Episode 182: Crafting Through the Pandemic

Leave a reply

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

Leave a reply

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!
Contact Information:

Episode 180

Leave a reply

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 180 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:

  • Off the Needles
  • On the Needles
  • Brainstorming
  • From the Armchair
  • In my Travels
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Contest, News & Notes
  • Life in Focus
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Thank you to this episode’s sponsors:  Bee Kind Yarn, the Yarn Sellar, Knitters Brewing Company

Off the Needles

Gray Growler Cozy

  • Pattern: none
  • Yarn: Lion Brand Re-up (held double)
  • Hooks: K & L
  • Similar to my Ball Band with a Twist jar cozy pattern (available for $2 on Ravelry)

Millie’s Monkey

  • Pattern: Amigurumi Monkey by Anat Tzach ($5 crochet pattern)
  • Hook: D (3.25 mm)
  • Yarn: Sprightly Acrylic Worsted in Brown

Pinwheel Socks

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

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
  • I am using the GoodReader App to note which color I’m doing by putting a spot of color in the chart

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)
  • Notes: 64 sts, 2×2 ribbing continued down front of the sock

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)

Brainstorming

From the Armchair

Ozark on Netflix- Jason Bateman. Laura Linney. A financial adviser drags his family from Chicago to the Missouri Ozarks, where he must launder money to appease a drug boss.
John Adams HBO miniseries. 7 episodes. Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney. Dan describes it as West Wing 1776. LOVED it.

In My Travels

Knit/Crochet Night at Staci’s Stitches – Friday 2/28/20. I had so much fun! I share a story about helping a new knitter with her projects.

Mom & I went to Wayland Winter Farmer’s Market, Farm Fiber Days at Russell’s Garden Center on Sunday March 1. Tune in to hear about our trip.

  • I mentioned getting to show Ann Weaver (one half of the Plied Yarn team) my new design with their yarn!
  • Loved seeing Lisa Dachinger of Dachinger Wools and the yarn lines available.
  • Sample I loved:  Brioche Popover  by Kate Salomon. Fingering weight two color brioche short sleeved boxy sweater. Beautiful lines and details around the neck and shoulders! Here’s a link to the sample I saw from Wing & Prayer Farm.

KAL News


Quarterly Quests! Get all of the details here.  January 1- March 31 –sQuelch the Queue Knit any projects you had in your queue (prior to January 1). Knit as many as you can. You will receive extra entries for any patterns that have been sitting in your queue for over 5 years. Fine print* NO WIPS are allowed for these quests.
Q1- Sponsors & Prizes

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.

Events

The Splash Pad is our upcoming summer KAL. This year we are kicking it off with an in-person event Saturday May 30th at Staci’s Stitches in Scituate MA, 10a-5p Come by!

Contest, News & Notes

  • Pigskin winners announced last episode. Tune in to Episode 179 to see if you won and contact me before the end of March 2020.
  • I have a DK weight hat ready for testing soon. PM me on Ravelry if you want to be notified.
  • I have a My Favorite Murder Podcast Themed Hat coming out soon! Stay tuned– and if you haven’t already signed up for my email newsletter please do! You’ll be the first to know, and get the best intro discount.

Life in Focus

20 in 2020 Update

  1. Use up 5 gift cards (exceeded!)
  2. Get car detailed- Dan is going to make us appointments soon for Spring
  3. Take 4 classes/lectures (ideas: spinning, knitting, embroidery, sewing, painting)
    • Melange of Slipped Stitches with Faina Golberstein at Vogue Knitting Live NYC January 
  4. Do 1 in-store class or event at a local yarn shop— scheduled event for May 30th!
  5. Purge at least 40 things from the house— started last weekend (forgot to count but I got a whole trash bag and a basket filled with stuff out. Probably hit 40 with that, but I’ll keep going).
  6. Go to at least 4 musicals/plays
    • Jagged Little Pill on Broadway- January
    • Beauty and the Beast (Massasoit)- March
  7. At least 12 massages 
    • (1) January 14
    • (2) February 6- 90 min

3x week at the gym. 7 patterns. 10% more sales. 
Exercise: Total for February: 18/29 Strength training: 12. Other: 6% of days exercised: 62%        4 weeks- 18 exercise = 4.5x per week. Purposely calmed it down a little in February. Body is tired and sore a lot. More baths. Massage machine esp on my quads. Trying to find balance while pushing. 

On a Happy Note

  • On President’s Day I found a cool new (to me) walking trail.
  • Millie’s 8th birthday sleepover!
  • I scored a beautiful bench for $15 at Savers. Spruced up the bedroom with the sign that I made at the Off the Wall DIY studio and a new duvet cover. 
  • Dining Room renovation/construction done. We have a new sliding glass door. Dan primed wall and ceilings while I was at Wayland Farm Fiber days! I learned how to paint walls. Our new cabinet arrives in a few weeks.
  • New favorite sandwich:toasted Ezekial bread (sesame), avocado, evoo, salt and pepper. Feta, arugula, shredded carrots. Would be great with other veggies and maybe a little bit of other seasoning too maybe even something spicy.

Quote of the Week

“Most misunderstandings in the world could be avoided if people would simply take the time to ask ‘What else could this mean?’” -Shannon L. Alder

Contact Information: