Down Cellar Studio Podcast

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 139 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found at www.downcellarstudio.com/139   This week's segments included:  

• Off the Needles
• On the Needles
• Brainstorming
• From the Armchair
• Knitting in Passing
• In my Travels
• KAL News
• Events
• On a Happy Note
• Quote of the Week

  Thank you to this episode's sponsors: A Simple Homestead, Knits4Comfort & Celestial Sews    Off the Needles Bergere de France Socks

• Yarn: Bergere de France Goomy 50 - Imprim Beige
• Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)
• Pattern OMG Heel by Megan Williams
• 283 meters

  Blue Stripey Socks

• Yarn: Patons Kroy Stripes: Coastal Stripes
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
• Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
• 273 meters

  Scrappy Halloweeny Socks

• Yarn: Leftovers of black, white, gray, orange, yellow, tan
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
• Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
• 302 meters

  Chevron Baby Blanket

• Pattern by: Daisy Farm Crafts (blog)
• Yarn: Sprightly Acrylic Worsted Yarn from Craftsy in Navy, White and Silver Grey
• Washed and dried the finished blanket in washing machine. It's so squishy soft!
• 926 meters

  Imprim Bleu Socks

• Yarn: Bergere de France Goomy 50 in the Imprim Bleu colorway
• Pattern: OMG Heel
• Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)
• 296 meters

Baby Blue Barley Hat

• Yarn: Sprightly Acrylic Worsted (Craftsy)
• Needles: US 6 & US 8
• Pattern: Barley Hat by Tin Can Knits
• 59 meters (1/3 of the skein)

  Dan's Dress Socks

• Yarn: Dragonfly Fibers Djinni in the Rocky Top Colorway
• Needles: US 1.5
• Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
• Reknit toe after it developed a hole
• 368.7 meters

  Holly Jolly Christmas Socks

• Yarn: Dancing Dog Dyeworks Twist Sock in the Holly Jolly colorway
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
• Pattern: Fish Lips Kiss Heel
• 252 meters

3840 meters for Stash Dash as of this recording     On the Needles   Gray-dient Dragon Belly Shawl  

• Yarn: Woolbearer's Gradient Sets purchased at Vogue Knitting Live a couple years ago. 5 mini skeins, 700 yards fingering Put two sets together using 8 of the 10 mini skeins. (140 yards per mini x 8= 1120 yards)
• Pattern: Dragon Belly Shawl (free crochet pattern)
• H hook

  Poison Ivy Socks

• Yarn: Twisted Owl Fiber Studio in the Poison Ivy Colorway (red/green variegated)
• Pattern: Non-Euclidian Heel
• Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)

Brainstorming

• ML164 Flatter Me Vest by Maddy Cranley $6.95 Ravelry Download
  • Thoughts? I have some Knit Picks Brava Bulky in stash to use up (7 skeins, 952 yards)
• I'm also considering holding that gray yarn with rainbow mini skeins in stash to do granny stripe or another chevron?
• Market Bag by Poppy and Bliss
  • Free Crochet pattern
• Rafa's Hat by Joji Locatelli
• Dawn to Dusk Triangle Scarf by Jess Coppom - free crochet pattern. I purchased 3 skeins of  Lion Brand Mandala- DK weight Acrylic color changing yarn for this (enough to make 3)
• Good Old Fashioned Bunting free crochet pattern by Matt Farci and Dennis Marquez

From the Armchair Margaret from Teaching Your Brain to knit came over to the Episode 134 thread to say-- "Thanks for the shout out for the TYBTK podcast. Since we recorded that episode about colorwork I discovered Roxanne Richardson’s video podcast on multiple colorwork. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORTtv5Vl6zg It was so informative. If you’re getting good gauge, I wouldn’t change it."   Thanks for sharing, Margaret!!   Knitting in Passing   Man on the train one morning ask- how many things do you make in a year. First time I’ve gotten that one. Funny timing since I’m in productivity mode right now. Maybe that was all over my face. He and the women he was standing with seemed to know I was crocheting but it got her talking about a mutual friend whom she described as a rabid knitter. He didn’t seem to think those terms jived. But I assumed him there were many of us out there. In My Travels

• I had a fun night visiting a local brewery- Barrel House Z- with my knitting friends a couple weeks ago.
• I made a trip to the Pints & Purls (Thursday night event) at Gather Here in Cambridge, MA

KAL News Slay the Stash 2018

• Each month you can declare a skein of yarn to knit/crochet/weave to its very end. Let’s use up those older special skeins that are soooo pretty we don’t want to touch them. In 2018, we are turning those sacred skeins into beautiful projects you can enjoy-- and maybe win a new beautiful skein of yarn from one of our sponsors along the way! Full details and rules can be found here.
• June Post
• Check the show notes to see if you won in the month of May.
• Use and follow #slaythestash2018 on Social Media
• Don't forget you can double dip with Splash Pad Party, Stash Dash or any other KAL you participate in as long as you meet criteria.

Slay the Stash 2018: Sponsor List

• January: KnitCircus
• February: Kathryn Frank Fiber Arts
• March: Blue Skin Yarns
• April: BlueberryChick Yarn
• May: Legacy Fiber Artz
• June: Knitters Brewing Co
• July: Fish Belly Fiber Works
• August: SixandSevenFiber
• September: Fibernymph Dye Works
• October: Marigold Jen
• November: Dyenamixx Yarns
• December: Sunsoaked Yarns

The Splash Pad Party KAL     Runs June 1-July 31

• Rules can be found here
• Prizes and Exclusive Items & Coupons posted in Ravelry Group. Check out details and chat with us here!
• This year one of the fun challenges within the Splash Pad is a 8 part challenge we're calling the X Games. If you wish to participate, give it a shot! Rules can be found here.
• Check out the Mark it Monday thread

Pro Shop Sponsors

1. AdoreKnit
2. Celestial Sews
3. Designs of Acadia
4. Fibernymph Dye Works
5. Just Run Knit Designs
6. Knit Circus Yarns
7. Knit Style Yarns
8. Knits4comfort
9. Knitters Brewing Company
10. Lilliput Yarn
11. Love Bird Lane
12. Pearl and Plum
13. Plum Deluxe
14. Prairie Bag Works
15. A Simple Homestead
16. Stitched by Jessalu
17. Sunsoaked Yarns
18. Twisted Owl Fiber Studio
19. Yarnandewe
20. YumiYarns

Snack Shack

1. Be Ewe Fibers
2. Brenda Castiel Designs & Good Stuff Crafts
3. Daizie Knits
4. Heddi Craft Designs
5. Imagined Landscapes
6. Jennifer Lassonde Designs
7. Knit/Wit Designs
8. Knit-by-Bit Designs
9. Knitty by Nature Shop
10. Progress Keepers by Meliabella
11. Mrs U Makes
12. Remade by Hand
13. V Yarn
14. Windswept Designs

Events 2018 Box O' Balls Round Robin Mini Swap: sign up anytime during 2018.  Shipping cost of $13.50 (within US; have option to send Internationally) The contents will include: at least 20 mini yarn balls (each ball will be minimum of 5g/ 20 yards) to choose from, a handwritten note or card and a small gift. Find all of the details in this thread in the Ravelry Group.  

• Stash Dash- Knit Girllls Podcast KAL that runs May 25-August 27th. Find Stash Dash Rules here.
• PAL KAL hosted by Michelle of the Actually Knitting Podcast I am sponsoring so if you knit one of my shawl patterns it will count.
• Stitching the High Notes 2nd Annual Summer Garment MAL
• Batter Up KAL Hosted by Kristi from In a Sknit Podcast

  On a Happy Note

• Dan and I are taking ballroom dance lessons
• I've been freshening up our deck where we spend a lot of time in summer- I bought a new rug and a table at a yard sale.
• Birthday weekend fun included Riley and Millie's dance recitals, lunch with my family and drinks with friends at another friend's surprise party.
• My friend Claire gifted me some handspun from her sister who is a new spinner
• I took some photos of my niece Hattie is is now 4 months old
• Loveable boys- I share stories about my nephew Oisin and our friend's son, EJ!

Quote of the Week "Every man makes his own summer. The season has no character of its own, unless one is a farmer with a professional concern for the weather. Circumstances have not allowed me to make a good summer for myself this year... My summer has been overcast by my own heaviness of spirit. I have not had any adventures, and adventures are what make a summer." -Robertson Davies, "Three Worlds, Three Summers," The Enthusiasms of Robertson Davies   ------ 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 138 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website: www.downcellarstudio.com/138   This week's segments included:  

• Off the Needles
• On the Needles
• Brainstorming
• From the Armchair
• Crafty Adventures
• In my Travels
• KAL News
• Events
• On a Happy Note
• Quote of the Week

  Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Knitters Brewing Company, AdoreKnit, Just Run Knit Designs & Pearl & Plum   Off the Needles   Gradient Angles Shawl

• Pattern: Gradient Angles by Janice Hamby
• Yarn: Infinite Twist Helix: Colors= Spooky Purple, African Violet, Mona Lisa, Tickled, Sakura, Anthurium (purples, pinks into peach)
• Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm)
• 491.4 meters 

  Rainbow Stripe Paintbox Socks

• Yarn: Paintbox Sock yarn in the Rainbow stripe colorway
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) and US 1 (2 mm)
• Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
• Notes:   Cast on 56 with US 1.5 needles. Feeling a little too big. Instead of ripping back, I switched to US 1 needles. Second sock knit on US 1.
• 288.9 meters

  Pewter Socks

• Pattern: Non-Eucilidian by Sarah Jordan
• Yarn: Olann Hand Dyed in Ireland Sock Lite in the Pewter Colorway
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
• Cast on 60, went down to 56 stitches.Second sock cast on 56 sts.
• 297.6 meters

  I created a Tab in Ravelry. I tag each FO that I finish during stash dash with stashdash18 and then set up a tab that pulls all projects with that tag.

• Stash Dash Total to date:  1,076 meters in 3 projects

On the Needles   Worsted Weight Riley Rose Shawl

• Pattern: Riley Rose by Jennifer Lassonde
• Yarn: Hikoo by Skacel Simpliworsted in Aqua Mint, Deep Turquoise, Gypsy Red and White
• Needles: US 10 1/2 (6.5 mm)

  Christmas Stockings

• 3 to do in 2018. One for my cousin Kara who is expecting a baby girl in August! 2 for out of state cousins Noelle & Noah
• Pattern: Granny Square Christmas Stockings from Family Circle Magazine 1977
• Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Red, Everglade Heather and White
• Hook: F (3.75 mm)
• All 3 have been crocheted together. ready to start cuff.
• 170 grams used before the cuff.

  Large Granny Square Blanket

• Yarn: leftovers and mini skeins (fingering weight yarn)
• Hook: C yarn
• Plan: 3 large granny squares, bordered with cream or gray (TBD), 4-5 rows
• Inspiration: BetsyMakes Project
• I've added the border on 2 squares.  The weight of a finished square after 3 rounds of border is 60-62 grams.

  Chevron Baby Blanket

• Pattern by: Daisy Farm Crafts (blog)
• Yarn: Sprightly Acrylic Worsted Yarn from Craftsy in Navy, White and Silver Grey
• Chained 148 bigger hooked than called for. love the fabric I don't love crocheting through the back loop only but I do love the effect.

  Hexagon Scrappy Blanket

• Pattern: Instructions from this tutorial
• Yarn: leftover sock yarn
• Hook: D 3.25 mm
• Instructions on how to make half hexagons

Brainstorming

• Easy Breezy Swim Cover Up- free pattern from the MegMadeWithLove blog.
• I'm considering using some cotton yarn to crochet a bunting to hang outside on our porch
• Tipsy Toe socks
• Vanilla is the New Black Socks

  From the Armchair Two audiobooks I enjoyed recently

• Column of Fire by Ken Follett
• Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton

  Crafty Adventures

• I shared a #the100dayproject update and talked about work on 2 of my current Scrapbooking Projects- my 2017 and 2018 Week in the Life Albums

  In My Travels

• Dan and I went camping in Thompson CT this weekend.We kayaked on West Thompson Lake and in Quinbaug River. We collected 53 pieces of trash on our way back. I found a baby doll! freaked me out (especially after listening to hours of My Favorite Murder.
  

   

  So thankful this was a doll floating in the river!

KAL News     Slay the Stash 2018

• Each month you can declare a skein of yarn to knit/crochet/weave to its very end. Let’s use up those older special skeins that are soooo pretty we don’t want to touch them. In 2018, we are turning those sacred skeins into beautiful projects you can enjoy-- and maybe win a new beautiful skein of yarn from one of our sponsors along the way! Full details and rules can be found here.
• May Post
• June Post
• Use and follow #slaythestash2018 on Social Media
• Don't forget you can double dip with Splash Pad Party, Stash Dash or any other KAL you participate in as long as you meet criteria.

Slay the Stash 2018: Sponsor List

• January: KnitCircus
• February: Kathryn Frank Fiber Arts
• March: Blue Skin Yarns
• April: BlueberryChick Yarn
• May: Legacy Fiber Artz
• June: Knitters Brewing Co
• July: Fish Belly Fiber Works
• August: SixandSevenFiber
• September: Fibernymph Dye Works
• October: Marigold Jen
• November: Dyenamixx Yarns
• December: Sunsoaked Yarns

The Splash Pad Party KAL Runs June 1-July 31

• Rules can be found here
• Logo Bags available from Designs of Acadia
• Prizes and Exclusive Items & Coupons posted in Ravelry Group. Check out details and chat with us here!
• This year one of the fun challenges within the Splash Pad is a 8 part challenge we're calling the X Games. If you wish to participate, give it a shot! Rules can be found here.

  Pro Shop Sponsors  

1. AdoreKnit
2. Celestial Sews
3. Designs of Acadia
4. Fibernymph Dye Works
5. Just Run Knit Designs
6. Knit Circus Yarns
7. Knit Style Yarns
8. Knits4comfort
9. Knitters Brewing Company
10. Lilliput Yarn
11. Love Bird Lane
12. Pearl and Plum
13. Plum Deluxe
14. Prairie Bag Works
15. A Simple Homestead
16. Stitched by Jessalu
17. Sunsoaked Yarns
18. Twisted Owl Fiber Studio
19. Yarnandewe
20. YumiYarns

Snack Shack

1. Be Ewe Fibers
2. Brenda Castiel Designs & Good Stuff Crafts
3. Daizie Knits
4. Heddi Craft Designs
5. Imagined Landscapes
6. Jennifer Lassonde Designs
7. Knit/Wit Designs
8. Knitty by Nature Shop
9. Mrs U Makes
10. Remade by Hand
11. V Yarn
12. Windswept Designs

  Events   2018 Box O' Balls Round Robin Mini Swap: sign up anytime during 2018.  Shipping cost of $13.50 (within US; have option to send Internationally) The contents will include: at least 20 mini yarn balls (each ball will be minimum of 5g/ 20 yards) to choose from, a handwritten note or card and a small gift. Find all of the details in this thread in the Ravelry Group.  

• Fiber Frolic:June 2 & 3 in Windsor, ME
• VT Sheep & Wool: September 29 & 30 in Tunbridge, VT
• NY State Sheep & Wool Festival: October 20 & 21 in Rhinebeck, NY
• Fiber Festival of New England: November 3 & 4 in West Springfield, MA

  Stash Dash- Knit Girllls Podcast KAL that runs May 25-August 27th. Find Stash Dash Rules here. I'll be participating!     On a Happy Note

• I talked about my experience with a Thred up box. I would definitely do it again! Want to try it for yourself? I'd appreciate if you use my referral link.
• I was so excited to finally meet Sarah (themartiniknitter) in real life! Check out her Etsy shop
• #30x20stopstroke challenge. 30 min workout every day all month. I've been taking advantage of free classes at the gym. Its been hard work- sometimes twice a day- but its fun. 
• Biking at Wompatuck State Park. 
• New sunglasses from Zenni Optical made it all more enjoyable. Aviator sunglasses. $80 with RX, polarized etc. If you'd like to check it out, please consider using my referral code. You'll get $5 off and I'll get $5 towards my next pair
• Dan and I celebrated our 14th Anniversary- ironically Dan was sent away for work! Oh well. We were together all weekend!

  Quote of the Week Behind every great relationship are difficult and uncomfortable conversations we rarely get to see. Great relationships don't fall into our laps. They require people to move through their fears and insecurities and do the hard work to move wounds into healing. -Vienna Pharaon https://instagram.com/p/Bikjzm0luBY/ ------   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 137 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website: www.downcellarstudio.com/137   This week's segments included:    

• On the Needles
• Brainstorming
• Crafty Adventures
• KAL News
• Events
• Life in Focus
• Ask Me Anything
• On a Happy Note
• **Bonus Audio at the end of Riley and Aila

    Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Sunsoaked Yarns, KnitCircus and Fibernymph Dye Works   On the Needles   Chevron Baby Blanket

• Pattern by: Daisy Farm Crafts (blog)
• Yarn: Sprightly Acrylic Worsted Yarn from Craftsy in Navy, White and Silver Grey

Large Granny Square Blanket

• Yarn: leftovers and mini skeins (fingering weight yarn)
• Hook: C yarn
• Plan: 3 large granny squares, bordered with cream or gray (TBD), 4-5 rows
• Inspiration: BetsyMakes Project
• Finished 4th Squares & blocked them

 Christmas Stockings

• 3 to do in 2018. One for my cousin Kara who is expecting a baby girl in August! 2 for out of state cousins Noelle & Noah
• Pattern: Granny Square Christmas Stockings from Family Circle Magazine 1977
• Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Red, Everglade Heather and White
• Hook: F (3.75 mm)
• 3 red, 3 green done and blocked. Ready to crochet together and add cuffs.

  Gradient Angles Shawl

• Pattern: Gradient Angles by Janice Hamby
• Yarn: Infinite Twist Helix: Colors= Spooky Purple, African Violet, Mona Lisa, Tickled, Sakura, Anthurium (purples, pinks into peach)
• Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm)

  Rainbow Stripe Paintbox Socks

• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) and US 1 (2 mm)
• Yarn: Paintbox Sock yarn in the Rainbow stripe colorway & Patons Kroy for heel
• Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams

  Holly Jolly Christmas Socks

• Yarn: Dancing Dog Dyeworks Twist Sock in the Holly Jolly colorway
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
• Pattern: Fish Lips Kiss Heel

Hexagon Scrappy Blanket

• Pattern: Instructions from this tutorial
• Yarn: leftover sock yarn
• Hook: D 3.25 mm

 

Brainstorming My nephew Garret asked for another pair of two-part socks (like those shown below)! I ordered yarn from Knitters Brewing Company to fulfill his request for 1 pink and 1 purple.     Crafty Adventures

• Recovered top sewing box. Glue gun simple. So beautiful now. 20 min project
• week in the life. Taking photos. Did the journaling. caught up before bed last night. Excited to use the kit I ordered from Ali Edwards
• I made bath stuff with girls
  • Sugar Scrub Recipe
  • Lip Gloss Recipe
  • Bath Bomb Recipe

  KAL News

 Slay the Stash 2018

• Each month you can declare a skein of yarn to knit/crochet/weave to its very end. Let’s use up those older special skeins that are soooo pretty we don’t want to touch them. In 2018, we are turning those sacred skeins into beautiful projects you can enjoy-- and maybe win a new beautiful skein of yarn from one of our sponsors along the way! Full details and rules can be found here.
• May post 
• Tune in to see if you're the April winner of a skein of Blueberry Chick Yarn!
• Use and follow #slaythestash2018 on Social Media

Slay the Stash 2018: Sponsor List

• January: KnitCircus
• February: Kathryn Frank Fiber Arts
• March: Blue Skin Yarns
• April: BlueberryChick Yarn
• May: Legacy Fiber Artz
• June: Knitters Brewing Co
• July: Fish Belly Fiber Works
• August: SixandSevenFiber
• September: Fibernymph Dye Works
• October: Marigold Jen
• November: Dyenamixx Yarns
• December: Sunsoaked Yarns

The Splash Pad Party KAL Runs June 1-July 31

• Rules can be found here
• Logo Bags available from Designs of Acadia
• Prizes and Exclusive Items & Coupons posted in Ravelry Group. Check out details and chat with us here!

  Splash Pad Party: Pro Shop Sponsors 

1. AdoreKnit
2. Celestial Sews
3. Designs of Acadia
4. Fibernymph Dye Works
5. Just Run Knit Designs
6. Knit Circus Yarns
7. Knits4comfort
8. Knitters Brewing Company
9. Knit Style Yarn
10. Lilliput Yarn
11. Love Bird Lane
12. Pearl and Plum
13. Plum Deluxe
14. Prairie Bag Works
15. A Simple Homestead
16. Stitched by Jessalu
17. Sunsoaked Yarns
18. Twisted Owl Fiber Studio
19. Yarnandewe
20. YumiYarns

Splash Pad Party: Snack Shack (Last week to claim a spot! If you're interested click here to learn more)

1. Be Ewe Fibers
2. Brenda Castiel Designs | Goodstuffcrafts 
3. Daizie Knits
4. Heddi Craft Designs
5. Imagined Landscapes
6. Jennifer Lassonde Designs
7. Knitty by Nature Shop
8. Mrs U Makes
9. Remade by Hand
10. V Yarn
11. Windswept Designs

Events   2018 Box O' Balls Round Robin Mini Swap: sign up anytime during 2018.  Shipping cost of $13.50 (within US; have option to send Internationally) The contents will include: at least 20 mini yarn balls (each ball will be minimum of 5g/ 20 yards) to choose from, a handwritten note or card and a small gift. Find all of the details in this thread in the Ravelry Group.  

• Rhode Island Fiber Festival & Craft Fair: May 19 & 20 in Bristol, RI
• Massachusetts Sheep & Wool Festival: May 26 & 27 in Cummington, MA
• Fiber Frolic:June 2 & 3 in Windsor, ME
• VT Sheep & Wool: September 29 & 30 in Tunbridge, VT
• NY State Sheep & Wool Festival: October 20 & 21 in Rhinebeck, NY
• Fiber Festival of New England: November 3 & 4 in West Springfield, MA

 Life in Focus

Update on 18 in 2018 Projects

• I played around with iMovie for slideshow for my Cabaret Cast Party. It was very simple but it was good practice at playing more with video
• Try New Exercise classes: I've tried out free classes at the gym at my work as part of their #30x30StopStroke Challenge in honor of National Stroke Awareness Month. I've done Tabata, Yoga and a new Zumba class.
• We had plans to buy paint for the Spare Room make over but had a mix up with the location of the Sherwin Williams store.

Ask Me Anything   Stormcoast- Jen from Uncreative Crafter Podcast said: Just curious, so you don’t have to answer this if you don’t want to. As a fellow New Englander, I would say that your mom and brother have Boston/Massachusetts accents. I don’t notice one with you. Do you have any insights into why that is?     On a Happy Note

• Aila's birthday dinner!
• Second weekend Cabaret- with surprise visits from my college friends Laura & Jessica.
• Took that Monday off. Got a massage and went to late lunch with Dan
• Aila's friend birthday party- complete with Magic Show!
• Dan and I had a blast a my Cabaret Cast Party
• Thred up box | Want to try it for yourself? I'd appreciate if you use my referral link.
• Riley & Aila's Birthday Sleepover

  ------   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!

     

Check out show notes for all details and links:

www.downcellarstudio.com/136

  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 135 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found at: www.downcellarstudio.com/135   This week's segments included:    

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

  Off the Needles   Witch's Brew Socks

• Yarn: Knit Picks Felici (Self Striping) in the Witch's Brew Colorway with Knit Picks Stroll Fingering in the Ash Colorway for contrast
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
• Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams

    On the Needles   Large Granny Square Blanket

• Hook: C yarn
• Plan: 3 large granny squares, bordered with cream or gray (TBD), 4-5 rows
• Inspiration: BetsyMakes Project
• Yarn: leftovers and mini skeins (fingering weight yarn)
• Takes about 6 grams per round on outside.  Plan is to do 3 rounds in a solid, cream color around each of the 12 squares. 12 squares with 3 rounds of cream- 18g per square- 216 grams required (I'll buy 3 skeins)
• 12 squares (3x4)  at 18 inches each will yield a 54 inch by 72 inch blanket. 

  Mezzo Cardigan Pattern: Mezzo Cardigan by Alexis Winslow $7 Needles: US 10 (6.0 mm) Yarn:

• “DK” Mystery skeins (pink and grays). Exact yardage not known. Yarn purchased from Sweitzer’s Fiber Mill at Rhinebeck 2017.  3 skeins blush pink, 2 skeins of dark gray, 1 skein light gray. 3 50gram skeins of Plymouth DK Merino in white looks a bit more cream to me).
• Held with Fingering. 2 skeins of Legacy Fiber Artz also purchased this year. The Mayor (grays, pinks, cream and bits of rust), Edwards Scissorshands- cream base with blush pink and small pops of charcoal. Light gray Cloudborn Highland Superwash Sock (2 50 gram skeins).

    Pewter Socks

• Pattern: Non-Eucilidian by Sarah Jordan
• Yarn: Olann Hand Dyed in Ireland Sock Lite in the Pewter Colorway
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)

  Imprim Bleu Socks

• Yarn: Bergere de France Goomy 50 in the Imprim Bleu color way
• Pattern: OMG Heel
• Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)

Poison Ivy Socks

• Yarn: Twisted Owl Fiber Studio 2-ply Sock (80/20 SW Merino Nylon) 400 yards for 100g in the Poison Ivy Colorway (red/green variegated)
• Pattern: TBD
• Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)
• Cast on 56 stitches with 1x1 twisted rib. Cuff down. Heel TBD

Crafty Adventures

• Finished Collage Walls!! 
• #the100dayproject- #100daysofsharing journaling prompts with my best friend Kris using mini albums I've made/am making for us 
  • I used two Arc system note books at Staples
  • I used the Levenger Circa 1-2-3 portable punch to punch holes in paper. This punch is available for $18 on Amazon
  • If you have a punch and can make your own covers you don't even need the notebook
  • It's been a great way to use scraps and supplies I'll likely never fully use up anyways.
• I've done some sketching and drawing in a mixed media notebook I bought last year. I also purchased a 12 color Reeves watercolor paint set at Michaels for about $6 and had fun playing with it! 

KAL News   Slay the Stash 2018

• Each month you can declare a skein of yarn to knit/crochet/weave to its very end. Let’s use up those older special skeins that are soooo pretty we don’t want to touch them. In 2018, we are turning those sacred skeins into beautiful projects you can enjoy-- and maybe win a new beautiful skein of yarn from one of our sponsors along the way! Full details and rules can be found here.
• Use and follow #slaythestash2018 on Social Media
• Check out the April Thread
• Tune in to see if you're the March winner!

Slay the Stash 2018: Sponsor List

• January: KnitCircus
• February: Kathryn Frank Fiber Arts
• March: Blue Skin Yarns
• April: BlueberryChick Yarn
• May: Legacy Fiber Artz
• June: Knitters Brewing Co
• July: Fish Belly Fiber Works
• August: SixandSevenFiber
• September: Fibernymph Dye Works
• October: Marigold Jen
• November: Dyenamixx Yarns
• December: Sunsoaked Yarns

    Splash Pad Party! Are you ready?!   What is the Splash Pad Party?

• Make-along that runs June 1-July 31.
• Official Rules can be found here.
• The current list of sponsors is below. It will be updated until the time
• The Prize Thread is open and ready. Our Pro Shop Sponsors will be offering up some amazing Exclusive Products. Check back to this thread often to get the first look!
• Interested in sponsoring?- Sponsor Spots available

  Pro Shop Sponsors (to date)  

• AdoreKnit
• Celestial Sews
• Fibernymph Dye Works
• Just Run Knit Designs
• Knit Circus Yarns
• Knits4comfort
• Knitters Brewing Company
• Pearl and Plum
• Prairie Bag Works
• Sunsoaked Yarns

  Snack Shack (to date)

• Be Ewe Fibers
• Daizie Knits
• Imagined Landscapes
• Knitty by Nature Shop
• Mrs U Makes
• Remade by Hand
• V Yarn
• Windswept Designs

Events

2018 Box O' Balls Round Robin Mini Swap: sign up anytime during 2018.  Shipping cost of $13.50 (within US; have option to send Internationally) The contents will include: at least 20 mini yarn balls (each ball will be minimum of 5g/ 20 yards) to choose from, a handwritten note or card and a small gift. Find all of the details in this thread in the Ravelry Group.

  Festival Schedule  

• Gore Place Annual Sheepsheering Festival: April 28
• Connecticut Sheep, Wool & Fiber Festival: April 28 in Vernon, CT
• Needles Up: May 4 from 2-6p in Columbia Maryland
• Knot House Event: May 4 (and through the weekend), Frederick, MD
• Maryland Sheep & Wool: May 5 & 6 in West Friendship, MD
• NH Sheep & Wool: May 12 & 13 in Deerfield, NH
• Rhode Island Fiber Festival & Craft Fair: May 19 & 20 in Bristol, RI
• Massachusetts Sheep & Wool Festival: May 26 & 27 in Cummington, MA
• Fiber Frolic:June 2 & 3 in Windsor, ME
• VT Sheep & Wool: September 29 & 30 in Tunbridge, VT
• NY State Sheep & Wool Festival: October 20 & 21 in Rhinebeck, NY
• Fiber Festival of New England: November 3 & 4 in West Springfield, MA

  The 100 Day Project

• #the100dayproject

100daysoflists with my bFF -posting on IG not every day so it doesn't fill up my feed. just prompts I came up with. If you want me to list some in the group as a kick off for chatter later me know. I'd love to hear your answers!   Contest, News & Notes   My latest shawl design, Jean Marie, is now available on Ravelry! It is on sale for only $3 until 4/21 (no coupon code required)- after that it will go up to the regular price of $6.     Jean Marie is a top-down half-hexagon shawl designed for 3 colors of Ross Farm Sport weight yarn. It uses simple knit, purl and slipped stitches to create three distinct textures- one for each color.  The result is a very wearable, warm shawl that sits nicely on the shoulders. It is also great for use with commercial or handspun yarn in a single solid, tonal or variegated yarn. You can easily use Sport or DK weight!        Ask me Anything   This episode I answered a question from SewRunKnit about how to photograph FOs late at night before a KAL deadline.    

• First tip would be-- take the best photo you can without killing yourself. Consider more of a proof of life so you're eligible for the contest and then after you post- delete those photos so you HAVE to take a better photo in the daylight. Natural light photos always come out best, especially if your photography skills are limited.

But if you do have to shoot inside your house at midnight when the lighting is dim at best- here are my best tips:

1. Find the best possible light your house has to offer.
2. Try to find a lighter background to shoot agains
3. Shoot straight at your FO instead of looking down on it, if possible.

If using DSLR Camera (some require a built-in flash)

1. Shoot in Aperture priority mode- and look for a low F stop number. Raise your ISO-. You may need a tripod or self timer because shake from hand can ruin the shot. Sometimes this is still really tricky and if we're going for simple it may not be your best bet.
2. Use a flash but diffuse the light. Some options:
   • Use the flash with tissue over it
   • Hold a white index card/paper at a 45 degree angle in front of your flash, and take your shot. The light should hit the card, bounce to the ceiling, and spread out the light.
   • Cut a water bottle and place over flash to diffuse light
   • DIY diffuser tutorial
   • Pop-up flash tips

If using your smart phone to take photos

1. Tap screen to focus, picking the darkest area. The camera should adjust and brighten it up some.
2. Find a better camera app. I like the Camera Plus app. It allows you to adjust the brightness.

  On a Happy Note

• Easter with my big, crazy family was tons of fun, especially the egg hunt with the kiddos.
• Lunch with Holli with Qdoba!
• Date night Dan at a new local restaurant
• My Aunt Florence's 90th brithday!
• Starting #the100dayproject with Kris. I've also opened a thread in the Ravelry Group if you want to share your answers to the prompts
• Taking time for a mini-retreat day at home while Dan was away (and before the chaos of the musical really ramps up)
• Birthday breakfast with my 2 besties and my niece Hattie

    Quote of the Week "To blame someone for not understanding you fully is deeply unfair because, first of all, we don't understand ourselves, and even if we do understand ourselves, we have such a hard time communication ourselves to other people. Therefore, to be furious and enraged and bitter that people don't get all of who we are is a really cruel piece of immaturity."  Alain De Botton   ------   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 134 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast.Full show notes including photos can be found at www.downcellarstudio.com/134   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 On a Happy Note Quote of the Week       Off the Needles   Go with the Flo Shawl Aunt Florence shawl. Got to half way point during 3/13 noreaster. 

• Needles: US 6
• Yarn: Invictus Yarn Beyond XL in the Colorway Believe 150g skein- 600 yards
• Pattern: to be published 
• Still looking for test knitters. Very loose timeline for this one. Would love to see how it works with handspun since it can be done based on weight instead of yards.

  On the Needles     Mezzo Cardigan Pattern: Mezzo Cardigan by Alexis Winslow $7 Needles: US 10 (6.0 mm) Yarn: 

• “DK” Mystery skeins (pink and grays). Exact yardage not known. Yarn purchased from Sweitzer’s Fiber Mill at Rhinebeck 2017.  3 skeins blush pink, 2 skeins of dark gray, 1 skein light gray. 3 50gram skeins of Plymouth DK Merino in white looks a bit more cream to me).
• Held with Fingering. 2 skeins of Legacy Fiber Artz also purchased this year. The Mayor (grays, pinks, cream and bits of rust), Edwards Scissorshands- cream base with blush pink and small pops of charcoal. Light gray Cloudborn Highland 

  Pewter Socks

• Pattern: Non-Eucilidian by Sarah Jordan
• Yarn: Olann Hand Dyed in Ireland Sock Lite in the Pewter Colorway
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)

Rainbow Stripe Paintbox Socks

• Yarn: Paintbox Sock yarn in the Rainbow stripe colorway
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) and US 1 (2 mm)
• Pattern: planning to do the Non-Euclidian heel by Sarah Jordan

  Witch's Brew Socks

• Yarn: Knit Picks Felici (Self Striping) in the Witch's Brew Colorway with Knit Picks Stroll Fingering in the Ash Colorway for contrast
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: TBD 

    From the Armchair   Teaching your Brain to Knit Episode  talked about Arne and Carlos video that talks about if you want even tension with colorwork you shouldn't do it two handed  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJdlBzrYKss   Goop Podcast (hosted by Gweneth Paltrow- 1st episode features Oprah Winfrey)

• Winfrey talked about two of the books that most affected her life, and they’re both about spirituality and human consciousness.  “The Seat of the Soul,” by Gary Zukav, and  Eckhart Tolle’s “A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose.”

  The Guilty Feminist Podcast   Crafty Adventures   Collage wall in the hallway is nearly done!   KAL News     Slay the Stash 2018

• Each month you can declare a skein of yarn to knit/crochet/weave to its very end. Let’s use up those older special skeins that are soooo pretty we don’t want to touch them. In 2018, we are turning those sacred skeins into beautiful projects you can enjoy-- and maybe win a new beautiful skein of yarn from one of our sponsors along the way! Full details and rules can be found here.
• January Post
• Use and follow #slaythestash2018 on Social Media

Slay the Stash 2018: Sponsor List

• January: KnitCircus
• February: Kathryn Frank Fiber Arts
• March: Blue Skin Yarns
• April: BlueberryChick Yarn
• May: Legacy Fiber Artz
• June: Knitters Brewing Co
• July: Fish Belly Fiber Works
• August: SixandSevenFiber
• September: Fibernymph Dye Works
• October: Marigold Jen
• November: Dyenamixx Yarns
• December: Sunsoaked Yarns

  Events   2018 Box O' Balls Round Robin Mini Swap: sign up anytime during 2018.  Shipping cost of $13.50 (within US; have option to send Internationally) The contents will include: at least 20 mini yarn balls (each ball will be minimum of 5g/ 20 yards) to choose from, a handwritten note or card and a small gift. Find all of the details in this thread in the Ravelry Group.   Festival Schedule   I won't be going to Maryland Sheep & Wool :( but if you do I hope you have fun   

• 5th Annual Fiber Marketplace- Yarn Sellar, York, ME: Saturday April 7 from 10a-3p
  • York Harbor Inn in York ME. $5 entry fee List of vendors available on their website!
• Gore Place Annual Sheepsheering Festival: April 28
• Connecticut Sheep, Wool & Fiber Festival: April 28 in Vernon, CT
• Needles Up: May 4 from 2-6p in Columbia Maryland
• Knot House Event: May 4 (and through the weekend), Frederick, MD
• Maryland Sheep & Wool: May 5 & 6 in West Friendship, MD
• NH Sheep & Wool: May 12 & 13 in Deerfield, NH
• Rhode Island Fiber Festival & Craft Fair: May 19 & 20 in Bristol, RI
• Massachusetts Sheep & Wool Festival: May 26 & 27 in Cummington, MA
• Fiber Frolic:June 2 & 3 in Windsor, ME
• VT Sheep & Wool: September 29 & 30 in Tunbridge, VT
• NY State Sheep & Wool Festival: October 20 & 21 in Rhinebeck, NY
• Fiber Festival of New England: November 3 & 4 in West Springfield, MA

  The 100 Day Project       Contest, News & Notes   News- Splash Pad Party- Sponsor Spots available Official Rules can be found here.   Life in Focus   On a Happy Note

• Lots of family fun, musical adventures and self care!

    Quote of the Week   To be rooted is perhaps the most important and least recognized need of the human soul. -Simone Weil   ------     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!

   

 Full show notes can be found at www.downcellarstudio.com/133   Thank you for tuning in to Episode 133 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week's segments included:    

• On the Needles
• 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 Macolrich, knittergirlkatie, ms.knitslot, knitternicole for the new reviews in Apple Podcasts.

Thank you to everyone for your support and community as I celebrate my 6th Podiversary!

On the Needles Pewter Socks

• Pattern: Non-Eucilidian by Sarah Jordan
• Yarn: Olann Hand Dyed in Ireland Sock Lite in the Pewter Colorway
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
• Heel notes:
  • Cuff down only. The heel turn takes what feels like a long time. You're adding stitches but still working in the round. It takes many rounds to increase out for the heel but the turn itself felt quick. Much less purling than any other heel flap I've done. No picking up stitches. I think it will be easy to memorize which is important to me.

  Rainbow Stripe Paintbox Socks

• Yarn: Paintbox Sock yarn in the Rainbow stripe colorway
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) and US 1 (2 mm)
• Pattern: planning to do the Non-Euclidian heel by Sarah Jordan

 

  Christmas Stockings

• 3 to do in 2018. One for my cousin Kara who is expecting a baby girl in August! 2 that my mom's cousin in VA asked for for grandkids. 1 girl (Noelle), 1 boy (Noah)
• Pattern: Granny Square Christmas Stockings from Family Circle Magazine 1977
• Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Red, Everglade Heather and White
• Hook: F (3.75 mm)
• Progress to date: 2 red pieces done. 1 green done.

  Large Granny Square Blanket

• Yarn: leftovers and mini skeins (fingering weight yarn)
• Hook: C yarn
• Plan: 3 large granny squares, bordered with cream or gray (TBD), 4-5 rows
• Inspiration: BetsyMakes Project

    Log Cabin Mitts

• Pattern: Log Cabin Mitts by Karen Templer (free)
• Needles: US 6
• Yarn: scraps of worsted

  Go with the Flo Shawl

• Yarn: Invictus Yarn
• Needles: US 6
• Pattern: to be published soon

  Crafty Adventures Got a little work done on my Week in the Life album from 2017. I am planning to participate in this project again this year. Check out Ali Edwards website for more details.     KAL News   Slay the Stash 2018

• Each month you can declare a skein of yarn to knit/crochet/weave to its very end. Let’s use up those older special skeins that are soooo pretty we don’t want to touch them. In 2018, we are turning those sacred skeins into beautiful projects you can enjoy-- and maybe win a new beautiful skein of yarn from one of our sponsors along the way! Full details and rules can be found here.
• Use and follow #slaythestash2018 on Social Media
• March Thread
• Tune in to see if you're the February Winner!

Slay the Stash 2018: Sponsor List

• January: KnitCircus
• February: Kathryn Frank Fiber Arts
• March: Blue Skin Yarns
• April: BlueberryChick Yarn
• May: Legacy Fiber Artz
• June: Knitters Brewing Co
• July: Fish Belly Fiber Works
• August: SixandSevenFiber
• September: Fibernymph Dye Works
• October: Marigold Jen
• November: Dyenamixx Yarns
• December: Sunsoaked Yarns

Events   2018 Box O' Balls Round Robin Mini Swap: sign up anytime during 2018.  Shipping cost of $13.50 (within US; have option to send Internationally) The contents will include: at least 20 mini yarn balls (each ball will be minimum of 5g/ 20 yards) to choose from, a handwritten note or card and a small gift. Find all of the details in this thread in the Ravelry Group.   Festival Schedule  

• Stitches United, Hartford CT- March 22-25
• 5th Annual Fiber Marketplace- Yarn Sellar, York, ME: Saturday April 7 from 10a-3p
  • York Harbor Inn in York ME. $5 entry fee List of vendors available on their website
• Gore Place Annual Sheepsheering Festival: April 28
• Connecticut Sheep, Wool & Fiber Festival: April 28 in Vernon, CT
• Needles Up: May 4 from 2-6p in Columbia Maryland
• Knot House Event: May 4 (and through the weekend), Frederick, MD
• Maryland Sheep & Wool: May 5 & 6 in West Friendship, MD
• NH Sheep & Wool: May 12 & 13 in Deerfield, NH
• Rhode Island Fiber Festival & Craft Fair: May 19 & 20 in Bristol, RI
• Massachusetts Sheep & Wool Festival: May 26 & 27 in Cummington, MA
• Fiber Frolic:June 2 & 3 in Windsor, ME
• VT Sheep & Wool: September 29 & 30 in Tunbridge, VT
• NY State Sheep & Wool Festival: October 20 & 21 in Rhinebeck, NY
• Fiber Festival of New England: November 3 & 4 in West Springfield, MA

Contest, News & Notes

• Splash Pad Party KAL will run June and July 2018.
• Sponsor spots available.

Life in Focus   I've been very regimented all year- documenting goals for each week and checking off boxes. This month has thrown me for a loop with storms and sickness. But that's life, right? I've eased up and adjusted. It was a good reminder that we need to be able to pivot. Go with the flow... It will all be ok.   Ask Me Anything   Question from Michelle- chellescraps on Ravelry: I am interested in what type of ball winder and swift you have or would recommend. I am getting to the point that I could really use one. I know that I would rather spend more money on something that would last, but I do not need the gold version.   Answer:   

• I have a Stanwood swift that I bought on Amazon. I love it and it's held up well. At $52 it's not cheap but its not crazy expensive either. I like that i folds down and doesn't take up a lot of space.
• I have the Nancy's Knit Knacks Ball Winder. I have this one. At $299 it's a huge investment. I'm not 100% sure I'd have purchased it for myself. My mom kindly gifted it to me for Christmas. I've had it for a few years now and it's amazing. I've used others at friend's houses and nothing comes close to the experience I've had with this.
• If you want a more in depth comparison of these items I'd check out Episode 300 of the Knitmore Girls podcast.

  On a Happy Note  

• We've had three Nor'easters here in Boston already this March! For us that's meant at least 4 days without power, 2 of those had us trapped at home when a tree took down the power line in the driveway. Dan and I made the best of it, chatting, listening to podcasts and crafting. During the second storm, I got struck down with my first virus of the season and it was a doozie!

T

• I was able to my niece Riley’s 1st dance competition. She did great!
• Planning my nephew's Garret’s birthday celebration. He wants to go to one of the trampoline park type places and then for me to bring my big camera to his dirt bike race.
• I had my costume fitting for Cabaret. Most of my costumes aren't family-friendly but here's one I can share.

Quote of the Week Don't expect much from a drowning man. He's not going to offer you a candy bar or ask how your day was. He's too busy not drowning. Generosity takes effort. It requires the space to take your mind off your own problems long enough to see someone else's. It requires the confidence to share when a big part of you wants to hoard. And it requires the emotional labor of empathy. Generosity begins by trusting ourselves enough to know that we're not actually drowning. -Seth Godin ------   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 132 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week's segments included:    

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

  Off the Needles     Worsted Boxy

• Pattern: Worsted Boxy by Joji Locatelli
• Needles: US 6 (4 mm) & US 8 (5 mm)
• Yarn: Cloudborn Fibers Wool Worsted Twist in the Slate Heather Colorway (used less than 6 skeins of the 9 I purchased)
• Cast on Friday 2/9- Cast off Sunday 2/25 before Olympic Closing Ceremonies!
• Thoughts & Tips
  • Add a stitch marker each day so you can see your progress.
  • About the yarn- I alternated skeins up to the split for the sleeves but stopped at that point and you can't tell.
  • I love the Boxy Sweater (fingering or worsted) for an easy mindless project that still nets you a sweater when you're done.

  Pig for Millie

• Hook C
• Yarn: Vanna's Choice
• Pattern:  Pig Miniature Amigurumi by Miss Dolkapots (free)

  On the Needles   Scrappy Halloweeny Socks

• Yarn: Leftovers of black, white, gray, orange, yellow, tan
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
• Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams

  Christmas Stockings

• 3 on the list for 2018. One for my cousin Kara who is expecting a baby girl in August! 2 that my mom's cousin in VA asked for for grandkids. 1 girl (Noelle), 1 boy (Noah)
• Pattern: Granny Square Christmas Stockings from Family Circle Magazine 1977
• Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Red, Everglade Heather and White
• Hook: F (3.75 mm)
• Two pieces in progress! (need 6 front/back pieces to make 6 stockings)

  Imprim Bleu Socks

• Yarn: Bergere de France Goomy 50 in the Imprim Bleu color way
• Pattern: OMG Heel (most likely)
• Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)

  Ninilchik Swoncho 

• Pattern: Ninilchik Swoncho by Caitlin Hunter
• Needles: US 4 & 6
• Yarn: Cloudborne DK, Fiberstory DK + Gale's Art Super Star DK
• About the pattern: top down. Colorwork. Mostly charted. Very easy to follow. increase every X number of rows. Split for sleeves, knit the body and then pick up sleeves. Ribbed sleeves.
• Washed and laid flat to dry. Didn't pin.
• My gauge is also a little tighter than called for and I never measured my row gauge. My B measurement  (from schematic) is 21.5 inches which is 3 inches shorter than is called for, so my potential issue with the length makes sense.
• I did the 5 inches before the ribbing on the bottom but I think it could be a bit longer
• Ripped back at knitting on Wed 2/14 with Anne's help figured out plan for short rows

  Brainstorming

• Loving the Log Cabin Trend right now!
  • Log Cabin Mitts by Karen Templer- Fringe Association (free download)
  • Orangeknits on Instagram  (Mara Catherine Bryner) Log Cabin Sock. Don't see pattern available yet.

  From the Armchair   New (to me) Podcasts I'm enjoying:

• Forever 35
• Crunchy Cocktail Hour
• Slow Burn
• Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard

Knitting in Passing

• I'm teaching one of my Cabaret cast members to knit at her request!

KAL News   Slay the Stash 2018

• Each month you can declare a skein of yarn to knit/crochet/weave to its very end. Let’s use up those older special skeins that are soooo pretty we don’t want to touch them. In 2018, we are turning those sacred skeins into beautiful projects you can enjoy-- and maybe win a new beautiful skein of yarn from one of our sponsors along the way! Full details and rules can be found here.
• February Thread (post your FOs)
• March Thread (declare your skein before 3/1)
• Use and follow #slaythestash2018 on Social Media

Slay the Stash 2018: Sponsor List

• January: KnitCircus
• February: Kathryn Frank Fiber Arts
• March: Blue Skin Yarns
• April: BlueberryChick Yarn
• May: Legacy Fiber Artz
• June: Knitters Brewing Co
• July: Fish Belly Fiber Works
• August: SixandSevenFiber
• September: Fibernymph Dye Works
• October: Marigold Jen
• November: Dyenamixx Yarns
• December: Sunsoaked Yarns

Pigskin Party KAL I announced Pigskin Winners in Episode 131.   Events 2018 Box O' Balls Round Robin Mini Swap: sign up anytime during 2018.  Shipping cost of $13.50 (within US; have option to send Internationally) The contents will include: at least 20 mini yarn balls (each ball will be minimum of 5g/ 20 yards) to choose from, a handwritten note or card and a small gift. Find all of the details in this thread in the Ravelry Group.   Upcoming Festival Schedule (note: I will not be attending all of these- but wanted to keep a list available for those who live/visit this area)  

• Stitches United, Hartford CT- March 22-25
• 5th Annual Fiber Marketplace- Yarn Sellar, York, ME: Saturday April 7 from 10a-3p
  • York Harbor Inn in York ME. $5 entry fee List of vendors available on their website!
• Gore Place Annual Sheepsheering Festival: April 28
• Connecticut Sheep, Wool & Fiber Festival: April 28 in Vernon, CT
• Maryland Sheep & Wool: May 5 & 6 in West Friendship, MD
• NH Sheep & Wool: May 12 & 13 in Deerfield, NH
• Rhode Island Fiber Festival & Craft Fair: May 19 & 20 in Bristol, RI
• Massachusetts Sheep & Wool Festival: May 26 & 27 in Cummington, MA
• Fiber Frolic:June 2 & 3 in Windsor, ME
• VT Sheep & Wool: September 29 & 30 in Tunbridge, VT
• NY State Sheep & Wool Festival: October 20 & 21 in Rhinebeck, NY
• Fiber Festival of New England: November 3 & 4 in West Springfield, MA

  Life in Focus

I talked about progress on my 18 in 2018 list. So far so good!

Finish 2017 Project Life pages and order album - done album looks great. Millie was looking at it this weekend. Some highlights. Learning how to plow and getting a photo collage wall (nearly) ready-- Dan then decided to patch and re-paint the hall but we're making progress!

On a Happy Note

• Got to see Will and Aila meet their new cousin Hattie for the first time! Nice to be able to stop in to Megg's before rehearsal- since she lives nearby there!
• Finding pockets of quiet time on the weekend, especially over the long weekend just to snuggle up at home with Dan.
• Having friends over for a Daytona 500 party!
• Cabaret is going well!
• Millie turned 6!

Quote of the Week “I have not been inordinately materialistic, but I am attached to my house, to my inherited belongings, and to the things that I have chosen for myself. All these objects add complexity to my emotional ties to the people with whom I have shared, and share, my life, and to my aspirations for myself.”

-- Ann Truitt, Turn: The Journal of an Artist

------   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 131 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week's segments included:

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

Off the Needles   Newborn Vertebrae

• Pattern: Newborn Vertebrae by Kelly van Niekerk
• Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Dark Side Colorway (rainbow with charcoal gray stripes)
• Needles: US 2 + US 3

On the Needles   Scrappy Halloweeny Socks

• Yarn: Leftovers of black, white, gray, orange, yellow, tan
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
• Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams

  Christmas Stockings

• 2 more under way: 3 to do in 2018. One for my cousin Kara who is expecting a baby girl in August! 2 that my mom's cousin in VA asked for for grandkids. 1 girl (Noelle), 1 boy (Noah)
• Pattern: Granny Square Christmas Stockings from Family Circle Magazine 1977
• Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Red, Everglade Heather and White
• Hook: F (3.75 mm)

  Imprim Bleu Socks

• Yarn: Bergere de France Goomy 50 in the Imprim Bleu color way
• Pattern: OMG Heel (most likely)
• Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)

Worsted Boxy

• Pattern: Worsted Boxy by Joji Locatelli
• Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) & US 8 (5 mm)
• Yarn: Cloudborn Fibers Wool Worsted Twist in the Slate Heather Colorway
• Swatched with 8, 9 and 10s. 8 worked well. Definitely a twisted yarn. Doesn’t plump up all that much. Not SW yarn. So far I’m enjoying it but I’m not head over heels in love with the yarn. But I bought 9 skeins for total of $27 after Christmas during Craftsy sale can’t beat that for 100% wool handmade sweater.
• Cast on Friday 2/9- Ravellenics project
• Looked through Project Pages linked to the pattern. Impressed by the split hem on this project.
• Cast on for the back with US 7s. Put stitch markers 5 stitches in on each side. RS: (k1, s1wyif, k1, s1wyif, k1) WS- (s1, k1, s1, k1, s1). Garter stitch for the bottom hem. Then kept up with the edging and switched to US 8 needles and stockinette stitch.
• Knit the back longer than the front then joined them together to work in the round.

Brainstorming   Pig Miniature Amigurumi by Miss Dolkpots (free crochet pattern)- looks like piggy bank pig   Non-Euclidian sock pattern by Sarah Jordan- $5 Ravelry download     From the Armchair   Tune in to hear the details of my review of the Rittenhouse Bag from Fairmount Bag Co. This bag is not available in retail yet but if you want to support this company and are company funding Kickstarters you can check out their Kickstarter campaign which runs through March 2nd.   KAL News   12 Months to Christmas KAL- winners announced!

• Thundertwist hat from Greg Cohoon
•  Victorian Yuletide Ornaments- 1-5 by Jenn Sheelen
• Bundle Up Betty Doll and outfit patterns from AndreSue Knits

    Pigskin Party KAL

• Tune in to hear if you won a participation prize for January or February or one of the 10 Grand Prizes!! All prize details can be found here.

  Thank you to our Pro Shop Sponsors! Atelier De Soyun  Colorful Eclectic Daisy Girl and Company Fancy Image Yarn Fibernymph Dye Works Inner Yarn Zen Joy in Rugging Knit Style Yarns Knitted Wit Knitters Brewing Company Knitty Kitty Bags Mekamika Nekozuki Knits Plum Deluxe Tea Prairie Bag Works Queen City Yarn Sunsoaked Yarns Woodsy and Wild Yarn Love     Slay the Stash 2018

• Each month you can declare a skein of yarn to knit/crochet/weave to its very end. Let’s use up those older special skeins that are soooo pretty we don’t want to touch them. In 2018, we are turning those sacred skeins into beautiful projects you can enjoy-- and maybe win a new beautiful skein of yarn from one of our sponsors along the way! Full details and rules can be found here.
• February Post: 80 skeins declared. Can't wait to see how many finish!
• Use and follow #slaythestash2018 on Social Media

Slay the Stash 2018: Sponsor List

• January: KnitCircus-- January Winner announced this episode!
• February: Kathryn Frank Fiber Arts
• March: Blue Skin Yarns
• April: BlueberryChick Yarn
• May: Legacy Fiber Artz
• June: Knitters Brewing Co
• July: Fish Belly Fiber Works
• August: SixandSevenFiber
• September: Fibernymph Dye Works
• October: Marigold Jen
• November: Dyenamixx Yarns
• December: Sunsoaked Yarns 

Events  

• 2018 Box O' Balls Round Robin Mini Swap: sign up anytime during 2018.  Find all of the details in this thread in the Ravelry Group.
• Ravellenics: knit along with the Winter Olympics on a project of your choosing (runs from February 9-25)
  • Ravellenics Group- here you can find the rules + another handy link that's a good place to start.
  • Team Sasquatch group

Contest, News & Notes

I joined Emily on her Tightly Spun Podcast this month. Check out my episode here!

Tune in for details about two shawls for which that I'm looking for test knitters.

Would you like to know when I'm looking for sponsors for upcoming KALs? Sign up for my newsletter and check the box saying you might be interested in sponsoring.

Life in Focus

I am still going strong making weekly goals that align with my 18 in 2018 and also other important things I need to do for that week. Not 100% success rate but I am doing things that I know for sure I’d put off if I wasn’t setting the goal for it.

• Project Life 2017 album 2 done, ordered from Picaboo. It arrived and I love it!

Ask Me Anything This episode I answered this question: I have a kinda behind the scene question : how long does it take you to produce the podcast? From preparation to recording to KAL maintenance. Because it seems to me you must spend quite a lot of time, and yet you work and are a very productive knitter/crocheter and have other crafts projects and a busy family life. Are you a speedy knitter?   On a Happy Note  

• Trader Joe’s cauliflower rice stir fry
• Making time for date nights even/especially during busy weeks
• Carina and Ella sleepover weekend!
• My niece Hattie Louisa is here!

Quote of the Week “Stay afraid, but do it anyway. What’s important is the action. You don’t have to wait to be confident. Just do it and eventually the confidence will follow.” - Carrie Fisher ------   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 130 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week's segments included:    

• Off the Needles
• On the Needles
• 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: Colorful Eclectic     Off the Needles   Sensory Crochet Ball

• Pattern: none
• Yarn: Lily Sugar and Cream Cotton in Seabreeze & Hot Orange
• Hook: E (3.5 mm)

  Teething Ring 

• Pattern: None
• Yarn: Cotton dish cloth yarn
• Hook: D

  Baby Gym Toys

• I purchased supplies from Amazon- Wooden Beads by Darice - 25 mm and 20 mm & an 8 piece wooden animal teether set
• 25mm were good size to crochet around. 6 single crochet then increase on first round. knit straight, then decrease down to 6 on last round.

  Baby To Be Hat

• Yarn: Online SuperSock
• Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm) and US 4 (3.5 mm)
• Pattern: Used the numbers from Barley Light by Tin Can Knits but omitted Garter Section

  Baby Socks

• Pattern: Newborn Hat and Sock Set by Shelley Mackie
• Yarn: Online SuperSock
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
• Written for DPNs so I made notes about how to change for 2 needles

On the Needles   Rainbow Frankenstein Socks

• Yarn: Scraps of fingering weight (mostly Patons Kroy)
  • Started with Blue Raspberry from Laura's socks, then Spring Leaf Stripes from Dan's socks
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
• Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
• I use Cate's Clasp Weft Join to join the yarn

  Imprim Bleu Socks

• Yarn: Bergere de France Goomy 50 in the Imprim Bleu color way
• Pattern: OMG Heel (most likely)
• Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)
• Past first heel. Patons Kroy charcoal gray in stash. Looks great. Forgot that I cast on 60 instead of my normal 56 so my heel had 2 extra stitches didn't realize until end. Will try them on but think it will be fine.

Newborn Vertebrae

• Pattern: Newborn Vertebrae by Kelly van Niekerk
• Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Dark Side Colorway (rainbow with charcoal gray stripes)
• Needles: US 2 + US 3

Brainstorming   Tin Can Knits has two relatively new DK color work sweater patterns that I'm really intrigued by:   Strange Brew & Dog Star     From the Armchair   Season 1 Dark (Netflix Original)- I recommend changing the settings to Closed Captioning instead of dubbing.   Handmaid’s Tale on Hulu & Mayday Podcast     Crafty Adventures  

I repaired the sleeve on my friend's sweater and added pom poms to my suitcases.

    Knitting in Passing Started rehearsals for Cabaret and found that some of my friends may be interested in learning to knit (or to knit again).   KAL News   Pigskin Party KAL

• Wondering what this crazy KAL is? Check out this page which gives you the best overview with all necessary links. There's also a helpful "Start Here" Thread in the Ravelry Group
• Check out the Rules but if you still have questions, come over to the Questions thread and ask. We’re happy to help.
• Put your Name on the Roster then claim your spot in the End Zone Dance Thread where you'll track your points. Continue to update this with all of the points you earn during the KAL
• For every 100 points, you'll earn an entry into the drawing for the Grand Prizes
  • Check out our amazing Sponsors; if you use their products, you'll earn more points per FO
    • Find the coupons here.
  • Some of our Pro Shop Level Sponsors will be creating exclusive items for Pigskin Party participants. They may come out at different times and will likely be limited in quantities, so keep your eyes on this Exclusive Items thread in the group for all the latest news
• Scope out the prizes! Some will be given out during the KAL; some will be part of the Grand Prizes.
• Don’t forget to use #DCSPigskinParty17 on Instagram so we check out what you’re doing and you can be eligible for participation prizes.

Thank you to our Pro Shop Sponsors! Atelier De Soyun  Colorful Eclectic Daisy Girl and Company Fancy Image Yarn Fibernymph Dye Works Inner Yarn Zen Joy in Rugging Knit Style Yarns Knitted Wit Knitters Brewing Company Knitty Kitty Bags Mekamika Nekozuki Knits Plum Deluxe Tea Prairie Bag Works Queen City Yarn Sunsoaked Yarns Woodsy and Wild Yarn Love   Key Details Mentioned in this Episode:

• Superbowl weekend is this weekend!! Don't forget you have until Monday February 5th to finish knitting, get your photos and update your End Zone Dance Post. I will close it first thing on Tuesday morning. If the thread is unlocked you can enter.

  Slay the Stash 2018

• Each month you can declare a skein of yarn to knit/crochet/weave to its very end. Let’s use up those older special skeins that are soooo pretty we don’t want to touch them. In 2018, we are turning those sacred skeins into beautiful projects you can enjoy-- and maybe win a new beautiful skein of yarn from one of our sponsors along the way! Full details and rules can be found here.
• February Post
• Use and follow #slaythestash2018 on Social Media

    Sponsor List

• January: KnitCircus
• February: Kathryn Frank Fiber Arts
• March: Blue Skin Yarns
• April: BlueberryChick Yarn
• May: Legacy Fiber Artz
• June: Knitters Brewing Co
• July: Fish Belly Fiber Works
• August: SixandSevenFiber
• September: Fibernymph Dye Works
• October: Marigold Jen
• November: Dyenamixx Yarns
• December: Sunsoaked Yarns

Events   2018 Box O' Balls Round Robin Mini Swap: sign up anytime during 2018.  Shipping cost of $13.50 (within US; have option to send Internationally) The contents will include: at least 20 mini yarn balls (each ball will be minimum of 5g/ 20 yards) to choose from, a handwritten note or card and a small gift. Find all of the details in this thread in the Ravelry Group.   Ravellenics- knit along with the Winter Olympics on a project of your choosing (runs from February 9-25)

• Ravellenics Group- here you can find the rules + another handy link that's a good place to start.
• Team Sasquatch group

Contest, News & Notes

• I am looking for test knitters for my Jean Marie shawl pattern (due by the end of February). PM me on Ravelry (Bostonian) if you're interested.

Life in Focus Project 2018 is well underway. Set 18 goals for the year. Each week I set action items to get me closer to those goals. In this episode I reviewed some recent progress. How is 2018 going for you? Let's chat about it in the Ravelry Group!     On a Happy Note

• Cabaret Rehearsals started! I'm psyched to be dancing with my high school dance friends, to get my brain working in new ways, for brushing up on my tap skills and for fun costumes!
• Ice Skating with friends outside at Gillette Stadium (where the Patriots play)
• Baby shower for Megg- 9 years since last baby. Could use some new things. Watched Pats win AFC championship while she opened gifts.
• Will and Aila sleepover!
• Premier Protein- heard about at WW. I've only tried Chocolate so far but I like it.

  Quote of the Week Breath is the bridge that connects life to consciousness, the bridge that units your body to your thoughts. Whenever your mind becomes scattered, use your breath as the means to take hold of your mind again.   -Thich Nhat Hanh ------   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!