Category Archives: PigSkinParty

Episode 122: Kisses, Kids and Costumes

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 122 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:
  • Off the Needles
  • On the Needles
  • From the Armchair
  • Crafty Adventures
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Contest, News & Notes
  • Life in Focus
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week
Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Imagined Landscapes and Fibernymph Dyeworks

Off the Needles

  • Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Main Color: Baah Ja Lolla, Gradient set from Woolbearers, Border in Periwinkle Sheep
  • Pattern: a new design I have out to testers now. I hope to release it in October.IMG_5090

On The Needles

  • Yarn: Leftovers of black, white, gray, orange, yellow, tan
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: TBDIMG_5137
  • Yarn: Paton’s Kroy Spring Leaf Stripes
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan WilliamsIMG_5084
  • Yarn: Sunsoaked Yarns Sock 80/20 Superwash Merino/Nylon in the Christmas Ribbon Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: Fish Lips Kiss Heel by Sox TherapistIMG_5135
  • Yarn: Dancing Dog Dyeworks Twist Sock in the Holly Jolly colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: Fish Lips Kiss Heel by Sox TherapistIMG_5141
Poppy Troll Hat x2
  • Carina’s Hat + Ella’s Hat
  • Pattern: Poppy Troll Hat by  Tawnya Myers (free crochet pattern)
  • Hook: H
  • Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver in 2 colors of pink:
  • Carina: 5-10 year old child zie
  • Ella:1-4 year old child size.
  • Both hats done. Earflaps on. Ears made. Need to sew on. Wash them. then will add eyes and hair

From the Armchair

  • I talked about this article: What The Health Review
    • Bottom line: the What the Health Documentary cites sources that aren’t reliable research studies and is, if nothing else, at least cause for a second look.
  • Check out this great new audio podcast: (mis)adventures in knitting– Audio Podcast hosted by Ashley + Tara, based out of Baltimore, MD
  • In the next episode, I am going to talk about the Four Tendencies Book by Gretchen Rubin and nd knowing our own tendency can help us accomplish our crafty goals… Invite you to take the quiz on Gretchen Rubin’s website before the next episode so you know your tendency.

Crafty Adventures

  • I bought a dress and petticoat from Goodwill for $20 to make Emelyn a Marie Antoinette halloween costume for her last year of Trick or Treating.IMG_5099IMG_5100

KAL News

  • Click here to find about more about this KAL.
  • Check out: Chat Thread & FO Thread 
  • The 12 Months to Christmas KAL is a craft-a-long that helps you prepare for the busy winter holiday season. Complete gift projects each month (or just in the months that you choose) so you don’t have to scramble in December. Find some cool new gift ideas, cheer each other on, and we’ll provide some motivation in the form of the potential to win prizes!
  • Declare a WIP that you started June 30th or earlier but haven’t yet finished within the first 5 days of the month, posting a photo of it in the thread. Finish the project by the end of the month, update your post with your FO photo and you’ll be eligible to win a Ravelry downloadable pattern of your choosing up to $8.
  • Wondering what this crazy KAL is? Check out this page which gives you the best overview with all necessary links. There’s also a helpful “Start Here” Thread in the Ravelry Group
  • Check out the Rules but if you still have questions, come over to the Questions thread and ask. We’re happy to help.
  • Put your Name on the Roster then claim your spot in the End Zone Dance Thread where you’ll track your points.
  • For every 100 points, you’ll earn an entry into the drawing for the Grand Prizes
    • Continue to update this with all of the points you earn during the KAL
    • Check out our amazing Sponsors; if you use their products, you’ll earn more points per FO
    • Some of our Pro Shop Level Sponsors will be creating exclusive items for Pigskin Party participants. They may come out at different times and will likely be limited in quantities, so keep your eyes on this Exclusive Items thread in the group for all the latest news
  • Scope out the prizes! Some will be given out during the KAL; some will be part of the Grand Prizes.
  • Don’t forget to use #DCSPigskinParty17 on Instagram so we check out what you’re doing and you can be eligible for participation prizes.
Thank you to our Pro Shop Sponsors!
Key Details Mentioned in this Episode:

Life in Focus

Happiness Project: September— Learn new things
  • I learned a lot from making my first crochet shawl.
  • Trying the FLK heel was a great learning moment for me. I want to try another heel in the near future. What do you recommend? Vanilla is the New Black?
October: Time & Energy
  • Goal: Look at ways I’m wasting time and energy & reset.
  • Think hard about what I do. Ask “why” more often. When I have an automatic thought- don’t just act on instinct. See what really makes sense. Get off auto pilot.

On a Happy Note

  • Took a Friday off to go Outlet shopping with my best friend, Kris!
  • I brought my niece Emelyn to Stitch House during the Greater Boston Yarn Crawl. She knit on her cowl for a little bit before we headed north to go apple picking.
  • Met Kris, Matt, Aila and Will for an unseasonably warm day of Apple picking at Applecrest in Hampton Falls NH. Every year they add something- this year it was a sunflower maze. So beautiful. Only regret was not taking photos earlier in the day. They started turning away from the sun as the day went on.20170916-IMG_0892 20170916-IMG_0884
  • Congrats to Mom and Dad on their 40th anniversary!
  • Finished my first session of Hiit Classes at the gym near work. It was brutal but I definitely feel stronger. I was able to sign up for the 3 out of the next 8 I’m able to go to.
  • Ordered 12×12 lay flat photo book Picaboo and love it!
  • My grandmother is on Facebook and sent me this cute message the other day! Made my day!IMG_5134
  • I got a haircut. Loving this shorter look.2017-09-27 07.43.01-2
  • My niece Aila is going to be performing in the Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker this winter as a lamb.20170916-IMG_0960

Quote of the Week

“Children think not of what is past, nor what is to come, but enjoy the present time, which few of us do.”
— Jean de La Bruyère

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Thank you for tuning in!
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Episode 121: Learning All the Things

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 121 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:
  • Off the Needles
  • On the Needles
  • Brainstorming
  • From the Armchair
  • Knitting in Passing
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Life in Focus
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week
Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Knitty Kitty Bags, MediaPeruana, Knitters Brewing Company

Off the Needles

  • Pattern: Granny Square Christmas Stockings from Family Circle Magazine 1977
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Red, Everglade Heather and White
  • Hook: F (3.75 mm)IMG_4917

On the Needles

 
  • Yarn: sock yarn scraps
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Yarn: Leftovers of black, white, gray, orange, yellow, tan
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Cast on first sockIMG_4882
  • Yarn: Sunsoaked Yarns Sock 80/20 Superwash Merino/Nylon in the Christmas Ribbon Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: Fish Lips Kiss Heel by Sox Therapist
  • This was my #DCSpigskinparty17 Cast on!IMG_4877
  • Yarn: White Birch Fiber Arts Merino/Nylon in the Nothing Says Screw You Like a Rainbow
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
Poppy Troll Hat x2
  • Carina’s Hat + Ella’s Hat
  • Pattern: Poppy Troll Hat by  Tawnya Myers (free crochet pattern)
  • Hook: H
  • Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver in 2 colors of pinkIMG_4918
  • Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm)
  • Crescent shawl that calls for 1 main color, a gradient set and a contrast color for the border. Over 800 yards (further details TBD)
  • If you are interested in Test knitting, please email me (downcellarstudio at gmail dot comIMG_4883

Brainstorming

Like you, I’ve been prepping for Pigskin Party ’17, by finding all of the things I’ve purchased from our amazing sponsors (and ordering some more)
Crochet shawls I’m debating
Veronika Cardigan by Shannon Cook; $6.95 US
GoodReader class: I am going to begin working on a course I can offer to those who want to learn how to use GoodReader for knitting without having to come to an in-person class with me. Please come share your feedback and tell me how you learn best.

From the Armchair

I learned a lot about pleasure versus happiness from these podcasts/articles about/by Dr. Robert Lustig

Knitting in Passing

My cousin Patrick loved the stocking I made for his new daughter. When he opened it, my cousin Grant commented how he has one but his younger sisters don’t which made him sad. I signed up to make some for them too!

KAL News

  • Click here to find about more about this KAL.
  • Check out: Chat Thread & FO Thread 
  • The 12 Months to Christmas KAL is a craft-a-long that helps you prepare for the busy winter holiday season. Complete gift projects each month (or just in the months that you choose) so you don’t have to scramble in December. Find some cool new gift ideas, cheer each other on, and we’ll provide some motivation in the form of the potential to win prizes!
New Prizes:
  • Declare a WIP from the first quarter of 2017 or earlier within the first 5 days of the month, posting a photo of it in the thread. Finish the project by the end of the month, update your post with your FO photo and you’ll be eligible to win a Ravelry downloadable pattern of your choosing up to $8.
  • At the top of the thread you can click on “Projects” to see what everyone has been working on. 532 projects that have been worked on, many finished since January! That’s amazing.
Pigskin Party KALArtwork - Pigskin Party Final2
  • Wondering what this crazy KAL is? Check out this page which gives you the best overview with all necessary links. There’s also a helpful “Start Here” Thread in the Ravelry Group
  • Check out the Rules but if you still have questions, come over to the Questions thread and ask. We’re happy to help.
  • Put your Name on the Roster then claim your spot in the End Zone Dance Thread where you’ll track your points.
  • For every 100 points, you’ll earn an entry into the drawing for the Grand Prizes
    • Continue to update this with all of the points you earn during the KAL
  • Check out our amazing Sponsors; if you use their products, you’ll earn more points per FO
    • Some of our Pro Shop Level Sponsors will be creating exclusive items for Pigskin Party participants. They may come out at different times and will likely be limited in quantities, so keep your eyes on this Exclusive Items thread in the group for all the latest news
  • Scope out the prizes! Some will be given out during the KAL; some will be part of the Grand Prizes.
  • Don’t forget to use #DCSPigskinParty17 on Instagram so we check out what you’re doing and you can be eligible for participation prizes.
Thank you to our Pro Shop Sponsors!
Key Details Mentioned in this Episode:
  • Over 240 people on Roster as of 9/12
  • A few things: you do not have to watch Football to participate. You can craft anytime not just during football games. You can post your points for your FOs in the End Zone dance thread anytime you want. Don’t have to do it immediately after you finish.
  • Favorite Post in End Zone Dance Thread: Instructions (click gray heart- find it in your Favorites in your Notebook)
  • Florence of Designs of Acadia has created a Pigskin Party Logo Tote Get yours today. They’re only $12.
  • Monday Night Scavenger Hunt
    • Every Monday night Lisa will post a clue to an item by one of our sponsors. You have until the following Monday night to look up that clue and find the item.
  • Kick It Off With Color : Our First Interception. Thank you to Sponsor: Yarn Love Yarn
    • Most football teams have 2-3 colors in their uniforms! Let’s get inspired by all that color and get some colorful projects off the needles/hooks.
    • Requirements:
      • Finish a project of at least 50 yards before 9/30 that contains at least 2 different colors
      • The 2 colors can be found within 1 yarn. You can use multiple yarns. Totally up to you.
      • If you have to ask if its two separate colors it’s probably not. Blue and light blue are not two different colors. Blue and orange are two separate colors.
      • These colors do not have to be your team colors, NFL colors or even any sports teams colors. It’s just the kicking off point for color combinations but don’t limit yourself.
      • Project can be knit, crocheted, woven, spun or machine knit.
      • Max of 2 entries per person.
Prizes:
  • 2 lucky winners (pulled by Random Number Generator from this thread) will get to choose a skein of yarn of his/her choice from Yarn Love Yarn

Events

Life in Focus

September Happiness Project: Learning

  • Labor Day free streaming on Craftsy
  • Thanks to  knittykitties  for gifting me a Creative Bug 3 month subscription. I can’t wait to try out a few classes.
  • Thanks to DCAlaneknits for posting in the Episode 120 chat thread with this link to Mother Bear Face Tutorials: 2 Knit Lit Chicks Podcast.
  • I’m looking forward to watching and learning about the Philosopher Wool Technique for 2 handed colorwork knitting. Planning ahead for colorwork baby sweater I want to cast on soon
  • I watched a Podcasting 101 on Creative Live (9/11).
  • Crochet Shawl (will be a first for me)
  • Fish Lip Kiss Heel (will be a new heel for me)
  • Thank you to Lisa for letting me borrow her spindle and some fiber and teaching me basics so I could play with spinning at home.
  • Won’t get all of these done in next 15 days or so, but having found resources and prepped things out will set me on the right path and I’m really enjoying this focus.

On a Happy Note

  • My cousin Kara’s wedding. So much fun! Wore my new black lace dress. Thanks for all of the compliments!20170902-img_0431
  • HIIT training at gym. Really hard, but the 30 minutes goes by really fast. twice a week for 4 weeks. In the third week now.IMG_4657
  • Fall coming. Very cool in the mornings here. My parents pool is closed (sniff) and I’ve had two weekends at home to get things done. Feels good.
  • Family dinner and campfire time!IMG_4829IMG_4823IMG_4828
  • Gretchen Rubin’s new book The Four Tendencies was released on 9/12. I was lucky to get tickets to the first stop on her book tour that night in Cambridge. Went with my friend Kim. We’ve read all of Gretchen’s books, listen to her Happier Podcast religiously and use her framework all the time at work. IMG_4866 IMG_4867 IMG_4868

Quote of the Week

“Listen with curiosity. Speak with honesty. Act with integrity. The greatest problem with communication is we don’t listen to understand. We listen to reply. When we listen with curiosity, we don’t listen with the intent to reply. We listen for what’s behind the words.”
– Roy T. Bennett

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Thank you for tuning in!
Contact Information:

Episode 120: Crafting, Camp and Kayaking

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 120 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:
  • Off the Needles
  • On the Needles
  • Crafty Adventures
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Contest, News & Notes
  • Life in Focus
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Off the Needles

  • Yarn: Skeindalous Yarn in the Sophia Base (MCN) in the Wesley’s Sweater color way (
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • 64 grams-  256.3 metersIMG_4055
  • Yarn: Bergere de France Goomy 50 in the Imprim Gris colorway
  • Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • 69 grams-  296.5 metersIMG_4157
  • Yarn: Patons Kroy Stripes in the Eclipse Stripes Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • 75 grams-  227.7 metersIMG_4315
My Stash Dash Total (as compared to last year)
Frankensocks #5 and #6
  • Yarn: sock yarn scraps
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan WilliamsIMG_4673 IMG_4647
  • Pattern: Granny Square Christmas Stockings from Family Circle Magazine 1977
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Red, Everglade Heather and White
  • Hook: F (3.75 mm)IMG_4653

On the Needles

  • Pattern: Granny Square Christmas Stockings from Family Circle Magazine 1977
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Red, Everglade Heather and White
  • Hook: F (3.75 mm)IMG_4694
  • Yarn: sock yarn scraps
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Yarn: White Birch Fiber Arts Merino/Nylon in the Nothing Says Screw You Like a Rainbow
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Garret asked for knee socks that are in two pieces. Worked top down two at a time on two different needles, magic loop. US 1.5. Navy Cuff (Cascade Heritage Sock), then rainbow. Cast on 52. A couple inches down I decreased by 4 to get to 48. Allow enough room for his calf.

IMG_3318

Crafty Adventures

  • Aila made a memory/memento box out of scrapbooking supplies and a photo calendarIMG_4581
  • Riley, Aila and Millie all made tulle tied flip flops: Here’s a link to a tutorial that is similar to what we did.IMG_4525
  • Aila painted some pottery at the South Shore Pottery ShopIMG_4596
  • I am nearly finished with my January-June Project Life Pages!

KAL News

  • Click here to find about more about this KAL.
  • Check out: Chat Thread & FO Thread 
  • The 12 Months to Christmas KAL is a craft-a-long that helps you prepare for the busy winter holiday season. Complete gift projects each month (or just in the months that you choose) so you don’t have to scramble in December. Find some cool new gift ideas, cheer each other on, and we’ll provide some motivation in the form of the potential to win prizes!
  • Declare a WIP from the first quarter of 2017 or earlier within the first 5 days of the month, posting a photo of it in the thread. Finish the project by the end of the month, update your post with your FO photo and you’ll be eligible to win a Ravelry downloadable pattern of your choosing up to $8.

4th Annual Pigskin Party KAL

Details Discussed on This Episode:

Events

Contest, News and Notes

I announced the winner of the Yeksa Shawl by Janine McCarty of the Yarn and Ewe Girl Podcast

Life in Focus

My September Plan: Learning 

  • I’m thinking about taking a Craftsy class, trying new knitting or crochet techniques, taking out some library books. Do you have any suggestions from me?

On a Happy Note

  • We saw America and 3 Dog Night at South Shore Music Circus.IMG_4088 IMG_4077
  • My friends came to visit for the weekend and we celebrated my grandmother’s birthday.IMG_4151
  • I enjoyed the Solar Eclipse, but even funnier is this video Total Eclipse of the Heart Literal Video.
  • I met up with some knitting friends at Slum Brew in Assembly Row Somerville. IMG_4504 IMG_4505
  • We’ve had lots of summer fun with the nieces and nephews. Sleepovers, crafts, dance camps etc!20170825-img_0214 20170825-img_0136 IMG_4637 IMG_4636 IMG_4634 20170825-img_0039
  • Dan and I kayaked the North River. The first half was amazing. The rest was a struggle but we survived! Ha!IMG_4640
  • The kids contracted lice and so kindly shared it with me. Sigh. If you ever have the misfortune, my recommendation is to go to a professional place like this instead of using the drugstore shampoos!
  • Signed up for hiit training for 4 weeks with my work friends. We survived!

Quote of the Week

“Happiness and misery consist in a progression towards better or worse; it does not matter how high up or low down you are, it depends not on this, but on the direction in which you are tending.”
— Samuel Butler
Bonus Audio from Riley, Aila, Millie and a little bit of Emelyn at the end of the episode. Our goodnights during our big sleepover and heading to Camp the next day!
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Thank you for tuning in!
Contact Information: