Author Archives: downcellarstudio@gmail.com

Episode 269: Warm Hands & Hearts

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 269 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
  • Some Years Later
  • Crafty Adventures
  • Knitting in Passing
  • KAL News
  • Contest, News & Notes
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Thank you to this episode’s sponsor: Stitched by Jessalu

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Tailgate Party Mittens

  • Pattern: Tailgate Party Hat & Mittens by Wendy Gaal of Knitters Brewing Co
  • Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) & US 7 (4.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Dancing Leaf Dyeworks. Bee Bop 100% SW Merino DK  (no colorway name)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • After finishing the mittens, I used Duplicate Stitch to write “fear” on the left palm and “less” on the right palm. I used this video tutorial from Very Pink Knits to help me.

Boxing Gloves Ornament

  • Pattern: Boxing Gloves by Michael Hon ($3 crochet pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Hook: D (3.25 mm)
  • Yarn: Caron One Pound in Scarlet + white acrylic worsted weight yarn
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • These worked up in one busy evening after work and were a gift for the owners of my gym.

Colourful Mini Dino

  • Pattern: Colourful Mini Dino by Anika Kam (free crochet pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Hook: C (2.75 mm)
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Brava in the Lady Slipper colorway + mystery worsted acrylic yarn of a similar shade of purple

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

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Welcome to Litchfield Spinning Project

  • 4 oz of Texel from Into the Whirled- Welcome to Litchfield
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Progress: working on second 4 oz in the Welcome to Litchfield Colorway in 70/30 BFL/Tussah Silk

Christmas in July 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 )
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Area 51. Snack shack sponsor.
  • Progress: finished first sock. Half way through leg on second.

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.

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

Calendula Christmas Quilt

  • Pattern: Calendula Quilt by Elena Fedotova
  • Yarn: Big Twist Value Solids in Ivory, Deep Red, Varsity Green, Aqua, Medium Rose
  • Hook:  G (4.0 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page

From the Armchair

Books 2 & 3 of the Silo Series:

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

  • We celebrated Christmas with friends by decorating Gingerbread houses which was a ton of fun!

Knitting in Passing

I went consignment shopping and reminded the owner that we’d met before and that I was the “knitter” and she promptly asked for help with gauge math for a handspun cabled sweater she wants to cast on.

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.
  • Questions-  ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com
  • 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.
  • I announced November participation winners.
  • Updates from Commenter- Mary
    • Pigskin partiers have been busy this month! Over 500 projects have been submitted for points already this month! Players are finishing both small and large projects. There have been over 30 blitzes and over 40 safeties so far this month.
      • There’s still time to participate in the Q3 challenge.  14 people have submitted their finished projects for the challenge so far. BlkGirlsKnitPurl (EJ) posted a beautiful Christmas-y version in the end zone dance thread: https://www.ravelry.com/projects/BlkGirlsKnitPurl/the-waymaker-cowl
        • In the huddle thread, lots of folks who have time off at the end of the year and/or are traveling have been discussing plans for what to work on. There’s also lots of talk of holiday plans and gift knits! Finally, there’s been a bit of chatter about the pros and cons of monogamous knitting and strategies to make sure you are never caught waiting somewhere without a project to work on. 

Contest, News & Notes

Vlogmas 2023 highlights:

  • Day 15: Gingerbread Houses
  • Day 23: At the request of viewer, Suzanne, I shared a few of my shawl patterns, MEGAROW, World of Difference, Boxing Day Bonus and the Riley Rose Shawl. You can use coupon code 10years for 25% off my patterns on Ravelry through the Superbowl!
  • You can find the full 2023 Vlogmas Playlist here.

On a Happy Note

  • Riley’s sleepover. Crafting. Watching Spirited (Apple tv movie) for first time.
  • Dana and Sheri’s Christmas party.
  • Helping with and enjoying Hattie & Aila’s dance recital
  • Gifting Hattie her ride-on Jeep
  • We lost power in a storm, but the power outage was shorter quicker than usual. Dan finished his advent puzzles.
  • Helping to hide Secret Santas at the gym. Taylor, who was the actual Secret Santa, also gifted me a handmade wooden tree and ornament! They are so beautiful and I’m thankful for her thoughtfulness.
  • Christmas lunch with my friends Waveney and Kim.
  • Running into Megg at the consignment store I kept telling her to visit. We bought found Christmas outfits!
  • Relaxing Christmas Eve day and ending the day at my cousin Susan’s party.
  • Christmas Day- playing on the floor with Gabriella and Zachary. Seeing Will and Aila excited about Christmas even well into their teens. A fabulous and fun time spent with my family for the rest of the day.

Quote of the Week

Beauty is as much about how and whether you look as what you see.

–John Green

——

For website:

Thank you for tuning in!

Contact Information:

Episode 268: Christmas Cheer

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 268 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
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Domingo the Easter Goat

  • Pattern: I used the basic idea from this crochet pattern available on Etsy.
  • Hook:
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Brava in Clarity (blue- body), Mint (green- stripe on egg), Custard (yellow- egg) + pink and taupe mystery yarn
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • I made mine much smaller than called for in the Etsy pattern. chained around 10 stitches, worked in the round from there to make a base and then come up for body/head like a Squishmallow.

Space Daddy Socks

  • Yarn: Fan Girl Fibers Fingering in the Space Daddy Colorway (80% Superwash Merino, 20% Nylon)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Don’t forget, Fan Girl Fibers is a Pro Shop sponsor. This project is living in a wedge bag from Snack Shack Sponsor Stitched by Jessalu.

Liz’s Socks

  • Yarn: Area 51 Fibres Sturdy Alien Base ( n the  (80% Superwash Merino, 20% Nylon) in the National Periodic Table Day Colorway (self striping with rainbow and gray)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Area 51 Fibres is Snack Shack Sponsor.

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

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- I crocheted all 9 squares from the November kit (theme- Tomb of the Lost Queen). I still need to seam them up and add a border

Christmas in July 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 )
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Area 51 Fibres is Snack Shack Sponsor.
  • Progress: 1st sock is finished.

Same as It Ever Was Hat

  • Pattern: Same as It Ever Was by Sarah Jordan ($6 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Sarah Jordan of Knit/Wit designs is a Snack Shack Sponsor.

Colourful Mini Dino

  • Pattern: Colourful Mini Dino by Anika Kam (free crochet pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Hook: C (2.75 mm)
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Brava in the Lady Slipper colorway + mystery worsted acrylic yarn of a similar shade of purple

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
  • Progress: keeping up on one sock. The other has maybe 6 stripes. After day 12 ready to turn heel so I might get behind for a couple days depending.
  • Woolens & Nosh is a Pro Shop Sponsor.

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, washed and dried.
  • Plan is to use the yarn to knit this Tweed Tie available on Ravelry.

Tailgate Party Mittens

  • Pattern: Tailgate Party Hat & Mittens by Wendy Gaal of Knitters Brewing Co
  • Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) & US 7 (4.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Dancing Leaf Dyeworks. Bee Bop 100% SW Merino DK  (no colorway name)
  • Ravelry Project Page

Brainstorming

I have such a strong urge to cast on a Christmas afghan that has a quilt-like effect. Any suggestions for me?

  • Crochet Star Quilt by Sandra Paul (~$6 crochet pattern available on Ravelry) Sport weight yarn
  • C2C Barn Quilt Blanket by Emily Marie Davies ($5 crochet pattern available on Ravelry or on this website)
  • Granny Square Snowflake Blanket by Briana K Designs ($8 Crochet pattern available on Ravelry
  • Winter Plaid Blanket  by Mallory Krall- (~4.66 crochet pattern on Ravelry)

From the Armchair

Wool by Hugh Howey (The Silo Series- Book 1) 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

Sled Decorating with Mom. Check out our beautiful project.

Knitting in Passing

  • In talking about vlogging at the gym, we also got talking about knitting and I learned that my friend Taylor wants to learn to knit.
  • I was knitting at Nutcracker intermission and Hattie did a stitch before the lights went down.
  • I was knitting at my niece’s Funky Nutcracker performance which was so long. Megg’s neighbors said I’d have a whole blanket done before it was over.

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.
  • Questions-  ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com
  • 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.
  • Tune in to hear if you’re the winner of the Quarter 2 challenge.
  • November Participation Prize Winners be will announced in the next episode.
  • Updates from Commentator Mary
    • There’s lots of talk about favorite warm beverages and baking in the December thread:
    • If you are a tea lover, check out post 288, where multiverseknits shared some of their favorite places to buy tea. 
    • If you are a sourdough baker, check out post 628 where lmecoll shared a recipe for sourdough chocolate chip cookies that she will not be making but has heard are quite good. 
    • I also popped over to the end zone dance thread to see what people have finished lately. One project in particular caught my eye:
    • Rubyrx recently finished a slip stitch party shawl in yarn from sheep she raised! She proceeded, spun, dyed and knit up the yarn into a gorgeous shawl! Amazing!! Check it out on Ravelry.

Events

Contest, News & Notes

On a Happy Note

  • December 1 we celebrated Dan’s birthday & Mom’s 2nd anniversary of diagnosis. So grateful she’s here!
  • Mom, Riley, Trish, Merry and I went to a Sample Sale. Mom, Riley and I then did more shopping and a “bakery tour.” I definitely recommend that Vlogmas episode. It’s very silly.
  • Attending live performances of: Aladdin Jr. the Nutcracker, The Plot Thickens and the Funky Nutcracker.
  • Running into my old boss at work
  • Hattie’s sleepover. She enjoyed crafting time, pancakes and a tractor ride with Uncle Dan.
  • My cousin Colleen having a baby boy in June!
  • Deer in the compost bins.
  • Working on a puzzle advent with Dan.

Quote of the Week

“Summer is for surrendering; winter is for wondering.”  — Debasish Mridha

——

Thank you for tuning in!

Contact Information:

Episode 267: Knit, Spin, Crochet, Gift, Repeat

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 267 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
  • 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

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 )
  • 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.

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.
  • 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 

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