Author Archives: downcellarstudio@gmail.com

Episode 193: Socks & Kick Off!

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 193 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
  • Ask Me Anything
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Knit Wit Yarn Shop, Cookie & Bees, agirlandherwool & Sunsoaked Yarns.

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins


Eme’s Halloween Garland 

Materials:

  • Yarn: DK & Worsted scraps
  • Hook: C (2.75 mm) or D (3.25 mm)

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Bella Cosa Shawl

  • Pattern: Bella Cosa Shawl (free crochet pattern on Ravelry) by Stitch with Passion Crochet
  • Hook: J 6.0 mm
  • Yarn: Madelinetosh Tosh DK. No colorway listed. 

Freewheeler Sweater

  • Pattern: Freewheeler by Kristen Finlay (Ravelry Link) $11 AUD (~$8.35 US)
  • Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm)
  • Yarn (held double): Holiday Yarns (Badger Black Colorway); CeCe’s Wool Yarn Baby! 1120 yards fingering weight Superwash Merino (Cherries Jubilee Colorway)

Black is the New Orange Socks- Ravelry Project Page Link

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: White Birch Fiber Arts 80/20 SW Merino, Nylon Self Striping in the Black is the New Orange Colorway
  • Using my handmade Hello Kitty Halloween Project bag. 

Scrappy Sparkly Halloween Socks- Ravelry Project Page Link

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Some scraps. Some Knitty & Color minis 

Declan 1st Socks (Ravelry Link)

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Yarn: Patons Kroy in the Grey Brown Marl Colorway with Flax for heel
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)

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)

Fall Garlands

Brainstorming

I’m having a hard time finding a lion crochet toy pattern I like (and that isn’t too large). This Lion Amigurumi is kind of cute.

I keep browsing the bundle of patterns from Pigskin ’20 Sponsors. Thank you Zoom Dog Knits for putting this together.

From the Armchair

Listener Mary sent this tutorial for joining granny squares. Check out this link to the zigzag slip stitch join tutorial. 

I scored two great crafty books at Savers. Spent less than $6 for the pair! 

  • Basic Crochet Stitches: 250 Stitches to Crochet. Edited by Erika Knight.
  • Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book

Knitting in Passing

I told stories about knitting with my 2 year old niece, Hattie, and her wearing my handknit socks. When she’s big she wants her own knitting and a bag for her knitting.

My best friend wants a gnome after seeing mine. Link to my Ravelry Project.

A family friend, age 16, asked me for handknit socks. So sweet.

 KAL News


Quarterly Quests! Get all of the details here. Quarter 3: July 1- September 30 – Lessen the Library– check out the Ravelry Thread here

.Quarter 3 Sponsors: Sunsoaked Yarns, Apple Fiber Studio, Cookie and BeesDon’t forget to post on Instagram #QuarterlyQuests & #LessentheLibrary 
I will pull Q3 winners in next episode

October 1- December 31: 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 gains you an extra entry.

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:

Important Details shared this episode: check out the October Interception on my website or on Ravelry.

Events

Ask Me Anything

In Episode 192- Timenow13 on Instagram asked about listening to older episode of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. You can download The Podcast App– available for Apple + Android and go all the way back to Episode 1 (like I did this week. WOW!)

On a Happy Note

  • A clean house, decorated for fall!
  • We had a small social distant gathering at the house. Oisin, Will, Aila, and Declan were here working in the woods all day. Their parents came in the evening for a beer and some pizza. We had a camp fire and my best friend brought s’mores stuff. 
  • I found another new trail. I’m enjoying watching the leaves falling and seeing our neighbors’ goats out and about.
  • When boys working in the yarn I took my grabber and cleaned up our frontage of so much litter! 
  • Making soups. Currently loving this Asiago Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Soup. 
  • Fresh garlic from our friend’s garden. 

Quote of the Week

“Life is a train of moods like a string of beads, and as we pass through them, they prove to be many-colored lenses which paint the world their own hue, and each shows only what lies in its focus.”– Ralph Waldo Emerson


Thank you for tuning in!
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Episode 192: Pumpkins & Party Time!

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 192 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
  • Ask Me Anything
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week


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

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins


Gno Fun Like Gnome Fun (Ravelry Link)

  • Pattern: Gno Fun Like Gnome Fun by Sarah Schira $7 Canadian knitting pattern
  • Needles: US 4 (3.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Body: Gale’s Art Super Star DK (mustard), Hat: Madeline Tosh Tosh Vintage (in a one of a kind blue/green). Beard/skin: Cascade Eco Alpaca, Natural

Flat Crocheted Pumpkin: Ravelry Project Page

  • Pattern: Special Holiday Issue of Workbasket Magazine Oct/Nov 1993
  • Hook: D (3.25 mm)
  • Yarn: Scraps DK

Pumpkin 

  • Pattern: Pumpkin Garland by Eva Polaripop (free crochet pattern). Ravelry Link, Website Link.
  • Hook: C (2.75 mm)
  • Yarn: Leftover DK weight scraps

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Spinning Shetland 4 oz

Freewheeler Sweater

  • Pattern: Freewheeler by Kristen Finlay (Ravelry Link) $11 AUD (~$8.35 US)
  • Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm)
  • Yarn (held double): Holiday Yarns (in a gray colorway); CeCe’s Wool Yarn Baby! 1120 yards fingering weight Superwash Merino in the Cherries Jubilee colorway
  • Saw this sweater on Rose Hip Knits Podcast on YouTube. The host, Hanna, was a test knitter. 

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)

Fall Garlands

Materials:

  • Yarn: DK & Worsted scraps
  • Hook: C (2.75 mm) or D (3.25 mm)

Plan is to make a garland for my niece Emelyn who just moved away for college; and a set for myself. One might be more Halloween themed and one more fall themed.

Black is the New Orange Socks- Ravelry Project Page Link

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: White Birch Fiber Arts 80/20 SW Merino, Nylon Self Striping in the Black is the New Orange Colorway
  • Using my handmade Hello Kitty Halloween Project bag. 

Scrappy Sparkly Halloween Socks- Ravelry Project Page Link

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Some scraps. Some Knitty & Color minis 


Brainstorming

  • I purchased all of the new Patons Kroy colorways available from Yarnspirations website. 
  • I purchased some fiber. Some from a destash & some from Wound Up Fiber Arts. I purchased some Corriedale.
  • Shawl wearing Thanks to IG user: spincess514, Diana, who mentioned the #shawtember hashtag.
  • I want to knit all the sweaters. Colorwork. DK. Swoncho. Boxy. Browsing Ravelry, IG, Pinterest. Do you have any favorites?

From the Armchair

Knitting in Passing

Tune in to hear a review of my Virtual Vogue Knitting live classes 
1. Legin Innovation Uplifting Crochet Class with LeginKnits.

2. Josh Bennett’s Design Workshop: Building Your Design Identity- highly recommend.

3. Five Crochet Shawls: An Exploration of Shapes and Constructions Cecilia Losada

KAL News


Quarterly Quests! Get all of the details here. Quarter 3: July 1- September 30 – Lessen the Library– check out the Ravelry Thread here.

Quarter 3 Sponsors: Sunsoaked Yarns, Apple Fiber Studio, Cookie and BeesDon’t forget to post on Instagram #QuarterlyQuests you can also add one for the Quarter:#FreetheFavorites #LessentheLibrary #SlaytheStash

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

Updates in this episode:

  • This year, everyone is a team to provide you a small group to chat with and get to know. The teams roll up into 3 Conferences. Wendy heads up the Alpaca Football Conference (AFC), Lisa heads up the Sheep Football Conference (SFC) and I’m heading up the Llama Football Conference (LFC).
  • Play around with the Points Tally form to practice. That will be wiped on Friday night 9/18.
  • Participants can enter any pre-game points they’re eligible for starting on Saturday 9/19 (but remember you cannot cast on until 9/25). 
  • Stay tuned for a 30 Day Challenge that will help us get to know each other.
  • Join us for our Virtual Kick Off on 9/25 & 26. Details can be found in the Ravelry Group and on my website.
  • I will be sending out an email newsletter later this week with key Pigskin reminders and links. I am also creating a PDF printable that lets you plan out your projects if you’re the paper planner type. Not on my email list yet? Sign up now and you’ll automatically have it sent to you 24 hours after you sign up. 
  • It is never too late to join in the Pigskin Party. Fill out the Sign up Form anytime. We’d love to have you.

Events

Stash Dash, hosted by the Knit Girllls, ran from May 22- August 22, 2020. Thank you to everyone who posted/commented that you enjoyed challenge between Jasmin and me. Jasmin shared the results on the Knitmore Girls Podcast Episode 593.

  • Results: Jasmin- 18,816 meters. Jen- 28,557 meters
  • Tune in to hear my breakdown by craft and project type.
  • In theory, the loser our of little private competition donates money to charity, but it’s become something we both have committed to regardless of the outcome. This year, with employer matching we were able to give $200 each to Black Lives Matter, the NAACP & ActBlue. If you’ve gotten something out of this challenge, we encourage you to donate to one of these causes or something that speaks to your values.
  • Festive Sock Along with Amy Florence of Stranded Podcast. Stay tuned to her podcast Ravelry Group for details. October 1- December 1 #Festivesockalong2020 
  • Beth MDQuilter (Instagram) and Abigail Covert_Knits (Instagram) teaming up for #gilmorealong2020 on Instagram. Begins on 9/22. I bought yarn from Area 51 Fibres. Can’t wait!

Contest, News & Notes

Ask Me Anything

  • Happyjustknitting asked: With Stash Dash over, do you still have WIPs or are you working on casting new things/spinning? Tune in to hear my answer.
  • Timenow13 on Instagram Megan asks “Hi, I have two questions. I have recently found your podcast and love it, I’ve listened to it backwards to episode 91 on Apple podcast and I would love to listen to the rest but I’m not sure if they are available anywhere? My second question is if you have any tips for being in a transitional knitting place? I have only ever done flat things mostly washcloths and baby blankets, I finally finished my first piece of lace. I want to start doing hats or mittens or maybe ever a sweater but it all seems like a big jump. Any tips?”
    • You can listen to all of my back episodes directly from my podcast host Libsyn. Click on the POD icon next to the episode name to play an episode. This should work well on mobile or desktop.
    • Taking knitting to the next step- my best advice is “Go where your interest lies.” After scarves I went to hats. I started top down with the Hill Country Hat (Ravelry Link)  by Clara Parkes, which isn’t typical but I thought that would be easy to measure. The great thing w/ hats is they don’t take long and it will fit SOMEONE. Other easy patterns I tried: Neighborly- Ravelry Link (kid’s vest) by Jennifer Casa (Free) & 5-hour baby sweater (cardigan)- Ravelry Link by Courtney Filner (free)
    • I also recommend Tin Can Knits Simple Collection- Ravelry Link.

On a Happy Note

  • Starbucks Cold Brew with Dark Cocoa Almondmilk Foam
  • Found a new longer trail local nature preserve!
  • Big upgrade at work has gone well and more importantly- its mostly behind us!
  • Dan bought me a Li’l Sebastian Mug (which he purchased online as we binged Season 7 of Parks and Recreation)
  • Great to see my cousin Gayle who came down for a visit!
  • Fridge and freezer broke (not so happy) but with a recommendation on a local repair shop, it was fixed the same day we called!
  • Cool enough weather to wear handknits- I wore to my Soldotna for visit to Staci’s Stitches. 

Quote of the Week

Humor is the antidote to overthinking. It’s a way of saying that life is paradoxical. Humor contains contradictions; it does not resolve them but revels in them. It says that the right way to exist among the contradictions, paradoxes, and absurdities of life is to cope with them through laughter. — Bob Mankoff


Contact Information:

Episode 191: Slowing Down

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 191 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:

  • Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbin
  • 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 sponsor: Knit Wit Yarn Shop

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Cedar River Blanket (Ravelry Link)

  • Pattern Cedar River Blanket by Kat Goldin (free crochet pattern) Non-Ravelry Link
  • Yarn: Loops & Threads Impeccable in White, Light Gray, Yellow, Dark Charcoal & Black
  • Hook: I (5.5 mm)
  • Simple border- light gray, yellow, black. 
  • 16 squares total- 780g. 1602 yards/1464 meters

Hibernate Blanket (Ravelry Link)

  • Pattern: Hibernate Blanket by Yarnspirations Design Studio (free crochet pattern), Non-Ravelry Link
  • Hook: L (8.0 mm)
  • Yarn: Paton’s Kroy in the Camo Colorway held double with Bernat Softee Chunky
  • Stash Dash: 1658 meters.

Sweet Tea Triangle Shawl (Ravelry Link)

  • Yarn: Queensland Collection Perth in the Alice Springs Colorway
  • Pattern: Sweet Tea Triangle Shawl by Michelle Ferguson (crochet pattern $5) Etsy Link
  • Hook: G (4.25 mm)
  • 736.0 meters / 804.9 yards. 184 grams

Winnie Sanderson Socks (Ravelry Link)

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes in the Winnie Sanderson Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Micro Sock kits. Very affordable. 50g MC. 20g mini.  $21 
  • 236 meters

Cake Party Socks #2 (Ravelry Link)

  • Yarn: Wisdom Yarn Pix in the Cake Party Colorway + Patons Kroy for contrasting cuffs, heels and toes. 
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Finished 1 sock. 151 meters

Rainbow Growler Cozy (Ravelry Link) Growler Cozy in Blues (Ravelry Link)

  • Yarn: Lion Brand Re-up
  • Hooks: J, K & L (6mm, 6.5 mm and 8 mm)
  • Pattern: my own design. Not yet released
  • 160 meters each.
  • Yarn held doubled throughout. For the Rainbow one, I held black doubled for bottom, then switched to pink/cream, purple/cream up through the rainbow. Curves a bit around the front and has an open spot with ties you can tie around the handle on the back. 

Grass & Sky 32oz Jar Cozy (Ravelry Link) Sunflower Rib 32oz Jar Cozy (Ravelry Link)

  • Yarn: Lion Brand Re-up
  • Hooks: J, K & L (6mm, 6.5 mm and 8 mm)
  • Pattern: my own design. Not yet released
  • 139 meters total for these 2 

EmPower People Cowl 1 & 2

  • Ravelry Project Page for Cowl 1 + Cowl 2
  • Pattern: emPower People (non-Ravelry link) by Laverne Benton (free crochet pattern)
  • Hook: H (5.0 mm)
  • Yarn: Woolbearers Gradient Sets. 5 colors, I used 3. Held double with each other, and some with a Knitters Brewing Co Sockaholic II

Caribbean Hues Yarn

  • Ravelry Handspun Page
  • Fiber: Merino from Beesy Bee Fibers in the Caribbean Hues Colorway
  • 5 colors of blues and greens.
  • 3 ply yarn. 173 meters for 4 oz. 
  • Stash Dash- 692 meters

Recently heard on the Knit Boop Podcast that Yu Ra saves random singles and plies together into a scrappy skein when she has a bunch. Totally doing that with my leftovers.

Brainstorming

  • Come share your best tips for patterns that work well for knitting or crocheting with handspun. Click here for a link to a thread in our Ravelry Group. Or email me with suggestions! 
  • I will be working from home through June 2021. Thinking about a shawl rotation & also what new shawls & sweaters I want to add to my wardrobe.
  • I think the Dathan Pullover (Ravelry Link) by Kate Davies could be a good way to add to my wardrobe and use handspun. Link to purchase a kit.

From the Armchair

Knit State of Mind (YouTube) with Wanda and Heather 
Thread to Mend Podcast (YouTube) with Taylor Owen.
Bella’s Custom Crochets (YouTube). Check out her crochet designs on her website- Bella’s Custom Crochets
Floss Toss (YouTube) with Rachel & Sue. Rachel is also the host of the Treehouse Knits Podcast (YouTube). Sue co-hosts Legacy Fiber Artz Podcast (YouTube) with her daughter Chelsea.

Knitting in Passing

  • Eme texting me while packing for school.
  • Aila asked for mini versions of her stuffies for Christmas. 
  • Millie asked for a “good sized owl” for Christmas and a horse for her birthday. 
  • My cousin Joe reached out after he saw the llama I made for Eme and asked for a Lion for his new daughter, Victoria. 
  • I started teaching my niece Aila to spin. Did some crochet talk with my friend Cheri. 
  • Hattie (2 1/2) has been asking to knit with me.
  • My sister-in-law texted me to say my nephew Garret’s “only Nana blanket” needs repair. 

KAL News


Quarterly Quests! Get all of the details here. 

Quarter 3: July 1- September 30 – Lessen the Library– check out the Ravelry Thread here.

Quarter 3 Sponsors: Sunsoaked Yarns, Apple Fiber Studio, Cookie and BeesDon’t forget to post on Instagram #QuarterlyQuests you can also add one for the Quarter:#FreetheFavorites #LessentheLibrary #SlaytheStash

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:

Important Updates in this Episode: Save the date for our Virtual Events Friday 9/25 & Saturday 9/26.

Events

Life in Focus

I checked a few more things off my 20 in 2020 List

  • Go to MFA- replaced with day trip De Cordova Sculpture Park
  • Car detailed. Riley and Millie 
  • Take a Yoga Class- Yoga for Tension Relief

On a Happy Note

  • Vacation.
  • Ice cream with Dan at local dairy. 
  • Cooler nights which are great for sleeping. 
  • Went out on friends boat. Lobstering. 
  • I got to test drive our new tractor.
  • Beach day followed by my grandmother’s 86th birthday dinner. She loved her shawl.
  • My sister-in-law texted me photos of my new niece in her romper and blanket. So thoughtful! 
  • I voted in the MA primary. Check out the Vote Save America website to learn more. 
  • Quieter weekends!
  • The Office Ladies podcast.

Quote of the Week

If you get tired, learn to rest, not to quit. -BANKSY


Contact Information: