Author Archives: downcellarstudio@gmail.com

Episode 199: Cheers to a New Year & A New Pattern!

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 199 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:

  • Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • Brainstorming
  • Crafty Adventures
  • Knitting in Passing
  • KAL News
  • Contest, News & Notes
  • Life in Focus
  • Ask Me Anything
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Thank you to this episode’s sponsor: Knit Wit Yarn Shop

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Baby Yoda Amigurumi

  • Pattern: Baby Yoda Amigurumi (free crochet pattern) by LarissaMaced – @beefriendscrochet
  • Yarn: Loops & Threads Impeccable in Fern (green) and Soft Taupe (Beige)
  • Hook: D (3.25 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page

Ahsoka Tano

  • Pattern: Ahsoka Tano- Star Wars Mini Amigurumi by Lucy Collin ($4.25 US at time)
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted
  • Hook: C (2.75)
  • Ravelry Project Page

Nanaimo Cardigan

  • Pattern: Nanaimo Cardigan by Tara-Lynn Morrison. ($6.50 US Knitting Pattern)
  • Needles: US 19 (15 mm for body). US 15 (10 mm) and US 13 (9 mm) for ribbing.
  • Yarn: Casade Ecological Wool in Colorway 8018 (natural), Lion Brand Fishermen’s Wool in the Birch Tweed Colorway, Noro Ito in Colorway 12 Raindance
  • Ravelry Project Page

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Christmas with the Gilmores Socks

Candy Color Socks

  • Yarn: Regia 4 ply in Colorway 01160
  • Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Ravelry Project Page

Vampire Vibes Socks (Ravelry Link)

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Vampires Vibes colorway. Holly Press Fibers Sheepish Sock (heels)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) 

    ADVENTure Gnome Mystery KAL

    Brainstorming

    • DK weight socks for Dan. Love the Squish Base from Goosey Fibers. 75% Superwash Merino. 25% nylon. 
    • Crochet Lion Amigurumi by Melanie Willis. Available on Ravelry and Etsy for about $4.75 US.
    • Yoga socks
    • More spinning + getting back to design projects. 

    Crafty Adventures

    • Oisin and Emelyn put 3 coats of primer on the blue wall in my studio & I did 2 coats of white paint. Then I got the crazy notion to rearrange my whole studio which required taking nearly everything out of it! Dan happily obliged! Slowly bringing things back around. Yarn mostly back in place. Check out Vlogmas Days 28 & 29 Video for more.
    • Dan and I painted the bathroom.
    • Vlogmas videos have been my other crafty adventure. finding new things to record each day. I am working on my editing skills. I vlogged through the whole month of December! Check it out here.

    Knitting in Passing

    I shared an update about video chatting with my niece Riley to help her with her sweater project.

    KAL News

    • Quarterly Quests! Get all of the details here. 
    • Quarter 4: October 1- December 31, 2020: Slay The Stash.
    • Of course we still want you to slay your stash so we added it to the very end. Use up any skein purchased prior to 2020 all the way down to the last 3 yards. Again, older than 5 years (as of the start of 2020) gains you an extra entry.
    • Check out the Ravelry Thread. 
    • Thank you Quarter 4 Sponsors: APLCrafts, AdoreKnit, Jennifer Lassonde Designs- Ravelry Link/LoveCrafts Link


    Pigskin Party ’20

    Check out all of the details you need to know either in the Start Here Thread  on Ravelry or on my website. 

    Important Links:

    December Interception:  December Mini Skeins/Maximum Spirit Interception hosted by Yumi Yarns.Get your entries in. I will pull a winner in the next episode.


    Check out the January Interception: Stash Hat Scrimmage Hosted by Knitters Brewing Company. Check out the Ravelry Thread or this page on my website.


    Contest, News & Notes

    Brew Buddy Growler Cozy (Ravelry Link)

    $4 crochet pattern in Ravelry. Use coupon code “cheer” on Ravelry through 1/10/21 to get the pattern for $3.

    Life in Focus

    Working on my year in Review. Planning 2021. 

    Ask Me Anything

    I answered listener questions posted in Instagram Stories. The first was about my making in 2020. Here’s what that looks like:

    • 209 FOs. 117 of those are washcloths.
    • Toys- 36
    • Socks 19
    • Hats- 9
    • Jar cozies- 9
    • Blankets- 8
    • Sweaters- 6
    • Growler Cozies- 4
    • Stockings- 3
    • Shawls- 3
    • Cowls- 2
    • Mitts- 2
    • Baby Rompers- 2
    • Bralette- 1
    • Trim on denim skirt- 1
    • Necklace- 1
    • Trivet-1
    • Blanket Square- 1
    • Finished 8 spinning projects and have 2 in progress. 
    • Finished one weaving project. 
    • Gifts: 65 + wash cloths

    On a Happy Note

    • Santa came to see kids outside at their grandparents’ house. Hattie wasn’t thrilled.
    • I got my first haircut since January.
    • We moved my grandmother to the independent living part of an assisted living facility.
    • I checked out a newly reopened Thrift store & got a great vintage sweater and some cool handmade Christmas decorations. 
    • While Eme and Oisín painted, I watched Hattie. Teddy Ruxpin. Coloring. Playing in snow. Playing barbies. 
    • I shared a bit about our altered Christmas plans to accommodate for Covid-19.

    Quote of the Week

    “A man is about as big as the things that make him angry.”―Winston Churchill


    Contact Information:

    Episode 198: Boxing Day Bonus is Here!

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    Thank you for tuning in to Episode 198 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:

    • Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
    • On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
    • Brainstorming
    • Crafty Adventures
    • KAL News
    • Events
    • Contest, News & Notes
    • On a Happy Note
    • Quote of the Week


    Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Knit Wit Yarn Shop & Knit Style Yarns

    Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

    Black Chemo Cap

    • Pattern: none
    • Yarn: Bernat Velvet in Blackbird colorway
    • Hooks: F (3.75 mm) for brim and G (4.5 mm) for body
    • Ravelry Project Page Link

    Rainbow Ripple Bralette

    • Pattern: Ripple Bralette by Jessie Maed Designs ($9 US knitting pattern). Click here for my Ravelry Project Page.
    • Needles: US 2 ( 2.75 mm) & US 4 (3.5 mm)
    • Yarn: Spunky Eclectic yarn purchased at MA sheep & wool (I think) 
    • Size Small

    Nordic Christmas Gnome

    • Pattern: Nordic Christmas Gnome (free crochet pattern) by Ragnhild Hynne Uebler/Yarnhild. Link directly to website (not a Ravelry link)
    • Yarn: worsted weight acrylic from stash
    • Hooks: B (2.25 mm), D (3.25 mm) & J (6 mm)
    • My Ravelry Project Page

    Piggie Nugget v2

    Hippo Disco Socks

    • Ravelry Project Page.
    • Yarn: Lemonade Shop Simple Sock. Hippo Disco Colorway
    • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
    • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams

    Riley’s Charcoal Afghan

    Garret’s Crochet Wig

    Wave of Change Jacket 

    • Pattern: Wave of Change Jacket by Denise Bayron ($9 US knitting pattern)
    • Yarn: Battenkill Fiber Mill Yarn (from Rhinebeck 2019). No label or other details available
    • Needles: US 8 (5.0 mm) for body. US 6 (4.0 mm) for ribbing.
    • Size 3
    • Ravelry Project Page
    • Check out my Day 8 Vlogmas Video to see Mom try it on!

    On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

    Spinning

    • Fiber from Wound Up Fiber Arts
    • Base: Corriedale
    • Colorway: Prim
    • I have 2 other similar colorways and will ply them together. Not doing any color management.

    Christmas with the Gilmores Socks

    ADVENTure Gnome Mystery KAL

    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

    Baby Yoda Amigurumi

    • Pattern: Baby Yoda Amigurumi (free crochet pattern) by LarissaMaced – @beefriendscrochet
    • Yarn: Loops & Threads Impeccable in Fern (green) and Soft Taupe (Beige)
    • Hook: D (3.25 mm)
    • Ravelry Project Page

    Brainstorming

    • Getting back to my Ursa Cardigan and my Nanaimo Cardigan which I don’t think I even told you I cast on because I didn’t get very far.
    • I have a whole list of small Crochet projects I’d like to try out to make a Christmas garland or some small decorations. 

    Crafty Adventures

    • I’ve only done 2 pages for my December Daily Album which I’m ok with. Forgot that December is not really the ideal time to do that because in addition to really enjoying my Christmas making— scrapbook stuff down cellar. Pellet stove isn’t on. Cold. 
    • Alo realizing, my goal i to document this stuff. I’m not feeling overly compelled to make every page a work of art. That’s fine. Taking pressure down a notch. 

    KAL News


    Quarterly Quests!

    • Get all of the details here. 
    • Quarter 4: October 1- December 31, 2020: Slay The Stash.
    • Of course we still want you to slay your stash so we added it to the very end. Use up any skein purchased prior to 2020 all the way down to the last 3 yards. Again, older than 5 years (as of the start of 2020) gains you an extra entry.
    • Check out the Ravelry Thread. 
    • Thank you Quarter 4 Sponsors: APLCrafts, AdoreKnit, Jennifer Lassonde Designs- Ravelry Link/LoveCrafts Link

    Pigskin Party ’20

    Check out all of the details you need to know either in the Start Here Thread  on Ravelry or on my website. 

    Important Links:

    Tune in to hear if you won the November Interception & check out our December Mini Skeins/Maximum Spirit Interception hosted by Yumi Yarns.

    I announced November Participation prizes and will soon post the details of the 14 Grand Prize Packs we have this year!

    Events

    Contest, News & Notes

    I released my latest shawl design- the Boxing Day Bonus Shawl (Ravelry Link). It is a sideways knit garter & eyelet shawl intended to maximize the use of mini skeins, specifically an Advent Mini Skein collection! The shawl is worked with increases in garter stitch stripes up to the center panel. The triangles are formed with German Short rows, then you decrease in garter stripes to finish off. The result is a big, cozy shawl where the rows never get too long and you’re not binding off hundreds of stitches but you still get that polished edge with the mock i-cord effect I use in so many of my pattern. Best of all- the pattern includes links to video tutorials to guide you throughout. 

    Check out full details on my website or on Ravelry.

    Tune in for a coupon code only for podcast listeners! You won’t find it anywhere else.

     On a Happy Note

    • Monday Nov 30th- we lost power in the evening but Dan and I worked together on getting the Christmas cards addressed and ready to mail!
    • We lost power again on Sat 12/5. It didn’t last long but we listened to the My Favorite Murder Podcast and I got sleeve of mom’s cardigan done.
    • Getting back into running!
    • 2 massages recently!
    • Zoom knit hangout with my friend Emily who you may know from the Knitting Butterflies audio podcast. Emily has been posting videos on her YouTube Channel again. Check them out here.
    • All new windows installed, and our door replacements will be finished next weekend!
    • I visited with Mom for her sweater try on and to pick up garland.  Tune in to Day 8 Vlogmas Video to see Mom’s gorgeous Christmas decorations. She says they’re scaled way down, and they are, but its still more than anyone else I know!
    • We had another rainy Saturday so we watched hours of Good Girls on Netflix and wrapped all of our Christmas gifts.
    • Getting to see our nieces and nephews (safely) and seeing Hattie experience Teddy Ruxpin Singing and Reading to her for the 1st time!

    Quote of the Week

    I used to spend a lot of energy trying to get further. I now spend a lot of energy trying to get better. Progress is a trajectory, not just a destination.

    –Web Smith


    Contact Information:

    Episode 197: Gifting All Along

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    Thank you for tuning in to Episode 197 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:

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

    Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Prairie Bag Works & Irocknits

    Stayed tuned to the end for a bit of bonus audio with my niece Riley!

    Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins


    Holly Cozy

    • Pattern: Ball Band by Jennifer Lassonde (free crochet pattern).
    • Hook: F (3.5 mm)
    • Yarn: Lion Brand Re-Up in the Ecru Colorway. Rowan Designer Collection DK Handknit Cotton in Hastings Green & Cherry. 
    • Ravelry Project Page Link
    • Link to Holly Berry Pattern (non-Ravelry link)

    Lotion Cozy

    • Pattern: Ball Band with a Twist by Jennifer Lassonde (free crochet pattern).
    • Hook: F (3.5 mm)
    • Yarn: Rowan Designer Collection DK Handknit Cotton in Hastings Green & Cherry. 
    • Ravelry Project Page

    Sweet Stripes Socks

    • Yarn: Patons Kroy Stripes in the Sweet Stripes Colorway
    • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
    • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
    • Ravelry Project Page

    Oisin’s Christmas Alien

    Christmas is Here! Cookie

    • Pattern: Cookie by Philomena from the Christmas is Here! eBook
    • Hook: D (3.25 mm)
    • Yarn: worsted weight acrylic yarn from stash. 

    On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

    Wave of Change Jacket 

    • Pattern: Wave of Change Jacket by Denise Bayron ($9 US knitting pattern)
    • Yarn: Battenkill Fiber Mill Yarn (from Rhinebeck 2019). No label or other details available
    • Needles: US 8 (5.0 mm) for body. US 6 (4.0 mm) for ribbing.
    • Size 3, 45” bust because it calls for 2-4 inches of positive ease. 
    • Ravelry Project Page
    • Check out Week 45 Video on my YouTube Channel to see Mom try it on.

    Rainbow Ripple Bralette

    • Pattern: Ripple Bralette by Jessie Maed Designs ($9 US knitting pattern). Click here for my Ravelry Project Page.
    • Needles: US 2 ( 2.75 mm) & US 4 (3.5 mm)
    • Yarn: Spunky Eclectic yarn purchased at MA sheep & wool (I think) 

    Spinning 

    • Fiber from Wound Up Fiber Arts
    • Base: Corriedale
    • Colorway: Prim
    • I have 2 other similar colorways so I’m spinning all the of it and will ply them together for a 3 ply yarn.

    Riley’s Charcoal Afghan

    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

    Ursa

    • Ravelry Project Page
    • Pattern: Ursa by Jacqueline Cieslak
    • Needle: US 11 (8.0 mm)
    • Yarn: Kraemer Yarns Mauch Chunky in the Juji Fruit Colorway 
    • Yarn provided to me free for review. Tune in to hear my initial thoughts.

    Hippo Disco Socks

    • Ravelry Project Page.
    • Yarn: Lemonade Shop Simple Sock. Hippo Disco Colorway
    • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
    • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams

    Brainstorming

    Christmas is Here! Introducing 8 free patterns written by 8 Latin American designers! Check out this link to Christmas is Here Pattern Page on Ravelry.

    • Gingerbread Man, Nutcracker, Elf Doll, Mouse, Bear, Angel, Cat with a Santa hat, Reindeer. Each of them are absolutely adorable! Crochet patterns in Spanish and English

    Garret asked for a crocheted wig. I’ll be using the Afro Hair Wig by Weiyan Huang as a guide. Ravelry Link to Pattern here.

    Knitting in Passing

    Chatting with Riley about knitting on Zoom and seeing how her projects are coming!

    KAL News


    Quarterly Quests!

    Get all of the details here. Quarter 4: October 1- December 31, 2020: Slay The Stash. Of course we still want you to slay your stash so we added it to the very end. Use up any skein purchased prior to 2020 all the way down to the last 3 yards. Again, older than 5 years (as of the start of 2020) gains you an extra entry.

    Check out the Ravelry Thread. 

    Thank you Quarter 4 Sponsors: APLCrafts, AdoreKnit, Jennifer Lassonde Designs- Ravelry Link/LoveCrafts Link

    Pigskin Party ’20

    heck out all of the details you need to know either in the Start Here Thread  on Ravelry or on my website. 
    Important Links:

    Check out details for the November Interception here & our newly announced December Mini Skeins/Maximum Spirit Interception hosted by Yumi Yarns.

    Extra Point Challenge: Give yourself and your team 100 points for each small project (min 25 yards: less than 100 yards) you complete. To be eligible for extra points, a project must be started no earlier than 11/1/20 and completed no later than 12/25/20. Limit 5 projects per player (500 total bonus points). Check out the details on my website or on Ravelry.

    Events

    • Dramatic Knits Podcast is hosting a KAL October 1-December 31, 2020 where I am the featured designer! Check out this Ravelry Post for details.  
    • BIPOC Make Along: Runs 10/1-12/18 
    • Festive Sock Along with Amy Florence of Stranded Podcast. Stay tuned to her podcast Ravelry Group for details. October 1- December 1, 2020. #Festivesockalong2020 
    • Beth MDQuilter (Instagram) and Abigail Covert_Knits (Instagram) teaming up for gilmorealong2020. Started 9/22. 
    • Knit All the Yarn Podcast  #stockingstuffersmal2020 Check out the details in the Knit All the Yarn Podcast Ravelry Group. Runs from October 1 – December 31, 2020. No wips. Any craft is welcome!
    • The Indie Giftalong is running! Check out their Ravelry Group.The Indie Design Gift-A-Long is a 5+ week long KAL/CAL of holiday gifts made from patterns designed by a rather extensive list of independent designers. From November 24th, 2020 at 8:00 pm US EST to December 31, 2020 at midnight US EST there will be fun games, contests, and 8 KAL/CALs that will help you get your holiday knitting and crocheting done with companionship and fun! Please use #giftalong2020 and #GAL2020 

    On a Happy Note

    • My daily Theragun use is making a noticeable difference.
    • I decorated the house for Christmas the weekend before Thanksgiving- except for the tree. Video coming soon!
    • Emelyn came home from school! Hugs! So rare these days.
    • Thanksgiving weekend. Dan and I spent the day together. PJs day (and putting up the tree).
    • I finally put up the photos I had printed on Wood Panels from Walgreens months ago.
    • Impromptu Christmas shopping with Mom!
    • I did some Christmas shopping at Savers. Video coming soon to my YouTube Channel on how I thrift.
    • Riley coming for a sleepover!

    Quote of the Week

    “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” – G.K. Chesterton

    Thank you for tuning in!
    Contact Information: