Episode 191: Slowing Down

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 SponsorsSunsoaked YarnsApple Fiber StudioCookie 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:

Episode 190: Party On!

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 190 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
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Life in Focus
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

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

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Solid Granny Square Scrap Blanket (Ravelry Link)

  • Yarn: leftover fingering weight yarn
  • Pattern: Solid Granny Square by Lullaby Melodia (free crochet pattern)
  • Hook: D (3.25 mm)
  • Finished blanket 466g. 2 skeins of Lion Brand Sock Ease. Rest was scraps. 
  • 1,777 meters for Stash Dash

Summer Camp Socks (Ravelry Link)

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Summer Camp Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • 66g total= 262 meters for Stash Dash

Lucy the (Almost) No Sew Llama (Ravelry Link)

  • Pattern: Lucy the (Almost) No Sew Llama by Crystal Mihaylo Pickrel ($6 crochet pattern) Etsy Link
  • Hook: F (3.75 mm)
  • Yarn: Loops & Threads Impeccable (White) & Bernat Pipsqueak in Whitey White
  • Scarf: Spunky Eclectic Rainbow Fingering + Solid Red sock yarn scraps
  • 88 meters- white  49 meters- fluffy = 137 meters used for llama
  • 33 meters of yarn used for scarf
  • Stash Dash total for project: 174 meters

Sally Socks (Ravelry Link)

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Sally Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Second sock knit as part of Natalie of Knitty Natty Podcast’s Sock Week 2020 
  • 238 meters 

Spinning Tequila Sunrise Cheviot (Ravelry Link) by Blueberry Chick Yarn (Non-Ravelry Link) 

  • Fiber: 4oz Cheviot
  • Spun on my Kromski Minstrel Spinning Wheel
  • Spun Z twist (Clockwise), plied S twist (counter-clockwise)
  • 3 ply yarn
  • July 11- August 4th. Didn’t spin every day
  • 550 yards (light fingering/heavy lace)?
  • Stash Dash Meters 2011

Spinning Beesy Bee Gelato (Ravelry Link)

  • Fiber: 4oz  Beesy Bee Fibers– 85% Merino, 15% Recycled Sari Silk (Non-Ravelry Link)
  • First Merino spin. Very slippery. Trying not to go too thin. 
  • 201 meters of a 3 ply (worsted/heavy DK)
  • Stash Dash total: 804 meters

On 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)
  • C2C crochet squares that you seam together so that the diagonal stripes when pieced together form diamonds.
  • I am making the small throw size (16 squares). Mattress stitched together instead of dc2tog because I liked the look.

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

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)

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. 

Brainstorming

  • All the design projects! 
  • Knit Picks Felici socks
  • Stalking wide scarves that almost look a vest with big deep pockets at the bottom.  Cozy Fireside Wrap by Kristen Caldwell- crochet pattern. Ravelry LinkDirect Website link.

From the Armchair

Vogue Knitting Live Virtual Class: How to Use Handspun for Knitting with Heavenly Blesser

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 SponsorsSunsoaked YarnsApple Fiber StudioCookie and Bees

Don’t forget to post on Instagram #QuarterlyQuests & #LessentheLibrary

Splash Pad Party – Tune in to hear if you’re a winner!

Pigskin Party

  • Do you want to sponsor? Check out this page on my website and fill out the Google Form.
  • Check out the Updated Rules before you sign up.
  • This year all FOs will be entered on the Points Tally Form. We’ll still have an End Zone Dance Thread for commenting and celebrating.
  • Where can you find all the key details and links you want/need? The Pigskin Party Page on my website and the Start Here Thread in Ravelry,
  • I will post in Instagram Stories any pertinent updates and save them to a Pigskin ’20 Highlights on my main page
  • We’ll kick off with Virtual Events 9/25 & 9/26 similar to what we did for the Splash Pad Party kick off. Details to follow

List of Sponsors (to date: This list will be updated)

For links & more details click here.

Pro Shop Sponsor Snack Shack
2 Guys Yarn CompanyA Hundred Ravens
AdoreKnitAnne Beady Designs
agirlandherwoolHolly Press Fibers
Cookie & BeesKino Knits
Designs of Acadia knidhiknits
Fair Winds FarmKnit/Wit Designs
Fibernymph Dye WorksLegacy Fiber Artz
Imagined Landscapes DesignsLilliput Yarn
IrocKnits DesignsLove in Stitches 
JDStudios480Samantha Guerin Design
Jennifer Lassonde DesignsShanalines Designs
Knit Style Yarns Spargur Yarn Co
Knitters Brewing CompanyTamy Gore
KnitWit Yarn ShopThe Crazy Sock Lady Designs
Prairie Bag WorksYumi Yarns Designs
Rising Tide Fiber Co
Sunsoaked Yarns

Events

Stash Dash, hosted by the Knit Girllls, runs May 22- August 22, 2020. Check out the Chat Thread & the Rules in the Knit Girllls Podcast group

Life in Focus

On a Happy Note

  • Visit to Stellwagen Beer Company.
  • We have a new niece- Gabriella Grace!
  • Foraging for wild blueberries with Mom
  • Video chat with Millie on Facetime using funny filters
  • Dropped off an entire car load of donations to Savers. 
  • Millie’s softball game & Oisin’s baseball game.
  • Tropical storm blew through and we didn’t lose power! 
  • Met up with Lisa to plan out this year of the Pigskin Party! 
  • Kayaking
  • Aila’s voice recital on a Family Zoom

Quote of the Week

Olympic gold medalist Wilma Rudolph 

“Winning is great, sure, but if you are really going to do something in life, the secret is learning how to lose. Nobody goes undefeated all the time. If you can pick up after a crushing defeat, and go on to win again, you are going to be a champion someday.”


Thank you for tuning in!
Contact Information:

Episode 189: Stockings, Skirts & Spinning in Summer

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 189 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
  • Crafty Adventures
  • Knitting in Passing
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Contest, News & Notes
  • Life in Focus
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week


Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Holly Press Fibers 

Many links below are links to Ravelry, but where other links were available I have noted that specifically. 

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Teddy’s Christmas Stocking

  • Pattern: Granny Square Christmas Stocking by Family Circle Magazine (Non Ravelry Link)
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Worsted in Red, White and Everglade Heather
  • Hook: F (3.75 mm)
  • A very special thank you to listener- Annette- Readorknit on Ravelry who sent me her copy of Family Circle 1977 that contains this pattern!
  • Stash Dash total: 460 meters

Altered Denim Skirt

  • Yarn: One Twisted Tree Prime in the Gulf Colorway 
  • Hook: B & C Hooks
  • Pattern: None
  • Yarn: One Twisted Tree Prime base in the Gulf colorway 
  • Yarn leftover from Riley Rose shawl sample- Caribbean blue waters.
  • Bought the skirt at Savers & thought it would be perfect to jazz up with some crochet trim. 
  • 10g used for bottom trim and pockets.
  • Belt- C hook. 18g used
  • 117 meters Stash Dash

Cake Party Christmas Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams
  • Yarn: Wisdom Yarn Pix in the Cake Party Colorway + Patons Kroy in Red for heels, cuffs & toes
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Finished socks used 72g total: 44g of the main and 28g contrast color, so I have enough to make another pair. 
  • Stash Dash Total: 271 meters

To Knit or to Hike Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams
  • Yarn: Holly Press Fibers Sheepish Sock in the To Knit or To Hike Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Finished socks are 64g.
  • Stash Dash: 270 meters. 

Summer 2020 Wash Cloths Round 2

  • Pattern: Solid Granny Square by Lullaby Melodia (Non- Ravelry Link)
  • Yarn: Lily Sugar’n Cream 
  • Hook: J (6.0 mm)
  • 70 granny squares (4 rounds each). I also did one large hexi, 1 large circle and 2 small circle cloths for make up removal 
  • Stash Dash: 1518 meters

Spinning

3 ply- 2 Corriedale, 1 BFL

  • 24 grams
  • 67 meters
  • Stash Dash total: 268 meters.


Beesy Bee Fibers- Cream Corriedale

  • Total 2 ply
  • 210g 
  • 1,258 meters
  • Stash Dash Total= 3774

Beesy Fibers 4oz Natural BFL

  • Total 2 ply: 98 grams
  • 431 meters
  • Stash Dash Meters: 1,293

This episode’s Stash Dash Total: 18,881 meters

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins


Sweet Tea Triangle Shawl

  • Yarn: Queensland Collection Perth in the Alice Springs Colorway
  • Pattern: Sweet Tea Triangle Shawl by Michelle Ferguson (crochet pattern $5)
  • Hook: G (4.25 mm)

Solid Granny Square Scrap Blanket

  • Yarn: leftover fingering weight yarn + 2 skeins of Lion Brand Sock Ease marshmallow 
  • Pattern: Solid Granny Square by Lullaby Melodia (free crochet pattern)
  • Hook: D (3.25 mm)
  • 3 rounds per square

Summer Camp Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Summer Camp Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)

Cedar River Blanket

  • 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)

Spinning 

Blueberry Chick Yarn – 4oz Cheviot in the Splash Pad Party Exclusive – Tequila Sunrise 

Brainstorming

From the Armchair

Check out the Knitting with Knitboop hosted by Ya Ru on YouTube PodcastYa Ru is also the host of the Quiet Queers Craftalong, for which I’m a sponsor. 

Crafty Adventures/ Knitting in Passing

  • I finished my Photo album for January- June 2018. I made my pages in the Project Life App and am printing through Picaboo. I order the 12×2 Lay Flat books. They’re pricy but the quality is beautiful. 
  • Riley told me she’d like to make a cushion for a little nook in her room so I started teaching her crochet.
  • Garret, 10, took a bit of interest in my wheel and specifically the Tequila Sunrise colorway.
  • While Garret petted the wool, Riley dug out old Picaboo calendars that have collages of photos of the family and made pages for her own scrapbook.

KAL News

Quarterly Quests! Get all of the details here. 

Splash Pad Party – Check out the Start Here Thread for Details & Links to everything you need

Pro Shop Sponsors:

Snack Shack Sponsors

Pigskin Party still going ahead as scheduled even if the NFL Football season is altered or canceled. I moved the start date to 9/25/20. We will kick off with virtual events on 9/25 & 26. More details to follow!

I am still looking for sponsors. Do you want to sponsor? Check out this page on my website and fill out the Google Form. Already signed up? Check your email for a confirmation email from me.

  • Pro Shop Sponsors are given the opportunity to sell exclusive items before & during the KALThis is the paid option ($60 for Pigskin Party). There are a max of 20 spots per KAL. I believe I have 9 left at this time so please fill out form soon if interested. 
  • Interception Sponsors (Pigskin Party ONLY) host a challenge within the Pigskin Party ($25). There are a max of 5 spots.- 3 already filled. 
  • Snack Shack Sponsors will donate prizes but will not be sell KAL Exclusive products. This is free option and there are unlimited spots.

Events

Stash Dash, hosted by the Knit Girllls, runs May 22- August 22, 2020. Check out the Chat Thread & the Rules in the Knit Girllls Podcast group.

Contest, News & Notes

Check out this YouTube video on how to more easily Download Ravelry Library. Thank you to ladies of Tipsy Knits Podcast for mentioning it.
Just a reminder that my patterns are available both on on Ravelry and LoveCrafts. 

Life in Focus

  • I reviewed my progress on my 20 for 2020 list.
  • Tip- can’t get to your local museums? See if they have an email newsletter to keep you posted on virtual events.
  • Plastic Free July- I admitted I’m not quite as committed as last year.

On a Happy Note

  • Love me Stand in the Gap tumbler. Collaboration between GGMadeIt & Magpie Fibers (Gaye Gillespie).The proceeds go to The Conscious Kid who This focuses on bringing Anti-Racism into the schools.
  • I completed a huge studio clean out. 
  • Kayaking with Megg, Oisin and Hattie. 
  • Will’s track meet. 
  • Zoom morning workouts are still going well. 
  • We enjoyed celebrating our nephew Will’s 13th birthday 

Quote of the Week

“When you lose track of time, you are either living your best life or wasting it.” James Clear

Thank you for tuning in!
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