Episode 326: Confetti & Big Feelings

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 326 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week’s segments included:

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

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

Off the Needles

Neckerchief #2

  • Pattern: none
  • Yarn: Valley Yarns Huntington (75% Merino, 25% Nylon) in colorway 22 Navy
  • Needles: US 6 (4 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Goldwing Sweater

  • Pattern: Goldwing by Jennifer Steingass ($8 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 6 (4.0mm) for body and US 5 (3.75 mm) for rolled neck
  • Yarn: Valley Superwash DK in Sand (MC) and handspun from Wound Up Fiber Arts for CC (Ravelry page for handspun details)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Progress: Nearly done with the ribbing now!

Log Cabin Blanket

  • Pattern: Log Cabin Square by Julie Harrison. Free crochet pattern available on Ravelry. Video tutorial available on the Little Woollie Makes YouTube Channel
  • Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Minis (mostly from Advent calendars 2023 & 2024)
  • Hook: I (5.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • My color placement is inspired by this project/pattern available on Ravelry.
  • Inspired to pick it back up after see Sue (from Legacy Fiber Artz)’s version on their latest podcast episode. She bordered with cream before seaming. I love it. You can see a peek in this Instagram post.
  • Progress: 30 squares completed!
  • I bought two skeins of Dirty Water Dyeworks Lucia DK (SW Merino Nylon blend) in colorway March sky to try to border/seam with.  I found a YouTube video to use as a guide for joining as I add the last row of moss/linen stitch.

Confetti Cannon Socks

  • Yarn: Woolens and Nosh BFL Fingering (85% SW BFL + 15% Nylon) in the Confetti Cannon Colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • New base for Woolens & Nosh that was very kindly gifted to me by Michele to try out! Thank you! I love this new base.
  • About the Colorway: butter yellow, pink, purple, coral, tan, fuschia, aqua, lime/grass green. Mini skein: teal
  • Progress: I am beyond heel on first sock.

Big Feelings Socks

  • Yarn: Woolens and Nosh BFL Fingering (85% SW BFL + 15% Nylon) in the Big Feelings Colorway (2nd Quarter 2026 club colorway)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Progress: I am beyond heel on first sock.

Deschain

  • Pattern: Deschain by Leila Raven ($6.50 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Yarn: Berroco Remix in colorway 3922 Buttercup
  • Needles: US 10 (6 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Progress: I am only a few repeats into the front of the top.

Tray-mat

  • Pattern: None
  • Yarn: Lion Brand Made with Love The Cotton One in the Red Red Wine Colorway (60% Cotton/ 40% Acrylic) Aran weight yarn
  • Hook: H (5.9 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Progress: I have crocheted around 5 inches so far.

Brainstorming

Blanket options I’m considering

  • No-Purl Ribbed Blanket by Purl Soho (free knitting pattern)
  • Football Lovie by Alissa Clevenger $5 crochet pattern available on Ravelry

Project to bring to France

  • Tip Top Tank Fine by Emily Bolduan- Free Ravelry knitting pattern
  • Islander Vest by Claire Jackson- $11 knitting pattern (options for pay what you can)

From the Armchair

The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth. Amazon Affiliate Link.

In Her Defense by Phillippa Malicka. Amazon Affiliate Link.

I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue. Amazon Affiliate Link.

Watching:

  • Silo Series on Apple TV- season 3

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

  • David sent me photos of his Pollen Party socks at work and at Pilates!

KAL News

Pigskin Party ’26 Details

  • Event runs 9/9/26-2/15/27
  • Everything you need can be found in the Start Here Thread on Ravelry
  • Sign up (must be registered to win) – opened 8/19
  • Rules (includes changes made for the ’26 season)
  • Finish a Project?
  • Check your Stats on the Scoreboard
  • Have a Question? Post it in this Ravelry Thread
  • Sponsor List can be found here (check often for updates)
    • Pro Shop Sponsors can create Exclusive Items which are shared in this Ravelry Thread
    • Coupons & deals from our Sponsors can be found in this Ravelry Thread

Updates for this episode:

  • The next Stretches for Stitchers session (from Fitness by Mara) starts Sept. 14th but participants can join at anytime or use a single class pack!
  • Check out our Quarter 1 (October) Challenge hosted by Doolittle Yarnery. Details in this Ravelry Thread.
  • Thanks to Ravelry user Elisewentwest for updating her worksheet for project tracking. If you want to check it out click here and then make a copy of it to edit for your own tracking purposes.

Events

On a Happy Note

  • Laura’s Visit- Flight Club Boston. Lolita for dinner. Sunday- breakfast at Yaz’s Table, thrifting and shopping for college stuff with Riley.
  • Megg and I saw Jagged Little Pill at Company Theatre
  • Riley getting off to college successfully!
  • Seeing Aila and Hattie perform in the Cabaret show
  • Facetime tour of Riley’s dorm
  • Marta is meeting Laura and I in Colmar, France!
  • A step challenge through my gym has me out on more walks. Lovely message from Natalie (remembrances pottery) about a stone wall she’s building after seeing one on my vlogmas walks.
  • Megg and I went to Liz’s band, Safe Journey’s, show at the Lizard Lounge in Cambridge. Check them out on Instagram. Then on Saturday, Dan, Dad and I went to an outdoor musical festival in Providence, RI where Safe Journey was playing. We had lunch and beers at the pavilion at 195 District Park. We really enjoyed the Guild Brewery beers and seltzer.
  • Rhinoceros at ART in Cambridge wearing thirfted dress.

Quote of the Week

“Summers had a logic all their own and they always brought something out in me. Summer was supposed to be about freedom and youth and no school and possibilities and adventure and exploration. Summer was a book of hope. That’s why I loved and hated summers. Because they made me want to believe.”

―Benjamin Alire Sáenz, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

No episode on 9/15. I’ll be in Paris!

——

Thank you for tuning in!

Contact Information:

Episode 325: August Has Been Generous

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 325 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week’s segments included:

  • Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • From the Armchair
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Wild Violet Socks

  • Yarn: Wild Violet Fibers Merino Sock (85/15 SW Merino/Nylon) in the OOAK #155 Colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page

Right as Rain Socks

  • Yarn: Teal Torch Knits Fingering Weight in the Right as Rain colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page

Summer Brights Cozy

  • Pattern: Ball Band with a Twist by Jennifer Lassonde- $2 crochet pattern available on Ravelry | LoveCrafts
  • Yarn: Crafter’s Secret Cotton in Turquoise & Brights
  • Hooks: F (3.75 mm) & G (4.0 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Goldwing Sweater

  • Pattern: Goldwing by Jennifer Steingass ($8 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 6 (4.0mm) for body and US 5 (3.75 mm) for rolled neck
  • Yarn: Valley Superwash DK in Sand (MC) and handspun from Wound Up Fiber Arts for CC (Ravelry page for handspun details)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Progress: I finished the yoke, blocked it, measured, split for the sleeve. Helical knitting for body. Had about 2 inches in about 2 days.

Log Cabin Blanket

  • Pattern: Log Cabin Square by Julie Harrison. Free crochet pattern available on Ravelry. Video tutorial available on the Little Woollie Makes YouTube Channel
  • Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Minis (mostly from Advent calendars 2023 & 2024)
  • Hook: I (5.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • My color placement is inspired by this project/pattern available on Ravelry.
  • Inspired to pick it back up after see Sue (from Legacy Fiber Artz)’s version on their latest podcast episode. She bordered with cream before seaming. I love it. You can see a peek in this Instagram post.
  • Progress: 30 squares completed!
  • I bought two skeins of Dirty Water Dyeworks Lucia DK (SW Merino Nylon blend) in colorway March sky to try to border/seam with.  I found a YouTube video to use as a guide for joining as I add the last row of moss/linen stitch.

From the Armchair

Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune. Amazon Affiliate Link.

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

Splash Pad ’26 Wrap Up

  • Splash Pad Party ’26 Final Prize Winners Announced
  • 157 players with entries during the Splash Pad Party!
  • 7 participants with over 100 entries for prizes- jstuntz, mostlymunhies, ddorf4, roocmc, socalknitgirl, eyenowhour and valknits15! Nicely done!
  • Check out the Summer Celebration Thread on Ravelry to see pics of things the community made this summer.
  • Thanks as always to Wendy & all of our sponsors.

Pigskin Party ’26 Details

  • Event runs 9/9/26-2/15/27
  • Everything you need can be found in the Start Here Thread on Ravelry
  • Sign up (must be registered to win) – opens 8/19
  • Rules (includes changes made for the ’26 season)
  • Finish a Project?
  • Check your Stats on the Scoreboard
  • Have a Question? Post it in this Ravelry Thread
  • Sponsor List can be found here (check often for updates)
    • Pro Shop Sponsors can create Exclusive Items which are shared in this Ravelry Thread
    • Coupons & deals from our Sponsors can be found in this Ravelry Thread

Events

On a Happy Note

  • We are getting our driveway paved!
  • I went for fun nails again!
  • Riley took Dad and I to see Tim McGraw, Lady A and The Chicks at Fenway! Her friend Maddie also joined us.
  • Camping and kayaking on the Saco River in Maine.
  • Dan and I went out with a few of our friends for Margarita’s birthday.
  • My cousin Gayle came up from Florida for a visit. We had a rocking pool day on Sunday! Then on Monday evening, Dad and Gayle picked up Dan and me for dinner and a walk around the lighthouse.
  • I’m going to France with my friend Laura in September!

Quote of the Week

A Blessing for the Life You’re Bracing For by Kate Bowler

Bless you who still have popsicles to drip, 

tomatoes to slice, books to leave facedown for just a minute longer, 

and evenings that don’t yet know they are numbered.

May you resist the annual migration 

toward freshly sharpened pencils, color-coded calendars,  

and the familiar lie that next month deserves more of your attention 

than the one still sitting in front of you.

Bless you who linger over one more meal outside, 

one more chorus of cicadas, one more porch sit, 

trusting that ordinary rituals are already a life well lived.

May you savor what remains

before you begin rehearsing what comes next, 

because August has always been generous

with those willing to stay exactly where they are

for just a little while longer.

—Kate Bowler

——

Thank you for tuning in!

Contact Information:

Episode 324: Summer Camp!

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 324 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week’s segments included:

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

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

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Wicked Witch

  • Pattern: The Wicked Witch by Ana Maria Liasch da Silva ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & Etsy– Etsy also offers larger bundles of Oz characters)
  • Yarn: Worsted weight acrylic yarn from stash
  • Hook: C: 2.75 mm
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Note: I found the wig cap to be a bit small. Check before starting to sew in place.

Dorothy

  • Pattern: The Wicked Witch by Ana Maria Liasch da Silva ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & $4 on Etsy (sale)- Etsy also offers larger bundles of Oz characters)
  • Yarn: Worsted weight acrylic yarn from stash
  • Hook: C: 2.75 mm
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Note: I found the wig cap to be a bit small. Check before starting to sew in place.

Mine! Socks

  • Yarn:  Woolens & Nosh SW Targhee Fingering (90 SW Targhee, 10% Nylon)  in the colorway- Mine! aka A Gull Takes Off with Bluberry
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Wild Violet Socks

  • Yarn: Wild Violet Fibers Merino Sock (85/15 SW Merino/Nylon) in the OOAK #155 Colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Progress: 1st sock finished. 2nd sock part way through the heel flap

Right as Rain Socks

  • Yarn: Teal Torch Knits Fingering Weight in the Right as Rain colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Progress: 1st sock is finished. 2nd sock is onto the foot.

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

  • Roc loves to visit yarn stores so we went to:
    • Wicked Good Yarns in Braintree, MA where he bought scissors, a kit for a chicken and Joann gifted him the tapestry needle he was looking for.
    • Elissa’s Creative Warehouse in Needham, MA where he bought blue yarn to cast on an elephant.
    • Stitch House in Dorchester, MA where Roc found a bright mini skein he liked and I restocked my favorite knitting stitch markers.

Crafty Adventures

  • Riley worked a bit on the cuff of a sock with her Area 51 Fibres Be FearLESS colorway yarn. Here’s the Ravelry Project Page for mine. She also started a diamond painting project and crocheted several rounds on her hexagon blanket. She’s using white worsted weight yarn held with minis from the advent yarn Nicole sent her.
  • Marta and Roc both worked on his diamond painting project- a seaturtle. Marta got a crochet kit for a slice of pizza at Walmart and was able to finish 2 pieces with the yarn from the kit (with some heavy mods on the second one).
  • Roc completed 2 hippo stuffies out of microfiber blanket yarn (free pattern from the Friendly Fox site). He finished a dinosaur he started during his last visit and the chicken he bought this year.
  • Gabriella got a Craft-tastic learn to knit kit for her birthday (on sale at CVS right now). It came with a small circular loom. I taught myself how to do it and made a small axolotl. Came out cute! Has patterns for a bee and a panda too.

In My Travels

  • We visited Tall Ships while they were in Boston
  • Museum of Ice Cream (lots of fun, especially with kids. We spent about 90 minutes there)
  • Bota Borg
    • 24 quests- each is a series of escape rooms. You can do as many as you like with teams of 3 or more. You choose 2 or 4 hours. We loved it and would definitely go back.
  • The Great Gatsby (musical)
  • We enjoyed seeing our small towns from another perspective.

KAL News

Splash Pad Party ’26 Details

Splash Pad RAVELRY Links

  • Tune in to see if you won a July Participation Prize
  • Pigskin Party will kick off with the NFL on Wednesday September 9th. Get those WIPs done before then!

On a Happy Note

  • Pottery from Riley! Wow
  • A few amazing pool days during 4th of July weekend with family and friends.
  • Riley & I went to the Megan Moroney concert!!
  • Score N’ Hole pool game!
  • Marta’s visit highlights
    • America’s Funniest Videos- especially these two contenders for best video of the year. We had running jokes based on these for 2 weeks straight.
    • Riding around in Riley’s Jeep. Kayaking. movies, night swimming, Making up songs. Going for ice cream & slurpees. Taste tests & inside jokes. I felt like I was at summer camp!
    • On our last night togetherwe made up lyrics to a song from the Six musical we’d been listening to and Riley made a video using it. Adorable!
  • My boss gave us 2 of his older kayaks. Dan bought a new rack for the truck so we can fit 5 inside the bed and the 2 longer ones on top.
  • Our friends visited from PA. Millie and twins Rhiannon & Teaghan are so cute- especially in their matching bathing suits.

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

“Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time.” – Aliyyah Eniath

——

Thank you for tuning in!

Contact Information: