Down Cellar Studio Podcast

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 189 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. Click here. 

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 

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

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 

• Purchased yarn from Legacy Fiber Artz– Winnie Sanderson-Mini Sock Skein Set
• I ordered a bunch of new Knit Picks Felici colorways!

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. 

• 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.

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 Sponsors: Sunsoaked Yarns, Apple Fiber Studio, Cookie and Bees
• Don’t forget to post on Instagram #QuarterlyQuests you can also add one for the Quarter: #LessentheLibrary

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

Pro Shop Sponsors:

• 2 Guys Yarn Company
• Adoreknit
• agirlandherwool
• BedeSisters & Blueberry Chick Yarn
• Fibernymph Dye Works
• Jennifer Lassonde Designs
• Prairie Bag Works
• Rising Tide Fiber Co
• Sunsoaked Yarns
• Yumi Yarns Designs

Snack Shack Sponsors

• Anne Beady Designs
• Apple Fiber Studio
• Cookie and Bees
• Fair Winds Farm
• Irocknits Designs
• Keegan Lane Designs
• Kino Knits
• Knitters Brewing Company
• Legacy Fiber Artz
• NähSt Design
• Pearl and Plum
• Progress Keepers by Meliabella
• The Sensible Stitcher

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 KAL. This 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.

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.

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. 

• 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.
  • Need tips? Check out this Article on How to Reduce Plastic on a Budget

• Social Justice Learning/Work Updates
• Check out my cousin’s husband, Trey Ellis’, Interview with John Lewis
• I attended (Virtually) the Monumental Change: Addressing the Legacies of Systemic Racism in Public Art Presented by BU Arts Initiative and WBUR The ARTery at Online/Virtual Space. It is available to watch now on YouTube
• I’m working on the Me & White Supremacy Workbook by Layla F. Saad & listening to So You Want to Talk about Race by Ijeoma Oluo via Hoopla in conjunction with my local library system. Learning so much! 
• Great resource for becoming anti-racist and supporting Black Lives Matter causes

• 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 

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

Thank you for tuning in! Contact Information:

• Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group
• Twitter: Instagram: BostonJen1
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio
• Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio!

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 188 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes can be found at www.downcellarstudio.com/188

This week’s segments included:

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

Quarantine Socks

• Yarn: Berroco Sox in Colorway 1415 Portsoy (self striping grays and blues)
• Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
• 10.5 inch leg and foot. Just a little more than 3/4 of the skein. 
• 305 meters

Blue Raspberry Matchy Socks

• Yarn: Patons Kroy Socks in the Blue Raspberry Colorway 
• Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
• 259 meters 

Chevron Scrap Blanket

• Pattern: Chevron Scrap Blanket by Maria’s Blue Crayon
• Yarn: Various acrylic worsted weight yarn from stash
• Hook: J (6.0 mm)
• Great stash buster. I used 16g to make one stripe of 7 rows. 10g to make a corner
• Total: 1028 meters 

Donner

• Pattern: Donner by Elizabeth Doherty
• Yarn: Ellyn Cooper’s Yarn Sonnets Jenny
• Needles: Body US 3 (3.25 mm). Ribbing US 1.5 (2.5 mm) 
• Ripped back to make it shorter so I’ll wear it more.
• 716 Meters 

Abington Mitts

• Designing mitts- to coordinate with Abington Hat (part of Point Counterpoint Vol 5)
• Yarn: Goosey Fibers Squish DK. Pepper Spray First.
• More details to follow
• 139 meters.

Stash Dash Total to date: 10,910 meters- goal is 20k!

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
• 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)

Spinning:

• 8oz of Corriedale. Ready To ply with 4 oz of BFL.
  • Dan helped me out making a DIY bobbin winder with a drill with help from a blog post from Oak Blue Designs.
• Blueberry Chick Yarn – 4oz Cheviot in Splash Pad Party Exclusive – Tequila Sunrise 

• PRIDE Socks by Matt Akers Ebook
• Cedar River Blanket by Kat Goldin (free crochet pattern)

• Best Day Ever Crafting Podcast: check them out on YouTube & Ravelry Group
• Earthtones Girl: YouTube & Ravelry Group

• I shared stories about Riley and Millie using my spinning wheel for the first time and about Hattie’s first time asking to knit with me (at age 2 1/2)

Dan and I were lucky to get to spend a little over 2 weeks at my cousin’s lake house in New Hampshire. We did a lot of kayaking including a trip to the nearby Saco river with my family. I talked about how I take my good habits with me on vacation and some of the highlights of our trip.

Quarterly Quests!

• Tune in to hear if you’ve won a Quarter 2 Prize!
• Quarter 3: July 1- September 30 – Lessen the Library– check out the Ravelry Thread here.
• Quarter 3 Sponsors: Sunsoaked Yarns, Apple Fiber Studio, Cookie and Bees
• Don’t forget to post on Instagram #QuarterlyQuests #LessentheLibrary

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

Pro Shop Sponsors:

• 2 Guys Yarn Company
• Adoreknit
• agirlandherwool
• BedeSisters & Blueberry Chick Yarn
• Fibernymph Dye Works
• Jennifer Lassonde Designs
• Prairie Bag Works
• Rising Tide Fiber Co
• Sunsoaked Yarns
• Yumi Yarns Designs

Snack Shack Sponsors

• Anne Beady Designs
• Apple Fiber Studio
• Cookie and Bees
• Fair Winds Farm
• Irocknits Designs
• Keegan Lane Designs
• Kino Knits
• Knitters Brewing Company
• Legacy Fiber Artz
• NähSt Design
• Pearl and Plum
• Progress Keepers by Meliabella
• The Sensible Stitcher

Tune in to hear if you won a participation prize!

Pigskin Party ’20

• Because inquiring minds want to know- YES, the Pigskin Party still going ahead as scheduled even if the NFL Football season is altered or canceled. We’ve been good at Virtual parties for years. This will be our 7th annual Pigskin Party. I hope you’ll consider joining us. Official dates: September 10, 2020 through February 8, 2021.
• Do you want to sponsor? Check out this page on my website and fill out the Google Form. Already signed up? I’ll reach out soon to confirm your details. 

• 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
• Tour de Fleece: Saturday June 27 to Sunday July 19 

• I am extremely disappointed in the Ravelry response to recent user issues with their new redesign.
• I sell my patterns on Ravelry but want them to be accessible to everyone so you can now find my self-published patterns on LoveCrafts.

• This week’s segment focuses on #PlasticfreeJuly: I talked about what I kept from last year, how I’m giving myself grace this year during the pandemic and I give some product recommendations.

Plastic Free Product Recommendations

• Bamboo Toothbrushes.
• Lena Menstrual Cup  supplemented with a couple organic lines & tampons
• Compostable plates & bowls & silverware for big gatherings (not that we’ve had any in 2020)
• TruEarth laundry strips
• Still working through
  • Shampoo bars
  • Toothpaste options. Best so far- Lush Toothpaste Tabs (out of stock online)

Come chat in the #PlasticFreeJuly Thread in the Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group! 

• Kayaking with my cousin Jamie.
• Oisín’s baseball game. 
• Seeing the doe and two fawns who frequent our backyard. 
• Seeing a bald eagle at the lake!
• Hamilton on Disney Plus (yes, I’m late to the game)
• Walgreens Wood Panel prints that I ordered for my guest room of the nieces and nephews’ sleepover photos.
• Zoom workouts with my bff. 
• Going to the Lake and also returning home.

It’s not about time, it’s about choices. How are you spending your choices.

-Beverly Adamo

Thank you for tuning in! Contact Information:

• Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group
• Twitter: Instagram: BostonJen1
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio
• Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio!

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 187 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:

• Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
• On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
• Brainstorming
• KAL News
• Events
• Life in Focus
• On a Happy Note
• Quote of the Week

C2C Blanket

• Pattern: Corner to Corner Start tutorial by Lauri Bolland
• Hook: I (5.25mm)
• Yarn: Vanna’s Choice 3 skeins each of (pink) and (light gray)
• Border- I used the first round from this tutorial. 
• 858 meters

Red Thumper Hat

• Pattern: Thumper Hat by Jennifer Lassonde ($5 knitting pattern)
• Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) and US 8 (5.0 mm)
• Yarn: Berroco Ultra Alpaca
• 128 meters

Pan the Alien

• Pattern: Allen the Alien Amigurumi by Abby Sy (free crochet pattern)
• Hook: C (2.75 mm)
• Yarn: Worsted Weight Superwash Wool, blue white and green.
• 44 meters

Demic the Round Plus Alien

• Pattern: Round Plush Alien by Janet Carrillo (free crochet pattern)
• Hook: C (2.75 mm)
• Yarn: Worsted Weight Superwash Wool, blue white and green.
• 38 meters

Misfit Scrappy Sock 

• Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
• Yarn: Mint Rain Hand Dyed Yarn Twist Sock in the We R All Misfits (self striping). Holly Press Fibers Sheepish Minis in 2 colors of green
• 241 meters

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)
• 212 meters

PrideSockathon2020 Socks

• Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Rainbow Colorway & Paton’s Kroy (coal)
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
• Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
• Cast on for Abigail of Covert Knits Video Podcast Pride Sockathon 2020 runs through June 30th. #pridesockathon2020 
• Abigail is donating money to The Trevor Project for each pair she finishes. I donated $60.60 when I finished this pair.
• 272 meters 

Stash Dash Total to date: 8,463 meters (20K here I come)

Summer 2020 Wash Cloths Round 2

• Pattern: Solid Granny Square by Lullaby Melodia
• Hook: J (6.0 mm)
• Yarn: Lily Sugar n’Cream
• 30+ in second round so far! Goal is to use up all of this stash.

Chevron Scrap Blanket

• Pattern: Chevron Scrap Blanket by Maria’s Blue Crayon
• Yarn: Various acrylic worsted weight yarn from stash
• Hook: J (6.0 mm)
• This is a great stash buster. I need at least 16g to make one stripe of 7 rows & 10g to make a corner

Spinning Corriedale to ply with BFL

• 8oz of corriedale (natural cream color)
• First 4 oz done.

The Crochet Luna Podcast is hosting an August MAL for these Soap Sacks.

Fortune’s Shawlette crochet pattern by Tamara Kelly $4.00

Hatching Alien by Kayte-Did’s Free crochet pattern

Quarterly Quests!

Get all of the details here. Check out the Quarter 2 Thread April 1-June 30 – Free the Favorites Thank you to our Quarter 2 Sponsors: Prairie Bag Works, NahSt Designs, Yumi Yarns Designs, agirlandherwool, Holly Press Fibers

Quarter 3: July 1- September 30 – Lessen the Library– check out the Ravelry Thread here. Quarter 3 Sponsors: Sunsoaked Yarns, Apple Fiber Studio, Cookie and Bees Don’t forget to post on Instagram #QuarterlyQuests you can also add one for the Quarter: #FreetheFavorites #LessentheLibrary #SlaytheStash

Splash Pad Party 

Check out the Start Here Thread for Details & Links to everything you need

Pro Shop Sponsors:

• 2 Guys Yarn Company
• Adoreknit
• agirlandherwool
• BedeSisters & Blueberry Chick Yarn
• Fibernymph Dye Works
• Jennifer Lassonde Designs
• Prairie Bag Works
• Rising Tide Fiber Co
• Sunsoaked Yarns
• Yumi Yarns Designs

Snack Shack Sponsors

• Anne Beady Designs
• Apple Fiber Studio
• Cookie and Bees
• Fair Winds Farm
• Irocknits Designs
• Keegan Lane Designs
• Kino Knits
• Knitters Brewing Company
• Legacy Fiber Artz
• NähSt Design
• Pearl and Plum
• Progress Keepers by Meliabella
• The Sensible Stitcher

Tune in to hear if your name was randomly selected for a June participation prize. Keep posting in Poolside chat thread and use #splashpadparty20 on IG. 

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

Tour de Fleece runs from Saturday June 27 to Sunday July 19 

• Goals for year- 7 patterns- 3x week workouts
  • 3x week workouts are still going strong.
  • Design- I finished the knitting and most of the writing of another pattern (which will be #5 for the year). 
• Continuing work on Me & White Supremacy workbook.
• I need to revisit my 20 for 2020 list because some things like visiting 2 new cities just won’t be realistic. 

• Walking with my BFF while kids worked in yard with Dan. 
• Two tiny fawns and their moms who are hanging around our property a lot right now. 
• Father’s Day at my parents with my brother’s 3 kids. Outdoor movie night. Seafood. Swimming.
• Judging jumps off the diving board using the score cards Riley made (0.0, 1, 2 and 3) 
• Oisin’s birthday.
• Dan playing guitar again.
• Date night at the Drive In to see the new Lion King. 

“There is no such thing as an empty space or an empty time. There is always something to see, something to hear.”

— John Cage

:Thank you for tuning in! Contact Information:

• Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group
• Twitter: Instagram: BostonJen1
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio
• Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio!

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 186 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:

• Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
• On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
• Brainstorming
• KAL News
• Events
• Contest, News & Notes
• Life in Focus
• Ask Me Anything
• On a Happy Note
• Quote of the Week

I started the show with a bit of my perspective on and support for Black Lives Matter. Tune in to hear the details. I also shared a quote from Gretchen Rubin from Episode 267 of the Happier Podcast. “The things of ordinary life can seem trivial especially at times like this but big things coexist with little things— and by taking care of little things– and our own lives —we strengthen ourselves to take action on big things. And to turn outward— and to think about other people and the right action we can take in the world.”

Mixed BFL

• Mixed BFL: Call Me Row-Bear from 2GuysYarn
• Wheel: Kromski Minstrel 
• 2 ply yarn 
• 312.7 meters. 
• Stash Dash Total: 938 meters

Christmas Stocking for Jenna & Cecilia

• 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)
• 912 meters 

Happiest Blanket Ever 2 

• Pattern: Happiest Blanket Ever by Tamara Kelly (free crochet pattern)
• Yarn: Lion Brand Pound of Love (Pastel Green) for Main Color. Lion Brand Ice Cream Big Scoop in the Tutti Fruitti Colorway 
• Hook: K (6.5 mm)
• Cast on for Baby Size. Chain 154.
• MC- 783 meters, CC: 429 meters: about 90 meters for last round of border in a salmon color. Total: 1304 meters for stash dash
• FO= 51 inches long  and 37 inches wide

2 Blues 32oz Jar Cozy

• Pattern: None
• Hooks: 3.5 mm (E), 3.75 mm (F),4.0 mm (G)
• Yarn: Lion Brand Re-Up in Sky and Denim
• 46 meters

Rainbow Cozy Large (32oz jar)

• Pattern: None
• Hooks: 3.5 mm (E), 3.75 mm (F),4.0 mm (G)
• Yarn: Lion Brand Re-Up- Black, worked my way through rainbow. Purple to red. Black body. Pink round at the top.
• 59 meters

Stash Dash Summer Dishcloths Round 1

• Yarn: Lily Sugar n’Cream
• Hook: J (6.0 mm)
• Pattern: Solid Granny Square
• I’m trying to work through my entire stash of Lily Sugar n’ Cream cotton. My firstbatch of summer washcloths = 32 cloths.
• 454 grams/ 704 meters

Quarantine Socks

• Yarn: Berroco Sox in Colorway 1415 Portsoy (self striping grays and blues)
• Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
• Finished first sock- 38g.  
• Almost through leg of second sock. 

Misfit Scrappy Sock 

• Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
• Yarn: Mint Rain Hand Dyed Yarn Twist Sock in the We R All Misfits (self striping). Holly Press Fibers Sheepish Minis in 2 colors of green

PrideSockathon2020 Socks

• Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Rainbow Colorway & Paton’s Kroy (black)
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
• Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
• Cast on for Abigail of Covert Knits Video Podcast Pride Sockathon 2020 runs through June. 
• Abigail is donating money to The Trevor Project for each pair she finishes and I think I’ll do the same. 

Natural Tans BFL

• Fiber: 4 oz BFL from Beesy Fibers.
• Wheel: Kromski Minstrel
• Plan is to spin 8 oz cream/undyed Corriedale and spin a 3 ply. 

C2C Blanket

• Pattern: Corner to Corner Start tutorial by Lauri Bolland
• Hook: I (5.25mm)
• Yarn: Vanna’s Choice 3 skeins each of (pink) and (light gray)
• Thanks to walshcentral- Maryann for inspiration and link to pattern on Ravelry.
• I found this tutorial very useful to get my head around the construction.
• I used this link for Border help  but found that I was getting too much flare, so after first round of (chain 3, sc) instead of DC in each chain, I did 2 DC, then DC in the SC below. 

• Chevron Scrap Blanket by Maria’s Blue Crayon
• Graceful by Kristina Smiley free crochet pattern for Expression Fiber Arts

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 Works, NahSt Designs, Yumi Yarns Designs, agirlandherwool, Holly Press Fibers. 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

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

Pro Shop Sponsors:

• 2 Guys Yarn Company
• Adoreknit
• agirlandherwool
• BedeSisters & Blueberry Chick Yarn
• Fibernymph Dye Works
• Jennifer Lassonde Designs
• Prairie Bag Works
• Rising Tide Fiber Co
• Sunsoaked Yarns
• Yumi Yarns Designs

Snack Shack Sponsors

• Anne Beady Designs
• Apple Fiber Studio
• Cookie and Bees
• Fair Winds Farm
• Irocknits Designs
• Keegan Lane Designs
• Kino Knits
• Knitters Brewing Company
• Legacy Fiber Artz
• NähSt Design
• Pearl and Plum
• Progress Keepers by Meliabella
• The Sensible Stitcher

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

My latest knitting pattern is available on Ravelry! The Ice Time Mitts pattern is $5 on Ravelry.

• Yarn
  • Main Color: Legacy Fiber Artz DK, 75% Superwash Merino, 25% Nylon. 100 grams, 245 yards / 224 meters. Colorway – Grey Gardens (grey)
  • Contrast Color: Cloudborn Fibers Highland DK, 100% Fine Highland Wool. 50 grams, 164 yards / 150 meters. Colorway – Maize Heather (mustard).
  • Yarn Used in Sample (Medium): Main Color used 30 grams, 74 yards / 68 meters. Contrast Color used 22 grams, 71 yards / 65 meters.
• Sizes
  • Small (Medium, Large)
  • Finished palm circumference: 6 (7, 8) in / 15.25 (17.75, 20.25) cm
  • Intended to fit with no-ease to a little bit of negative ease. Select the size that is closest to your handcircumference as measured just below the knuckles. If you are between sizes, I’d recommend going down to a smaller size
• Pattern Info
  • Pattern has 2 linked video tutorials- how to work the 1×1 cable without a cable needle and without dropping the stitch off your needles.
  • How to do the Jeny’s surprisingly stretchy BO on 1×1 rib. 
  • Tech edited and test knit.

• I talk about focusing on committing to my own anti-racism education and how I can sustain both education and action. Resources mentioned: Me & White Supremacy Book by Layla Saad &  Justice in June 

Shateen Amanda asked: What is your current favorite lunch or snack?

• Lunch- Siracha Ranch salad (salad with any veggies I have in my fridge and the Siracha Ranch dressing from Trader Joe’s)
• Snack- fruit. or popcorn

Limestone knits asked: What are your favorite cardigan patterns

• I’ve only knit 4 adult cardigans. Rocky Coast by Hannah Fettig, Lush Cardigan by Tin Can Knits, Mezzo Cardigan by Alexis Windslow, Sandbar Cardi- crochet pattern by Toni Lipsey.
• I’ve learned something through each one- about fit and fiber content… Not sure cardigans are my thing. My favorite of these is the Mezzo Cardigan.

• Attending a peaceful BLM protest in Boston.
• Figuring out what my family feels comfortable with for visiting.
• Riley and Millie knitting at the pool
• Kayaking with Dan
• Seeing a buck in the backyard.
• Celebrating my 40th birthday!
• Visiting with family after the kids come here on Saturdays to work in the woods with Dan.

The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but building the new.

-Socrates Contact Information:

• Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group
• Twitter: Instagram: BostonJen1
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio
• Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio!

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 185 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
• 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 sponsor: Adoreknit

Shy Little Unicorn 

• Pattern: Shy Little Unicorn by Ana Paula Rimoli
• Hook: C (2.75 mm)
• Yarn: Loops & Threads Impeccable Solids (white), Knit Picks Brava Worsted (various solids) + acrylic stash yarn scraps

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. Chain 154.
• 1082 meters

Pint Sized Blue Ball Band

• Pattern: Ball Band by Jennifer Lassonde (free crochet pattern)
• Yarn: Lion Brand Re-Ip in the Navy & Sky colorways
• Hooks: F (3.75 mm) and G (4.0 mm)
• 41 meters

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)
• 280 meters

Cozy Classic Raglan

• Pattern: Cozy Classic Raglan by Jessie Maed Designs
• Needles: US 3 for Ribbing. US 7 for body
• Yarn: Rowan Cashsoft DK in color 547 Sunny
• Knitting Size Medium. Short sleeved. Full length 350g of yarn. 805 meters. 

My 1st Spinning Project

• Wool: 4 oz Gray undyed Corriedale from purchased BeesyBee on Etsy.  $6.75 
• Wheel: Kromski Minstrel 
• 2 plies spun Z twist. Plied S twist
• 166.4 meters. Stash Dash meters x3- 499.2 meters 

2707 meters for Stash Dash to date

Happiest Blanket Ever 2 

• Pattern: Happiest Blanket Ever by Tamara Kelly (free crochet pattern)
• Yarn: Lion Brand Pound of Love (Pastel Green) for Main Color. Lion Brand Ice Cream Big Scoop in the Tutti Fruitti Colorway 
• Hook: K (6.5 mm)

Summer 2020 Wash Cloths

• Lily Sugar and Cream
• Hook: J
• Pattern- various crochet patterns
• 12 done so far. Goal is at least 1 per day. Fill up the gift bin and replace our old ones.

Misfit Scrappy Sock 

• Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
• Yarn: Mint Rain Hand Dyed Yarn Twist Sock in the We R All Misfits (self striping). Holly Press Fibers Sheepish Minis in 2 colors of green

Mixed BFL

• Mixed BFL: Call Me Row-Bear from 2GuysYarn
• Wheel: Kromski Minstrel 
• Finished the spinning. Not sure if I’m going to 2 ply or try my first chain ply. 

I want to use some leftover Aran weight cotton yarn to make a dress for my 2 year old niece Hattie I’m thinking of the Infant Darling Danger Dress by Charissa Pray. $5 US Crochet pattern.

• Painting rocks at Mom and Dad’s 
• Kids made flowers. Dan made a turtle. I made a butterfly. 

• I did a video chat with my 12 year old niece Riley. Thought she needed help to bind off but really just needed to close up the last stitch.
• Riley used a video I sent her to cast on a new cowl to teach her friend to knit.
• Millie (8 years old) can’t find kit from Christmas and wants to knit, so I sent supplies directly to their house and Riley agreed to cast on for her.
• Here are photos of Riley’s first cowl and headband.

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 years. It 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. Don’t forget to post on Instagram #QuarterlyQuests you can also add one for the Quarter:#FreetheFavorites

Splash Pad Party Starts May 30th!

Check out the Start Here Thread for Details & Links to everything you need

Click here to see details for our Virtual Kick Off Events

Pro Shop Sponsors:

• 2 Guys Yarn Company
• Adoreknit
• agirlandherwool
• BedeSisters & Blueberry Chick Yarn
• Fibernymph Dye Works
• Jennifer Lassonde Designs
• Prairie Bag Works
• Rising Tide Fiber Co
• Sunsoaked Yarns
• Yumi Yarns Designs

Snack Shack Sponsors

• Anne Beady Designs
• Apple Fiber Studio
• Cookie and Bees
• Fair Winds Farm
• Irocknits Designs
• Keegan Lane Designs
• Kino Knits
• Knitters Brewing Company
• Legacy Fiber Artz
• NähSt Design
• Pearl and Plum
• Progress Keepers by Meliabella
• The Sensible Stitcher

Stash Dash starts May 22 Check out the Chat Thread in the Knit Girllls Podcast group

Point Counterpoint Volume 5 is on sale for $5 through May 31st with code COLLAB. 4 patterns- 2 each from Mary of Kino Knits and me.

• I checked off 2 things on my 20 for 2020 List.
• I finished a Bluprint Class: Plying with Jillian Moreno (loved it)
• Dan & I went kayaking at Jacob’s Pond.

• Dan made a new banner for my cousin’s 10th birthday parade.
• Dan & I celebrated our 16th Anniversary and his brother’s birthday with a socially distant visit in their backyard.
• We had a visit with my parents, brother and his family.
• I was delighted to see my cousin Jenny at work. 
• I enjoyed a one on one chat with my friend Petrina and a Bingo game with her friends.
• Doing my morning Zoom workout outside on the deck in the nice weather. 

If you want your life to be different, you have to start reacting to life differently. – Bryant McGill

Thank you for tuning in!

Contact Information:

• Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group
• Twitter: Instagram: BostonJen1
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio
• Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio!

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 184 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website www.downcellarstudio.com/184

This week’s segments included:

• Off the Needles
• On the Needles
• From the Armchair
• Crafty Adventures
• KAL News
• Events
• Contest, News & Notes
• Ask Me Anything
• On a Happy Note
• Quote of the Week

Gray Bobble Hexagon Trivet

• Pattern: Bobble Hexagon Trivet by Amy Minard ($4.50 US crochet pattern)
• Yarn: Lily Sugar n’ Cream in the Greige Colorway
• Hook:  H (5.0mm)

Moonrise Necklace

• Pattern: Moonrise Necklace by Sivia Harding & Ellen Sandin (knit)
• Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)
• Yarn: Vineyard Silk Classic – lace weight silk yarn came with kit. 
• Bought kit at Stitches West 2016. Emily (knittingbutterfly), Joanna Johnson and I went out to San Jose and were very kindly hosted by our friends the Knitmores- Jasmin and Gigi of the Knitmore Girls podcast. Thursday afternoon before the event actually opened that we had lunch with Sivia. When we dropped her back at her hotel we went up to her room and she showed us the kits for these beautiful necklaces and samples that were already made/in progress. Knew it was something my mom would love! She had a handful of colors to choose from and we got to pick what we wanted off her bed and buy them! When we got back to the car we all agreed that the exhilaration was intoxicating and decided this was the knitting version of a drug deal. We got such a kick out of it. 
• Kit had everything I needed- yarn, beads, the flosser to string the beads, clasp.
• Love the way this came out. Think I’d have liked it with the 2.0 mm called for and perhaps with bigger beads a little better but I didn’t have that on hand. Pattern is well written and intuitive. It was easy to memorize the 8 row repeat and to read my knitting once the repeat was established.
• Something new to me. Never knit with beads before. K1, place one. very easy. 
• Pattern available as a kit from Earthfaire (US $29.95). Kit includes pattern, silk thread, bead mix, and clasp.

Mother’s Day Wash Cloths

• Pattern: None (crochet)
• Hook: H (5.0 mm) and I (5.5 mm)
• Yarn: Lily Sugar n’Cream 

Shy Little Unicorn 

• Pattern: Shy Little Unicorn by Ana Paula Rimoli
• Hook: C (2.75 mm)
• Yarn: Loops & Threads Impeccable Solids (white), Knit Picks Brava Worsted (various solids) + acrylic stash yarn scraps

Cozy Classic Raglan

• Pattern: Cozy Classic Raglan by Jessie Maed Designs
• Needles: US 3 for Ribbing. US 7 for body
• Yarn: Rowan Cashsoft DK 

Misfit Scrappy Sock 

• Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
• Yarn: Mint Rain Hand Dyed Yarn Twist Sock in the We R All Misfits (self striping). Holly Press Fibers Sheepish Minis in 2 colors of green

Christmas Stockings

• 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)

Blue Raspberry Matchy Socks

• Yarn: Patons Kroy Socks in the Blue Raspberry Colorway 
• Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)

Spinning! To hear the full story about my spinning wheel tune in to Episode 173

My 1st Spinning Project

• Wool: 4 oz Gray undyed Corriedale from purchased BeesyBee on Etsy.  $6.75 
• Wheel: Kromski Minstrel 

Mixed BFL

• Mixed BFL: Call Me Row-Bear from 2GuysYarn
• Wheel: Kromski Minstrel 

• Sheepspot Podcast (audio). I particularly enjoyed the episode about Spinning more consistent singles. 
• Some Good News YouTube. 
• Needles at the Ready podcast YouTube.
• Covert Knits Podcast on YouTube.
• Sopranos on HBO & Hulu

I’ve done a bit of coloring and digital scrapbooking. 

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 Works, NahSt Designs, Yumi Yarns Designs, agirlandherwool, Holly Press Fibers.

Don’t forget to post on Instagram #QuarterlyQuests you can also add one for the Quarter:#FreetheFavorites

Splash Pad Party

• We still have sponsor spots available. Email me downcellarstudio@ gmail if you’re interested. 
• Check out the Start Here Thread for Details & Links to everything you need
• Click here to see/sign up for our Virtual Kick Off Events

Pro Shop Sponsors:

• 2 Guys Yarn Company
• Adoreknit
• agirlandherwool
• BedeSisters & Blueberry Chick Yarn
• Fibernymph Dye Works
• Jennifer Lassonde Designs
• Prairie Bag Works
• Rising Tide Fiber Co
• Sunsoaked Yarns
• Yumi Yarns Designs

Snack Shack Sponsors

• Apple Fiber Studio
• Cookie and Bees
• Fair Winds Farm
• Irocknits Designs
• Keegan Lane Designs
• Kino Knits
• Knitters Brewing Company
• Legacy Fiber Artz
• NähSt Design
• Pearl and Plum
• Progress Keepers by Meliabella
• The Sensible Stitcher

Stash Dash starts May 22. Check out the Chat Thread in the Knit Girllls Podcast group

• 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.
• Ice Time Mitts are in testing. Want to test the Medium or Large size? Check out this thread in the Testing Pool. 

Tune in to hear the answers to these questions:

• knitini: how to avoid knitting burnout? I’m teetering on the edge.  
• Mfcknits: what to you knit in warmer weather?
• thisElsaSilva- how do you manage your WIPs and how many do you have? Sewrunknit: how you found your niche at work. Did you go to school for your job?
• Ecbthorman- Someone you follow on insta whose feed is bringing you knitting inspo   right now. I love watching the #todaysknitoutfit hashtag
• ann.rupp: How did you make the numbers work when you modified the stitch count on your Boxy?

• I finished painting my guest room. Paint colors: Sherwin Williams: Knitting Needles & Pewter Cast 
• Mother’s Day 
• Flowers in bloom on my walks. 
• New babies in the family!

Henry David Thoreau “The cost of a thing is the amount of … life which is required to be exchanged for it, immediately or in the long run.” 

Thank you for tuning in! Contact Information:

• Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group
• Twitter: Instagram: BostonJen1
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio
• Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio!

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 183 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes & photos can be found here.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 Works, NahStDesigns, Yumi Yarns Designs, agirlandherwool, Holly 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. 

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

• 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. 

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.

• 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.

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:

• Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group
• Twitter: Instagram: BostonJen1
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio
• Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio!

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 182 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website: www.downcellarstudio.com/182 

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

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

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.

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.

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!

Tune in to hear an update on my 2020 goals

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.

• 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.

“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!

• Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group
• Twitter: Instagram: BostonJen1
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio
• Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio!

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

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)

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)

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. 

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

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

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

• Anne Beady Designs: Friendship is Forever Hat & Cowl patterns
• KnitCompanion: Stand It Up Tablet Stand
• Fibernymph Dye Works: On Frozen Pond Colorway 
• Knitters Brewing Company: 2 skeins of sock yarn and a set of stitch markers. 

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

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

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

• Physical distancing doesn’t mean you can’t be social
• Virtual knit nights are a great option. Watch Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry group for posts about upcoming options. Here is the Virtual Knit Night Thread. All are welcome!
• Marco Polo app: send videos to your friends.
• Facetime, WhatsApp, Google Hangouts and Facebook all ofter options for video chatting with those you love.

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.

• 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? 

• Knit Picks Felici– $6.99 for 50g skein. $14 for a pair of socks. 
• Patons Kroy Sock Yarn $5-7 depending on sales. $10-14 for a pair of socks.
• Bluprint Sprightly Acrylic Worsted $3.95 for 100g
• Blueprint Cloudborn Yarns $10-13 for 100g depending on the weight. Very affordable for sweaters, blankets etc if you want wool.

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.

• 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. 

“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:

• Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group
• Twitter: Instagram: BostonJen1
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio
• Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio!

Thank you for tuning in! For full show notes and clicks check out my website for Episode 180 Show Notes.