Author Archives: downcellarstudio@gmail.com

Episode 297: Prepping the Splash Pad

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 297 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
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Dinosaur T-Rex

  • Pattern: Dinosaur T-Rex and Pterodactyl by Anita Suriaa- $5.99 crochet pattern on Ravelry
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted
  • Hook: 2.5 mm
  • Changed teeth- white embroidered Vs

Belle the Butterfly #4

  • Pattern: Belle the Butterfly $4 pattern from Theresascrochetshop on Etsy
  • Hook: D (3.25 mm(
  • Yarn: leftover DK yarn from stash
  • Ravelry Project Page

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

David… Fold in the cheese socks #2

  • Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz in the David…Fold in the cheese!!!! colorway (with cream/gray mini skein)
  • 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- cream, pink and blue to match rose apron David wears in this episode of Schitt’s Creek.
  • Nearly to the heel of the first sock

Inclinations Cowl

  • Inclinations Cowl by Andrea Mowry ($7.00 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry & her website.
  • Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm)
  • Yarn: 2 skeins of handspun Color A: Fiber Addict Designs 100% Merino in the Wild Plum Colorway- Ravelry link. Color B: Candombe, I think the fiber is from Malabrigo- Ravelry link.
  • My Ravelry Project Page
  • I love working with my handspun

Same as It Ever Was Hat

  • Pattern: Same as It Ever Was by Sarah Jordan ($6 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock (Yarnable Box January 2024) in the Dino-Mite colorway
  • Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the yarn: aqua, gray and purple.
  • I don’t love knitting on small needles in the round. Just placed a knit picks order so I ordered a US 2 needle with a 47 inch cord to see if going back to magic loop may serve me better.

Granny square top

  • Yarn: MC- Cloudbourn Fibers Wool Fingering Twist in Natural (1 skeins), Advent Mini Skeins from Legacy Fiber Artz (Steel Toes Base) & Fibernymph Dye Works (Bounce Base)- both from 2024.
  • Hook: D (3.25 mm)
  • Pattern: none
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • 3 round granny squares: Round 1= more tonal color, Round 2= speckled, Round 3= natural
  • Yarn organization: I put 2 sets of colors in each mostly clear zippered pouch from my Yarnable Subscription kits. It keeps the yarn from the mini skeins from getting tangled.
  • Progress: Squares to date: 57 squares.

Adrift on an Inland Sea Socks

  • Yarn: Woolens & Nosh SW Targhee Sock in the Adrift on an Inland Sea Socks colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • RavelryProject Page
  • Worked on these last weekend. Nearly to the toe on the first sock.

Cozy Clusters Blanket #5

  • Pattern: Cozy Clusters by Leelee Knits- $5.99 crochet pattern available on Ravelry or free from their website
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted in Dove Heather
  • Hook: J hook (6.0 mm) (cast on) and I hook (5.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • 53 clusters wide
  • Currently 34 inches wide about 15.5 inches tall. hoping to get to 36 inches tall before border

Felici Granny Stripe Blanket

  • Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in Colorways: Punky, Whatits Galore (50g), Space Disco, Carrot Cake, Base Jump, Game Over, Secret Garden, Fiesta
  • Pattern: Granny Stripe by Attic 24
  • Hook: I (5.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • 7 colorways with 100g, 1 with 50g. I have another 50g skein I could add in (more of a pain because you have to wind off half).
  • I am matching up stripes so they end at same time or as close as possible.
  • Changing colors typically after 4 rows-  unless its a colorway that goes back and forth with the same colors- like carrot cake.
  • Foundation half-double crochet 101. 1 row of dc (probably could have skipped).
  • Size: 36″ wide. 14 inches tall so far

Brainstorming

  • Blanket for a friend’s baby with the Four Leaf Clover Granny Square pattern- available on Ravelry
  • I wan to make another summer tee or tank, but I should finish the granny square tank first.

From the Armchair

All in Her Head by Elizabeth Comen, MD. Amazon Affiliate Link

The Wedding People by Alison Espach. 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 gifted Megg her “David Fold in the Cheese!!!” socks from Legacy Fiber Artz Schitt’s Creek Series. She loved them! You can check out my Ravelry Project Page here.
  • Zach liked his dinosaur “I got a baby dinosaur”

KAL News

Splash Pad RAVELRY Links

SAVE THE DATE- Virtual Kick Off- Sunday June 1st

Events

Contest, News & Notes

Yarnable May 2025 Unboxing Video on the Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel

On a Happy Note

  • Kiss Me Kate 2nd weekend shows. More family and friends came out than I knew were coming.
  • With very little help from me, we loaded up a 16 foot U-Haul with items from Mom’s ebay store to send to Vegas with her friends. Huge load out of Dad’s cellar and weight off his mind.
  • Megg and I joined Trish & Vikki at their 1st of 10 Reseller Meet-ups on their way to Vegas. Follow their shenanigans on Instagram, Facebook Group.
  • Taking Monday off after Kiss Me Kate closed
  • Spending Friday night at Oisin’s Rugby match. He scored and we enjoyed dinner after.
  • Taking Gabriella and Zach to see Hattie’s Wonka show

Quote of the Week

“You can’t help what you feel, but you can help how you behave.” ―Margaret Atwood

——

Thank you for tuning in.

Remember show notes for this episode can be found at www.downcellarstudio.com/#

If you have a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, I’d greatly appreciate it.

I can be found on Ravelry as BostonJen and I’d love it if you came over to join our lively and engaged Down Cellar Studio Ravelry Group.

Check me out on Instagram at BostonJen1 if you want to see what I’m up to between episodes.

Check out myDown Cellar Studio YouTube Channel

Email me at downcellarstudio@gmail.com

For website:

Thank you for tuning in!

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Episode 296: Another Openin’

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 296 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
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Life in Focus
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Stitched by Jessalu (2nd Episode of the Month)

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Pop Tart

  • Pattern: None
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Brava & Joann Big Twist Value Solids in Natural Colorway + variegated yarn (fingering weight held double)
  • Hook:C (2.75 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Made for Eme’s birthday as a cute something to open. Gifted with a box of edible poptarts.

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: All of the spinning of the singles is done- finally.

David… Fold in the cheese socks

  • Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz in the David…Fold in the cheese!!!! colorway (with cream/gray mini skein)
  • 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- cream, pink and blue to match rose apron David wears in this episode of Schitt’s Creek.
  • I did a shorter than usual leg- 5.25 inches and 9.5 inch foot. The first sock 28 grams, using CC for toe and cuff, so I should have enough for a second pair of socks with this yarn.

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Hot pink spinning

  • Fiber: Mountain Vewe Coopworths Fiber in hot pink (no specific colorway name)- three 4oz bumps
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Twist direction: singles = Z plied = S
    • This means when I’m spinning, my wheel is spinning clockwise and when plying my wheel is moving counter-clockwise.
  • Progress: ~1/2 way through first bump. 1st bobbin nearly full.

Granny Square Tan Top

  • Yarn: MC- Cloudbourn Fibers Wool Fingering Twist in Natural (1 skeins), Advent Mini Skeins from Legacy Fiber Artz (Steel Toes Base) & Fibernymph Dye Works (Bounce Base)- both from 2024.
  • Hook: D (3.25 mm)
  • Pattern: none
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • 3 round granny squares: Round 1= more tonal color, Round 2= speckled, Round 3= natural
  • Yarn organization: I put 2 sets of colors in each mostly clear zippered pouch from my Yarnable Subscription kits. It keeps the yarn from the mini skeins from getting tangled.
  • Progress: Squares to date: 25 squares.

Boss A$$ B|tc# Socks

  • Yarn: Woolens & Nosh Superwash Targhee Fingering in the Boss A$$ B|tc# Colorway (purposely not spelled out here, though it is on the label)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • RavelryProject Page
  • 90g of yarn to start
  • About the Yarn: Self striping with yellow, tan, peach, pink, light aqua, teal & navy
  • Progress: cast on 1st sock. Finished cuff and an inch or two into leg.

Dinosaur T-Rex and Pterodactyl

  • Pattern: Dinosaur T-Rex and Pterodactyl by Anita Suriaa- $5.99 crochet pattern on Ravelry
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted
  • Hook: 2.5 mm
  • Progress: I’ve made T-Rex head and body. Thought I’d run out the yarn for the body (25g mini).

Brainstorming

Advent brainstorm- Granny Wrap available on Ravelry. Kristina- foryouandyarn- reminded me that I love Ali’s Starryeyesali’s Ravelry Project Page.

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.

Knitting in Passing

My cousin Ava knit the Storm Sweater by Petite Knit for her boyfriend Luke.

KAL News

  • The Splash Pad Party celebrates its 10th year and officially opens on June 1st. Save the date for some fun kick off events that day!
  • Interested in sponsoring? Check out this link for details.

Events

Life in Focus

  • I shared an update on my Word of the Year for 2025: Welcome & some 25 in 2025 list.

25 in 2025 list

  • 1) Donate Blood at least 4 times (January, March)
  • 4) Go camping (scheduled for June)
  • 10) Record 2-5 things I’m grateful for each day before bed (more days than not counts)
  • 13) Get at least 2 massages at Oasis (1 in April)
  • 17) Crochet at least 5 toys (1: hedgehog 2&3: Love Bugs, 4 pop-tart, 5 butterfly. WIPs-Another butterfly & TRex)
  • 18) Use my spinning wheel at least once a month (Done monthly so far)
  • 23) Buy a firebox and put important papers inside (working with Dan on list of things to put in it)
  • 25) Purge at least 20 items of clothing/accessories/shoes
    • Probably have at least this much done

On a Happy Note

  • Shucked musical. We had dinner at Democracy Brewing beforehand. Delicious tacos and good beer.
  • Celebrating April Birthdays
  • Decorating for Easter with Dad, Millie and Garret
  • Celebrating Easter with the family!
  • The Pulse on Netflix- my cousin Michael William Freeman was in the last few episodes.
  • I survived tech week and had the forethought to take off Friday before opening weekend.
  • Laura came in from NYC for my show.
  • Opening of Kiss Me Kate!

Quote of the Week

“Because the birdsong might be pretty,

But it’s not for you they sing,

And if you think my winter is too cold,

You don’t deserve my spring.”

― Erin Hanson

——

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Episode 295: Fiber Witch Fun

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 295 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
  • Some Years Later
  • Knitting in Passing
  • In my Travels
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Some Bunny Loves You Socks

  • Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Some Bunny Loves You Colorway (Yarnable April 2023 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- cream base with speckles of purple, blue, rust.
  • Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link. Get $5 off with coupon code BostonJen

Belle the Butterfly #3

  • Pattern: Belle the Butterfly $4 pattern from Theresascrochetshop on Etsy
  • Hook: C
  • Yarn: leftover DK yarn from stash
  • Ravelry Project Page

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

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: 3rd bobbin done and onto the 4th. This is the batt that never ends! Getting closer but still not done.

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, Gray
  • Hook:  G (4.0 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • 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 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.
  • Goal: 6 per week
  • Progress: 19 2 weeks ago & 12 last week (week 7 & 8)- 106 in 8 weeks- avg/13 per week
  • 129 not attached and 48 attached.
  • Current draft is 18 rows and 16 columns- 288 squares. 177 done/ 111 to go- 61% done

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
  • I started in September 2023- due to finish in August 2024. This month, I finished the squares for the last month’s kit.

Let’s Get Basted Socks

  • Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Let’s Get Basted Colorway (Yarnable November 2024 colorway)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • RavelryProject Page
  • About the colorway- cream with gray, purple, tan/brown and small blips or orange. Spiral pooling.
  • Progress: about 2 inches away from heel of the first sock.

David… Fold in the cheese socks

  • Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz in the David…Fold in the cheese!!!! colorway (with cream/gray mini skein)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Progress- almost to heel on the first sock

Brainstorming

  • I was inspired by Jenna(716knit) at the Fiber Witch Festival, had on a marled scrappy shawl (Slumber Shawl- Ravelry link) that was gorgeous! It got me thinking that I really want to start something with my Legacy Fiber Artz minis from previous year advents. Maybe a Granny Stripe blanket?
  • Or perhaps another Recollections crochet blanket. I made one in the summer of 2022 (check out my Ravelry Project Page). It uses fingering weight yarn held triple and treble crochets. You work each row right to left and cut each time. between each set of clusters you use a main color. Debating using Fibernymph 10g minis from last year’s advent for those rows (notes say it used- about 8g per row but that’s held triple which might just be too annoying).
  • I’m debating making a smaller blanket that will live on the backseat of my car, draped over. Mostly for the pop of color with my gray interior but I bet the kids would use it when they’re back there.
  • I’d also like to make a crocheted granny square tank top for the summer so I could potentially use some of my minis for that.
  • Do you have any ideas for me?

From the Armchair

  • The Wandering Purl YouTube channel– I have a Gilmore Girls sock sized bag from Bethany and I know lots of you are fans of her, but I didn’t realize she had a channel!  Enjoying her content, check it out.
  • White Lotus- Season 3: it was a slow burn of a season with some seriously cringy content but I loved how the finale came together.

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 wore my Construction Zone top April 4th.

Construction Zone

  • Pattern: Construction Zone by Heidi Kirrmaier ($7.50 US knitting pattern)
  • Yarn: Tempting Ewe Yarns Luxe Aran (90% Merino/10% Silk) in the Grey Goose Colorway. 2 skeins 340 yards total
  • Needles: US 9 | 5.5 mm
  • Ravelry Project Page

I’ve been wearing my handknit sweaters as April has been cold and rainy!

  • Aurealis (Ravelry Project Page)
  • Silverlining (Ravelry Project Page)
  • Freewheeler (Ravelry Project Page)
  • Mom’s socks

Knitting in Passing

At a recent rehearsal for Kiss Me Kate, my fellow cast member, Janet, told me about this yarn company her friend Katie Aucella owns called Claws Out Yarn- here’s a link to her shop.

You can also find Claws Out Yarn on YouTube Channel & Instagram

In My Travels

Tune in to hear more about my trip to the Fiber Witch Festival in Salem.

I loved meeting up with friends, Monique (Windswept Monique on Instagram) who brought me 2 skeins of beautiful wool yarn that she’s allergic to, to sell/raffle off for FearLESS Living Fund. I met up with Ryan kollerskrafts and Jenna 716knit and shopped around with them and we grabbed lunch after.

It’s always a joy to see bag maker and podcast sponsor Jess of Stitched by Jessalu.

Into the Whirled– Cris + James who were there selling jewelry which you can find under the shop name westand28. I believe they will be at Maryland Sheep & Wool. Check them out on Instagram too. They had beautiful handdyed silk cordage bracelets with sterling silver. Each color has meaning. I couldn’t decide!  

Heart pendant (similar to this one). Mom- fine silver (.999) metal clay.

Jess also introduced me to Fiber Witch Festival organizers Ana Campos (Circle of Stitches). Emily  (Kitty with a Cupcake). I purchased a progress keeper that’s a floppy disk in yellow w/ a rainbow on it.

Dragon Hoard Yarn- Myth Fingering in one of her show special colorways- Gardens of Persephone

I purchased a project bag (Gardener’s Magical Craft Shelf bag) and beautiful sticker with hand drawn art from Dawn Kathryn

I had lunch with Ryan and Jenna at Turner’s Seafood

I visited Circle of Stitches yarn store in Salem. I purchased a mini skein from Cryptic Hollow Fibers, 9 inch circular socks needles from ChiaoGoo. & 2 cute stickers. I was so happy to run into Val (valtherizzle) as I was checking out!

I also shopped at Modern Millie’s, Re-find (2 pairs of earrings) & Oak & Moss– where I purchased a lemon button fern.

KAL News

The Splash Pad Party kicks off soon! It will be our 10th year (even though yes we took last year off). Mark your calendars: June 1- July 31

Events

On a Happy Note

  • I found old photos of theater and dance friends which I brought to rehearsal.
  • My friend and I went to Gretchen Rubin’s Q&A for her new book Secrets of Adulthood (Amazon Affiliate link).
  • Dan and I went to the Oligo Nation Gala to support our friend John who was receiving an inspiration award. I wore a fun dress from Poshmark and Mom’s jewelry.
  • Kris’ birthday dinner at a local mexican restaurant.
  • Dad, Jeff and I enjoyed a video chat organized by my cousin Jimmy.
  • Repotting some plants. Hoping they take.
  • Dinner with Megg at Scutari in Hanover, MA
  • I visited Vico Style on Charles St in Boston- found 2 dresses that could work for Kiss Me Kate & 1 just for me.
  • Visited with my Dad, Millie and Garret over the weekend and we decorated for Easter.
  • Rehearsal for Kiss Me Kate is going well!

Quote of the Week

Sometimes we should express our gratitude for the small and simple things like the scent of the rain, the taste of your favorite food, or the sound of a loved one’s voice.

-Joseph B. Wirthlin

——

Thank you for tuning in!

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