Author Archives: downcellarstudio@gmail.com

Episode 214: Pigskin Party Prep!

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 214  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
  • Crafty Adventures
  • Knitting in Passing
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Contest, News & Notes
  • Life in Focus
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Gabriella’s Velvet Bear

Summer Vibes Socks

  • Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Summer Vibes Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Check out my June Yarnable Unboxing & July Yarnable Unboxing Videos on YouTube.
    • Yarnable will likely open again to new subscribers in August 2021. Considering subscribing? Please consider using my Affiliate Link. Get $5 off with coupon code BOSTONJEN.
  • I love the Bomb Pop progress keeper from Clay Canon that came with the kit.
  • 272 meters

Millie Margaret (Worsted Version)

  • Pattern: Millie Margaret Shawl by Jennifer Lassonde
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Felici Worsted in the Chelsea Colorway & Knit Picks Twill in the Sea Salt Heather Colorway
  • Needles: US 10 (6.0 mm)
  • Knit Picks Affiliate Link
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • 489.8 meters

Stash Dash total to date:  9,647 meters. Check out my Stash Dash 2021 Spreadsheet . You can also check out: Jasmin’s Stash Dash 2021 Spreadsheet

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Solid Granny Square Blanket 2021 Edition

Imaginarium Socks

  • Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes in the Imaginarium Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: Non-Euclidian Heel by Sarah Jordan
  • My Ravelry Project Page

Magic Stripes Socks

  • Yarn: Patons Kroy Stripes in the Magic Stripes colorway & Patons Kroy in the Coal colorway (black)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: omg
  • Ravelry Project Page

Wild Plum Merino Spin

  • Fiber Addict Designs: 100% Merino, Commercial Combed Roving, 4 oz. Wild Plum Colorway
  • Spinning on my Kromski Minstrel Spinning Wheel
  • My Ravelry Page

Chubby Elephant

  • Pattern: Chubby Elephant by Spin a Yarn Crochet (free option or $2.50 US)
  • Yarn: Bernat Velvet in Misty Gray & Bernat Crushed Velvet in Toasted Plums
  • Hook: D (3.25 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page

From the Armchair

  1. My Sister, The Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite Finished 7/28 Amazon Affiliate Link.  Bookshop Affiliate Link.
  2. Super Host by Kate Russo. Amazon Affiliate Link.  Bookshop Affiliate Link
  3. The Salt Path by Raynor Winn finished 8/8. Amazon Affiliate Link.  Bookshop Affiliate Link
  4. The Wild Silence by Raynor Winn. Amazon Affiliate Link.  Bookshop 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 dabbled in watercolor using a kit from Let’s Make Art, a gift from my bestie.

  • I worked on the Holiday Wreath using this kit. I have a Giraffe kit but haven’t started it just yet.

Knitting in Passing

  • I went to a yoga class with one of my favorite instructors, Heather, at Webbs Pro Fitness. After class she pulled me aside to tell me she’d taken up knitting to make some baby hats and had moved on to Christmas stockings! We had a lovely chat! 

KAL News

Splash Pad Winners Announced 

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)- keep checking back. 
  • 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- COMING SOON)
  • 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.

Important Updates this episode: Pigskin Prep

  • Come get Registered!
  • Please review the Rules, even if you play every year. We’ve tweaked a few things.
  • Check out the Sponsor list linked above.
  • We are doing Teams again this year. The overwhelming feedback from last year is that you really enjoyed the smaller community found within those teams, so we’re excited to bring those back. You will be assigned your team on September 1st (if you register before then), so we’d really like to get most folks signed up before then (if possible). So please spread the word.
  • Finish those WIPs. 
  • Considering joining the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! We’ll be doing monthly Zooms during the Pigskin and have one scheduled for later in August that you can join if you get in at the $5/mo level.  Plus you’ll have access to my private IG feed and so much more.
  • Save the Dates- Sept 10+11 for Kick off fun! 

Events

Contest, News & Notes

  • Check out my new patterns- the Millie Margaret Shawl- available for fingering weight and worsted weight yarn.
  • This pattern has been tech edited & test knit so you can knit on with confidence, but if you ever have any questions, don’t hesitate to message me. Pattern also contains a link to a video tutorial that shows how to do the slipped stitch technique used in this pattern.
  • Patterns will be available for $7 each. Email subscribers get the best discount so check your inbox if you want to get both of these patterns.
  • Intro Deals:
    • Get both patterns for $6 on Ravelry through 8/22 using code “millie.”
    • Want just 1 pattern? Get 40% off with code “niece,” also good through 8/22.
  • Get your pattern now. Let me know if you need help picking yarn. get your swatch done, then maybe wait until 9/9 to cast on for Pigskin?!! I’m a Pro Shop Sponsor, so you’ll get lots of points!

Life in Focus

  • Visit to Cleenland in Cambridge, MA. Great selection of personal products and cleaning supplies. I brought my own jars with lids and the lovely shop keeper weighed everything when I arrived. This is what I got:
  • clay mask [SallyeAnder rose for drier skin, emerald vegan for drier skin, or golden for oilier skin $5.23/oz]
  • face lotion [Oneka unscented $3.98/oz]
  • tooth tabs [Unpaste with or without fluoride pack of 125 for $8.50]
  • Bamboo tooth brush
  • dishwasher detergent [Azure Standard $0.29/oz = $0.15/load]
  • dish soap [Puracy lemongrass or unscented $0.15/oz]
  • bar dish soap [Meliora unscented or lemon $9.49/bar]
  • recycled garbage bags [If You Care $4.99]
  • toilet paper (100% recycled paper $1.07/roll or bamboo $1.15/roll)- Who gives a crap brand.
  • Melora cleaning tabs- 3 in the pack

On a Happy Note

  • Gabriella’s 1st birthday. Pics of her hugging the teddy I made her
  • Will & Aila sleepover. Getting into hysterics as Dan, Dad, Mom and I all tried Will’s new VR game system. Deer all around! We all just watched in fascination!
  • My Knit Picks Felici order!!!!!
  • I took my nephew, Garret, to Gillette Stadium for the first Patriot’s Practice of the season.  Sleepover.
  • Meeting up with Petrina and Ryan at Gather Here in Cambridge, MA

Quote of the Week

Longevity researcher Dan Buettner on the health benefits of friendship:
“I argue that the most powerful thing you can do to add healthy years is to curate your immediate social network. In general, you want friends with whom you can have a meaningful conversation. You can call them on a bad day and they will care. Your group of friends are better than any drug or anti-aging supplement, and will do more for you than just about anything.”


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Episode 213: Blankets & Bobbins

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 213 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
  • In my Travels
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Contest, News & Notes
  • Ask Me Anything
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Fibernymph Dye Works Shetland Spin

  • Three 2 oz braids of natural Shetland
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Total: 246 yards/ 225.52 meter
  • Stash Dash Total (3 ply yarn, 4 times through orifice): 902.08 meters

Bobble Lines Baby Blanket

  • Pattern: Bobble Lines Baby Blanket by Daisy Farm Crafts (free option on Daisy Farm website & paid option available on Etsy. )
  • Hook: I (5.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Main Color: Lion Brand Pound of Love in White. Stripes in: Knit Picks Brava Worsted in Blush, Lion Brand Baby Soft in Creamsicle, Lion Brand Ice Cream Big Scoop in Tutti Fruitti, Loops & Thread Impeccable in Coral.
  • Working with 97 sts. 15 Bobble Rows
  • Edge
    • Round 1. DC around
    • Round 2. Hdc around
    • Round 3 with ice cream scoop. (DC5tog, sc2) around
  • Stash Dash total: 1,099.1 Meters
  • Finished Size: 36 inches wide by 46 inches long

Wristers Socks

  • Yarn: Lion Brand Mani-Pedi in the Wristers Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • My Ravelry Project Page
  • I was inspired to try this yarn after seeing my friend Emily’s on our Crafty Chat- check out the video here.
  • Stash Dash: 240 meters

Stash Dash total to date:  8774 meters. Stash Dash 2021

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Solid Granny Square Blanket 2021 Edition

  • Yarn: fingering weight scraps
  • Hook: D (3.25mm)
  • Pattern: Solid Granny Square by Lullaby Melodia- Find this pattern on Ravelry or directly on the Lullaby Lodge website
  • My Ravelry Project Page
  • I ripped out the color squares I could salvage from last summer’s blanket and made some new ones too.
  • I have 134 squares which could make a blanket that’s- 11×12 but I may not have enough yard to edge that many so we’ll see as we get closer

Imaginarium Socks

  • Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes in the Imaginarium Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: Non-Euclidian Heel by Sarah Jordan
  • My Ravelry Project Page

Summer Vibes Socks

  • Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Summer Vibes Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Check out my June Yarnable Unboxing & July Yarnable Unboxing Videos on YouTube.
    • Yarnable will likely open again to new subscribers in August 2021. Considering subscribing? Please consider using my Affiliate Link. Get $5 off with coupon code BOSTONJEN.

Magic Stripes Socks

  • Yarn: Patons Kroy Stripes in the Magic Stripes colorway & Patons Kroy in the COal colorway (black)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: TBD
  • Ravelry Project Page

Gabriella’s Velvet Bear

Wild Plum Merino Spin

  • Fiber Addict Designs: 100% Merino, Commercial Combed Roving, 4 oz. Wild Plum Colorway
  • Spinning on my Kromski Minstrel Spinning Wheel
  • My Ravelry Page
  • Divided into 3 so I can do a 3 ply.
  • Focusing on not spinning so thin.

Brainstorming

From the Armchair

Crafty Adventures

  • During Hattie and Millie’s sleepover we did some painting! Video available for Patrons. Haven’t joined us yet? Check out the options on my Patreon Page.

Knitting in Passing

  • I shared a story about knitting up at my cousin’s lake house with family friends and how my cousin asked for some more handmade dishcloths next time I visit.

In My Travels

  • I shared stories of our family’s long weekend up at Great East Lake in NH.
  • I talked a bit about the Saturday night tradition of hot dogs, beans and brown bread. Click here for a related story.

KAL News

Splash Pad Party: May 28 through July 31

Pigskin Party

Participants: Reminders

  • We are not yet ready for participants to sign up, but start telling your friends! Remember, you get points for new recruits.
  • Don’t forget that the Pigskin Party is a NO WIPs KAL so get those needles cleared off. If you need a little help with that, consider joining my Patreon Community. That’s going to be our focus in August.

Events

Contest, News & Notes

Ask Me Anything

Sewrunknit says “I would love for you to share any travel tips that you have for traveling light and using fewer disposable products. Specifically how you handle deodorant, other toiletries and food on an airplane trip.” 

  • I use bar soap for face & body- same as from home, or will cut off smaller piece. fits into a metal travel tin I got a couple years ago.
  • I have a small glass jar for my night face oil for face- that I refill from the larger Argon oil I get from Trader Joe’s. 
  • For day time moisturizer/SPF, I bring full one, or use small silicone containers I got from Amazon
  • Deodorant- I bring full size or I have a travel size that I refill with a mix of baking soda and coconut oil and lavender (not great for flying or big swings in temperature). 
  • Shampoo and conditioner- currently I’m using bars (not liquid), but when using liquid versions, I use refillable travel containers.
  • If I’m only bringing a carry-on but am going somewhere for a week, I’ll buy full size sunscreen or something I’ll need more than 3oz of, and then leave rest behind with someone there. 
  • Food- I often pack banana, sandwich or wrap either in plastic container (that I can reuse during travel), or tinfoil. I bring dish soap with me, so I can wash containers and my water bottle. I often bring a straw cleaner too because I always travel with silverware and a stainless steel straw, a cloth napkin or two and a handkerchief. 

Farmstead Knits asks about my – favorite patterned sock other than vanilla

AggiedecarloKnits- would you do a tutorial on spinning?

  • I hadn’t planned on it because I am not a very experienced spinner but I’ll think about. If you have thoughts on what specifically you all would like to see, let me know.

Suzi321- what is the first garment you knitted?

Flora_n_Fauna_victoria- I am new to the podcast. Could you do a quick who am I and how did I end up podcasting update?

  • Tune in to learn more about me!

On a Happy Note

  • Mille & Hattie’s Sleepover- Pancakes. We watched Beauty and the Beast and had some Blanket Fort fun.
  • We celebrated my nephew Will’s 14th Birthday.
  • I’m enjoying running.
  • Attending a 1 hour cardio jazz class taught by my friend Diana with my friend Megg. Dinner and drinks after and then Megg and I sang our hearts out on the car ride home.
  • 4 days off work! Spending time at the lake!

Quote of the Week

To love a person is to learn the song that is in their heart and to sing it to them when they have forgotten.—Arne Garborg

Thank you for tuning in!


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Episode 212: 6K Socks & Tops

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 212 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
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Contest, News & Notes
  • Life in Focus
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Thank you to this episode’s sponsor: Anne Beady Designs- find her on Etsy & Ravelry

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Signs of the Season Socks

  • Yarn: Fibernymph Dye Works Bounce base in the Signs of the Season Colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page

Not in Kansas Anymore Socks

  • Yarn: Agirlandherwool Sock in the Not In Kansas Anymore Colorway. 
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Ravelry Project Page

Happy Birthday Socks

  • Yarn: Freckled Whimsy Serendipity Sock Yarn in the Happy Birthday Colorway.
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • My Ravelry Project Page

Paton’s Rainbow Stripes

  • Yarn: Paton’s Kroy in the Rain
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • I finished first sock with Jen from the Commuter Knitter Podcast. We talked about these on our Crafty Chat on my YouTube Channel.

July 4th Cozy (32 oz jar)

  • Pattern: based loosely on Ball Band with a Twist by Jennifer Lassonde
  • Yarn: Lily Sugar n’ Cream (Navy) & Lion Brand Re-up (Aqua) & Rowan DK Handknit Cotton (Red)
  • Hooks: F & G (3.75 & 4.25 mmm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Stash Dash Meters: 62.2

Red, White, Blue Ball Band w/ Twist

  • Pattern: based loosely on Ball Band with a Twist by Jennifer Lassonde
  • Yarn: Lion Brand Re-up in colorways, Red, Aqua & White
  • Hooks: F & G (3.75 & 4.25 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Stash Dash Meters: 38.5

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.
  • Added 1 repeat to front so I did end up joining a second ball of yarn but otherwise I didn’t alternate skeins and that looks ok.
  • Many project pages talk about adding short rows to the back which I will likely do, as I often find w/ cropped sweaters the back is higher and I don’t enjoy that. Forgot I thought about this and would have been happier if I’d done it.
  • Worried that sleeves would be tight, so I left that opening bigger and picked up and knit 54 sts around
  • Ravelry Project Page

Stash Dash Updates

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Solid Granny Square Blanket 2021 Edition

Bobble Lines Baby Blanket

  • Pattern: Bobble Lines Baby Blanket by Daisy Farm Crafts (free option on Daisy Farm website & paid option available on Etsy. )
  • Hook: I (5.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Main Color: Lion Brand Pound of Love in White. Stripes in: Knit Picks Brava Worsted in Blush, Lion Brand Baby Soft in Creamsicle, Lion Brand Ice Cream Big Scoop in Tutti Fruitti, Loops & Thread Impeccable in Coral.
  • Cast in with K. 99sts. Working with 97 sts. 
  • 5 rows white hdc. 1 row of bobbles
  • Currently have 13 bobble stripes.

Fibernymph Dye Works Shetland Spin

Wristers Socks

Knitting up a sample for a new shawl design idea… very early sneak peek

Brainstorming

  • I’d like to make toys for the 2 babies in our life turning 1 soon
  • I need to repair another pair of socks for Mom and the hat of Eme’s octopus
    • Pattern: Dandy Sir Cephalopod by Susan Claudino
    • Pattern $6 US available on Ravelry

From the Armchair

Some Years Later

Dawn to Dusk Triangle Shawl – side to side crochet triangular shawlette. Mom still wears hers and I think it looks great, but I don’t love mine. I think the acrylic yarn makes it look/feel cheap. I think I will donate mine.

Knitting in Passing

  • I helped my Mom’s Infusion Nurse, Kathy, with a crochet baby sweater. She’s using a Goosebumps pattern from a YouTube video from the Simona Crochet channel.
  • I helped my 17 year old niece Eme pack up her room. It was fun coming across so many of the toys I made her over the years. She did let a couple of them go, at my insistence that if she didn’t love them now, that it was ok to let them go. She loved them for awhile and that was good enough. She also donated a sewn pillow monster that her mom didn’t want her to let go but because Eme has such a hard time giving up her treasures we both really resisted the urge to encourage her to keep things.

KAL News

Splash Pad- May 28 through July 31

Splash Pad Ravelry Links:

Events

  • Craft Cook Read Repeat Podcast with Monica and Cortney- Summer Bingo starts end of May. Check out their website #CCRRsummerbingo2021 Bingo card can be found saved to Stories Highlights in their Instagram account.
  • Knit Girllls Stash Dash May 28-August 31. Check out their website for more details.   They will be hosting the event on Discord this year.
  • Vogue Virtual Knitting Live– July 15-18. September 9-12, 2021. October 7-10, 2021. November 11-14, 2021
  • Tour de Fleece. Saturday June 26 through Sunday July 18, 2021 Ravelry Link
  • Fiberworld July 21-25, 2021. Click here for their website.
  • 2020 Summer Olympics will begin on Friday, July 23, 2021

Contest, News & Notes

Life in Focus

I am not participating in Plastic Free July this year but tune in for a bit about what I think about the challenge and how you can make some changes in your life if that’s interesting to you! Check out the Plastic Free July thread in the Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group

For more, check out Episode 107 of the Sustainable(ish) Podcast

On a Happy Note

  • Dan is healing well after knee surgery.
  • I was diagnosed with Lyme 2 days later (not so happy) but the silver lining is that there hasn’t been much sun to avoid while I’m on these nasty antibiotics.
  • We had a super fun Tuesday night/post-4th raincheck night pool night. Hattie, Garret and Millie went swimming then snuggling on the couch after dinner. Ice cream bars from Dairy Queen. Buster Bar with peanuts! Better than I remember which I think is rare when remembering things from childhood.
  • I worked with Eme to get in her papers to complete her second semester of college.
  • Maggie, Our friend’s daughter painted a deer for us to hang in our dining room!
  • Yarn swap with the Between Knits and Purls Ravelry Group: Merry Everything and Happy Always!

Quote of the Week

“I may not be where I want to be but I’m thankful for not being where I used to be.”

― Habeeb Akande

Thank you for tuning in!
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