Episode 330: From Dolly, With Love

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 330 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
  • Crafty Adventures
  • Knitting in Passing
  • KAL News
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Thank you to this episode’s sponsors:

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Zoe Hat

  • Pattern: Zoe by Alexandra Davidoff ($6 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Yarn: Berrocco Vintage in Colorway 5185 Tide Pool (teal green)
  • Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) & US 7 (4.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Modifications- 2 full repeats of pattern instead of the approx. 1 1/2 that the pattern called for.

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

France Socks

  • Yarn: Phildar Phil Baby + Socks (75% Merino, 25% Nylon) in the Jaquard Marron 102 colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Progress: Finished the first sock. Shortie. Cast on the second.

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 Exclusive Colorway from 2023
  • Progress: first sock finished. Second one cast on

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
  • Progress- First sock is done. Second sock is onto the foot.

Cropped Granny Jacket (DK)

  • Pattern: Cropped Granny Jacket (DK) by Theodora Goes Wild ($9 crochet pattern on Ravelry)
  • Yarn: Light gray, purple, mustard, pumpkin, teal, darker green/teal, medium brown with with navy blue to bring it all together.
  • Hook: 4.5 mm
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • 7 squares done. 10 need the last round. 21 more to go

Brainstorming

Riley texted with a request from her roommates for a Christmas garland

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

Soccer Mitts by Erica Lueder free knitting pattern on Ravelry. Check out my Ravelry Project Page with yarn from Woolens & Nosh.

Crafty Adventures

My last minute Dolly Parton costume. PSA wash off your lash glue thoroughly if you wear false eyelashes

Knitting in Passing

Megg has been working on her needlepoint at dinner and before shows we’ve seen recently so I’m not the only one crafting in public!

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

New in this Episode

  • Quarter 1 Challenge hosted by Doolittle Yarnery if finished! Find details in this Ravelry Thread. Winner Announced
  • Quarter 2 Challenge starts November 1 hosted by Fangirl Fibers. Find details in this Ravelry Thread.
  • Quarter 3 Challenge starts December 1 hosted by Suburban Stitcher. Find details in this Ravelry Thread.
    • Holiday Themed item.
  • Quarter 4 Challenge Starts January 1 hosted by Yarnaceous Fibers. Details coming soon. It will be a hat challenge and you’ll get bonus points for using yarn from Yarnaceous Fibers. Use code HatsOff25 to get 25% off in stock yarn at Yarnaceous Fibers until 1/31/27
  • The Charity Challenge runs October 15- November 30, 2026. Find details in this Ravelry Thread.
  • November Tailgate Talk- this month’s question is in the Ravelry thread.
  • October Participation Prize winners announced!

On a Happy Note

  • Seeing Wicked with Jeff, Megg and some of the kiddos! Sometimes a tech mishap can turn into a lovely night!
  • Halloween & a last minute decision to dress up as Kenny & Dolly.
  • The blue tsunami!
  • To Kill a Mockingbird at the Huntington Theater + trying a new to us Indian rest before!
  • Seeing Hattie in Beetlejuice Jr!
  • Grilled cheese and tomato soup (a surprise lunch from Dan)
  • While this stye has been annoying and painful- but it’s been a nice detox for my face not wearing make-up., I didn’t have to get it drained in the emergency room and I have access to healthcare! It could be a lot worse…
  • My coworkers all named 1 Christmas movie they can’t go the holiday season without seeing and our goal is to watch each of the movies! I already started
  • Microsoft outage this week. A bit freeing. But weird. Kept clicking on Outlook out of habit like you flip a light switch even when you know the power is out. It did feel weirdly destabilizing to not have emails. Not sure what that says about my psyche

Quote of the Week

Peace and friendship with all mankind is our wisest policy, and I wish we may be permitted to pursue it.

— Thomas Jefferson

——

Thank you for tuning in!

Contact Information:

Episode 329: Rhinebeck Mojo

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 329 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week’s segments included:

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

Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Stitched by Jessalu, Stitchin With Yarn, UP North Yarns & Chit Chat Knits

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

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
  • 19th pair of socks. 7 to go to meet my goal for the year.

Moosonee Sweater

  • Pattern: Moosonee Sweater by Tara-Lynn Morrison. $6.50 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & good night, day website.
  • Yarn: Wool Ease Thick & Quick in Deep Lagoon
  • Needles: US 13, 17 & 19 (9, 12 & 15 mm)
  • This is a pullover sweater similar to the Nanaimo Cardigan I like to make (Here’s one I knit for my friend Megg: Ravelry link).
  • Started 10/22/24 and finished it almost exactly 2 years later.

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Pumpkin jar cozy

  • Pattern: none
  • Yarn: Kelbourne Woolens Skipper in 650 Nantucket Red
  • Hooks: E (3.5 mm) for base & D (3.25 mm) for sides
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Yarn purchased in 2025 Greater Boston Yarn crawl
  • 2025 MA Yarn Crawls + Side Quests Part 1 video can be found here

France socks

  • Yarn: Phildar Phil Baby + Socks (75% Merino, 25% Nylon) in the Jaquard Marron 102 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: about half way through first sock.

Zoe Hat

  • Pattern: Zoe by Alexandra Davidoff ($6 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Yarn: Berrocco Vintage
  • Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) & US 7 (4.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page

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 Exclusive Colorway from 2023
  • Progress: more than half way through first sock.

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
  • Plan 40×60 blanket. 
  • Progress: 4 rows complete as of the last episode. At least 6 more now. Enjoy this in the evening.

Olga Sweater

  • Pattern: Olga Sweater by Petite Knit ($8 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & Petite Knit Website)
  • Yarn: MC: Battenkill Fiber House Blend Fingering (Corriedale, Merino, Romney Blend) (color is very light gray) -4 skeins, CC: Plied Yarn North Ave Scrap Pack
  • Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page

Brainstorming

  • Riley searched Ravelry for sweaters we could crochet to have matching Rhinebeck sweaters for next year. Lowrider Jumper by Iron Lamb ($9 crochet pattern available on Ravelry + Iron Lamb website)
  • I recently wore a cropped sweater I purchased in Paris with long navy dress. Loving it! Makes me want to knit all the cropped sweaters! Do you have ideas for me?

From the Armchair

I also talked about a book event I went to for Back Where We Started where Becca was in conversation with Emma Brodie who wrote the book, Into the Blue- Amazon Affiliate Link.

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

Knitting in Passing

I shared a story from the book event where my neighbor asked about learning to fix mistakes.

In My Travels

Tune in to hear about Rhinebeck 2026

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

  • Check out everything on the Ravelry schedule for the upcoming months including these challenges
  • Quarter 1 Challenge is underway hosted by Doolittle Yarnery. Find details in this Ravelry Thread.
    • Closes end of October. Prize announced in next episode.
    • The Charity Challenge runs October 15- November 30, 2026. Find details in this Ravelry Thread.
  • Quarter 2 Challenge starts November 1 hosted by Fangirl Fibers. Find details in this Ravelry Thread.
    • DK gift
  • Quarter 3 Challenge starts December 1 hosted by Suburban Stitcher. Find details in this Ravelry Thread.
    • FO 75g not yards
    • Holiday theme
  • Quarter 4 Challenge Starts January 1 hosted by Yarnaceous Fibers. Details coming soon.
  • Tune in to hear September Prize Winners!

Events

On a Happy Note

  • At Rhinebeck, our friend Jenni was crocheting candy corn for a bunting. Pretended she was wearing them as bikini. Hilarity ensued.
  • Dad and I had dinner with our friends before we helped them fill the U-Haul with more of moms eBay stock to bring to Vegas to sell.
  • Megg and I went to see Operation Mincemeat in Boston.
  • The first quiet weekend in about a month!
  • Love is Blind Boston & Season 3 of Nobody Wants This.
  • Seeing my first new Monstera leaf unfurl

Quote of the Week

Though still very far from being perfect girls, each was slowly learning, in her own way, one of the three lessons all are the better for knowing – that cheerfulness can change misfortune into love and friends; that in ordering one’s self aright one helps others to do the same; and that the power of finding beauty in the humblest things makes home happy and life lovely.

–Louisa May Alcott

——

Thank you for tuning in!

Contact Information:

Episode 328: Quarter 1 Has Begun

Leave a reply

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: