Episode 161: Beachy Knits & Brainstorming

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 161 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:

On the Needles
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: Infinite Twist, Kingdom Fleece and Fiberworks & Fibernymph Dye Works

On the Needles

Dan’s Tourmaline Stripes Socks

Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
Yarn: Paton’s Kroy in the Tourmaline Stripes Colorway
Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)

Autumn Stripes Socks

Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
Yarn: Paintbox Socks Colorway Stripes-Autumn
Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)

Dragon Belly Shawl

Pattern: Dragon Belly Shawl by Johanna Lindahl (Free crochet pattern)
Yarn: Teal Torch Knits TTK Splendid sock. 100% SW Merino. Stone Ground colorway
Hook: F (3.75 mm)

I’m working on another sample for a new design that will match the Riley Rose Shawl & Riley Rose Cowl. This hat is knit out of Holly Press Fibers Sheepish minis (5 colors) – Petticoat series.

I’ve started a new 4 color, fingering weight shawl design. Sign up for my newsletter to be the first to know when patterns are released (and to get the best intro coupon)

Brainstorming

Just back from beach vacation. Wore my Amma crochet top and my Easy Swim Cover up which is making me want to whip up something else for summer. Any suggestions? 56D1AF13-CA4D-4843-BDC2-555209B65DC7

From the Armchair

Tune in to hear my review and some highlights from Atomic Habits by James Clear

Atomic Habits by James Clear
I also mentioned Gretchen Rubin’s Better than Before& Jon Acuff’s Finish

In My Travels

Tune in to hear about our recent trip to Punta Cana- we stayed at the Iberostar Punta Cana.
20 of us went to celebrate Dan’s friend’s Dad’s 80th birthday. We ordered these silly t-shirts as surprise and he loved them. T-shirts are from Arielle’s Treasures

Travel Tips

Run water through coffee maker (without coffee) to heat it.
Finally got our answer to “how much sunscreen is enough?” Answer: 7 days, 2 people, 3 spray sunscreens (plus something for face). Rashguard and hats are a must.
Traveling with own water bottle was great. Dan and I filled with ice and water at breakfast lunch and dinner to always have water with us. I brought small container dish soap and cleaned in room with a face cloth.
Have a pen handy for immigration and custom forms. Pack an extra for a friend too!
Always negotiate price with vendors when prices aren’t listed. It may feel weird – and you have to be willing to walk away. They WILL let you walk away if they’re not going to make a profit.

KAL News

Slay the Stash 2019

Each month you can declare a skein of yarn to knit/crochet/weave to its very end. Let’s use up those older special skeins (purchased before 2019) – and maybe win a new beautiful skein of yarn from one of our sponsors along the way!
Check out the May Post Thank you to Another Crafty Girl for sponsoring in May!
Use and follow #slaythestash2019 on Social Media

Slay the Stash Sponsor List- 2019

Official Rules for 2019

January- Fish Belly Fiber Works
February- KnitCircus Yarns
March- Holly Press Fibers
April- Fibernymph Dye Works
May – Another Crafty Girl
June- Flying Finn Yarns
July- Sponsored by WindsweptMonique– yarn TBD
August- Knit Style Yarns
September- Artistic Lilly
October – Infinite Twist
November- 716 Knit
December – Hypnotic Yarn

Splash Pad Party– runs June 1 through July 31 2019

Check out the Start Here Thread in the Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group
- For Official Rules, click here.
- Pre Pool opener chat
- Poolside Chat (to be opened 6/1)
- Click here to see Coupon Codes especially for you from our sponsors!
- Check out Splash Pad Party ’19 Exclusive Items
- Splash Pad Party ’19 Prize Thread
- Use #splashpadparty19 to show us what you’re up to to prep for the Splash Pad
Sponsor Spots STILL AVAILABLE. Click here to learn more!

Pro Shop Sponsors

Snack Shack Sponsors

Events

Wool Days at Old Sturbridge Village: May 25-27 9:30a-5p One Day Pass $28 for adults, $26 senior, $14 kids
MA Sheep and Wool: May 26& 27 in Cummington, MA Fair Admission:Parking – $10 per car, $15 for a two day pass
19th Annual Maine Fiber Frolic– June 1 & 2- Windsor Fairgrounds Rt. 32, Windsor, Maine June 1 & 2, 2019, 9 am – 4 pm $5/adult, $8/adult 2 day pass $2/senior adult, children under 12 are free. (3 hours from me- not sure I’ll be going)
World Wide Knit in Public Day– Saturday June 8th. Find an event near you!
Check out the “Where are Jen & Lisa” Thread in the group to see what events we’ll be attending and feel free to note where you’re going to find other friends also going!

Online Event: Knit Girllls annual Stash Dash KAL will run from May 24-August 24, 2019

Watch the friendly competition with Jasmin and me on Instagram: #teambostonjen #beatcuteknitter

Life in Focus

2019 goals- 10 patterns + Build Muscle

Designs

Beginning of a new design is always scary for me but I talk a bit about how I work through that.
I also got a lot of value out of he Life Coach School- Episode 266 Why Change is Hard

Build Muscle

I’m participating in the #30x30stopstroke challenge

The goal is to get as many as of us as possible to exercise for 30 minutes a day for 30 days in May—to help prevent stroke, maintain and increase our physical and mental well-being, and have some fun!

I’ve been trying out something new called the “on the clock” challenge

I start stop watch on my phone when I first feel hungry. Drink some water and then see if the hunger stays the same or gets stronger. Many times I can go over an hour before anything really changes.
It’s fun when its a game and a good way to learn more about what my body actually needs. Hunger is not always an emergency. I can eat any time I like… but its helped me realize I don’t always need a snack when I think I might.

On a Happy Note

Software upgrade at work went well!
Mother’s Day- with Mom, Dad, Gram and my cousin Gayle– played Skipbo, watched Red Sox and had a nice lunch together at Mom’s house. Shared stories and photos from our trip.