January)- Yarnaceous Fibers Charity Challenge (runs through Thanksgiving)- details in this Ravelry Thread (21 of you have already asked for the address to mail in items! THANK YOU). Please email me to request the address. Pink Challenge (runs through 10/31)- details in this Ravelry Thread.   Commentator Update There's been a lot of activity in the huddle thread recently. Players have been discussing a range of interesting topics such as: * strategy for shopping at fiber festivals, which was partially inspired by Rhinebeck but certainly applies to any festival * suggestions for patterns to use up mini-skeins  * recommendations for cruises * board game recommendations * how to balance manicures with crafting time * ideas for handmade gifts for someone going into memory care * and what to do when you've simply lost interest in a project   As usual, if you can't keep up--just jump in!     I also wandered over to the endzone dance thread today. Unsurprisingly, there are a lot of pink projects, cozies, and pink cozies! But players have also recently finished a few Halloween themed projects Links below go to Ravelry: * Karen805 finished a Spiders in the House MKAL Shawl that is super cool! It even includes a colorwork spider motif! *Chiamira finished a Halloween Party Cowl that is all over colorwork and includes cats dressed up like pumpkins! * Cbass and Adrie9 finished Gnettle and Gnumpkin gnomes (from sponsor Imagined Landscapes) * and following up on a previous report, Sandima finished the Wednesday costume for her porch goose...so cute!   I am always amazed by the huge variety of projects that pigskin partiers complete!  It is so fun to see what everyone likes to create!   Events The Fiber Festival of New England. November 1 & 2 Sunkissed Fiber Festival: January 24-25, 2026- just outside Tampa, FL   Life in Focus I shared a bit about my recent fibromyalgia pain flare.   On a Happy Note 300 Paintings at ART Bethany of the Wandering Purl sent me 2 of her Pigskin exclusive bags with notions pouches! Dad and I went to my nephew Garret's hockey game together. The foliage is gorgeous this year. I signed up for Lauren (agirlandherwool) self striping club and got my first skein! Its great! Love is Blind Season 9- it was a wild and crazy season. I enjoy chatting about it with my friend Laura and am thrilled that the reunion will air while I'll be in NYC with her. So many deer in the yard in the last week and even a buck who has made a few appearances. We had fun at a friends' movie night watching Young Frankenstein.   Quote of the Week   "When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it--always."   ― Mahatma Gandhi   ------ Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.  

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 307 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week's segments included:   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming From the Armchair In my Travels KAL News Events On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Katie's Randomness, Heart & Squirrel & Paper Daisy Creations   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Sweetly Striped Hat Pattern: Sweetly Striped Hat by Chit Chat Knits. $4.50 knitting pattern available on Ravelry Yarn: Berroco Vintage in colorway 5185 Tide Pool Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) & US 8 (5.0 mm) Ravelry Project Page Pattern: Snack Shack Sponsor- Chit Chat Knits- 20 points Project Bag & Notions Pouch- Pro Shop Sponsor The Huckleberry Girl- 40 pts each= 80 points Check out this video on how to do a 1x1 left & right cross without a cable needle from my YouTube Channel   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Traveler Sweater Pattern: The Traveler by Andrea Mowry ($9 pattern available on Ravelry & the designer's website) Yarn: Hazel Knits Small Batch Sport (90/10 SW/Nylon) Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm) & US 4 (3.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Progress:  I finished the front & back and seamed up shoulders and under arms. I cast on sleeve 1 for ride home from PA and was hoping to finish for Rhinebeck but there simply isn't time.   Born to Be Mild Socks Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Born to Be Mild Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Progress- Nearly to the toe on sock #2. About the yarn: tan base with browns and robin's egg. It reminds me of a robin's nest.   Granny Square Chicken Yarn: Knit Picks Felici Worsted in the Palm Springs Colorway Pattern: Granny Square Chicken by Sweet Softies- $3.99 crochet pattern on Ravelry. Hook: G (4.0 mm) Progress & Plans: I didn't change color between rounds- I just let the self striping yarn do its thing. almost done last round on the second square then I need to seam it together. I am planning to use some pantyhose with stuffing inside.   Yarn Cozy Lite Yarn: Cascade Heritage Yarn (75% SW Merino 25% Nylon) in the Highlighter Guava colorway Pattern: Yarn Cozy Lite by Knitty Natty- $6 pattern available on Ravelry Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm) Cast on to be ready for our Zoom cast on party on 10/2! Thanks to Natalie for coming to hang out. Such a fun kick off to this month's event. If you'd like the Pigskin Cozy version- it is included in this pattern for free through 10/31/25. Get 10% off any of Natalie's patterns through February 9th, 2026 with the code “PIGSKINPARTY”. Brainstorming   A goose bag for Aila. I may use the notes from this Ravelry Project Page. Or there's a pattern available for $4 on Ravelry & another for $5.48 on Etsy. A Christmas Stocking for my cousin Chris's daughter.   From the Armchair The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose. 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 Yarn Stores I visited with Riley & Aila Knit Tuck & Purl Another Yarn Stitch House Wicked Good Yarns Sit & Knit Boston Fiber Co Tight Knit Apple picking at Applecrest Farm & Orchard SoWa Market   Want to see more about this fun & yarny filled weekend? Our 2025 MA Yarn Crawls + Side Quests Part 1 video is available on YouTube (Part 2 coming after Rhinebeck).   Our trip to Philadelphia Dan and I stayed with friends in suburbs outside Philly. We had a great dinner at East Branch Brewing Company We visited Yarnphoria (check them out on Facebook) & purchased yarn from Essence of Autumn Rockwell & Rose (restaurant)   KAL News   Pigskin Party '25 Event Dates: KAL Dates- Thursday September 4, 2025- Monday February 9, 2026 Find everything you need in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Official Rules Registration Form  (you must be Registered to be eligible for prizes) Enter your projects using the Point Tally Form Find the full list of Sponsors in this Google Doc. Coupon Codes are listed in this Ravelry Thread Exclusive Items from our Pro Shop Sponsors are listed in this Ravelry Thread Questions-  ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com Our Official Sponsor for Quarter 1 (October): Love in Stitches with Knitty Natty is hosting a Cozy Up Challenge. The challenge doesn't start until 10/1 but you can start planning now. Check out the details in this Ravelry Thread. Official Sponsor for Quarter 2 (November)- Twice Sheared Sheep Official Sponsor for Quarter 3 (December)- Suburban Stitcher Official Sponsor for Quarter 4 (January)- Yarnaceous Fibers Charity Challenge (runs through Thanksgiving)- details in this Ravelry Thread Pink Challenge (runs through 10/31)- details in this Ravelry Thread. Thanks to Sarah for starting a Pigskin Tips Ravelry Thread!   Updates In This Episode Official Sponsor for Quarter 2 (November)- Twice Sheared Sheep. Row Counter Challenge- details in this Ravelry Thread. Click here for a video on how to use a chain row counter Purchase a Twice Sheared Sheep Row Counter Commentator Report from Mary- links below all go to Ravelry Recently I've been spending time in the Mark it Monday thread.  If you are interested in a thread where the topic of conversation is almost exclusively about the crafting, this is a great thread for you!  It also moves a bit slower than the main huddle thread, so a little easier to keep up.  I find perusing this thread to be great for inspiration. It brings a smile to my face to see other players' projects coming to life. This week, I realized that player Scitchr is making 5 adorable animals. She is making them all Buffalo Bills clothing! So far, she has made an otter, a woodland duck, a hedgehog, and a woodland badger!  You must check them out...they are so adorable. Plus, she plans on making them Halloween costumes! Speaking of Halloween costumes, Sandima made a Wednesday (from Addams' Family) costume for her porch goose: https://www.ravelry.com/projects/sandima/goostavo-porch-goose-sweater   So cute!   In other news...players are busy with the three challenges that are going on right now: * 25 players have already submitted for points for pink challenge, with 5 players already submitting 2 entries!   * over 50 players have submitted for points for the Q1 challenge, with over 15 of them already submitting 2 entries! * 2 people have already submitted for points for the charity challenge!   Don't forget you still have plenty of time to participate in these challenges!   Events Indie Untangled. October 17 CAKEpalooza. October 17 A Woolen Affair. October 17 NY Sheep & Wool (aka Rhinebeck). October 18 & 19. Down Cellar Studio Meet up at Saturday 2p at the Pavilion to the left of the beer tent! Come and say hi. The Fiber Festival of New England. November 1 & 2 Sunkissed Fiber Festival: January 24-25, 2026- just outside Tampa, FL   On a Happy Note Apple picking & yarn crawling with Riley and Aila Megg and I went to see Hamilton in Boston (my second time seeing the show) We celebrated my dad's birthday with a bonfire Trunk show at my LYS I had a blast chatting with Natalie in an interview for the Love in Stitches Membership Haymakers for Hope- Belles of the Brawl. My cousin Kirstin raised $20,363.23 for cancer research that will benefit MGH's research into how non-small cell lung cancer transforms into small-cell. Overall the event raised over $465k! Jewelry 4 person puzzle time with Christine & Seamus Mini Grilled cheese & creamy tomato soup appetizer at Gary's wedding; it was so delightful! Getting new headphones after my right ear bud was broken for a good month. Getting a text from my SIL with photos of my niece and nephew on their way to their first movie with their handmade toys in hand.   Quote of the Week   "Leaves descending to the ground, Orange, magenta, green & brown The cool crisp breezes in the air, Autumn season must be here” -Charmaine J. Forde    ------ Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.

  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 306 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week's segments included:   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming From the Armchair Some Years Later In my Travels KAL News Events Ask Me Anything On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Stitched by Jessalu, Fibernymph Dye Works & AdoreKnit   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Mayor of Halloween Town Socks Yarn: Woolens & Nosh Targhee Sock in the Mayor of Halloween Town colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Sweetly Striped Hat Pattern: Sweetly Striped Hat by Chit Chat Knits. $4.50 knitting pattern available on Ravelry Yarn: Berroco Vintage in colorway 5185 Tide Pool Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) & US 8 (5.0 mm) Ravelry Project Page Pattern: Snack Shack Sponsor- Chit Chat Knits- 20 points Project Bag & Notions Pouch- Pro Shop Sponsor The Huckleberry Girl- 40 pts each= 80 points Check out this video on how to do a 1x1 left & right cross without a cable needle from my YouTube Channel Progress: I need one more repeat & will begin crown decreases   Traveler Sweater Pattern: The Traveler by Andrea Mowry ($9 pattern available on Ravelry & the designer's website) Yarn: Hazel Knits Small Batch Sport (90/10 SW/Nylon) Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm) & US 4 (3.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Progress: 18 purl ridges done; blocking to see if I have enough of the body knit or if I want to add more length.   Born to Be Mild Socks Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Born to Be Mild Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Progress- Part of the way through the cuff on sock #2. About the yarn: tan base with browns and robin's egg. It reminds me of a robin's nest.   Game Day Party Socks Yarn: Mandi's Makings SW Merino Fingering Weight Yarn in the Pigskin '25 Exclusive Game Day Party Colorway. Green mini skein for heel from Goosey Fibers (Wizard of Oz Advent Calendar yarn) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Ravelry Project Page Yarn: Pigskin '25 Exclusive- 60 points Progress: just beyond the heel on the first sock   Log Cabin Blanket Pattern: Log Cabin Square by Julie Harrison. Free crochet pattern available on Ravelry. Video tutorial available on the Little Woollie Makes YouTube Channel Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Minis (mostly from Advent calendars 2023 & 2024) Hook: I (5.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Inspired by Rachel (treehousefiberarts on Instagram) and Sue & Chelsea (Legacy Fiber Artz on Instagram). Check out the Floss Toss Ravelry Group for details on their Scrappy Blanket CAL; you do not have to use this pattern. Any scrappy crochet blanket counts. My color placement is inspired by this project/pattern available on Ravelry. The basic idea is that you use 1 main color for Rounds 1 & 3 (center and outer square), and then 4 separate colors for the 4 sides of the middle square) Round 1 & Round 3 done using same colors (2 sock yarns held together)- totals about 22g (11g of each colorway) Contrast Colors: total weight of yarns used (reminder- yarns are held double so I only need half the weight listed for each mini). CC 1 & 2: 2g needed. CC 3 & 4: 4g needed Progress: 9 so far - 2 new ones this month   Hot pink spinning Fiber: Mountain Vewe Coopworths Fiber in hot pink (no specific colorway name)- three 4oz bumps 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. Progress: ~3/4 way through first bump. 1st bobbin full and the second is well underway   Brainstorming Check out these designs by our Pigskin Sponsors that call for Super Bulky Yarn- Ravelry Link I may try the Fabled Hat pattern by Maggie of Yarnaceous Fibers-$6 Ravelry pattern or the Copper Foxes Super Bulky cowl by Kacey Knits, a $7 Ravelry Pattern Tiny scarf like the Sophie Scarf (Ravelry Pattern) but I likely won't use a pattern since many of my shawls that are knit side to side start off similarly. Christmas gifts- toys for the littlest of the nieces/nephews. More to come on the next episode.  The Love in Stitches Membership is working on colorwork sweaters and cozies.   From the Armchair The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. Amazon Affiliate Link. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro. Amazon Affiliate Link. Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green. Amazon Affiliate Link. The Academy by Elin Hilderbrand & Shelby Cunningham. Amazon Affiliate Link. The Night She Disappeared by Lisa Jewell. 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   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 Learned double magic circle from this YouTube video. Update: I took this blanket camping in Vermont, washed it when it came home and many of the centers burst open. So frustrating. I thought the double magic circle was the key but no, perhaps not. I will do a chain/slip stitch beginning moving forward.   In My Travels I shared a bit about our recent trip to Vermont.   KAL News   Pigskin Party '25 Event Dates: KAL Dates- Thursday September 4, 2025- Monday February 9, 2026 Find everything you need in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Official Rules Registration Form  (you must be Registered to be eligible for prizes) Enter your projects using the Point Tally Form Find the full list of Sponsors in this Google Doc. Coupon Codes are listed in this Ravelry Thread Exclusive Items from our Pro Shop Sponsors are listed in this Ravelry Thread Questions-  ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com Check out this Ravelry Thread with helpful tips for the event, crowd sourced from our incredible players.   Updates In This Episode Our first Official Sponsor of the Quarter is Love in Stitches with Knitty Natty is hosting a Cozy Up Challenge! Check out all of the details in this Ravelry Post. Join Knitty Natty & me for a special zoom hangout Thursday 10/2 at 8p Eastern. Cast on, chat, learn about some of Natalie's cool cozy patterns and have some fun. Use code "PIGSKINPARTY" to save 10% on Natalie's cozy patterns. Details in the Start Here Thread. Official Sponsor for Quarter 2 (November)- Twice Sheared Sheep Official Sponsor for Quarter 3 (December)- Suburban Stitcher Official Sponsor for Quarter 4 (January)- Yarnaceous Fibers The Pink Challenge also kicks off 10/1/25. Check out the challenge details in this Ravelry Thread & don't forget to make an appointment if you're due for a mammogram or other screening. The Charity Challenge is also ready- check out the details in this Ravelry Thread.   Events Vermont Sheep & Wool. October 4 & 5 Indie Untangled. October 17 CAKEpalooza. October 17 A Woolen Affair. October 17 NY Sheep & Wool (aka Rhinebeck). October 18 & 19. Down Cellar Studio Meet up at Saturday 2p at the Pavilion to the left of the beer tent! Come and say hi. The Fiber Festival of New England. November 1 & 2 Sunkissed Fiber Festival: January 24-25, 2026- just outside Tampa, FL   Ask Me Anything   Tune in to hear answers MikkaelaB asked about the Pigskin Party.  Check out the Ask Me Anything Thread in Ravelry to ask a question and hear my answer on an upcoming episode.   On a Happy Note Dinner in Plymouth with my Mom's cousins Adult Ballet Class Vermont Trip Seeing the Mrs. Doubtfire musical Finding out my niece Hattie was cast as Gretl in a local production of The Sound of Music Going to the movies! Laura & I saw The Long Walk, based on a 1979 Stephen King novel Participating in a Clothing Swap & doing second-hand shopping with friends. Raffa Life in Cranston, RI- saunas, steam rooms & cold plunge   Quote of the Week "With every choice, you create the life you'll live; with every decision you design it." Mollie Marti   ------   Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.  

  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 305 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week's segments included:   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins From the Armchair KAL News Events Ask Me Anything On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Skein & Co and Handmade Hygge   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Tie Dye Day Socks Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes base in the Tie Dye Day Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page 262.3 meters for Stash Dash   Four Leaf Clover Granny Square Blanket Pattern: Four Leaf Clover Granny Square by Apinya Roszko Hook: H (5.0 mm) Yarn: Knit Picks Brava 500 in colorway Mint & Loops and Threads Impeccable in Colorway 01808 Center square (in darker green)- 4g. Three rounds on outside of clover (in mint)- 12g Size:  6 inch square. 5x7 blanket (30x42”) before border. Modification- the pattern calls for attaching new yarn (at the end of the square) to make the stem for the clover. I just chain to get to the center, make the stem and cut the yarn. I find it easy to crochet the granny square around it in Mint. No issues and one less end to weave in. I am joining squares as I go. I used this YouTube tutorial to remind me how to do this. 1186.1 meters for Stash Dash   10,426.8 meters for Stash Dash this year.   716 Splash Pad Socks Yarn: 716 Knit Sock Set  in the 716sock base in the colorway: It needs to be ok with getting on a boat with Levar Burton and never coming back. Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the yarn: stripe of black, stripe of bright poolside colors (orange, yellow, peach, greens & aquas . 344.2 yards/ 86 grams used.   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Sweetly Striped Hat Pattern: Sweetly Striped Hat by Chit Chat Knits. $4.50 knitting pattern available on Ravelry Yarn: Berroco Vintage in colorway 5185 Tide Pool Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) & US 8 (5.0 mm) Ravelry Project Page Pattern: Snack Shack Sponsor- Chit Chat Knits- 20 points Project Bag & Notions Pouch- Pro Shop Sponsor The Huckleberry Girl- 40 pts each= 80 points   Traveler Sweater Pattern: The Traveler by Andrea Mowry ($9 pattern available on Ravelry & the designer's website) Yarn: Hazel Knits Small Batch Sport (90/10 SW/Nylon) Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm) & US 4 (3.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Progress: 5 purl ridges done   Mayor of Halloween Town Socks Yarn: Woolens & Nosh Targhee Sock in the Mayor of Halloween Town colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Cast on 9/4 for Pigskin Party Project bag: Pro Shop Sponsor Wandering Purl (40 pts) Yarn: Pro Shop Sponsor Woolens & Nosh (40 pts) About the yarn: Light gray- larger stripes with smaller stripes of dark gray, white and orange   Born to Be Mild Socks Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Born to Be Mild Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Progress- just into the leg of the first sock. About the yarn: tan base with browns and robin's egg. It reminds me of a robin's nest.   From the Armchair   Writers & Lovers by Lily King. Amazon Affiliate Link. Check out Season 3 Episode 6 of the Books, Beach & Beyond podcast with Elin Hilderbrand with Lily King Euphoria by Lily King. Amazon Affiliate Link. Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. Amazon Affiliate Link. One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune. Amazon Affiliate Link. In the Likely Event by Rebecca Yarros. Amazon Affiliate Link.   Lily King talking on Books, Beach & Beyond (2025)-  on love "Love is really the most important thing to us and possibly the thing, the only thing that is going to save us from our other impulses. I am extremely concerned about the state of mind of this country and what we are allowing and what we have voted in and what we are experiencing and, in in some ways, our lack of resistance to it, and our our silence and our complicity. And it all really comes down to love. And if we lose that ability, I don't think AI is going to help us with love, I don't think Instagram is going to help us with love. I feel like all of our habits that are increasing and increasing are pulling us apart even giving us the illusion that its not, but we are, and we have to remember what it is like to love people. In all of those forms. It is the thing that makes us human. And we have to stay human." Lily King   A few of my other favorite quotes from Writers & Lovers “When my mother died, I sort of felt her inside me sometimes,' I say. ‘Like I'd swallowed her.' He laughs. ‘Swallowed her.' ‘I still have moments when I feel that, when it feels like she's inside me, and there's no difference between us or that the difference doesn't matter.” ― Lily King, Writers & Lovers   “I can tell he lost someone close somehow. You can feel that in people, an openness, or maybe it's an opening that you're talking into. With other people, people who haven't been through something like that, you feel the solid wall. Your words go scattershot off of it.” ― Lily King, Writers & Lovers   “When I was visiting her a few years ago she hugged me and said, ‘Tomorrow after you leave I will stand here at this window and remember that yesterday you were right here with me.' And now she's dead and I have that feeling all the time, no matter where I stand.” ― Lily King, Writers & Lovers   “I look into my eyes, but they aren't really mine, not the eyes I used to have. They're the eyes of someone very tired and very sad, and once I see them I feel even sadder and then I see that sadness, that compassion, for the sadness in my eyes, and I see the water rising in them. I'm both the sad person and the person wanting to comfort the sad person. And then I feel sad for that person who has so much compassion because she's clearly been through the same thing, too. And the cycle keeps repeating. It's like when you go into a dressing room with a three-paneled mirror and you line them up just right to see the long narrowing hallway of yourselves diminishing into infinity. It feels like that, like I'm sad for an infinite number of my selves.” ― Lily King, Writers & Lovers   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 '25 Event Dates: KAL Dates- Thursday September 4, 2025- Monday February 9, 2026 Find everything you need in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Official Rules Registration Form  (you must be Registered to be eligible for prizes) Enter your projects using the Point Tally Form Find the full list of Sponsors in this Google Doc. Coupon Codes are listed in this Ravelry Thread Exclusive Items from our Pro Shop Sponsors are listed in this Ravelry Thread Questions-  ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com Our Official Sponsor for Quarter 1 (October): Love in Stitches with Knitty Natty is hosting a Cozy Up Challenge. The challenge doesn't start until 10/1 but you can start planning now. Check out the details in this Ravelry Thread. Join Knitty Natty & me for a special zoom hangout Thursday 10/2 at 8p Eastern. Details will be shared in the Start Here Thread. Check out this Ravelry Thread with helpful tips for the event, crowd sourced from our incredible players.   Updates In This Episode Thanks to Mary for her Commentator report. She talked specifically about these 2 large projects that have already been finished. 904Stephanie (my teammate!) has already finished a blanket- Ravelry photo & cmfamigli has already finished a pullover- check out her Ravelry Project Thanks to Sarah for starting a Pigskin Tips Ravelry Thread! Add your Super Bowl Prediction- details in this Ravelry Thread Our first Official Sponsor of the Quarter is Love in Stitches! Check out all of the details in this Ravelry Post. Join Knitty Natty & me for a special zoom hangout Thursday 10/2 at 8p Eastern. Cast on, chat, learn about some of Natalie's cool cozy patterns and have some fun. Official Sponsor for Quarter 2 (November)- Twice Sheared Sheep Official Sponsor for Quarter 3 (December)- Suburban Stitcher Official Sponsor for Quarter 4 (January)- Yarnaceous Fibers   Events DFW Fiber Fest Sept 19-21 in Irving Texas Adirondack Wool & Arts Festival September 20 & 21 in Greenwich, New York. Greater Boston Yarn Crawl. September 26-28 - 16 shops Cape and South Shore Yarn Haul. September 25-28- 8 shops Vermont Sheep & Wool. October 4 & 5 Indie Untangled. October 17 CAKEpalooza. October 17 A Woolen Affair. October 17 NY Sheep & Wool (aka Rhinebeck). October 18 & 19. Down Cellar Studio Meet up at Saturday 2p at the Pavilion to the left of the beer tent! Come and say hi. The Fiber Festival of New England. November 1 & 2 Sunkissed Fiber Festival: January 24-25, 2026- just outside Tampa, FL   Ask Me Anything Tune in to hear my answer to kjkrochet's question: How did you come up with the concept for Pigskin Party?   On a Happy Note Saturday of Labor Day weekend- Clear the Needles Event w/ Love in Stitches group 2 fun pool days over Labor Day Weekend complete with cornhole tournament  I gifted my friend Megg her "I'll bring the dance moves" hat to go with my "I'll bring the alcohol" hat since my dad always teases her for dancing constantly. Dinner with Melissa of Maple Roots Creative Dinner with friends including my dance teacher from middle/high school Pigskin Paty Kick Off Weekend was so much fun! Seeing Passengers at American Repertory Theater   Quote of the Week “It's a particular kind of pleasure, of intimacy, loving a book with someone.” ― Lily King, Writers & Lovers   Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.  

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 304 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 In my Travels KAL News Events Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Stitched by Jessalu. Check out Stitched by Jessalu bags and so much more at the Adirondack Wool & Arts Festival September 20 & 21 in Greenwich, New York. & Love in Stitches   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   The Muses Socks Yarn: Woolens & Nosh SW Targhee Sock in the colorway The Muses Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the Colorway- 3 stripes in pink, green and purple. In between each color, there are thin stripes of white, gray, white. Cuff, heel & toe all knit in gray contrast mini Total for Stash Dash- 263.2 meters   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Same as it Ever Was Hat Yarn: fingering weight yarn from stash (no ball band); maybe MCN base Needles: US 2 Pattern: Same as it Ever Was by Sarah Jordan $6 knitting pattern available on Ravelry Ravelry Project Page About the yarn: all different shades of gray with blips of a mustardy/rust and turquoise   Traveler Sweater Pattern: The Traveler by Andrea Mowry ($9 pattern available on Ravelry & the designer's website) Yarn: Hazel Knits Small Batch Sport (90/10 SW/Nylon) Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm) & US 4 (3.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Progress: I'm in a few inches into the body   Tie Dye Day Socks Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes base in the Tie Dye Day Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Progress: on the heel of sock #2   716 Splash Pad Socks Yarn: 716 Knit Sock Set  in the 716sock base in the colorway: It needs to be ok with getting on a boat with Levar Burton and never coming back. Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the yarn: stripe of black, stripe of bright poolside colors (orange, yellow, peach, greens & aquas . Jenna of 716 also sent me the mini skein set which is part of her SPP Exclusives. Progress: on the heel of sock #2   Four Leaf Clover Granny Square Blanket   Pattern: Four Leaf Clover Granny Square by Apinya Roszko Hook: H (5.0 mm) Yarn: Knit Picks Brava 500 in colorway Mint & Loops and Threads Impeccable in Colorway 01808 Center square (in darker green)- 4g. Three rounds on outside of clover (in mint)- 12g Size:  6 inch square. Planning 5x7 blanket (30x42”) before border. Modification- the pattern calls for attaching new yarn (at the end of the square) to make the stem for the clover. I just chain to get to the center, make the stem and cut the yarn. I find it easy to crochet the granny square around it in Mint. No issues and one less end to weave in. I am joining squares as I go. I used this YouTube tutorial to remind me how to do this. Progress: Nearly done with 6 of 7 rows. 6 squares left. Should be finished Labor Day weekend.   From the Armchair   stitchintime82-Dani recommended: Gmorning, gnight!: Little Pep Talks for Me and You by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Amazon Affiliate Link. I finished: The Safekeep by Yael Van Der Wouden. Amazon Affiliate Link. Run for the Hills by Kevin Wilson. Amazon Affiliate Link. The Last Flight by Julie Clark. 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 2 ready to wear items we saw in Seattle, a crochet dress & a granny square style tank. I visited 8 local yarn stores to creat Social Media videos for Cape & South Shore Yarn haul which you'll see on my Instagram feed soon.   In My Travels Tune in to hear a bit about Flock Fiber Festival. Check out my Vlog video for much more.    KAL News Pigskin Party '25 Event Dates: KAL Dates- Thursday September 4, 2025- Monday February 9, 2026 Find everything you need in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Official Rules Registration Form  (you must be Registered to be eligible for prizes) Enter your projects using the Point Tally Form Check your Teams & Score on the Scoreboard Find the full list of Sponsors in this Google Doc. Coupon Codes are listed in this Ravelry Thread Exclusive Items from our Pro Shop Sponsors are listed in this Ravelry Thread Check out the Ravelry Bundle of Patterns from our Sponsors Questions-  ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com Our Official Sponsor for Quarter- 1st one will be Knitty Natty/Love in Stitches (stay tuned for more details in next episode)   This Episode Join us for Zoom Kick Off events- Friday September 5 & Saturday September 6. Detailed schedule here. AdoreKnit has the only official Pigskin '25 logo items for sale this season.   Events Boston Fiber Festival September 6 & 7 on Thayer Street in Boston (market & classes) Adirondack Wool & Arts Festival September 20 & 21 in Greenwich, New York. Greater Boston Yarn Crawl. September 26-28 - 16 shops Cape and South Shore Yarn Haul. September 25-28- 8 shops Vermont Sheep & Wool. October 4 & 5 NY Sheep & Wool (aka Rhinebeck). October 18 & 19. Indie Untangled. October 17 CAKEpalooza. October 17 A Woolen Affair. October 17 The Fiber Festival of New England. November 1 & 2 Sunkissed Fiber Festival: January 24-25, 2026- just outside Tampa, FL   Life in Focus   Tune in for an update on my 25 in 2025 list.   On a Happy Note I hit 200 workouts at my gym this summer Dinner at Yvonne's before seeing The Wiz Drinks with Dan's cousins Quality time with Laura in Seattle I managed NOT to contract Covid Celebrating my grandmother's 91st birthday. I watercolored a birthday card for her. Cool mornings and evenings. I wore wool socks during the day last week and it was kind of fun! Back to school photos on Facebook! Thanks to everyone who shares them (or texts me with them). I bought these huge denim with painted flower overalls in Seattle and I love them SO MUCH. Whatsapp texts from my friend Marta in Barcelona.   Quote of the Week “I can tell he lost someone close somehow. You can feel that in people, an openness, or maybe it's an opening that you're talking into. With other people, people who haven't been through something like that, you feel the solid wall. Your words go scattershot off of it.” ― Lily King, Writers & Lovers   ------ Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.