Down Cellar Studio Podcast

  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 119 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week's segments included:  

• Off the Needles
• On the Needles
• Brainstorming
• From the Armchair
• KAL News
• Events
• Contests, News and Notes
• Life in Focus
• On a Happy Note

  Off the Needles   Jujuy 

• Pattern: Jujuy by Joji Locatelli
• Needles:US 5 (3.75 mm)
• Yarn: O Wool O-Wash Fingering- 3 colorways
• Stash Dash= motivation to finish it!  798.4 meters

    Cozy Christmas Socks

• Yarn: Cozy Knitter Bliss Sock in the Joyful colorway
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
• Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
• Used 291.9 meters of yarn

  Stash Dash Total 5,520.2meters     On the Needles   Saco River Socks

• Yarn: Skeindalous Yarn in the Sophia Base (MCN) in the Wesley’s Sweater color way
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
• Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
• Cast on for our Saco River trip.  First sock finished. Second sock past heel. Will finish before Stash Dash ends on August 20th.

  Brainstorming

• Finish Reese Stocking
• Crochet Erik's Stocking
• Lengthen  Construction Zone sweater
• Finish at least 1 pair of socks before Stash Dash ends
• Red Monster for Will

  From the Armchair

• Budgets + Cents Podcast: Transforming Your Money Story
• Book: I Know How She Does It: How Successful Women Make the Most of Their Time by Laura Vanderkam
• She Can Make (a new knitting audio podcast) with Kate and Lindsey. Check them out!

KAL News   12 Months to Christmas KAL

• Click here to find about more about this KAL.
• Check out: Chat Thread & FO Thread 
• The 12 Months to Christmas KAL is a craft-a-long that helps you prepare for the busy winter holiday season. Complete gift projects each month (or just in the months that you choose) so you don’t have to scramble in December. Find some cool new gift ideas, cheer each other on, and we’ll provide some motivation in the form of the potential to win prizes!

    WIP’ing 2017 in the Butt

• Declare a WIP from the first quarter of 2017 or earlier within the first 5 days of the month, posting a photo of it in the thread. Finish the project by the end of the month, update your post with your FO photo and you'll be eligible to win a Ravelry downloadable pattern of your choosing up to $8.

Splash Pad Party 2017 Winners Announced!

• Check out the prize thread for photos and details about prizes

The Pigskin Party KAL kicks off September 7th. More details in the next episode but for now check out these threads.

• Rules
• Pre-Game Chat
• Roster
• Prize Thread + Coupon Thread
• Pro Shop Exclusive Items

Events  

• Stash Dash KAL hosted by the Knit Girllls Podcast runs May 26-August 20, 2017
• Adirondack Wool and Arts Festival: September 23 & 24
• VT Sheep and Wool: September 30 & October 1, 2017
• Needles Up : Friday October 20 from 3-6p  conference center of the Delamater Inn, Rhinebeck NY
• Indie Untangled:  Friday, Oct. 20, 2017, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.  The Best Western Plus Kingston, N.Y.
• NY Sheep and Wool: October 19-22 at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck, NY
• A Weekend with Ann Weaver: Steeking and Finishing at Neighborhood Fiber Company November 18 + 19
• I am going to see Gretchen Rubin on her book tour on September 12th at the Brattle Theater. To see if the tour is coming to a location near you check out this website. There you can find more details about Gretchen’s new Four Tendencies Book, her other books and her podcast (all of which I enjoy and find incredibly useful).

  Contest, News and Notes   Yeksa Shawl by Janine McCarty of the Yarn and Ewe Girl Podcast on YouTube

• If you like my Tan House Brook or Aila Grace I think you'd like this.
• Kits for this pattern are available on her website at www.yarnandewe.com
• Come over to the Ravelry Group to enter to win a copy of this beautiful pattern.

Life in Focus   August-Happiness Project focus: home and love

• Getting back on track with minimizing our/our home's impact on the environment because that is important to me
  • Began using my reusable iced coffee cup again
  • Set of 8 metal straws from Amazon
  • Made a kit for my purse with fork, knife, spoon, cloth napkin and metal straw. haven’t used it yet, but I’m excited for the opportunity.
  • Talking with Dan about reducing our plastics- buying items with less/no packaging or glass/tin containers.
• Decorating our home and making it feel more homey--- put this on the back burner until fall

On a Happy Note  

• I bought gorgeous black lace dress for my cousin's wedding.
• I went to see the Red Sox with my brother. They didn't play because of rain but we had a great night.
• Mom and Dad asked us about going to dinner and we ended up spending 2+ hours with an old childhood friend and her husband who saw us check in on Facebook!
  
  
• Dan and I went camping at the State Park behind our house as a test run for our Saco River Trip.
• Saco River Trip. 3 days/2 nights, starting in North Conway NH and ending at the Brownfield Bridge in Brownfield, ME. About 26 miles. Much of that we didn’t even paddle. Gear all worked great. It was so peaceful, gorgeous scenery.
• Need a laugh? Check out this video by Jim Gaffigan- Seafood

Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information:

• Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group
• Twitter: Instagram & Periscope: 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 118 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
• On a Happy Note

    Thank you to this episode's sponsors Colorful Eclectic, Dragonfly Fibers, KnitCircus Yarns   Come chat about this episode in the Ravelry group! Off the Needles   Amma Granny Square Top

• Pattern: Amma Granny Square Top by Maria Valles
• Hook: C 2.75 mm
• Yarn: Aunt Lydia’s Crochet Thread Classic 10 in a creamy vanilla color
• Finished last year and brought it to Key West. The bottom trim got stuck on something in my suitcase and unraveled so I ripped back and finished it again.

Peregrine Falcon

• Pattern in Spirit Animals Book by  by Jessica Boyer put out by Leisure Arts. $10 ebook copy from their website.
• Yarn: Knit Picks Brava and Cascade 220 Superwash
• Hook: C
• This is made in many pieces. Finishing instructions aren't great but the FO is cute!

    New Stash Dash Total: 4,429.9 meters On the Needles   Reese's Christmas Stocking

• Pattern: Christmas Stockings to Knit and Crochet from Family Circle Magazine
• Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Red, Everglade Heather and White
• Hook: F (3.75 mm)

  Black/Gray Patons Socks

• Yarn: Patons Kroy Stripes in the Eclipse Stripes Colorway
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
• Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
• First sock is done.

  Cozy Christmas Socks

• Yarn: Cozy Knitter Bliss Sock in the Joyful colorway
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
• 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: OMG Heel by Megan Williams

  Garret's 2 Part Socks

• Yarn: White Birch Fiber Arts Merino/Nylon in the Nothing Says Screw You Like a Rainbow
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
• Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams

  Jujuy 

• Pattern: Jujuy by Joji Locatelli
• Needles:US 5 (3.75)
• Yarn: O Wool O-Wash Fingering

  Brainstorming

• Will wants another crochet monster like Rock n Rolla (aka Binky the Bubbly Monster- free pattern)
• Sunday Slippers; super cute free pattern for Super Bulk Slippers
• Mimic - boxy short sleeved pullover
• Tiles for Miles free crochet Baby Blanket pattern

From the Armchair

• Finished reading Truly, Madly, Guilty by Liane Moriarty
• Crafty Blog post re: 7 Smart Hacks to Crochet Perfectly Straight Edges

KAL News   12 Months to Christmas KAL

• Click here to find about more about this KAL.
• Check out: Chat Thread & FO Thread 
• The 12 Months to Christmas KAL is a craft-a-long that helps you prepare for the busy winter holiday season. Complete gift projects each month (or just in the months that you choose) so you don’t have to scramble in December. Find some cool new gift ideas, cheer each other on, and we’ll provide some motivation in the form of the potential to win prizes!

        WIP’ing 2017 in the Butt

• Declare a WIP from the first quarter of 2017 or earlier within the first 5 days of the month, posting a photo of it in the thread. Finish the project by the end of the month, update your post with your FO photo and you'll be eligible to win a Ravelry downloadable pattern of your choosing up to $8.

 

 

• Everything you need to know about the Splash Pad Party can be found here.
• Check out the Exclusive Items from our Pro Shop
• Prize Thread
• Questions Thread

    Key Details Mentioned in this Episode

• Use coupon code AUGUST at periwinklesheep.com From Aug 1-15 to get 15% off your order.
• Finish your projects by 7/31- but don't forget you have until 8/5 to post the details in the Summer Celebration Thread.

  Be sure to check out our Pro Shop Sponsors  

• Atelier de Soyun
• Blueberry Chick Yarn
• Colorful Eclectic
• Designs of Acadia
• Dragonfly Fibers
• Fibernymph Dye Works
• Infinite Twist
• Jennifer Lassonde Designs
• Knit Style Yarns
• Knitcircus Yarns
• Knitters Brewing Company
• Knitty kitty Bags
• One Geek to Craft Them All
• Pearl and Plum
• Plum Deluxe Tea
• Prairie Bag Works
• Skeindalous Yarns
• Sunsoaked yarns
• The Periwinkle Sheep
• Wooly Wonka Fibers

The Pigskin Party will start up at the end of August! Interested in sponsoring, get the details and first chance at Pro Shop spots by signing up for my email newsletter and clicking the box to say you're interested in Sponsorship Opportunities.

Events

• Fiber Revival: Saturday August 12 from 9a-4p at the Spencer Peirce Little Farm Newbury, MA
• Adirondack Wool and Arts Festival: September 23 & 24, 2017
• VT Sheep and Wool: September 30 & October 1, 2017
• Needles Up : Friday October 20 from 3-6p  conference center of the Delamater Inn, 25 Garden St Rhinebeck NY 12572- Legacy Fiber Artz, Andre Sue Knits, Sucre Sucre Minatures (Chelsea), Knit Cahoots (Cori and Megan), Fat Squirrel Speaks (AmyBeth)
• Indie Untangled:  Friday, Oct. 20, 2017, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.  The Best Western Plus, 503 Washington Ave., Kingston, N.Y.
• NY Sheep and Wool: October 19-22 at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck, NY

Contest, News & Notes Thank you to Knitters Pride for allowing me to giveaway a set of their Knitter's Pride- Knit Blockers to one lucky winner. Tune in to see if you won!   Forgot to tell you my other favorite Knitters Pride Product: Nova Platina (I prefer fixed circulars)   Life in Focus Happiness Project 2017- July= Focus on Family

• Played a board game called Spontuneous with my cousins, aunt and uncle. I'm not usually huge into board games but this was fun and I'm glad I chose to say yes!
• We went to a movie night at local shopping center. I love the new Beauty and the Beast. Kids had a blast (Garret spent half the night talking about hand knit socks and coming up with his 2-part sock idea)
• I made it a point to go up to Camp to see my cousin for my great uncle's memorial service. So great to spend quality time with my cousin who lives in Florida.

On a Happy Note

• Kayaking
  • Christi78 reached out to say: " Really enjoyed this episode. Just thought I'd toss out that LL Bean offers great trips, including my favorite - a full moon paddle around Casco Bay. When we went we saw seals and it was a magical date night."
  • Dan and I did about 8 miles of kayaking in NH last week. I love it so much!
•  I've been experimenting with getting at least 70g of protein per day to see if it will help me build muscle and potentially lose a pound or two. Some resources I mentioned
  • My Fitness Pal (app and website
  • Garden of Life Raw Chocolate Protein Powder, 365 Grass Fed Whey Vanilla Protein Powder, Garden of Life Raw Unflavored Protein
  • Protein Pancakes- 2 scoops vanilla protein powder, 1 whole egg, 2 tbsp PB2.
    • Syrup- 2 tbsp PB2 plus some water.

 -----------   Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information:

• Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group
• Twitter: Instagram & Periscope: 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 117 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week's segments included:  

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

  Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Prairie Bag Works, Periwinkle Sheep, and One Geek to Craft Them All   Off the Needles   Construction Zone

• Pattern: Construction Zone by Heidi Kirrmaier
• Yarn: Tempting Ewe Yarns Luxe Aran (90% Merino/10% Silk) in the Grey Goose Colorway. 2 skeins 340 yards each
• Needles: US 9 | 5.5 mm

 Blues Stripey Socks

• Yarn: Patons Kroy Singin the blues stripes
• Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)

  Beyond the Wall Socks

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

  Lime in the Coconut Socks

• Yarn: Blueberry Chick Yarn in the Put the Lime in the Coconut Colorway
• Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)

  Summer 2017 Dishcloths 

• Pattern: Teal Swirl Dishcloth
• Hook: Various H + J (I think)
• Yarn: Lily Sugar and Cream

  Riley's 2017 Christmas Legwarmers

• Pattern: none
• Yarn: Knit Picks Felici colorway: 27304 Lemonade (greens, yellows, blues: self striping)
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) & US 2. (2.75 mm)
• Cast on 56 stitches with US 1.5 ribbing for a couple inches. Switch to US 2 and knit stockinette for 1 stripe. Increase by 4 stitches to get to 60 sts. Knit the leg and reverse the shaping on the other side.

New Stash Dash total: 3571.9 meters

  On the Needles   Reese's Christmas Stocking

• Pattern: Christmas Stockings to Knit and Crochet from Family Circle Magazine
• Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Red, Everglade Heather and White
• Hook: F (3.75 mm)
• Front and back are done and blocked.

    Peregrine Falcon

• Pattern in Spirit Animals Book by  by Jessica Boyer put out by Leisure Arts. $10 ebook copy from their website. Paperback $12.99
• Yarn: Knit Picks Brava and Cascade 220 Superwash
• Hook: C

  From the Armchair Tune in to hear my review of the Knitter's Pride- Knit Blockers  

• Want to win a set for yourself? Follow Knitter’s Pride Instagram Account then come over to the Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group and let me know. While you're there, I'd also love to hear what your favorite Knitter's Pride Product is (if you have one)

Knitting in Passing

• I  met a lovely lady named Beryl at the hair salon last Saturday. She said she was just learning socks. I encouraged her to stick with it. I love the opportunity to chat with kind people, as Michelle of The Actually Knitting Podcast says, #becauseofknitting

  KAL News   12 Months to Christmas KAL

• Click here to find about more about this KAL.
• Check out: Chat Thread & FO Thread 
• The 12 Months to Christmas KAL is a craft-a-long that helps you prepare for the busy winter holiday season. Complete gift projects each month (or just in the months that you choose) so you don’t have to scramble in December. Find some cool new gift ideas, cheer each other on, and we’ll provide some motivation in the form of the potential to win prizes!

    WIP’ing 2017 in the Butt

• Declare a WIP from first quarter of 2017 or earlier within the first 5 days of the month, posting a photo of it in the thread. Finish the project by the end of the month, update your post with your FO photo and you'll be eligible to win a Ravelry downloadable pattern of your choosing up to $8.

  Splash Pad Party  

• Everything you need to know about the Splash Pad Party can be found here. Rules, Sponsors etc.
• Check out the Exclusive Items from our Pro Shop
• Prize Thread
• Questions Thread

    Key Details Mentioned in this Episode-  

• Use coupon code AUGUST at periwinklesheep.com From Aug 1-15 to get 15% off your order.
• Congrats to Team Pushing the Purls- winner of the Shuffleboard Tournament
• Tune in for some July chat/Instagram winners

  Events

• Where are Jen & Lisa?: check out the thread in our Ravelry Group
• Adirondack Wool and Arts Festival: September 23 & 24
• VT Sheep and Wool: September 30 & October 1, 2017

  Life in Focus July: Focus on Family

• We spent the first 5 days of the month in NH with my parents, my best friend, Dan's brother and my niece and nephew. Quality family time that you can hear more about from Aila (8) and Will (10) at the end of the episode.
• I spent quality time with my great Aunt Florence after knee replacement. When she's done w/ rehab for her knee, going to make a date to have her help me with a sewing project.

    On a Happy Note

• Dan and I are planning a kayak camping trip in August.
• My friend Devon was back in the US for a visit. She lives in Vienna now with her husband and they are expecting first baby in November. While she was home, she, Kris and I made this corn chowder recipe from Food + Wine. It was a little bland so we added a little cayan pepper and about a cup and half of Fiesta blend shredded cheese from Whole Foods (just what I had in my fridge). Then on Sunday we went to her Shower.
• Enjoying getting back to walking on a more consistent basis.
• Trying out new "recipes" (I don't follow recipes strictly)
  • Spaghetti Squash, Roasted Red Pepper, Zucchini, Eggplant, Tomatoes Basil, Ricotta (lazy man's veggie lasagne)
  • Overnight Oats: 1/2 c rolled oats, 3/4 c unsweetened almond/coconut blend milk, 1scoop of vanilla protein, cinnamon and blueberries- put in fridge overnight. 6 Weight Watchers Smart Points

Quote of the Week “Do not hunt for subjects, let them choose you, not you them.  Only do that which insists on being done and runs right up against you, hitting you in the eye until you do it.”   -- Samuel Butler       ------ Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information:

• Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group
• Twitter: Instagram & Periscope: 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 116 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week's segments included:  

• Possible Segments
• Off the Needles
• On the Needles
• Brainstorming
• From the Armchair
• KAL News
• Life in Focus
• On a Happy Note
• Quote of the Week

  Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Infinite Twist, Plum Deluxe, Blueberry Chick Yarn     Come chat about this episode over in the Ravelry group! Off the Needles  Donner

• Needles: US 3 (3.25 mmm)
•  Yarn:  Ellen Cooper's Yarn Sonnet's. Jenny base- 50/50 bamboo/cotton. Colorway is called Driftwood which is perfect for it- tans, grays, blips of peachy/pink. Variegated but almost tonal.
• Pattern: Donner by Elizabeth Doherty
• Size: 37 1/4 inch bust- calls for 920 yards
• I had 20 yards less than what was called for, so had to do cap sleeves and 2 inches shorter on the body. I love it!

  Mexicali Stripes Socks + Brown Rose Marl

• Patons Kroy Stripes in Mexicali Stripes and Singin the blues stripes
• Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)

  Frank

• Pattern: 4seasons Halloween by Lalylala Lydia Tresselt (5.50 Euros) for 3 pattern collection (also includes Diego, sugar skull, and Brian the brain)
• Yarn: Cascade 220 superwash/KnitPicks Brava
• Hook: C

  Stash Dash 2017 Total to Date:

• Total: 1945.2 meters to date
• Goal 10k

On the Needles Construction Zone

• Pattern: Construction Zone by Heidi Kirrmaier
• Yarn: Tempting Ewe Yarns Luxe Aran (90% Merino/10% Silk) in the Grey Goose Colorway. 2 skeins 340 yards total
• Needles: US 9 | 5.5 mm

Reese's Christmas Stocking

• Pattern: Christmas Stockings to Knit and Crochet from Family Circle Magazine
• Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Red, Everglade Heather and White
• Hook: F (3.75 mm)

   Blues Stripey Socks

• Yarn: Patons Kroy Singin the blues stripes
• Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)

  Beyond the Wall Socks

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

  Lime in the Coconut Socks

• Yarn: Blueberry Chick Yarn in the Put the Lime in the Coconut Colorway
• Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)

  Brainstorming

• Lydia Tresselt also has a 4 Seasons Easter Pattern- I'd like to make the lamb.
• Poppy Troll Hats- free crochet pattern. Super cute.
• I want to knit all the things during the 4th of July holiday.
• I'd like to use some stash yarn to knit the Jujuy by Joji Locatelli

From the Armchair

• Talking as Fast As I Can by Lauren Graham (audiobook read by author))
• Orange Is The New Black: Season 5 available on Netflix

KAL News 12 Months to Christmas KAL

• Click here to find about more about this KAL.
• Check out: Chat Thread & FO Thread
• The 12 Months to Christmas KAL is a craft-a-long that helps you prepare for the busy winter holiday season. Complete gift projects each month (or just in the months that you choose) so you don’t have to scramble in December. Find some cool new gift ideas, cheer each other on, and we’ll provide some motivation in the form of the potential to win prizes!

  WIP’ing 2017 in the Butt

• Declare a WIP from 2016 or earlier within the first 5 days of the month, posting a photo of it in the thread. Finish the project by the end of the month, update your post with your FO photo and you'll be eligible to win a Ravelry downloadable pattern of your choosing up to $8.

  Splash Pad Party 2017 Rules

• Questions Thread
• Sponsor List
• Prize Thread
• Pre-Swim Chat Thread in the Ravelry Group
• Exclusive Products for Splash Pad Participants

  What is the Splash Pad Party?

1. Craft along that runs from: June 1- July 31, 2017
2. To win prizes, craft something that’s 50-200 grams. For every 50 grams you use, you'll earn 1 entry into the Summer Celebration Thread.  You’ll earn additional entries for using Pro Shop Products (2), Pro Shop Exclusive Products (1), Snack Shack Product (1).
3. Prizes will be given out by using Random Number Generator to select posts in the Summer Celebration Thread.
4. Prizes will also randomly be given to those who chat in the any of the Splash Pad related chat threads and to those who use #splashpadparty17 on Instagram

  Be sure to check out our Pro Shop Sponsors  

• Atelier de Soyun
• Blueberry Chick Yarn
• Colorful Eclectic
• Designs of Acadia
• Dragonfly Fibers
• Fibernymph Dye Works
• Infinite Twist
• Jennifer Lassonde Designs
• Knit Style Yarns
• Knitcircus Yarns
• Knitters Brewing Company
• Knitty kitty Bags
• One Geek to Craft Them All
• Pearl and Plum
• Plum Deluxe Tea
• Prairie Bag Works
• Skeindalous Yarns
• Sunsoaked yarns
• The Periwinkle Sheep
• Wooly Wonka Fibers

  On a Happy Note

• Our surprise dance at my dancing school's 35th Anniversary Recital went well.
• Riley and Millie slept over afterwards and of course we had a blast. They always love Dan's pancakes. Audio of them at the end of the episode.
• Dan and I took our kayaks for a second outing.
• We had an awesome pool day to celebrate Oisin's 9th Birthday
• I've been able to work out more and my heel is nearly healed!
• My friend Dan etched a glass with my podcast logo! SO COOL!

Quote of the Week “My definition of a free society is a society where it is safe to be unpopular.” -Adlai Stevenson   ------   Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information:

• Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group
• Twitter: Instagram & Periscope: 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 115 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week's segments included:  

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

  Thank you to Sponsors: Wooly Wonka Fibers, Fibernymph Dyeworks + Knit Style Yarn   Off the Needles Key West Socks

• OMG Heel Sock Pattern
• US 1.5 Needles
• Yarn: Knitterly Things Vesper Sock Spring Sonata Colorway
• Self Striping, Hot pink, lighter pink, turquoise, orange and purple.
• Hard on my hands but LOVE the colors!
• FO=289.6 meters

  Cascade Heritage Prints Christmas Socks

• Yarn: Cascade Heritage Prints Color 26 Holidays
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
• Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
• FO= 287.7 meters

  Stash Dash Total: 577.3 meters- Goal is 10k On the Needles Gray + Black Socks

• Yarn: Bergere de France Goomy 50 in the Imprim Gris colorway
• Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)
• Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams

  Brown Rose Marl

• Patons Kroy Stripes in Mexicali Stripes and Singin the blues stripes
• Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)

  Riley's 2017 Christmas Legwarmers

• Pattern: none
• Yarn: Knit Picks Felici colorway: 27304 Lemonade (greens, yellows, blues: self striping)
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) & US 2. (2.75 mm)
• Cast on 56 stitches with US 1.5 ribbing for a couple inches. Switch to US 2 and knit stockinette for 1 stripe. Increase by 4 stitches to get to 60 sts. knit leg. Will match on the other side.

   Donner

• Needles: US 3 (3.25 mmm)
•  Yarn:  Ellen Cooper's Yarn Sonnet's. Jenny base- 50/50 bamboo/cotton. Colorway is called Driftwood which is perfect for it- tans, grays, blips of peachy/pink. Variegated but almost tonal.
• Pattern: Donner by Elizabeth Doherty
• Nearly done. Will need to modify to make short sleeves because I'm short on yarn.

  From the Armchair

• Invisibilia Podcast- Season 3 is focusing on Emotions and I'm enjoying it immensely. Check out this NPR Article that reviews some of the key points.
• Dan and I are watching Season 3 of Better Call Saul on AMC + listening to the Better Call Saul Insider Podcast.

In My Travels Portland, Maine

• Where we stayed: Mercury Inn
• Where we ate: Bull Feeney's (fish tacos mm) Fun people watching, Fore Street, Duck Fat
• Breweries we visited: Funky Bow, Rising Tide, Lone Pine, Bunker
• Bars we stopped into: Porthole, Scales (dinner next year), Dry Dock, Brian Boru (Irish Pub with roof deck)
• Other things we did: Antique shopping , yarn shopping at Knit Wit Yarn Shop + shopping at other small shops in the harbor area.

KAL News 12 Months to Christmas KAL

• Click here to find about more about this KAL.
• Check out: Chat Thread & FO Thread 
• Finish 1 project during each/all of the 12 months of 2017 that you plan to gift for the 2017 holidays. Post 1 item (max) per month of the year. Prizes will be drawn randomly throughout the year from all posts in the FO thread.

  WIP’ing 2017 in the Butt

• Declare a WIP from 2016 or earlier within the first 5 days of the month, posting a photo of it in the thread. Finish the project by the end of the month, update your post with your FO photo and you'll be eligible to win a Ravelry downloadable pattern of your choosing up to $8.

Splash Pad Party 2017 Rules

• Questions Thread
• Sponsor List
• Prize Thread
• Pre-Swim Chat Thread in the Ravelry Group
• Exclusive Products for Splash Pad Participants

  What is the Splash Pad Party?

1. Craft along that runs from: June 1- July 31, 2017
2. To win prizes, craft something that’s 50-200 grams. For every 50 grams you use, you'll earn 1 entry into the Summer Celebration Thread.  You’ll earn additional entries for using Pro Shop Products (2), Pro Shop Exclusive Products (1), Snack Shack Product (1).
3. Prizes will be given out by using Random Number Generator to select posts in the Summer Celebration Thread.
4. Prizes will also randomly be given to those who chat in the any of the Splash Pad related chat threads and to those who use #splashpadparty17 on Instagram

  Pro Shop Sponsors  

• Atelier de Soyun
• Blueberry Chick Yarn
• Colorful Eclectic
• Designs of Acadia
• Dragonfly Fibers
• Fibernymph Dye Works
• Infinite Twist
• Jennifer Lassonde Designs
• Knit Style Yarns
• Knitcircus Yarns
• Knitters Brewing Company
• Knitty kitty Bags
• One Geek to Craft Them All
• Pearl and Plum
• Plum Deluxe Tea
• Prairie Bag Works
• Skeindalous Yarns
• Sunsoaked yarns
• The Periwinkle Sheep
• Wooly Wonka Fibers

  Key Details Mentioned in this Episode:  

• Check out the Prize Thread for details about coupons available from some of our sponsors
• Three participation prizes were announced on this episode. Get in touch if you're a winner!

 Contests News and Notes

• I pulled the winner for the Merrain MKAL pattern from Mary of Kino Knits- Mrsquilt.

Life in Focus   June Happiness Project Focus: Nurture Friendships

• Do you have ideas? Clever things friends have done for you to show they care? Sending gifts or flowers works, but would like it to be something more thoughtful and heartfelt.

On a Happy Note

• I'm having fun dancing with friends (even though I sprained something in my ribs)
• We got a great deal at LL Bean on Kayaks and had our first adventure.
• Went to a lecture by Jessamyn Stanley at Boston Public Library
• I had an amazing birthday weekend with friends and family. Including our first pool day of the summer!

Quote of the Week I think it's nice to age gracefully. OK, you lose the youth, a certain stamina and dewy glow, but what you gain on the inside as a human being is wonderful: the wisdom, the acceptance and the peace of mind. It's a fair exchange. -Cherie Lunghi   ------ Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information:

• Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group
• Twitter: Instagram & Periscope: 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 114 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week's segments included:  

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

  Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Knitters Brewing Company, Skeindalous Yarns and Pearl and Plum Off the Needles Lea’s Christmas Stocking 

• Pattern: Christmas Stockings to Knit and Crochet from Family Circle Magazine
• Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Red, Everglade Heather and White
• Hook: F (3.75 mm)
• White cuff- 23 rounds. Increased one stitch on each edge a few rounds before finishing. Started round on left side of front. 

 On the Needles  Donner

• Needles: US 3 (3.25 mmm)
•  Yarn:  Ellen Cooper. Jenny base- 50/50 bamboo/cotton. Colorway is called Driftwood which is perfect for it- tans, grays, blips of peachy/pink. Variegated but almost tonal. Just enough variation for me.
• Pattern: Donner by Elizabeth Doherty

Lots of Socks:

• Mexicali Stripes Socks
• Blues Stripey Socks
• Brown Rose Marl
• Gray + Black Socks
• Frankensock
• Beyond the Wall Socks
• Christmas Socks

Gradient Angles Shawl

• Pattern: Gradient Angles by Jan Hamby
• Yarn: Infinite Twist

Worsted Weight Riley Rose ShawlRiley's Legwarmers

Journey Sweater

I have some leftover crochet hearts from the garland I made for Aila.

Mom recently unearthed a few hand knitted and crocheted things from our past:

• My baby blanket hand knit by Mom's friend's mother.
• Granny Square Shrug. Here's a photo of Riley wearing it
• Sweaters made for my brother + me.
• Mom sewed a set for my nursery- a diaper holder, dust ruffle and curtains
• Mom talked about how she and her friend made pillows from face cloths held together with yarn pulled through with a crochet hook.

Brainstorming Toy for Oisin in June- maybe one of these:

• Mo the Monsterboy by K. Godinez (free)
• 4Seasons Halloween by Lydia Tresselt

Will wants a Peregrine Falcon: found one in Spirit Animals Bookby Jessica Boyer available through Leisure Arts $9.99 download.   From the Armchair

• Bede Sisters Podcast
• Crazy Ex Girlfriend on Netflix
• Mom's been watching Married at First Sight + Married at First Sight Second Chances
• Mom and I review the ScanSnap ix500 Scanner: we love it!

  Scanner

• Set up. Save as jpg. Pdf.
• Save to folder. To Mac photos program.
• Create profiles for types of things.
• Once set up, very easy.
• Can scan up to 8.5 inches wide. Multiple items of different sizes at once
• Only thing it had trouble feeding was polaroids. Didn't play with paper settings because we didn't have enough to warrant and there were two of us.
• Got through nearly 10 years of photos in about 7 hours. Still have tons more to do.
• Process. Scan. Save to photos program. Tag with Year and other tags. Christmas. School etc move to Year folder in photos. In harddrive folder - move into Year folder.

KAL News   12 Months to Christmas KAL

• Click here to find about more about this KAL.
• Check out: Chat Thread & FO Thread 
• Finish 1 project during each/all of the 12 months of 2017 that you plan to gift for the 2017 holidays. Post 1 item (max) per month of the year. Prizes will be drawn randomly throughout the year from all posts in the FO thread.

  WIP’ing 2017 in the Butt

• Declare a WIP from 2016 or earlier within the first 5 days of the month, posting a photo of it in the thread. Finish the project by the end of the month, update your post with your FO photo and you'll be eligible to win a Ravelry downloadable pattern of your choosing up to $8.

Splash Pad Party 2017 Rules

• Questions Thread
• Sponsor List
• Prize Thread
• Pre-Swim Chat Thread in the Ravelry Group
• Exclusive Products for Splash Pad Participants
• Shuffleboard (starts June 1)

  Pro Shop Sponsors  

• Atelier de Soyun
• Blueberry Chick Yarn
• Colorful Eclectic
• Designs of Acadia
• Dragonfly Fibers
• Fibernymph Dye Works
• Infinite Twist
• Jennifer Lassonde Designs
• Knit Style Yarns
• Knitcircus Yarns
• Knitters Brewing Company
• Knitty kitty Bags
• One Geek to Craft Them All
• Pearl and Plum
• Plum Deluxe Tea
• Prairie Bag Works
• Skeindalous Yarns
• Sunsoaked yarns
• The Periwinkle Sheep
• Wooly Wonka Fibers

Snack Shack Sponsors  

• Daizie Knits
• Imagined Landscapes Designs
• Jenn Sheelen
• Kino Knits
• Kitchen Counter Crafter
• Knits4Comfort
• MarigoldJen Hand Dyed Yarns
• MediaPeruana Designs
• Remade By Hand Designs
• She Is Sew Whimsical
• Sunny Shoppe
• The Martini Knitter Company
• The Worsted Purl
• V Yarn
• Windswept Designs
• WizBags
• Zombody Knits

Events

• Adirondack Wool and Arts Festival: September 23 & 24
• VT Sheep and Wool: September 30 & October 1, 2017
• World Wide Knit In Public Day; June 10, 2017

  Virtual Events I'm looking forward to:  

• Stash Dash KAL – hosted by the Knit Girllls Podcast. Starts May 26th.
• Around Your Neck KAL hosted by the Suburban Stitcher Podcast
• PAL KAL hosted by the Actually Knitting Podcast
• Batter Up KAL hosted by the In a Sknit Podcast 

Contests News and Notes Come over to the group to this thread to enter to win a copy of the Merrain MKAL pattern from Mary of Kino Knits. Tune in to hear about a coupon code available for this patternuntil 6/15/17.   Life in Focus May Happiness Project: Try new tastes

• Garden Lites zucchini soufflé

On a Happy Note

• Scanning with Mom
• Seeing Aila perform in The Little Mermaid
• Cleaning, yard work, picking out new railings
• Converting the hutch in our dining room for project storage (scrapbooking and model making)
• Mom's Happy Place: Her 3 Season Room at Lassonde Pool Pub is OPEN! Mom got new rugs and a cute new pillow (from Walmart)

Quote of the Week "Forget about the fast lane. If you really want to fly, harness your power to your passion. Honor your calling. Everybody has one. Trust your heart, and success will come to you.” -Oprah Winfrey   ------   Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information:

• Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group
• Twitter: Instagram & Periscope: 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 113 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week's segments included:  

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

Thank you to this Episode's Sponsors: Knitty Kitty Bags, Atelier de Soyun, Sunsoaked Yarns    On the Needles   Donner

• Needles: US 3 (3.25 mmm)
•  Yarn:  Ellen Cooper. Jenny base- 50/50 bamboo/cotton. Colorway is called Driftwood which is perfect for it- tans, grays, blips of peachy/pink. Variegated but almost tonal. Just enough variation for me.
• Pattern: Donner by Elizabeth Doherty

Amma Granny Square Top

• Hook: F
• Yarn: Swift Yarns- Swift Bliss Sock- MCN- 2 ply in Dream Weaver Colorway- light green
• Pattern: Amma Granny Square Top by Maria Valles
• Modification- using a solid granny square pattern found here

Granny Square Scrap Blanket #2

• Pattern: Waveless Colorful Granny by CherylDeeCrochet (free)
• Hook: D (3.25 mm)
• Yarn: leftover angering weight scraps

Lea’s Christmas Stocking 

• Pattern: Christmas Stockings to Knit and Crochet from Family Circle Magazine
• Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Red, Everglade Heather and White
• Hook: F (3.75 mm)

Mexicali Stripes Socks + Blues Stripey Socks + Brown Rose Marl

• Patons Kroy Stripes in Mexicali Stripes and Singin the blues stripes
• Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)

I ripped out my Caesious Curl by Hunter Hammersen. Loved the stitch pattern but the shawl was too small w/ just 1 skein of fingering.   Brainstorming  I'm excited to make all the spring/summer tops. I bought yarn for the Construction Zone at Maryland Sheep and Wool.   I'm also excited to look through all my WIPs to strategize for Stash Dash!   From the Armchair  

• Audiobook- Julian Barnes- The Sense of an Ending
• Nerdette Podcast: Episode Breaking Yoga Stereotypes With Jessamyn Stanley

 In My Travels 

• I talked about my trip to visit friends and attend the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival
• Friday night we went to the Knot House in Frederick.
  • Met Carol from Swift Yarns: love her color sense, she does lighter colors and speckles impeccably
  • Caught up with Karin from The Periwinkle Sheep (love her grays! I need to buy a sweater quantity from her soon)
  • Finally got to meet Kristen of Media Peruana Designs
• Saturday highlights: shopping, podcaster meet up!!

KAL News   12 Months to Christmas KAL

• Click here to find about more about this KAL.
• Check out: Chat Thread & FO Thread 
• Finish 1 project during each/all of the 12 months of 2017 that you plan to gift for the 2017 holidays. Post 1 item (max) per month of the year. Prizes will be drawn randomly throughout the year from all posts in the FO thread.

  WIP’ing 2017 in the Butt

• Declare a WIP from 2016 or earlier within the first 5 days of the month, posting a photo of it in the thread. Finish the project by the end of the month, update your post with your FO photo and you'll be eligible to win a Ravelry downloadable pattern of your choosing up to $8.

Splash Pad Party 2017

• Rules
• Questions Thread
• Sponsor List
• Prize Thread
• Pre-Swim Chat Thread in the Ravelry Group
• Exclusive Products for Splash Pad Participants

 

Pro Shop Sponsors

• Atelier de Soyun
• Blueberry Chick Yarn
• Colorful Eclectic
• Designs of Acadia
• Dragonfly Fibers
• Fibernymph Dye Works
• Infinite Twist
• Jennifer Lassonde Designs
• Knit Style Yarns
• Knitcircus Yarns
• Knitters Brewing Company
• Knitty kitty Bags
• One Geek to Craft Them All
• Pearl and Plum
• Plum Deluxe Tea
• Prairie Bag Works
• Skeindalous Yarns
• Sunsoaked yarns
• The Periwinkle Sheep
• Wooly Wonka Fibers

Snack Shack Sponsors

• Daizie Knits
• Imagined Landscapes Designs
• Jenn Sheelen
• Kino Knits
• Kitchen Counter Crafter
• Knits4Comfort
• MarigoldJen Hand Dyed Yarns
• MediaPeruana Designs
• Remade By Hand Designs
• She Is Sew Whimsical
• Sunny Shoppe
• The Martini Knitter Company
• The Worsted Purl
• V Yarn
• Windswept Designs
• WizBags
• Zombody Knits  

Events  

• RI Fiber Festival: May 20, 2017
• Long Island Fleece & Fiber Fair– May 20 & 21, 2017
• Massachusetts Sheep and Wool: May 27 & 28, 2017
• Adirondack Wool and Arts Festival: September 23 & 24
• VT Sheep and Wool: September 30 & October 1, 2017
• World Wide Knit In Public Day; June 10, 2017

Virtual Events I'm looking forward to:

• Stash Dash KAL – hosted by the Knit Girllls Podcast. Starts May 26th.
• Around Your Neck KAL hosted by the Suburban Stitcher Podcast
• PAL KAL hosted by the Actually Knitting Podcast
• Batter Up KAL hosted by the In a Sknit Podcast 

  Contests News and Notes  Come over to the group to this thread to enter to win a copy of the Merrain MKAL pattern from Mary of Kino Knits. Tune in to hear about a coupon code available for this pattern until 6/15/17.     Life in Focus May Happiness Project: Try new tastes

•  Spaghetti Squash: pierced it 10-15 times. Baked at 350 for about an hour. Easy!
•  Siggi peach yogurt
•  Protein shakes
• Blue Diamond almonds with Wasabi and Soy Sauce
• Trying to get in more protein after learning recently that you should eat 8 grams of protein for every 20 pounds you weigh

On a Happy Note 

•  I went to the Museum of Fine Arts with my best friend to see a painting by Frida Kahlo
• Going to my nieces' dance recital! They did GREAT!
• Managing a successful software upgrade at work.
• Finally getting a day off and treating myself to a massage + keratin treatment
• Applying strategies I know work well for me when life is crazy. Eating well. Sleeping well. Knitting for stress. Exercise. Seeing friends. Making time for date night.
• Dan hung up the swings my parents bought us for Christmas! They're from Cobble Mountain Hammock Company

Quote of the Week “I can’t just sit here and think, ‘I just wish my body was different. Everything could be different, would be different.’ When you accept that, you can accept the strength your body parts are actually giving you.”  JESSAMYN STANLEY   ------   Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information:

• Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group
• Twitter: Instagram & Periscope: 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 112 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week's segments included:    

• Off the Needles
• On the Needles
• Brainstorming
• Crafty Adventures
• KAL News
• Events
• Contests, News and Notes
• Life in Focus
• On a Happy Note
• Quote of the Week

  Off The Needles Brooklyn the Ballerina

• Pattern: Brooklyn the Ballerina by Yarn Society on Etsy (not list on Ravelry) $4.99
• Hook: C
• Yarn: Cascade 220 Superwash (white), Knit Picks Brava (blue), Malibrigo (red)

  On the Needles   Mexicali Stripes Socks + Blues Stripey Socks

• Patons Kroy Stripes in Mexicali Stripes and Singin the blues stripes
• Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)

Cascade Heritage Prints Christmas Socks

• Yarn: Cascade Heritage Prints Color 26 Holidays
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
• Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams

  Lea’s Christmas Stocking 

• Pattern: Christmas Stockings to Knit and Crochet from Family Circle Magazine
• Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Red, Everglade Heather and White
• Hook: F (3.75 mm)

  Granny Square Scrap Blanket #2

• Pattern: Waveless Colorful Granny by CherylDeeCrochet (free)
• Hook: D (3.25 mm)
• Yarn: leftover angering weight scraps
• Using 3 rounds of one color of fingering.

  Hexagon Scrappy Blanket

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

  Brainstorming

• Swatching for Donner by Elizabeth Doherty.
• Yarn= Ellyn Cooper’s Yarn Sonnets- Jenny base which is a 50/50 bamboo cotton fingering in the driftwood colorway
• Getting Gradient Angles back on track.
  • I encourage you to check out the amazing kits at Infinite Twist. be sure to put Down Cellar Studio in the referral box at check out to get some free goodies. For a free copy of the Quintia Shawl pattern through May 31st with code: highfive
• It's the the of year to wash the winter knits before storing them for the winter. That will help to keep any critters away.

Crafty Adventures Week in the Life Project by Ali Edwards. Some products I mentioned.

• Becky Higgins 6x8 page protectors
• Snap brand 6x8 page protectors
• Pics Art app to put digital stamps on photos
• Digital stamps from Ali Edwards

  KAL News 12 Months to Christmas KAL

• Click here to find about more about this KAL.
• Check out: Chat Thread & FO Thread 
• The 12 Months to Christmas KAL is a craft-a-long that helps you prepare for the busy winter holiday season. Complete gift projects each month (or just in the months that you choose) so you don’t have to scramble in December. Find some cool new gift ideas, cheer each other on, and we’ll provide some motivation in the form of the potential to win prizes!

  WIP’ing 2017 in the Butt

• Declare a WIP from 2016 or earlier within the first 5 days of the month, posting a photo of it in the thread. Finish the project by the end of the month, update your post with your FO photo and you'll be eligible to win a Ravelry downloadable pattern of your choosing up to $8.
• April Prize: Fibernymph Dye Works- A set of mini skeins from my Antigua colorway collection…this includes six mini skeins, three on Bounce (80 yards each) and three on Bedazzled (87 yards each)

Splash Pad Party KAL

• The Splash Pad Party KAL runs June 1- July 31. Click here for Rules.
• Interested in Sponsoring? Click here for details.

Snack Shack Sponsors (as of 4/28)

• Daizie Knits
• Imagined Landscapes Designs
• Knits4Comfort
• MarigoldJen Hand Dyed Yarns
• The Martini Knitter Company
• MediaPeruana Designs
• Remade By Hand Designs
• She Is Sew Whimsical
• Sunny Shoppe
• Windswept Designs
• The Worsted Purl 
• Zombody Knits

  Pro Shop Sponsors (as of 4/28)  

• Atelier de Soyun
• Colorful Eclectic
• Dragonfly Fibers
• Fibernymph Dye Works
• Infinite Twist
• Knit Style Yarns
• Knitters Brewing Company
• Knitty Kitty Bags
• The Periwinkle Sheep
• Pearl and Plum
• Prairie Bag Works
• Skeindalous Yarns
• Sunsoaked Yarns
• Wooly Wonka Fibers

Designs of Arcadia will be selling Splash Pad Party Logo Totes- get Pro Shop points for using that as your project bag. Also makes a great beach/pool tote! I love mine.   Events

• Where are Jen & Lisa?: check out the thread in our Ravelry Group
• Maryland Sheep & Wool: May 6 & 7, 2017 + Pop Up Event a the Knot House May 5-7 in Frederick MD
• NH Sheep and Wool: May 13 & 14, 2017
• RI Fiber Festival: May 20, 2017
• Long Island Fleece & Fiber Fair- May 20 & 21, 2017
• Massachusetts Sheep and Wool: May 27 & 28, 2017
• Adirondack Wool and Arts Festival: September 23 & 24
• VT Sheep and Wool: September 30 & October 1, 2017

Tune in to hear my best trips for Maryland Sheep & Wool Planning. Also check out:

• My blog post on Fiber Events: Setting Yourself Up for Success
• Mary, Kino Knits, created a free downloadable fiber festival planning sheet, available exclusively to subscribers to her new Kino Knits newsletter. Sign up here.

  Stash Dash KAL - hosted by the Knit Girllls Podcast. Starts May 26th.   Contest News and Notes Please check out my latest shawl design Emelyn Mae Shawl  regular price $6.00. On sale for 50% off until May 15th.  

 

Life in Focus Happiness Project 2017- April Explore my Surroundings  

• Exploring Charles Street after work. $10 sock blockers at store that's moving.
• Dan and I went to a local restaurant for their $2 tapas Thursday night events three weeks in a row. Adding date night into routine definitely making me happier.

On A Happy Note

• Easter with the family
• Retirement Planning
• Kris' birthday dinner
• Bowling for A’s 8th birthday.
• CT Sheep and Wool Festival with Emelyn (our 4th fiber festival together). Tune in for audio at end of the episode.

Quote of the Week “To be really happy and really safe, one ought to have at least two or three hobbies, and they must all be real.” – Winston Churchill, “Hobbies”   ------   For website: Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information:

• Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group
• Twitter: Instagram & Periscope: 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 111 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week's segments included:  

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

  Off The Needles

• Brown, Purple and Yellow Ninjas
• Yarn: Cascade 220 super wash
• Hook: C 2.75 mm

  Kris' 2017 Birthday Socks

• Yarn: Mint Rain Twist Sock- Self Striping in the After the Storm Colorway
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
• Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams

  Fluffy Sheep

• Pattern: Chinese New Year Sheep/Lamb by Stephanie Jessica Lau
• Yarn: Bernat Pipsqueak (fluffy yarn) + worsted weight acrylic yarn

  Shy Little Unicorn

• Pattern: Shy Little Unicorn by  Ana Paula Rimoli (library book)
• Yarn: KnitPicks Brava Worsted
• Hook: C
• Her name: Poopsiedoo

On the Needles  Key West Socks

• OMG Heel Sock Pattern
• US 1.5 Needles
• Yarn: Knitterly Things Vesper Sock Spring Sonata Colorway

  Beyond the Wall Socks

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

  Cascade Heritage Prints Christmas Socks

• Yarn: Cascade Heritage Prints Color 26 Holidays
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
• Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams

  Gray + Black Socks

• Yarn: Bergere de France Goomy 50 in the Imprim Gris colorway
• Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)
• Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
• Tune in to hear my review of trying on 9 inch circular needles.

  Riley's 2017 Christmas Legwarmers

• Pattern: none
• Yarn: Knit Picks Felici colorway: 27304 Lemonade (greens, yellows, blues: self striping)
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) & US 2. (2.75 mm)

  Granny Square Scrap Blanket #2

• Pattern: Weaveless Colorful Granny by CherylDeeCrochet (free)
• Hook: D (3.25 mm)
• Yarn: leftover fingering weight scraps

  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)

Brainstorming

• Crochet Christmas stockings
• More socks (stocked up on Patons Kroy on sale from Craftsy.com)

Crafty Adventures

I share some thought on getting back into scrapbooking after a long hiatus.

Knitting in Passing My friend Megg and I generated a lot of conversation knitting at the Camp Pulse event last weekend. I think I may have a few more converts to teach.   KAL News 12 Months to Christmas KAL

• Click here to find about more about this KAL.
• Check out: Chat Thread & FO Thread 
• The 12 Months to Christmas KAL is a craft-a-long that helps you prepare for the busy winter holiday season. Complete gift projects each month (or just in the months that you choose) so you don’t have to scramble in December. Find some cool new gift ideas, cheer each other on, and we’ll provide some motivation in the form of the potential to win prizes!

Tune in to hear if you won a First Quarter Prize  

• Project Bag of Winner's Choice from She is Sew Whimsical on Etsy
• Slip and Swirl Sock pattern by Kristi Barnwell
• Lil Miss Chelsea Bean Shawl by Jenn Sheelen

  WIP’ing 2017 in the Butt

• Declare a WIP from 2016 or earlier within the first 5 days of the month, posting a photo of it in the thread. Finish the project by the end of the month, update your post with your FO photo and you'll be eligible to win a Ravelry downloadable pattern of your choosing up to $8.

In April, we also have an additional prize from Fibernymph Dye Works

• A set of mini skeins from my Antigua colorway collection…this includes six mini skeins, three on Bounce (80 yards each) and three on Bedazzled (87 yards each)

  Splash Pad Party KAL  

• The Splash Pad Party KAL runs June 1- July 31. Click here for Rules.
• Interested in Sponsoring? Click here for details.

 Events

• Where are Jen & Lisa?: check out the thread in our Ravelry Group
• Connecticut Sheep and Wool: April 29, 2017
• Stitches United: April 27-30, 2017
• Gore Place Shearing Festival: April 29, 2017
• Maryland Sheep & Wool: May 6 & 7, 2017
• NH Sheep and Wool: May 13 & 14, 2017
• RI Fiber Festival: May 20, 2017
• Long Island Fleece & Fiber Fair- May 20 & 21, 2017
• Massachusetts Sheep and Wool: May 27 & 28, 2017
• Adirondack Wool and Arts Festival: September 23 & 24
• VT Sheep and Wool: September 30 & October 1, 2017

 

Coming to CT Sheep & Wool or Stitches United? Participate in our Riley Rose Shawl Contest.

• Wear your Riley Rose, take a photo and post to get one entry
• Take a photo of someone else wearing a Riley Rose shawl and get 2 entries
• See someone wearing one, make a friend and take a photo together and get 3 entries.
• All photos must be posted on Instagram with #rileyroseshawl and tag me @BostonJen1  to be eligible to win

  Stash Dash KAL - hosted by the Knit Girllls Podcast. Starts May 26th.   #the100dayproject

• What is it: choose a creative project you will commit to for 100 days. Most people choose something very specific. I am just going to focus on doing something creative every day. So far, knitting, crochet, project life scrapbooking and hand lettering/drawing.

  Life in Focus Happiness Project 2017   April- Explore Your Surroundings

• Boston Public Library Event: Colum McCann; Click here to learn more about the author
• Dan and I went to dinner at a local restaurant for dinner on Thursday - We never do ANYTHING in our town so I treated us to dinner at a fancy restaurant near us. Turns out they do $2 tapas!

On A Happy Note

• Riley was in a Panto performance of Aladdin
• Taking Garret to Legoland for his 7th Birthday
• Emelyn's surprise 13th Birthday Party.
• I thoroughly enjoyed the new Beauty & the Beast movie
• Eme performed in Guys & Dolls!
• Camp Pulse weekend!

  Quote of the Week I'm not interested in blind optimism, but I'm very interested in optimism that is hard-won, that takes on darkness and then says, 'This is not enough.' Colum McCann ------   Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information:

• Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group
• Twitter: Instagram & Periscope: 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 110 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
• Contest, News & Notes
• Life in Focus
• On a Happy Note
• Quote of the Week

  Off the Needles   Frankensock #4

• Yarn: Various Scraps
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
• Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
• Video Tutorial for Cate's Clasp Weft Join for Knitting available on my YouTube channel. Cate will be releasing a PDF soon. Check back here for a link.
  • Check out Cate's other brilliant works at Infinite Twist
  • This join is meant for non-super wash yarn. It has held up well in super wash socks, maybe because they are knit tightly. You may want to swatch if using a more slippery yarn, especially at a looser gauge.
• I also started  Frankensock #5

  Meghan's Birthday Socks

• Yarn: Bergere de France Goomy 50 in the Imprim Khaki Colorway
• Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)
• Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams

 

Dan’s New Year’s Socks

• Yarn: KFI Luxury Collection (MCN)- Color 604, browns, light green and a teal
• Needles: US 2 (2.75mm)
• Pattern: OMG heel 52 stitches

  Stanley the Giraffe

• Pattern: Stanley the Giraffe by Little Muggles ($5 through Craftsy)
• Yarn: Vanna’s Choice
• Hook: F 3.75mm

  Orange Ninja + Brown Ninja

• Pattern: my own notes
• Yarn: Cascade 220 super wash
• Hook: C 2.75 mm

Pink Ninja

• Pattern: my own notes
• Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted- magenta
• Hook: D 3.25 mm

On the Needles   Kris' 2017 Birthday Socks

• Yarn: Mint Rain Twist Sock- Self Striping in the After the Storm Colorway
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
• Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams

 

  Fluffy Sheep

• Pattern: Chinese New Year Sheep/Lamb by Stephanie Jessica Lau
• Yarn: Bernat Pipsqueak (fluffy yarn) + worsted weight acrylic yarn

Brainstorming 

• Idea from TwinSet Jan re: options for Color Collusion shawl.
• I need to start Christmas stockings for this year.
• Eme wants partners for her bunnies sheep and elephant. She recommended I start with baby bunnies in fun colors! Can do.

From the Armchair Check out this cool documentary:   REUSE! Because You Can't Recycle the Planet- Documentary   Knitting in Passing

• My niece Emelyn (almost 13 years old) wants to finish the cowl she cast on last year after the RI Fiber Fest.
• Riley wanted to knit on socks at a fundraiser we were at last week, so she, Megg and I all knit together for a few minutes.
  
  

KAL News   12 Months to Christmas KAL

• Click here to find about more about this KAL.
• Check out: Chat Thread & FO Thread 
• Finish 1 project during each/all of the 12 months of 2017 that you plan to gift for the 2017 holidays. Post 1 item (max) per month of the year. Prizes will be drawn randomly throughout the year from all posts in the FO thread.

First Quarter Prizes:

• Project Bag of Winner's Choice from She is Sew Whimsical on Etsy
• Slip and Swirl Sock pattern by Kristi Barnwell

  WIP’ing 2017 in the Butt

• Declare a WIP from 2016 or earlier within the first 5 days of the month, posting a photo of it in the thread. Finish the project by the end of the month, update your post with your FO photo and you'll be eligible to win a Ravelry downloadable pattern of your choosing up to $8.
• Additional prize for March— Fibernymph Dye Works resist-dyed sock blank – either with sparkle or without – custom dyed in the winners choice of colors.

Events

• Where are Jen & Lisa?: check out the thread in our Ravelry Group
• Fiber Marketplace: April 8 (Maine)
• Connecticut Sheep and Wool: April 29, 2017
• Stitches United: April 27-30, 2017
• Gore Place Shearing Festival: April 29, 2017
• Maryland Sheep & Wool: May 6 & 7, 2017
• NH Sheep and Wool: May 13 & 14, 2017
• RI Fiber Festival: May 20, 2017
• Massachusetts Sheep and Wool: May 27 & 28, 2017
• Adirondack Wool and Arts Festival: September 23 & 24
• VT Sheep and Wool: September 30 & October 1, 2017

Life in Focus Happiness Project 2017 March Happiness Project- Automation

• I've made some progress
  • Set up my credit card to auto pay each month.
  • Set up my phone and Dan’s phone to auto upload our photos to Dropbox.
  • I am still looking for better photo management solution to replace iPhoto. Have any tips for me?
  • I've backed up my photos to Google Photos
  • I am working on a new habit of deleting photos off my phone each night before bed.
  • I purchased an eye-fi SD card from Amazon. This will send my camera photos onto my phone so I can edit, upload, share with others, put right into Project life app on my phone. I love it! It was easy to set and it is easy to use.

Contests, News and Notes   Fuller Craft Museum- Revolution in the Making: The Pussyhat Project (opens 1/21/18): article link     The Fuller Craft Museum is calling for submissions to come with a written description of the story behind the hats, which are often made as an act of meditation. Contributors are also asked to first send a photograph of their pussy hat to the Fuller Craft Museum before submitting, to make sure there is no overlap in design with other hats already received by the museum.   Patterns I'm excited about

• Slip and Swirl Socks by Kristi Barnwell of the In a Sknit podcast
• Susan B Anderson's Butterfly & Cocoon pattern available for individual sale on Ravelry

  Life in Focus Happiness Project 2017 March Happiness Project- Automation

• Struggling a little more with this one but I have made some progress.
• Only have 1 credit card. Set it to auto pay each month.
• Set up my phone and Dan’s phone to auto upload our photos to Dropbox. I store all of our photos and its easier and takes less time this way than having to take Dan’s phone and plug it into my computer.
• Still looking for better photo management solution. If others have tips. Have all Macs. iPhoto. Slow. crashes. Not ideal. I have lightroom from disc, not creative cloud. may move to one of those options but need to decide. In the meantime, at least our photos are safe and backed up.
• Also backing up ALL my photos phone and computer to Google Photo which I mentioned in this segment last month.
• Trying out new habit of deleting photos off my phone each night before bed. Strategy of pairing- write in journal and delete bad photos before bed
• Bought an Eye fi card from Amazon. Puts camera photos onto my phone so i can edit, upload, share with others, put right into Project life app on my phone. Really easy to use. Connect to the wifi network when it comes up. open app on my phone and photos download into the app. Download onto my phone's photo app only if I choose, which is nice! Easy to use. Glad I have it. Still may not always use it, but I enjoy having that option.

  On A Happy Note 

• Spring shopping. Not totally happy about the shopping process but happy to have a few things that fit well.
• Trying new recipes (I don’t enjoy the process, but the result make me happy)
  • New to me things: cooking lentils and trying chipotle sauce (to replicate bowl from B Good).
• Scrapbooking, documenting important memories, ordering photos from Persnickety Prints
• Hanging out with our friends daughters- Carina and Ella
• Dinner and movie for my friend Megg's birthday!
• Family fun at a local fundraiser.
• Emelyn asking to go on a birthday date with Dan (and him saying yes, but they need to go out for a fancy dinner!)

Quote of the Week "Two things define you. Your patience when you have nothing, and your attitude when you have everything." -Unknown