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Episode 244: Fours

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 244 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
  • Knitting in Passing
  • In my Travels
  • KAL News
  • Life in Focus
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins


Chemo Cap 

  • Yarn: Bernat Velvet in the Blackbird colorway
  • Pattern: None
  • Hook: G (4.25 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Top down in half double crochet. 
  • back post double crochet for brim.
  • Left for Mom to open on her third day of chemo when I was away on my trip. Dad forgot to give it to her, so I brought it over when I visited to December 1. You can see it in my Vlogmas Day 1 Video. Click here for the full Vlogmas Playlist

Mermazing Socks

  • Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Mermazing Colorway (April 2022 Subscription Box) & mini skeins from Legacy Fiber Artz.
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Check out my Unboxing Video Here
  • Contrasting heel with LFA mini from my 2021 Advent Calendar
  • Finished before my UK Trip to gift these to my friend Laura

Portal Socks

  • Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes Base in the Portal Colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Yarn from Legacy Fiber Artz- Pigskin Party Snack Shack Sponsor
  • Nearly done with the foot of second sock. Finished it during a lazy girls night at home in our London apartment.

Musselburgh

  • Pattern: Musselburgh by Ysolda Teague (6 GBP pattern available on Ravelry & Ysolda’s website)
  • Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm)
  • Yarn: Biscotte Bis Sock in the Bis Sock Boston colorway
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Cream, mustard and black self striping yarn. 
  • Adult Medium Size

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Sugarplum Socks

  • Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Sugarplum Colorway (Yarnable Subscription Box) 
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • I’m onto the foot of the second sock.

Woolens and Nosh Socks

  • Yarn: Woolens & Nosh Targee Socks- 2022 Advent Calendar 
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • 1 stripe a day
  • 20g mini in dark purple; used for cuff and will use for the heel. 

From the Armchair

  • This is the Story of a Happy Marriage by Ann Patchett Click here for Bookshop.org & Amazon Affiliate Links.
  • Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam Click here for Bookshop.org & Amazon Affiliate Links
  • The Book of Two Ways by Jodi Picoult Click here for Bookshop.org & Amazon Affiliate Links.
  • Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan Click here for Bookshop.org & Amazon Affiliate Links.

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

  • Met a lovely knitter in the UK. Out to dinner with the team I was working with. Another young lady joined us for a drink and we talked about what she’d done earlier that day. She took a walk around… and anyway, she brought her crochet project with her so she wasn’t bored.  Amelia and I chatted and shared photos! Such a bright spot in an already great trip. 

In My Travels

  • I spent 10 days in the UK last month. 
  • In Manchester I visited the local Christmas markets and ate some delicious food, including Indian at Akbars before attending a conference and giving the speech I was brought over for.
  • Spent one quick night near Newbury before heading to London for a long weekend. Laura came in from New York and Marta flew in from London. We took in the Christmas decorations and Christmas markets, did some shopping, saw a West End production of & Juliet, saw the Cezanne exhibit at the Tate Modern and did some vintage shopping on Portobello Road in Notting Hill. 
  • I visited Loop London and took some videos to share on my YouTube Channel (once I get time to edit them)

KAL News

Pigskin Party’22: The Official Hashtag is #DCSPigskinParty22

  • Pigskin Landing Page on the Down Cellar Studio Website.
  • Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group
  • Link to the Official Rules
  • Player Registration- Google Form
  • Check out our amazing Sponsors! Click here for the Google doc with their websites and Instagram profiles. 
    • Check out the list of available Coupons from our amazing sponsors- Ravelry Link. Google Doc.
    • Check out the Pigskin Exclusive Items in this Ravelry Thread
  • Important Updates in this Episode

Life in Focus

  • Mom did well with her 3 days of chemo in November. 
  • A gentle reminder that if someone you love is going through cancer- it’s probably taking a lot more time and energy than you may realize. There are lots of appointments, check ups and scans. Thankfully our family has been great about checking on us and helping out!
  • We saw orthopedic last week who put Mom in a brace for her right leg hoping it will decrease the pain in her knee after a fall in October. 

On a Happy Note

  • Family Photo Shoot with Amanda of Amanda Silva Photography
  • Upgraded travel status!
  • The family headed up to Maine December 2 & 3rd for Prelude festival in Kennebunkport.
  • 60 min massage, that I booked intending to use a gift card- which I forgot to bring! Guess I have to go back.
  • Waveney’s Birthday Party
  • Funky Nutcracker followed by the girls’ Christmas sleepover

Quote of the Week

Author Bell Hooks on the importance of knowing how to be alone:

“Many of us seek community solely to escape the fear of being alone. Knowing how to be solitary is central to the art of loving. When we can be alone, we can be with others without using them as a means of escape.”


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Episode 243: Grateful

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 243 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
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Contest, News & Notes
  • Life in Focus
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Fibernymph Dye Works & 3 Stitches Short

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Colin & Nora’s Christmas Stockings

Musselburgh

  • Pattern: Musselburgh by Ysolda Teague (6 GBP pattern available on Ravelry & Ysolda’s website)
  • Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm)
  • Yarn: Malabrigo Sock in Colorway 195 Black & Bumblebee Acres Farm Squishy Sock in the Rainbow Room Colorway
  • Cast on using crochet magic circle to create number of CO sts called for in the pattern. Chose that because you can pull it tight. I then picked up and knit into those stitches.
  • I knit the Adult Medium and switched to a 16″ cord once I had the full number of stitches. I knit 10 inches of black before starting in with the rainbow stripes.

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Portal Socks

  • Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes Base in the Portal Colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Yarn from Legacy Fiber Artz- Pigskin Party Snack Shack Sponsor
  • Progress- 1st sock finished. 2nd sock- leg & heel done. Nearly done with the foot.  

Mermazing Socks

  • Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Mermazing Colorway (April 2022 Subscription Box) & mini skeins from Legacy Fiber Artz.
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Check out my Unboxing Video Here
  • Contrasting heel with LFA mini from my 2021 Advent Calendar
  • First sock done. On the leg of the second sock. 

First Point of Libra Cowl

  • Pattern: First Point of Libra Cowl by Laura Aylor 
  • Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm)
  • Yarn: Barnyard Knits, Fuse Fiber Studio, One Twisted Tree (shop formerly own Prairie Girl Danie) + other leftover sock yarn 
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Yarn purchased at Vogue Knitting Live January 2020 with Lauren. Planned to make a 2 color shawl. Cast on My Cryptonite by Melanie Berg and never got more than a couple inches in. Here’s the Ravelry Project Page for the shawl that’s now frogged. 
  • I’ve losing mojo on this so it will be going into hibernation until after Christmas. 

Sagamore Flyover Cowl 

  • Ravelry Project Page
  • A take-off on my Sagamore Flyover Hat available on Ravelry & LoveCrafts
  • Nearly done. Interested to block this to see what tweaks I want/need to make to improve the design.

Chemo Cap 

  • Yarn: Bernat Velvet in the Blackbird Colorway
  • Hook: G hook (4.5 mm)
  • No real pattern. Improvising using notes from one I made for my Aunt Florence on December 1, 2020. You can find that Ravelry Project Page Here.

Brainstorming

  • Musselburgh hat for my brother with self-striping yarn in Boston Bruins (hockey) colors once I’ve finished my first one to make sure I like the fit.
  • Socks and toys for Christmas gifts
  • Advent socks with my kit from Woolens & Nosh.
  • Travel packing- what to bring?!

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.

KAL News

Pigskin Party’22: The Official Hashtag is #DCSPigskinParty22

Contest, News & Notes

  • There will be no second podcast episode in November. 
  • I am planning to release Vlogmas videos on the Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel in December. Click here for my 2021 Vlogmas Playlist. or here for my 2020 Vlogmas Playlist.

Life in Focus

  • Last time I shared that my Mom’s lung cancer has returned. We’ve since learned that the cancer has transitioned to small cell lung cancer which is more aggressive and will require more aggressive chemo. Keep those thoughts & prayers coming. 
  • Check out this video where Mom shares more. 

On a Happy Note

  • We had new railings installed.
  • Dan is very handy and was able to fix our broken water pump- even after power went out right after!
  • Vlogging with the girls. You can find the video here.
  • My aunt Florence came for a visit in a red convertible! 
  • Playing Tock with Mom, Millie, Riley and Liz. 
  • Decorating a Christmas Tree with Mom, Dad, Dan and the kids. Watching Elf & The Santa Clause
  • Playing with a new vlogging camera I purchased. The kids had a lot of fun with it too. 
  • Family photos with Amanda Silva Photography. You can find a sneak peek in her Instagram Feed here. 

Quote of the Week

“We may, by fixing our attention almost fiercely on the facts actually before us, force them to turn into adventures; force them to give up their meaning and fulfill their mysterious purpose.”

— G. K. Chesterton


Thank you for tuning in!
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Episode 242: Travels, Trials, Tales & Treats

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 242 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
  • KAL News
  • Life in Focus
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Star Knits, Adore Knit, Lolo Did It 

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Woolens & Nosh Sprout Socks

  • Yarn:  Woolens and Nosh 90% SW Targhee, 10% Nylon 3 Ply Yarn (411 yards / 100 grams) in the Sprout Colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Sprout- 10 stripe- Light yellow, peach, ballet pink, maroon, dusty blue, kelly green, tapue, lighter grass green, cream, pale green.
  • Yarn from Woolens & Nosh-  Pigskin Party Pro Shop Sponsor
  • Project Bag- Pigskin ’22 Exclusive from Anne Beady Designs 

Repaired the cuff on Mom’s Deja Blue Knit Picks Felici Socks from 2019.

  • Click here for my Ravelry Project Page.
  • I knit cuff down, so it was a bit of project to cut off the top of the sock, unravel back to the stockinette. Worked back up and used Jeny’s surprisingly stretchy bind off to finish them. 

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Musselburgh

  • Pattern: Musselburgh by Ysolda Teague (6 GBP pattern available on Ravelry & Ysolda’s website)
  • Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm)
  • Yarn: Malabrigo Sock in Colorway 195 Black 
  • Cast on using crochet magic circle to create number of CO sts called for in the pattern. Chose that because you can pull it tight. I then picked up and knit into those stitches.

Colin & Nora’s Christmas Stockings

Mermazing Socks

  • Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Mermazing Colorway (April 2022 Subscription Box) & mini skeins from Legacy Fiber Artz.
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Check out my Unboxing Video Here
  • Blues and greens and purples. 
  • Contrasting heel with LFA mini from my 2021 Advent Calendar
  • Yarn from Pigskin Party Sponsors Hypnotic Yarn/Yarnable Box & Legacy Fiber Artz- both Snack Shack Sponsors
  • Project Bag from Anne Beady Designs (Pro Shop Sponsor)
  • Progress- 1st sock finished. 2nd cuff finished.

Portal Socks

  • Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes Base in the Portal Colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Yarn from Legacy Fiber Artz- Pigskin Party Snack Shack Sponsor
  • Yarn- speckles. Mostly reads pink/maroons. so many tiny specks of color. taupe, green, blue, purple, gray/brown. 
  • Progress- 1st sock finished. 2nd sock has several inches done on the leg

2021 Scrappy Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: sock yarn minis and scraps
  • Ravelry Project Page (started in April 2021. Picked back up in September 2022)
  • In this project, I used Helical knitting using Video Tutorial from Knitty Natty & Cate’s Clasp Weft join- check out my YouTube Tutorial  by clicking here.
  • Progress- 1st sock finished. 2nd cuff finished + an inch or so of the leg. Helical knitting made these so much more interesting to me. Game changer.

First Point of Libra Cowl

  • Pattern: First Point of Libra Cowl by Laura Aylor 
  • Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm)
  • Yarn: Barnyard Knits, Fuse Fiber Studio, One Twisted Tree (shop formerly own Prairie Girl Danie) + other leftover sock yarn 
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Yarn purchased at Vogue Knitting Live January 2020 with Lauren. Planned to make a 2 color shawl. Cast on My Cryptonite by Melanie Berg and never got more than a couple inches in. Here’s the Ravelry Project Page for the shawl that’s now frogged. 
  • Inspiration color= Barnyard Knits- Pricky Pear (multi- has grays, greens and pinks). Matches new long, green, quilted coat from J. Jill.  Plus Fuse Merino Sock in Mercury Glass (gray) & Fuse in Radical Acceptance (pink)
  • I think this project would be great for small scraps because even though each section calls for X number of rows, you could easily modify it and have wider or thinner stripes in each direction. 

Spinning

  • 4oz of 100% Natural Cotswold purchased from Long Island Livestock Company at Rhinebeck for $20. Beautiful tan color. 
  • No real plan or prep. Just enjoying the process.

Brainstorming

  • I’d like to make a fingering weight hat using yarns from the First Point of Libra Cowl to bring to the UK in November. 
  • Found yarn for Megg’s next Nanaimo Cardigan for Christmas- Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick in the Abalone Colorway. Ordered from Joann.com

From the Armchair

On a Quiet Street by Seraphina Nova Glass. Bookshop Affiliate Link. 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.

Knitting in Passing

  • I shared stories about a women who took my knitting from me on the train and started knitting it herself, about how Hattie thought my Mom’s cowl was the funniest beard she ever saw, how I was recognized by a local knitting in the lobby of a theater during intermission and about a chat with lovely woman at my local nail salon.

In My Travels

  • Rhinebeck 2022: Mom, Ryan, Nicki & I had a whirlwind weekend at CAKEPalooza and Rhinebeck- the NY Sheep & Wool Festival. Come along and enjoy the sights and sounds of the trip in this video on the Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel. 
    • In this episode I shared just a few highlights. Some key links:
  • Shameka‘s cupcakes that we bought at CAKEpalooza
  • Rhinebeck sweaters- Mom and I each wore our Wave of Change Jackets. Click here for the Ravelry Project Page for Jen’s Sweater & the Ravelry Page for Mom’s sweater. On Sunday, I wore my Boxing Day Bonus Shawl. Mom wore her new Shift Cowl- click here for the Ravelry Project Page. 
  • Mom got to share her Scrapbox Challenge project with Crispina who hosted this challenge in March 2020
  • Ross Farm Fiber Tour 2022 Shirts

In November I’m going to the UK. I’ll be visiting Manchester, Newbury & London, England & Cardiff, Wales. Do you have any tips or suggestions for me? Restaurants, shops, best ways to get theater tickets etc. 

KAL News

Pigskin Party’22: The Official Hashtag is #DCSPigskinParty22

  • Pigskin Landing Page on the Down Cellar Studio Website.
  • Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group
  • Link to the Official Rules
  • Player Registration- Google Form
  • Check out our amazing Sponsors! Click here for the Google doc with their websites and Instagram profiles. 
    • Check out the list of available Coupons from our amazing sponsors- Ravelry Link. Google Doc.
    • Check out the Pigskin Exclusive Items in this Ravelry Thread
  • Important Updates in this Episode
    • First of the Pigskin Participation Prizes.
    • The 10 Grand Prizes will be shared soon!
    • Check out November’s Woolen Cafe Interception Challenge hosted by Woolen Women Fibers. You can find the details in the Ravelry Group or in this Google Doc.
    • The October Interception Winner will be shared in early November in the Ravelry Group & in the next episode. Thanks again to Sunsoaked Yarns for hosting!
    • Rule update: you need to have a Unique URL for each submission. Check out this Ravelry Post for details. I’ve also updated the Official Rules. 
    • This year we’ll have 10 grand prizes! Will share details in the group soon!

Life in Focus

  • Quick health update on Mom who was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer on December 1, 2021. Her October scans showed new tumors in the pleura (lining) of her lungs which aren’t responding to her Tagrisso gene therapy medicine. They’ll be doing a biopsy to see if they can tell why it is resistant and perhaps there is another drug they can try. Since that will take about a month before we have results, she’ll be starting chemotherapy in the meantime. 1st infusion on November 4th. Send out all those good wishes. 
  • You can check out the video we recorded together if you want to hear more. The first 40 minutes are really just a recap of our spring, summer and fall fun- complete with photos and videos. You can find the video here. 

On a Happy Note

  • Rhinebeck!
  • Sharon of Knit Style Yarns just released her first pattern- Celtic Christmas Cowl ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) & kindly gifted me a copy. Thank you Sharon & congrats!
  • I went to see Sweeney Todd at Company Theater with Mom, Terri & Emelyn.
  • My cousin Colleen got married last weekend! She looked beautiful. The wedding was perfect. They had cider donuts instead of wedding cake! Mom & my 94 year old Aunt Florence who also has cancer, set Colleen’s wedding as their goal and they were both there with big smiles and so much energy. Dancing and laughing. We are all so grateful for that. Colin and Nora whooping it up on the dance floor. Colleen & her Dad dancing in the trolley all the way back to the hotel with Dan and my cousin Joanie’s husband using their phone flashlights to create a strobe effect!
  • Oisin and Dan working to cut and stack wood. Made Oisin a batch of applesauce even though I haven’t had time to teach him how to make it yet. 
  • My cousins sent me a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Total surprise.
  • 20 years at my day job. Dinner celebration postponed but Dan and I look forward to going to that in early 2023. I got to pick out a gift from an online catalog. I picked an Air Fryer so hit me with your best vegetarian air fryer recipes!
  • Our contractor starting putting new railings on our deck.
  • We attended my cousins (Pat & Kevin’s) joint Surprise Costume Birthday Party. Mom, Dad, Dan and I dressed up in a Little Mermaid Theme!
  • We saw a local production of Guys & Dolls. Megg is a Hot Box Dancer. Oisin was a Gambler. They were both great!

Quote of the Week

There is the touch of November in the air, chill enough to have a slight tang, like properly aged cider. Not air that caresses, nor yet air that nips.  Air that makes one breathe deeply and think of spring water and walk briskly.

-Hal Borland


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