Author Archives: downcellarstudio@gmail.com

Episode 265: Red-Eyed & Bushy Tailed!

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 265 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:

  • Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • Brainstorming
  • In my Travels
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Contest, News & Notes
  • Life in Focus
  • Ask Me Anything
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Imagined Landscapes, Cniotáil Láimhe Designs on Ravelry & Buxom Cat Knits

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Mom’s 2023 Rhinebeck Sweater

  • Pattern: Carbeth Cardigan by Kate Davies (~$8 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & this website)
  • Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) for the ribbing and US 9 (5.5 mm) for the body
  • Yarn: Sweitzer Fiber Mill mystery yarn purchased at Maryland Sheep & Wool 2023
  • My Ravelry Project Page

Sneaky Pumpkins (& their Ghost friends)

  • Yarn: Worsted Weight Acrylic (various) in white, orange and brown.
  • Hook: C (2.75 mm)
  • Pattern: Cute Halloween Decorations by Laura Sillar (~$3.85 US Crochet pattern) available on Ravelry
  • Safety Eyes from 6060 on Etsy.
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About this Project: I saw this on Instagram and knew I had to make them because “sneaky pumpkins” is a running joke for Liz, Riley and me. You’ll find shots of sneaky pumpkins all through our Rhinebeck weekend videos on Youtube-  Part 1 (Indie Untangled) and Part 2 (Rhinebeck).
  • I made 3 sets, one for each of us.

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Liz’s Socks

  • Yarn: Area 51 Fibres Sturdy Alien Base ( n the  (80% Superwash Merino, 20% Nylon) in the National Periodic Table Day Colorway (self striping with rainbow and gray)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Progress- I finished the first sock in Vegas and half of the second sock at Rhinebeck. I’m beyond the heel on sock #2 now.

Christmas Stockings

  • Pattern: Christmas Stockings to Knit and Crochet from Family Circle Magazine. Available in this web archive link. I’ve also saved it to my podcast Gmail Google Drive in case it disappears! web.archive.org-Christmas Stockings to Knit and Crochet from Our Archives.pdf
  • Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver in Cherry Red, Hunter Green and White
  • Hook: G (4.0 mm)
  • I thought I had 3 to make before Thanksgiving, but it’s really only two which is a huge relief.
  • Progress: The front & back of one stocking is done. I finished the foot shaping on the both sides of the stocking.

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
  • Hook: 3.25 mm (D)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Check out the October Unboxing video
  • Progress: Riley helped me complete the 9 squares for October. I’ve single crocheted them together and started the border.

Brainstorming

Samples & patterns we found at Rhinebeck:

  • Mini Mock Neck Tank by Jessie Maed Designs ($9 knitting pattern available on Ravelry).
  • The Traveler by Andrea Mowry ($9 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & the Drea Renee Knits website)
  • PhD Candidate Sweater by Hannah Mann (free knitting pattern available on Ravelry)

In My Travels

Las Vegas

  • We attended the BOSS Reseller Remix Event hosted at the Blind Center of Nevada
  • FearLESS Living Fund: find all of our links to social media etc on this linktree.
  • We ran a silent auction and raised over $6k
  • Gave away the first two awards to Blind Center Clients. Video will be available soon.

Rhinebeck with Mom, Liz and Riley

  • Friday- we grabbed lunch then headed to Indie Untangled for the last spot of the day.
  • We got an AirBnB in Hudson that was adorable. Saturday we arrived at the Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck around 11a. We shopped until 2p meet-up. It was sS lovely seeing/meeting so many of you! We chatted for awhile- longer than Riley would have liked, I’m sure! See the video for candid reactions!  Then we shopped until they closed.
  • Saturday night we had dinner at a lovely little place in Hudson – the Grazin’ Diner.
  • Sunday morning we shopped with Lauren and her boyfriend Pete, then checked out the animal barns, bought more stuff!
  • I bought nearly all of the things on my “to purchase” list.
  • Check out Part 1 (Indie Untangled) and Part 2 (Rhinebeck) videos on the Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel.

KAL News

Pigskin Party ’23

  • #DCSPigskinParty23
  • Official Rules
  • Find everything you need on my website or in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group
  • Register using this Google Form (you must be Registered to be eligible for prizes)
  • Enter your projects using the Point Tally Form
  • Find the full list of Sponsors in this Google Doc.
  • Questions-  ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com
    • Commentator Updates– tune in to hear more. I talked about the following- these are all RAVELRY project pages:
    • Stats
      • 525 Participants
      • Of those, 323 with Points
      • Average of those with points 552 Points
      • Highest: 4332 & Lowest: 10
      • Blitzes 52
      • Top 3 players: 1) foryouandyarn (4332 points) 2) Pebblesgirlcraft (3839 points), 3) mostlymunchies (3626 points)
      • Top Conference: LFC
      • Top Team: #7 Garter Guards 21,8356
  • Quarter 2 Challenge: Embrace Nature brought to you by our Official Sponsor of the Quarter Bella Fio. Runs 11/1-11/30/23. Full details can be found in this Google Doc and in this Ravelry Thread.
  • WIPs Challenge- starting 11/10. Stay tuned for more details.

Contest, News & Notes

My cousin Linda’s friend is looking for warm handknit/crocheted items for adult and youth homeless in Massachusetts. They set up tables on Thanksgiving and put all of the handmade items on the fence outside their church in Woburn center. Calling for all makers who want to donate. PM me on Ravelry or email me at downcellarstudio at gmail.com and I’ll give you the address to send them to. Any fiber type welcome. Hats, scarves, mitts, shawls, blankets. Anything warm is welcome!

Life in Focus

  • Mom’s October scans showed no changes! Cancer is stable at this time. She goes back again for scans in January!

Ask Me Anything

Shana asked about any recent Savers adventures. Tune in for a story that’s more of a misadventure (spoiler alert- all ends well)

On a Happy Note

  • Vegas- pool day with sharks in the tank & dressing as the Sanderson sisters for the Gala.
  • Rhinebeck weekend. Great time with Mom, Liz and Riley. Liz did 100% of the driving and it saved me! I am so grateful. The 4 of us just got along so well and had so much fun. 2p meet-up. So many compliments on my sweaters- both Sat and Sun. Everyone loved Mom’s sweater too. Found buttons for her on Saturday.
  • Sing-a-long on the drive home from Rhinebeck.
  • Liz found Mom’s favorite blow up seat cushion when she dropped her fidget spinner under the seat and had to retrieve it!
  • Laura (lauraknitspa) brought her Abington Mitts to show me (Ravelry Project Page link)
  • I got to see our youngest niece and nephew- Gabriella & Zach when Dan and Oisin were over at their house putting in a new shed. We watched a Curious George Halloween Special that Gabriella was dying to show me, had a snack and read books in their tent before I had to go.
  • Dan & I attended a Clue (movie based on the board game) Party as Miss Scarlet & Mr. Green. After striking out at the thrift stores, I bought a dress on Amazon that was more perfect than I realized. Thanks to Mom, I had the perfect costume jewelry. Dan brought all sorts of props from home for the “weapons.” Fun was had by all.

Quote of the Week

Daily life may seem trivial and routine, but in fact it contains a multitude of incidents, at once rich, expansive, and touching.

–YU HUA 

——

Contact Information:

Episode 264: Rhinebeck Sweaters

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 264  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
  • Ask Me Anything
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Fibernymph Dye Works, Twin Mountain Handcrafts,AdoreKnit & Suburban Stitcher

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Benjamin’s Christmas Stocking

Strathcona Sweater

  • Pattern: Strathacona Sweater by Tara-Lynn Morrison ($6.50 knitting pattern available on Ravelry or on the Good Night, Day website)
  • Yarn: 3 yarns 1) handspun, 2) Lion Brand Fisherman’s Wool in the Birch Tweed Colorway 3) Aisling Yarns BFL in the Hurry Sundown Colorway
  • Needles: US 13 (9.0 mm) (neck), US 19 (15 mm) (body)
  • I’m knitting Size S/M (pattern offers sizing from 38″- 53″ bust)
  • Ravelry Project Page

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Liz’s Socks

  • Yarn: Area 51 Fibres Sturdy Alien Base ( n the  (80% Superwash Merino, 20% Nylon) in the National Periodic Table Day Colorway (self striping with rainbow and gray)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Progress- 6 inches on the first leg & a couple rows of the heel. I purposely

Drawn Together Cowl

  • Pattern: Drawn Together by Shana Cohen ($7 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & Payhip)
  • Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) and a 3.75 mm (F) crochet hook for the provisional cast on
  • Yarn: neon coral DK yarn (lost ball band; believe its from Spun Right Round)
  • Provisional cast on using this Purl Soho video.

Space Daddy Socks

  • Yarn: Fan Girl Fibers Fingering in the Space Daddy Colorway (80% Superwash Merino, 20% Nylon)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Ravelry Project Page

Mom’s 2023 Rhinebeck Sweater

  • Pattern: Carbeth Cardigan by Kate Davies (~$8 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & this website)
  • Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) for the ribbing and US 9 (5.5 mm) for the body
  • Yarn: Sweitzer Fiber Mill mystery yarn purchased at Maryland Sheep & Wool 2023
  • My Ravelry Project Page

Brainstorming

  • During the Cape & South Shore Yarn Haul, Liz found a sweater pattern she likes- The Order of the Jedi Pullover by Meghan Regan. Available on in Star Wars Knitting the Galaxy: The Official Star Wars Knitting Pattern Book.
  • Garter Stitch Cardigans
    • Cruiser by Kristen Finlay ~$7 US knitting pattern available on Ravelry
    • Kallias by Isabell Kraemer is another contender.
      • Worsted weight cardigan, no button bands, positive ease. ~$7 US knitting pattern available on Ravelry.
    • Carbeth Cardigan by Kate Davies (~$8 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & this website)
  • I talked a bit about travel knitting/crochet for my upcoming trip to Vegas/NY
  • Sue from Legacy Fiber Artz is crocheting a super bulky blanket and I’m totally inspired!

From the Armchair

Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver. 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.

KAL News

Events

  • Vermont Sheep & Wool: Sept 30 & Oct 1 at the Tunbridge Fairgrounds
  • NY Sheep & Wool Festival in Rhinebeck – October 21 & 22, 2023
    • Join Me for a Rhinebeck Meet Up- Saturday 2p. There are permanent booths with food next to Building A. Across from that is a beer tent. To the left of the beer tent there’s a covered pavilion area. Look for Mom, Liz, Riley & I there.
    • Come over to the Ravelry Thread about Pigskin Partiers going to Rhinebeck. Thanks ElsaandEm for starting it. It’s her first year attending. Hoping we get to meet!
  • Indie Untangled: Friday October 20 from 10a-4p in Saugerties. Tickets for 1, 2:30p and 4p still available.  
  • Cakepalooza: Friday October 20 from 10a-5p in Saugerties. Tickets for the 2p & 4p entries are still available
  • Wool & Folk: Friday October 20 from 12-7p in Stoneridge, NY
  • Fiber Festival of New England: November 4 & 5 in West Springfield, MA
  • Check out some West Coast (US) Events on the Seattle Knitters Guild site (thanks Kristen- kips206)

Life in Focus

  • #1- Read 23 books (35 as of August- 43 as of early october)
  • #7- Give blood at least 3 times (March, May, August, October done)
  • #9- Knit/crochet at least one project with handspun- Strathcona sweater
  • #17- Purge at least 23 items from the house. Ideally 46. After a smaller clean out earlier in the year, I took a full car load to Savers in October- lots of clothes.
  • #23 Create a new music playlist. Riley’s. Plus CMA fest artists. Summer playlist, Old Dominion

On a Happy Note

  • My friend Megg and I took a longer than usual walk through our local State Park! After almost 8 miles, I came home and pressure washed the house & deck. For the deck, I used a surface cleaner from Ryobi that Dan purchased. You can find the same one on Amazon for $51. Parts of the deck were so badly stained from years of drought when we couldn’t wash it. Areas where the wood pile is were especially bad. Exhausting but very satisfying day.
  • My cousin Chris & his wife Kim threw a wonderful party for their son Benjamin’s Baptism.
  • I spent a week night at brother and sister-in-law’s while they attended a work function. Ran the kids around to their activities, then Millie and I knit for a bit before she and Garret went to bed. Riley & I knit and watch Gilmore Girls before we went to bed. Truly delightful.
  • My financial advisor reached out to me after hearing that my work Open Enrollment is coming up and there was an option for a high deductible health plan that allows for a Health Savings Account, which he had encouraged me to do before (but it wasn’t an option). Great customer service! Find a good financial advisor. It is so worth it.
  • Dan and I spent one evening at our nephew Will’s soccer game in our home town. They got clobbered but it was fun to see him play. I also knit a bit and listened to my audiobook during part of the second half.
  • Mom, Riley, Millie & I got mani pedis at a local place!
  • Our annual Woodchopping Weekend Party went off without a hitch. Perfect weather. Great food. Dan took the kids on hayrides using a trailer pulled by the backhoe. Kids played disc golf and later flashlight tag, then retreated inside to make TikTok videos while the adults and littles made s’mores outside by the fire and chatted.
  • Mom & I put blue streaks in our hair after our friend Erika, who cuts/colors our hair, encouraged Mom to do this before her Vegas trip last year. Mom said if she was still here to go this year, she’d do it. Here we are! It looks great.
  • Finished up work on our FearLESS Living Fund Website. The bulk of the work and formatting, design was done by my Mom’s friend Emma who was really generous to do this for us! So far we’ve raised  almost $14,000 help the Blind community of Nevada. We are giving away awards for 2 special people to assist with their housing and cell phone costs for the upcoming year! Can’t wait to raise more money. You can donate here.
  • Watching Love is Blind and chatting about it with my friend Laura.

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

“Don’t fear failure. Not failure, but low aim, is the crime. In great attempts it is glorious even to fail.”

-Bruce Lee

——

Thank you for tuning in!

Contact Information:

Episode 263: Apples & Pumpkins

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 263 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:

  • Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • Crafty Adventures
  • In my Travels
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Ask Me Anything
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Sunsoaked Yarns, winemakersister and Buxom Cat Knits

Shout out to Ultimate Insider Patrons: knitprincess83, Haidi, Rachel, Alexi, Adoreknit, Alicia, Rachel, Agnes, Kristina and Beth

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Bobble Pumpkin

  • Pattern: Ribbed Bobble Pumpkin by Breann Mauldin ($3 crochet pattern on Ravelry or free option on this website)
  • Hook: G (4.0 mm)
  • Yarn: Sprightly Acrylic Worsted in the Ecru Colorway
  • My Ravelry Project Page

Bedside Pocket

  • Pattern: None
  • Yarn: Kindful Yarn, Swish DK, Kenzie Yarn, Cape Cod Yarn Co
  • Hook: 6.5 mm (K)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • I started this project on 9/4.
  • 75 sts across. Single crochet.
  • First section- Kindful yarn with Swish DK in Mimic
  • Second section- Kenzie Yarn with Cape Cod Yarn Co
  • Third Section- Kindful Yarn (lighter colorway) with Quince & Co
  • I folded it over, seamed up both sides then put border around all the way over. I used yarn to seam up the middle to separate pocket into 2 so it would be less floppy.
  • Final thoughts- could be a little deeper, but I can always add to it.

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
  • Hook: 3.25 mm (D)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • You can find my September 2023 Let the Mystery Unravel Unboxing Video on YouTube.
  • 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! Don’t forget, they’re Pro Shop Sponsors.
  • Progress Notes- I didn’t like the sc border I originally added (confirmed by blocking) so I ripped it back. I am now working the border in dc like the granny squares. 1 DC in the spot where each square is seamed together, then (2dc, ch2, 2 dc) in each corner and that seems to be working well.

Space Daddy Socks

  • Yarn: Fan Girl Fibers Fingering in the Space Daddy Colorway (80% Superwash Merino, 20% Nylon)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the colorway- blues with pink, neon yellow, purple.
  • I bought this yarn at the Yarncentric event before the Maryland Sheep & Wool festival this year. I bought it with my friend Laura in mind. During her last visit, I asked her to pick out new yarn for socks. She picked out three skeins and decided this should be #1.
  • Progress: I’m in a couple inches beyond the first cuff.
  • Don’t forget, Fan Girl Fibers is a Pro Shop sponsor. This project is living in a wedge bag from Snack Shack Sponsor Stitched by Jessalu.

Mom’s 2023 Rhinebeck Sweater

  • Pattern: Carbeth Cardigan by Kate Davies (~$8 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & this website)
  • Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) for the ribbing and US 9 (5.5 mm) for the body
  • Yarn: Sweitzer Fiber Mill mystery yarn purchased at Maryland Sheep & Wool 2023
  • My Ravelry Project Page
  • Progress: Body is finished up through what will likely be the sleeve join. I’ve cast on both sleeves.

Drawn Together Cowl

  • Pattern: Drawn Together by Shana Cohen ($7 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & Payhip)
  • Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) and a 3.75 mm (F) crochet hook for the provisional cast on
  • Yarn: neon coral DK yarn (lost ball band; believe its from Spun Right Round)
  • Provisional cast on using this Purl Soho video.
  • Progress- I’ve added another inch since last time we talked.

Crafty Adventures

My cousin Gayle came up for another visit and led another Resin art class with cousins on my Mom’s side of the family. Last time I made a cutting board. This time I made a pumpkin lazy susan- perfect for fall hosting! My cousins made some really beautiful things. I’ll share some photos in the show notes for you. Thanks, Gayle, for sharing your talents with us!

In My Travels

Cape & South Shore Yarn Haul- video coming soon. Safe to say, I had lots of fun with Riley, Liz and Mom. Spoiler alert- stay tuned to the end of the video for some fun bloopers and outtakes. Thanks Riley & Liz for getting some awesome footage of the weekend. I don’t think I held the camera once the entire time! It’s really fun to share this with them.

KAL News

  • #DCSPigskinParty23
  • Official Rules
  • Find everything you need on my website or in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group
  • Register using this Google Form (you must be Registered to be eligible for prizes)
  • Enter your projects using the Point Tally Form
  • Find the full list of Sponsors in this Google Doc.
  • Questions-  ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com
  • Tailgate Talk Challenge (September 7-21. Enter for points by September 30). Check out the details in this Google Doc or in this Ravelry Thread.
  • Quarter 1 Challenge: Sock it to ’em brought to you by our Official Sponsor of the Quarter Paper Daisy Creations (Ravelry Link). Runs 10/1-10/31. Full details can be found in this Google Doc and in this Ravelry Thread.
  • Thanks to our Correspondents for checking in with some fun updates.
    • Check out the Ravelry Group to find some of the new Pigskin chat threads- Pigskin Recipe Ideas,Pigskin ‘23 Book Club, Pigskin Participant Podcast, and Pigskin ‘23 Westknits MKAL
    • Congrats to PAKnitWit (Sarah) who already got a blitz (first of the season!). She finished a crochet corner to corner blanket- Ravelry link here.
    • As of Sunday evening 9/24 we have 512 Participants- 236 with Points on the Scoreboard (Average of those with points is 204 Points. Highest: 1532 Lowest: 2. 3 Blitz projects!
    • As of 9/29- Conference Standings LFC (22,460 pts) SFC (22,375 pts)  AFC (18,632 pts)-
    • Top Team= 7 Garter Guards

Events

Ask Me Anything

  • Anita asked about: Ideas for color schemes for yarn choices- how to use variegated yarns to help blend different color schemes.
  • Shelly asked: “Do you have any tips or tricks on how to calculate the yards used in a project?”
    • Tip: Check Ravelry Project Pages & check the “All Helpful Projects” filter. Here’s the Ravelry link for helpful projects for this pattern. THis particular Ravelry project gives the cast on stitches and number of rows and says she 1 50g skein would have been enough “if I did a 40 round leg (ran out of the first skein when I had 10 rounds left on the foot of the second sock).”

On a Happy Note

  • Dinner with Gayle, Joanie, Mom and Dad. Gave Joanie gifts from Sedona and Gayle some new socks.
  • Old Dominion- took girls to arcade after then got a drink and something to eat with Jeff & Melissa
  • Brunch. Singing in the car with the girls. Garret’s hockey game
  • Apple picking! Bisque! Cider donuts!
  • Thanks to Patrons who talked about The Vow on HBO. Dan and I are fully hooked.
  • Pumpkin coffee: usually I have a few cups a year and I’m good, but this year its growing on me. They have a great one at the coffee shop at work, Marylous, and I even bought a container from Trader Joe’s that I enjoyed some of this week.
  • Cooler temps- they hit us fast this year. We went from hot and muggy to mornings that are 55 and crisp and days in the 60’s. I’m loving pulling on wool socks and a wool sweater to stave off the chill.

Quote of the Week

Since time is the one immaterial object which we cannot influence—neither speed up nor slow down, add to nor diminish—it is an imponderably valuable gift.

–Maya Angelou

——

Thank you for tuning in!

Contact Information: