Podcasts about sw merino

  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 292 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos are available on my website.    This week's segments included:   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming Some Years Later Crafty Adventures Knitting in Passing In my Travels KAL News Events On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Stitched by Jessalu . Find Jessalu at NETA Spa in Freeport, Maine from February 28-March 2:  check out the event page on Facebook at https://facebook.com/events/s/netaspa2025/. FearLESS Living Fund bags available now- click here. 30% of sales go to our FearLESS Living Fund.   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Freckled Whimsy 2024 Advent Socks Yarn: Freckled Whimsy Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page   Stranger Things 2 Socks Yarn: Desert Vista Dyeworks Viso base (75% SW Merino/25% Nylon) in the Stranger Things 2 Self Striping Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Woolens & Nosh 2024 Advent Socks #2 Yarn: Woolens & Nosh SW Targhee Sock 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 toe of first sock   Ebb & Flow Socks Yarn: Woolens & Nosh SW Targhee Sock in the Ebb & Flow colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page   Aurealis Pattern: Aurealis by Jennifer Steingass Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) & US 4 (3.5 mm) Yarn: Cloudborn Fibers Highland DK in the Gray Heather colorway (MC) & Junction Fiber Mill Making Tracks DK in the Vermont Vice colorway (CC) Size: C   Calendula Christmas Quilt Pattern: Calendula Quilt by Elena Fedotova available on Ravelry for $7.50 US. Yarn: Big Twist Value Solids in Ivory, Deep Red, Varsity Green, Aqua, Medium Rose Hook:  G (4.0 mm) Ravelry Project Page granny squares- 1 color or 2 (colors on each half a diagonal) I used Canva to help me figure out color placement to extend out the quilt pattern. I am seaming squares using the Mattress Stitch. I started working on this after being inspired by NDJen04's video about her scrappy blanket- you can find that find on YouTube. I had the 2 color (on the diagonal) granny square memorized but totally forgot how to do those. Here's a helpful video I found that helped refresh my memory.   Brainstorming   I'd like to knit a balaclava for skiing Convertible Balaclava by Poppy Shop- available on Ravelry, Etsy & Poppy Shop website for $9.50 Canadian (worsted weight yarn, ribbed below nose) Crayon Balaclava by Mia Filisch- available on Ravelry for free. Calls for Aran weight yarn- 3 sizes. would need to gauge swatch and see if I can adjust for lighter yarn. Stripes Ski Mask by Leisure Arts- available on their website for $5.99. See link on Ravelry as well.   I'm also debating something that goes over ski helmet and maybe a fair isle fingering weight sweater for me!   Some Years Later   Love the set that matches my ski coat. Winter Carnival Hat by Margaret Stauffacher- Ravelry Project Page (DK fair isle) In a Fog Mittens by Allison O'Mahony - Ravelry Project Page Drawn Together cowl by Shana Cohen- Ravelry Project Page   Crafty Adventures Millie and Hattie wanted to get crafty during their birthday sleepover. We bought some supplies at the Dollar Tree & Millie brought a paper bead making kit I gave her for Christmas. Check out Episode 2 of Millie Makes on the Down Cellar Studio Youtube Channel. For fibery crafts, Millie shared some progress on her Dads hat, Hattie practiced treadling on my spinning wheel and Hattie & I made pompoms. I want to turn mine into a garland.   Knitting in Passing I met a lovely listener named Emily in an elevator at work!   In My Travels Last weekend, my brother Jeff and 2 of his kids- Riley and Garret, my friend Megg, her daughter Hattie, son Oisin & Oisin's girlfriend Ginger and I all went skiing at Sunday River in Maine.   KAL News Pigskin Party '24 #DCSPigskinParty24 Tune in to hear if you won one of our 12 Grand Prizes. I will email winners in about a week, to give you time to tune in.   Events Wayland Winter Farmers' Market- Farm Fiber Days: March 9, 2025 at Russell's Garden Center in Wayland, MA Knit North Yarn Crawl: March 13-16. Boston Public Market Fiber Fest- Sunday March 23 from 10a-5p. Free Admission Knit for Food a thon April 5th  http://www.nelkindesigns.com/index.cfm/page/knitathon/knitathon25.htm  sign up the first weekend in February. Fiber Marketplace- April 5th at the Union Bluff Hotel in York, Maine (kick off party on the 4th at the Yarn Sellar store) Fiber Witch Festival: April 11-13 in Salem, MA. Gore Place Sheep Sheering Festival- Saturday April 26 from 10a-5p in Waltham, MA. Connecticut Sheep & Wool: Saturday April 26 from 9a-4p in North Haven, CT Yarncentrick: May 2 in Fredrick, MD Maryland Sheep & Wool: May 3 & 4 in West Friendship, MD Sheep & Wool Festival at Coggeshall Farm: May 17 in Bristol, RI Massachusetts Sheep & Wool Festival- May 24 & 25 in Cummington, MA   On a Happy Note I took Millie and Hattie to the new Paddington in Peru movie which was really cute. Using Hattie's Shadow Play Book- Wizard of Oz book before bed! Pancakes in the morning! We brought dinner to a friend who has been facing medical challenges (and thankful Dad let us cook at his house when we lost power)! Dinner with my first boss and her partner. They spoiled me rotten and it was so great catching up. Silly braids for skiing! Megg gifted me 3 skeins of alpaca yarn from her trip to the Azores! 50g skeins in white, gray and a peachy/pink! Can't wait to use them. New haircut!   Quote of the Week   Sometimes you are aware when your great moments are happening and sometimes they arise from the past. Perhaps it's the same with people. -JAMES SALTER   ------   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 290 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Find full show ntoes with photos on my website: www.downcellarstudio.com    This week's segments included:   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins From the Armchair In my Travels KAL News Events Contest, News & Notes Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Stitched by Jessalu Next month you can find Stitched by JessaLu bags in her online shop, and in person at NETA Spa in Freeport, Maine from February 28-March 2. NETA Spa is a great midwinter weekend gathering for fiber enthusiasts - check out the event page on Facebook at https://facebook.com/events/s/netaspa2025/   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Woolens & Nosh 2024 Advent Socks Yarn: Woolens & Nosh SW Targhee Sock 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   Freckled Whimsy 2024 Advent Socks Yarn: Freckled Whimsy Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page   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 Living in my FearLESS Living Fund bag from Stitched by Jessalu. She's filling pre-orders from last year first and then will put new listings up for sale so stay tuned.   Aurealis Pattern: Aurealis by Jennifer Steingass Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) Yarn: Cloudborn Fibers Highland DK in the Gray Heather colorway (MC) & Junction Fiber Mill Making Tracks DK in the Vermont Vice colorway (CC) Size: C My washed swatch was closer to 17/18 sts over 4 inches instead of the 20 it calls for so I'm knitting a different size to accommodate.   Stranger Things 2 Socks Yarn: Desert Vista Dyeworks Viso base (75% SW Merino/25% Nylon) in the Stranger Things 2 Self Striping Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Cast on the morning of Thursday 9/5 for the Pigskin Party using Snack Shack Sponsor yarn. About the colorway- stripes of: orange, hot pink, purple, navy blue, medium blue and red. Progress- first sock is done. Second sock is a few stripes from the heel.   Woolens & Nosh 2024 Advent Socks #2 Yarn: Woolens & Nosh SW Targhee Sock Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page   Cold Goat Farm Spinning Project Fiber: Cold Goats Farm; believe it is a merino/mohair batt (8oz) in a natural, undyed cream color 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: Nearly finished with my second bobbin of fiber   Calendula Christmas Quilt Pattern: Calendula Quilt by Elena Fedotova available on Ravelry for $7.50 US. Yarn: Big Twist Value Solids in Ivory, Deep Red, Varsity Green, Aqua, Medium Rose Hook:  G (4.0 mm) Ravelry Project Page granny squares- 1 color or 2 (colors on each half a diagonal) I used Canva to help me figure out color placement to extend out the quilt pattern. I am seaming squares using the Mattress Stitch. I started working on this after being inspired by NDJen04's video about her scrappy blanket- you can find that find on YouTube. I had the 2 color (on the diagonal) granny square memorized but totally forgot how to do those. Here's a helpful video I found that helped refresh my memory.   From the Armchair   One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London. 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   My 12 year old niece, Millie, joined me to do a little recap of our visit to Wayland Winter Farmers' Market- Farm Fiber Days at Russell's Garden Center in Wayland, MA.   The sample we saw in the Plied booth is called Super Serene- available on Ravelry.   KAL News Pigskin Party '24 #DCSPigskinParty24 Event Dates: Thursday September 5, 2024- Monday February 10, 2025 Find everything you need in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Official Rules Registration Form  (you must be Registered to be eligible for prizes) Enter your projects using the Point Tally Form Find the full list of Sponsors in this Google Doc. Coupon Codes are listed in this Ravelry Thread Exclusive Items from our Pro Shop Sponsors are listed in this Ravelry Thread Questions-  ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com Official Sponsor for Q4: Fibernymph Dye Works- Small Gains Challenge (January 2025). Check out this Ravelry Thread for details. Commentator Mary Klute's report-   It had been very cold lately in North America, even in places that are typically pretty warm in the winter (like Florida getting snow!). This has been no problem for pigskin partiers! The cold weather creates the perfect conditions for cozying up and finishing projects!  In the huddle, there has been lots of discussion about what folks can reasonably finish before the end of the party. There was also an interesting discussion about how many WIPs folks can manage at one time. Unsurprisingly, there are a lot of different opinions on that.  Earlier this month, 43 players submitted for points as part of the Wild Card WIP challenge! Head on over to that thread to see pictures of projects that players had let languish or even forgot about--butnow they are finished!   ladida2u finished some beautiful colorwork mittens just in time for some snow:  https://www.ravelry.com/discuss/down-cellar-studio-podcast/4344427/1-25#16 plumunou finished a pair of socks.  She'd abandoned the project because the first sock came out too short in the foot--let's face it, we've all been in this sort of situation--this challenge motivated her to finish the second sock and rip out the toe of the first one to lengthen the foot. Now she has a super cute pair of socks:  https://www.ravelry.com/discuss/down-cellar-studio-podcast/4344427/26-50#34 histoknitter finished a pair of socks that were started in 2007!  Way to go!  https://www.ravelry.com/discuss/down-cellar-studio-podcast/4344427/26-50#37 hikesandbikes finished a fantastic sweater that is made up of mitered squares.  It's amazing!   https://www.ravelry.com/discuss/down-cellar-studio-podcast/4344427/51-75#58 and speaking of mitred squares, knitternicole finished a blanket!  She planned out how much of the icord border she needed to do each day to finish and got it done during wild card week:  https://www.ravelry.com/discuss/down-cellar-studio-podcast/4344427/51-75#67   Events New England Farm & Fiber Festival: February 2 from 11a-5p at the Cyclorama in Boston Wayland Winter Farmers' Market- Farm Fiber Days: March 9, 2025 at Russell's Garden Center in Wayland, MA Knit North Yarn Crawl: March 13-16. Boston Public Market Fiber Fest- Sunday March 23 from 10a-5p. Free Admission Knit for Food a thon April 5th  http://www.nelkindesigns.com/index.cfm/page/knitathon/knitathon25.htm  sign up the first weekend in February. Fiber Witch Festival: April 11-13 in Salem, MA. Gore Place Sheep Sheering Festival- Saturday April 26 from 10a-5p in Waltham, MA. Connecticut Sheep & Wool: Saturday April 26 from 9a-4p in North Haven, CT Yarncentrick: May 2 in Fredrick, MD Maryland Sheep & Wool: May 3 & 4 in West Friendship, MD Sheep & Wool Festival at Coggeshall Farm: May 17 in Bristol, RI Massachusetts Sheep & Wool Festival- May 24 & 25 in Cummington, MA   Contest, News & Notes   Stitched by Jessalu FearLESS Living Fund bags are going out this week and next! 30% going to FearLESS Living Fund. More bags will be listed soon on her website so stay tuned. You can buy the FearLESS Living Fund fabric that Jess designed on Spoonflower. I don't think I shared but Mom opened hers right before Christmas and cried. It was really beautiful. You can find on my Day 24 Vlogmas video- click here to go right to that part of the video. Check out the Millie Makes section on the Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel. Video 1 is up! I've joined Bluesky. I'm Bostonjen1 over there. Come follow-me. Not leaving Instagram, at least not yet, but I'm checking it out.   Thank you to KnittyELF40, Erika, who kindly gifted me her new bundle of patterns- Seasonal Blooms on Ravelry.   Life in Focus   My Word of the Year for 2025: Welcome Verb: to greet hospitably and with courtesy or cordiality Verb: to accept with pleasure the occurrence or presence of Adjective: giving pleasure: received with gladness or delight especially in response to a need (A welcome addition)   Why I need this word: This year will be a year filled with first after Mom's passing on January 1st. I need to welcome in the new year even when it feels hard, and welcome in whatever emotions come up as I make my way through 2025. I've spent much time in the last few years focused on my mom (and I'm so glad I could do that), but now I'll have free time to welcome in new things. I want to be thoughtful about my time, but also open to welcoming in new things that will bring me joy. My mother made everyone feel welcome and at home whether physically in her home or just with her as a person. I strive to make people feel welcome in my presence too and to use that to continue to strengthen the bonds of friendship and connection. I hope that this will help me keep alive the many relationships that Mom was able to maintain. I am an introvert by nature and love the prospect of staying hour with hours of myself to plot out- but I know that I am happier and more fulfilled when I stay connected with those I love, so this year when I'm tempted to say "no thanks" I will try, when possible, to instead say "we'll come" a variation on welcome.   On a Happy Note About 20 people showed up for one of Garret's hockey games that was nearby! Beautiful show of support and a fun night out. I found the jewelry Mom gave me for Christmas! Surprise surprise, it was in a bag of knitting stuff that was brought home and put down cellar. While I missed auditions as we prepped for the funeral, I got a dancing role in Kiss Me Kate with Meg. The show is the last week of April/first weekend in May. Millie came for a 2 night sleepover during MLK weekend. She made us pancakes! Organizing my mom's things. Eme came over and we look through craft supplies for a new project they want to do. I found a few things for me (mostly scissors and crochet hooks) and I purged some. I put away the Christmas tree and put my new plant stand in place! I love it. Dan was going to order me a plant subscription, but instead we'll go together to a local place a few times a year and try to learn a little more about houseplants. Dinner with my cousins at local Mexican restaurant. I received a beautiful package of watercolor supplies in the mail from Rachel! Thank you so much. I can't wait to dive in. I received many cards and notes from several of you. Thank you!!! Millie, Ryan and I ran into listener, Donna, at Russell's. So lovely to see you! Last weekend Riley came for a sleepover Saturday night. On Sunday, we picked up Aila and checked out one of her favorite antique stores and had a lot of fun browsing. Dan invited my Dad, Tom and Oisin for dinner at The Snug. Megg, Hattie and I went to see Peter Pan in Boston.   Quote of the Week “Departure of a year welcomes so many new memories” ― Munia Khan   ------ 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 286 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week's segments included:   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins From the Armchair Knitting in Passing In My Travels KAL News Events Contest, News & Notes Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Fangirl Fibers, Love in Stitches &  Woolen Women Fibers   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Silverlining Sweater Pattern: Silverlining by Jennifer Steingass $8 pattern available on Ravelry Yarn: Lion Brand Fishermen's Wool in the Oatmeal Colorway + Junction Fiber Mill Making Tracks Yarn in the Day's End Colorway Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) Ravelry Project Page Size B: 12 inches underarm to body. 40 inches around. I thought I was getting 18 sts/4 inches but I got 19, so it is 40 inches not 42 inches around. I was thrilled to meet Peggy from Junction Fiber Mill at Fiber Festival of New England. They shared a clip of my video on their podcast which you can find here.   Welcome to Litchfield Hat Pattern: Citrus Hat by Laura Treadway (free knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Yarn: Handspun (Ravelry Project Page)- Into the Whirled; 2 braids Texel & BFL Tussah Silk in the Welcome to Litchfield Colorway + Traveler colorway on Cheviot base to make a 3 ply yarn Needles: US 4 (3.5 mm) & US 6 (4.0 mm) Ravelry Project Page   Vegas Baby Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Vegas Baby Colorwork Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the colorway- gray tinted rainbow with stripes of purple, blue, darker green, lime green, mustard/yellow, pink   Mom's 2024 Christmas Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Yarn: Cascade Heritage Prints in the Holly Stripe Colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the colorway- Red, white and green uneven stripes.   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Peace & Light Socks Yarn: Woolens & Nosh SW Targhee Sock in the Peace & Light Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the yarn: 6 stripes in blues/teals, 3 in creams/yellows   Dirty Crayon Box Socks Yarn: Fiber Stash Strong Toes Sock (80% SW Merino/ 20% Nylon) in the Dirty Crayon Box Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page   Hattie's Scrappy Helical Socks Yarn: Random bits & bobs of fingering weight leftovers in pinks, purples and blues Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) US 1 (not 1.5), 48 sts. long cuff. Ravelry Project Page Check out my video tutorial for using Cate's Clasp Weft Join along with Helical Knitting.   Cold, Cold Heart Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Yarn: June Pryce Fiber Arts Coventry DK in the Cold, Cold Heart Colorway Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm) Ravelry Project Page   From the Armchair Bel Canto by Ann Patchett. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. (read in paperback in 2008). I listened to this in prep for the Bad on Paper Podcast Book Club Episode Here One Moment by Liane Morriarty. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link.   Watching: The Comeback: 2004 Boston Red Sox (Netflix)- 3 parts. The Diplomat (Season 2) on Netflix- 6 episodes. Santa Tell Me (Hallmark)   Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.   Knitting in Passing   I shared stories of how Dan bailed me out of a knitting emergency and Riley sent me photos of her progress on her Riley Rose Cowl- a free pattern by me- available on Ravelry | LoveCrafts   In My Travels Riley & I attended Fiber Festival of New England- check out our vlog video on the Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel. Met up with Michelle (chellescraps) and her friends in the morning. Great to see Lisa- who met us at Rhinebeck after following mom's Crispina Scrapbox challenge project! Find a photo of mom in that outfit in this Instagram post. It was great to see Jen, Carlos, Aurora and Zelda around lunch time,vAmy from Ross Farm & Jess from Stitched by Jessalu .     KAL News Pigskin Party '24 #DCSPigskinParty24 Event Dates: Thursday September 5, 2024- Monday February 10, 2025 Find everything you need in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Official Rules Registration Form  (you must be Registered to be eligible for prizes) Enter your projects using the Point Tally Form Find the full list of Sponsors in this Google Doc. Coupon Codes are listed in this Ravelry Thread Exclusive Items from our Pro Shop Sponsors are listed in this Ravelry Thread Questions-  ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com Tune in to see if you're the Q1 Challenge Winner (hint- the winner posted this blog post about her project) or if you won an October Participation Prize. Our Official Sponsor for Q2 (November) is Twin Mountain Handcrafts. Check this Ravelry thread for details about the Button challenge!   Commentator Update We are 10 weeks into the NFL season (and our knit a long) so I thought it would be fun to take a look at the scoreboard to see if any players had completed 10 or more projects...that is, averaging at least one project per week.  I was stunned.  Over 35 players have completed 10 or more projects!   Leading the way is player eyenowhour who has completed 27 projects--including 5 shawls and 12 baby garments!  Impressive!   But don't be dismayed if you can't imagine being as productive as eyenowhour! The great thing about the PSP is you can craft as much or as little as you want and still have a chance to win!   Events Wayland Winter Farmers' Market- Farm Fiber Days: January 19 & March 9, 2025 at Russell's Garden Center in Wayland, MA New England Farm & Fiber Festival: February 2 from 11a-5p at the Cyclorama in Boston   Contest, News & Notes   My friend Linda is looking for donations of warm handknit/crocheted items for adult and youth homeless in Massachusetts. They set up tables on Thanksgiving and put all of the handmade items on the fence outside the First Church in Woburn, MA. Calling for all makers who want to donate. PM me on Ravelry or email me at downcellarstudio at gmail.com and I'll give you the address to send them to. Any fiber type welcome. Hats, scarves, mitts, shawls, blankets. Anything warm is welcome!   I also talked about Socks for Sam. Check out their website. You can raise awareness for VWM by knitting a sock using #SocksForSam and tagging @Knitsocksforsam.    Life in Focus I shared some updates about Mom's new cancer treatments and recent hospital stays.   On a Happy Note I'm finding it very hard to be happy after the US election, but I try hard to look for these happy notes. As Gretchen Rubin reminded us on a recent episode of the Happier Podcast it is not selfish or unimportant to look for ways to be happy even when and especially when life feels really hard. When we are happier, we can do more to assert our values in the world and do hard things, so I started this segment with that reminder. Knitting on Hattie's socks and Sue's Instagram live on the day after the election helped me through a very difficult day. Halloween! Leaning into connecting with my people- whether that's work, friends, family, knitting community. Its small but its powerful. During Mom's first infusion, we played UNO. Mom slaughtered us! Dad got up and jokingly said he was going to smother her with a pillow before she could beat us any further and she was laughing so hard she almost offed herself! That was a bit of levity we all needed that night. We watched G&Z while their parents went out for their anniversary and again on Veteran's Day. Date night with Dan between Mom's treatments. I had a delicious pumpkin beer- Night Shift Pumpkin Piescraper Pumpkin Pie Ale. I went to see & Juliet with Megg, Terri, Liz and Riley. Then I had a sleepover at my brothers where Riley, Millie and I inadvertently had a matching PJs night.   Quote of the Week   “The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.” ― G.K. Chesterton   ------   Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.  

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

  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 283 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website.   This week's segments included:   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming From the Armchair Knitting in Passing KAL News Events Contest, News & Notes Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Stitchin with Yarn, winemakerssister, Yumi Yarns & Fibernymph Dye Works   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins LFA Helical Socks Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes in the Portal Colorway & a Mystery Colorway (both 50g skeins: 75% SW Merino, 25% Nylon). Knit Picks Felici in the Beatnik Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Cast on in June 2023. Finished September 5. Forgot to share in the last episode.   Frozen Shake Cozy Pattern: Ball Band with a Twist by Jennifer Lassonde. $2 crochet pattern available on Ravelry | LoveCrafts Yarn: worsted crochet cotton Hooks: F (3.75mm) & G (4.0mm) Ravelry Project Page Yarn- mystery blue cotton on a cone that was from Aunt Rachel's stash. Made for mom during September hospital stay when the dietitians started making frozen shakes to get nutrients into her.   Ribbed Bobble Pumpkin Pattern: Ribbed Bobble Pumpkin by Breann Mauldin. $3 crochet pattern available on Ravelry. Free version available here. Yarn: KnitKraft Wintuk Yarn in the Tangerine Colorway Hook: F (3.75 mm) Ravelry Project Page Yarn gifted to me by my friend Heather. We became friends through the dancing school we went to. Her mother was the stage manager and my mom was the house manager for our recitals. We've all know each other since I was 12. Heather's mother Rita passed away a few years ago. When Heather heard my mom was in the hospital she dropped off a care package at the dancing school- chemo caps for Mom and yarn from her mom's stash for me!   Rita's pumpkins Pattern: Pumpkin by June Gilbank. Free crochet pattern available on Ravelry. Free version available here. Yarn: KnitKraft Wintuk Yarn in the Tangerine Colorway Hook: F (3.75 mm) Ravelry Project Page 5 finished Yarn is definitely 1970s/1980s squeeky acrylic, so not my favorite to work with, but it feels great to put it to good use and to bring a bit of life to Rita's old stash.   Farmhouse Pumpkin Pattern: Farmhouse Pumpkins by More Dreams Less Life. $4.25 crochet pattern available on Ravelry. Yarn: KnitKraft Wintuk Yarn in the Tangerine Colorway Hook: F (3.75 mm) Ravelry Project Page Worked in the round. Does use FP & BP HDC which I learned in my crochet cables class at Staci's! Love the look of this. Worked up in an evening of TV.   Pumpkin Patch Cup Cozy Pattern: Pumpkin Patch Cup Cozy by Kylee Keller. Free crochet pattern available on Ravelry & this blog. Yarn: KnitKraft Wintuk Yarn in the Tangerine Colorway, Knit Picks Brava Worsed in the Dublin colorway (green) & mystery brown acrylic yarn from stash. Hook: F (3.75 mm) Ravelry Project Page The pattern calls for thicker yarn and a larger hook than I had. It also calls for what's essentially a 1x1 ribbed look, but I liked the look of the ribbing from the front/back post crochets on the Farmhouse Pumpkins, so I used that pattern instead. I used the stitch count from my Ball Band with a Twist pattern (available on Ravelry | LoveCrafts).   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Farmhouse Pumpkin Pattern: Farmhouse Pumpkins by More Dreams Less Life. $4.25 crochet pattern available on Ravelry. Yarn: KnitKraft Wintuk Yarn in the Rust Colorway Hook: F (3.75 mm) Ravelry Project Page I initially grabbed the yarn from Heather and threw some in my bag for the hospital and rest (still in its plastic Thom McCann shoe store bag lol into my craft room). I though the other skein of Wintuk was red- but when I went down there again, I realized it was rust! and the pumpkin madness continued! Cast on Saturday 9/28 watching Season 2 of the OA with Dan on Netflix.   Static Musselburgh Pattern: Musselburgh Hat by Ysolda Teague (7 GBP Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry & Ysolda's website) Yarn: Knit Picks Static Fingering Weight Yarn in the Peppercorn colorway Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm) & US 2.5 (3.0 mm) Ravelry Project Page Note- the pattern just got some updates About the yarn: blues, grays, cream and a bit of a salmony orange. Self patterning yarn. Progress: 15 inches. I will plan to add one more inch and then work the decreases.   Let the Mystery Unravel 2023 Blanket of Calm Pattern: Blanket of Calm by Casapinka (free crochet pattern) Yarn: Woolen Women Fibers- Let the Mystery Unravel subscription + Cascade Heritage Sock yarn in the Forged Iron Colorway Hook: 3.25 mm (D) Ravelry Project Page You can find my Let the Mystery Unravel Unboxing Video on YouTube in this Playlist This subscription is not available to new subscribers but there's a new one coming in the Fall. Blanket Pre-Orders for the Murder She Knit club are available now! Please consider using my Affiliate Link. Progress: I finished 9 my July squares & seamed them. I started my August squares and have 1 package waiting for me to open- the last batch.   Stranger Things 2 Socks Yarn: Desert Vista Dyeworks Viso base (75% SW Merino/25% Nylon) in the Stranger Things 2 Self Striping Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Cast on the morning of Thursday 9/5 for the Pigskin Party. I didn't get to join in the round until that night, but now its well underway. About the colorway- stripes of: orange, hot pink, purple, navy blue, medium blue and red. Progress- My first Pigskin Cast on using Snack Shack Sponsor yarn. I'm almost to heel of the first sock.   Rest Relax Recharge Socks Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn: Plush Sock in the Rest Relax Recharge Colorway (from the March 2023 Yarnable Box) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Cast on both cuffs so I can try to work these up quickly. They'll match some of Mom's go-to pjs. Cute acrylic Pigskin markers from Twin Mountain Handcrafts on them. Thanks ladies for sending them to me. I love them.   Brainstorming Making the pumpkins has me itching to make toys. It would be great to make some for the little kiddos for Christmas. I need to start the Christmas stocking for my cousin Colleen's little boy Owen so I have that ready for Thanksgiving. The pumpkins also have me longing to crochet some hats.   From the Armchair Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead by Elle Cosimano. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link.   Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.   Knitting in Passing Talked to several nurses and other staff about my knitting and crochet while in with Mom. One PCA learned to knit before but said she never really full understood it. I told her I'd be happy to meet her for coffee and a lesson anytime. The staff all oooh and ahhh over Mom's handknit socks. One morning when Mom was really out of it from anesthesia the day before, I was putting on her handknit socks and I had them totally crooked, heel on the side, and she was busting my chops. I told her "hey, I said I was good at knitting them, not putting them on!" and she insisted on taking a photo for me to share! Little glimpses of her coming back to her real self were great- even if it was going to be a bit more time before she was back to normal. I recently saw a notice in my town's Facebook page that the senior center is looking for yarn they can use to make things to sell at holiday's craft fairs. PSA: even if your community hasn't reached out- see if they need yarn so you can clear out anything you don't need and know it will go to good use.   KAL News Pigskin Party '24 #DCSPigskinParty24 Event Dates: Thursday September 5, 2024- Monday February 10, 2025 Find everything you need in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Official Rules Registration Form  (you must be Registered to be eligible for prizes) Enter your projects using the Point Tally Form Find the full list of Sponsors in this Google Doc. Coupon Codes are listed in this Ravelry Thread Exclusive Items from our Pro Shop Sponsors are listed in this Ravelry Thread Questions-  ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com Tailgate Talk Challenge- Click here for Ravelry Link Great way to get to know your team. There will be daily prompts from 9/5 through 9/16. Answer them in your Team thread in the Ravelry Group. If you answer them all, no more than 2 per day, you'll get 150 points (as long as you enter them on the Points Tally form by 10/1).  Our Official Sponsor for Q1 (October) is The Little Wolf Knits. This means you've got a challenge that can earn you more points and entry towards a cool prize. Check out the challenge details in this Ravelry post Commentator Mary Klute's report- One of the best things about the pigskin party is the community!  It is so much fun to get to know other players and the annual Tailgate Talk is a great way to do that. It looks like this year's Tailgate Talk was a great success--at the time of this report nearly 200 players had submitted for their Tailgate Talk points! But players aren't just chatting--they are also finishing projects!  So far there are 307 finished projects on the scoreboard, including 10 blitzes!  And it looks like players are really using sponsor products to rack up some extra points.  So far, finished projects have earned over 50 points on average by using sponsor products!  Symama09 is a great example of how to really maximize those sponsor points.  She earned 280 sponsor points on her recently finished gnome by using 2 proshop exclusive products, three proshop non-exclusive products, and two products from snack shack sponsors!  Her gnome is super cute too- check out the Ravelry Project Page here! Finally, don't forget to spread the word about the PSP!  You can join 14 players who have been earning points by drafting players! Tune in to hear if you're a September Participation Prize winner. I will be in touch with all winners via email.   Events Vermont Sheep & Wool: October 5 & 6, 2024 in Tunnebridge, VT Lambtown, Dixon, CA - Oct 5-6, 2024 NY Sheep & Wool Festival (aka Rhinebeck): October 19 & 20, 2024 in Rhinebeck, NY Maryland Alpaca and Fleece Festival: November 9-10, 2024 in West Friendship, Maryland For more West Coast (US) event- check out the Seattle Knitters Guild Site.   Know of an event I should spread the word about? Let me know!   Contest, News & Notes   My friend Linda is looking for donations of warm handknit/crocheted items for adult and youth homeless in Massachusetts. They set up tables on Thanksgiving and put all of the handmade items on the fence outside the First Church in Woburn, MA. Calling for all makers who want to donate. PM me on Ravelry or email me at downcellarstudio at gmail.com and I'll give you the address to send them to. Any fiber type welcome. Hats, scarves, mitts, shawls, blankets. Anything warm is welcome!   Life in Focus Update on Mom: Diane is still in the hospital after being admitted on 9/12. Attempts at the bedside to put filler into her right vocal cord to bring back her voice didn't work, so they brought her down to the OR and did the procedure there. She has so much more volume now! She doesn't notice a huge difference but we all do. We thought about 2 weeks in that she'd be going home, bags were all packed and they decided to do a last minute CT which showed spots in her lungs. We were told it wasn't cancer but it took until Thursday to do a Bronchoscopy to reveal the cause of that issue- 2 different bacterial infections. Of course at first we were told it was just 1 and she could go home on oral antibiotics. 10 minutes later the other was found and now she has to stay for at least a few days of IV antibiotics.   How to make it fun in the hospital Get to know your caregivers; find out what you have in common. It makes it more interesting if you can actually have a bond with the people you're interacting with on a regular basis. Get some new pajamas- especially if that's all you get to wear. If your family can stay over with you- get matching PJs. It's a little thing but it can make it feel a bit more special. Find ways to make the little things into bigger things. Our first matching PJ night, we wore flamingo pajamas. In advance of that, I purchased flamingo decorations at the party store and bought light up necklaces, straws & ice cubes to turn the evening into a party. The next night, we planned to have an ice cream sundae party. The unit always has ice cream on hand. Mom ordered a peach puree from the daily menu and I saved M&Ms that my cousin Jenny brought and we had an ice cream party. As it turns out, I spotted fireworks out the windows of the elevator lobby that night and was able to bring Mom over to see. Made what could have been an average night - or a depressign one because we thought she'd be home, more entertaining. Have folks send in mail and bring it to the patient! Chellescraps- Michelle, sent a bouquet of paper flowers (I believe they're from freshcutpaper)- my brother's family also got her one early on in her stay (these are great because, you may not know this but some patients cannot have fresh cut flowers- burn patients, some immunocompromised patients etc); Sewrunknit, Suzanne, sent a funny card, ElsaandEm, Emily, sent a handknit/embroidered flower pin, my cousin Jenny brought a WonderWoman balloon and ironically on the same day, a friend dropped off a Wonder Woman pillow at the house (great to use to push into Mom's side when she had pain) Ask friends and family to text photos and videos! Hattie sent Mom the cutest video of a little dance/kartwheel which was so fun.    On a Happy Note Sharpie Rollerball Pens (.5mm)- available on Amazon. The only thing that would make it better is if it was a click top, but I'm totally willing to live without the convenience. Trader Joe's Honey Hydration Day & Night Cream Duo. $7.99 (dupe for Farmacy Honey Halo, which I've never tried) One day when my SIL brought Riley, Garret and Millie in to see Mom at the hospital, Millie said she wanted to see my office, so since Mom was still at her MRI, we took a detour. Millie did a full on simulation of me at work, drinking selzter, typing on my computer etc. My parents celebrated their 47th Wedding Anniversary. Thankfully Dan had more brain cells and time than the rest of us and got Mom flowers on his way in to visit. I picked up my grandmother to bring her in for a visit with my Mom. We had a lovely visit. My cousin Sabrina came up from Tennessee with her girlfriend Maria for a visit with my Mom. It was so great catching up with them. Watching The American President. I love that movie. Mom and I had been talking about it in the hospital that day- specifically the line from Michael J. Fox (as Lewis Rothschild) "I tell any girl I'm going out with to assume that all plans are soft until she receives confirmation from me thirty minutes beforehand." Robin McCall: "And they find this romantic?" Lewis Rothschild: "Well, I say it with a great deal of charm." I was able to use our John Deere tractor/backhoe to free myself when a tree fell in our driveway and I was trapped. Dan was in Vermont and I thought I'd have to call my nephew Oisin but it didn't come to that! I scored a $300 ski bag with a charging set-up for boot warmers for $15 at a yard sale this weekend. Trader Joe's pumpkin Kringle! with Cinnamon coffee.   Quote of the Week   Strive to be whole, not perfect, for in wholeness we embrace both our strengths and our flaws, while in perfection, we lose the beauty of our true selves. -Unknown   ------   Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.  

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 282 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week's segments included: Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming From the Armchair Knitting in Passing Crafty Adventures KAL News Events Contest, News & Notes Life in Focus Ask Me Anything On a Happy Note Quote of the Week Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Imagined Landscapes, Fibernymph Dye Works, BellaFio Yarn Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Wool Ease Hexagon Blanket Pattern: Basic Crochet Hexagon Pattern & Tips from Make Do and Crew Website & YouTube Tutorial Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick. Centers in colorways- Fern, Coney Island, Seaglass, Slate. Borders- Wheat & Oatmeal Hook: 10mm (N/P) 96 total hexagons + half hexies to square off the edges. Border: 1 round of sc (used nearly 1 skein of yarn), 2 rounds of hdc, 2 rounds of Dc on short sides and sc on long sides 4,499 grams used 1,728 grams of multi color yarns / around 10 skeins 2,771 grams wheat used. / around 16 skeins used Total for Stash Dash: 2,567.6 meters Berry Bliss Socks Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock (75% SW Merino/25% Nylon) in the Berry Bliss Colorway (May 2024 Yarnable Box) & Legacy Fiber Artz Glitzy Toes (pink mini from 2023 Advent Calendar) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Cast on July 12 About the yarn- lemon yellow, sherbet orange and pink. I worked the first heel in a pink sparkle yarn from Legacy Fiber Artz because I have some spiral striping going on and didn't want to disrupt it. Stash Dash Update Jasmin (of the Knitmore Girls Podcast) & I competed again this year. Check out my Stash Dash Spreadsheet here. Here's Jasmin's Spreadsheet. My 2024 Stash Dash Total: 12,088 26 projects- 16 knit, 8 crochet, 2 spinning 2 blankets, a cowl, 3 hats, a book holder, a pair of mitts, 11 pairs of socks, 1 Christmas stocking, 2 tops and 4 skeins of yarn Jasmin's total: 29,811 with the meters for a finished spinning project not yet on her spreadsheet. I always knew if she buckled down and finished one of her massive spinning projects she'd annihilate me and she finally did! One of her spinning projects was 23k! Nicely done, friend!! My hat is off to you. On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Static Musselburgh Pattern: Musselburgh Hat by Ysolda Teague (7 GBP Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry & Ysolda's website) Yarn: Knit Picks Static Fingering Weight Yarn in the Peppercorn colorway Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm) & US 2.5 (3.0 mm) Ravelry Project Page Note- the pattern just got some updates About the yarn: blues, grays, cream and a bit of a salmony orange. Self patterning yarn. I'm loving how its working up so far. Let the Mystery Unravel 2023 Blanket of Calm Pattern: Blanket of Calm by Casapinka (free crochet pattern) Yarn: Woolen Women Fibers- Let the Mystery Unravel subscription + Cascade Heritage Sock yarn in the Forged Iron Colorway Hook: 3.25 mm (D) Ravelry Project Page You can find my Let the Mystery Unravel Unboxing Video on YouTube in this Playlist This subscription is not available to new subscribers but there's a new one coming in the Fall. Blanket Pre-Orders for the Murder She Knit club are available now! Please consider using my Affiliate Link. Progress: I finished 9 my July squares & seamed them. I started my August squares and have 1 package waiting for me to open- the last batch. Stranger Things 2 Socks Yarn: Desert Vista Dyeworks Viso base (75% SW Merino/25% Nylon) in the Stranger Things 2 Self Striping Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Cast on the morning of Thursday 9/5 for the Pigskin Party. I didn't get to join in the round until that night, but now its well underway. About the colorway- stripes of: orange, hot pink, purple, navy blue, medium blue and red. Progress- almost to heel of the first sock. Brainstorming Autumn Doodle Cup Cozy by Jamie Lomax ($2 knitting pattern- Ravelry) . Quick  fall colorwork project with DK yarn. From the Armchair Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah.  Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Listened to this because I want to watch the Netflix series based on this starring Sarah Chalke & Katherine Heigl Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases. Knitting in Passing During Marta's visit, the kids turned the living room at my parents' into a craft room. Millie knit on the hat she's making for her dad. Riley worked on crochet hexagons for our matching blankets. Roc crocheted on a crab and eventually started a giraffe amigurumi and a baby hat. Riley taught Roc to make a crochet hexagon. Even Max & Garret got in on the action and did some drawing. One of the first afternoons, we were sitting at the bar at my parents' pool. Marta was sewing up a hole in Max's shirt, I was finishing some socks and Roc was crocheting his crab. Throughout the trip, Roc (age 12) was crocheting constantly- in the car, at the table, at the park, anytime he had a few free minutes. He was incredibly adept at chatting and keeping up with his pattern working in increases and decreases. We ended up going to 6 craft stores- Plymouth Harbor Knits, Michaels, Joann, The Craft Loft, Hobby Lobby, Gather Here. Roc also got a crochet kit at Dollar Tree (the same dinoaur my niece Aila bought earlier this summer). We had a campfire at my house one night. Roc, Millie and Hattie spent most of the night crafting in my studio. We visited my house after kayaking & ice cream one afternoon- Hattie also did a bit of knitting on my Musselburgh hat. I found a few dropped stitches the next time I picked it up but that's ok. Crafty Adventures Marta, Roc and I did some resin projects while they were visiting. Roc put resin in the bottom of a small wooden crate and then we worked together on a pumpkin lazy susan. KAL News Pigskin Party '24 #DCSPigskinParty24 Event Dates: Thursday September 5, 2024- Monday February 10, 2025 Find everything you need in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Official Rules Registration Form  (you must be Registered to be eligible for prizes) Enter your projects using the Point Tally Form Find the full list of Sponsors in this Google Doc. Coupon Codes are listed in this Ravelry Thread Exclusive Items from our Pro Shop Sponsors are listed in this Ravelry Thread Questions-  ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com Playoff Prediction Contest:  Check this Ravelry Thread on 9/4 for post. Choose the NFL team you think will win the Super Bowl this year (before the thread closes on 9/19). Correct guesses will get you extra points. Tailgate Talk Challenge– Click here for Ravelry Link Great way to get to know your team. There will be daily prompts from 9/5 through 9/16. Answer them in your Team thread in the Ravelry Group. If you answer them all, no more than 2 per day, you'll get 150 points (as long as you enter them on the Points Tally form by 10/1).  Stay Tuned for our October Challenge hosted by The Little Wolf Knits. Commentator Mary: The season is off to a great start! The first Monday Night Football game was still on and there were already 18 projects in the end zone dance thread! There were lots of hats and dishcloths, of course, as these are often quick projects. But one player went above and beyond! Shellylynnknits already completed a blitz in 4 days!  She crocheted a scrap yarn basket that is super cool! https://www.ravelry.com/projects/Shellylynnknits/scrap-yarn-basket  That pattern looks like a really fun idea for using up scraps! The September chat thread is in full swing. There are lots of old friends reconnecting after some months away and new players introducing themselves and getting warm welcomes.  There is a lot of chatter about life events, plans for pigskin, and an interesting discussion about why people like knitting socks. In addition, if you are a reader or a cook, be sure to check out that Pigskin Book Talk (Ravelry Link) and Pigskin Recipe Ideas (Ravelry Link)! threads as they are quite lively too!  Don't be worried about falling behind on any of these threads…you can jump in at any time! Events Adirondack Wool & Arts Festival; September 21 & 22, 2024 in Greenwich, NY (GREEN-Witch) Vermont Sheep & Wool: October 1 & 2, 2024 in Tunnebridge, VT NY Sheep & Wool Festival (aka Rhinebeck): October 19 & 20, 2024 in Rhinebeck, NY Sierra Nevada Yarn Crawl, (CA and NV) – Sept 12-15, 2024 Cape & South Shore Yarn Haul (MA) September 14-17, 2024 Lambtown, Dixon, CA – Oct 5-6, 2024 For more West Coast (US) event- check out the Seattle Knitters Guild Site. Know of an event I should spread the word about? Let me know! Contest, News & Notes My friend Linda is looking for donations of warm handknit/crocheted items for adult and youth homeless in Massachusetts. They set up tables on Thanksgiving and put all of the handmade items on the fence outside the First Church in Woburn, MA. Calling for all makers who want to donate. PM me on Ravelry or email me at downcellarstudio at gmail.com and I'll give you the address to send them to. Any fiber type welcome. Hats, scarves, mitts, shawls, blankets. Anything warm is welcome! This year they're especially looking for men's things. Life in Focus 2024 Word of the Year- Heart Thank you Emily for sending me a knit & embroidered heart pin! Its so beautiful and it made my day! Update on Mom: Mom had a couple good days while Marta was visiting. Grateful we were able to spend time together even when she couldn't leave the house. The sound of the boys laughing brought her joy. She had the catheter removed from her lung. Began having throat issues that worsened day after day. On Thursday 9/12 came for scans and chemo, but only had scans and then was admitted. She's had a whole slew of tests and so far they haven't found anything wrong which is good news, but we still need to get to the bottom of things. One bit of good news, she should be having an injection of filler into her paralyzed right vocal cord that will allow her voice to come back. Ask Me Anything Herdofhills asked about: fall project plans, books, favorite fall recipes I am looking forward to: apple picking, apple sauce, wood chopping weekend, oven baked oatmeal (here's a recipe I like to use), a Better Off Dead movie party, I've already enjoyed watching Hocus Pocus (1 & 2), pulling out the wool socks and wearing those at night, decorating, overnight oats for breakfast which I tend to eat more in fall/winter. Even better for fall is warm. Deborahjay- Love is blind UK I was watching but got sidetracked with Marta's visit. For the first time, I found myself fast forwarding through the pre-wedding stuff to hear yes/no. Liked that it seemed like folks were actually there for love and that the cast was far less dramatic than the US participants. kjkcrochet- I'd love to know a little bit more about your job I'm a Project Manager in the Nursing Dept of a big boston hospital, supporting a communication system and other projects thank involve communication, responsiveness (to patients) and technology). Tune in to hear more. On a Happy Note Max's reaction to Plymouth Rock! Teaching Roc some new crochet stitches and seeing his enthusiasm. He's definitely my new buddy. My heart almost burst when he sent me a screenshot of his Home Screen- photo of us outside the Craft Loft in Cambridge. Handpicked sunflowers from my friend Eileen's garden. Laser tag Going on a Duck Tour 2 whole weeks with Marta. We haven't been together that long since 1998! And all of the funny moments and inside jokes that come from it. Connections at work making tough days a little easier. Quote of the Week Summer ends, and Autumn comes, and he who would have it otherwise would have high tide always and a full moon every night. ~ Hal Borland —— Thank you for tuning in! Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out myDown Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -“Soft Orange Glow” by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.

  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 281 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website.   This week's segments included:   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming From the Armchair Knitting in Passing KAL News Events Life in Focus Ask Me Anything On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Thank you to this episode's sponsors:   Twin Mountain Handcrafts Irocknits Designs Thelittlewolfknits Stitched by Jessalu   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Declan's 70s Socks Yarn: Patons Kroy Stripes in the Seventies Stripes Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Finished August 3rd Total for Stash Dash: 278.2 meters (304.2 yards)   Log Cabin Mitts Pattern: Log Cabin Mitts by Karen Templar (free knitting pattern available on Ravelry & on this site) Yarn: Barnyard Knits, Fuse Fiber Studio, One Twisted Tree (shop formerly own Prairie Girl Danie) + other leftover sock yarn Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) 9 sections of garter stitch log cabin. I decided to knit the 2 squares concurrently so I'd remember which yarns I used for each section, not reading ahead enough to know that you were supposed to work them slightly differently to make matching mitts, but that doesn't bother me at all, so I just went with it and mine are opposites. I like that I can see all of the colors on the top or bottoms of my hands.  60g fingering weight yarn (held double) 253.8 meters for Stash Dash   Rafa's Hat Yarn: Malabrigo Rios in the Cielo y Tierra colorway Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) Pattern: Rafa's Hat by Joji Locatelli (free knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Ravelry Project Page: Started July 9. Finished August 7th. Total for Stash Dash: 115.2 meters   Laura's London Socks Yarn: Qing Fibre Dashing Fingering Base in the Salt colorway (cream with blips of neons & gray) & a 50g Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes Micro Skein in a Mystery Colorway (gray) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Ravelry Project Page Bought the Qing Fibres Yarn in London in November 2022 with Laura. She chose this skein from my stash in 2023 not realizing we bought it when we were together. Total for Stash Dash: 272 meters   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Wool Ease Hexagon Blanket Pattern: Basic Crochet Hexagon Pattern & Tips from Make Do and Crew Website & YouTube Tutorial Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick. Centers in colorways- Fern, Coney Island, Seaglass, Slate. Borders- Wheat & Oatmeal Hook: 10mm (N/P) 2 rounds of color- 1 round of wheat or oatmeal 30 done in July. 47 done by August 7th. Had to order more yarn (twice) and ended up with 96 hexagons. The blanket is nearly the size of a full sized comforter.  Last summer's hexi blanket was fingering held double- 60x84 inches and took about 300 hexis which were 4 rounds each (these have only 3). (Check out the Ravelry Project Page here)   Berry Bliss Socks Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock (75% SW Merino/25% Nylon) in the Berry Bliss Colorway (May 2024 Yarnable Box) & Legacy Fiber Artz Glitzy Toes (pink mini from 2023 Advent Calendar) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Progress: I've finished the heel on the second sock.   LFA Helical Socks Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes in the Portal Colorway & a Mystery Colorway (both 50g skeins: 75% SW Merino, 25% Nylon). Knit Picks Felici in the Beatnik Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Cast on in June 2023. Finished the first sock and am nearly to the heel on the second sock. I'm helical striping the LFA yarn and used leftover Knit Picks Felici Self Striping Yarn (purple, blue and a pumpkin orange) for the heel and toes. You can't tell its striped at all. Looks like 1 cohesive colorway. Progress: first sock finished, nearly to the heel on the second sock.   Brainstorming I'm debating starting my first Woolens and Nosh advent sock early since December is hectic I never get as far as I'd like. I thought I could make a sweater from me with the leftovers of Mom's Rhinebeck Sweater yarn, but it doesn't look like I'll have enough yarn, so that project is on hold. Perhaps I'll look for more yarn to add to it and save it for that. Dan's Litchfield Hat with Welcome to Litchfield Handspun (Ravelry Project Page) I'm planning to knit socks for my friend Sheri. My niece Aila asked for socks for Christmas. She'd like these Daisy Socks- pattern on Ravelry.   From the Armchair The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. No One Tells You This by Glynnis Macnicol. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. All Fours by Miranda July. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Bitter Blood: A True Story of Southern Family Pride, Madness and Multiple Murder by Jerry Bledsoe. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link.   Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.   Knitting in Passing Last Saturday, Oisin came here to Work with Dan. When Megg, Tom and Hattie came to pick him up they stayed for a chat. Hattie got out the ponies and Barbies, then she abandoned that to knit on my Berry Lemonade socks with me. She did fantastic after a quick reminder of the stitches and even took my feedback about putting her left index finger on the second stitch on the needle to prevent that from falling off while slipping the stitch she just worked, off the left needle. Hattie asked to start her own pair of socks (ambitious) and tried on scrappy helical socks I started in November (Ravelry Project Page) She tried on the scrappy helical socks I started in November and they fit. I need about 1.5 inches before toe on the first sock, so I should pick those back up soon.   KAL News Pigskin Party '24 #DCSPigskinParty24 Event Dates: Thursday September 5, 2024- Monday February 10, 2025 Find everything you need in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Official Rules Registration Form  (you must be Registered to be eligible for prizes) Find out what Team you're on (Team Chats will open 9/1/24) Enter your projects using the Point Tally Form Find the full list of Sponsors in this Google Doc. Being updated regularly so keep checking back. Coupon Codes are listed in this Ravelry Thread Exclusive Items from our Pro Shop Sponsors are listed in this Ravelry Thread Questions-  ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com   A special THANK YOU to our team Umpire- Wendy- socalknitgirl Commissioners Emily- (ElsaandEm)- Llama Conference Alicia (almariecraft)- Alpaca Conference Nicole (KnitterNicole)- Sheep Conference Commentator- Mary (Maryklute)   Playoff Prediction Contest:  Check the Ravelry Group on 9/4 for post. Choose the NFL team you think will win the Super Bowl this year (before the thread closes on 9/19). Correct guesses will get you extra points. Tailgate Talk Challenge- Click here for Ravelry Link Great way to get to know your team. There will be daily prompts from 9/5 through 9/16. Answer them in your Team thread in the Ravelry Group. If you answer them all, no more than 2 per day, you'll get 150 points (as long as you enter them on the Points Tally form by 10/1).  This year, we'll have 4 primary challenges during the full months of the event- Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan. Stay tuned for those details. The sponsors are: October: Thelittlewolfknits November: Twin Mountain Handcrafts December: Fangirl Fibers January: Fibernymph Dye Works   Other current & upcoming events: Summer Bingo with Monica & Cortney of the Craft Cook Read Repeat Podcast Colors of Fall with the Yarniacs Podcast Group. June 20- September 22 Summer Spin In with the Two Ewes Fiber Adventures Podcast Group- May 27 - September 2 Summer Sock Camp with the Crazy Sock Lady The Knit Girllls are hosting their annual Stash Dash Event from May 24-August 31,2024. Here's a chatter thread for stash dash 2024! Stash Dash will run from May 24th-the end of August. Craft all the things and see how your FO pile grows! This is a competition only against yourself. Discord link: knit girllls discord Jasmin (of the Knitmore Girls Podcast) & I are competing again this year. Check out my Stash Dash Spreadsheet here. Here's Jasmin's Spreadsheet.   I have 9,273 meters as of August 25. Jasmin is on the board with 5,910 meters Sending much love to Jasmin & Gigi after hearing about Gigi's recent stroke.    Events Sierra Nevada Yarn Crawl, (CA and NV) - Sept 12-15, 2024 Cape & South Shore Yarn Haul (MA) September 14-17, 2024 Adirondack Wool & Arts Festival; September 21 & 22, 2024 in Greenwich, NY Vermont Sheep & Wool: October 1 & 2, 2024 in Tunnebridge, VT Lambtown, Dixon, CA - Oct 5-6, 2024 NY Sheep & Wool Festival (aka Rhinebeck): October 19 & 20, 2024 in Rhinebeck, NY For more West Coast (US) event- check out the Seattle Knitters Guild Site.   Know of an event I should spread the word about? Let me know!   Life in Focus   Mom Update: After Whole Brain Radiation, Mom went right into 5 targeted radiation treatments to help reduce the size of the cancer in a lymph node that was pressing on nerves that then get in the way of her right vocal cord. As of about mid-July, she didn't have any voice, and they hoped to correct that. On her last day of that radiation, she also had a PleureX cathetered installed in her right lung to allow regular at-home drainage to keep that pressure off her lung. The day after that- Dad and I tested positive for Covid and by Monday Mom had too. Thankfully Dad and I had only mild symptoms and Mom had none- which was a blessing because the insertion of that port left her riddled with pain for days. Now she's coming out of that but starting a new chemo. We're hopeful that this will take away some of her pain and its already meant she doesn't need her lung drained as frequently. Hoping September will be a better month for her than the last couple.   Ask Me Anything   NDoyle asks: What has been your favorite item you've made this year and why? Millie's Squishmallow Sheltie Dog that I crocheted without a pattern- Ravelry Project Page Emotional Support Chicken- Ravelry Project Page Marilynknits- What gauge do you knit your socks at? 8-8.5 sts per inch. 56 sts on US 1.5 needles= 6.5 to 7 inch circumference   On a Happy Note I am very relieved that Covid was mild for us, especially for my Mom. Also very grateful that my brother who was on vacation in Virginia just as we came down with Covid, ended up having a bicycle accident that left him with bruises all over and a broken rib- but is going to be OK. I made everyone promise we'd all stay out of the hospital for one full week! Visits with my cousin Jenny and her daughter Vera who often come over to see my Mom. Weekend pool time, especially with our youngest niece and nephew who are absolute fishies! My dear friend Nathan (only a couple years older than me) had a successful heart and kidney transplant only 1 day apart from each other but is recovering well. Our family all bought t-shirts and made donations to help his family and got a great photo to send him poolside one afternoon! My Mom wanted to get eyelash extensions so she, my cousin Jenny and I all went and it was a lovely experience. Dan and I picked up my grandmother and we all went to my cousin Nancy's Surprise 60th birthday. Mom and Gram both had a great day that. Beautiful sunny poolday with all the kiddos swimming, I caught up with many of my cousins who I don't get to see all the time, learned there's another new baby coming in January and enjoyed fresh pizza from a woodfired oven. We also sang to my grandmother. From there, we headed to Terri's Graduation Party. She runs the dancing school where I met Kris & Megg, two of my best friends who have 5 of our niblings. Dan's younger brother Dave played in the band, the kids all played together. We got to see Terri's brother who came up from FL, and Conor, Carly and baby Miles after they were in Nantucket for a couple weeks. Dinner & Les Mis with Kris, Aila and Megg. At Mom's chemo treatment, we got to see my friend Waveney who was my officemate in my first job at the hospital 22 years ago and her son, Tighe, checked us in at the Infusion Clinic. As soon as I said hello, his whole face lit up with a smile and he came around and immediately hugged us all. It was pure joy! He'll be back off to college soon. We hosted a 90th birthday party for my grandmother at The Tavern in her assisted living facility. I put together all sorts of cool photo decorations & used some of her old picture frames for the tables and guests could take them as favors. Dan DJed, and my Dad, our friend Sharon & cousin Susan prepared the food) and the kiddos all acted as bartenders. Hattie even went around and took photos. All of the joy and hope coming out of Democratic party with coverage of the DNC. It feels great to have a candidate I'm truly joyful about supporting. A quieter weekend- getting ready for my friend Marta to arrive from Barcelona (if I'm a bit MIA that's why)   Quote of the Week One evening in August, you have an errand outdoors, and all of a sudden, it's pitch-black. It is still summer, but the summer is no longer alive.   ~ Tove Jansson   ------ Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.  

  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 280 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website.   This week's segments included:   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming From the Armchair Crafty Adventures Knitting in Passing In my Travels KAL News Events Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Stitched by Jessalu   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins     Silver Spoon Socks Yarn: A Whimsical Wood Yarn Company Pixie Toes Socks in the Silver Spoon Up My A$$ colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Ravelry Project Page About the yarn: peaches and pinks with gray/taupe. At my gauge it is striping (~2 rounds per color). I purchased this yarn at Yarncentric event in Maryland. Started in May 2023. Finished on June 28, 2024 Total for Stash Dash: 262 meters   Baby James' Cozy Clusters Blanket Pattern: Cozy Clusters Baby Blanket by Leelee Knits (free & paid options available on the LeeLeeKnits website) Yarn: Caron Cinnamon Swirl Cakes in the Slush Colorway (purchased 3). 1 skein of Loops & Threads Impeccable in Colorway 01110 [Navy] for the border Hook: I (5.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Bobble Border instructions from this blog Finished size- 30.5 inches wide by 38.8 inches tall (not including the bobbles) Finished on July 2 Total for Stash Dash: 1,010 meters (833 meters Caron Cakes [2.25 skeins] - 178 meters Loops & Threads- less than 1 skein)   Trish's New Orleans Socks Yarn- Cat Tails Yarn in the Chartreux Base (75% Superwash Merino, 15% Nylon, 10% Silver Stellina) in the Christmas Bonfires Colorway (part of the Down in New Orleans Collection) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Trish purchased in New Orleans in 2024 (exclusive colorway for the Quarter Stitch). $34. Finished on July 3 Total for Stash Dash: 259 meters   American Ewe Turn a Square Hat Yarn: American Ewe Worsted Tweed in the Terrace Mountain Colorway Pattern: Turn a Square by Jared Flood ($5 pattern available on Ravelry & Brooklyn Tweed website) Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) & US 7 (4.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the yarn: 3 ply Merino/Rambouillet Shaniko Wool (89%) with 6% acrylic and 5% rayon flecks. The colorway is a natural with brownish tweedy bits. I purchased the yarn for $15 at Adventures in Knitting in Harwich, MA on the way to visit friends who were staying in Wellfleet. They had a cool display of "used needles" for $4 each. I bought bamboo US. Modifications: I use worsted weight yarn and knit the smallest size, omitting the increases after the ribbing. I knit 6 inches before the crown decreases. Total for Stash Dash: 99.8 meters (109.2 yards), 51 grams   Portland Socks Yarn: Urth Yarns Uneek Fingering in Colorway 3024 Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Ravelry Project Page About the yarn: self striping yarn- cornflower blue, dusty orange, yellowy green, peach, magenta and purple. I purchased the yarn at Knit Wit Yarn Shop in Portland, Maine. You can purchase the same yarn online from them. I held a strand of navy blue nylon thread along with yarn for the heel flap and gusset to give more strength to the heel. I used the Lemonwood Mini Minder (also purchased at Knit Wit) and knit the vast majority of this pair of socks in 2 days walking around Portland, visiting breweries and hanging out with friends. You can see a video I made of this project on Instagram. Total for Stash Dash: 254.7 meters   Welcome to Litchfield Spinning Project Fiber: I purchased two 4oz braid of fiber from Into the Whirled in the Welcome to Litchfield colorway (1 braid Texel & 1 braid BFL Tussah Silk) along with 1 gray  (The Traveler on Cheviot base) braid to ply them together. Twist direction: singles = Z plied = S This means when I'm spinning, my wheel is spinning clockwise and when plying my wheel is moving counter-clockwise. Ravelry Project Page I didn't fully spin the gray Traveler colorway braid. Finished Project- 3 braids of 3 ply yarn: 184g= 252.2 meters (275.9 yards) ~Aran weight Total for Stash Dash= 252.2 meters x 4= 1,008.8 meters   Book Holder Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease Roving Stripes in Daisy & 1 other mystery colorway (lost the ball band), Premier Yarns Parfait Chunky (mustard) & Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Worsted Ravelry Project Page Hook: 9.0 mm (M/N) I took inspiration from this pattern on Ravelry. (Boho Book Nook crochet pattern- but I was using MUCH chunkier yarn and I didn't want to use the same textured stitches) I chained 21 sts and worked with 20 hdcs across each row- working in the third loop after the first row. I wasn't going to have enough of the Lion Brand Roving to make the whole thing, so I held the Wool of the Andes double for the part that would be covered. I worked a single crochet around the edges, and then sewed the front to back in just 1 spot on either side. I used a chain for the loop to tack it up on the wall. Total for Stash Dash: 128.1 meters   Declan's Adrift Socks Yarn: Patons Kroy Stripes in the Adrift colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Ravelry Project Page About the colorway- short stripes (about 3 rounds each) with 3 shades of blue- navy, denim and cornflower plus orange and brown. Total for Stash Dash: 278.2 meters   Deschain Pattern Deschain by Leila Raven Needles: US 9 (5.5 mm) Yarn. Rowan Creative Linen. Colorway 00624-   Gray. Worsted weight 50% Linen / Flax, 50% Cotton. 200 meters / 100 grams. Bought 4 skeins. Used a little more than 2 Size: Smallest (54 1/4 in bust) Calls for 16-22" positive ease. I should have around 19" Ravelry Project Page Originally finished July 10, 2021. I ripped out in 2024 because the back was far too short. I ripped out the sleeves (tossed) and unseamed the back and front. The instructions call for the back to be 12 inches but the front falls about 17 inches from collarbone to the bottom hem. I knit about 14 inches on the back and then worked a few sets of German Short Rows before the bottom hem instructions. I tried a few options for sleeves and then decided I"d just sew up the ends in a way to tuck/hem the ends under and I love that. In the end I made the body longer and the sleeves shorter Total for Stash Dash: 424.0 meters (463.7 yards), 212 grams   First Point of Libra Cowl Pattern: First Point of Libra Cowl by Laura Aylor Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm) Yarn: Barnyard Knits, Fuse Fiber Studio, One Twisted Tree (shop formerly own Prairie Girl Danie) + other leftover sock yarn Ravelry Project Page Yarn purchased at Vogue Knitting Live January 2020 with Lauren. Planned to make a 2 color shawl. Cast on My Cryptonite by Melanie Berg and never got more than a couple inches in. Here's the Ravelry Project Page for the shawl that's now frogged. I started in October 2022. My November 2022 notes say- I'm losing mojo on this and I don't think it has to do w/ the pattern or my yarn. I like it... but its not getting finished before my trip to the UK so I will need to find other wooly accessories to bring with me. I picked up again July 2024 and it flew off the needles! Modifications: In Section 4, I skipped adding color 4 & 5 (1-3 only). Skipped Section 5. Finished size: 21 inches around. 15 inches tall. Total for Stash Dash: 406 meters   Vera's Christmas Stocking Pattern: Christmas Stockings to Knit and Crochet from Family Circle Magazine. Available in this web archive link. I've also saved it to my podcast Gmail Google Drive in case it disappears! Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Red, Everglade Heather and White Hook: F (3.75 mm) Ravelry Project Page Total for Stash Dash: 456.5 meters   8,353 meters for Stash Dash Over 4,500 meters added since the last episode!   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Wool Ease Hexagon Blanket Pattern: Basic Crochet Hexagon Pattern & Tips from Make Do and Crew Website & YouTube Tutorial Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick. Centers in colorways- Fern, Coney Island, Seaglass, Slate. Borders- Wheat & Oatmeal Hook: 10mm (N/P) Notes: started in April 2022. I never talked about it on the podcast.  Inspired by an instagram post from Lion Brand. This WIP has been taking up a ton of space in my craft room ever since. When the pump in my dehumidifer went and we had to move some things to get at it, I decided I had to get this WIP done. 2 rounds of color- 1 round of wheat or oatmeal 18 were done. 30 finished now   Berry Bliss Socks Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock (75% SW Merino/25% Nylon) in the Berry Bliss Colorway (May 2024 Yarnable Box) & Legacy Fiber Artz Glitzy Toes (pink mini from 2023 Advent Calendar) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the yarn- lemon yellow, sherbet orange and pink. I worked the first heel in a pink sparkle yarn from Legacy Fiber Artz because I have some spiral striping going on and didn't want to disrupt it. Progress: I've finished the heel on the first sock.   Rafa's Hat Yarn: Malabrigo Rios in the Cielo y Tierra colorway Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) Pattern: Rafa's Hat by Joji Locatelli (free knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Ravelry Project Page: About the yarn: blues/tans that is almost striping at my gauge. The hat is a 1x1 rib that has a cool purl ridge detail. Progress: I've worked two repeats of the pattern   Cold Goat Farm Spinning Fiber: Cold Goat Farm Batt- I believe its Merino/Mohair but there are no details on the business card in my bag. I think I purchased it at Rhinebeck 2023. Twist direction: singles = Z plied = S This means when I'm spinning, my wheel is spinning clockwise and when plying my wheel is moving counter-clockwise. Ravelry Project Page   Brainstorming Connections socks! Have you heard about them? You take your Daily NY Times Game- Connections Results and put them into colorwork socks. Suzanne told me about them- and recently saw and loved Wendy's! Here's a link to Wendy's Connection Socks Ravelry Project Page.   From the Armchair Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. I'll Just Be Five More Minutes (and other tales from my ADHD brain) by Emily Farris. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. We Were Never Here by Andrea Bartz. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Feed by M.T. Anderson. Bookshop Affiliate Link (not available). Amazon Affiliate Link. Briefly Perfectly Human by Alua Arthur. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link.   Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.   Crafty Adventures I found a small hole in my Mabel Style cross body sling bag and decided to use embroidery floss for a better hold and to add a bit of visible mending color. I received great customer service when I reached out to them! I'm in the midst of a massive studio clean out. It started w/ issues with my dehumidifier and it's really spiraled from there. I'm excited to see how it all comes back together.   Knitting in Passing   Aila FaceTimed me from a friend's house after buying a crochet dinosaur kit at the dollar store. The next day after pool day and dinner we practiced chain and single crochet.   In My Travels Dan and I spent a long weekend in Portland, Maine to celebrate our 20th Anniversary. I was able to go up a night early to attend the knit night at Rising Tide Brewery. I loved meeting Heather from Rising Tide and Jenn & her husband Chuck from Knit Wit. Friday morning, I visited Knit Wit Yarn Shop's new location and then walked around. Dan, Dana and Sheri arrived and we met at Duck Fat for lunch before showing them around to some of our favorite breweries. Saturday we visited local shops and more breweries before going to see comedian Kathleen Madigan. Sunday, I did some shopping while Dan watched soccer then we enjoyed some drinks together and ended up back at Rising Tide where there was a 6p Burlesque show so Dan got us tickets. Really fun end to an awesome weekend.   KAL News Pigskin Party '24 will kick off in the fall (specific date TBD). We're looking for Sponsors for this season. Interested or know someone who is? Sign up for my email newsletter and click the box saying you're potentially interested in sponsoring events and you'll get first dibs on spots. And/or email me for details!   Other current & upcoming events: Summer Bingo with Monica & Cortney of the Craft Cook Read Repeat Podcast Colors of Fall with the Yarniacs Podcast Group. June 20- September 22 Summer Spin In with the Two Ewes Fiber Adventures Podcast Group- May 27 - September 2 Summer Sock Camp with the Crazy Sock Lady The Knit Girllls are hosting their annual Stash Dash Event from May 24-August 31,2024. Here's a chatter thread for stash dash 2024! Stash Dash will run from May 24th-the end of August. Craft all the things and see how your FO pile grows! This is a competition only against yourself. Discord link: knit girllls discord Jasmin (of the Knitmore Girls Podcast) & I are competing again this year. Check out my Stash Dash Spreadsheet here     Events Flock Fiber Festival- August 9-11 in Seattle, WA FIber Revival: August 10 in Newbury, MA Adirondack Wool & Arts Festival; September 21 & 22, 2024 in Greenwich, NY (GREEN-Witch) Vermont Sheep & Wool: October 1 & 2, 2024 in Tunnebridge, VT NY Sheep & Wool Festival (aka Rhinebeck): October 19 & 20, 2024 in Rhinebeck, NY Sierra Nevada Yarn Crawl, (CA and NV) - Sept 12-15, 2024 Cape & South Shore Yarn Haul (MA) September 14-17, 2024 Lambtown, Dixon, CA - Oct 5-6, 2024 For more West Coast (US) event- check out the Seattle Knitters Guild Site.   Know of an event I should spread the word about? Let me know!   Life in Focus   Tune in for a health Update on BostonJensMom   On a Happy Note Dan and I took vacation the first week of July. Monday after Portland we just chilled. Tuesday I took Mom for whole brain radiation, then to visit my grandmother (her mother) and out for lunch. Wednesday/Thursday we visited friends renting a house in Wellfleet (Cape Cod) and Thursday/Friday we visited friends in Falmouth. Friday morning we picked up Riley from Camp and brought her to our house before she and I headed to Hornstra to get ice cream for lunch (because that's what vacation is for!) and over to my parents to the pool for the day. Monday 7/8- I met up with my friend Megg to do a 5+ mile beach walk before she headed out to Ireland for the month. Wed 7/10  Mom and I stayed in Boston to save her the back & forth daily for treatment. We met her friend Jacky for lunch. I went back to work in the afternoon. After work, we cooled off in the hotel pool and then had dinner, played Uno and bar trivia at The Hill. We stunk but it was fun! Sunday July 14th pool day at my parents. Jenna, Dave, Gabriella and Zach came over. Within a few hours they were both jumping off the diving board! July 17-18th Mom and I stayed in Boston again after her Radiation treatment. We hit the pool and fared slightly better at trivia but it was hard to be out as long. Mom's energy was much lower, she was coughing more and couldn't speak above a whisper. July 21st we had a pool day at my parents. Jeff, Millie and Garret, Jenna, and the 2 kiddos, Kris, Will, Aila and Matt. We celebrated Will's 17th birthday. Mom's hair had started falling out and the blank spots at the back of her head looked like a butterfly! Mom told us to go find some Sharpies and color it in! It was a hard day for her and by extension us, but this added a bit of fun and whimsy to it! Millie even attached little plastic gems to parts of the butterfly. After the "temporary tattooing" we shaved off the rest of her hair to help w/ the shedding. July 23rd- Mom's last day of Whole Brain Radiation! Coming home to a beautiful bouquet of flowers from Dan. Getting 2 massages this month after missing my scheduled on in June for our Portland trip! I always feel like I need it but I've been going up on weights at the gym and my upper body was screaming!   Quote of the Week “I know nothing in the world that has as much power as a word. Sometimes I write one, and I look at it, until it begins to shine.” -Emily Dickinson   ------ Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.  

  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 267 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. Click here.   This week's segments included:   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming From the Armchair Knitting in Passing KAL News Events Contest, News & Notes On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Stitched by Jessalu, The Little Wolf Knits & Suburban Stitcher   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Splash Socks Yarn: Biscotte Yarn Bis Sock in the Splash Colorway (blue self-striping yarn) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Made for David Markus as a thank you for donating to the FearLESS Living Fund in October of 2023. Finished in time for Laura to bring them back with her after her visit the weekend before Thanksgiving. Length of foot- 8.5 inches before toe Knit them in line at a Sample Sale Mom, Laura, Trish and I went to the Saturday morning of Laura's visit. People in line jumped in to photo bomb so that was fun.   2 Christmas Stockings   Pattern: Christmas Stockings to Knit and Crochet from Family Circle Magazine. Available in this web archive link. I've also saved it to my podcast Gmail Google Drive in case it disappears! web.archive.org-Christmas Stockings to Knit and Crochet from Our Archives.pdf Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver in Cherry Red, Hunter Green and White Hook: G (4.0 mm) Patrick's Stocking- Ravelry Project Page Melissa's Stocking- Ravelry Project Page   Drawn Together Cowl Pattern: Drawn Together by Shana Cohen ($7 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & Payhip) Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) and a 3.75 mm (F) crochet hook for the provisional cast on Yarn: neon coral DK yarn (lost ball band; believe its from Spun Right Round) Ravelry Project Page Provisional cast on using this Purl Soho video.     Wish Star Patterns: Sol Amigurumi by Vanessa Doncatto (free crochet pattern on Ravelry ) Wide Mustache by Crochet with Clare (free crochet pattern available on Ravelry & the Crochet with Clare website) Heart Garland by Sarahndipidities (free crochet pattern available on Ravelry & the Sarahndipidities website) Hooks: B (2.25 mm), C (2.75 mm) & D (3.25 mm) Yarn: Big Twist- Solids in Varsity Yellow (for the sun body) and Big Twist Twinkle in Yellow for the heart/face. Leftover red fingering yarn for the mustache. Ravelry Project Page Made on Black Friday afternoon   Brachiosaurus Pattern:  Dinosaur Jurassic World No Sew Crochet Pattern by Klein Maker on Etsy ($9.89 for 4 patterns) Yarn: Loops & Threads Impeccable in the Jade colorway (body) & Knit Picks Brava Worsted in the Sky colorway Hook: C (2.75 mm) Ravelry Project Page Pattern wouldn't be ideal for beginners. Doesn't tell you when/where to put in Safety Eyes before closing things up. No other major issues, but just be thoughtful. I paid less than $4 for the 4 pack of dino patterns. Worth it.   Bobble pumpkin Pattern: Ribbed Bobble Pumpkin by Breann Mauldin ($3 crochet pattern on Ravelry or free option on this website) Hook: I (5.5 mm) Yarn: Wool Ease Thick & Quick in the Succulent Colorway Ravelry Project Page I used nearly all 97 meters in this skein with 6 repeats of the pattern.   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Silver Spoon Socks Yarn: A Whimsical Wood Yarn Company Pixie Toes Socks in the Silver Spoon Up My A$$ colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Ravelry Project Page About the yarn: peaches and pinks with gray/taupe. At my gauge it is striping (~2 rounds per color). I purchased this yarn at Yarncentric event in Maryland. Progress: Almost done with the first leg.   Let the Mystery Unravel 2023 Blanket of Calm Pattern: Blanket of Calm by Casapinka (free crochet pattern) Yarn: Woolen Women Fibers- Let the Mystery Unravel subscription + Cascade Heritage Sock yarn in the Forged Iron Colorway Hook: 3.25 mm (D) Ravelry Project Page You can find my Let the Mystery Unravel Unboxing Video on YouTube in this Playlist This subscription is not available to new subscribers but I hope you'll watch each month and see how my blanket comes along. Stay tuned to Woolen Women for all of the fun kits they have! Don't forget, they're Pro Shop Sponsors. Progress Notes- 1st two sets of squares are done. I've crocheted a few from the November kit.   Hattie's Scrappy Helical Socks Yarn: Random bits & bobs of fingering weight leftovers Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) US 1 (not 1.5), 48 sts. long cuff. Ravelry Project Page Check out my video tutorial for using Cate's Clasp Weft Join along with Helical Knitting Progress: I'm about half way through the leg of the first sock.   Woolens & Nosh 2023 Advent Socks Yarn: Woolens & Nosh Targhee Sock. 2023 Advent Set Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Ravelry Project Page Note- pair 199 of OMG Heel Socks!   DK Bella Fio Socks Yarn: BellaFio DK Sock (75% SW Merino/ 25% recycled nylon) in the Great Gray Owl colorway.  Goosey Fibers Goosey Hefty (100% SW Merino- Worsted Weight) in Buckbeack (cuffs, heels and toes) Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Ravelry Project Page About this project: Great Gray Owl colorway is a beautiful blend of light blues with hints of green, some small bits of a yellowy green and some neutral cream/tan hues. Buckbeak is a beautiful taupe color that pairs beautifully and I love that both colorway names are based on birds. Perfect for our Q2 challenge! Thanks again to BellaFio for sponsoring this month and encouraging us to Embrace Nature! Pair 200 of OMG Heel for me!   Vampires of Venice Spinning Fiber: Into the Whirled. 4oz Falkland in the Vampires of Venice colorway. Twist direction: singles = Z plied = S This means when I'm spinning, my wheel is spinning clockwise and when plying my wheel is moving counter-clockwise. Split braid in half. First half has already been spun. Plan is to use the yarn to knit this Tweed Tie available on Ravelry.   Clown collar Pattern: improvsing on my own. Used this free Clown Ruff pattern from Slipped Stitch Hollow as a starting point Hook: H (5.0 mm) Yarn: Big Twist Twinkle (Gray), Big Twist Value (Grape), Craft Smart Neon Value (neon yellow) & mystery worsted sparkle yarn in pink and white Ravelry Project Page I had a quick visit with Emelyn while they were home for Thanksgiving break. When I asked if there was anything on their Christmas wish list I should know about, they said they'd like a handmade clown collar! I love a good curveball!   Brainstorming Millie wants a goat squishy/toy that looks like her squishmellow I'd like to make toys for Hattie and Gabriella and another dinosaur for Zachary. Mom picked out a skein of yarn for mitts at Rhinebeck that I'd like to knit up before Christmas. I'd like to make 1 other pumpkin.   From the Armchair   Escaping Twin Flames Documentary on Netflix Lessons in Chemistry on Apple TV   Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.   Knitting in Passing I shared two recent stories about meeting other knitters/talking about knitting in the wild. I met a lovely woman named Joanne at her consignment shop. She was knitting when Mom was wandering around the store so of course she struck up a conversation. Turns out, Joanne also spins too! We had a lovely chat and Mom took a photo of us. I was recently waiting for my car to get it's oil changed when a kind.79 year old woman asked about my knitting and we ended up chatting for an hour. We talked about restoration of old Victorian in my home town where she owns a condo now.   Stitched by JessaLu is the home of handmade project bags in a variety of fun, floral, geeky, or pop-culture themed prints. All bags are made by one woman - JessaLu - on an antique Singer sewing machine in her home in Western Massachusetts. JessaLu has been making quality project bags and an assortment of sewn accessories since 2008 and has recently begun to design her own exclusive prints! The 2023 Limited Edition Holiday prints are currently listed - hurry to order yours while they are still available!   KAL News Pigskin Party '23 #DCSPigskinParty23 Official Rules Find everything you need on my website or in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Register using this Google Form (you must be Registered to be eligible for prizes) Enter your projects using the Point Tally Form Find the full list of Sponsors in this Google Doc. Coupon Codes are listed in this Google Doc & in this Ravelry Thread Exclusive Items from our Pro Shop Sponsors are listed in this Ravelry Thread Questions-  ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com In this episode: Finish up your Q2 Project by the end of November. Quarter 2 Challenge: Embrace Nature brought to you by our Official Sponsor of the Quarter Bella Fio. Runs 11/1-11/30/23. Full details can be found in this Google Doc and in this Ravelry Thread. Quarter 3 Challenge: The Waymaker's Cowl brought to you by our Official Sponsor of the Quarter Mandi's Makings. Runs December 1-31, 2023. Full details can be found in this Google Doc and in this Ravelry Thread. WIPs Challenge: Finish WIPs you started before the Pigskin Party kicked off on 9/7/23! If you finish them between 11/10/23 and 1/10/24, you'll earn 150 points. Full details can be found in this Google Doc and in this Ravelry Thread. Updates from Commentator Mary   Lots of players are talking about double-dipping in other make-alongs. A great thing about the PSP is that you can work on whatever you want so it is easy to have one project count for both PSP points and another MAL! Hikesandbikes is planning an epic shawl project (the Genesis Shawl- check out her Ravelry Project Page) for the Yarniacs podcast's self-indulgent make along. Find details in their Ravelry group. Many many players are planning to participate in PSP-sponsor Imagined Landscapes' snow matter what December mystery gnome knit along. There's lots of chatter on the boards about what colors folks plan to use.  There's also some talk of the Indie Gift Along which is hosted on Ravelry. Several PSP sponsors are participating so this one is particularly ripe for double-dipping! Some players are also planning on joining Andrea Mowry's instafriends KAL Also on the boards there is lots of chatter about holiday movies, including Emmet Otter's Jug Band. That is a new to me Jim Henson movie that I definitely plan to check out!     Events THANK YOU to everyone who donated handknit/crocheted items for adult and youth homeless in Massachusetts. They set up tables on Thanksgiving and put all of the handmade items on the fence outside their church in Woburn center. Check out these beautiful photos. I'll be participating in Vlogmas again this year. Is there anything you especially want to see? Let me know and I'll see what I can do. Check out previous years playlists:  Vlogmas 2022 Playlist & Vlogmas 2021 Playlist Advent Knitting. Check out this Ravelry Bundle put together by Knitty Natty if you need ideas for an Advent project. Thanks for including my Boxing Day Bonus Shawl- Ravelry | LoveCrafts. Don't forget you can use coupon code 10 years for 25% off any of my patterns on Ravelry. Vogue Knitting Live- New York City: January 25- 28, 2024 (not sure if I'll be there yet. More to come)   Contest, News & Notes What's going on on the YouTube Channel? Health Update videos with Mom (Diane Lassonde). Check out Part 1 and Part 2. November Let the Mystery Unravel Video   On a Happy Note My friend Laura visited from NYC the weekend before Thanksgiving! We did some consignment shopping & went out to eat with Mom on Friday. Saturday we went to a Sample sale then a couple craft fairs with Mom & Trish. We had a wuick visit to Megg and got to see my nephew Oisin. We survived a big regulatory visit at the hospital I work at. Thanksgiving highlights- Coloring with Gabriella, reading and making snowflakes with my cousins' kids. Black Friday shopping. No lines Decorating with Mom and Dad. Oisín signing Christmas carols. Decorating our tree with Liz. Dan is finished a huge work project. Crazy hours over holiday but it all went well. I'll do an update on my 23 for 2023 list in the next episode but I'm feeling really good about it. If you do these kinds of lists, I'd love to crowdsource ideas in the Ravelry Group!   Quote of the Week   For nothing is fixed, forever and forever and forever, it is not fixed; the earth is always shifting, the light is always changing, the sea does not cease to grind down rock. –James Baldwin      Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: 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 249 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes and photos can be found on my website. This week's segments included: Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins From the Armchair Knitting in Passing In my Travels KAL News Events Contest, News & Notes Ask Me Anything On a Happy Note Quote of the Week Thank you to this episode's sponsors: The Yarn Sellar The Yarn Sellar is hosting the annual Fiber Marketplace Saturday April 1 2023, from 10-3 pm at the Union Bluff in York Beach Maine. Local vendors will be selling hand dyed yarns, roving, buttons, bags, and  notions. $5 gets you in the door, a 15% off coupon to The Yarn Sellar and a chance to win prizes. Grab your fiber friends and make it a fun filled weekend! Make room reservation by calling 207-363-1333 and visit www.Yarnsellar.com for details. Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Cloudy Rainbow Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Yarn: Yarn Cafe Creations Biscotti Yarn (85% SW Merino/15% Nylon 4 ply) in the Thestrals Colorway (gray with blips of rainbow colors Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Cast on 60 stitches and worked 1/1 rib for 14 rounds. Knit about 2 inches and then reduced to 56 stitches (decreases like a toe- done at the beginning and end of each half of the sock). The leg is 10.25 inches before the heel flap. My friend Jen from JLsCreativeShop on Etsy sent me new, laser cut bamboo stitch markers that I started using with this project! They each have a knitting related thing on them. Lightweight, easy to take on and off. $14.99 for set of 5. Get 10% off her shop with code BOSTONJEN. On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Mini Skein Hexagon Blanket Pattern: Basic Crochet Hexagon Pattern & Tips from Make Do and Crew Website & YouTube Tutorial Hook: F (3.75 mm) Yarn: Mini skeins from 2022 agirlandherwool Advent Calendar, 24 Days of Cheer Swap minis + other scraps/swap yarn Ravelry Project Page I've been closing the end of each hexagon with this join- link to Instagram post 4 rounds per hexagon. 142 hexagons done as of now. 5 half hexagons. 3 pointy ones. 3.75 inches each. Likely need over 300 Twin sized blanket is 60×80 inches. 17×22 hexis- 374. Natalie, Knitty Natty, shared on Instagram that she had an issue with centers of her granny squares opening up in the wash. I've had issues with this too. My plan for this blanket is to wash all of the hexagons first before seaming together to try to weed out anything that's not secure. I've also thought of a new idea for knotting mine closed because I'm holding yarn double. I'll share a video for that soon! Ninja Turtle Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Yarn: Qing Fibre Dashing Fingering Yarn in the Ninja Turtle Colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page 56 stitches. Cuff Down. Laura chose this yarn when we were shopping at Loop London in the Fall of 2022. About the yarn: it is the brightest, most neon yellow/green. Progress: I'm maybe an inch past the first cuff. Own Two Feet Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Yarn: Cloudborn Fibers Merino Superwash Sock Twist Tiny Stripe in the Own Two Feet Colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page 56 stitches. Cuff Down. About the yarn: 2 round stripes of plum, lavender, brown and gray Progress: I've turned the first heel. Benjamin's Christmas Stocking Pattern: Christmas Stockings to Knit and Crochet from Family Circle Magazine. Available in this web archive link. I've also saved it to my podcast Gmail Google Drive in case it disappears! web.archive.org-Christmas Stockings to Knit and Crochet from Our Archives.pdf Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver in Cherry Red, Hunter Green and White Hook: G (4.0 mm) Ravelry Project Page From the Armchair Movies A Man Called Otto (2022) Till (2022) The Fabelmans (2022) Books The Measure by Nikki Erlick. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. The Betrayal of Anne Frank; A Cold Case Investigation by Rosemary Sullivan. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Book Lovers by Emily Henry. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases. Knitting in Passing Riley finished the Reinpack Bag (free Ravelry Download she was knitting for my Mom, her grandmother. We bought yarn at Staci's Stitches. The yarn is a super bulky t-shirt yarn from Hoooked Zpaghetti. She did most of the bag in a white with black polka dots and then black towards the bottom. The black yarn was definitely thinner, which wasn't ideal but as long as Mom doesn't use it to store small buttons or screws, it should be just fine. I gave Riley a very brief kitchener stitch overview and she flew through the rest of it to close up this bag. I'm so proud of her. In My Travels I visited with Laura in Orleans over the last two weekends. We went to a movie theater to see A Man Called Otto. We browsed Provincetown, which is a bit sleepy in the offseason. We had fun browsing a few shops. We did a taste test of 3 peanut butter cups. Of the three milk chocolate peanut butter cups, Hilliard's Candy was our favorite followed by The Providence Fudge Factory and then Hot Chocolate Sparrow.  I taught Laura how to make homemade stovetop popcorn and that nearly turned into a disaster when we thought we ruined the bottom of a Les Creuset but were able to clean/remove the stain with vinegar and baking soda. We also visited the Antique Center & Cape Abilities Thrift Store in Yarmouth, MA. I made a quick trip to Adventures in Knitting in Harwich on Saturday. I bought 2 skeins of yarn and a set of Addi sock needles. Gusto Wool, Carmen in color 1402 Edelweiss Fibres Standard Sock in the Hillside Heather colorway (UK company) KAL News Pigskin Party'22: The Official Hashtag is #DCSPigskinParty22 Pigskin Landing Page on the Down Cellar Studio Website. Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Link to the Official Rules Player Registration- Google Form Check out our amazing Sponsors! Click here for the Google doc with their websites and Instagram profiles. Check out the list of available Coupons from our amazing sponsors- Ravelry Link. Google Doc. Check out the Pigskin Exclusive Items in this Ravelry Thread Important Updates in this Episode Tune in to hear if you're one of our 10 Grand Prize Winners Pigskin '22 Wrap-up & Highlights. 1030 on Roster this Season 189 people earned 1-25 entries 45 people earned 26-50 entries 17 people got between 51-100 entries 7 of you earned more than 100 entries or more entries towards grand prizes. 4,143 entries for Finished Projects 693 entries for non-project points 2,578 posts on Instagram using #DCSPigskinParty22 Special Challenges & Bonuses Talkgate Talk Fistbumps and Fives Creepy WIP challenge Night Bright challenge Gratitude WIP Bonus Spread the Warmth challenge Plus 4 Interceptions! Our Teams were Part of 3 Conferences this year- Alpaca Conference (Commissioner: Alicia) & Llama Conference (Commissioner: Emily) & Sheep Conference(Commissioner: Heather) Llama Conference won for the 2nd year in a row with over 211k points Sheep took second this year with over 188k points Alpaca Conference had a strong showing with over 161k points Highest scoring Team was also in the Llama conference- Team 10 Wildcard WIPers with 67,452 points 2nd Place goes to: Team 7- Garter Guards- 62,789 points In 3rd Place from the Sheep Conference is: Team 12 Sprinting Steekers- 58,213 Top Players Julia Wagner, Team 11: 22,514 points KathyG, Team 12: 19, 868 points EyeNowHour, Team 3: 19,732 points Kathleen_Ducharme, Team 7: 19,094 Events Sunday March 5 from 10:30a-3:00p Farm Fiber Days at Russell's Garden Center in Wayland, MA Check out this year's vendors on this page. Knit for Food Knit-a-thon 2023 Event: a Fundraiser for Feeding America, World Central Kitchen, No Kid Hungry and Meals on Wheels organized by Laura Nelkin is happening on March 26, 2023 Saturday April 1 from 10a-3p: The Yarn Seller's 10th Annual Fiber Marketplace in York, Maine. Click here for details. Saturday April 22 from 10a-5p Gore Place Annual Sheepshearing Festival in Waltham, MA. Click here for details. Connecticut Sheep & Wool: April 29, 2023 at the North Haven Fairgrounds Maryland Sheep & Wool: May 6 & 7th at the Howard County Fairgrounds Massachusetts Sheep & Wool: May 27 & 28th at the Cummington Fairgrounds Vermont Sheep & Wool: Sept 30 & Oct 1 at the Tunbridge Fairgrounds Contest, News & Notes If you check out JLsCreativeShop on Etsy & would like to purchase laser cut bamboo stitch markers or other items- you can use coupon code BOSTONJEN for 10% off. The progress keeper I shared is a set of 5 for $14.99. Conshy Connects Resale Therapy Live Sale on Thursday 3/2 at 7p Eastern on Facebook. Proceeds to benefit the FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada. Check out this YouTube Video where Mom & I talk more about this event and the Blind Center. Ask Me Anything Tune in to hear my answers to these questions Aggie asked: “How are you doing?” Cher asked: “Project progress please” Brittany asked: “When you went to overseas I saw you had a tiny bag attached to your cross body bag for your knitting.” Purse is the Liberty Sling Bag from Anthropologie Smaller bag that I attached with a carabiner was a ball holder from Pearl & Plum Etsy Shop. I believe it was a prototype, drawstring bag. Very lightweight. Not sure if they were ever sold. Frances asked: “all about those hexies” On a Happy Note Mom's friend Vikki came for a visit. Dan and I met Mom, Trish and Vikki for dinner and then they came back to our house for a drink. I shared about Mom's Bucket List with a Twist. Riley's item was a massive girls party/sleepover. She had an ice cream bar and a popcorn bar, lots of food and other desserts. We played silly games and had a blast! Dan & I bought a new washer and dryer to replace our broken one; Dan was so excited to try it out he did a ton of laundry including our sheets, which is my least favorite thing to do! Mom successfully completed her last 3-day set of chemotherapy! Her record for keeping nausea and vomiting at bay stands! We are very excited about that. I got to visit with my cousins Susan and Joanie who drove Mom in on the second and third days because my dad had vertigo. 90 minute massage, which was even better in the midst of a very busy work week. My time with Laura down in Orleans. Lots of talking, movies, & shopping. Quote of the Week Any self-prompt that reminds you to focus on flow not ebb, contributes to your greater sense of abundance. – Sarah Breathnach Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link Music -“Soft Orange Glow” by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.

  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 248 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full Show Notes with links and photos can be found on my website.    This week's segments included:   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming From the Armchair Crafty Adventures KAL News Events On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Cascade Heritage Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Yarn: Cascade Heritage Prints in Colorway 111 Aqua Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) I finished these before the last episode, but I didn't talk about the colorwork I did before each toe. One sock says "just" and the other says "breathe."   Mom's Jean Marie Shawl Pattern: Jean Marie by Jennifer Lassonde ($6 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & LoveCrafts). Needles: US 9 (5.5 mm) Yarn: Section 1: Dirty Water Dyeworks Lillian in Sea Breeze with Knit PIcks Capretta in Colorway 27636. Section 2: Dirty Water Dyeworks Lillian in Mediterranean & Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in Clair de Lune. Section 3: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in Clair de Lune with Art by Ewe Signature Yarn in the Sapphire Colorway (70% Baby Alpaca/ 30% Silk). Bind Off: Art by Ewe Signature Yarn in the Sapphire Colorway with a 20g mini of a teal fingering weight yarn (no ball band). Ravelry Project Page Held fingering yarn doubled and went up a needle size from what pattern calls for. Result is a slightly larger size than the original which was exactly what I wanted. Cast on February 1. Finished on February 7. Blocked it, dry in time for Mom's birthday on the 9th.     On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Grammy's 2nd Jean Marie Shawl Pattern: Jean Marie by Jennifer Lassonde ($6 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & LoveCrafts). Needles: US 9 (5.5 mm) Yarn: Plymouth Yarn DK Merino Superwash in Black, Light Gray and White (2 skeins each) Ravelry Project Page Nearly done with Section 1.   Mini Skein Hexagon Blanket Pattern: Basic Crochet Hexagon Pattern & Tips from Make Do and Crew Website & YouTube Tutorial Hook: F (3.75 mm) Yarn: Mini skeins from 2022 agirlandherwool Advent Calendar, 24 Days of Cheer Swap minis + other scraps/swap yarn Ravelry Project Page Check out this Instagram post that talks about the join I've been using for the end of each hex 4 rounds per hexagon 62 hexagons done as of now   Cloudy Rainbow Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Yarn: Yarn Cafe Creations Biscotti Yarn (85% SW Merino/15% Nylon 4 ply) in the Thestrals Colorway (gray with blips of rainbow colors Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Cast on 60 stitches and worked 1/1 rib for 14 rounds. Knit about 2 inches and then reduced to 56 stitches (decreases like a toe- done at the beginning and end of each half of the sock). I am working on the 2 of them in tandem. Each on their own magic loop.   Brainstorming   No-Purl Ribbed Blanket by Purl Soho. Click here for the Ravelry Pattern or here for the Purl Soho website. I heard about this on the Knit Ink Podcast/YouTube Channel hosted by Natasha and her mother Petra.   I've been very tempted by the Leah Cowl by Susy Knotsosquare. Granny Stripe Crochet cowl with triangle point on front. Calls for DK weight yarn.  Crochet pattern available for a little more than $5 US. Check it out on Ravelry or Etsy. You can also check out her Padme Cowl which is similar but different. Details available on Susy's website.     Generally just thinking about how when a project doesn't have an imminent deadline, I'm far less motivated to pick it up. "What's the point?" is often what comes to mind. It's an interesting thing to consider because the very same project, given a due-date will often excite me to pick up. Does this happen to you?   From the Armchair   Movies   Tár The Banshees of Inisherin Check out these articles that talk about the handknits in this movie- Vanity Fair & Esquire. All Quiet on the Western Front (German) The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse (2022) Master (2022)   Books West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link.   Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.   Crafty Adventures I worked with Millie on handmade Valentine cards for her classmates and teachers. Millie also made a cute Flamingo from a Plush Craft kit we purchased at Michael's. Here's an affiliate link to a similar one available on Amazon. I finished most of the border for the sheep punch needle project that I haven't picked up in more than a year.   Punch Needle Kit with pattern by Teresa Kogut Pattern: PN165- For Ewe Link to purchase pattern only on Etsy for $12. I purchased my complete kit from Tree House Fiber Arts. Click here for their website. Kit included: 7"/9" Morgan hoop, weavers cloth, floss, Ultra Punch Needle, Needle threaders, pattern, instructions. Kits no longer available but Rachel may have the other supplies available. Helpful resources: YouTube Videos by the Woolery & Kate Gillery   KAL News Pigskin Party'22: The Official Hashtag is #DCSPigskinParty22   Pigskin Landing Page on the Down Cellar Studio Website. Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Link to the Official Rules Player Registration- Google Form Check out our amazing Sponsors! Click here for the Google doc with their websites and Instagram profiles. Check out the list of available Coupons from our amazing sponsors- Ravelry Link. Google Doc. Check out the Pigskin Exclusive Items in this Ravelry Thread Important Updates in this Episode Tune in to hear if you won a January participation prize January Interception: Self Care Bingo by Fitness by Mara. Winner announced!   Events Sunday March 5 from 10:30a-3:00p Farm Fiber Days at Russell's Garden Center in Wayland, MA Check out this year's vendors on this page. Saturday April 1 from 10a-3p: The Yarn Seller's 10th Annual Fiber Marketplace in York, Maine. Click here for details. Saturday April 22 from 10a-5p Gore Place Annual Sheepshearing Festival in Waltham, MA. Click here for details. On a Happy Note Lunch with the girls, sundaes and popcorn and Tar at Mom's. Mom completed another 3 day round of chemo. We got good news that her January scans show the cancer remains the same. No new growth! My friend Laura came to visit for the weekend. We spent Friday night at my parents' hanging out and watching movies. We briefly lost power but it came back; cable did not, so thankfully we still had some more screener DVDs. Saturday, we hit some secondhand stores before going back over to Mom's for dinner with my parents, my brother and nieces Riley and Millie. The next day we visited Dan's friend Perry who was recently hospitalized and then to see his youngest brother Dave & our niece Gabriella and nephew Zachary. Mom & I each got a haircut (real hair for me, wig for Mom). On Thursday 2/9, we had dinner at Maggiano's for Mom & Hattie's birthdays before going to see Hamilton at the Boston Opera House. Millie came for her 11th Birthday Sleepover (even though her birthday isn't until 2/20). She wanted to record some videos to share, so look for that on the Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel soon.   Quote of the Week   If you have a good idea, use it so that you will not only accomplish something, but so that you can make room for new ones to flow into you. -Deng Ming-Dao   ------ Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.  

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 225 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. Click here. This week's segments included: Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins From the Armchair Crafty Adventures In My Travels KAL News Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Winter Carnival Hat Pattern: Winter Carnival Hat by Margaret Stauffacher Yarn: Hedgehog Fibers Merino DK in Genie (multicolored), Pachamama's Alpacas Trixie & Preston Sport (natural), Spunky Eclectic Victoria (100% Polworth) in Sky (Blue) & Ginko (Green) Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm) & US 5 (3.75 mm) Size: Adult Medium My Ravelry Project Page Costume Party Socks Yarn: Woolens & Nosh Sock in the Costume Party Colorway (75% SW Merino/25% nylon) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Ravelry Project Page Plied 2 skeins of yarn: Three Waters Fiber- Forested Hills Colorway- 4 ozs. Split into 3rds but didn't weigh anything. Rhapsody Fiber Arts- 2oz 50% Angora/50% merino no colorway Washed it but I still need to measure, weight etc.  Check out my Ravelry Project Page On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Mr. Fezziwig Socks Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Yarn: Woolens & Nosh Corriedale Sock in the Mr. Fezziwig Colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) My Ravelry Project Page Click here for Wiki page on Mr. Fezziwig from A Christmas Carol Finished the first sock Emma's Yarn Socks Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Yarn: Emma's Yarn Practically Perfect Sock in the Knit & Stitch Colorway from Knit & Stitch Boutique in Cocoa Village, FL My Ravelry Project Page Boujee New Years Socks Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Yarn: Yarnable by Hypnotic Yarn in the Boujee New Year Colorway (January 2022 Subscription Box colorway) My Ravelry Project Page Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link Dotted Rays Pattern: Dotted Rays by Stephen West (Knitting pattern available on Ravelry  for 6 Euros ~$7 US. Also available on Gumroad.) Yarn: Knit Picks Capretta Superwash in the Sagebrush colorway, Knit Picks Palette in Wonderland Heather, Opal Heather, Caribbean, Seafaring, Spruce. Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) My Ravelry Project Page 2022 Fun with Fiber Kingdom Fleece & Fiber Works 100% Tunis Pete's Fleece (light blues, dark blues and whites) Liz from Kingdom Fleece & Fiber Works very kindly sent this braid, and a few others, for me to try out. Check them out on Facebook 1 bobbin full. Started second.  Check out my Ravelry Project Page From the Armchair In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Makers Gonna Sell Podcast Cheryl Ham of Hypnotic Yarn and Nicki Avery of Avery Lane Creations.  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 Taught Millie how to make pom poms to make them into little doggies. She didn't finish but we got the basics of 2 pom poms done.  Knitting in Passing I lost my new ski hat in NH but thankfully was able to find it. Riley got her sweater project back and knit on that during sleepover at my parents and then on our ski trip. Millie brought her cowl and knit a bit in the car… and then per usual got car sick.  Millie wore a granny square jacket mom made for me when I was little, out to dinner the other night! It looks super cute on her.  My friend Laura sends me photos of her feet, warm and cute in her handknit socks which makes me so happy! Now my friend Megg has started doing that too. It's a fun little game. Check out my Reel. Use the Hashtag. Share your knits. Encourage your loved ones to play along too!  #knitgiftwearshare I picked up a bottle of wine for big storm this weekend and received a nice compliment on my Felici Hat. Aran weight slouchy hat I knit out of Duck Duck Wool in the Summer Sidewalk Colorway. Click here for my Ravelry Project Page. In My Travels Tune in to hear a story of our ski trip to Loon Mountain in New Hampshire. PSA: Please wear a helmet! Patrons, check out the Patreon feed for a video vlog from that weekend! KAL News Pigskin Party '21: Official Hashtag: #DCSPigskinParty21 Important Links: Official Rules (Google Doc) Register to Play! (Google Form) Points Tally Form (Google Form) Sponsor List (Google Doc) Questions: Ask in the Ravelry Thread or email Jen (downcellarstudio @ gmail.com) Prizes- see details in this Ravelry Thread Coupon Codes: find details in this Ravelry Thread or on my website (coming soon) Pro Shop Sponsor Exclusive Items: find details as they're posted in this Ravelry Thread or on my website (coming soon) Use the Points Tally form for official entry but celebrate with everyone in the End Zone Dance Ravelry Thread and using #DCSPigskinEndZoneDance Check out your standings (and others') on the Players Stats Sheet (Google Sheet) Fumble your entry on the Points Tally form? Use this Support Form (Google Form) Pre-Game Chatter on Ravelry can be found in this Thread. Tune in to hear if you're a December Participation Winner Life in Focus Tune in to hear an update on my Goals for 2022 and my 22 for 2022 list. On a Happy Note Encanto on Disney Plus. Riley made us a popcorn/candy bar!  Liz & Millie playing guitars I got to see Millie's last session of gymnastics for the season. Meeting up with my friend Melissa and her daughter for lunch.  We bought a book called “Mom Tell Me Your Stories” from Savers. It's a book where you can document answers to questions about your Mom's life.  Riley and Millie are into it. We spent an hour Sunday morning asking Mom questions. Dan bought me a cool new contraption so I can make hot coffee when we go camping. Dan surprising me with dinner one night and lunch another day when my week was really hectic. Not so great- Millie & Mom getting Covid. Happy note- Mom was chosen in the lottery to get monoclonal antibody infusion! Snow is coming!  Quote of the Week “The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small, manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.” —Mark Twain Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link Music -“Soft Orange Glow” by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 220 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. For full show notes & photos check out my website: http://www.downcellarstudio.com/220 This week's segments included: Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming From the Armchair Knitting in Passing In my Travels KAL News Events Life in Focus Ask Me Anything On a Happy Note Quote of the Week Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Anne Beady Designs on Ravelry & Etsy, Charming Ewe & Imagined Landscapes Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Static Socks Yarn: Knit Picks Static in the Neptune Colorway  Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Ravelry Project Page Mermaid Pattern: Melody Mermaid Amigurumi by Chiara Cremon (free crochet pattern) Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Minis in Cream (body/face), Paprika (hair), Marina (tail) Hook: B 2.25 mm Ravelry Project Page Little Astronaut Pattern: Little Astronaut by Valto Ekaterina ($4.50 crochet pattern- also available on Etsy) Hook: B 2.25 mm Yarn: White & Black worsted weight acrylic yarn from stash Ravelry Project Page Work arms & legs. Put aside. work head, neck. great instructions on how to attach limbs as you go. Mended: Camp Out Fingerless Mitts Ravelry Project Page Free Knitting Pattern by tante ehm I used Berrocco Ultra Alpaca These would be great for the Nov Interception if you haven't already found a pattern for that! On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Costume Party Socks Yarn: Woolens & Nosh Sock in the Costume Party Colorway (75% SW Merino/25% nylon) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Ravelry Project Page Sweet & Sour Socks Yarn: hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Sweet & Sour colorway  Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Ravelry Project Page  Christmas Stocking for Peyton Pattern: Granny Square Christmas Stocking by Family Circle Magazine 1977 (not available online anymore) Yarn: Patons Classic Worsted in Bright Red, Red Heart Super Saver Solids in Hunter Green and White Hook: F (3.75mm) Ravelry Project Page Pink Moon Sweater Pattern: Pink Moon by This.Bird.Knits. $8 US Pattern available on Ravelry and on the This.Bird.Knits Site. Needles: US 5 & 7 (3.75 & 4.5 mm) Yarn: Sweitzer Fiber Mill unknown (gray)- Rhinebeck 2019 Lisa Daschinger Wools (mustard)- Farm Fiber Day's Russell's Market January 2020 mur yarn merino cashmere fingering (pink)- Barcelona 2019 Rowan Alpaca Classic (pink) Staci's Stitches- LYS Marroon- Handspun Ravelry Project Page Brainstorming Little Toy Frog by Julia Ka. Ravelry Link. Etsy Link. $2.60 Crochet Pattern.  Dance Shoe Legwarmers by Sherry Katherine Vernon- Ravelry Link (free knitting pattern). Check out the Pigskin Sponsor Ravelry Bundle ideas for gifts. Tip (sort by Yarn used) Dinosaur Tails Fidget Toy ($1 crochet pattern) Ravelry Link by Knitty Natty Go Fun like Gnome Fun by Sarah Shira- Ravelry Link. Website Link. Ball Band Cozy by Jennifer Lassonde (free crochet pattern)- Ravelry Link. LoveCrafts Link. Cashmears by Sarah Jordan ($4 knitting pattern) Ravelry Link- cabled DK headband Do or Do Not Hat by Cassandra Cruikshank of Eat Knit & Dye- $5 knitting pattern- Ravelry Link. Bulky baby Yoda hat Trail Mix by Lisa K. Ross- $4 knitting pattern- Ravelry Link- fingering weight cable mitts- 6 mo to 6 years Without a Paddle Hat by Mary Hull Kino Knits-$6 Knitting Pattern. Ravelry Link Phishing Mitt(en)s by Jesie Ostermiller $6 knitting pattern- Ravelry Link. DK weight colowork mitts/mittens inspired by Phish Foods Ben & Jerry ice cream Rambler cowl by Lisa Cannon (Fibernymph Dye Works- Ravelry Link. $5 Worsted weight twisted stitch and lace cowl Muskoka Cowl by Brenda Castiel- Ravelry Link. $6 Knitting pattern. Dk weight- non-traditional Fair Isle designs such as checkerboards, diamonds and chevron stripes. From the Armchair The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan Bookshop Affiliate Link Amazon Affiliate Link The Bookshop on the Shore by Jenny Colgan Bookshop Affiliate Link Amazon Affiliate Link Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases. Knitting in Passing Riley wore her Nanaimo Cardigan to play rehearsal and texted me to say her Director really liked it! KAL News Pigskin Party '21: Official Hashtag: #DCSPigskinParty21 Important Links: Official Rules (Google Doc) Register to Play! (Google Form) Points Tally Form (Google Form) Sponsor List (Google Doc) Questions: Ask in the Ravelry Thread or email Jen (downcellarstudio @ gmail.com) Prizes- see details in this Ravelry Thread Coupon Codes: find details in this Ravelry Thread or on my website (coming soon) Pro Shop Sponsor Exclusive Items: find details as they're posted in this Ravelry Thread or on my website (coming soon) Use the Points Tally form for official entry but celebrate with everyone in the End Zone Dance Ravelry Thread and using #DCSPigskinEndZoneDance Check out your standings (and others') on the Players Stats Sheet (Google Sheet) Fumble your entry on the Points Tally form? Use this Support Form (Google Form) Pre-Game Chatter on Ravelry can be found in this Thread. This episode: Congrats to October Interception Winner- KarensAdventures Check out the details of the November Interception hosted by Shanalines Designs. Find details in this Ravelry Thread or this Google Doc. Cast on 11/1/21 or later. Deadline to post is 11/30/21. I teased the December Interception: Cozy Up Challenge with Knitty Natty Live Event: 12:00 PM EST on Wednesday, December 1st on the Knitty Natty YouTube Channel.The event with be a live cast on party + a live tutorial with tips for the knit Yarn Cozy Lite pattern Monthly Scavenger Hunt: Figure out these fun clues and earn points each month. Check out this Ravelry Thread or this Google Doc. Events Indie Design Gift-a-Long coming up: November 28-December 31, 2021 The sale period will run Tuesday, November 23 at 8 pm (US-EST) through Monday, November 29 at 11:59 pm (US-EST) Check out the Indie Design GAL Ravelry Group I'll be teaching Ice Time Hat Class at Staci's Stitches starting in January.  Karen & Jessica of the Make Good Podcast are hosting a Sock KAL. Check out their website for details.  Windswept Monique of the Knitting on the Run Podcast is hosting her annual Be a Helper Craft-a-long. Check out her website for details or Monique's Instagram Page. Vogue Virtual Knitting Live– December 9-12.  Vogue Knitting Live in NYC in January 2022 has been canceled. They're currently planning for: February 9–12, 2023  Stitches West: March 3-6, 2022 (proof of vaccination + masks will be required) in Sacramento, CA Life in Focus I checked off another of my 21 in 2021 list items. #18 Do something spontaneous and delightful. Whisked Aila and Riley off to Great Barrington to see Emelyn! Craft Fair Rooster made from dyed eggshells and silicone. Button Earrings from Caren Kinne Studios. Website. Instagram: carenkinnestudio Fiesta Bar and Grill Bistro Box– great outdoor lunch. Long line but worth the wait. Even the hungry girls agreed. Patisserie Lenox on Main Street in Great Barrington Even more delightful- in brainstorming what they want for Christmas the kids looked through my Rav pages at what I've already made them which was delightful in and of itself, but then we found a cute photo of Eme at age 10 w/ a pair of mitts and a cowl I made her. She had that set with her, so we did a recreation photo!   Ask Me Anything Dorothy asked about Thanksgiving Plans.  On a Happy Note Halloween pics of the kiddos. Fun mail: my Advent Swap & my Legacy Fiber Artz calendar! Teaching sock knitting classes. Switching up the path of my morning walks. Playing games with the girls on vacation. Relative Insanity & What do you Meme.( All variations on Apples to Apples/Cards Against Humanity) Yarnable Subsription Box- November box contained an awesome Apple candle and mulling spices for apple cider. Delicious! I got to see my cousin Jenny at work 2 days in a row! Doing a bit of work on the side with my first boss at MGH. Quote of the Week “I love repetition. Repetitions turn time into a place, turns the days into a house, where the repetitions form the walls, floor, and ceiling.”– Karl Ove Knausgaard Thank you for tuning in. 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 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 219 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. Scroll down for links.   This week's segments included:   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming From the Armchair In my Travels KAL News Events Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Fall is My Favorite Socks Yarn: Woolens and Nosh sock in the Fall is my Favorite Colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Ravelry Project Page   Whatits Galore Socks Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Whatits Galore Colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Ravelry Project Page Want to try Felici? Consider using my Knit Picks Affiliate Link I found the first sock & finished the second!   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Pink Moon Sweater Pattern: Pink Moon by This.Bird.Knits. $8 US Pattern available on Ravelry and on the This.Bird.Knits Site. Needles: US 5 & 7 (3.75 & 4.5 mm) Yarn: Sweitzer Fiber Mill unknown (gray)- Rhinebeck 2019 Lisa Daschinger Wools (mustard)- Farm Fiber Day's Russell's Market January 2020 mur yarn merino cashmere fingering (pink)- Barcelona 2019 Rowan Alpaca Classic (pink) Staci's Stitches- LYS Marroon- Handspun A little bit of lace in the yoke above the colorwork- Pink held double w/ alpaca. First time using a fuzzy yarn Ravelry Project Page Finished yoke & tried it on.   Spinning Rhapsody Fiber Arts Marina Roving: 50% Angora/50% Merino. 2 oz No colorway name   Baker Street Socks Yarn: Knit Picks Felici and in the Baker Street Colorway & Knit Picks Stroll in Navy Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Ravelry Project Page   Costume Party Socks Yarn: Woolens & Nosh Sock in the Costume Party Colorway (75% SW Merino/25% nylon) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Ravelry Project Page   Static Socks Yarn: Knit Picks Static in the Neptune Colorway  Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams First sock 36g. 10 inches from cuff to start of heel flap and about a 10.5 inch foot. 56 sts/ 8 sts per inch gauge. Ravelry Project Page   Brainstorming   Cozy Winter Sweater Wreath- Ravelry Link to Pattern Heard about this on the Imagined Landscapes Podcast Episode 125. Among Us characters requested by Millie. She selected this pattern of those available on Ravelry- Ravelry Pattern Link. Alien for Oisin & a toy for Hattie (no specific patterns in mind yet) Socks for Megg Riley- said she wants something to match me... need to chat more about that. I need to solicit toy/other knits requests for other kids   I am planning to donate the hats I knit to Donate Snap Hats to Knit the Rainbow All garments can be delivered to KtR at the address below either by mail or via scheduled drop-off. 456 W 167th St. Unit 1D New York, NY 10032   From the Armchair   The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai- still reading but very much enjoying. Bookshop Affiliate Link Amazon Affiliate Link Liz (knittykitties) recommended - Hooked: How Crafting Saved My Life by Sutton Foster Bookshop Affiliate Link Amazon Affiliate Link In My Travels Tune in to hear about our recent family trip to Florida- including Disney World!   KAL News   Pigskin Party '21: Official Hashtag: #DCSPigskinParty21 Important Links: Official Rules (Google Doc) Register to Play! (Google Form) Points Tally Form (Google Form) Sponsor List (Google Doc) Questions: Ask in the Ravelry Thread or email Jen (downcellarstudio @ gmail.com) Prizes- see details in this Ravelry Thread Coupon Codes: find details in this Ravelry Thread or on my website (coming soon) Pro Shop Sponsor Exclusive Items: find details as they're posted in this Ravelry Thread or on my website (coming soon) Use the Points Tally form for official entry but celebrate with everyone in the End Zone Dance Ravelry Thread and using#DCSPigskinEndZoneDance Check out your standings (and others') on the Players Stats Sheet (Google Sheet) Fumble your entry on the Points Tally form? Use this Support Form (Google Form) Pre-Game Chatter on Ravelry can be found in this Thread.   Check out the details of the November Interception: Fancy Footwork Challenge hosted by Shanalines Designs- Ravelry Link or Website Link Check out Shana's Ravelry bundle for ideas!   The October Interception Winner will be announced on the next episode.   Events   Fiber Festival of New England- November 6 & 7th Springfield, MA     Life in Focus   Tune in to hear my update on my 21 for 2021 list.   On a Happy Note Disney- a very generous gift from my parents. Riding rides with the kids at Disney! Visiting my cousins Gayle and Meagan, especially seeing Gayle's new place and the area where she's building her new house.  Woodchopping weekend October zoom with Patrons. I am so grateful for you and always have a blast hanging out. Check out my Patreon Page for more details. The Yarnaics talked about wearing a shawl a day in October. I got a late start but am enjoying wearing them (almost) daily. I purchased an Apple Watch! Any tips, app suggestions or things I should know?   Quote of the Week "Progress is not possible with deviation." Frank Zappa   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 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 195 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes & photos can be found on my website. This week’s segments included: Off the Needles On the Needles Brainstorming From the Armchair Crafty Adventures KAL News Events Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Knit Wit Yarn Shop, Imagined Landscapes, Invictus Yarns, JDStudios480 Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Cake Party Socks- Take 2 Yarn: Wisdom Yarn Pix in the Cake Party Colorway & Patons Kroy (cuffs, heels, toes) Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams. Link to my Ravelry Project Page.  Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Black is the New Orange Socks- Ravelry Project Page Link Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Yarn: White Birch Fiber Arts 80/20 SW Merino, Nylon Self Striping in the Black is the New Orange Colorway Nanaimo Cardigan (Ravelry Project Page) Pattern: Nanaimo Cardigan (website link) by Tara-Lynn Morrison US 15 (10.0 mm) US 19 (15.0 mm) Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick in the Blackstone Colorway- Black with maroons, grays, browns. Trying small. Only 4 sts different in collar than Medium but with Super Bulky that makes a difference. On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Tranquility Scarf Pattern: Laura’s Tranquility Scarf by Journey Chanel Designs ($4 crochet pattern). Ravelry Project Page. Also available on Etsy Hook: I (5.5 mm) Yarn: Malabrigo Rios- Colorway Archangel (2 skeins) Wave of Change Jacket Pattern: Wave of Change Jacket by Denise Bayron ($9 US). Click here for my Ravelry Project Page. Yarn: Battenkill Fibers Yarn Mom purchased at Rhinebeck 2019 (9 skeins in blue)- bulky  Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) & US 8 (5.0 mm) Cozy Classic Raglan  Ripped back this sweater because I didn’t love the fit. It’s not even back on a needles yet but this is progress. Check out my Ravelry Project Page. Watch me talking through this in my Fall 2020: Around Town & Around the House video on the Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel. Sweater Try-on is around the 10 minute mark.  Rainbow Ripple Bralette Pattern: Ripple Bralette by Jessie Maed Designs ($9 US knitting pattern). Click here for my Ravelry Project Page. Needles: US 2 ( 2.75 mm) & US 4 (3.5 mm) Yarn: Spunky Eclectic yarn purchased at MA sheep & wool (I think)  Gram’s Christmas Socks Yarn: Patons Kroy Stripes in the Sweet Stripes Colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Brainstorming I talked about how I’ve set up my shawls in my closet to make sure I wear them all (instead of re-wearing the ones I love most).  From the Armchair Civics 101 Podcast from NH Public Radio & Corporation for Public Broadcasting.  Veep on HBO. Little Drops of Wonderful Vlogtober Videos Crafty Adventures Check out my new autumn video recorded during Rhinebeck weekend. Fall 2020: Around Town & Around the House video on the Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel. December Daily. Memory Keeping project started by Ali Edwards where you tell 1 story a day each day in December. Won’t be doing a lot of our “normal” holiday things this year- put that time into documenting traditions and highlights of holidays gone by.  I’m thinking of doing Vlogmas this year. What do you think? What do you want to see? KAL News Quarterly Quests! Get all of the details here.  Quarter 4: October 1- December 31, 2020: Slay The Stash. Of course we still want you to slay your stash so we added it to the very end. Use up any skein purchased prior to 2020 all the way down to the last 3 yards. Again, older than 5 years (as of the start of 2020) gains you an extra entry.Check out the Ravelry Thread.  Thank you Quarter 4 Sponsors: APLCrafts, AdoreKnit, Jennifer Lassonde Designs- Ravelry Link/LoveCrafts Link Pigskin Party ’20 Check out all of the details you need to know either in the Start Here Thread  on Ravelry or on my website.  Important Links: Rules– see what’s new and exciting this year.  Sign up Form– get your name on the Roster! Points Tally Form– earned some points? Get credit! Support Request Form– mixed up something when entering points. Let us know. Scoreboard List of Pigskin ‘20 Sponsors Pro Shop Sponsors Exclusive Items Coupon Codes Prize Thread Questions Thread End Zone Dance– come celebrate each other’s finished projects (this is not where you enter your FOs for points in the 2020 season. See Rules for details) VTKimmyKim- hosting a Netflix Party movie night on November 7th at 8:00pm EST. Movie= Wine Country. Check out this and other pop-up events in this thread in the Ravelry Group— or host your announce and share it here. November Interception Sponsored by Fibernymph Dye Works: Punt! Sometimes during the game, a team needs to just call it like it is, switch up the direction of play and punt the ball to the other team. We’ve all gotten a lot of practice with punting things in 2020. For the November Interception sponsored by Fibernymph Dye Works, we’re going to see what projects you need to punt to make them work for you. This challenge is all about making substitutions from what a pattern calls for as a way of making sure it works for you (your materials, your skill levels, your aesthetic preference etc). Check out this thread in the Ravelry Group or the full details posted on my website. Tune in to hear if you’re a Participation Winner for the month of October. Events Virtual Vogue Knitting Live- November 2020 For those of you who did our Pigskin Virtual Kick off Pre-game Stretch with Mara- just a heads up that Mara will be doing her first ever event with Vogue. Her stretching class for makers will be available as marketplace extra so if you’ve signed up for a class you can join in on this too! Dramatic Knits Podcast is hosting a KAL October 1-December 31, 2020 where I am the featured designer! Check out this Ravelry Post for details.   BIPOC Make Along: Runs 10/1-12/18  The Festive Sock Along with Amy Florence of Stranded Podcast. Stay tuned to her podcast Ravelry Group for details. October 1- December 1, 2020. #Festivesockalong2020  Beth MDQuilter (Instagram) and Abigail Covert_Knits (Instagram) teaming up for gilmorealong2020. Started 9/22.  Knit All the Yarn Podcast  #stockingstuffersmal2020 Check out the details in the Knit All the Yarn Podcast Ravelry Group. Runs from October 1 – December 31, 2020. No wips. Any craft is welcome! Kino Knits. Dumpster Fire 2020 Ornament(Ravelry Link) KAL. October 24-November 7, 2020. Post on public Instagram with #DumpsterFire2020KAL, and/or show proof of donating to your local food bank (no minimum – every little bit helps!) Life in Focus I had an invigorating chat with about planners and goal setting with my friend Melissa. I talked a little about how I’m doing things these days. Has the pandemic changed the way you plan your days/weeks/months? Want to hear more of my thoughts on planning? Check out my latest YouTube Video: Getting Organized, Setting Goals & Making the Most of 2020. This was a talk I did in January 2020. On a Happy Note I got out to Vote! Hope you will too Spent time with mom working on a memory keeping project for a friend. Looked through old photos and things while I was there.  2 trips to the library lately. Pick up quick visit only- can’t really stay and browse but that’s another thing off my 20 for 2020 list! Foliage! I adore it Getting back into working out after cortisone shot- inflamed sciatic nerve. Not fun. Back to regular massages though fear that will be cut off at some point with Covid numbers going back up in the US. Theragun daily seems to be making a difference in my most sore spots.  Boxing Day Bonus Shawl is being knit up by test knitters. SO excited about some of the color combos they’re using! My fav part. Folks often choose colors/combos I don’t think of. Texting with my niece Eme who is away at college, photos she took for her photography class. Texts from my SIL with my youngest niece Gabriella snuggled in the blanket I crocheted for her.  Cool weather for hand knits.  Happy mail- advent swap package! Check out For the Love of Minnies Group on Ravelry. Thank you Stephanie, not sure if you listen.  Also mailed an homemade yarn advent calendar to Sue of Legacy Fiber arts. She worked so hard on the ones for her shop. Doesn’t remember to keep one for herself. I figured she’s putting SO much joy out into the world, I wanted her to get some back. Had a BLAST working on it. SB supplies, stamping etc.  Quote of the Week “Success is largely the failures you avoid. Health is the injuries you don’t sustain. Wealth is the purchases you don’t make. Happiness is the objects you don’t desire. Peace of mind is the arguments you don’t engage. Avoid the bad to protect the good.” -James Clear Thank you for tuning in! Contact Information: Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Twitter: 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!

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 194 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included: Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming From the Armchair Crafty Adventures Knitting in Passing KAL News Events Contest, News & Notes Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Cookie and Bees, Knit Wit Yarn Shop, Fibernymph Dye Works & AdoreKnit Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Bella Cosa Shawl Pattern: Bella Cosa Shawl (free crochet pattern on Ravelry) by Stitch with Passion Crochet Hook: J 6.0 mm Yarn: Madelinetosh Tosh DK. No colorway listed.    Autumn Garland Acorns: Ravelry Link, Website Pumpkins: Ravelry Link, Website  The September Leaf: Ravelry Link  Oak Leaf: Ravelry Link, Website  Materials: Yarn: DK & Worsted scraps Hook: C (2.75 mm) or D (3.25 mm) Gnoel Gnome Pattern: Gno Fun Like Gnome Fun by Sarah Shira, Imagined Landscapes (Pigskin Pro Shop Sponsor). Ravelry Project Page Link. Needles: US 4 (3.5 mm). Hook: C (2.75 mm) Yarn: leftover worsted & DK weight from stash. Crocheted the body (dusty pink yarn), and stuffed. Knit hat top down as written using a mustard color from Gale’s Art (DK). Stuffed and sewed to body. Knit beard and arms per pattern and sewed on. Gnori Gnome  Pattern: None; crocheted. Improvised Hook: C (2.75mm) Yarn: Leftover DK weight yarn in stash Link to my Ravelry Project Page Pumpkin Jar Cozy  Pattern: Ball Band by Jennifer Lassonde (free crochet pattern)- Ravelry Link or LoveCrafts Link. Hook G (4.25 mm) & F (3.75 mm) Yarn: Lion Brand Re-Up in the Ecru & Orange Colorways Sewed on crochet appliqué I’d already made. Check out the Ravelry Project Page for that FO. Nanaimo Cardigan (Ravelry Project Page) Pattern: Nanaimo Cardigan (website link) by Tara-Lynn Morrison US 15 (10.0 mm) US 19 (15.0 mm) Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick  I saw Arthella from Best Day Ever Crafting Podcast working on hers. She saw it on the Knit State of Mind Podcast (Episode 16) when Wanda recently finished hers.  Declan 1st Socks (Ravelry Link) Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Yarn: Patons Kroy in the Grey Brown Marl Colorway with Flax for heel Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Christmas with the Gilmores Socks Yarn: Area 51 Fibres in the Christmas with the Gilmores Colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Ravelry Project Page #gilmorealong2020   Black is the New Orange Socks- Ravelry Project Page Link Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Yarn: White Birch Fiber Arts 80/20 SW Merino, Nylon Self Striping in the Black is the New Orange Colorway Nanaimo Cardigan (Ravelry Project Page) Pattern: Nanaimo Cardigan (website link) by Tara-Lynn Morrison US 15 (10.0 mm) US 19 (15.0 mm) Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick in the Blackstone Colorway Brainstorming Tara, Arianrod on Ravelry, PMed me about the Continuous Mitered Square Blanket by Kara Gunza. DK weight crochet blanket. Looks like knit mitered squares. Ravelry Pattern Page / Direct website link Scandinavian Gnome by Lizz Jelsma. Crochet pattern available on Ravelry & on MakeItSewCrochet website. Starting kids Christmas toys. I need silver glittery yarn for Oisin’s custom alien. Ideas?  From the Armchair Brenda Dayne– The Cast On Podcast is returning after 5 years!  I met Brenda at Web’s Yarn Store in 2012 which I discussed in Episode 6 of this podcast. You can listen to back episodes of this podcast on The Podcast App– available for Apple + Android. The Home Edit. Netflix & their Master the Mess series on YouTube Obsessed. Crafty Adventures Rubber Stamping & Embossing. Made some gift tags and Christmas cards. They all need some finishing touches and parts are for a surprise gift so I’ll share later in the season but it felt great getting back into a hobby that I started 25 years ago!  Check out my first ever Day in the Life Vlog on my Down Cellar Studio Podcast YouTube Channel   Knitting in Passing I wore my Ninilchik Swoncho to Joann’s. The cashier at Joann asked if I minded sharing where I bought my sweater because she loved it and wanted to buy one. I told her I knit it. She’s just learning to crochet. I told her, she could definitely do this. Just keep learning. Dan got a nice text from his friend for whom I crocheted a baby blanket when their first granddaughter was due this summer. He thanked us again for her blanket saying it’s her favorite. So sweet. KAL News Quarterly Quests! Get all of the details here. Quarter 4: October 1- December 31, 2020: Slay The Stash. Of course we still want you to slay your stash so we added it to the very end. Use up any skein purchased prior to 2020 all the way down to the last 3 yards. Again, older than 5 years (as of the start of 2020) gains you an extra entry.Check out the Ravelry Thread.  Thank you Quarter 4 Sponsors: APLCrafts, AdoreKnit, Jennifer Lassonde Designs- Ravelry Link/LoveCrafts Link Pigskin Party ’20 Check out all of the details you need to know either in the Start Here Thread  on Ravelry or on my website.  Important Links: Rules– see what’s new and exciting this year.  Sign up Form– get your name on the Roster! Points Tally Form– earned some points? Get credit! Support Request Form– mixed up something when entering points. Let us know. Scoreboard List of Pigskin ‘20 Sponsors Pro Shop Sponsors Exclusive Items Coupon Codes Prize Thread Questions Thread End Zone Dance– come celebrate each other’s finished projects (this is not where you enter your FOs for points in the 2020 season. See Rules for details) October Interception For this Interception you’re going to blend two (or more) colorways together in one project. You can marl them, use stripes, use one as an accent against a main color. You decide how to pair them up. A 2 color shawl, socks with contrast cuffs/heels/toes, a striped hat. As long as it’s at least 100 yards, it counts for this challenge.  To be eligible to win Complete a project of at least 100 yards that uses the 2 colors. If you want to make multiple small projects, the total must be over 100 yards. Project must have been cast on on/after 10/1/20 and completed by 10/31/20 Post your FO with a description and/or photo that shows how you’re meeting the challenge. 1 entry for your FO (or group of small FOs). Post your FO in the October Interception Thread in the Ravelry Group.  Players not on Ravelry can post on Instagram with #DCSPigskinComeTogether. You may only enter in one place- Ravelry OR Instagram.  1 additional entry in each place if you use one or more colorways from Holly Press Fibers.  Total of 2 entries Max per player (1 for your FO + 1 for using Holly Press Fibers Yarn) Prize: $30 Holly Press Fibers Gift Certificate (note- no additional points will be offered for completing this Interception. You can still enter for points for this project as usual). Pop-Up Events 30 Day Tailgate Talk Challenge Over on Friday! Did you like it? Should we do it another? For points? Or not for points? Kick Off Challenge- 50 pts for each FO you cast on in first 2 weeks of Pigskin Party. Limited time to enter for these points. Check out Details on Ravelry or on my website. Ravelry User VTKimmyKim is hosting a Netflix Party Movie Night on November 7th at 8:00pm EST. Movie TBD. Check out this and other pop-up events in this thread in the Ravelry Group— or host your announce and share it here. Events Tune in to hear about my classes with Virtual Vogue Knitting Live– October 9-11 Virtual Kick off event Thursday evening with Josh Bennett and London Kaye. Lots of fun.  Keynote on Saturday with Jared Flood. Friday, October 9, 2020 Beginning Brioche- Faina Goberstein. Saturday, October 10, 2020 Brioche and Beyond- Olga Jazzy. Sunday, October 11, 2020 Inclusive Size Shawls – Kim McBrian Evans. Operation Sock Drawer Book Launch Zoom Party hosted by the Stockinette Zombies. Jasmin & Gigi of the Knitmore Girls came on and talked about how the book came together and selecting the patterns, and then several of the designers shared more about themselves another designs. Watch the replay on YouTube. Shetland Wool Week. Replays on their Youtube Channel. Asking for donations if you find them valuable. Kino knits. Dumpster Fire 2020 Ornament & KAL along. BIPOC Make Along 2020 Festive sock along with Amy Florence of Stranded Podcast. Stay tuned to her podcast Ravelry Group for details. October 1- December 1  #Festivesockalong2020  Beth MDQuilter (Instagram) and Abigail Covert_Knits (Instagram) teaming up for gilmorealong2020. Starts 9/22. I bought yarn from Area 51 Fibres. Can’t wait!  Knit All the Yarn Podcast #stockingstuffersmal2020 Check out the details in the Knit All the Yarn Podcast Ravelry Group. Runs from October 1 – December 31, 2020. No wips. Any craft is welcome! Contest, News & Notes Call for Testers-want to knit a sideways fingering weight shawl that calls for 20 calls/ 200g total? Message me! Life in Focus I’ve had a tough couple weeks with pain. Lessons learned: Listen to your body. Adjusting your plans/goals to be kind to the only body you get is absolutely OK. Don’t skip stretching. It’s important! Adjusting my routine can and often is a good thing. Waking up early to walk in the summer because it was light already and would be too hot later was a good idea. Now its dark at 5:45a… Its time to adjust. It shouldn’t take THIS hitting me so hard to get me there, but it sorta did. I’m just getting back to things now but I’m going to start thinking about what my routine looks like. I’ll be active and I do like having a routine. Habits work well for me… but that can look different in different seasons.  On a Happy Note A 2 hour deep tissue massage with my favorite massage therapist. Ordered a Theragun Pro with permission of my Rheumatologist using Flex Spending money. Not sure what a Theragun is- check out this article from CNet.  Home delivery from our local dairy Hornstra Farms! Outdoor get together for Dad’s birthday at my brother’s & watching Riley and Millie in their neighborhood production of Our Little Mermaid. I checked my ballot status- it has been mailed to me! I look forward to submitting it! Go out and Vote! Quote of the Week “Our political leaders will know our priorities only if we tell them, again and again, and if those priorities begin to show up in the polls.” -Peggy Noonan “Not Voting is not a protest. It is a surrender.” -Keith Ellison Contact Information: Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Twitter: Instagram: BostonJen1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio!

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 193 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes and photos can be found on my website:  This week’s segments included: Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming From the Armchair Knitting in Passing KAL News Events Ask Me Anything On a Happy Note Quote of the Week Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Knit Wit Yarn Shop, Cookie & Bees, agirlandherwool & Sunsoaked Yarns. Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Eme’s Halloween Garland  Acorns: Ravelry Link, Website  Pumpkins: Ravelry Link, Website Owl: Ravelry Link, Website  Oak Leaf: Ravelry Link, Website Teenie Tiny Pumpkin: Ravelry Link, Website Baby Ghost: Ravelry Link  Itty Bitty Bat Amigurumi: Ravelry Link, Website  Fall Oak Leaves: Ravelry Link, Website  Amigurumi Candy Corn: Ravelry Link, YouTube Tutorial Spooky Spider Bro: Ravelry Link, Website Materials: Yarn: DK & Worsted scraps Hook: C (2.75 mm) or D (3.25 mm) On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Bella Cosa Shawl Pattern: Bella Cosa Shawl (free crochet pattern on Ravelry) by Stitch with Passion Crochet Hook: J 6.0 mm Yarn: Madelinetosh Tosh DK. No colorway listed.  Freewheeler Sweater Pattern: Freewheeler by Kristen Finlay (Ravelry Link) $11 AUD (~$8.35 US) Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) Yarn (held double): Holiday Yarns (Badger Black Colorway); CeCe’s Wool Yarn Baby! 1120 yards fingering weight Superwash Merino (Cherries Jubilee Colorway) Black is the New Orange Socks- Ravelry Project Page Link Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Yarn: White Birch Fiber Arts 80/20 SW Merino, Nylon Self Striping in the Black is the New Orange Colorway Using my handmade Hello Kitty Halloween Project bag.    Scrappy Sparkly Halloween Socks- Ravelry Project Page Link Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Yarn: Some scraps. Some Knitty & Color minis  Declan 1st Socks (Ravelry Link) Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Yarn: Patons Kroy in the Grey Brown Marl Colorway with Flax for heel Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Vampire Vibes Socks (Ravelry Link) Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Vampires Vibes colorway. Holly Press Fibers Sheepish Sock (heels) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Fall Garlands Acorns: Ravelry Link, Website (made 2) Pumpkins: Ravelry Link, Website (made 2) The September Leaf: Ravelry Link (made 2) Oak Leaf: Ravelry Link, Website (made 2) Teenie Tiny Pumpkin: Ravelry Link, Website (made 1) Fall Oak Leaves: Ravelry Link, Website (made 1) Materials: Yarn: DK & Worsted scraps Hook: C (2.75 mm) or D (3.25 mm) Brainstorming I’m having a hard time finding a lion crochet toy pattern I like (and that isn’t too large). This Lion Amigurumi is kind of cute. I keep browsing the bundle of patterns from Pigskin ’20 Sponsors. Thank you Zoom Dog Knits for putting this together.   From the Armchair Listener Mary sent this tutorial for joining granny squares. Check out this link to the zigzag slip stitch join tutorial.  I scored two great crafty books at Savers. Spent less than $6 for the pair!  Basic Crochet Stitches: 250 Stitches to Crochet. Edited by Erika Knight. Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book Knitting in Passing I told stories about knitting with my 2 year old niece, Hattie, and her wearing my handknit socks. When she’s big she wants her own knitting and a bag for her knitting. My best friend wants a gnome after seeing mine. Link to my Ravelry Project. A family friend, age 16, asked me for handknit socks. So sweet.  KAL News Quarterly Quests! Get all of the details here. Quarter 3: July 1- September 30 – Lessen the Library– check out the Ravelry Thread here .Quarter 3 Sponsors: Sunsoaked Yarns, Apple Fiber Studio, Cookie and BeesDon’t forget to post on Instagram #QuarterlyQuests & #LessentheLibrary  I will pull Q3 winners in next episode October 1- December 31: Slay the Stash Of course we still want you to slay your stash so we added it to the very end. Use up any skein purchased prior to 2020 all the way down to the last 3 yards. Again, older than 5 years gains you an extra entry. Pigskin Party ’20 Check out all of the details you need to know either in the Start Here Thread  on Ravelry or on my website.  Important Links: Rules– see what’s new and exciting this year.  Sign up Form– get your name on the Roster! Points Tally Form– earned some points? Get credit! Support Request Form– mixed up something when entering points. Let us know. Scoreboard List of Pigskin ‘20 Sponsors Pro Shop Sponsors Exclusive Items Coupon Codes Prize Thread Questions Thread End Zone Dance Thread on Ravelry.  Use #DCSPigskinEndZoneDance on Instagram September/October Huddle Ravelry Thread. Use #DCSPigskinParty20 on Instagram Mark it Monday Ravelry Thread. Use #DCSPigskinMarkItMonday on Instagram Important Details shared this episode: check out the October Interception on my website or on Ravelry. Events Virtual Vogue Knitting Live– October 9-11 Festive sock along with Amy Florence of Stranded Podcast. Stay tuned to her podcast Ravelry Group for details. October 1- December 1  #Festivesockalong2020  Beth MDQuilter (Instagram) and Abigail Covert_Knits (Instagram) teaming up for gilmorealong2020. Starts 9/22. I bought yarn from Area 51 Fibres. Can’t wait!  Knit All the Yarn Podcast  #stockingstuffersmal2020 Check out the details in the Knit All the Yarn Podcast Ravelry Group. Ask Me Anything In Episode 192- Timenow13 on Instagram asked about listening to older episode of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. You can download The Podcast App– available for Apple + Android and go all the way back to Episode 1 (like I did this week. WOW!) On a Happy Note A clean house, decorated for fall! We had a small social distant gathering at the house. Oisin, Will, Aila, and Declan were here working in the woods all day. Their parents came in the evening for a beer and some pizza. We had a camp fire and my best friend brought s’mores stuff.  I found another new trail. I’m enjoying watching the leaves falling and seeing our neighbors’ goats out and about. When boys working in the yarn I took my grabber and cleaned up our frontage of so much litter!  Making soups. Currently loving this Asiago Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Soup.  Fresh garlic from our friend’s garden.  Quote of the Week “Life is a train of moods like a string of beads, and as we pass through them, they prove to be many-colored lenses which paint the world their own hue, and each shows only what lies in its focus.”– Ralph Waldo Emerson Thank you for tuning in! Contact Information: Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Twitter: Instagram: BostonJen1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio!

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 192 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Check out full show notes & photos on my website: www.downcellarstudio.com/192  Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Knit Wit Yarn Shop & YumiYarns Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Gno Fun Like Gnome Fun (Ravelry Link) Pattern: Gno Fun Like Gnome Fun by Sarah Schira $7 Canadian knitting pattern Needles: US 4 (3.5 mm) Yarn: Body: Gale’s Art Super Star DK (mustard), Hat: Madeline Tosh Tosh Vintage (in a one of a kind blue/green). Beard/skin: Cascade Eco Alpaca, Natural Flat Crocheted Pumpkin: Ravelry Project Page Pattern: Special Holiday Issue of Workbasket Magazine Oct/Nov 1993 Hook: D (3.25 mm) Yarn: Scraps DK   Pumpkin  Pattern: Pumpkin Garland by Eva Polaripop (free crochet pattern). Ravelry Link, Website Link. Hook: C (2.75 mm) Yarn: Leftover DK weight scraps On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Spinning Shetland 4 oz Ravelry Project Page Singles are done. Need to wind off and ply. 3 ply.  Freewheeler Sweater Pattern: Freewheeler by Kristen Finlay (Ravelry Link) $11 AUD (~$8.35 US) Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) Yarn (held double): Holiday Yarns (in a gray colorway); CeCe’s Wool Yarn Baby! 1120 yards fingering weight Superwash Merino in the Cherries Jubilee colorway Saw this sweater on Rose Hip Knits Podcast on YouTube. The host, Hanna, was a test knitter.  Vampire Vibes Socks (Ravelry Link) Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Vampires Vibes colorway. Holly Press Fibers Sheepish Sock (heels) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Fall Garlands Acorns: Ravelry Link, Website (made 2) Pumpkins: Ravelry Link, Website (made 2) Owl: Ravelry Link, Website (made 1) The September Leaf: Ravelry Link (made 2) Oak Leaf: Ravelry Link, Website (made 2) Teenie Tiny Pumpkin: Ravelry Link, Website (made 1) Baby Ghost: Ravelry Link (made 1) Itty Bitty Bat Amigurumi: Ravelry Link, Website (made 1) Fall Oak Leaves: Ravelry Link, Website (made 1) Materials: Yarn: DK & Worsted scraps Hook: C (2.75 mm) or D (3.25 mm) Plan is to make a garland for my niece Emelyn who just moved away for college; and a set for myself. One might be more Halloween themed and one more fall themed. Black is the New Orange Socks- Ravelry Project Page Link Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Yarn: White Birch Fiber Arts 80/20 SW Merino, Nylon Self Striping in the Black is the New Orange Colorway Using my handmade Hello Kitty Halloween Project bag.  Scrappy Sparkly Halloween Socks- Ravelry Project Page Link Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Yarn: Some scraps. Some Knitty & Color minis  Brainstorming I purchased all of the new Patons Kroy colorways available from Yarnspirations website.  I purchased some fiber. Some from a destash & some from Wound Up Fiber Arts. I purchased some Corriedale. Shawl wearing Thanks to IG user: spincess514, Diana, who mentioned the #shawtember hashtag. I want to knit all the sweaters. Colorwork. DK. Swoncho. Boxy. Browsing Ravelry, IG, Pinterest. Do you have any favorites? From the Armchair Autobiography of a Face by Lucy Grealy Also referenced Truth & Beauty by Ann Patchett I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown Nice White Parents podcast series by the New York Times  Little Red Mitten Youtube Podcast with Kerri & Jolyn- makers behind Leo and Roxy yarn and owners of the Little Red Mitten shop. Knitting in Passing Tune in to hear a review of my Virtual Vogue Knitting live classes  1. Legin Innovation Uplifting Crochet Class with LeginKnits. 2. Josh Bennett’s Design Workshop: Building Your Design Identity- highly recommend. 3. Five Crochet Shawls: An Exploration of Shapes and Constructions Cecilia Losada KAL News Quarterly Quests! Get all of the details here. Quarter 3: July 1- September 30 – Lessen the Library– check out the Ravelry Thread here. Quarter 3 Sponsors: Sunsoaked Yarns, Apple Fiber Studio, Cookie and BeesDon’t forget to post on Instagram #QuarterlyQuests you can also add one for the Quarter:#FreetheFavorites #LessentheLibrary #SlaytheStash   Check out all of the details you need to know either in the Start Here Thread  on Ravelry or on my website.  Important Links: Rules– see what’s new and exciting this year.  Sign up Form– get your name on the Roster! Points Tally Form– earned some points? Get credit! Support Request Form– mixed up something when entering points. Let us know. Scoreboard List of Pigskin ‘20 Sponsors Pro Shop Sponsors Exclusive Items Coupon Codes Prize Thread Questions Thread End Zone Dance– come celebrate each other’s finished projects (this is not where you enter your FOs for points in the 2020 season. See Rules for details) Updates in this episode: This year, everyone is a team to provide you a small group to chat with and get to know. The teams roll up into 3 Conferences. Wendy heads up the Alpaca Football Conference (AFC), Lisa heads up the Sheep Football Conference (SFC) and I’m heading up the Llama Football Conference (LFC). Play around with the Points Tally form to practice. That will be wiped on Friday night 9/18. Participants can enter any pre-game points they’re eligible for starting on Saturday 9/19 (but remember you cannot cast on until 9/25).  Stay tuned for a 30 Day Challenge that will help us get to know each other. Join us for our Virtual Kick Off on 9/25 & 26. Details can be found in the Ravelry Groupand on my website. I will be sending out an email newsletter later this week with key Pigskin reminders and links. I am also creating a PDF printable that lets you plan out your projects if you’re the paper planner type. Not on my email list yet? Sign up now and you’ll automatically have it sent to you 24 hours after you sign up.  It is never too late to join in the Pigskin Party. Fill out the Sign up Form anytime. We’d love to have you. Events Stash Dash, hosted by the Knit Girllls, ran from May 22- August 22, 2020. Thank you to everyone who posted/commented that you enjoyed challenge between Jasmin and me. Jasmin shared the results on the Knitmore Girls Podcast Episode 593. Results: Jasmin- 18,816 meters. Jen- 28,557 meters Tune in to hear my breakdown by craft and project type. In theory, the loser our of little private competition donates money to charity, but it’s become something we both have committed to regardless of the outcome. This year, with employer matching we were able to give $200 each to Black Lives Matter, the NAACP & ActBlue. If you’ve gotten something out of this challenge, we encourage you to donate to one of these causes or something that speaks to your value. Festive Sock Along with Amy Florence of Stranded Podcast. Stay tuned to her podcast Ravelry Group for details. October 1- December 1 #Festivesockalong2020  Beth MDQuilter (Instagram) and Abigail Covert_Knits (Instagram) teaming up for #gilmorealong2020 on Instagram. Begins on 9/22. I bought yarn from Area 51 Fibres. Can’t wait! Contest, News & Notes The Knitmore Girls’  Operation Sock Drawer book will be published October 20th. Call Hicklebees or check out this link to order a signed copy! I already ordered mine. Ask Me Anything Happyjustknitting asked: With Stash Dash over, do you still have WIPs or are you working on casting new things/spinning? Tune in to hear my answer. Timenow13 on Instagram Megan asks “Hi, I have two questions. I have recently found your podcast and love it, I’ve listened to it backwards to episode 91 on Apple podcast and I would love to listen to the rest but I’m not sure if they are available anywhere? My second question is if you have any tips for being in a transitional knitting place? I have only ever done flat things mostly washcloths and baby blankets, I finally finished my first piece of lace. I want to start doing hats or mittens or maybe ever a sweater but it all seems like a big jump. Any tips?” You can listen to all of my back episodes directly from my podcast host Libsyn. Click on the POD icon next to the episode name to play an episode. This should work well on mobile or desktop. Taking knitting to the next step- my best advice is “Go where your interest lies.” After scarves I went to hats. I started top down with the Hill Country Hat (Ravelry Link)  by Clara Parkes, which isn’t typical but I thought that would be easy to measure. The great thing w/ hats is they don’t take long and it will fit SOMEONE. Other easy patterns I tried: Neighborly- Ravelry Link (kid’s vest) by Jennifer Casa (Free) & 5-hour baby sweater (cardigan)- Ravelry Link by Courtney Filner (free) I also recommend Tin Can Knits Simple Collection- Ravelry Link. On a Happy Note Starbucks Cold Brew with Dark Cocoa Almondmilk Foam Found a new longer trail local nature preserve! Big upgrade at work has gone well and more importantly- its mostly behind us! Dan bought me a Li’l Sebastian Mug (which he purchased online as we binged Season 7 of Parks and Recreation) Great to see my cousin Gayle who came down for a visit! Fridge and freezer broke (not so happy) but with a recommendation on a local repair shop, it was fixed the same day we called! Cool enough weather to wear handknits- I wore to my Soldotna for visit to Staci’s Stitches.  Quote of the Week Humor is the antidote to overthinking. It’s a way of saying that life is paradoxical. Humor contains contradictions; it does not resolve them but revels in them. It says that the right way to exist among the contradictions, paradoxes, and absurdities of life is to cope with them through laughter. — Bob Mankoff Contact Information: Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Twitter: Instagram: BostonJen1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio!

EPISODE 6: A Leg Up on Mistakes Administrative Notes (0:36) Project pages are now setup for all current knitting projects. Show note links will link to the project pages on this website, and those project pages will then contain links to Ravelry for those for which Ravelry is still accessible.     Current Productions (2:01) Kevin has the body on his his Payne pullover by Helena Bristow in Mountain Colors Twizzle in “Headwaters” 85% Merino 15% Silk Working on the second sleeve of the Aumangea Pullover by Aroha Knits in Malabrigo Rios “Pearl 10” and “Pines” (100% SW Merino)    Cast on for the Looped Loop Cowl by Kirsten Johnstone in Lemonade Shop Yarns Classic DK in “Toxic Hippo”   Events (7:27) Updated list from Knitty with cancelled fiber events as well as links to vendors who we can support   Stash Dash 2020 hosted by the Knit Girllls runs May 22 through August 22   Bay Area Fiber Fair runs from  July 17 through October 15   Fiberworld 2020 August 19-23   SBMT E-Studio Events all located on the SBMT eStudio Facebook Group located here and their website   A Review (9:16) Literary Knits by Nikol Lohr Little Known Facts (15:11) Knitting mistakes, how to prevent them & learn from them.

Current Productions (4:02) Kevin has been working on his Payne pullover by Helena Bristow in Mountain Colors Twizzle in “Headwaters” 85% Merino 15% Silk   More progress on the Aumungea Pullover by Aroha Knits in Malabrigo Rios Pearl 10 and Pines (100% SW Merino)   A little more progress on the Pride socks in self striping sock yarn from  Whitebirch Fiber Arts Full Monty (generic vanilla sock with an eye of partridge heel) 80% Superwash Merino, 20% Nylon.   Events (9:25) Updated list from Knitty with cancelled fiber events as well as links to vendors who we can support Tour de Fleece - June 27 through July 19 Stash Dash 2020 hosted by the Knit Girllls- May 22 through August 22 SBMT E-Studio Events all located on the SBMT eStudio Facebook Group located here Monday, July 13, 7pm: BBTD Musical Theatre History: The 1940's with Heather Kenyon Friday July 17, 8pm Pacific: eReaders Theatre The Book of Will Saturday July 18, 10am Pacific: Jazz Dance with Michael Saenz Wednesday, July 22, 7:30pm:  A Muse Event: Trivia Night with Walter Mayes Friday, July 24, 7:30pm: South Bay Cabaret: “Hi! Felicia!” with Felicia Chang Tuesday, July 28, 7:30pm: Behind the Curtain: Headshot Photography with Joanna Degeneres Back to Before (12:16) Kevin discusses the production facts and history of the 1969 Tony Award winning musical 1776 Little Known Facts (29:31) Kevin talks about following through on those knitting projects that never seem to end  

Current Productions (0:26) Pride sock in self striping sock yarn (80% SW Merino, 20% Nylon)from  Whitebirch Fiber Arts "Full Monty"  Aumangea Pullover by Arohaknits in Malabrigo Rios (100% SW Merino) "Pearl 10" and "Pines" Cast on for the Knot Today tank by Skeinanigans in Knitted Wit Victory Fine discontinued (100% Merino) in "Chai" and "Shandanowitz"  Cast on for the Payne pullover by Helena Bristow in Mountain Colors Twizzle  (85% Merino, 15% silk) in “Headwaters” Events (7:18)  An updated list of cancelled fiber events, as well as a link to vendors to help support them at https://knitty.com/sos.html Little Known Facts(7:35) How to be an Ally Guide to Allyship White Fragility  

For photos and links, please see the blog.  Finished objects: Michelle finished skirting this brown and white Icelandic fleece. She cleaned and put away the drum carder. Michelle finished her online master rain gardener class. She just needs to build her rain garden. The digging has begun to get rid of the lake at the end of her driveway. The rain garden will extend along the driveway. We started the digging in the clay at the end of the driveway to drain the lake before continuing to dig. The next day most of this puddle was gone. Although Michelle dislikes sewing, she decided to make covers for her patio chair cushions after the old ones disintegrated at the seams in the wash. It would probably look better if they were fitted, but that may be beyond Michelle's abilities...or willingness to sit at the sewing machine. Michelle also made a travel case for her felting needles. She's not traveling these days, but has been wanting to make this case for a while. Now it's ready. The needle pad is glued to the lid on the bottom, so it can be easily used when open. Erica finished her first sock for herself! She is quite proud and as she is not really a matching sock type of person, she has been wearing it already. :) Spun Yarn These yarns have not yet been wet finished, in fact Erica's wet finishing bin is starting to spill over! Grafitti Interrupted Organic Polwarth split in half and spun to bobbins and plied. First Impressions this is a spin that Erica has been wanting to do for some time. The colourway is beautiful, as is the resulting yarn. It was a colorway from Bee Mice Elf, who as regular listeners will no doubt remember is no longer dyeing. Advent Calendar one more plied yarn. This was a great colourway, again no information on the fiber content, but a lovely colourway. Works in progress: Michelle has been working on some kumihimo for mask straps. Here's a sample of what she made resting across the face of the kumihimo disk. Michelle's husband modeling her mask with the kumihimo straps. Once the electronics come in, it will light up. Here's a link to the video the idea was taken from. https://youtu.be/aYAwOimNzb0 The other project that Michelle has been working on is some cross stitch. The pattern was designed by April of Crown Street Cottage. https://www.etsy.com/shop/CrownStreetCottage?ref=ss_profile She has lots of geeky patterns in her shop. This one really spoke to me. It will read "Welcome to my home. Roll initiative" Michelle dyed the fabric with RIT dye and knows exactly where it will hang in her house when finished. TJ and Erica carded some of the Icelandic fleece that Michelle so kindly sent us! This has been a really fun project for TJ and Erica to do together. TJ is honing his studio assistant skills! :) Erica is very close to having completely spun her Advent Calendar fiber. She spun up the last singles and hopes to decide what to ply them with by Episode 16. :) She talked about her process for always rewinding her singles onto storage bobbins after doing the Be Kind Rewind yarn from 51 Yarns. Erica has just recently passed the halfway mark in her 51 Yarns journey. If you are a spinner and have not yet gotten 51 Yarns, it is a great book and a fun path to travel. More about the rewinding of one of these yarns in Episode 16. As you can see her storage bobbins sometimes live on a shelf with fandom/geekdom memorabelia. :) This lovely spin has been languishing. This fiber is in the Deep Cove colourway from Sweet Georgia Yarns on the Polwarth Silk Fiber. It is 85% Polwarth and 15% Tussah Silk. The resulting singles are gorgeous!!! Erica started this spin in August 2019 and is excited to be finishing it up! Erica surprising chose to spin up some of the little remaining SW Targhee she has in her stash. This one was in the colorway Petal, it was such a gorgeous colorway she kept it even though SW Targhee is not a fiber she adores. On the bobbin you can only see the last two colors. The colorways starts with a beautiful yellow and grades into orange, then a deep red, the into these lovely purples. :) You can also see Erica's Fiber Stash page for this fiber on Weavolution. Erica finished relseying the damask cloth. She switched to the 20 epi reed that her husband got her for Christmas (thank you Halcyon Yarn for having them in stock!). She has relseyed at about 46 epi by sleying the reed 2-2-3. Erica is making good progress on TJ's sock #1. She will still have the second sock for both TJ and herself to knit once his first sock is done. This sock is knit on 2.5mm Signature Needle Arts DPNs. They will also be knit in a SW Merino, Nylon, Stellina yarn from Gynx Yarns, who alas is also no longer dying. I hope the listeners were excited to hear that Erica has restocked some stash from dyers who actually are still dyeing! :)

Hello there and welcome to The Crochet Circle Podcast and the show notes for Episode 49 – My kind of rainbow   My name is Fay and this is my audio and video podcast for those that love fibre crafts, particularly crochet.  It’s a community for people that like to support their fellow humans regardless of race, gender, sexuality, ability, size or age. I hope you feel the welcome embrace and love of the Crochet Clan.  Come on in and stay awhile.     In this episode, I cover Old Dog New Tricks; WIP RIP 2019; Final Destination; En Route; Quick News Beats; Big Up and J’adore.    This podcast is sponsored by my online crafting company, Provenance Craft Co.  Thanks to everyone who tunes into the podcast whether it is through Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, iTunes or the YouTube Channel. Your support and engagement are really appreciated and makes running a podcast very special and worthwhile.    If you would like to support the podcast, you can do that through Patreon:     1 – Old Dog New Tricks I have a couple of things for you this month. The first is a great way of getting accurate charts for your colourwork crochet designs.  This trick came about because Claudia mentioned in a Global Hook Up that she wanted to be able to take motifs and recreate them in crochet.  By inputting your swatch gauge into this website (link) you can get gauge specific graph paper which you can then colour in with your motif.  This will help to ensure that your motif will easily convert to crochet stitches and look great when you have hooked it up. The second one comes from a really good discussion in the Saturday night Global Hook Up on size inclusivity.  When uploading garment projects onto Ravelry, I have been guilty of just adding ‘me’ to the box about who it is being made for.  It hadn’t dawned on me that it would actually be helpful to give my measurements so that other makers could assess the size I made against my measurements.   I’m not a massive fan of having my photo taken, so I’m going to get over myself and start uploading more photos of me in my FOs so that others can see how the size I made looks on my body shape.  If you are also making garments, I encourage you to do this too if you can.  I often refer back to other people’s projects to see what the sizing and fit are like.      One of the things I would like to introduce in 2020 is tips from the Crochet Clan.  Beyond continuing to share what I have learned in the previous month, I would also like to share your top crochet or yarn tips.  Because these are a bit more involved it would be easier for me to get these via Ravelry or my email address.  So, I have started a new thread on Ravelry called Old Dog New Tricks and you can add your tips to that thread.  If you prefer, you can email me (fay@knitit-hookit-craftit.com).    Each month, I will feature a tip from a member of our community so that we are all learning from each other and we continue the Crochet Clan spirit that our podcast is known for.    2 – CAL Updates #wiprip2019 The #wiprip2019 I am co-hosting with Sophie from A Spring Snowflake Podcast (link) is in full swing.    You have from now until midnight on the 31st December to finish up or rip out some or all of your WIPs so that you go into the New Year with fewer projects.   On Instagram, you can use #wiprip2019 for chatter and #wiprip2019FO to show off your finished or frogged projects.  Go to Sophie’s Ravelry group for chatter and the Crochet Circle Podcast group for the FO thread.    Come and join us and together, let’s carry fewer projects into 2020.   One Skein Wonderland CAL I was asked whether we were doing the One Skein Wonderland CAL again and I figured why not?  My plan is to make this very informal and just a lovely way of us all connecting together during the festive season and throughout January.  You can start any, one skein crafting project from the 24th December onwards.    3 – Final Destination I have finished my Bark Sweater by Sidsel Sangild (link).  I’m used a 5mm hook and a sportweight Romney/Merino d’Arles blend from John Arbon Textiles.  This wool was a show special and is no longer available.    It was really quick to work up because of the hook size and use of chains to create a sort of lace pattern.  I  made some changes to the pattern and have added these details to my project page on Ravelry.  Look for a pattern called “Romney Bark Jumper”.  What I would say is that this isn’t a size-inclusive pattern by any stretch of the imagination.  It covers small and large.  However, because of the pattern repeats, you can make it bigger or smaller, but you would have to do the maths yourself.   I have also finished three shawls for my latest design.  But, more on that in the future, other than to show you how the different weights are working up.    ALT TEXT: Black background with the corners of four shawls coming in from the left.  The bottom is a duck egg light blue version on heavy laceweight, the next up is a salmon pink version in 4ply, then a mid-blue version in DK and finally a biscuit brown version in Aran.  With each shawl, you can see a defined stitch pattern and the use of filet crochet to create latticed areas.  Each of the four yarns is from John Arbon Textiles (link).   4 – En Route I am slap-bang in the middle of a laceweight version of my latest design, so that’s taking a while! You can see it in the photo above. I do have a project that I am just about to start though.  I was alerted to the plight of the animals that have been affected by the huge expanses of land that have been burning in Australia.  The fires have particularly affected Koala habitats and crocheted pouches are needed for joeys, possums and wombats.    Podcast friend Mara, has created a PDF pattern on how to crochet up pouches.  You can also knit them and the wildlife charities are also in desperate need of sewn cotton liners for inside the pouches.  Don’t worry if you think that it will take you a while to crochet up some pouches.  There is an ongoing need for crocheted or knitted pouches, liners and birds’ nests.  They do need natural fibres such as wool or cotton to be used.  No acrylics and no blends because they aren’t breathable and so can’t be used.   I was looking for a charity that I could make for during the festive season and I hope to crochet quite a few pouches.  For each pouch, I also want to make 6 cotton liners because they get changed regularly throughout the day.   Crocheted pouch patterns – https://www.facebook.com/rubylovesbrains/photos/pcb.10159191872638032/10159191871513032/?type=3&theater Knitted pouch pattern – https://www.wires.org.au/wildlife-info/wildlife-factsheets/making-possum-pouches Sewn cotton liners – https://www.wires.org.au/wildlife-info/wildlife-factsheets/making-possum-pouches Birds’ nest pattern -  https://www.wires.org.au/wildlife-info/wildlife-factsheets/making-wildlife-nests If you are unable to create something but want to help in some way, donations are also being accepted by WIRES (Wildlife Rescue (link)). All donated items should be sent to Jacqui Fink, who is matching items up with the volunteers animal carers and organisations who need them. Her details are: Jacqui FinkPO Box 126,Balgowlah NSW 2093Australia ARRINGAH MALL NSW  2100     I have also been working on a knitted jumper called Strandir by Hulda Hákonardóttir (link).  I am using Icelandic yarn from Alafoss.  The 'Light Ash' coloured Plotulopi wool comes in plates (link) and I am using Einband wool that was naturally dyed by Hespa for the contrast (link) and is a blue/green colour.      ALT TEXT: Black background with my folded up version of Strandir jumper.  The main body is in a very light heathered grey colour and it has contrast bubbles at the cuffs and neckline in a blue/grey.  To the right is a leftover plate of Plotulopi with a broken strand to show how friable the wool roving is.     5 – Feeding the Habit I have some yarn to share with you!  For the first time ever, I found indie acid-dyed yarn in Iceland.  By chance, I came across a yarn shop in Selfoss and there was a small amount of yarn from ‘From the Shire’ yarns (link).  I bought a couple of skeins of a colourway that reminded me of my trip – basically snow, yellow snow poles and tarmac.  These skeins are destined to become part of a design.  The colourway is Betri Helmingurinn and it’s 75% SW Merino and 25% nylon 100g/425m.      Last weekend I was haring around the country doing various yarny things.  On Saturday I went down to an event in Bristol called Flock.  It is arranged by the husband and wife team that is Claire and Jonathan of BirdStreetUK/Mr. b yarns (link).   It’s a lovely gathering of knitters and crocheters in a community hall.  People go there to craft together and purchase from the pop-up shops.  You can usually buy Mr.b yarns there and Claire’s project bags and they invite another company from the yarn industry to come and join them for a trunk show.  This time, Rachael from Cat and Sparrow Yarns (link) was there.    I bought two skeins if her Sweater Weather DK wool in colourway Grape.  It’s a gorgeous blend of 75% BFL and 25% Masham.  I have used this blend before in a 4 ply weight and it’s beautiful to crochet with.  The yarn is 240m/100g and really squishy. ALT TEXT: Black background with the bottom of two skeins of very plump and squishy wool.  The skeins are both a semi-solid purple colour with a very obvious and lovely twist to the yarn.   On Sunday I headed over to the RiverKnits studio (link) for a yarn dyeing workshop.  I had so much fun!  The workshop was all about mixing colours and having a rainbow of 12 mini skeins at the end of it.  Of course, I wanted a dirty rainbow – I am definitely not of the pastels persuasion! We had a really lovely group of five of us and all came out with different strengths of rainbow minis.    ALT TEXT: A group of five women proudly show off their rainbow mini skeins.  Each is different, ranging from extremely bright to mucky rainbows and almost everything in-between.  We are all wearing lots of woollies because it was chilly.     ALT TEXT: Black background with a rainbow of twelve mini skeins hanging from a twig.  From L-R the colours are bluey purple, indigo blue, teal, jade green, moss green, poppy lime green, dirty mustard, orangey-brown, rusty fox, warm red, pinky-red and pinky purple.    I am very pleased with mine, especially the Rusty Fox colour that I was determined to create.  I’m not sure what I am going to design with it yet, but they are going to be paired with a stormy grey to make a crochet design.    The workshop was a little treat for another year of podcasting, running the shop and designing.  I already had a healthy level of respect for the dyers that I consider to be true artists.  After the workshop, that respect increased massively – it’s really difficult to get to the colours you have in your head.   Becci and Markus will be running more workshops in 2020, so if you are interested in going to one, sign up to the newsletter on their website because that is where you will hear about it first.   6 – Quick News Beats 1 - Global Hook Up – There will be more than two Hook Ups in December: Saturday 14th  at 8 pm (GMT) and Sunday 15th at 9 am GMT. Wednesday 25th December from 11 am until 2 pm (GMT) and Thursday 26th from 9 am until 12 pm (GMT).    The Christmas Day and Boxing Day sessions have been added because I know that some of you are looking forward to a festive Hook Up.  I will be there at the start of the session and then might dip in and out.  Each session will go on for three hours and other folks will likely come in and out during that time.    The meeting ID number is 475-047-5819 and you will need to join via Zoom which you can do here:  https://www.zoom.us/join If you are joining on your phone or tablet you will likely need to download the software in advance.  If you are joining from a PC or Mac, you can join via the link above.  Everyone needs to use the same ID number to get into the session.  2 – The next podcast is episode 50!  I am delighted to have been podcasting for this long and to have consistently put a podcast out on the first Friday for that long.  To mark the fact that it’s episode 50, I wondered about introducing a new topic just for this podcast.  The idea is that you can ask me any questions and I will give you the answer in Episode 50.  If you like the idea and want to ask a question, you can leave a question in the YouTube dropdown box or in Podbean, or leave a question in the Instagram grid story for Episode 49 (this is easier for me to find than you sending me a dm).  It doesn’t matter if there aren’t any questions, I will be recording a podcast anyway. 3 – I have now added all of my electronic patterns (crochet UK terminology, crochet US terminology and knitting) to my Etsy shop FayDHDesigns (link).  This means that all of my patterns are now available on Ravelry (link), Etsy and from my shop website (link).    7 - J’adore This can only really be about my trip to Iceland.  I had a great time with my Dad.  We stayed in four different locations and did a lot of travelling, moving from the SW corner all the way to the East and then up to the North and back again for our flight back.  You can see snapshots of my trip on the grid on Instagram as I crocheted my way across the island.  Iceland is an amazing country to visit and if you are thinking about going there, I thoroughly encourage you to go to some of the places that are beyond the usual Golden Circle tourist route – there is so much more to the country.       I particularly enjoyed when we happened across a herd of reindeer up in the mountain pass as we were driving north.  They were magical to watch, as were the moonrises and sunsets.  Also, my Dad has asked me to knit him an Icelandic yoked jumper.  He chose the wool while we were out there and I have already made a start on it.  I’ll show it off more in the January podcast.   I’ll be back on January 3rd 2020.  Have a fab festive season! Fay x   Instagram: Crochet_Circle_Podcast  Instagram: provenance.craft.co   Instagram: FayDHDesigns YouTube: The Crochet Circle Podcast Crochet Clan on Mighty Network: Invite  

  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 162 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week's segments included:   Off the Needles On the Needles Brainstorming From the Armchair Crafty Adventures In my Travels KAL News Events Contest, News & Notes Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Thank you to this episode's sponsors: AdoreKnit, Infinite Twist, and Knitters Brewing Company   Off the Needles   Dragon Belly Shawl  Pattern: Dragon Belly Shawl by Johanna Lindahl Free crochet pattern Yarn: Teal Torch Knits TTK Splendid sock. 100% SW Merino. Stone Ground colorway. 2 skeins Hook: F (3.75 mm) Meters: 889   Secret Paths- Worsted Pattern: Secret Paths by Johanna Lindahl (free crochet pattern) Hook: US I (5.5 mm) Yarn: Berroco Ultra Alpaca, 50% wool, 50% alpaca. 2 skeins Meters: 384   Secret Paths- Fingering Pattern: Secret Paths by Johanna Lindahl (free crochet pattern) Hook: US H (5.0 mm) Yarn: Madeline Tosh Twist Light in the Opaline colorway (2 skeins) Meters: 884  Barcelona/ Porto Socks #1  Yarn: Hjerte Garn. magic Colours Stompegarn jacquard Magic Color: 7749 Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Pattern- OMG Heel by Megan Williams Meters: 192   Stash Dash Total (to date): 2349 meters    On the Needles   Barcelona/Porto Socks #2 Yarn: Hjerte Garn. magic Colours Stompegarn jacquard Magic Color: 7749 Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Pattern- OMG Heel by Megan Williams Bronwyn Shawl (in blues) Pattern: Bronwyn Shawl by Toni Lipsey (free crochet pattern) Yarn:  Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Superwash Hook: J (6 mm)  Bronwyn Shawl (in purple) Pattern: Bronwyn Shawl by Toni Lipsey (free crochet pattern) Yarn: Berroco Ultra Wool in Iris, Heather and Pepper Hook: J (6 mm) Brainstorming Stash Dash 2019 Goal: 15k Stash Dash 2019 Set in my Projects- click here to see my projects. A summer top for me. Debating between the Midnight Top, Britannia Beach Boxy Sweater and the most likely contender is the  Vanier V-Neck Tunic 2 crochet Christmas stockings I may add border on crochet hexagon blanket- a good chance to try new edging. Have any ideas for me? Christmas gifts- socks, shawls and toys. Also considering the Resistance Hat, a Boxy by Joji Locatelli, a cowl with leftovers from my Holly Press Fibers minis held with white for my niece Riley, another Hibernate blanket I recently ordered: from Holly Press Fibers- To Hike or To Knit Self striping- purple, mauve, orange taupe & the Pearl & Plum- Splash Pad Exclusive Project Bag    From the Armchair The Fix on ABC (10 episodes, 1st season) Bless this Mess on ABC  (6 episode, 1st season) Yarn Punk- Episode 104 of the Be Hooked Crochet Podcast. Check out Vincent’s website. Find him on Instagram as Knot.Bad  & yarnpunk   Crafty Adventures   I made Nutella Chocolate Chip Cookies with Emelyn. Click here for the recipe. We also made more melted crayon art. She used a wooden board, I used a canvas. We both made jellyfish. painted the top with watercolor and/or acrylic paint In My Travels Wolfe’s Neck Oceanfront Campground First time out on Kayaks for the season Dan bought us a new tent, Grand Hut 4, - worked out great. We hiked at Wolfe’s Neck State Park Visited Maine Beer Company : They're doing great things. Check out 1% for the Planet  KAL News   Slay the Stash 2019 Each month you can declare a skein of yarn to knit/crochet/weave to its very end (only 3 yards or less can remain). Let’s use up those older special skeins (purchased before 2019) - and maybe win a new beautiful skein of yarn from one of our sponsors along the way! Check out the May post  Use and follow #slaythestash2019 on Social Media Slay the Stash Sponsor List- 2019 Official Rules for 2019  January- Fish Belly Fiber Works February- KnitCircus Yarns March- Holly Press Fibers April- Fibernymph Dye Works May – Another Crafty Girl  June- Flying Finn Yarns July- Sponsored by WindsweptMonique– yarn TBD August- Knit Style Yarns September- Artistic Lilly  October – Infinite Twist  November- 716 Knit  December –  Hypnotic Yarn     Check out the Start Here Thread in the Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group For Official Rules, click here. Pre Pool opener chat Poolside Chat (to be opened 6/1) Click here to see Coupon Codes especially for you from our sponsors! Check out Splash Pad Party '19 Exclusive Items Splash Pad Party '19 Prize Thread   Pro Shop Sponsors AdoreKnit Fibernymph Dye Works Holly Press Fibers Infinite Twist Jennifer Lassonde Designs Kingdom Fleece and Fiberworks Kitchen Counter Crafter Knit Style Yarns Knitters Brewing Company Pearl & Plum Prairie Bag Works Sunsoaked Yarns Snack Shack Sponsors Anne Beady Designs Brenda Castiel Designs Corrine Walcher’s Ravelry Store a girl and her wool Heddi Craft Designs Kino Knits Knit/ Wit Designs Love in Stitches MediaPeruana Designs Progress Keepers by Meliabella Remade by Hand Designs Windswept Designs     Events   19th Annual Maine Fiber Frolic- June 1 & 2-  Windsor Fairgrounds Rt. 32, Windsor, Maine  June 1 & 2, 2019, 9 am - 4 pm  $5/adult, $8/adult 2 day pass $2/senior adult,  children under  12 are free. (3 hours from me- not sure I'll be going) World Wide Knit in Public Day- Saturday June 8th. Find an event near you! Check out the "Where are Jen & Lisa" Thread in the group to see what events we'll be attending and feel free to note where you're going to find other friends also going!  Online Event: Knit Girllls annual Stash Dash KAL will run from May 24-August 24, 2019 Watch the friendly competition with Jasmin and me on Instagram: #teambostonjen #beatcuteknitter   Contest, News & Notes   Ann Weaver is donating all pattern sale income to ACLU through end of June! I ran a little pop-up contest over Memorial Day weekend on Instagram. Check out #getoutsideandcraft It's SO fun seeing what you were up to! Let’s keep it going all year! Life in Focus 2019 goals- 10 patterns + Build Muscle   #30x30stopstroke challenge going well. I've exercised 30 minutes a day everyday this month! Design- I've been experimenting with a new shawl shape that was giving me fits. Then I stopped and focused on my goal--10 patterns. Not specific patterns. And I asked myself what if this was easy? That flipped the switch and now I'm swatching a new idea I’m psyched about. Why make it hard?! It's not necessary!   On a Happy Note 15th anniversary Went out for beer and early dinner after a very long day at work 30x30stopstroke challenge- so far every day in May Lots of good walks. Trader Joe’s flowers. $5.99 last 2 weeks. Quote of the Week Life is denied by lack of attention, whether it be to cleaning windows or trying to write a masterpiece. —Nadia Boulanger   ------   Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Twitter: Instagram: BostonJen1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio!      

  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 161 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week's segments included:   On the Needles Brainstorming From the Armchair In my Travels KAL News Events Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Infinite Twist, Kingdom Fleece and Fiberworks & Fibernymph Dye Works   On the Needles Dan’s Tourmaline Stripes Socks Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Yarn: Paton’s Kroy in the Tourmaline Stripes Colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Autumn Stripes Socks Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Yarn: Paintbox Socks Colorway Stripes-Autumn Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm) Dragon Belly Shawl  Pattern: Dragon Belly Shawl by Johanna Lindahl (Free crochet pattern) Yarn: Teal Torch Knits TTK Splendid sock. 100% SW Merino. Stone Ground colorway Hook: F (3.75 mm) I'm working on another sample for a new design that will match the Riley Rose Shawl & Riley Rose Cowl.  This hat is knit out of Holly Press Fibers Sheepish minis (5 colors) - Petticoat series. I've started a new 4 color, fingering weight shawl design. Sign up for my newsletter to be the first to know when patterns are released (and to get the best intro coupon)   Brainstorming Just back from beach vacation. Wore my Amma crochet top and my Easy Swim Cover up which is making me want to whip up something else for summer. Any suggestions?     From the Armchair  Tune in to hear my review and some highlights from Atomic Habits by James Clear Atomic Habits by James Clear I also mentioned Gretchen Rubin's Better than Before& Jon Acuff's Finish  In My Travels   Tune in to hear about our recent trip to Punta Cana- we stayed at the Iberostar Punta Cana.  20 of us went to celebrate Dan's friend's Dad's 80th birthday. We ordered these silly t-shirts as surprise and he loved them. T-shirts are from Arielle’s Treasures  Travel Tips Run water through coffee maker (without coffee) to heat it. Finally got our answer to "how much sunscreen is enough?" Answer: 7 days, 2 people, 3 spray sunscreens (plus something for face). Rashguard and hats are a must. Traveling with own water bottle was great. Dan and I filled with ice and water at breakfast lunch and dinner to always have water with us. I brought small container dish soap and cleaned in room with a face cloth. Have a pen handy for immigration and custom forms. Pack an extra for a friend too! Always negotiate price with vendors when prices aren’t listed. It may feel weird - and you have to be willing to walk away. They WILL let you walk away if they’re not going to make a profit. KAL News   Slay the Stash 2019 Each month you can declare a skein of yarn to knit/crochet/weave to its very end. Let’s use up those older special skeins (purchased before 2019) - and maybe win a new beautiful skein of yarn from one of our sponsors along the way! Check out the May Post Thank you to Another Crafty Girl for sponsoring in May! Use and follow #slaythestash2019 on Social Media Slay the Stash Sponsor List- 2019 Official Rules for 2019  January- Fish Belly Fiber Works February- KnitCircus Yarns March- Holly Press Fibers April- Fibernymph Dye Works May – Another Crafty Girl  June- Flying Finn Yarns July- Sponsored by WindsweptMonique– yarn TBD August- Knit Style Yarns September- Artistic Lilly  October – Infinite Twist  November- 716 Knit  December –  Hypnotic Yarn Splash Pad Party- runs June 1 through July 31 2019   Check out the Start Here Thread in the Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group For Official Rules, click here. Pre Pool opener chat Poolside Chat (to be opened 6/1) Click here to see Coupon Codes especially for you from our sponsors! Check out Splash Pad Party '19 Exclusive Items Splash Pad Party '19 Prize Thread Use #splashpadparty19 to show us what you're up to to prep for the Splash Pad Sponsor Spots STILL AVAILABLE. Click here to learn more!     Pro Shop Sponsors AdoreKnit Fibernymph Dye Works Holly Press Fibers Infinite Twist Jennifer Lassonde Designs Kingdom Fleece and Fiberworks Kitchen Counter Crafter Knit Style Yarns Knitters Brewing Company Pearl & Plum Prairie Bag Works Sunsoaked Yarns   Snack Shack Sponsors Brenda Castiel Designs Heddi Craft Designs Kino Knits Knit/ Wit Designs Love in Stitches MediaPeruana Designs Remade by Hand Designs Windswept Designs  Events Wool Days at Old Sturbridge Village: May 25-27 9:30a-5p One Day Pass $28 for adults, $26 senior, $14 kids MA Sheep and Wool:May 26& 27 in Cummington, MA Fair Admission:Parking - $10 per car,  $15 for a two day pass 19th Annual Maine Fiber Frolic- June 1 & 2-  Windsor Fairgrounds Rt. 32, Windsor, Maine  June 1 & 2, 2019, 9 am - 4 pm  $5/adult, $8/adult 2 day pass $2/senior adult,  children under  12 are free. (3 hours from me- not sure I'll be going) World Wide Knit in Public Day- Saturday June 8th. Find an event near you! Check out the "Where are Jen & Lisa" Thread in the group to see what events we'll be attending and feel free to note where you're going to find other friends also going!  Online Event: Knit Girllls annual Stash Dash KAL will run from May 24-August 24, 2019 Watch the friendly competition with Jasmin and me on Instagram: #teambostonjen #beatcuteknitter Life in Focus 2019 goals- 10 patterns + Build Muscle   Designs Beginning of a new design is always scary for me but I talk a bit about how I work through that. I also got a lot of value out of  he Life Coach School- Episode 266 Why Change is Hard   Build Muscle   I'm participating in the #30x30stopstroke challenge The goal is to get as many as of us as possible to exercise for 30 minutes a day for 30 days in May—to help prevent stroke, maintain and increase our physical and mental well-being, and have some fun!     I've been trying out something new called the "on the clock" challenge I start stop watch on my phone when I first feel hungry. Drink some water and then see if the hunger stays the same or gets stronger. Many times I can go over an hour before anything really changes. It's fun when its a game and a good way to learn more about what my body actually needs. Hunger is not always an emergency.  I can eat any time I like... but its helped me realize I don't always need a snack when I think I might. On a Happy Note Software upgrade at work went well! Mother's Day- with Mom, Dad, Gram and my cousin Gayle-- played Skipbo, watched Red Sox and had a nice lunch together at Mom's house. Shared stories and photos from our trip. Quote of the Week Success is a few simple disciplines, practiced every day; while failure is simply a few errors in judgment, repeated every day.   —Jim Rohn ------     Contact Information: Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Twitter: Instagram:BostonJen1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio!

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 159 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week's segments included: Off the Needles On the Needles In my Travels KAL News Events Contest, News & Notes Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week Off the Needles Max's Very Little Giraffe Pattern: A Very Little Giraffe by Annaboo’s House- free crochet pattern available on website not for download Hook: B (2.25 mm) Yarn: leftover super wash worsted yarn in yellow, brown and cream. Sunset Stripes Socks Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Needles: US 1.5 (2.5mm) Yarn: Patons Kroy in the Sunset Stripes colorway Grace & Frankie Shawl Pattern: Grace & Frankie by me, Jennifer Lassonde Yarn: 2 skeins of Suburban Stitcher Merino DK: 100% Superwash Fine Merino Wool in the Predictability Colorway. 115 grams = 250 yards Yarn used in sample = 220 grams | 478 yards (473.5 meters) Needles: US 9 (5.5 mm) Kris 40th Birthday Shawl Pattern: Grace & Frankie by me, Jennifer Lassonde Yarn: A Hundred Ravens Vanir DK (100% merino). 2 skeins in the Morello colorway Needles: US 9 (5.5 mm) On the Needles Rock You Like a Hurricane Socks Yarn: Freckled Whimsy yarn in the Rock You Like a Hurricane colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Pattern- OMG Heel by Megan Williams West Yorkshire spinners for heel only. mauve color. Dragon Belly Shawl  Pattern: Dragon Belly Shawl by Johanna Lindahl Free crochet pattern Yarn: Teal Torch Knits TTK Splendid sock. 100% SW Merino. Stone Ground colorway. 2 skeins Hook: F (3.75 mm). Barcelona/ Porto Socks #1  Yarn: Hjerte Garn. magic Colours Stompegarn jacquard Magic Color: 7749 Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Pattern- OMG Heel by Megan Williams Holly Press Fibers Boxy Pattern: Worsted Boxy by Joji Locatelli Needles: US 7 (4.5mm) and US 8 (5.0 mm) Yarn: Holly Press Fibers - Sheepish (fingering weight) base in colorways:  Flower Petal, Rambler in the Wilderness & Seeking You. Assylum Fibers + 2 mystery skeins from stash. Holding fingering held double. Brainstorming Whirligig Shrug: baby/child shrug knitting pattern by Stefanie Japel. I knit one back in 2011 for my cousin Bella In My Travels I gave an overview of my 10 day trip to Barcelona, Spain and Portugal Packing in a carry-on for 10 Days 3 pairs pants- black and grey leggings & 1 pair jeans 8 shirts vest with hood denim jacket 1 handknit shawl & 1 cotton scarf sneakers, shortie boots and slide sneakers. Socks, underwear 1 pair of sleep shorts too cold to wear- slept in leggings I had plenty of clothing. Washed clothes at my friend's house on Friday before we went to Porto. Could have done w/ fewer shirts but it was nice to have variety. Wish I had wool socks for bed. Lessons Learned Didn’t need my shortie boots. Sneakers and casual sneakers would have been sufficient. Denim jacket and vest were good to mix and match & good layering options. Loved having my prescription sunglasses! I could bring less jewelry if I plan to buy some. I never understood the point of packing cubes-  but my mom sent some over and I'm sold. They really do compress things more than I thought possible and kept my small suitcase organized. Overall Travel Highlights & Safety Tips Booked 3 apartments in the 2 cities through AirBnB all worked out great! Booked 2 excursions in Spain through them - 3 hour Bike Tour & Paella Making Experience Separate beds/rooms meant that I didn't get Laura's cold. Clean out your wallet before you leave. Take photos of what’s in your wallet in case it’s stolen. My wallet stolen before we got to our first apartment. Because it was fast and easy to call and cancel, the thieves didn't get in any charges on my cards. I had new cards & a license by the time I returned home Carry wallet and passport on your person during airport and train travel. Always zip your purse. Keep passport separate from wallet. Was happy I packed Airborne & my water bottle. It was easy to fill and carry (saved me money too). Downloading google map of city in advance was a huge win. You can find your blue dot on map even without WiFi. WiFi in lots of places. Cafes, restaurants etc. makes traveling without cell service possible. Carry-on suitcase was plenty to manage through cobblestone streets and many flights of stairs in metro stations. I might have thought of bringing a larger suitcase if it were "free" but that would have been a bad idea. Brought external battery back up for phone. Used at least most days. My phone was in airplane mode except for 2 small needs for cellular. But I used it to take lots of photos. Internet and apps on WiFi as needed. Bought European 220 plug that supports 2 usb cords which worked for all of the electronics I needed to charge. Worked well but I didn't like that it lights up green when plugged in. Not good if want to charge phone by bed. Barcelona  The bike tour and paella making class were huge highlights We visited All You Knit Is Love Yarn shop. I bought a skein of Murmur yarn & 2 50gram skeins of Hjertegarn. Sagrada Família. Passion facade done this time! First time went in. Breathtaking! Visited Montserrat. Audio of boys choir at end. Porto  Love the street art in Porto. Loved that Porto is so walkable. Can’t get too lost. Loved small winding streets with bright colors and laundry hanging. First AirBnB gave us really great recommendations. Ora Viva= favorite restaurant. You can easily hop on a river cruise. They sell tickets right down by the river. Cable cars/ gondola brings you to top of bridge. Fun ride! Fun with Laura taking photos Graham’s port wine tour. Knitting No trouble with metal or bamboo circulars in any airline. The shawl project & one pair of socks was plenty for a busy trip of sightseeing, knowing I'd buy some more yarn there. The boys loved the giraffes I crocheted for them. Marta’s oldest made me a sign that said "Welcome Home" in English and had a drawing of a girl in a giraffe costume like the stuffy I made Aila for Christmas that he saw in my Instagram feed. If you're traveling, consider bringing  an FO you want great photos of. KAL News Slay the Stash 2019 Each month you can declare a skein of yarn to knit/crochet/weave to its very end. Let’s use up those older special skeins (purchased before 2019) - and maybe win a new beautiful skein of yarn from one of our sponsors along the way! Check out the April Post Use and follow #slaythestash2019 on Social Media Slay the Stash Sponsor List- 2019 Official Rules for 2019  January- Fish Belly Fiber Works February- KnitCircus Yarns March- Holly Press Fibers April- Fibernymph Dye Works May – Another Crafty Girl  June- Flying Finn Yarns July- Sponsored by WindsweptMonique– yarn TBD August- Knit Style Yarns September- Artistic Lilly  October – Infinite Twist  November- 716 Knit  December –  Hypnotic Yarn Splash Pad will open June 1st! Interesting in Sponsoring the Down Cellar Studio Podcast in 2019? Details for the Splash Pad Party & Pigskin Party can be found here. There are two types of Splash Pad Sponsorship Opportunities- find more details here Pro Shop Sponsors are given the opportunity to sell Splash Pad Party exclusive items in the month of May (or until July 15th). This is the paid option ($50). There are a max of 18 spots. Snack Shack Sponsors will donate prizes but will not be sell Splash Pad Party Exclusive products . This is free option and there are unlimited spots. 18 total Pro Shop Sponsor spots. 7 already taken! Don't delay! Anyone getting Splash Pad ready or wanting to share your sponsor products be sure to use  #splashpadparty19 on Instagram! Thank you to Jodi who started a pre-pool party chat thread in the group! If you're missing your Pigskin Party buddies, check it out. Events CT Sheep & Wool: April 27 9-4 rain or shine Gore Place Sheep Sheering Festival: April 27 from 10a-5p in Waltham MA- $20 general admission ages 13 and up, free for children 12 and under and Gore Place Members. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets available at the gates on the day or online. NH Sheep and Wool: May 11 & 12 in Deerfield NH Saturday 9am - 5pm & Sunday 9am - 4pm Admission is:  Reg price is $7.  Seniors 65 and older $5 youth 12 and under are free. Wool Days at Old Sturbridge Village: May 25-27 9:30a-5p One Day Pass $28 for adults, $26 senior, $14 kids MA Sheep and Wool: May 26 & 27 in Cummington, MA Fair Admission:Parking - $10 per car,  $15 for a two day pass Online Events Knit Girllls annual Stash Dash KAL will run from May 24-August 24, 2019 Contest, News & Notes Grace & Frankie Shawl release  The Grace & Frankie Shawl is an elongated triangular shawl that is worked from the top down. Garter Stitch edges offset by the lace in the center. i-cord edging gives the edge a very polished look and bonus, there's not a single purl stitch in the shawl. The design of the shawl is inspired by the relationship I have with my best friend, Kris. She often compares us to Grace & Frankie (from the Netflix original series)- best friends who love and need each other but on the surface have nothing in common. You'll see that play out in the shawl where the openness of the lace is offset by the solid fabric of the garter stitch—completely different types of stitches and fabric that complement each other well. Click here for all of the details. The Grace & Frankie Shawl is available for $6 on Ravelry. If you signed up for my newsletter you already got an early bird special discount. Next up Riley Rose Hat. Interested in test knitting? PM me on Ravelry! Life in Focus 2019 Goals: publish 10 patterns | build muscle! Health, wellness & muscle building.  I talk about how much value Im getting out of the PnP tribe that I’m still a member of.  I'm learning to be patient in building muscle while also listening to my body and going slower than I want to because of my fibromyalgia. Planning: doing weekly plans in Evernote is keeping me organized and helping me prioritize. With that I'm 1 pattern ahead of where I wanted to be at this time of the year. On a Happy Note 7th Podcast anniversary! Enjoying the show and want to support me? Leave review Apple podcast. Buy a pattern. Sign up for newsletter. Join a kal. Become or continue to participate as a Down Cellar Studio community member. Maybe invite a friend. We thoroughly enjoyed Riley, Garret & Millie's birthday dinner followed by laser tag! So fun. Who knew?! I had a blast celebrating my best friend's 40th birthday with a birthday dinner of tacos followed by swing dancing.  Dan and I will be going to San Francisco soon! Quote of the Week I want to live so densely, lush, and slow in the next few years, that a year becomes ten years, and my past becomes only a page in the book of my life.”  — Nayyirah Waheed ------ Thank you for tuning in. Remember show notes for this episode can be found at www.downcellarstudio.com/159 If you have a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, I'd greatly appreciate it. I can be found on Ravelry as BostonJen and I'd love it if you came over to join our lively and engaged Down Cellar Studio Ravelry Group. Check me out on Instagram at BostonJen1 if you want to see what I'm up to between episodes. Email me at downcellarstudio@gmail.com For website: Thank you for tuning in! Contact Information: Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Twitter: Instagram: BostonJen1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio!

  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 128 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week's segments included:   Off the Needles On the Needles Brainstorming From the Armchair Crafty Adventures KAL News Events Life in Focus Ask Me Anything On a Happy Note Quote of the Week Off the Needles   Simple Star Ornaments I used fingering, worsted and bulky weight yarn with varying hook sizes. Soaked finished stars quickly in water. Squeeze out excess water.  Used T pins to pin into blocking board (covered in saran wrap to protect it. Dabbed on Mod Podge Stiffy with a foam brush and wiped into front and back.   Groot Yarn: Loops & Threads Impeccable Hook: D 3.25 mm Pattern: Groot Amigurumi by Clare Heesh (free crochet)   Red Ninja II Yarn: Cascade 220 Superwash- Red Hook: C: Pattern: none   You've Been Elf'ed Socks Yarn: Cozy Knitter Bliss Base (80% SW Merino, 20% Nylon) You've been Elfed Colorway. Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)   Encore Turn a Square Yarn: Plymouth Encore Tweed Colorway 0217- Black with tan flecks Needles: US 5 + US 7 Pattern: Turn a Square Hat (free) by Jared Flood Cast on 92- thicker yarn 6 1/2 inches before decreases but I think that was too short. My gut told me 7 inches but the only notes in my Rav Project pages said 6.. now I know.   On the Needles   Zombie Christmas Socks Yarn:  Dyenamics Yarn Supersock Fingering in Zombie Colorway - gray base with darker gray (some blue tones) blips of red and green Needles: US 1.5 Pattern: OMG Heel   Sugar Plum Fairy Socks Yarn: Socks that Rock Lightweight in the Sugar Plum Fairy Dust Colorway Needles: US 1.5 Pattern: Fish Lips Kiss Heel   Frankensock #7 Yarn: leftover bits of sock yarn joined using Cate's Clasp Weft Join Needles: US 1.5 Pattern: OMG Heel   New Design for Handspun     Ninilchik Swoncho  Pattern: Ninilchik Swoncho by Caitlin Hunter Yarn: Cloudborne DK, Fiberstory DK + Gale's Art Super Star DK Needles: US 4 & 6 Brainstorming Fingering Yarn held double for socks. Christmas yarn leftovers with white or gray Siksak Hat Baby prop- if you have any favorites please let me know! From the Armchair Done Disappeared (parody) Podcast Broadchurch available on Netflix (season 3 available now) 2017 Year in Review: I talked about how I went about it. Here's a link to 50 Important Questions to Help you Reflect Crafty Adventures   Before Christmas I spent a crafty afternoon with my best friend Kris! My Christmas making was done so I focused on finishing and getting things unstuck. Finished sewing in the ribbon to cover the steeks on my cardigan Ripped out toe on a pair of socks that I made too short. I fixed granny square jacket my mom made decades ago so my niece can wear it... Did finish a few of those crochet stars because they were fun... And Kris got some sewing done while we chatted!   KAL News   12 Months to Christmas KAL Click here to find about more about this KAL. Check out: Chat Thread & FO Thread  Prizes: Thundertwist hat from Greg Cohoon  Victorian Yuletide Ornaments- 1-5 by Jenn Sheelen   WIP’ing 2017 in the Butt Declare a WIP from the 1st Quarter of 2017 or earlier within the first 5 days of the month, posting a photo of it in the thread. Finish the project by the end of the month, update your post with your FO photo and you'll be eligible to win a Ravelry downloadable pattern of your choosing up to $8.   Pigskin Party KAL Check out the Rules but if you still have questions, come over to the Questions thread and ask. We’re happy to help. Put your Name on the Roster then claim your spot in the End Zone Dance Thread where you'll track your points. Continue to update this with all of the points you earn during the KAL For every 100 points, you'll earn an entry into the drawing for the Grand Prizes Check out our amazing Sponsors; if you use their products, you'll earn more points per FO Find the coupons here. Some of our Pro Shop Level Sponsors will be creating exclusive items for Pigskin Party participants. They may come out at different times and will likely be limited in quantities, so keep your eyes on this Exclusive Items thread in the group for all the latest news Scope out the prizes! Some will be given out during the KAL; some will be part of the Grand Prizes. Don’t forget to use #DCSPigskinParty17 on Instagram so we check out what you’re doing and you can be eligible for participation prizes. Wondering what this crazy KAL is? Check out this page which gives you the best overview with all necessary links. There's also a helpful "Start Here" Thread in the Ravelry Group Thank you to our Pro Shop Sponsors! Atelier De Soyun  Colorful Eclectic Daisy Girl and Company Fancy Image Yarn Fibernymph Dye Works Inner Yarn Zen Joy in Rugging Knit Style Yarns Knitted Wit Knitters Brewing Company Knitty Kitty Bags Mekamika Nekozuki Knits Plum Deluxe Tea Prairie Bag Works Queen City Yarn Sunsoaked Yarns Woodsy and Wild Yarn Love   Key Details Mentioned in this Episode: December Interception reminder: Sponsored by Fibernymph Dye Works Slay the Stash 2018 Each month you can declare a skein of yarn to knit/crochet/weave to its very end. Let’s use up those older special skeins that are soooo pretty we don’t want to touch them. In 2018, we are turning those sacred skeins into beautiful projects you can enjoy-- and maybe win a new beautiful skein of yarn from one of our sponsors along the way! Full details and rules can be found here. January Post Use and follow #slaythestash2018 on Social Media  Events 2018 Box O' Balls Round Robin Mini Swap: click the link for full details about the mini skein swap I will be attending Vogue Knitting Live NYC: January 12-14, 2018 Life in Focus Happiness Project Gave my final thoughts on the December Project. Did a 2017 Happiness Project Review. I mentioned that I recently listened to an Episode of Slow Your Home where Cait Flanders was talking about her year long spending ban. Link above if you want to check that out. I am still planning my 2018 Goals--but if you want some recommended reading in the meantime.... Gretchen Rubin Strategies for establishing habits based on your tendency David Allen: The Big Secret About Goal Setting Mike Vardy: How to Review Your Year Ask Me Anything Citric Acid Discussion continued.... Yes, citric acid is safe to use in containers you eat from. Here's an article from Livestrong Color catchers- are another great idea. I use these sometimes too! Citric acid works to set color in wool but does not work for cellulose fibers (cotton, e.g.). On a Happy Note Funky Nutcracker- my oldest niece Emelyn was Nutcracker. and she did a great job!  We ended our Crafty Afternoon with a trip to Ann Taylor loft. Kris, Aila and I got a set of 3 bracelets with our initials for free! FUN! Enchanted Village: Aila and I squeeze in a visit and got to see Santa! Riley, Garret + Millie's Christmas Sleepover I auditioned for a local production of the musical Caberet and got in. Eeek! This is me knitting to calm my nerves before auditions Christmas! Star Wars!   Quote of the Week "I just want to highlight one perspective I’ve found very useful over the years: The value of goals is not in the future they describe, but the change in perception of reality they foster, in the present." -David Allen of Getting Things Done     Bonus audio from Riley, Garret and Millie at the end. Spoiler alert- it gets especially silly at the end. It may not make a lot of sense because I started recording part way through a conversation but the kids' laughter (especially Garret's) is especially infectious and I wanted to share!   ------   For website: Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Twitter: Instagram & Periscope: BostonJen1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio!    

  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 127 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week's segments included:   Off the Needles On the Needles Crafty Adventures KAL News Life in Focus Ask Me Anything On a Happy Note Quote of the Week Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Plum Deluxe, Imagined Landscape Designs, Nekozuki Knits   In this episode you heard a promo of Tightly Spun, a new podcast starting up in January 2018 by Emily Straw. Click the link for details!     Off the Needles Greedo Pattern: Greedo by Lucy Collins in the Star Wars Even More Crochet (kit) Yarn: Vanna's choice Sage (face), cloudbourn DK (held double) for turquoise, Vanna's choice mustard Hook: C   Buddy Bunny Pattern: 4 Seasons Easter by Lydia Tresselt 6.77 US (3 patterns- chick, bunny and sheep) Yarn: Sprightly Worsted Hook: C   VAA Hat Pattern: Turn a Square Hat by Jared Flood Yarn: Malibrigo Rios in the VAA Colorway Needles: US 5 for brim, US 7 for body Cast on 92 stitches (less than called for). I always do stockinette longer than called call for- 6 inches instead of 5 before decreases.   Amethyst Stripes Socks Yarn: Patons Kroy Stripes in the Amethyst Stripes Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)   Baker Street Hat Yarn: Knit Picks Felici Worsted in the Baker Street Colorway Needles: US 5 + US 7 Pattern: Turn a Square Hat (free) by Jared Flood Cast on 96 sts with US 5 6 inches before starting decreases Finished hat- 56 grams | 42 grams remain   Poppy Troll Hats Carina's Hat + Ella's Hat Pattern: Poppy Troll Hat by  Tawnya Myers (free crochet pattern) Hook: H Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver in 2 colors of pink: Carina: 5-10 year old child size Ella:1-4 year old child size.   Doll clothes for Riley’s doll Kelsey Gray and purple Poncho and matching Skirt Pink skirt and matching scarf Yarn: Fingering Weight Scraps Hook: C On The Needles   Striped Worsted Boxy Yarn: Switzer's Fiber Mill (unknown base/length skeins) Needles: US 7 & US 9 Pattern: Worsted Boxy by Joji Locatelli Will have to edit these needle sizes when I cast this back on. I had to rip out because my sweater was 68 inches instead of 64. Will cast back on soon!   Encore Turn a Square Yarn: Plymouth Encore Tweed Colorway 0217- Black with tan flecks Needles: US 5 + US 7 Pattern: Turn a Square Hat (free) by Jared Flood Cast on 9 (thicker yarn)   You've Been Elf'ed Socks Yarn: Cozy Knitter Bliss Base (80% SW Merino, 20% Nylon) You've been Elfed Colorway. Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)   Simple Star Ornaments Free pattern from the Persia Lou Website  Yarn: scraps of fingering, worsted and bulky Hooks: Various sizes from C up to match yarn size. Used Mod Podge Stiffy to stiffen   Crafty Adventures  Photo Album Project with Kiddos: Simple Stories Sn@p Album 6x8 from Joann $18.99 (got on sale/with a coupon) Came with pages in there, divided page protectors and dividers with tab What I'd do differently next time: create the title page and left space for them to write their names and the years. Written more prompts for them to fill in the blanks. They were mostly interested in decorating not writing but that's understandable :)   KAL News   12 Months to Christmas KAL Click here to find about more about this KAL. Check out: Chat Thread & FO Thread  Prizes! Thundertwist hat from Greg Cohoon  Victorian Yuletide Ornaments- 1-5 by Jenn Sheelen Bundle Up Betty Doll and outfit patterns from AndreSue Knits   WIP’ing 2017 in the Butt Declare a WIP from the 1st Quarter of 2017 or earlier within the first 5 days of the month, posting a photo of it in the thread. Finish the project by the end of the month, update your post with your FO photo and you'll be eligible to win a Ravelry downloadable pattern of your choosing up to $8.   Pigskin Party KAL Wondering what this crazy KAL is? Check out this page which gives you the best overview with all necessary links. There's also a helpful "Start Here" Thread in the Ravelry Group Check out the Rules but if you still have questions, come over to the Questions thread and ask. We’re happy to help. Put your Name on the Roster then claim your spot in the End Zone Dance Thread where you'll track your points. For every 100 points, you'll earn an entry into the drawing for the Grand Prizes Continue to update this with all of the points you earn during the KAL Check out our amazing Sponsors; if you use their products, you'll earn more points per F Some of our Pro Shop Level Sponsors will be creating exclusive items for Pigskin Party participants. They may come out at different times and will likely be limited in quantities, so keep your eyes on this Exclusive Items thread in the group for all the latest news Scope out the prizes! Some will be given out during the KAL; some will be part of the Grand Prizes. Don’t forget to use #DCSPigskinParty17 on Instagram so we check out what you’re doing and you can be eligible for participation prizes. Thank you to our Pro Shop Sponsors! Atelier De Soyun  Colorful Eclectic Daisy Girl and Company Fancy Image Yarn Fibernymph Dye Works Inner Yarn Zen Joy in Rugging Knit Style Yarns Knitted Wit Knitters Brewing Company Knitty Kitty Bags Mekamika Nekozuki Knits Plum Deluxe Tea Prairie Bag Works Queen City Yarn Sunsoaked Yarns Woodsy and Wild Yarn Love   Key Details Mentioned in this Episode: November Participation Winners November Interception Winner December Interception Reminder Life in Focus Happiness Project December Focus: Listen to my body Going really well. Concrete, simple, can adjust to a busy season and I had ideas at the ready. That seems the key to success. Tracking something I'm doing every. Here are some examples: Stretching, foam rolling, going for a walk, going to bed early, reading before bed to quiet my mind, tea, no stress knitting. I took a bath with epsom salt and candles.   Ask me Anything In this episode I answered questions from Ravelry user knittergirlkatie about using citric acid to set color into sock yarn. I use the Knitmore Girls Tutorial I think it's helpful especially when using multiple colors/skeins in your project and especially for handdyed yarns. I haven't had as much bleeding/absorption with commercial dyed yarns but be careful with reds, blues, purples and neons.   On a Happy Note We had a 4 kid holiday sleepover with Eme (13)/ Oisin (9), Will (10), and Aila (8). We celebrated Dan's birthday, decorated the tree and enjoyed pancakes! Emelyn's school concert. I had an extra sock my bag so gave it to Megg (Eme's mom) so she and knit together. It was lovely! A non-stressful holiday season. There are a couple more things I'd like to do and things I'd like to get, but shopping is mostly done. Waiting on a few things to come in by mail so I can wrap- which I'll enjoy doing. Turns out I'm a Grinchalong fail. Still making gifts because I can...and my heart keeps growing 3 sizes. Quote of the Week   "Certainty is the opposite of growth."    --Kathleen Trotter on The Other F Word Podcast     Stay curious out there folks!   ------     For website: Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Twitter: Instagram & Periscope: BostonJen1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio!  

Episode 34 - Knit City 2016 Recap with Guests!   Introductions Karla - K-Rae on Ravelry and Karlacrafts on Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest Emily -  EmGemKnits - Instagram, and Ravelry . EmKnits on Twitter and EmGem on Pinterest Michelle - Knittywittyshelle - Instagram and Ravelry   Friday - Karla Stayed overnight at Emily’s on Thursday night and Marsha and Scilla from the Twitch and Stitch Podcast, picked my at 6am on Friday! We made it to the Atrium Inn by 10 am. Headed over to Shannon’s for brunch and then on to the Sweet Georgia Studio, two braids of 85% polwarth + 15% tussah silk in paper street and one braid of 75% BFL and 25% tussah Silk in unique dyelot. 1 skein Tough Love Sock in Gelato Dinner at The Slocan and the Ysolda Teague lecture.   Emily - Dropped of The Bug and headed to Birkland brothers to drop off my fleeces. Met Selene at the hotel. Went to check out Sweet Georgia then headed to the Slocan and off to see Ysolda Teague’s talk   Michelle My ride Roslyn arrived at 8am to pick me up and we had a chatty drive all the way to the coast. We went to the Sweet Georgia warehouse and she left me to meet up with the other ladies. *one braid of Sweet Georgia bfl+silk*  Then I headed to the Atrium with them and Roslyn met up with us as we were headed out to dinner at the Slocan. Saturday - Karla Classes - Tapestry Weaving Purchases/Plans for purchases - Sweater quantity of Hinterland Range (8 Skeins), Two pouch kits from a Threaded Needle and a Stitch Marker Ring Set from Kristyn McIntyre of Knitters Jewlery Shawl Joy by Sylvia McFadden   Emily Classes - Nada Purchases/Plans for purchases - Caterpillar Green ‘OMG you guys’ sock yarn TinCanKnits for their new book, Mad Colour Soft Sweater for her book. Shawl Joy Bumblebirch booth for a sweater quantity of her Heartwood Base in Shadow and a skein of Quill in Fog. 2 skeins of Be So Brave in a red and a dark grey. 2 skeins of Sweet Fiber merino lace in Rose Gold to make Soft Sweaters “A Joyful Thread” 1 ball of gradient dyed by Caitlyn Ffrench 100g 418m 70/30 wool/nylon ombre dyed and eco printed. 2 skeins Sweet Georgia Superwash Worsted in Pistachio plus the tough love sock Party of 5 in Royals Shannon Cook’s Bradway pattern 6 Skeins of Shelter by Brooklyn Tweed 2 of each Storm Cloud, yellow and plume 5 skeins of Custom woolen mills Mule spun in a moss heather green Some things for the 12 days of Knitmas - SHHHHHH Then we went to the Yarn Harlot.   Michelle Classes -  Measuring Master Class w/Ysolda Teague Purchases/Plans for purchases - Ancient Arts 2 113g skeins Heavy Lace 65% Silk/35% “Linen in French Bordeaux” Sea Turtle Fiber Arts 6x100yards Star Fish 84% Merino/16% Stellina “Dark Rainbow” Caterpillar Green 1 170g skein MCN Fingering “Concrete & Tulips” Caterpillar Green 1 115g skein Merino Twist Fingering “OMG You Guys/Weekend” Shawl Joy by Syvial McFadden Sunday - Karla Classes - Toy Workshop Purchases/Plans for purchases -skein of custom woolen mills and the sock kit for my Mom and 2 skeins of 100% non-superwash merino worsted weight. 4 faux fur pompoms from the Crafty Jackalope   Emily Classes - Purchases/Plans for purchases - Went back to the market place and picked up Caitlin Ffrench’s book and a second sweater quantity of Custom Woolen Mills from Wet Coast Wools. In Denim heather.   Michelle Classes - Knitting for Speed and Efficiency w/the Yarn Harlot Purchases/Plans for purchases - Ancient Arts 1 100g skein Fingering/Sock 75% SW Merino/25% Silk “Irish Linen” to be used with Sea Turtle minis in **On the Spice Market Shawl by Melanie Berg ** Darning Needle necklace from Kristan MacIntyre - Copper needle, silver necklace What’s knitting now (if there’s time)   Emily - Vanilla socks. Karla - Socks! All the Socks! #Socktober Michelle - Chevron Socks by Mel Tran Designs in Patons Kroy, sock money for ma. No time! Always mitred sock blanket... Sarah - Jocelyn -

  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 92 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes & photos can be found at www.downcellarstudio.com/92   This week's segments included:   Off the Needles On the Needles Brainstorming From the Armchair Crafty Adventures Events Contest, News & Notes Ask Me Anything On a Happy Note     Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Fix-a-Stitch, Stitched by Jessalu, Never Not Knitting & Kitchen Counter Crafter   Off the Needles    Bergere de France Socks Yarn: Bergere de France Goomy 50 in the Imprim Beige colorway & cream Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams   Patons Kroy Legwarmers Yarn: Patons Kroy- Purple Haze Colorway Needles US 2 & 3 (2.75 and 3.25 mm) Pattern: None. Cast on 56, 2x2 ribbing for about 2 inches. Switched to stockinette then moved up to US 3 needles.   2 improvised crochet dishcloths     Double Crochet Granny Squares     On the Needles   Fluormania Socks  Yarn: Regia Fluormania in Neon Beach- neon orange and turquoise blue Needles: US 1 & 1.5 (2.25 & 2.5 mm) OMG Heel by Megan Williams   Patriots Socks  Yarn: Berry Colorful Yarnings Saturated Sock self striping in the Pats colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) OMG Heel by Megan Williams   Dunks Socks     Yarn: Knitting Fever KFI Luxury Collection Indulgence Cashmere Colorway- 602 Needles: US 2 (2.75mm) OMG Heel by Megan Williams   Perfect Beach Shawl   Yarn: Knits4Comfort Merino/Silk in the Beach Shade Colorway (438 yards of fingering) Pattern: new design in progress Brainstorming   The yarn for my Boxy Sweater arrived! Holiday Yarn Flocksock Fingering. Peachy Keen Colorway. 75% SW Merino. 25% Nylon.     I have some yarn from One Twisted Tree coming to knit the final sample of this shawl which should be published soon.     Crochet kit for Anna doll (from Frozen) with Jasmin at Stitches West in February. Really want to cast that on. Itching for some crochet. Hopefully soon.     From the Armchair   Season 7 of The League on Netflix Longmire- recommended by Greg and Joey of Unraveling Podcast Reply All Podcast On The Inside 4 part series Crafty Adventures    I went to a local paint night with my friends Lisa and Suzanne and we painted wine glasses.       Ask Me Stuff   Mislissa asked about how I factor in sizing for gift knits. Tune in to hear my response.       Events 12 Months to Christmas KAL (feel free to double dip with Splash Pad Party if you're gifting the finished object) 12 Months to Christmas FO Thread 12 Months to Christmas Chat Thread New Prizes- will giveaway in August Applicable Mittens by Heather Kinne Plum Deluxe Pumpkin Spice Tea Classy Squid Fiber Co $25 gift card     Splash Pad Party   This fun filled, summer KAL runs from June 1- July 31 See official rules for all of the details Tune in to Episode 91 to hear about all of the amazing prizes from our Sponsors. Be sure to check out our Splash Pad Party Pro Shop Sponsors: Bede Sisters & Blueberry Chick Yarn Colorworks by Debi Designs of Acadia Dragonfly Fibers Fair Winds Farm Fix-a-Stitch Imagined Landscapes Infinite Twist Kitchen Counter Crafter KnitCircus Knitters Brewing Company Little Skein in the Big Wool Never Not Knitting North Light Fibers Pearl and Plum Stitched by Jessalu Suburban Stitcher Sun Valley Fibers Sunsoaked Yarns   There is still time to sign up for the Swim Meet & Golf Tournament we're planning for July.   In this episode I announced 5 winners for Instagram post and Ravelry Chatter as part of the Splash Pad Party KAL.       Fiber Revival This event will be held on Saturday, August 13, 2016 from 9am to 4pm at the Spencer Peirce Little Farm on 5 Little's Lane Newbury, Massachusetts I am hoping to attend. More details on that soon. Contests, News & Notes   Check out the Sock Yarn Swappers group on Ravelry, as well as on Facebook. They are running a KAL to use up all these mini skeins.  The Summer of Squares KAL will run from May 27 to August 27.   On a Happy Note Birthday fun! Which started early! On Wednesday I received a Knitter's Brewing Company Splash Pad Party gradient set from Lisa! Thursday night- I helped out my BFF and received some more early birthday gifts. A giraffe nightgown + necklace that has first initial from each of 7 nieces and nephews. SO special.Friday- Dan and I went to see mt grandmother in the morning then to get massages. Had a wonderful time at his friend's wedding. Saturday- spent the day photographing my nieces and nephew's dance recital dress rehearsalSunday we went out to breakfast at my favorite breakfast place then Riley made her stage debut as an Oompa Loompa in Charlie and Chocolate factory.  With birthday money and gift cards, I bought a set of Fiestaware dishes to replace some cheaper dishes we bought 8 years ago when we first moved into our house.  Riley and Millie's gymnastics recital, Aila, Emelyn, Will & Oisin's dance recital then our twin friends' 40th birthday party. Sunday--- Fun day for Father's Day by the pool. Did some pool knitting but my sock was co-opted by Riley who wanted to knit on them. Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Twitter: Instagram & Periscope: BostonJen1 Facebook: Facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio!

Master Status (2:21): Alicia is all caught up. She knit swatches 1-6. Natalie finished swatch 6. Alicia and Natalie Master Plan:(4:52) Natalie and Lish are going to work on the decrease swatches 7 and 8 and block swatches 1-6. The girls discuss their favorite wool soaks. They plan on beginning their research for the blocking report.   In our hands: (9:42) Alicia cast on an American Girl Doll Empire Waist Dress by Elaine Phillips with Patons Beehive Baby Sport. Natalie cast on a Sockhead hat byKelly McClurein Unique Sheep Verve in the Insecta Gradiance colorway. She Cast on 8 more stitches than the pattern calls for to make it a bit bigger.   Dropped stitches:(17:57) Natalie literally dropped a stitch when working on her 50 rows shawlette and had to used a crochet needle to pick it up.     Master Pieces:(18:58) Alicia finally finished herBlank CanvasbyYsolda Teaguewith Malabrigo Arroyo in a Prussia Blue colorway. She discusses having difficulty picking up the stitches from the bind off.  She also finished a basic hat using up some of her Vanna’s Choice acrylic stash. Natalie finishedLala’s Simple Shawlby Laura Linneman aka Lala of the Knitgirlls video podcast in some of her older handspun from Romeldale pin drafted roving from Ozark Carding Mill, LLC.   She knit three simple preemie hats used well marinated stash yarn, Lorna Laces Sport in the Cubs colorway.  She used this yarn for thesocksshe knit during the week of her wedding. She knit these hats for the charity drive for the Rays Stitch n Pitch which is on June 8th.  They are donating them toAll Children’s Hospital in St. Pete. She also finished the  50 Rows Shawlette by Susan B Anderson in Ella Rae Lace Merino Worsted in purple colorway and then a pink/red colorway. The girls also decided a choking characteristic is not something they want in their hand knits. She also finished spinning Bellatrix yarn from the SW Merino in a red and black coloryway by Abstract Fiber Arts and will be gifting for Jessie TinyAnt.   Future Stitches (40:58): Natalie wants to knit the swatches of the spinning swatches she completed from the black corriedale fleece she bought at SAFF in 2010.  This is for the SPAKAL with the knitmore girls and also Tour de Fleece withTeam Sasquatch. Natalie  explainsTour de Fleece. Alicia decided she is going to knit the Swivel Pullover by Kerri Blumer published in Interweave Knits Winter 2014. She is going to knit it withDebbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran in Emerald Green. She also discusses an important friendship and offered to knit theChocolate Passion- Jacket with Cables in Alaskaby DROPS design for one of her first friends from Bowling Green, Kelly.   On the Road:(49:2) Alicia will be knitting withJanfrom theTwinset Designs Podcaston Thursday June 5, from 6-9 atNatural Stitchesin Pittsburgh, PA. Natalie will be knitting at the Tampa Bay Rays Stitch n Pitch on June 8th at Tropicana Field in St. Pete. Simply Selfie:(52:00) Alicia met a big deadline and it’s been a huge sigh of relief. Alicia and Jeremy are in the process of moving their shop, Main Street Gallery. Her mom is giving her some wedding planning pressure and kicked the planning into high gear. She also has been enjoying her nephew’s T-Ball games. Natalie talks about her trip with Kenny to Sebring! She had a lovely mother’s day weekend.  She had a trip to Joann’s, the beach,  and a steak dinner. She took the girls to Disney on ice and she is preparing for the onslaught of people coming next week.   Raise your Hand: (1:07:30) This week we the girls answer the question: Are you a product or a process knitter?   Comfort zone:(1:17:40) Alicia is so happy to have met her deadline! She talks about new energy at the new shop site. Natalie is happy when she takes a moment to enjoy morning time with the girls. She is also loving knitting time while the girls swim. To submit your own story, please go towww.masteringtheknits.com  and fill out a form.  We will read your animals rescue story on future podcasts.   To continue the conversation join our ravelry group Mastering the Knits Podcast.   You can email us at masteringtheknits@gmail.com. Alicia is knottyknitter17 on Ravelry, Twitter, Instagram,  Natalie can be found on twitter, Instagram, plurk, everlapse, and ravelry as barknknit.

Works In Progress: -"Yes, I Picked Pink!" vanilla socks. US 1, Three Ewes Twisted in Fiber "Charlie in the box" colorway. -Beatnik sweater. GGH Bel Air on US 6 and 8. D's Corner: -FO: 1st Thuja sock. US 5 using Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock Heavyweight in the "Manly yes, but I like it too!" colorway.WIP: Sock #2. FO's:-Sock #1 (minus afterthought heel), "Yes, I Picked Pink!" vanilla socks. US 1, Three Ewes Twisted in Fiber "Charlie in the box" colorway.-Azzu's Shawl. US 6, using my handspun yarn. Spinning: - Last 3 oz. of Highland Handmades White Spruce Top. Greenwood colorway. 60 SW Merino, 30 Bamboo, 10 Nylon. Currently plying and I wasn't able to show it this week.-Up next: Highland Handmades Pitch Pine Top. 75% Ecru BFL, 25% Black BFL in the Bushel colorway. Upcoming/Queued:-Split Personality Mitts. Huge Thank You to Diane from Knitabulls for the pattern!-Stripe Study Shawl KAL. The knit a long will go from Jan 1st through Feb 27th. Prizes and details will be announced later. Misc/Off Topic:-Tip: Divided plastic container for scraps. Enabling:-Highland Handmades Pitch Pine Top. Tussah Silk in the "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" colorway. Project bags shown on today's episode:-Jessalu-PiddleloopGiveaway Winners...-8 Stitch makers made by Aimee. #22 Pheonixfire(This winner was picked from the stitch marker giveaway thread.)-2 Patterns, $10 or less Ravelry downloadable pattern. (These winners were picked from the entire Knitting in Circles Ravelry group list.)#20 Snotestine#99 GerryArtDon't forget…..*The Podcast is now available on iTunes! Plus check out the Ravelry group! Hope you join & thanks for watching!

Works In Progress:-Manhattan socks as part of the continuos KAL "Cast on for YenForYarn". US 2 using Punta Merisock Handpainted.-Swatch for my Julissa sweater.D's Corner:-WIP: Stripe Study Shawl KAL. US 6 using Knit Picks Palette. Colorways Edamame, Custard, Sweet Potato and Kumquat Heather.-WIP: Uncle Frank sock #1. US 3 using Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock Heavyweight, Mossay colorway.FO's:-Chubby Chirp for SSK KAL using hands-on from Highland Handmades fiber.-Bowties are Cool socks. US 1, Sheepy Time Knits Sheepy Feet base in the Bowties colorway.-Stripe Study Shawl KAL. US 6 using Wollmeise 100% SW Merino in WD Flaschenpost and Feldmaus.(The knit a long will continue until Feb 27th. Check out the KAL Chatter Thread.)Spinning:-WIP: Highland Handmades White Spruce Top. 50% SW Merino, 50% Tencel in the Goldfinch colorway (4oz).Upcoming/Queued:-Secret test knit.-Sweater KAL beginning Feb 1st with Melissa/Meliabella from His & Hers Podcast & Heather/BoutrosBabe from Highland Handmades/The Fiberista Files Podcast.-Lala's Mystery KAL. (I'm going to do a fingerless version.)-Penelope the Empathetic Monster for the Charminglochie KAL.-No More Tears socks designed by Erin/MommyNeedsYarn. Proceeds will go to Autism Speaks.Enabling:-Into The Whirled Doctor Who club, yarn & Fiber.-Highland Handmades yarn and fiber. The yarn is her special "Bouncin with Brodie" colorway for the No More Tears socks/Autism Speaks.-BeesyBee fiber.-All Spun Up fiber I purchased from a destash.Don't forget…..*The Stripe Study Shawl knit a long will continue until Feb 27th. Check out the KAL Chatter Thread.(Please tag projects with "KICKAL1" Thanks!)Plus check out the Ravelry group! Hope you join & thanks for watching!

Works In Progress:-Stripe Study Shawl KAL. US 6 using Wollmeise 100% SW Merino in WD Flaschenpost and Feldmaus.(The knit a long will continue until Feb 27th. Check out the KAL Chatter Thread.)D's Corner:-FO: Honey Badger socks. US 2 using Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock Mediumweight. Mill ends, unknown colorway.-WIP: Stripe Study Shawl KAL. US 6 using Knit Picks Palette. Colorways Edamame, Custard, Sweet Potato and Kumquat Heather.-WIP: Uncle Frank, sock #1. US 3 using Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock Heavyweight, Mossay colorway.FO's:-Sock #1, Bowties are Cool. US 1, Sheepy Time Knits Sheepy Feet base in the Bowties colorway.Spinning:-WIP: Highland Handmades White Spruce Top. 50% SW Merino, 50% Tencel in the Goldfinch colorway (4oz).-WIP: Highland Handmades White Spruce Top. 60% SW Merino, 30% bamboo, 10% Nylon in the Greenwood colorway (4oz).Upcoming/Queued:-No More Tears socks designed by Erin/MommyNeedsYarn. Proceeds will go to Autism Speaks.-3 Hour Hat.-Lala's Mystery KAL. (I'm going to do a fingerless version.)-Penelope the Empathetic Monster. Thanks Kelly/Charminglochie!-Different Lines. Thank you, Karrie/KnitPurlGurl!-Sweater KAL beginning Feb 1st with Melissa/Meliabella from His & Hers Podcast & Heather/BoutrosBabe from Highland Handmades/The Fiberista Files Podcast. I'm going to knit the Julissa sweater.Misc/Off Topic:-New knitting blog. Lisa at knitblogcast.Enabling:-Fiber for Sample Handspun/Handknit Shawl from Sheepish Creations & Woolgatherings.-Highland Handmades fiber. "The Chosen Once" Sw Merino/Tencel blend and "Old Appliances" in Corriedale Cross. Don't forget…..*The Stripe Study Shawl knit a long will continue until Feb 27th. Check out the KAL Chatter Thread.(Please tag projects with "KICKAL1" Thanks!)Project bags shown on today's episode:-Absolute Wonder (One will be a prize for the Stripe Study Shawl KAL)-Craft Junky-Jessalu-PiddleloopPlus check out the Ravelry group! Hope you join & thanks for watching!

Works In Progress: -Bowties are Cool socks. US 1, Sheepy Time Knits Sheepy Feet base in the Bowties colorway. -Stripe Study Shawl KAL. US 6 using Wollmeise 100% SW Merino in WD Flaschenpost and Feldmaus. (The knit a long will continue until Feb 27th. Check out the KAL Chatter Thread.)D's Corner: -Honey Badger, sock #2. US 2 using Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock Mediumweight. Mill ends, unknown colorway.-Stripe Study Shawl KAL. US 6 using Knit Picks Palette. Colorways Edamame, Custard, Sweet Potato and Kumquat Heather. FO's:-Clockwork. US 4 using Sanguine Gryphon Bugga in the Painted Damsel colorway and Wollmeise 100% SW Merino in Ahoi! We're Different. Spinning:-FO: Highland Handmades Pitch Pine Top. 75% Ecru BFL, 25% Black BFL in the Bushel colorway (4oz). -WIP: Highland Handmades White Spruce Top. 50% SW Merino, 50% Tencel in the Goldfinch colorway (4oz). -WIP: Highland Handmades White Spruce Top. 60% SW Merino, 30% bamboo, 10% Nylon in the Greenwood colorway (4oz).Upcoming/Queued:-Sample Handspun/Handknit Shawl. -SSK KAL #3. Chubby Chirp. -Happy Frog. Misc/Off Topic:-Still looking for book suggestions. -The Ravelry group has reached 310 members! We did another pattern giveaway & the winner is MirandaJ. Enabling:-Gigglejelly 100% merino in Geranium. Don't forget…..*The Stripe Study Shawl knit a long will continue until Feb 27th. Check out the KAL Chatter Thread. Project bags shown on today's episode:-Absolute Wonder (One will be a prize for the Stripe Study Shawl KAL)-Craft Junky-Jessalu-PiddleloopPlus check out the Ravelry group! Hope you join & thanks for watching!

Works In Progress:-Clockwork. US 4 using Sanguine Gryphon Bugga in the Painted Damsel colorway and Wollmeise 100% SW Merino in Ahoi! We're Different.-Chickadee Cowl. US 8 using handspun fingering (Highland Handmades White Spruce Top. Greenwood colorway. 60 SW Merino, 30 Bamboo, 10 Nylon.)-Stripe Study Shawl KAL. US 6 using Wollmeise 100% SW Merino in WD Flaschenpost and Feldmaus.(The knit-a-long will go from Jan 1st through Feb 27th. Check out the KAL Chatter Thread.)D's Corner:-WIP: Honey Badger, sock #2. US 2 using Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock Mediumweight. Mill ends, unknown colorway.-WIP:Stripe Study Shawl KAL. US 6 using Knit Picks Palette. Colorways Edamame, Custard, Sweet Potato and Kumquat Heather.FO's:-"Yes, I Picked Pink!" vanilla socks. US 1, Three Ewes Twisted in Fiber "Charlie in the box" colorway.Spinning:-WIP: Highland Handmades Pitch Pine Top. 75% Ecru BFL, 25% Black BFL in the Bushel colorway.-WIP: Beesybee Fibers BFL. Crossing the Canyon colorway.Upcoming/Queued:-Happy Frog. Thank you, Lisa (Fibernymph)!-Snuggles Project. Sadie from Yarnivore is hosting a KAL.Misc/Off Topic:-Darren is now on Plurk-DJknitsalot.Enabling:-Woolgatherings Mixed BFL.-Absolute Wonder Tall Project Drawstring Bags. (The monkey one will be a prize for the Stripe Study Shawl KAL.)Project bags shown on today's episode:-Absolute Wonder-Jessalu-Piddleloop-Three Bags FullDon't forget…..*The Podcast is now available on iTunes!Plus check out the Ravelry group! Hope you join & thanks for watching!

Works In Progress:-"Yes, I Picked Pink!" vanilla socks. US 1, Three Ewes Twisted in Fiber "Charlie in the box" colorway.-Clockwork. US 4 using Sanguine Gryphon Bugga in the Painted Damsel colorway and Wollmeise 100% SW Merino in Ahoi! We're Different.-Chickadee Cowl. US 8 using handspon fingering (Highland Handmades, White Spruce Top. Greenwood colorway. 60 SW Merino, 30 Bamboo, 10 Nylon.)D's Corner:-FO: Honey Badger, sock #1. US 2 using Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock Mediumweight. Mill ends, unknown colorway.-WIP: Honey Badger, sock #2. US 2 using Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock Mediumweight. Mill ends, unknown colorway.FO's:-None. Spinning:-WIP: Highland Handmades Pitch Pine Top. 75% Ecru BFL, 25% Black BFL in the Bushel colorway.-WIP: Beesybee Fibers BFL. Crossing the Canyon colorway.Upcoming/Queued:-Stripe Study Shawl KAL. The knit a long will go from Jan 1st through Feb 27th. Check out the KAL Chatter Thread.Huge "Thank You" to everyone who gifted us patterns this weekend! We really appreciate the thoughtfulness and generosity.Misc/Off Topic:-2011 Knit in Review: Darren completed 20 projects (hats & socks). Aimee completed 62 projects.Enabling:Aimee's:-Into the Whirled Dec Doctor Who Club, "It's Bigger on the Inside" fiber and sock yarn.-Fibernymph Dye Works "The elves were in the eggnog" & "Froot Loops". (Both in the Bounce base.)Darren's:-String Theory Continuum base in the "Resistor" colorway.-Socks that Rock Heavyweight in the Spinel & Mossay colorways.-Simplicity in colors 028, 030 and 038.Project bags shown on today's episode:-Jessalu-Piddleloop-Three Bags FullDon't forget…..*The Podcast is now available on iTunes!Plus check out the Ravelry group! Hope you join & thanks for watching!

Works In Progress:-Beatnik sweater. GGH Bel Air on US 6 and 8.-"Yes, I Picked Pink!" vanilla socks. US 1, Three Ewes Twisted in Fiber "Charlie in the box" colorway.-Clockwork. US 4 using Sanguine Gryphon Bugga in the Painted Damsel colorway and Wollmeise 100% SW Merino in Ahoi! We're Different.D's Corner:-FO: Thuja socks. US 5 using Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock Heavyweight in the "Manly yes, but I like it too!" colorway.-WIP: Honey Badger, sock #1. US 2 using Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock Mediumweight. Mill ends, unknown colorway.FO's:-Preemie hat. US 3 using Knitpicks Felici Time Traveler colorway leftovers. Spinning:- Finished. 4oz Highland Handmades White Spruce Top. Greenwood colorway. 60 SW Merino, 30 Bamboo, 10 Nylon.-WIP: 1oz of 4. Highland Handmades Pitch Pine Top. 75% Ecru BFL, 25% Black BFL in the Bushel colorway.Upcoming/Queued:-Julissa sweater. Thank you so much Clare from Student Knits for the pattern!-Yellow Submarine Hat. Huge Thank You to Kelly from Charminglochie for the pattern!-The Snuggle Project KAL by Yarnivore.-Stripe Study Shawl KAL. The knit a long will go from Jan 1st through Feb 27th. Check out the KAL Chatter Thread.Misc/Off Topic:-2012 Calendar of Hope. Enabling:-Araucania Limari Multy yarn that I got in a dirty Santa game.-Barmaids Lo-Lo moisturizing bar. Project bags shown on today's episode:-Craft Junky-PiddleloopDon't forget…..*The Podcast is now available on iTunes!Plus check out the Ravelry group! Hope you join & thanks for watching!

Works In Progress:-Bowties are Cool socks. US 1, Sheepy Time Knits Sheepy Feet base in the Bowties colorway.-Stripe Study Shawl KAL. US 6 using Wollmeise 100% SW Merino in WD Flaschenpost and Feldmaus.(The knit a long will continue until Feb 27th. Check out the KAL Chatter Thread.)D's Corner:-Honey Badger, sock #2. US 2 using Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock Mediumweight. Mill ends, unknown colorway.-Stripe Study Shawl KAL. US 6 using Knit Picks Palette. Colorways Edamame, Custard, Sweet Potato and Kumquat Heather.FO's:-Chickadee Cowl. US 8 using handspun fingering (Highland Handmades White Spruce Top. Greenwood colorway. 60 SW Merino, 30 Bamboo, 10 Nylon.)Spinning:-WIP: Highland Handmades Pitch Pine Top. 75% Ecru BFL, 25% Black BFL in the Bushel colorway.-FO: Beesybee Fibers BFL. Crossing the Canyon colorway.Upcoming/Queued:-Snuggles Project. Sadie from Yarnivore is hosting a KAL.Misc/Off Topic:-Trying to read more if you have any book suggestions. Enabling:-Walmart wire baskets.-Wollmeise 100% SW Merino in Feldmaus.-Sheepy Time Knits Jan club shipment. "Melody Pond" colorway in the Pearl necklace base.-Woolgatherings Polwarth/Silk blend.Project bags shown on today's episode:-Absolute Wonder (One will be a prize for the Stripe Study Shawl KAL.)-Craft Junky-Jessalu-PiddleloopDon't forget…..*The Stripe Study Shawl knit a long will continue until Feb 27th. Check out the KAL Chatter Thread.Plus check out the Ravelry group! Hope you join & thanks for watching!

FO's: -Preemie hats for Remembering Remy 95 day KAL.Works In Progress: -Lacy Baktus in Highland Handmades handspun in the Old Appliances colorway.-Thuja sock (green & gray pair).Spinning:-Polwarth from All Spun Up.-Polwarth/Silk from Woolgatherings.-Brown Merino from Woolgatherings.-SW Merino from Enchanted Knoll (Darren).Upcoming/Queued:*April Sock KAL. KAL will go from April 1st-April 30th. Check out the KAL chatter thread.-Aimee will be knitting the Harvest Dew socks.-Darren will be knitting the Crocodile Rock socks.Enabling:-Project bag from Tangerine Designs.-Socks that Rock yarn.-Fibernymph Dyeworks Leprechaun socks in the Bounce base. -Loops batts.Don't forget…..You can now subscribe to the podcast on Blip and watch on your Roku through the Blip channel.Plus check out the Ravelry group! Hope you join & thanks for watching!

In today's episode, the one year anniversary of the podcast, I chat with Irish designer Carol Feller about her new Craftsy online class - Celtic Cables.                                          Image from Craftsy.comShownotes:News & Noteworthy:-Draw for spinning fibre - “LittleCaptina” - Sarah-Teo Bishop, our lovely Druid from episode 16 is American musician Matt Morris. New draw/contest for the month of August:Yarn - Gaia's Colours Fibre Arts, 3 skeins of Silkie Sock (50% SW Merino/50% Silk, 2ply, heavy fingering, 383yards/350metres per 4oz/115grams) in the colourway "Tammuz".Spinning Fibre - Wooly Treasure, 1 batt (Merino, BFL, SW Merino & Silk, Silk Noil, Angelina, 3.6oz/100grams) in the colourway "Earth Sing", still sealed in bag (as seen below).The Knitter's Needles:- My interview with Carol Feller, of StolenStitches.com, here on a "blog tour" to promote her Craftsy.com classes "Celtic Cables" and a free one, "Short Rows".Song: Great Big Sea, “Old Polina", courtesy of Music Alley.

Today's episode is all about the Druids!  Alright, so it's an introduction to modern Druidry, with an interview in “The Pagan Corner”.  Plus, a bodice-ripping good time that has the occasional Druid and Immortal thrown in for good measure.ShownotesHousekeeping:- winner of the Miso Crafty Knits project bag and a skein of yarn is: Anjanette (explodingpinecone on Ravelry)- new contest for April - see photos/details below. Eyes and Ears:Karen Marie Moning's Highlander Romance novels (the "bodice-rippers"!) (Wiki page) The Pagan Corner:An interview with modern-day Druid Teo Bishop.   Books & Authors recommended by Teo: Issac BonewitsBonewits's Essential Guide to DruidismJohn Michael Greer (not recommended directly on the podcast, but a great read)The Druidry Handbook: Spiritual Practice Rooted in the Living EarthPhillip Carr-Gomm (Chosen Chief Druid of OBOD)Druid Mysteries: Ancient Wisdom for the 21st CenturyLinks to Druid OrganizationsOBOD (Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids) ADF (Ár nDraíocht Féin: A Druid Fellowship) Bits I mentioned during/after the interview:- Knitted Morse code - a CBC radio interview with Kristin Haring on the show "Spark" (scroll down the the section called "The Beauty of Binary".- DJ Conway's book "Magick of the Gods & Goddesses"- Joseph Campbell, writer of books on myth, religion and archetype. Music:Green Druid, "Dignity", from MusicAlley.com Yarn to win this month - Springtree Road, Emeline sock (50% Merino/50% Silk, 434yards per 100grams) in "Anenome" colourway.Muscadine sock (75% SW Merino/25% Nylon, 460yards per 100grams) in "Bramble" colourway. To enter to win one of these lovely skeins, please leave a comment in the shownotes with a Ravelry ID or another way to contact you.  Deadline is Monday, April 30th, around 9pm Pacific, midnight Eastern time.

In today's episode, it's all about the sweater love as I update you on my projects.   And it is the Spring Equinox, when the world warms and prepares for the growing season...ShownotesHousekeeping:- Enter to win a project bag by Miso Crafty Knits, and one of three skeins of hand-dyed sock yarn.   The Knitter's NeedlesOff the Needles:Arco Cowl:“Arco Cowl” by Sara Sprung.Yarn: Malabrigo “Rasta” super bulky, in “Arco Iris” colourway.Moonstone Sweater:“My favorite sweater” - basic top-down raglan formula pattern, by Amber Corcoran (Fancy Tiger Crafts). Yarn: Fleece Artist “Big Blue” BFL chunky, “Moonstone” colourway.Ripley Cardigan:“Favorite Cardigan” by Wendy Bernard, from the “Custom Knits” book.Yarn: The Sanguine Gryphon “QED” BFL worsted, in silver-gray “The Ripley Scrowle” My Chelsea Market Slouch:“Chelsea Market Hat” by Caryl Pierre (test knit)Yarn: The Sanguine Gryphon “QED” BFL worsted, in deep turquoise “Organelle”On the Needles: Fluffy Cardi:“Sedum” cardigan by Jane RichmondYarn: Bernat “Roving” - single ply bulky, 80% Acrylic, 20% Wool, in “Putty” gray colour.Doha Cardigan:“Calligraphy Cardigan” by Hannah FettigYarn: The Sanguine Gryphon “Traveller” DK (100% SW Merino), in “Doha”.Ben's Warthog:“Warthog” by Sarah Keen, from the “Knitted Wild Animals” book. Yarn: "Cascade 220", 100% Peruvian wool (not superwash), in colours “Rust” and “Cream”Music:David Baumgarten, "Your Spring Will Come Along"

In today's episode, we catch up on the knitting projects in “The Knitter's Needles”.  Plus, we reflect on the significance of Samhain in “The Pagan Corner”.Show notes:Housekeeping:Enter to win Vesper Sock yarn or undyed spinning fiber on this episode's show notes - deadline 9pm Pacific, November 28th, 2011. The Pagan Knitter Ravelry groupThe Knitter's Needles:“On” Projects:Elphaba Pullover, by Mary AnnarellaYarn: The Sanguine Gryphon, Bugga!, Blue Metalmark colourway (Ravelry Link) Rae scarf, by Jane Richmond Yarn: Tanis Fiber Arts, Purple Label Sock (80/10/10 Merino/cashmere/nylon), in "Autumn Sun" colourway. (Ravelry link) Secret project - will reveal in a future episode.“Off” Projects:Westknits Mystery Shawl KAL 2011 (

This week's episode has been sponsored by: New in: Tanis Fiber Arts fingering weight and a pattern written specifically for it: the April Showers sock. Check out our weaving supplies! Administrative stuff: (00:39) Stitch It! has moved. Subscribe to the new feed in iTunes by clicking here. Cognitive's new feed page. BarknKnit's new feed page. (When you re-subscribe to these, please give them a new iTunes review.) On the Needles: (3:58) Gigi finished a pair of vanilla ribbed socks in the Kaffe Fasset Regia, a pair of vanilla Claudia's Handpaints Argyle.  Gigi has also finished the first skein of yarn for her On the Vine scarf. Jasmin finished her pair of Ellen's Half-Pint Farm socks (out of the Merino/Tencel sock yarn) in the greens. Jasmin is "chain-knitting" her socks. She cast on the Creatively Dyed Calypso (80% Superwash Merino/20% Nylon) in the Jamaica colorway. The color reminds Jasmin of Lisa Souza's South Pacific colorway. Gigi is working on a former UFO - she is working on her white Einstein jacket again. Jasmin and Gigi discuss knitting with neutrals for "lasting" garments. (You can see the "Mimosa yellow" shawl here.) They discuss balancing fashion and timeliness with how long it will take to finish the project. Jasmin talks about Tim Gunn's 10 essential items list and how to encorporate that into your knitting. Jasmin and Gigi will be swatching this week! Gigi will be swatching some of the Tess Yarns' Silk and Merino (in charcoal grey) for a Cocoknits design. Jasmin has some of the same yarn, but in a pale blue from a few years ago. Jasmin is using it for the Cire-Perdue from the third Norah Gaughan book. Gigi brought over a children's loom so that Jasmin can determine whether or not she really, really wants to weave. CONTEST! Go into our Ravelry group and suggest show topics in the "What do you want to hear about?" thread. Mother Knows Best: (26:04) Gigi and Jasmin discuss matching yarns and patterns. Vanilla socks are a great way of testing new techniques (like the channel island cast-on). We also encourage you to treat your swatches the way you would treat the garment. When Knitting Attacks! (33:26) Gigi has been too efficient with her knitting, and ran out of on-the-go vanilla socks. Cat Bordhi is a genius, and Jasmin is not, and proves it while working on a pair of Coriolis socks. (The test drive pair is in Myra Hansen's Fancy Image Yarns sock yarn.) Jasmin notices the correlation between knitting attacks and the hours in which they happen. Also, her complete inability to do math into the late hours of the evening. Straw into Gold: (40:50) Jasmin is spinning 70% Alpaca/30% Silk roving from Abstract Fibers in a deep, rich blue/black colorway. Jasmin talks about showing surface area and shine while spinning, spinning posture, and is honest about how she feels about spinning cotton. Jasmin recommends taking a beginning spinning class from Sandi Luck (at Purlescence) if you're in the Bay Area, and any spinning class from Judith MacKenzie McCuin. (Next week, Jasmin will talk about cleaning spinning wheels.) Jasmin talks about spinning merino/silk batts from Crystal Creek Fibers for Gigi (pictured above). Jasmin talks about using a Fricke skeinwinder with a yardage counter. Jasmin also had spun up some of the Fat Cat Knits 50% SW Merino/50% tencel roving in Spring Bulbs. Jasmin also talks about winding up the Black Magic Woman that she had spun up and was still resting on the bobbins.