Episode 327: Paris, Pretzels and Paving

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 327 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
  • Brainstorming
  • From the Armchair
  • In my Travels
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Life in Focus
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Stitched by Jessalu, AdoreKnit, Doolittle Yarnery & Starfish Fibers

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Tapestry Socks

  • Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes in the Tapestry Colorway
  • 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

Nazari 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 ran out of yarn and lost the ball band. I need to re-assess.

Swiss Placemat

  • Pattern: none. Chained 52 to start. Working in linen stitch
  • Yarn: Save the Yarn Albert (80% cotton/20% alpaca) in colorway 8238 (green)- 3 skeins purchased in Basel Switzerland
  • Hook: G (4.0 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Cast on another linen stitch placemat. This one for our dining room or kitchen island. Chained 52 to start on this one.

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: Picked up first sleeve. Working through decreases.

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
  • About the Colorway: butter yellow, pink, purple, coral, tan, fuschia, aqua, lime/grass green. Mini skein: teal
  • Progress: I am beyond heel on the second sock.

Brainstorming

  • I need to cast on a worsted hat for Laura (but first I have to find the yarn). I think I’ll make the Sweetly Striped Hat by Chit Chat Knits (Pro Shop Sponsor)- $4.50 knitting pattern available on Ravelry
  • At Rhinebeck I may buy yarn for the Oporto Tee by Suzanne Sommer $8.50 knitting pattern available on Ravelry
  • How cool is this Spiderweb dress- crochet pattern from Etsy?! Maybe for next Halloween?

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

Tune in to hear about my recent trip to France!

Yarn stores visited

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) – 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

Updates in this episode

  • Help us welcome Laura (LauraKnitsPA) to our Commissioner Team!
  • Check out the Official Pigskin ’26 Logo bags available from AdoreKnit. Check out my unboxing of the tote Steph gifted me on Instagram.
  • Check out our PIG chat threads in the Ravelry group
  • Our Official Sponsor for Quarter 1 (October) is Doolittle Yarnery. Find the Knit/Crochet in Black merch here if you want to join in. The full challenge details are in this Ravelry Thread.
  • The Tailgate Talk Challenge has begun! Check out the Ravelry Thread.
  • Our Official Sponsor for Quarter 2 (November) is Fangirl Fibers. The full challenge details are in this Ravelry Thread. We hope you’ll join us and make a DK gift for someone you love.
  • Official Sponsor for Quarter 3 (December): Suburban Stitcher– festive fun
  • Official Sponsor for Quarter 4 (January): Yarnaceous Fibers– challenge TBD

Events

On a Happy Note

  • Babysitting fun with Gabriella and Zachary.
  • Driveway paving!!
  • The slightly slower pace of fall and getting out for walks with my friend.
  • Labor Day weekend pool time with family and friends.
  • In Colmar, Marta was looking for a pretzel and thought she saw one but it had feet!
  • I took an adult tap and jazz class at my friend’s dancing school.
  • Dan & Shay concert with Riley & getting to see her school.
  • Seeing my friend Nathan in Damn Yankees

Quote of the Week

“There is something so special in the early leaves drifting from the trees – as if we are all to be allowed a chance to peel, to refresh, to start again.” – Ruth Ahmed

—–

Thank you for tuning in!

Contact Information:

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

Leave a reply

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: