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Episode 277: 1 Month of Making & Updates

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 277 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
  • Events
  • Life in Focus
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

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 & the more recent June box which is available now. 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.

Same as It Ever Was Hat #2

  • Pattern: Same as It Ever Was by Sarah Jordan ($6 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Yarn: Kingdom Fleece and Fiberworks. No colorway listed.
  • Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • I started this project in January. Used nearly all of the yarn. Loved this yarn/pattern combo. I am planning to keep this hat! It is plenty long enough to wear with the brim folded and still have it worn slouchy.

Colleen’s Baby Blanket

  • Pattern: Crochet Modern Boho Granny Blanket by Tiffany Brown (free crochet pattern available on this website)
  • Yarn: Caron Simply Soft in Blue Mint, Soft Green, Riviera (Speckle), Kelly Green, Robin’s Egg, White Sage (Speckle) & White
  • Hook: H (5.0 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • I learned about this edge technique on this website.

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Riley’s 16th Birthday Flower Top

  • Pattern:  Riley found in this TikTok video
  • Hook: G (4.0 mm)
  • Yarn: Caron Skinny Cakes in the Grape Raisin UVA colorway (purchased 3)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • YouTube Video
  • About the yarn- probably about a sport weight yarn that gradiates through purples, blues and white.
  • I’m enjoying this project but it involves a lot of counting on each row so it takes focused time which I haven’t had a ton of.
  • Working on the Front (or Back): 3 repeats of the pattern = 6 flowers

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 there’s a new one coming in the Fall.
    • Blanket Pre-Orders for the Murder She Knit club are available now! Please consider using my Affiliate Link.
    • The patterns for this kit will be the Northeasterly Blanket by Melissa Alexander-Loomis (knit version) and the Northeasterly blanket by Katy Stevens (crochet version). 
  • Progress: I finished my April squares and am working on the border.

Raven Socks

  • Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn in the Raven Colorway from the Yarnable Box.
  • 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 Yarn: Speckled colorway with a cream base. Green, gray/black and hot pink colors speckled in.

Static Musselburgh

  • Pattern: Musselburgh Hat by Ysolda Teague (7 GBP Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry & on Ysolda’s website)
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Static Fingering Weight Yarn in the Peppercorn colorway
  • Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm) & US 2.5 (3.0 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page

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)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the yarn: this self striping colorway is a bright rainbow colorway that’s meant to mimic the logo for our FearLESS Living Fund

Julia’s Cozy Clusters Blanket

  • Pattern: Cozy Clusters Baby Blanket by Leelee Knits (free & paid options available on the LeeLeeKnits website)
  • Yarn: Caron Cinnamon Swirl Cakes in the Hibiscus Colorway (purchased 3). 1 skein of Loops & Threads Impeccable in Orange for the border)
  • Hooks: H (5.0 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • I really enjoy this pattern. It’s a 2 row repeat that I remember having memorized the first time around but thought I couldn’t this time. After working maybe 10 repeats, I was able to memorize it. It’s just the cozy comfort project I need right now.

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

No Splash Pad Party this Summer, but check out these other awesome online events

  • Summer Sock Camp with the Crazy Sock Lady
  • The Knit Girllls are hosting their annual Stash Dash Event from May 24-August 31,2024.
    • Here’s a chatter thread for stash dash 2024! Stash Dash will run from May 24th-the end of August. Craft all the things and see how your FO pile grows! This is a competition only against yourself.
    • Discord link: knit girllls discord

Events

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

Life in Focus

  • I shared more details about my parents’ car accident. Tune in to hear more. Thankfully they are both recovering.
  • Resources- Scituate Etrusco– serves the South Shore of MA with medical equipment that they loan out. Huge savings! Look for something similar near you.
  • I’m not sure what this will mean for mom’s upcoming cancer treatments. She was supposed to be healing to be ready for radiation. Will know more within the next week.

On a Happy Note

  • Conor & Carly hosted a family game night for their Bucket List with a Twist item with my mom. We played Code Names & Penny Drop!
  • Riley gave Auntie Krissy the chicken we made together and she was over the moon! It was awesome.
  • My cousin Jenny had her baby girl, Vera Camela, at the hospital where I work, so I got to hold her when she was only a few hours old!
  • I went to see a local production of Gypsy that my friend Megg was in.
  • My 12 year old niece Millie was a huge help with my parents.
  • I finished my drawing class at the local rec center. I had to miss 2 out of 6 classes, but I learned a lot doing a portrait of Eme from a photo I took of them at the playground when they were a kid.
  • I took my grandmother to my cousin Colleen’s baby shower. Coleen had a great reaction to her crocheted blanket. I’m always grateful for that.
  • We had a birthday dinner for Aila- low key backyard party made more interesting by a full-family cartwheel contest!
  • Big work project rolling out new technology went well. I was still able to take Mom to her appointments (while Dad wasn’t driving and they didn’t have a car), and was able to work other shifts so my coworkers could attend their kids events. As a thank you for that, my boss invited us to use a suite at the Garden for game 1 of the Celtics/Cavaliers Playoff Game! The Celtics crushed it. Dan wasn’t able to come, so I brought my friend Liz who is a huge fan.
  • My friend Laura came in to visit for Mother’s Day weekend- along w/ 7 of my Mom’s friends. We went to a movie on Friday night then to visit Mom and her guests on Saturday. Sunday we made brunch for Mother’s Day and then off to see Millie as a Munchkin and Flying Monkey in the Wizard of Oz at a local theater.

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

“It’s easier to take than to give. It’s nobler to give than to take. The thrill of taking lasts a day. The thrill of giving lasts a lifetime.”

~ Joan Marques

Thank you for tuning in!

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Episode 276: More Chicken Please!

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 276 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
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

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

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 (5.5mm)
  • Yarn: Big Twist Tweed in White (7 skeins- I used just shy of 5 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.

Auntie Krissy’s Chickens

  • Pattern: Chicken Familyby Kensey Davis ($5 crochet pattern on Etsy)
  • Hook: G (4.0 mm)
  • Yarn: Premier Yarns Chunky Parfair in Mushroom, White, Ruby and Mustard.
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Thanks to Riley for joining me to talk about this joint project.

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

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!
  • Progress: I finished my March squares (month 6) and unboxed month 7!

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.

Colleen’s Baby Blanket

  • Pattern: Crochet Modern Boho Granny Blanket by Tiffany Brown (free crochet pattern available on this website)
  • Yarn: Caron Simply Soft in Blue Mint, Soft Green, Riviera (Speckle), Kelly Green, Robin’s Egg, White Sage (Speckle) & White
  • Hook: H (5.0 mm)
  • Progress: I’ve finished 3 colors, doing 7 pairs of DC/DC3 tog per color. On the 3rd color, Riviera, I ran out of yarn, so couldn’t complete the last row, so I ripped back and had to start with the Kelly Green early.

Riley’s 16th Birthday Flower Top

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 took my nieces Riley and Aila to Connecticut for their birthday weekend sleepover. We got an AirBnB in Litchfield. Friday night, we stayed in and watched Gilmore Girls on Netflix (the inspiration for our adventure). Saturday we toured around! Here are some handy links.

Check out this blog post for more ideas of Exploring Washington Connecticut with a Gilmore Girls themed lens.

Stay tuned for a vlog coming to the Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel.

KAL News

  • Splash Pad Registration Opens May 1
  • Event will run Friday May 24th through Wednesday July 31, 2024
  • Sponsor Call will go out SOON!

Events

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

On a Happy Note

  • I went to see the musical Company in Boston.
  • I joined my parents and a few of my cousins at the Spring Fling event at my Grandmother’s Assisted Living.
  • Riley came for a sleepover to finish Kris’s chicken. On Saturday, we spent some time at my parents, and then Dad drove us to my nephew Garret’s hockey final. His team won and he scored the first and last goal of the game.
  • After spending Sunday morning with a headache, I rallied to join my parents for Riley’s dance competition.
  • I’ve had 2 weeks of drawing classes through my town’s Rec program. We did some basic exercises the first week and then moved into more structural architectural drawing using 2 point perspective.
  • My mom’s friends ran an auction event and raised over $1200 for the FearLESS Living Fund!
  • Mom completed another round of chemo.
  • I did a bit of studio tidying.
  • Gilmore Girls weekend with Riley & Aila.

Quote of the Week

We have to continually be jumping off cliffs and developing our wings on the way down.

–KURT VONNEGUT

——

Contact Information:

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

——

Thank you for tuning in!

Contact Information: