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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


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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:

Episode 196: Stuffies & Celebrations!

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 196 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:

  • Off the Needles
  • On the Needles
  • Brainstorming
  • Crafty Adventures
  • Knitting in Passing
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Life in Focus
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Knitters Brewing Company, Knit Style Yarns, Knit Wit Yarn Shop

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins


A Good Sized Owl

  • Pattern: Owl with Hatching Owlet by Laura Sutcliffe ($2.75 US crochet pattern)
  • Hook: C (2.75 mm)
  • Yarn: leftover acrylic & wool worsted/dk weight yarn
  • Safety eyes from 6060 on Etsy
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • See it in 3D in my Week 44 Video on YouTube. 

Baymax

  • Pattern: Baymax Disney Amigurumi by Catherine Johansson (free crochet pattern)
  • Hook: C (2.75 mm)
  • Yarn: worsted weight acrylic yarn from stash
  • Notions: 6 mm safety eyes from 6060 on Etsy+ polyfil
  • Ravelry Project Page Link

Cuddle Bunny Mini

  • Pattern: Cuddle Bunny Mini & Pillow by Emmy Faranda ($3 US crochet pattern).
  • Hook: D (3.25 mm)
  • Yarn: worsted weight acrylic yarn from stash.
  • Ravelry Project Page

Reindeer Nugget 

Velvety Chemo Cap 

  • Pattern: none
  • Yarn: Bernat Crushed Velvet in the Toasted Plums colorway
  • Hooks: F (3.75 mm) and G (4.25 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page

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.
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Check out Week 45 Video on the Down Cellar Studio 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) 
  • Started with Size XS. Ripped out and cast back on for size Small.

Christmas with the Gilmores Socks

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

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

Brainstorming

Thinking about making differently as we enter a safer at home winter season. Tune in to hear my musings about how my interests and choices have changed during the pandemic.

I’m going to cast on a bulky weight crochet blanket for my niece, Riley. Do you have a favorite washable, super bulky yarn that’s great for gifts?

Crafty Adventures

  • I ordered our Christmas cards from Snapfish.
  • I finally finished a scrappy curtain to hide storage space under my desk in my craft room. See more in my Week 44 Video on the Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel.
  • I spent time last Saturday on December Daily prep.
    • Went through photos already printed out.
    • Gathered supplies. Paper, photos, page protectors
    • Organized by type- full paper, scraps of paper, embellishments, tools.  
    • Made list of stories I want to tell based on photos already printed.
    • Check out Week 45 Video on my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel to see more.

Knitting in Passing

  • Talking to Riley on video chat about knitting. She finished a cowl she’s been working on.
  • Trying to figure out what her next project will be.

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:

  • November Interception Sponsored by Fibernymph Dye Works: Punt!
    • Sometimes during the game, a team needs to just call it like it is, switch up the direction of play and punt the ball to the other team. We’ve all gotten a lot of practice with punting things in 2020. For the November Interception sponsored by Fibernymph Dye Works, we’re going to see what projects you need to punt to make them work for you. This challenge is all about making substitutions from what a pattern calls for as a way of making sure it works for you (your materials, your skill levels, your aesthetic preference etc).
    • Check out this thread in the Ravelry Group or the full details posted on my website.

Events

Life in Focus

  • 2 library visits (check off my 20 for 2020 list)
  • I’ve been making more pages in the Project Life App for my 2018 album. I’m up to week 40, so only 12 left to do! Can definitely finish before the end of this year. 

On a Happy Note

  • Our 1st snow.
  • A belated Halloween celebration.
  • Mom’s sweater try on.
  • Refinishing my great Aunt Milly’s old desk with my best friend.
  • My new overalls!
  • Exploring new trails that opened up in my town- even when I got lost!
  • Election results. Work for social justice and improvements to the way we treat our planet among other things are still going to require effort so I’ve signed up with Vote Save America to get more information on how to volunteer help out in Georgia’s run off election.
  • Our new backhoe!

Quote of the Week

“One of the consolations of old age is the intense pleasure I now get from nature. It seems that in youth I was too busy confronting life and experience to stand still and gaze.”

– P. D. James

Music -“Soft Orange Glow” by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/


Contact Information: