Category Archives: Uncategorized

Episode 183: Point/Counterpoint

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 183 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:

  • Off the Needles
  • On the Needles
  • Crafty Adventures
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Contest, News & Notes – with special guest Mary Kino Knits
  • Life in Focus
  • Ask Me Anything
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Off the Needles

Little Brother’s Romper 

  • Pattern: Little Brother’s Romper by PetiteKnit (knitting pattern. ~$4.50 US at time of purchase)
  • Needles: US 8 (5.0 mm)
  • Yarn: Cascade 220 mystic purple & mystery skein of fingering. 
  • Mom found buttons for me & dropped them off but they are still in quarantine. 

Quarantined Unicorn

  • Pattern: Tiny Unicorn Amigurumi by Ahooka Migurumi (free crochet pattern)
  • Hook: E (3.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Loops & Threads Impeccable Solids (White) & scraps of acrylic
  • Put it in an empty trail mix jar that we took the label off- and put a note saying she was in quarantine. Don’t open for a few more days. 

Rainbow Birthday Cake

  • Pattern: Rainbow Birthday Cake by Yarn Blossom Boutique ($1.99 US Crochet pattern)
  • Hook: D (3.25 mm)
  • Yarn: Lion Brand Re-up in Colorways: Raspberry, Orange, Sunflower, Lime, Aqua, Lilac and White
  • Included a note saying Quarantine cakes take longer to cook than normal cakes so to let it cook a few days before opening

Dan’s 32 oz Jar Cozy

  • Pattern: none
  • Hooks: E, F and G
  • Yarn: Lion Brand Re-up Denim and gray. 

Reverse Abington Hat

  • Pattern: Abington Hat by Jennifer Lassonde
  • Yarn: Farmers Daughter Fibers Craggy Tweed DK- Amos Moses colorway 
  • Needles: US 4 (3.5 mm) & US 6 (4.0 mm)
  • Worked hat according to instructions but switched all purl and purl decreases for the body of the hat to knits and k2tog.

Soldotna Crop

  • Pattern: Soldotna Crop by Caitlin Hunter $7 US Knit Pattern
  • Yarn:  2 skeins of Two Reds & A Blonde DK from Dachinger Wool in mustard (Farrah Fawcett) and a blue (Veronica Lake). 2 skeins of Brown Sheep Yarn- Prairie Spun DK. In Rain Cloud (light gray) and Owl Gray (Charcoal)
  • Needles: US 4 (3.5 mm) and US 6 (4.0 mm)
  • Size 3: finished bust- 40 inches Designed to fit with 1-4.5 inches of positive ease.
  • Modified the last section of the colorwork yoke. Love how that came out. Decided to knit the number of body repeats called for in the pattern. Ribbing longer than called for.

On the Needles

Cozy Classic Raglan

  • Pattern: Cozy Classic Raglan by Jessie Maed Designs
  • Needles: US 3 for Ribbing. US 7 for body
  • Yarn: Rowan Cashsoft DK- 57% Merino, 33% Microfiber, 10% Cashmere goat

Christmas Stocking for Jenna & Baby

  • Pattern: Granny Square Christmas Stocking by Family Circle Magazine 1977 (not available online anymore)
  • Yarn: Patons Classic Worsted in Bright Red
  • Hook: F (3.75mm)
  • Finished applique pieces for Jenna’s. Both pieces done for baby. Can’t put together until I the know gender.

Paton’s Kroy Socks for Gram

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Yarn: Patons Kroy Green Stripe Ragg Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • The 2×2 ribbing on the front of the sock was hampering my progress. When I posted about it on Instagram, user Sheldon_Brungard suggested “Try using a progress keeper and set a small daily goal to complete such as 10 rounds. Once the daily goal is met you can switch to something else that excites you more.”
  • That did the trick!

Solid Granny Square Scrap Blanket

  • Yarn: leftover fingering weight yarn
  • Pattern: Solid Granny Square by Lullaby Melodia (free crochet pattern)
  • Hook: D (3.25 mm)
  • 3 rounds per square.

Crafty Adventures

Started a scrapbook of COVID-19 using Shutterfly. I love documenting life and this is definitely the most bizarre thing I’ve ever lived through. I am already forgetting some tiny details that were striking at the time. I’m including things like “new buzz words, what sold out at the stores, funny memes, what I’m grateful for, home improvement projects.

I made banana ice cream using this recipe for Mom since the local place is closed. Hard to find flavor.  Recipe from wellplated.com

I Reorganized all leftovers and mini skeins after ordering bag of randoms from Knitty in Color. I packaged up yarn to swap with my friend Melissa.

KAL News

Quarterly Quests! Get all of the details here. 

Check out the Quarter 2 Thread April 1-June 30 – Free the Favorites Knit any projects you have “hearted” over the year with the hopes of knitting them someday. That day will arrive. Knit as many as you can. You will receive extra entries for any pattern that was favorited over 5 yearsIt can be something you’ve made before

Thank you to our Quarter 2 Sponsors: Prairie Bag WorksNahStDesignsYumi Yarns DesignsagirlandherwoolHolly Press Fibers.

Don’t forget to post on Instagram #QuarterlyQuests & #FreetheFavorites & you can always add #downcellarstudiopodcast

Splash Pad Party – Opens May 30, 2020!

Still have sponsor spots available. Email me downcellarstudio@gmail if you’re interested. 

During Kick off weekend May 30th & 31st I am planning some virtual events. Google Hangout. Instagram Lives with our vendors. 

Events

Maryland Sheep & Wool Virtual Market– check out their Facebook group May 2 & 3. 

Contest, News & Notes 

  • Tune in to hear a chat with Mary of Kino Knits and check out her Instagram feed.
  • We talked all about our new Point/Counterpoint Vol 5 Collection Available on Ravelry! Get our 4 accessory collection normally $18 for only $5 through 5/31/20 with code COLLAB. Click here for a link to the collection.
  • May 1 at 8p Eastern Instagram live. Check out Kino Knits Podcast for more of our chat. 

Life in Focus

2020 Goals

  • 3 times a week (average) exercise of 20 min or more (focus on strength training)= 156 workouts
  • 7 published patterns on Ravelry
  • 10% more sales of designs compared to 2019      

I am becoming a morning workout person which surprised me. April workout totals: Total: 18 out of 30 days – 58% of days worked out. 11 of 18 were strength workouts. Having a blast exploring new trails within a new conservation land property that’s open to the public near my house. It’s so so peaceful and beautiful there. 

Design progress- I have a mitt pattern almost ready for test knitting.  Stay Out of the Forest which was already published and 2 designs in Point/Counterpoint. Sales are going really well!

What’s helping during Stay at Home:

All in April prompts from Corinne Crabtree. Watch video from Corinne Crabtree here . Daily four-point check-in:

  • 1. What’s in my control today?
  • 2. Who am I reaching out to today?
  • 3. How will I move my body a minimum of 5 min. today?
  • 4. Clean mind, clean body…get it done.

Other things I’ve been enjoying:

  • Here For You Podcast with Kate & Doree *who also host the Forever35 Podcast
  • Playing Games with Family on Jackbox.tv
  • Friday evening happy hour with friends on Zoom.

On a Happy Note

  • I painted guest room- well I applied the first coat of primer but its a start. I’m using Sherwin Williams- Knitting Needles & Pewter Cast. 
  • One day heading out for a walk and saw a cardboard sign on telephone pole- Pop-up Art show ahead. On our Neighbor’s fence (on a corner) a local artists hung painted canvases. Brightened my day. 
  • Misfits Market Box. Interesting in trying it? Use this code to get 25% off: COOKWME-NV9CXZ
  • Sharing- I brought dinner to my friend Megg who is a hard working teacher and Mama. We chatted for a few from the lawn while they were up on their deck and I got to see my 2 year old niece Hattie.
  • We had fun with my niece Aila’s 11th birthday parade and game night that followed.

Quote of the Week

Sharon Salzberg on faith and keeping an open mind: 

“It’s not the existence of beliefs that is the problem, but what happens to us when we hold them rigidly, without examining them, when we presume the absolutely centrality of our views and become disdainful of others.”

——

Thank you for tuning in.

Contact Information:

Episode 182: Crafting Through the Pandemic

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 182 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:

  • Off the Needles
  • On the Needles
  • Crafty Adventures
  • 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: Prairie Bag Works

Off the Needles

Crochet Heart Garland 

  • Pattern: Heart Garland by Sarahndipities Designs (free crochet pattern)
  • Hook: H 5.0 mm
  • Yarn: worsted weight acrylic scraps
  • Made garland for Eme’s birthday parade. Mod Podge Stiffy to stiffen them up. 

Purple Marled Romper

  • Pattern: Little Brother’s Romper by PetiteKnits
  • Needles: US 8 (5.0 mm)
  • Yarn: Cascade 220 held together with fingering weight yarn

On the Needles

Soldotna Crop

  • Pattern: Soldotna Crop by Caitlin Hunter $7 US Knit Pattern
  • Yarn:  2 skeins of Two Reds & A Blonde DK from Dachinger Wool in mustard (Farrah Fawcett) and a blue (Veronica Lake). 2 skeins of Brown Sheep Yarn- Prairie Spun DK. In Rain Cloud (light gray) and Owl Gray (Charcoal)
  • Needles: US 4 (3.5 mm) and US 6 (4.0 mm)
  • Size 3: finished bust- 40 inches Designed to fit with 1-4.5 inches of positive ease.

Christmas Stocking for Jenna & Babies (3 total in progress)

  • Pattern: Granny Square Christmas Stocking by Family Circle Magazine 1977
  • Yarn: Patons Classic Worsted in Bright Red
  • Hook: F (3.75mm)

Paton’s Kroy Socks for Gram

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Yarn: Patons Kroy Green Stripe Ragg Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)

Cake Party Christmas Socks

  • Yarn: Wisdom Yarns Pix in the Cake Party Colorway & Patons Kroy in Red 
  • Pattern: OMG heel
  • Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)
  • I’m using Patons Kroy for cuff, heel and toe. First sock done and I still have 80g of main yarn left.

Staci’s Stitches Socks

  • Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plus Sock in the Staci’s Stitches colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn named for my LYS Stacis’ Stitches.

Happiest Blanket Ever

  • Pattern: Happiest Blanket Ever by Tamara Kelly (free crochet pattern)
  • Yarn: Lion Brand Pound of Love (white) for Main Color. Worsted Acrylic partial skeins for accent colors.
  • Hook: K (6.5 mm)

Solid Granny Square Scrap Blanket

  • Yarn: leftover fingering weight yarn
  • Pattern: Solid Granny Square by Lullaby Melodia (free crochet pattern)
  • Hook: D (3.25 mm)

Crafty Adventures

Dan and I spray painted sheet for Emelyn’s birthday parade 

Talked on the last episode about the Crispina Scrapbox Challenge. Mom and I both participated. Our stories and projects are on the blog. Mom’s post is here. Find my post here.

KAL News

Quarterly Quests: Tune in to hear if you’re a Quarter 1 Winner


Check out the Quarter 2 Thread
April 1-June 30 – Free the Favorites Knit any projects you have “hearted” over the year with the hopes of knitting them someday. That day will arrive. Knit as many as you can. You will receive extra entries for any pattern that was favorited over 5 yearsIt can be something you’ve made before

Thank you to our Quarter 2 Sponsors: Prairie Bag Works, NahSt Designs, Yumi Yarns Designs, agirlandherwool, Holly Press Fibers.

Contest, News & Notes

Stay Out of the Forest is a DK colorwork hat inspired by true crime podcast, My Favorite Murder. It’s the perfect hat for my fellow Murderinos!  It is written for 2 sizes, and uses 3 skeins/colors of yarn. The colorwork charts make it easy to fly through this project. 
I recommend mostly tonal or solid yarn with a lot of contrast from the other colors. You especially want contrast between the MC and CC1. If you really want to delve into the My Favorite Murder theme, check out the beautiful yarns I used from Goosey Fibers!

Full details can be found on the pattern page on Ravelry.

Life in Focus

Tune in to hear an update on my 2020 goals

Ask Me Anything

  1. Meliabella asked: Your Favorite Way to decompress after working remotely during Covid.
  2. Knitwise09- To celebrate the release of your new hat- tell us your hometown murder. I kept it family friendly on the podcast but here’s a link to a serial killer named Gary Sampson who grew up in my mom’s neighborhood. He and my Uncle used to play together as kids.
  3. Agirlandherwool- how has planning and organizing your to do lists changed during this stay at home quarantine?
  4. Jen.on.the.block- thinking of knitting the Mezzo cardigan. Curious how much you wear/love yours. I love mine! Here’s a link with details. Highly recommend knitting one.
  5. My niece Riley asked- Crafty adventures you’ve had or would like to try- Brioche.
  6. jen.cragen- how you’re feeling with all of this stuff in the world. So many feelings. Tune in to hear more.

On a Happy Note

  • Eme’s Sweet 16 Birthday Parade
  • Mom making us all masks. As always I’m so grateful for her. 
  • I did a video chat with Riley for her 12th birthday. She asked me how to bind off headband she was making. Worked on that then pulled out a cowl project I cast on and gave her for Christmas.
  • Virtual happy hour with friends on Saturday night.
  • An unusual but lovely Easter.

Quote of the Week

“Within you, there is a stillness and a sanctuary to which you can retreat at any time and be yourself.” —Hermann Hesse

Thank you for tuning in!

Episode 181: Staying Home

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 181 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:

  • Off the Needles
  • On the Needles
  • 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

Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Yumi Yarns, The Yarn Sellar & Bee Kind Yarn

Off the Needles

Little Brother’s Romper 

  • Pattern: Little Brother’s Romper by PetiteKnit (knitting pattern. ~$4.50 US at time of purchase)
  • Needles: US 8 (5.0 mm)
  • Yarn: Sweitzer’s Fiber Mill mystery yarn (2018 Rhinebeck Bargain bin)

On the Needles

Soldotna Crop

  • Pattern: Soldotna Crop by Caitlin Hunter $7 US Knit Pattern
  • Yarn:  2 skeins of Two Reds & A Blonde DK from Dachinger Wool in mustard (Farrah Fawcett) and a blue (Veronica Lake). 2 skeins of Brown Sheep Yarn- Prairie Spun DK. In Rain Cloud (light gray) and Owl Gray (Charcoal)
  • Needles: US 4 (3.5 mm) and US 6 (4.0 mm)
  • Size 3: finished bust- 40 inches Designed to fit with 1-4.5 inches of positive ease.

Christmas Stocking for Jenna

  • Pattern: Granny Square Christmas Stocking by Family Circle Magazine 1977
  • Yarn: Patons Classic Worsted in Bright Red
  • Hook: F (3.75mm)

Sweet Tea Triangle Shawl

  • Pattern: Sweet Tea Triangle Shawl by Michelle Ferguson (crochet pattern $5)
  • Calls for 600 yards of sport weight. I’m using fingering.
  • Yarn: Queensland Collection Perth in the Alice Springs Colorway

Cake Party Christmas Socks

  • Yarn: Wisdom Yarns Pix in the Cake Party Colorway
  • Pattern: OMG heel
  • Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)

To Knit or to Hike Socks

  • Yarn: Holly Press Fibers Sheepish base in the To Knit or to Hike Colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)

Staci’s Stitches Socks

  • Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plus Sock in the Staci’s Stitches colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)

Solid Granny Square Scrap Blanket

  • Yarn: leftover fingering weight yarn
  • Pattern: Solid Granny Square by Lullaby Melodia (free crochet pattern)
  • Hook: D (3.25 mm)
  • 3 rounds per square.

Happiest Blanket Ever

  • Pattern: Happiest Blanket Ever by Tamara Kelly (free crochet pattern)
  • Yarn: Lion Brand Pound of Love (white) for Main Color. Worsted Acrylic partial skeins for accent colors.
  • Hook: K (6.5 mm)
  • Cast on for Baby Size. 

From the Armchair

Tune in to hear my review a small drawstring project bag and cake coozies from Brianne of Cookie and Bees.

Crafty Adventures

I’ve been working on a weaving project for the Crispina Scrapbox Challenge.

KAL News

Quarterly Quests! Get all of the details here. 

In Quarter 1 we did sQuelch the Queue I will pull winners next episode. 

Thanks again to our Q1- Sponsors

Don’t forget to post on Instagram #QuarterlyQuests you can also add one for the Quarter:
#sQuelchtheQueue #FreetheFavorites #LessentheLibrary #SlaytheStash & you can always add #downcellarstudiopodcast

Q2 April 1-June 30 – Free the Favorites Knit any projects you have “hearted” over the year with the hopes of knitting them someday. That day will arrive. Knit as many as you can. You will receive extra entries for any pattern that was favorited over 5 years.
Check out the Quarter 2 Thread

Events

Check out Knitty’s list of Canceled Fiber Events & ways you can support the vendors who are losing out on business.

Life in Focus

My approach to getting through COVID-19 (so far)

Establishing new routines & keeping up with existing ones.

  • Make a list of routines that you normally do. Find a way to keep doing those.
  • Make a list of things you’ve been wanting to do but never have time- some fun, some chores. Decide how to divide out. One per day?  Maybe have your whole family make a list- turn it into a challenge!
  • Learn something new. A language. A new knitting skill? A new craft? 
  • Each day make a list of GOOD things that have happened. Something you accomplished. Someone you connected with. Time you spent on something you otherwise couldn’t. 

Gretchen Rubin suggests having Ambitious Projects, Medium Projects & Fun projects. 

Move your body: there are so many virtual options these days.

  • Try some Pilates virtual sessions with my dear friend Laura Anders.
  • Find a workout app, take a hike (just keep your distance). Try out Peleton or one of the other subscription services that are currently offering a couple months free 

Listening & Watching

  • Meditation apps can be a great option. Many are free.
  • I love listening to my crafty podcasts.
  • The Life Coach School Podcast is doing a COVID-19 coping series.
  • I hear Bluprint and other sites are offering lots of free classes. Search and see what you find. 
  • Limit time watching the news. You likely know a lot already about how to keep yourself and your family safe. Pick a time, catch up on what’s new for the day and shut it off. Anything THAT important will break through. 

Socialize Without Getting Germs

Support local (if you can)

  • Breweries offering delivery with extra fees to keep employees working. 
  • If you’re one of the fortunate ones not scrambling to pay bills right now consider buying a gift on Etsy or Bbay or other small indie business- send it to a friend having a birthday or just because. 
  • See if your LYSs offering pick up or if you can buy a gift card online.

Ask Me Anything

  • Phoenixknitter3 asked- What are your favorite notions?
    • Good scissors, a tape measure, plain metal circle stitch markers and a tapestry needle.
  • Proudfootk & Marilynknits- What is your favorite brand and type of knitting needles? Check out my review of Knitter’s Pride Nova Platina Special Interchangeable Set in Episode 97 recorded in September 2016 where I reviewed the Knitters Pride Nova Platina Special Interchangeable Set. Nova Platinas fixed circulars are my favorite needles.
  • Lizzym_knits- What are your favorite budget yarns and how do they hold up to wear? 

Shanalines-designs: Do you really need me to answer this, Savers finds, obvi! Tune in to hear about baby clothes and a bench I bought recently.

On a Happy Note

  • Home improvements & reorganization that’s getting done while Dan and I are home (mostly Dan’s efforts).
  • Dan made me a tray for the bathtub from an old piece of cabinet from his Uncle Charlie who was a cabinet maker. 
  • Video chatting Mom re: scrapbook challenge
  • Zoom chat with my family last weekend. Dad 3 costume changes. 
  • I finally took time to make homemade popcorn. 

Quote of the Week

“Remember when you go into the world and keep your eyes and ears wide open. And be kind.Love one another. Take care of each other. Tell the truth. Always do your best. Listen to the big people and the little people. Explore new paths and have fun. Know that you are loved like crazy. Give thanks for all your blessings. Above all else, love and you will do wonderful things in this world.”-Rebecca Puig

Thank you for tuning in!
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