Author Archives: downcellarstudio@gmail.com

Episode 156: Birthday Projects

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 156 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:
  • Off the Needles
  • On the Needles
  • Brainstorming
  • From the Armchair
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Contest, News & Notes
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Off the Needles

Lucy & Yoshi Socks for AmandaAmanda Birthday Socks

  • Pattern: Frozen’s Olaf Amigurumi Doll by ChiWei Ranck (free crochet pattern)
  • Yarn: leftover white worsted weight yarn from stash
  • Hook: C (2.75 mm)
Olaf
Finished Ice Time Hat and Cowl since I last spoke to you. I shared a peek on Instagram to solicit test knitters. Thank you for the overwhelming response! Thank you to Legacy Fiber Artz for the gorgeous yarn!Ice Time Hat and cowl

On the Needles

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5mm)
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Acrobat color way
Acrobat Socks
  • I am working on a new DK weight triangular shawl design. Nearly done!
  • Yarn: Suburban Stitcher DK in the Predictability colorway!

Brainstorming

  • Planning to knit another of the DK shawls I am knitting now for my BFF
  • Need to check gift bin to see if I have socks to gift.
  • Need to listen back to see if Garret put in a request for his birthday. I think he wants a sweater… that will have to wait for Christmas!

From the Armchair

Things I’m enjoying online:

I also did a review of  Stash Fit by Cate Carter Evans

KAL News

Slay the Stash 2019
  • Each month you can declare a skein of yarn to knit/crochet/weave to its very end. Let’s use up those older special skeins (purchased before 2019) – and maybe win a new beautiful skein of yarn from one of our sponsors along the way!
  • Check out the March Thread
  • Use and follow #slaythestash2019 on Social Media
Slay the Stash Sponsor List- 2019

Events

Contest, News & Notes

Check out my Instagram feed if you listen close to the time of recording to enter to win a skein of Neighborhood Fiber Company Studio Worsted in the Rock Creek Colorway and a copy of my Tan House Brook Hat pattern!

On a Happy Note

  • My brother texted me a photo of him wearing his Ice Time Hat when he opened it!Jeff in his hat
  • Valentine’s Day- not usually a holiday we celebrate. But this year we did and it was so much fun!
  • Hattie’s 1 year photos!
  • Dinner and Movie with my cousin Jenny- The Upside.
  • Daytona 500 Party!
  • Monday off for President’s Day- the perfect SNOW!
  • Tried the Impossible Burger at Not Your Average Joe’s after hearing about it on The Future of Meat episode of Freakonomics Podcast (Episode 367)
  • Millie’s birthday sleepover!5CA7EF88-6847-420F-9681-C30728431993

Quote of the Week

Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. – Viktor Frankl

Bonus Audio from Millie

She talks about making slime for the first time. The method she learned was similar to this recipe.
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Thank you for tuning in!
Contact Information:

Episode 155: All the Hats!

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 155 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:
 
  • Off the Needles
  • On the Needles
  • Brainstorming
  • From the Armchair
  • Crafty Adventures
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Contest, News & Notes
  • Life in Focus
  • Ask Me Anything
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Off the Needles

  • Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm)
  • Yarn: King Cole Merino DK in the Irish Navy and Aran (cream) colorways purchased from Yarn’s End $7 for 50g skein
  • Pattern: Winter Storm Hat by Gabrielle VezinaWinter Storm Hat
Kaiya Mei Hat #1 and #2
  • Pattern: Kaiya Mei by Jamie Hoffman (free knitting pattern)
  • Needles: US 4 (3.5 mm) and US 6 (4.0 mm)
  • Yarn: Worsted weight leftovers.
  • Hat #1– baby girl hat using solid purple and speckled red/blue from Sunsoaked yarn
  • Hat #2– baby boy hat using worsted weight scraps- navy and white. Colorwork patterns from Tin Can Knits Strange Brew ebook.Baby Hats
  • Pattern: Confection Baby Shrug by Tonya Wagner (free knit pattern)
  • Needles: US 8 (5 mm) for the body and US 7 (4.5 mm) for the ribbing
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Felici Worsted in the Surfs Up Colorway5E61B5DA-8F58-4902-A445-CF730DEAC969
  • Yarn:
    • KFI Luxury Indulgence Cashmere in Colors 601 + 602 ( 70% Merino, 25% Nylon, 5% Cashmere goat)- DK
      • Skacel Kenzie- worsted: 50% Wool, 25% Nylon, 10% Alpaca, 10% Angora, 5% Silk
  • Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG heel by Megan Williams
  • Cast on 48 stitches.3633D1A0-0B18-4D64-B0C9-5CFEAF5A8955

On the Needles

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5mm)
  • Yarn: Yoshi & Lucy, Isabel Base in the Commissioner color way (gray with blue flecks)Yoshi & Lucy Socks
  • Pattern: Frozen’s Olaf Amigurumi Doll by ChiWei Ranck (free crochet pattern)
  • Yarn: leftover white worsted weight yarn from stash
  • Hook: C (2.75 mm)Olaf
  • Pattern: Worsted Boxy by Joji Locatelli
  • Needles: US 7 (4.5mm) and US 8 (5.0 mm)
  • Yarn: Holly Press Fibers – Sheepish (fingering weight) base in colorways:  Flower Petal, Rambler in the Wilderness & Seeking You & 3 skeins from stash
  • Holding fingering weight double.Holly Press Fibers Worsted Boxy

Brainstorming

  • Yarn: Bijou Spun (75/25 Yak/merino)
  • US 6 Needles
  • Pattern: Autumnal Mitts by Jo Bangles
  • Found 1 finished mitts. Makes to sense to finish the pair!C736E51B-FEE9-4FB4-9BAC-E74E257D25F6

From the Armchair

  • I reviewed the book Finish by Jon Acuff

Crafty Adventures

I made a birthday hat for my niece Hattie. A quick and satisfying project!Hattie Birthday Hat

KAL News

Slay the Stash 2019
  • Each month you can declare a skein of yarn to knit/crochet/weave to its very end. Let’s use up those older special skeins (purchased before 2019) – and maybe win a new beautiful skein of yarn from one of our sponsors along the way!
  • Check out the February Post
  • Use and follow #slaythestash2019 on Social Media

Slay the Stash Sponsor List- 2019

  • We wrapped up the Pigskin Party on February 4th. Grand Prizes will be announced on Episode 156.
  • Tune in to hear if you won a January participation prize.
Special Thank You to this season’s Pro Shop Sponsors

Events

Contest, News & Notes

Life in Focus

I reviewed my January goals, progress, and what’s working well for me in achieving my goals for the year!

Ask Me Anything

Suzanne emailed to ask “I would be interested in hearing you discuss why you prefer to use Evernote over the Notes app in the iPhone and how you shifted from one to the other. I use the Notes app by default but have been hearing more about Evernote. What are the pros and cons? Do you have any tips if I want to transition? Thank you for being a great knitting friend. “
I discussed Evernote and how I use David Allen’s Getting Things Done Method

On a Happy Note

  • Booked a trip to Barcelona and Porto with my friend Laura. Do you have any tips? Please share in Episode 155 thread!
  • I did a massive clean out of the studio.StudioStudio BookcaseStudio Table
  • We bought a new fridge and finally have an ice maker for first time in 10 years.
  • I met up with my friend Robb hadn’t seen in awhile. We went to a jazz class together!
  • I got over the nasty cold/cough that’s going around in about a week. Seems like a record
  • We had our friends’ daughters- Carina and Ella- for a sleepover. We had fun painting, building forts with the rubber puzzle piece floor mats. We watched a movie, ate Dan’s snowflake pancakes and had a blast!Carina and EllaE7645EF5-886F-4D00-8B67-74554F9F122B 899F587A-C9AC-41C4-9F75-33EEA1D3542320190210-IMG_8421-2 20190210-IMG_8422-2
  • Mom’s birthday & Hattie’s first birthday- celebrated last weekend!20190209-IMG_8331-3 20190209-IMG_8355-3 20190209-IMG_8415-2

Quote of the Week

“Reviewing your past is one of the best ways to understand who you really are and how you’ll work best on a goal. Keep in mind that perfectionism can’t stand self-awareness. If you’re self-aware, you’re more likely to know and accept your limitations, which means you won’t fall for the promise of a perfect performance.”
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Thank you for tuning in!
Contact Information:

Episode 154: Socks, Shrugs & Thanks!

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 154 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:
  • Off the Needles
  • On the Needles
  • Brainstorming
  • From the Armchair
  • In My Travels
  • Knitting in Passing
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Contest, News & Notes
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Tune in at the end to hear some audio from my nieces and nephews- Riley, Garret + Millie.

Off the Needles
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Worsted Superwash in Solstice Heather Colorway
  • Needles: US 7 & US 8
  • Pattern: Worsted Boxy by Joji Locatelli
  • Cast on for XS small size- 19 inches below arms. Used approximately 1100 yards
  • I did a split hem modification. Details can be found in my project page.Laura Worsted Boxy
On the Needles
 
  • Pattern: Winter Storm Hat by Gabrielle Vezina
  • Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm)
  • Yarn: King Cole Merino DK in the Irish Navy and Aran (cream) colorways
  • Cast on Newborn size
  • Yarn: Freckled Whimsy yarn in the Rock You Like a Hurricane colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern- OMG Heel by Megan WilliamsRock you like a hurricane
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5mm)
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Acrobat color wayKnit Picks Felici
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5mm)
  • Yarn: Yoshi & Lucy, Isabel Base in the Commissioner colorwayF1473C69-5806-403D-909B-A4CF3FEDC8D9
  • Pattern: Confection Baby Shrug by Tonya Wagner (free knit pattern)
  • Needles: US 8 (5 mm) for the body and US 7 (4.5 mm) for the ribbing)
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Felici Worsted in the Surfs Up Colorway (stripes in all blues and purples)
Brainstorming
I was initially brainstorming this toy:
Marlene the Bunny Girl– crochet pattern by Joanna Klenmeyer available on Etsy
But after talking with Millie it seems she’d rather an Elsa or Olaf doll instead.
From the Armchair
Race in the knitting community has been a huge topic of conversation on social media lately. In this segment I shared some thoughts about how I’m trying to expand my horizons to be a better informed, more sensitive person. I hope you know that you are ALL welcome here in the Down Cellar Studio Podcast Community.
An interesting conversation to listen to is on Oprah’s Super Soul Conversations Podcast. In December they did a 2 part episode with Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade.  Check it out here: Part 1 Part 2
Knitting In Passing
Check out this article about the popularity of podcasts- including knitting podcasts!
In My Travels
I shared some details from my recent trip to New York City. Some links to things I mentioned:
KAL News
Slay the Stash 2019
  • Each month you can declare a skein of yarn to knit/crochet/weave to its very end. Let’s use up those older special skeins (purchased before 2019) – and maybe win a new beautiful skein of yarn from one of our sponsors along the way!
  • Check out the January Post
  • Use and follow #slaythestash2019 on Social Media
Slay the Stash Sponsor List- 2019
  • Wondering what this crazy KAL is? Check out this page which gives you the best overview with all necessary links. There’s also a helpful “Start Here” Thread in the Ravelry Group
  • Check out the Rules but if you still have questions, come over to the Questions thread and ask. We’re happy to help.
  • Put your Name on the Roster then claim your spot in the End Zone Dance Thread where you’ll track your points. Continue to update your post with all of the points you earn during the KAL
  • For every 100 points, you’ll earn an entry into the drawing for the Grand Prizes
  • Check out our amazing Sponsors;if you use their products, you’ll earn more points per FO
  • Some of our Pro Shop Level Sponsors will be creating exclusive items for Pigskin Party participants. They may come out at different times and will likely be limited in quantities, so keep your eyes on this Exclusive Items thread in the group for all the latest news
  • Scope out the prizes! Some will be given out during the KAL; some will be part of the Grand Prizes.
  • Don’t forget to use #DCSPigskinParty18 on Instagram so we check out what you’re doing and you can be eligible for participation prizes.
Events
Contest, News & Notes
  • The Box o Balls Mini Skein Swap is going around after some postal delays. If you want to participate (even if you already signed up) come back to the thread to re-confirm.B42990DE-BD8C-4EE8-9B41-5BDEF043E3CC 3A3BE3CF-F2FC-4140-A353-24BEFCD7EB86
  • Thank you for all of your support for my first pattern release of the year- the Go with the Flo shawl! The Cast On Party was so much fun! check out #gowiththefloshawl on Instagram to see some fun versions that have been cast on.2018-11-04 17.05.36-2
  • Thanks to everyone who responded to the call for Test knitters for my upcoming Tan House Brook hat! Testing is going well. If you’re interested in test knitting for me in the future, feel free to PM me and I’ll keep you posted.
  On a Happy Note
  • I went to see Mary Poppins Returns in theaters. It was delightful.
  • We had my nieces and nephews for a sleepover. My 10 year old niece Riley cast on and began knitting on cowl and became quickly obsessed!4C85BB06-0E95-45EF-A011-8347814A8DEFThe kids are getting good at making their own pancakes! Riley made this eye + eyelashes one!

C43A87D8-3B2A-4315-96CD-2F27E8A6B000 7C9E8B66-1F4B-4BC4-86F9-D3C5C0D29AA9

Garret brought his two-part socks and wore them all weekend!

2B7EB9C9-9CD8-436C-B218-2E58EFE79E8D

Riley knit up a storm!D942DBFF-F24B-4AE0-A429-5E32C2B66F51

A6161CA9-9769-436B-B7CD-8CACC91A990D F8072918-9052-476F-BDB6-9EFDFF8BE44D

Silly kids! Most of us were ready to cheer on the Patriots. Apparently G is now an Eagles fan?! Sorry dude!

  • I was fortunate to have a Google hangout with Mary (kinoknits) and Sarah (imaginedlandscapes) about design advice.
  • Free week at gym! I ended up joining with a 10 class per month option!
  • I bought tickets for Gretchen Rubin’s book tour for her new Outer Order Inner Calm book.
  • January purge feels good!!19F9ADDB-50DE-43DC-BD0F-DAD995BF82E4
Quote of the Week
Thinking and doing, doing and thinking–these are the sum of all wisdom. Both must move ever onward in life, to and fro, like breathing in and breathing out. Whoever makes it a rule to test action by thought, thought by action, cannot falter, and if he does, will soon find his way back to the right road.
—Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
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Thank you for tuning in!
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