Episode 275: Spring-ish

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 275 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
  • In my Travels
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Life in Focus
  • Ask Me Anything
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Stitched by Jessalu & The Yarn Sellar

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Thumper Hat

  • Yarn: Berrocco Ultra Alpaca in the Light Grey colorway
  • Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) & US 8 (5.0 mm)
  • Pattern: Thumper Hat by Jennifer Lassonde- $5 Knitting pattern available on Ravelry & LoveCrafts
    • The Thumper Hat is a worsted weight slouchy hat with a diamond lace pattern.
  • For the size Large/XL, I used 66g of yarn (around 144 yards/132 meters)

LFA Mystery Shortie Socks

  • Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About 12 rounds of ribbing. 1 round of knitting before starting the heel
  • I used 35 grams of yarn.

Hair bow

  • Pattern: Cottage Hair Accessories (Bow Tie) by Wool & Pine. $5 pattern available on Ravelry or on the Wool & Pine website)
  • Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Glitz Toes- multicolor mini skein from Christmas 2023 Advent Calendar.
  • Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Pattern was a part of my May 2024 Woolen Yarn Box package. Watch my unboxing video here. If you’re thinking of joining, please purchase using my Affiliate Link.
    • It won’t cost you any extra. I will make a small commission.

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Modern Classic Baby Blanket

  • Pattern: Modern Classic Baby Blanket by Kristin Holloway ($8 crochet pattern available on Ravelry: free version w/ ads available on this website)
  • Hook: I (5.5)
  • Yarn: Big Twist Tweed in White (7 skeins)
  • Size: Crib Blanket: 36 x 50”
  • The blanket is worked in 2 halves that you seam together at the center to make it symmetrical. The pattern features some crochet cables.

Woolen Camelot socks

  • Yarn: Woolen Women Fibers Sock (80/20 SW Merino/Nylon) in the Woolen Camelot colorway from the May 2024 Woolen Yarn Box.
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Check out my Unboxing Video for this May 2024 Woolen Yarn Box. If you’re thinking of joining, please purchase using my Affiliate Link.
    • It won’t cost you any extra. I will make a small commission.

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
  • Progress: My January (Month 4) squares done and seamed and the border is in progress. My February (Month 5) squares are in progress.

Be Fearless Socks

  • Yarn: Area 51 Fibres Sturdy Alien Base in the Be FearLess Colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • About the Yarn: pink, peach yellow, green and blue stripes to look like the colors in our FearLESS Living Fund logo. Pet of our February fundraiser.
  • Progress: more than half way done with leg on the first sock

Christmas in July Socks

  • Yarn: Area 51 Fibres Sturdy Alien Base in the Christmas in July 2023 Colorway
  • Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Area 51. Snack shack sponsor.
  • Progress: finished first sock. Beyond the heel on the second sock.

Brainstorming

Keeping a “creative projects” list in Evernote is really helping me. With everything going on, I don’t always have the mental energy to decide on something but making feels good and I’m happier when I do it. Thinking ahead to upcoming birthdays and listing patterns out is working better for me this year than ever before.

April Plans

  • Crochet beer hat for Chris – Red heart gold + Lion Brand Homespun Yarn- Hepplewhite (May 31st  birthday)-  yarn purchased
  • Mini Mock Neck Tank for Liz. Pattern by Jessie Maed Designs. $9 knitting pattern on Ravelry
    • We bought yarn for this at Rhinebeck and in an over-tired state, lost ourselves in a fit of giggles over the description of this pattern.
    • I need to take Liz’s measurements

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.

In My Travels

On Sunday March 24, my friend Megg and I spent the day at Raffa Life in Cranston, Rhode Island. We did the 4 hour Urban Sweat in the morning. We took a Worm Moon Sound Bath Yoga Workshop in the afternoon. I left feeling loose, refreshed, and calm. Curious about what a Sound Bath is? Click here for an article that may be helpful.

KAL News

Splash Pad Party will be coming!

Events

Know of an event I should spread the word about? Let me know!

Life in Focus

I shared an update on my 24 for 2024 list

  • 5) Organize a fundraiser for the FearLESS Living Fund
  • 15) Purge at least 20 items from my wardrobe (March: nearly 30 pieces)
  • 16) Go skiing- 2/24 with Rowans
  • 20) Buy a new quilt and/or duvet cover for our bed. Ordered in march.
  • 21) Buy a new blow dryer. March 21st ordered Dyson

Ask Me Anything

Rachel asked: How are you coping with your mom’s health concerns and making time for self care?

  • Going to bed early.
  • Not scrolling on social media- it can be fun, yes, but too much makes me feel anxious.
  • Talking with friends and with Dan.
  • I started seeing a therapist.
  • Making time- not having kids definitely helps with this, but as you all know, I can definitely over-schedule myself. I have been prioritizing family events and not much else. I don’t enjoying saying no or seeing so much white space on the calendar- but I know I’ll need it and I often do.

On a Happy Note

  • Friday night game night at my parents with my brother, Dan and the kids. We played a few spirited rounds of Skip-Bo and watched the Taylor Swift Eras tour movie on tv.
  • Mom, Riley, Millie and I had a sleepover then spent Saturday doing some thrift and clothing shopping, went out for lunch and brought home Crumbl cookies to taste test (with my Dad/Pepere). My phone fell into the cookie with the MOST sticky frosting. It was hilarious!
  • We all celebrated St. Patrick’s Day at my cousin Susan’s annual party. I had a blast catching up with cousins and especially playing with some of the little kiddos.
  • Seeing the Girl from North Country (Broadway in Boston series). While Megg and I did not enjoy the show, its always fun to experience live theater and the music was beautiful.
  • Monthly massage!
  • Lunch with Mom, Dad, Kris and Aila.
  • Garret’s playoff hockey game! He got a hat trick, they won and got to the next round of playoffs (they won the second game too).
  • Dinner with work friends.

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.

Quote of the Week

“Spring is when you feel like whistling, even with a shoe full of slush.”

— Doug Larson

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Thank you for tuning in!

Contact Information:

Episode 274: Fun, Sun & Chickens

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 274 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:

  • Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • From the Armchair
  • In my Travels
  • Events
  • Contest, News & Notes
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

FearLESS Socks (DK)

  • Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz DK (75% Merino, 25% Nylon) in the FearLESS Colorway
  • Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Size: XS
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the Colorway- FearLESS is a special colorway by Legacy Fiber Artz for our February Fiber Community FearLESS Living Fund Fundraiser.
  • Made for Mom

FearLESS Socks (Steel Toes)

  • Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz DK Steel Toes (75% Merino, 25% Nylon) in the FearLESS Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Size: M
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the Colorway- FearLESS is a special colorway by Legacy Fiber Artz for our February Fiber Community FearLESS Living Fund Fundraiser.
  • Made for my Mom’s chemo nurse, Nicole, who also cared for my Aunt Florence.

Greyhaven Hat

  • Pattern: Greyhaven hat by Robin Ulrich ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) & US 7 (4.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Berocco Ultra Alpaca in the Avocado Colorway
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Made for my niece’s Aila’s 15th birthday after she saw and like the grey one I wear a lot.

Emotional Support Chicken

  • Pattern: Emotional Support Chicken by Annette Corsino ($6.50 US Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry & this website)
  • Yarn: Various DK scraps
  • Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Modern Classic Baby Blanket

  • Pattern: Modern Classic Baby Blanket by Kristin Holloway ($8 crochet pattern available on Ravelry: free version w/ ads available on this website)
  • Hook: I (5.5)
  • Yarn: Big Twist Tweed in White (7 skeins)
  • Size: Crib Blanket: 36 x 50”
  • The blanket is worked in 2 halves that you seam together at the center to make it symmetrical. The pattern features some crochet cables.

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
  • This subscription is not available to new subscribers but I hope you’ll watch each month and see how my blanket comes along. Stay tuned to Woolen Women for all of the fun kits they have!

LFA Mystery Shortie Socks

  • Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About 12 rounds of ribbing. 1 round of knitting before starting the heel
  • Progress: Finished first sock and beyond the heel on the second sock.

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.

In My Travels

  • I traveled to Orlando with my friend Megg who was going there for a conference. We stayed at the Gaylord Palms, visited Epcot one evening and had a great time.
  • I had a couple interesting conversations with people at the pool. One lady was fascinated by my knitting and we had a rather awkward chat when I told her I was knitting a chicken.
  • My poolside waiter told me he lived in NYC for a couple years with grandmother was a prolific knitter and he always enjoyed watching her knit.
  • Celebrated Megg’s birthday while we were there with a delicious dinner, room decorations and of course some handknit socks (Ravelry Project Page)

Events

Contest, News & Notes

  • I announced the winners of the prizes I offered up for February FearLESS Living Fund Fundraiser.
  • Total raised during the event: $6,627. 67

Stitched by Jessalu is coming out with bags with the FearLESS Living Fund logo w/ a fibery twist. Check it out

Life in Focus

Health Update on Mom: March scans showed growth including in her brain. Radiation likely coming soon, but they’re waiting until she’s done with this round of chemo (hoping for 6 cycles)

On a Happy Note

  • Impromptu sleepover with Riley. We started a new secret project I’ll tell you about in an upcoming episode. We also started a blanket for my cousin Joe who is expecting a baby boy in the summer. Riley chose a granny square that has a heart at the center. We each made just 1 to try it out and to make sure our squares would come out the same size. More on that in a future episode.
  • Riley and I went to Garret’s hockey game. He got 2 goal but they ended up tying. That weekend, they did well enough to get to the next round of the playoffs.
  • My parents went to St. Maarten with 5 of my mom’s first cousins and their spouses! She, Riley and I shared pics and videos of our daily outfits via text or Snapchat which is always fun.
  • Suzanne (SewRunKnit) turned me onto a new NY Times Game that’s in beta: Strands.
  • My friend Marta messaged me to show me that her eldest son, Roc, has taken up crochet and made a little stuffed animal. Had planned to make a circle but he decided to free form it and it turned into a pear! Adorable!
  • Running around with Megg at Epcot like we were kids!
  • We even got our photo taken with Mickey. They got some candids as we were hugging him, and it looks like I’m bracing for an assault! Check out the hilarious photo.
  • I finished up my 4 part sock class at Staci’s Stitches.

Quote of the Week

“It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.”

–Charles Dickens, Great Expectations 

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Thank you for tuning in!

Contact Information:

Episode 273: Prizes Galore!

Leave a reply

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 273 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:

  • Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • From the Armchair
  • KAL News
  • Contest, News & Notes
  • Life in Focus
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

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

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Jenny’s Blanket

  • Pattern: Modified Sedge Stitch Blanket by Nicole Mansfield ($2 crochet pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Yarn: Big Twist Value Solids in Sky Blue, Teal, Mint, Cyan, Jade Green and Aqua
  • Hook: I (5.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • I first used this border on a Cozy Clusters Blanket  (Ravelry project page here). I learned about this edge technique on this website.

Millie’s 2nd Squishmallow

  • Pattern: None. I did base some of the basic shaping on this pattern on Etsy
  • Hook: D (3.25 mm)
  • Yarn: worsted weight acrylic yarn in brown, tan, white & pink
  • I worked bottom up with the brown, adding in a patch of white at the belly. I created the face out of tan/white and added safety eyes and sewed it on. I added 2 brown ears and a pink and white headband like this Squishmallow: Andres the Sheltie Dog (Amazon Affiliate Link)

Declan’s 2nd Socks

  • Yarn: Patons Kroy in the Greener Pastures Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Green, black, gray, cream, mustard stripes + gray/green/white self patterning stripe.
  • Thanks for all the tips for his care package! Definitely taking some of those into account.

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

FearLESS Socks (DK)

  • Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz DK (75% Merino, 25% Nylon) in the FearLESS Colorway
  • Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Size: XS
  • About the Colorway- FearLESS is a special colorway by Legacy Fiber Artz for our February Fiber Community FearLESS Living Fund Fundraiser. Special Colorway “FearLESS” available in DK, Steel Toes (sock) and Cozy Toes (sock)
  • Progress: 1st sock is finished. I’m knitting on the foot of the second sock.

FearLESS Socks (Cozy Toes)

  • Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz DK (75% Merino, 25% Nylon) in the FearLESS Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Size: M
  • About the Colorway- FearLESS is a special colorway by Legacy Fiber Artz for our February Fiber Community FearLESS Living Fund Fundraiser. Special Colorway “FearLESS” available in DK, Steel Toes (sock) and Cozy Toes (sock)
  • Progress: Finished the first sock and the cuff of the second. These socks will be gifted to my Mom’s chemo nurse, Nicole, who also cared for my Aunt Florence.

Modern Classic Baby Blanket

  • Pattern: Modern Classic Baby Blanket by Kristin Holloway ($8 crochet pattern available on Ravelry: free version w/ ads available on this website)
  • Hook: I (5.5)
  • Yarn: Big Twist Tweed in White (7 skeins)
  • Size: Crib Blanket: 36 x 50”
  • The blanket is worked in 2 halves that you seam together at the center to make it symmetrical. The pattern features some crochet cables.

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
  • This subscription is not available to new subscribers but I hope you’ll watch each month and see how my blanket comes along. Stay tuned to Woolen Women for all of the fun kits they have! Don’t forget, they’re Pro Shop Sponsors.
  • Progress Notes- I finished the 3 round DC border to my December squares. My January squares done and seamed. I need to add the border to that.

From the Armchair

Reading

Watching:

  • Dan and I recently watched all 4 seasons of Jack Ryan on Prime. We also loved Jury Duty (also on Prime).
  • I’m thoroughly enjoying Love is Blind Season 6 & chatting about it with my friend Laura.

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.

KAL News

Pigskin Party ’23: tune in to hear if you’re a January Participation Winner and/or a Grand Prize Winner!

Contest, News & Notes

Check out all of the details about our Fiber Community February FearLESS Living Fundraiser including the participating makers.

To make a personal donation, you can use this link

  • Please use the option to “Add a Public Comment” to let us know you’re part of this Fiber Community Fundraiser. 
  • I recommend including your Instagram/Ravelry user name so sponsors doing prize drawings and confirm/find you.

Life in Focus

I gave updates on a few of my 24 for 2024 items

  • #4- Read more books than you did in 2023 (50) well on my way with 10 books in first 2 months of the year.
  • #10- Publish at least one new pattern redid the math and proportions for a shawl I came up with last year. talked to an indie dyer about yarn support
  • #16- go skiing

6 of 24 completely done!

On a Happy Note

  • Valentine’s Day software upgrade at work went well. I was awake at 2:30a so it was a long day and nothing festive really but it was a good day!
  • We hosted Millie and Hattie for their birthday sleepovers. I took them to the Altitude trampoline park and Panera on Friday night. Saturday morning: Millie and I hiked while Hattie and Dan did a dump run and rode around in the tractor. We all did some crafts together before heading to the movies to see Migration.
  • I tried a new OPI nail color and loved it. It’s called “Pink in Bio”
  • I’ve completed teaching 2 of 4 classes on the OMG Heel at my LYS and we’ve already got more than half of the class successfully turning heels.
  • I enjoyed a movie night at my Mom’s to watch Wonka.
  • Dan and I did a 1000 piece Ford puzzle.
  • I went skiing at Crotched Mountain. Tune in to hear a funny story about Megg’s fall.
  • We all had a fabulous time at my cousin Jenny’s baby shower. She loved her crochet blanket.
  • I had a lovely visit with my middle-school best friend Maribeth who is very sick. She was inpatient at the hospital where I work and I was able to go up and see her and catch up.
  • I love the daily puzzles from the New York Times- especially Spelling Bee. On the 21st I got every possible word earning me Queen Bee status!
  • My friend Trish gave me a souvenir from a trip she took to New Orleans; she went to a local yarn shop and bought yarn from Louisiana- which I’ll definitely knit into socks for her. Cat Tails yarn dyed exclusively for the Quarter Stitch Colorway Christmas Bonfires

Quote of the Week

It is hard, so terribly hard, to please yourself. Far from being the easy thing that it sounds like, it is almost the hardest thing in the world, because we are not always comfortable with that true self that lies deep within us.

–Christopher Alexander

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Thank you for tuning in!

Contact Information: