Episode 328: Quarter 1 Has Begun

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 328 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week’s segments included:

  • Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • From the Armchair
  • Some Years Later
  • Knitting in Passing
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Contest, News & Notes
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: The Wandering Purl, Heart & Squirrel, Keri’d From Fleece on Ravelry, WIPs & Chainz

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Riley’s Halloween Garland

  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Forgot to share last time.
  • 4 candy corn (one for each roommate), 1 bat, 2 pumpkins, 1 witch hat, 1 ghost, a few different leaves
  • I used a foundation hdc (in orange)as the strand that holds it all together figuring that would be a bit sturdier than just a chain stitch.

Confetti Cannon Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Yarn: Woolens & Nosh- SW BFL Fingering (85% SW BFL + 15% Nylon) in the Confetti Cannon colorway (30g mini in teal)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the Colorway: butter yellow, pink, purple, coral, tan, fuschia, aqua, lime/grass green. Mini skein: teal

Goldwing Sweater

  • Pattern: Goldwing by Jennifer Steingass ($8 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 6 (4.0mm) for body and US 5 (3.75 mm) for rolled neck
  • Yarn: Valley Superwash DK in Sand (MC) and handspun from Wound Up Fiber Arts for CC (Ravelry page for handspun details)
  • Ravelry Project Page

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

The Riddle of Steel Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Yarn: Woolens & Nosh- SW BFL Fingering (85% SW BFL + 15% Nylon) in the Riddle of Steel Colorway (with charcoal mini)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the Colorway: Conan the Barbarian Reference- stripes of rusty orange, green, gray and brown. Each colors has 2 tones with a thin stripe of charcoal in between and then a thicker band of charcoal between each of the color sets.
  • Progress- almost to heel of first sock

Big Feelings Socks

  • Yarn: Woolens and Nosh BFL Fingering (85% SW BFL + 15% Nylon) in the Big Feelings Colorway (2nd Quarter 2026 club colorway)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the Colorway: wider stripes of dark denim blue, lighter dusty blue, pink, pumpkin orange, dusty butter yellow, forest green, lighter grassy green. Thin 1-2 round stripes of cream between. Found an old Woolens & Nosh mini in med blue for heel.
  • Progress: just turned heel of second sock.

Suburban Stitcher Socks

  • Yarn: Suburban Stitcher Sock Set in the Classy Until Kickoff colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Pigskin Party colorway from __
  • Just started the cuff. Good Rhinebeck project.

Cozy Clusters Blanket

  • Pattern: Cozy Clusters Baby Blanket by Leelee Knits (free & paid options available on the LeeLeeKnits website)
  • Yarn: Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed (74% Acrylic, 20% Wool, 6% Rayon. 841 meters / 400 grams) in colorway Navy Tweed
  • Hooks: I (5.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the colorway: Navy with tweedy bits in creams and orange
  • Math based on previous project. 53 clusters wide x 30 clusters high gave me a blanket that’s 34” wide by 28 inches high. 53 clusters times 30= 1590 clusters. 418g used= .262g per cluster .
  • Plan 40×60 blanket.  136 chains= 66 clusters by 64== 4224 clusters- 1106g (plus border)
  • Progress: 4 rows complete

Neckerchief

  • Pattern: none (inspired by Sophie Scarf by Petite Knit (paid pattern available on Ravelry) using cast on and basic increases from my Millie Margaret Shawl (fingering weight)-Ravelry
  • Yarn: Kingdom Fleece & Fiberworks,  Dream base (80% Merino, 10% Cashmere goat, 10% Nylon). No colorway name listed. Variegated yarn with a tan base, pinks, greens, purples and mustards.
  • Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm)
  • Progress: At least half way through the center section now. Started March just picked back up

From the Armchair

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

Some Years Later

Strathcona Sweater

  • Pattern: Strathacona Sweater by Tara-Lynn Morrison ($6.50 knitting pattern available on Ravelry or on the Good Night, Day website)
  • Yarn: 3 yarns 1) handspun, 2) Lion Brand Fisherman’s Wool in the Birch Tweed Colorway 3) Aisling Yarns BFL in the Hurry Sundown Colorway
  • Needles: US 13 (9.0 mm) (neck), US 19 (15 mm) (body)
  • Size S/M (pattern offers sizing from 38″- 53″ bust)
  • Ravelry Project Page

Knitting in Passing

I shared a brief story about an interaction with a lady on the train about my sock knitting.

KAL News

Pigskin Party ’26 Details

  • Event runs 9/9/26-2/15/27
  • Everything you need can be found in the Start Here Thread on Ravelry
  • Sign up (must be registered to win)
  • Rules (includes changes made for the ’26 season)
  • Finish a Project?
  • Check your Stats on the Scoreboard
  • Have a Question? Post it in this Ravelry Thread
  • Sponsor List can be found here (check often for updates)
    • Pro Shop Sponsors can create Exclusive Items which are shared in this Ravelry Thread
    • Coupons & deals from our Sponsors can be found in this Ravelry Thread

Updates in this Episode:

Events

Contest, News & Notes

Teaching OMG Sock knitting class at Staci’s Stitches starting in January. Thursday nights 6:30-8:30 for 5 classes.

On a Happy Note

  • Garret got his license
  • My niece Hattie got parts in upcoming productions of Beetlejuice and Frozen!
  • Megg and I went to see a local production of the musical Rocky Horror.
  • Celebrating Dad’s birthday.
  • My boss and my friend Kris both walked the Jimmy Fund walk in memory of my mom (among other people of course)
  • Apple Picking
  • Laura’s visit including Winnie the Pooh pajamas at Primark
  • All of the beautiful foliage!
  • My first batch of homemade applesauce.

Quote of the Week

When autumn darkness falls, what we will remember are the small acts of kindness: a cake, a hug, an invitation to talk, and every single rose. These are all expressions of a nation coming together and caring about its people.

— Jens Stoltenberg

——

Thank you for tuning in!

Contact Information:

Episode 327: Paris, Pretzels and Paving

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 327 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week’s segments included:

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

Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Stitched by Jessalu, AdoreKnit, Doolittle Yarnery & Starfish Fibers

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Tapestry Socks

  • Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes in the Tapestry 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

Nazari Top

Tray-mat

  • Pattern: None
  • Yarn: Lion Brand Made with Love The Cotton One in the Red Red Wine Colorway (60% Cotton/ 40% Acrylic) Aran weight yarn
  • Hook: H (5.9 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Progress: I ran out of yarn and lost the ball band. I need to re-assess.

Swiss Placemat

  • Pattern: none. Chained 52 to start. Working in linen stitch
  • Yarn: Save the Yarn Albert (80% cotton/20% alpaca) in colorway 8238 (green)- 3 skeins purchased in Basel Switzerland
  • Hook: G (4.0 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Cast on another linen stitch placemat. This one for our dining room or kitchen island. Chained 52 to start on this one.

Goldwing Sweater

  • Pattern: Goldwing by Jennifer Steingass ($8 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 6 (4.0mm) for body and US 5 (3.75 mm) for rolled neck
  • Yarn: Valley Superwash DK in Sand (MC) and handspun from Wound Up Fiber Arts for CC (Ravelry page for handspun details)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Progress: Picked up first sleeve. Working through decreases.

Confetti Cannon Socks

  • Yarn: Woolens and Nosh BFL Fingering (85% SW BFL + 15% Nylon) in the Confetti Cannon Colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the Colorway: butter yellow, pink, purple, coral, tan, fuschia, aqua, lime/grass green. Mini skein: teal
  • Progress: I am beyond heel on the second sock.

Brainstorming

  • I need to cast on a worsted hat for Laura (but first I have to find the yarn). I think I’ll make the Sweetly Striped Hat by Chit Chat Knits (Pro Shop Sponsor)- $4.50 knitting pattern available on Ravelry
  • At Rhinebeck I may buy yarn for the Oporto Tee by Suzanne Sommer $8.50 knitting pattern available on Ravelry
  • How cool is this Spiderweb dress- crochet pattern from Etsy?! Maybe for next Halloween?

From the Armchair

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

In My Travels

Tune in to hear about my recent trip to France!

Yarn stores visited

KAL News

Pigskin Party ’26 Details

  • Event runs 9/9/26-2/15/27
  • Everything you need can be found in the Start Here Thread on Ravelry
  • Sign up (must be registered to win) – opens 8/19
  • Rules (includes changes made for the ’26 season)
  • Finish a Project?
  • Check your Stats on the Scoreboard
  • Have a Question? Post it in this Ravelry Thread
  • Sponsor List can be found here (check often for updates)
    • Pro Shop Sponsors can create Exclusive Items which are shared in this Ravelry Thread
    • Coupons & deals from our Sponsors can be found in this Ravelry Thread

Updates in this episode

  • Help us welcome Laura (LauraKnitsPA) to our Commissioner Team!
  • Check out the Official Pigskin ’26 Logo bags available from AdoreKnit. Check out my unboxing of the tote Steph gifted me on Instagram.
  • Check out our PIG chat threads in the Ravelry group
  • Our Official Sponsor for Quarter 1 (October) is Doolittle Yarnery. Find the Knit/Crochet in Black merch here if you want to join in. The full challenge details are in this Ravelry Thread.
  • The Tailgate Talk Challenge has begun! Check out the Ravelry Thread.
  • Our Official Sponsor for Quarter 2 (November) is Fangirl Fibers. The full challenge details are in this Ravelry Thread. We hope you’ll join us and make a DK gift for someone you love.
  • Official Sponsor for Quarter 3 (December): Suburban Stitcher– festive fun
  • Official Sponsor for Quarter 4 (January): Yarnaceous Fibers– challenge TBD

Events

On a Happy Note

  • Babysitting fun with Gabriella and Zachary.
  • Driveway paving!!
  • The slightly slower pace of fall and getting out for walks with my friend.
  • Labor Day weekend pool time with family and friends.
  • In Colmar, Marta was looking for a pretzel and thought she saw one but it had feet!
  • I took an adult tap and jazz class at my friend’s dancing school.
  • Dan & Shay concert with Riley & getting to see her school.
  • Seeing my friend Nathan in Damn Yankees

Quote of the Week

“There is something so special in the early leaves drifting from the trees – as if we are all to be allowed a chance to peel, to refresh, to start again.” – Ruth Ahmed

—–

Thank you for tuning in!

Contact Information:

Episode 326: Confetti & Big Feelings

Leave a reply

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 326 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
  • On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • Brainstorming
  • From the Armchair
  • Knitting in Passing
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

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

Off the Needles

Neckerchief #2

  • Pattern: none
  • Yarn: Valley Yarns Huntington (75% Merino, 25% Nylon) in colorway 22 Navy
  • Needles: US 6 (4 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Goldwing Sweater

  • Pattern: Goldwing by Jennifer Steingass ($8 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 6 (4.0mm) for body and US 5 (3.75 mm) for rolled neck
  • Yarn: Valley Superwash DK in Sand (MC) and handspun from Wound Up Fiber Arts for CC (Ravelry page for handspun details)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Progress: Nearly done with the ribbing now!

Log Cabin Blanket

  • Pattern: Log Cabin Square by Julie Harrison. Free crochet pattern available on Ravelry. Video tutorial available on the Little Woollie Makes YouTube Channel
  • Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Minis (mostly from Advent calendars 2023 & 2024)
  • Hook: I (5.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • My color placement is inspired by this project/pattern available on Ravelry.
  • Inspired to pick it back up after see Sue (from Legacy Fiber Artz)’s version on their latest podcast episode. She bordered with cream before seaming. I love it. You can see a peek in this Instagram post.
  • Progress: 30 squares completed!
  • I bought two skeins of Dirty Water Dyeworks Lucia DK (SW Merino Nylon blend) in colorway March sky to try to border/seam with.  I found a YouTube video to use as a guide for joining as I add the last row of moss/linen stitch.

Confetti Cannon Socks

  • Yarn: Woolens and Nosh BFL Fingering (85% SW BFL + 15% Nylon) in the Confetti Cannon Colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • New base for Woolens & Nosh that was very kindly gifted to me by Michele to try out! Thank you! I love this new base.
  • About the Colorway: butter yellow, pink, purple, coral, tan, fuschia, aqua, lime/grass green. Mini skein: teal
  • Progress: I am beyond heel on first sock.

Big Feelings Socks

  • Yarn: Woolens and Nosh BFL Fingering (85% SW BFL + 15% Nylon) in the Big Feelings Colorway (2nd Quarter 2026 club colorway)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Progress: I am beyond heel on first sock.

Deschain

  • Pattern: Deschain by Leila Raven ($6.50 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Yarn: Berroco Remix in colorway 3922 Buttercup
  • Needles: US 10 (6 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Progress: I am only a few repeats into the front of the top.

Tray-mat

  • Pattern: None
  • Yarn: Lion Brand Made with Love The Cotton One in the Red Red Wine Colorway (60% Cotton/ 40% Acrylic) Aran weight yarn
  • Hook: H (5.9 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Progress: I have crocheted around 5 inches so far.

Brainstorming

Blanket options I’m considering

  • No-Purl Ribbed Blanket by Purl Soho (free knitting pattern)
  • Football Lovie by Alissa Clevenger $5 crochet pattern available on Ravelry

Project to bring to France

  • Tip Top Tank Fine by Emily Bolduan- Free Ravelry knitting pattern
  • Islander Vest by Claire Jackson- $11 knitting pattern (options for pay what you can)

From the Armchair

The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth. Amazon Affiliate Link.

In Her Defense by Phillippa Malicka. Amazon Affiliate Link.

I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue. Amazon Affiliate Link.

Watching:

  • Silo Series on Apple TV- season 3

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

  • David sent me photos of his Pollen Party socks at work and at Pilates!

KAL News

Pigskin Party ’26 Details

  • Event runs 9/9/26-2/15/27
  • Everything you need can be found in the Start Here Thread on Ravelry
  • Sign up (must be registered to win) – opened 8/19
  • Rules (includes changes made for the ’26 season)
  • Finish a Project?
  • Check your Stats on the Scoreboard
  • Have a Question? Post it in this Ravelry Thread
  • Sponsor List can be found here (check often for updates)
    • Pro Shop Sponsors can create Exclusive Items which are shared in this Ravelry Thread
    • Coupons & deals from our Sponsors can be found in this Ravelry Thread

Updates for this episode:

  • The next Stretches for Stitchers session (from Fitness by Mara) starts Sept. 14th but participants can join at anytime or use a single class pack!
  • Check out our Quarter 1 (October) Challenge hosted by Doolittle Yarnery. Details in this Ravelry Thread.
  • Thanks to Ravelry user Elisewentwest for updating her worksheet for project tracking. If you want to check it out click here and then make a copy of it to edit for your own tracking purposes.

Events

On a Happy Note

  • Laura’s Visit- Flight Club Boston. Lolita for dinner. Sunday- breakfast at Yaz’s Table, thrifting and shopping for college stuff with Riley.
  • Megg and I saw Jagged Little Pill at Company Theatre
  • Riley getting off to college successfully!
  • Seeing Aila and Hattie perform in the Cabaret show
  • Facetime tour of Riley’s dorm
  • Marta is meeting Laura and I in Colmar, France!
  • A step challenge through my gym has me out on more walks. Lovely message from Natalie (remembrances pottery) about a stone wall she’s building after seeing one on my vlogmas walks.
  • Megg and I went to Liz’s band, Safe Journey’s, show at the Lizard Lounge in Cambridge. Check them out on Instagram. Then on Saturday, Dan, Dad and I went to an outdoor musical festival in Providence, RI where Safe Journey was playing. We had lunch and beers at the pavilion at 195 District Park. We really enjoyed the Guild Brewery beers and seltzer.
  • Rhinoceros at ART in Cambridge wearing thirfted dress.

Quote of the Week

“Summers had a logic all their own and they always brought something out in me. Summer was supposed to be about freedom and youth and no school and possibilities and adventure and exploration. Summer was a book of hope. That’s why I loved and hated summers. Because they made me want to believe.”

―Benjamin Alire Sáenz, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

No episode on 9/15. I’ll be in Paris!

——

Thank you for tuning in!

Contact Information: