Episode 296: Another Openin’

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 296 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:

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

Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Stitched by Jessalu (2nd Episode of the Month)

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Pop Tart

  • Pattern: None
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Brava & Joann Big Twist Value Solids in Natural Colorway + variegated yarn (fingering weight held double)
  • Hook:C (2.75 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Made for Eme’s birthday as a cute something to open. Gifted with a box of edible poptarts.

Cold Goat Farm Spinning Project

  • Fiber: Cold Goats Farm; believe it is a merino/mohair batt (8oz) in a natural, undyed cream color
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Twist direction: singles = Z plied = S
    • This means when I’m spinning, my wheel is spinning clockwise and when plying my wheel is moving counter-clockwise.
  • Progress: All of the spinning of the singles is done- finally.

David… Fold in the cheese socks

  • Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz in the David…Fold in the cheese!!!! colorway (with cream/gray mini skein)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the yarn- cream, pink and blue to match rose apron David wears in this episode of Schitt’s Creek.
  • I did a shorter than usual leg- 5.25 inches and 9.5 inch foot. The first sock 28 grams, using CC for toe and cuff, so I should have enough for a second pair of socks with this yarn.

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Hot pink spinning

  • Fiber: Mountain Vewe Coopworths Fiber in hot pink (no specific colorway name)- three 4oz bumps
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Twist direction: singles = Z plied = S
    • This means when I’m spinning, my wheel is spinning clockwise and when plying my wheel is moving counter-clockwise.
  • Progress: ~1/2 way through first bump. 1st bobbin nearly full.

Granny Square Tan Top

  • Yarn: MC- Cloudbourn Fibers Wool Fingering Twist in Natural (1 skeins), Advent Mini Skeins from Legacy Fiber Artz (Steel Toes Base) & Fibernymph Dye Works (Bounce Base)- both from 2024.
  • Hook: D (3.25 mm)
  • Pattern: none
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • 3 round granny squares: Round 1= more tonal color, Round 2= speckled, Round 3= natural
  • Yarn organization: I put 2 sets of colors in each mostly clear zippered pouch from my Yarnable Subscription kits. It keeps the yarn from the mini skeins from getting tangled.
  • Progress: Squares to date: 25 squares.

Boss A$$ B|tc# Socks

  • Yarn: Woolens & Nosh Superwash Targhee Fingering in the Boss A$$ B|tc# Colorway (purposely not spelled out here, though it is on the label)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • RavelryProject Page
  • 90g of yarn to start
  • About the Yarn: Self striping with yellow, tan, peach, pink, light aqua, teal & navy
  • Progress: cast on 1st sock. Finished cuff and an inch or two into leg.

Dinosaur T-Rex and Pterodactyl

  • Pattern: Dinosaur T-Rex and Pterodactyl by Anita Suriaa- $5.99 crochet pattern on Ravelry
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted
  • Hook: 2.5 mm
  • Progress: I’ve made T-Rex head and body. Thought I’d run out the yarn for the body (25g mini).

Brainstorming

Advent brainstorm- Granny Wrap available on Ravelry. Kristina- foryouandyarn- reminded me that I love Ali’s Starryeyesali’s Ravelry Project Page.

From the Armchair

Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.

Knitting in Passing

My cousin Ava knit the Storm Sweater by Petite Knit for her boyfriend Luke.

KAL News

  • The Splash Pad Party celebrates its 10th year and officially opens on June 1st. Save the date for some fun kick off events that day!
  • Interested in sponsoring? Check out this link for details.

Events

Life in Focus

  • I shared an update on my Word of the Year for 2025: Welcome & some 25 in 2025 list.

25 in 2025 list

  • 1) Donate Blood at least 4 times (January, March)
  • 4) Go camping (scheduled for June)
  • 10) Record 2-5 things I’m grateful for each day before bed (more days than not counts)
  • 13) Get at least 2 massages at Oasis (1 in April)
  • 17) Crochet at least 5 toys (1: hedgehog 2&3: Love Bugs, 4 pop-tart, 5 butterfly. WIPs-Another butterfly & TRex)
  • 18) Use my spinning wheel at least once a month (Done monthly so far)
  • 23) Buy a firebox and put important papers inside (working with Dan on list of things to put in it)
  • 25) Purge at least 20 items of clothing/accessories/shoes
    • Probably have at least this much done

On a Happy Note

  • Shucked musical. We had dinner at Democracy Brewing beforehand. Delicious tacos and good beer.
  • Celebrating April Birthdays
  • Decorating for Easter with Dad, Millie and Garret
  • Celebrating Easter with the family!
  • The Pulse on Netflix- my cousin Michael William Freeman was in the last few episodes.
  • I survived tech week and had the forethought to take off Friday before opening weekend.
  • Laura came in from NYC for my show.
  • Opening of Kiss Me Kate!

Quote of the Week

“Because the birdsong might be pretty,

But it’s not for you they sing,

And if you think my winter is too cold,

You don’t deserve my spring.”

― Erin Hanson

——

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Episode 295: Fiber Witch Fun

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 295 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:

  • Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • Brainstorming
  • From the Armchair
  • Some Years Later
  • Knitting in Passing
  • In my Travels
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Some Bunny Loves You Socks

  • Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Some Bunny Loves You Colorway (Yarnable April 2023 colorway)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the colorway- cream base with speckles of purple, blue, rust.
  • Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link. Get $5 off with coupon code BostonJen

Belle the Butterfly #3

  • Pattern: Belle the Butterfly $4 pattern from Theresascrochetshop on Etsy
  • Hook: C
  • Yarn: leftover DK yarn from stash
  • Ravelry Project Page

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Cold Goat Farm Spinning Project

  • Fiber: Cold Goats Farm; believe it is a merino/mohair batt (8oz) in a natural, undyed cream color
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Twist direction: singles = Z plied = S
    • This means when I’m spinning, my wheel is spinning clockwise and when plying my wheel is moving counter-clockwise.
  • Progress: 3rd bobbin done and onto the 4th. This is the batt that never ends! Getting closer but still not done.

Calendula Christmas Quilt

  • Pattern: Calendula Quilt by Elena Fedotova available on Ravelry for $7.50 US.
  • Yarn: Big Twist Value Solids in Ivory, Deep Red, Varsity Green, Aqua, Medium Rose, Gray
  • Hook:  G (4.0 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • I used Canva to help me figure out color placement to extend out the quilt pattern.
  • I am seaming squares using the Mattress Stitch.
  • I had the 2 color (on the diagonal) granny square memorized but totally forgot how to do those. Here’s a helpful video I found that helped refresh my memory.
  • Goal: 6 per week
  • Progress: 19 2 weeks ago & 12 last week (week 7 & 8)- 106 in 8 weeks- avg/13 per week
  • 129 not attached and 48 attached.
  • Current draft is 18 rows and 16 columns- 288 squares. 177 done/ 111 to go- 61% done

Let the Mystery Unravel 2023 Blanket of Calm

  • Pattern: Blanket of Calm by Casapinka (free crochet pattern)
  • Yarn: Woolen Women Fibers- Let the Mystery Unravel subscription + Cascade Heritage Sock yarn in the Forged Iron Colorway
  • Hook: 3.25 mm (D)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • You can find my Let the Mystery Unravel Unboxing Video on YouTube in this Playlist
  • I started in September 2023- due to finish in August 2024. This month, I finished the squares for the last month’s kit.

Let’s Get Basted Socks

  • Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Let’s Get Basted Colorway (Yarnable November 2024 colorway)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • RavelryProject Page
  • About the colorway- cream with gray, purple, tan/brown and small blips or orange. Spiral pooling.
  • Progress: about 2 inches away from heel of the first sock.

David… Fold in the cheese socks

  • Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz in the David…Fold in the cheese!!!! colorway (with cream/gray mini skein)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Progress- almost to heel on the first sock

Brainstorming

  • I was inspired by Jenna(716knit) at the Fiber Witch Festival, had on a marled scrappy shawl (Slumber Shawl- Ravelry link) that was gorgeous! It got me thinking that I really want to start something with my Legacy Fiber Artz minis from previous year advents. Maybe a Granny Stripe blanket?
  • Or perhaps another Recollections crochet blanket. I made one in the summer of 2022 (check out my Ravelry Project Page). It uses fingering weight yarn held triple and treble crochets. You work each row right to left and cut each time. between each set of clusters you use a main color. Debating using Fibernymph 10g minis from last year’s advent for those rows (notes say it used- about 8g per row but that’s held triple which might just be too annoying).
  • I’m debating making a smaller blanket that will live on the backseat of my car, draped over. Mostly for the pop of color with my gray interior but I bet the kids would use it when they’re back there.
  • I’d also like to make a crocheted granny square tank top for the summer so I could potentially use some of my minis for that.
  • Do you have any ideas for me?

From the Armchair

  • The Wandering Purl YouTube channel– I have a Gilmore Girls sock sized bag from Bethany and I know lots of you are fans of her, but I didn’t realize she had a channel!  Enjoying her content, check it out.
  • White Lotus- Season 3: it was a slow burn of a season with some seriously cringy content but I loved how the finale came together.

Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.

Some Years Later

I wore my Construction Zone top April 4th.

Construction Zone

  • Pattern: Construction Zone by Heidi Kirrmaier ($7.50 US knitting pattern)
  • 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
  • Ravelry Project Page

I’ve been wearing my handknit sweaters as April has been cold and rainy!

  • Aurealis (Ravelry Project Page)
  • Silverlining (Ravelry Project Page)
  • Freewheeler (Ravelry Project Page)
  • Mom’s socks

Knitting in Passing

At a recent rehearsal for Kiss Me Kate, my fellow cast member, Janet, told me about this yarn company her friend Katie Aucella owns called Claws Out Yarn- here’s a link to her shop.

You can also find Claws Out Yarn on YouTube Channel & Instagram

In My Travels

Tune in to hear more about my trip to the Fiber Witch Festival in Salem.

I loved meeting up with friends, Monique (Windswept Monique on Instagram) who brought me 2 skeins of beautiful wool yarn that she’s allergic to, to sell/raffle off for FearLESS Living Fund. I met up with Ryan kollerskrafts and Jenna 716knit and shopped around with them and we grabbed lunch after.

It’s always a joy to see bag maker and podcast sponsor Jess of Stitched by Jessalu.

Into the Whirled– Cris + James who were there selling jewelry which you can find under the shop name westand28. I believe they will be at Maryland Sheep & Wool. Check them out on Instagram too. They had beautiful handdyed silk cordage bracelets with sterling silver. Each color has meaning. I couldn’t decide!  

Heart pendant (similar to this one). Mom- fine silver (.999) metal clay.

Jess also introduced me to Fiber Witch Festival organizers Ana Campos (Circle of Stitches). Emily  (Kitty with a Cupcake). I purchased a progress keeper that’s a floppy disk in yellow w/ a rainbow on it.

Dragon Hoard Yarn- Myth Fingering in one of her show special colorways- Gardens of Persephone

I purchased a project bag (Gardener’s Magical Craft Shelf bag) and beautiful sticker with hand drawn art from Dawn Kathryn

I had lunch with Ryan and Jenna at Turner’s Seafood

I visited Circle of Stitches yarn store in Salem. I purchased a mini skein from Cryptic Hollow Fibers, 9 inch circular socks needles from ChiaoGoo. & 2 cute stickers. I was so happy to run into Val (valtherizzle) as I was checking out!

I also shopped at Modern Millie’s, Re-find (2 pairs of earrings) & Oak & Moss– where I purchased a lemon button fern.

KAL News

The Splash Pad Party kicks off soon! It will be our 10th year (even though yes we took last year off). Mark your calendars: June 1- July 31

Events

On a Happy Note

  • I found old photos of theater and dance friends which I brought to rehearsal.
  • My friend and I went to Gretchen Rubin’s Q&A for her new book Secrets of Adulthood (Amazon Affiliate link).
  • Dan and I went to the Oligo Nation Gala to support our friend John who was receiving an inspiration award. I wore a fun dress from Poshmark and Mom’s jewelry.
  • Kris’ birthday dinner at a local mexican restaurant.
  • Dad, Jeff and I enjoyed a video chat organized by my cousin Jimmy.
  • Repotting some plants. Hoping they take.
  • Dinner with Megg at Scutari in Hanover, MA
  • I visited Vico Style on Charles St in Boston- found 2 dresses that could work for Kiss Me Kate & 1 just for me.
  • Visited with my Dad, Millie and Garret over the weekend and we decorated for Easter.
  • Rehearsal for Kiss Me Kate is going well!

Quote of the Week

Sometimes we should express our gratitude for the small and simple things like the scent of the rain, the taste of your favorite food, or the sound of a loved one’s voice.

-Joseph B. Wirthlin

——

Thank you for tuning in!

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Episode 294: Travels, Time & T-Rex

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 294 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:

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

Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Stitched by Jessalu

  • Find Stitched by Jessalu at the Fiber Witch Festival Marketplace: April 12-13 in Salem, MA. The Market is 11a-5p Sat & Sunday and market tickets are still available. Pre-purchase or tickets will be available at the door for either day. The 3-5 slot each day is free, so go find Jess and her beautiful bags there!

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Aila’s Daisy Socks

  • Yarn: On The Round Nimble Sock (85%/15% SW Merino/Nylon) in the Forage colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 & US 2
  • Progress: Cast on 60 sts. Worked 1×1 ribbing. Increased up to 64 sts. Switched to US 2 needles for colorwork.  Then decreased back to 60 sts shortly after, a few rows later back to 56 sts. Knit about 2 inches before turning the heels.

How Time Flies Socks

  • Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the How Time Flies Colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the yarn- cream base with pink, green. January 2024 Yarnable Colorway: Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Cold Goat Farm Spinning Project

  • Fiber: Cold Goats Farm; believe it is a merino/mohair batt (8oz) in a natural, undyed cream color
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Twist direction: singles = Z plied = S
    • This means when I’m spinning, my wheel is spinning clockwise and when plying my wheel is moving counter-clockwise.
  • Progress: 3rd bobbin done and onto the 4th. This is the batt that never ends!

Calendula Christmas Quilt

  • Pattern: Calendula Quilt by Elena Fedotova available on Ravelry for $7.50 US.
  • Yarn: Big Twist Value Solids in Ivory, Deep Red, Varsity Green, Aqua, Medium Rose, Gray
  • Hook:  G (4.0 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • granny squares- 1 color or 2 (colors on each half a diagonal)
  • I used Canva to help me figure out color placement to extend out the quilt pattern.
  • I am seaming squares using the Mattress Stitch.
  • I started working on this after being inspired by NDJen04’s video about her scrappy blanket- you can find that find on YouTube.
  • I had the 2 color (on the diagonal) granny square memorized but totally forgot how to do those. Here’s a helpful video I found that helped refresh my memory.
  • Goal: 6 per week
  • Progress: I am still ahead of schedule!

Some Bunny Loves You Socks

  • Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Some Bunny Loves You Colorway (Yarnable April 2023 colorway)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the colorway- cream base with speckles of purple, blue, rust. Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link

Inclinations Cowl

  • Inclinations Cowl by Andrea Mowry ($7.00 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry & her website.
  • Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm)
  • Yarn: 2 skeins of handspun Color A: Fiber Addict Designs 100% Merino in the Wild Plum Colorway- Ravelry link. Color B: Candombe, I think the fiber is from Malabrigo- Ravelry link.
  • My Ravelry Project Page
  • Living in my FearLESS Living Fund bag from Stitched by Jessalu. Bags are still available! Check them out.

Dinosaur T-Rex and Pterodactyl

  • Pattern: Dinosaur T-Rex and Pterodactyl by Anita Suriaa- $5.99 crochet pattern on Ravelry
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted
  • Hook: 2.5 mm
  • Progress: I’ve made T-Rex head and body.

Brainstorming

  • T Jaik flower crochet patterns- check them out on Ravelry. They are so realistic I didn’t think they were actually crochet photos!
  • Teddy Bear Eyeglasses holder by Tanya Naser-  free crochet pattern available on Ravelry.
  • Eme’s Very Hungry Caterpillar Socks

From the Armchair

Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.

Knitting in Passing

  • On Wed night before music rehearsal Megg asked me to help her cast on a Love Bug with Bernat Blanket to practice for school. (free crochet pattern on Ravelry). Yarn has a lot of twist, got all tangly and we stayed after to untangle it together while other cast members performed on stage.
  • On the first night of rehearsal one of my cast-mates asked about my knitting and through that conversation we figured out we’ve worked together before. She was the choreographer when I was in a production of Crazy for You at a local community college when I was in high school.
  • I wore my Aurealis sweater (Ravelry Project Page) one night to music rehearsal and my friend Deana complimented it and I told her I knit it!
  • Laura’s sock drawer! How gorgeous is this?

In My Travels

Vegas trip for BOSS Reseller Remix & FearLESS Living Fund 2025 Awards

  • We gave away 2 $5,000 scholarships
  • Mom’s friend Crystal got a fearless tattoo on her arm.
  • We enjoyed visiting the Sphere to see the Postcards from Earth documentary.
  • We checked out the Bellagio Conservatory for their beautiful display of Easter decor/flowers.
  • Knitting at craps table with Jeff. The manager told me he doesn’t see many firsts anymore but I was the first person he’d ever seen knitting in a casino before. He came back a few minutes later asking what I was making- definitely intrigued.
  • It took until the last day- walking through New York New York to find Wizard of Oz slots Mom loved best.
  • It was obviously a bittersweet trip. Ryan Wilson said it best when he said before talking about 2 winners- in some ways this is the most important year because its the first one without Mom and we’re still doing it.
  • If you want to see the awards presentation, here’s a link to video on my YouTube channel.

Boston Public Market Fiber Fest– Sunday March 23 from 10a-5p. Free Admission

  • Megg, Riley and I went in the morning.
  • Riley wore her crocheted flowered top (Ravelry Project Page). I wore my Aurealis (Ravelry Project Page)- finally got good FO photos for my Project Pages.
  • I purchased punch needle coasters for my car cup holders from Gina the Botina
  • We also purchased mini skeins from 2 makers- that I sent home with Riley
  • Riley picked out a delicious cinnamon roll from Union Square Donuts that we shared.
  • Megg got some cute crafty projects for her kids for Easter/graduations.

Events

Contest, News & Notes

I heard about GoSadi in Vogue Knitting email. Have you heard of it?

Ask Me Anything

  • Instagram- Knitbakecook- Do you ever have crafting slumps? If so, how do you overcome them?
    • Yes! Sometimes it helps just to lean into that, don’t pressure yourself and then lean back in when you get the urge. More often, what works best is to start something new (or pick back up something that is exciting you). Ideally something small like a hat or a toy so you get that dopamine hit of finishing something fun to get those creative juices flowing. Search your Ravelry favorite or queue, browse Instagram or Pinterest and let yourself day dream a little. Creative time should be fun so find the fun and you’ll be excited to get back into things.
  • Instagram- ndoyal- When are you coming to the PNW?!
    • I am planning to go to Flock in August.
  • Instagram- nukerklein- Have you been or are you planning to go to VT Sheep & Wool in the fall?
    • This year it’s October 4-5 (Dad’s birthday- so likely not this year)
    • Check out this vlog from 2024 trip to VT Sheep & Wool.
  • NDoyal- Dates for Splash Pad: Sunday June 1 through Thursday July 31st. Would folks be interested if we did Zoom events Sunday 6/1?

On a Happy Note

  • St. Patrick’s Day at my cousin’s. Emelie “cutting” my hair.
  • Lea made us acrylic pieces with Mom’s funeral flowers in them. Keychain, bottle opener and bookmark
  • Riley sleepover- Sample sale (bought matching PJs). Silly pics in the closet before bed. Ushering for Rent at The Company Theatre.
  • Addams Family Musical and Lolita with Megg
  • Dinner with Liz
  • My favorite massage therapist is back at Massage Envy
  • Bike riding with Dan
  • Dinner out at a local Italian place for a friend’s birthday.
  • Thrifting and finally watching Kiss Me Kate (movie) with Megg

Quote of the Week

One of the pleasures of getting older is that one can get so much nearer to one’s own people, and that the dear ones of them become dearer all the time.

–Willa Cather

——

Thank you for tuning in!

Contact Information: