Category Archives: Show Notes

Episode 137: Crafty Time with Aila & Riley

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 137 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:
  • On the Needles
  • Brainstorming
  • Crafty Adventures
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Life in Focus
  • Ask Me Anything
  • On a Happy Note
  • **Bonus Audio at the end of Riley and Aila
Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Sunsoaked Yarns, KnitCircus and Fibernymph Dye Works

On the Needles

Large Granny Square Blanket

  • Yarn: leftovers and mini skeins (fingering weight yarn)
  • Hook: C yarn
  • Plan: 3 large granny squares, bordered with cream or gray (TBD), 4-5 rows
  • Inspiration: BetsyMakes Project
  • Finished 4th Squares & blocked them2018-04-11 19.42.19-1
 Christmas Stockings
  • 3 to do in 2018. One for my cousin Kara who is expecting a baby girl in August! 2 for out of state cousins Noelle & Noah
  • 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)
  • 3 red, 3 green done and blocked. Ready to crochet together and add cuffs.2018-05-06 15.35.12-2
  • Pattern: Gradient Angles by Janice Hamby
  • Yarn: Infinite Twist Helix: Colors= Spooky Purple, African Violet, Mona Lisa, Tickled, Sakura, Anthurium (purples, pinks into peach)
  • Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm)2018-05-04 10.25.24-1
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) and US 1 (2 mm)
  • Yarn: Paintbox Sock yarn in the Rainbow stripe colorway & Patons Kroy for heel
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams2018-05-09 07.49.45-1
  • Yarn: Dancing Dog Dyeworks Twist Sock in the Holly Jolly colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: Fish Lips Kiss Heel

Hexagon Scrappy Blanket2018-05-13 14.10.19

 

Brainstorming

My nephew Garret asked for another pair of two-part socks (like those shown below)! I ordered yarn from Knitters Brewing Company to fulfill his request for 1 pink and 1 purple.IMG_6290

Crafty Adventures

KAL News

 Slay the Stash 2018

  • 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 that are soooo pretty we don’t want to touch them. In 2018, we are turning those sacred skeins into beautiful projects you can enjoy– and maybe win a new beautiful skein of yarn from one of our sponsors along the way! Full details and rules can be found here.
  • Tune in to see if you’re the April winner of a skein of Blueberry Chick Yarn!
  • Use and follow #slaythestash2018 on Social Media
Slay the Stash 2018: Sponsor List
The Splash Pad Party KAL Runs June 1-July 31Artwork - Tattoo Splash - BLUE

Events

2018 Box O’ Balls Round Robin Mini Swap: sign up anytime during 2018.  Shipping cost of $13.50 (within US; have option to send Internationally) The contents will include: at least 20 mini yarn balls (each ball will be minimum of 5g/ 20 yards) to choose from, a handwritten note or card and a small gift. Find all of the details in this thread in the Ravelry Group.

 Life in Focus

Update on 18 in 2018 Projects

  • I played around with iMovie for slideshow for my Cabaret Cast Party. It was very simple but it was good practice at playing more with video
  • Try New Exercise classes: I’ve tried out free classes at the gym at my work as part of their #30x30StopStroke Challenge in honor of National Stroke Awareness Month. I’ve done Tabata, Yoga and a new Zumba class.2018-05-10 11.56.46
  • We had plans to buy paint for the Spare Room make over but had a mix up with the location of the Sherwin Williams store.

Ask Me Anything

 
Stormcoast– Jen from Uncreative Crafter Podcast said: Just curious, so you don’t have to answer this if you don’t want to. As a fellow New Englander, I would say that your mom and brother have Boston/Massachusetts accents. I don’t notice one with you. Do you have any insights into why that is?

On a Happy Note

  • Aila’s birthday dinner!20180427-IMG_4416-4 20180427-IMG_4426-2
  • Second weekend Cabaret- with surprise visits from my college friends Laura & Jessica.2018-04-29 17.24.52
  • Took that Monday off. Got a massage and went to late lunch with Dan
  • Aila’s friend birthday party- complete with Magic Show!20180505-IMG_4703-3 20180505-IMG_4723-3
  • Dan and I had a blast a my Cabaret Cast Party
  • Riley & Aila’s Birthday Sleepover20180512-IMG_4907-3 2018-05-13 09.54.36-2 2018-05-13 12.07.55-12018-05-11 22.30.07
——
Thank you for tuning in!
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Episode 136: Chatting with Mom

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 136 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:
  • Off the Needles
  • On the Needles
  • Brainstorming
  • Knitting in Passing
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week
Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Knitters Brewing Company, Plum Deluxe, Prairie Bag Works and Be Ewe Fibers
Thank you for recent iTunes reviews! 
Thanks Mom for joining me on this episode!2018-04-13 23.10.44-1-2

Off the Needles

Pattern: Mezzo Cardigan by Alexis Winslow $7
Needles: US 10 (6.0 mm)2018-04-24 10.12.49-1-1
Yarn:
  • “DK” Mystery skeins (pink and grays). Exact yardage not known. Yarn purchased from Sweitzer’s Fiber Mill at Rhinebeck 2017.  3 skeins blush pink, 2 skeins of dark gray, 1 skein light gray. 3 50gram skeins of Plymouth DK Merino in white looks a bit more cream to me).
  • Held with Fingering. 2 skeins of Legacy Fiber Artz also purchased this year. The Mayor (grays, pinks, cream and bits of rust), Edwards Scissorshands- cream base with blush pink and small pops of charcoal. Light gray Cloudborn Highland Superwash Sock (2 50 gram skeins).
  • Started March 13th. Finished April 23 even when i was crazy busy! Simple knit but interesting enough to keep going 2018-04-24 10.12.492018-04-24 10.12.49-12018-04-24 10.12.49-1-2

On the Needles

  • Yarn: leftovers and mini skeins (fingering weight yarn)
  • Hook: C yarn
  • Plan: 3 large granny squares, bordered with cream or gray (TBD), 4-5 rows
  • Inspiration: BetsyMakes Project2018-04-11 19.42.19-1
Christmas Stockings
  • 3 to do in 2018. One for my cousin Kara who is expecting a baby girl in August! 2 for out of state cousins Noelle & Noah
  • 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)
  • 3 red pieces done, 1 green piece done. 1 green in progress2018-04-24 07.39.21
  • Yarn: Patons Kroy Stripes: Coastal Stripes
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
2018-04-22 16.51.31

Brainstorming

  • After Mezzo Cardigan I’d really like to knit/design another project holding yarn double
  • I’m planning to crochet a chevron baby blanket for Dan’s friend from work.

Knitting in Passing

  • I met a nice lady on the train named Danielle; she’s a crocheter who was interested in how I wrote out my Mezzo Cardigan notes line by line to keep better track of my progress.

KAL News

Slay the Stash 2018
  • 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 that are soooo pretty we don’t want to touch them. In 2018, we are turning those sacred skeins into beautiful projects you can enjoy– and maybe win a new beautiful skein of yarn from one of our sponsors along the way! Full details and rules can be found here.
  • Use and follow #slaythestash2018 on Social Media
Slay the Stash 2018: Sponsor List
Splash Pad Party KALArtwork - Tattoo Splash - BLUE
2018-04-13 23.10.44-1-3

Millie and Me

If you would like to try WorthPoint FREE for 30 days, “Full Access”

enter the code: THBRIM30 – 30 day code expires on May 14 (NOTE: you will be billed for a penny and then $39.99 a month after the 30 days unless you cancel)
USE MY REFERRAL LINK PLEASE
ALSO if you are a member of THE THRIFTING BOARD on Facebook You can save 10% on a monthly subscription or an annual subscription using CODE: TB1018. It will expire July 9th, 2018. If you are not a member of The Thrifting Board you should sign up right away!
Note: You can only use ONE CODE. Either 30 days or save 10%. Save even more with an annual subscription ALSO if you’ve ever had a trial with WorthPoint before, the system will not allow you another trial. You will need to use a new email address.
 
Tuesday May 8th Join us for a Treasure Hunting Adventure to Brimfield Antique Flea Market 2018 
Lunch (2:00) Francesco’s – 45 Palmer Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Follow our group on Facebook too. All the meetup events will be posted there as well.

Quote of the Week

“One of the pleasures of getting older is that one can get so much nearer to one’s own people, and that the dear ones of them become dearer all the time.”
— Willa Cather
——
Thank you for tuning in!
Contact Information:

Episode 135: Jean Marie

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 135 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
  • Ask Me Anything
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Off the Needles

  • Yarn: Knit Picks Felici (Self Striping) in the Witch’s Brew Colorway with Knit Picks Stroll Fingering in the Ash Colorway for contrast
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
2018-04-04 21.17.53-1

On the Needles

  • Hook: C yarn
  • Plan: 3 large granny squares, bordered with cream or gray (TBD), 4-5 rows
  • Inspiration: BetsyMakes Project
  • Yarn: leftovers and mini skeins (fingering weight yarn)
  • Takes about 6 grams per round on outside.  Plan is to do 3 rounds in a solid, cream color around each of the 12 squares. 12 squares with 3 rounds of cream- 18g per square- 216 grams required (I’ll buy 3 skeins)
  • 12 squares (3×4)  at 18 inches each will yield a 54 inch by 72 inch blanket. 2018-04-04 21.18.32-1 2018-04-04 21.18.21-3
Pattern: Mezzo Cardigan by Alexis Winslow $7
Needles: US 10 (6.0 mm)
Yarn:
  • “DK” Mystery skeins (pink and grays). Exact yardage not known. Yarn purchased from Sweitzer’s Fiber Mill at Rhinebeck 2017.  3 skeins blush pink, 2 skeins of dark gray, 1 skein light gray. 3 50gram skeins of Plymouth DK Merino in white looks a bit more cream to me).
  • Held with Fingering. 2 skeins of Legacy Fiber Artz also purchased this year. The Mayor (grays, pinks, cream and bits of rust), Edwards Scissorshands- cream base with blush pink and small pops of charcoal. Light gray Cloudborn Highland Superwash Sock (2 50 gram skeins).
2018-04-03 20.51.14
  • Pattern: Non-Eucilidian by Sarah Jordan
  • Yarn: Olann Hand Dyed in Ireland Sock Lite in the Pewter Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)311D191B-ABC0-4991-9411-B258689661B52018-04-08 08.56.13-2
  • Yarn: Bergere de France Goomy 50 in the Imprim Bleu color way
  • Pattern: OMG Heel
  • Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)2018-04-05 17.16.06 HDR-1
  • Yarn: Twisted Owl Fiber Studio 2-ply Sock (80/20 SW Merino Nylon) 400 yards for 100g in the Poison Ivy Colorway (red/green variegated)
  • Pattern: TBD
  • Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)
  • Cast on 56 stitches with 1×1 twisted rib. Cuff down. Heel TBD2018-04-04 21.19.32-1 2018-04-09 11.52.24-1

Crafty Adventures

  • Finished Collage Walls!! 2018-03-31 18.52.33 2018-03-31 18.55.19-1
  • #the100dayproject- #100daysofsharing journaling prompts with my best friend Kris using mini albums I’ve made/am making for us 2018-04-03 05.01.19
    • I used two Arc system note books at Staples
    • I used the Levenger Circa 1-2-3 portable punch to punch holes in paper. This punch is available for $18 on Amazon
    • If you have a punch and can make your own covers you don’t even need the notebook
    • It’s been a great way to use scraps and supplies I’ll likely never fully use up anyways.
  • I’ve done some sketching and drawing in a mixed media notebook I bought last year. I also purchased a 12 color Reeves watercolor paint set at Michaels for about $6 and had fun playing with it! 2018-04-07 07.31.44-1 2018-04-08 20.07.36-1

KAL News

Slay the Stash 2018
  • 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 that are soooo pretty we don’t want to touch them. In 2018, we are turning those sacred skeins into beautiful projects you can enjoy– and maybe win a new beautiful skein of yarn from one of our sponsors along the way! Full details and rules can be found here.
  • Use and follow #slaythestash2018 on Social Media
  • Check out the April Thread
  • Tune in to see if you’re the March winner!
Slay the Stash 2018: Sponsor List
Splash Pad Party! Are you ready?!Artwork - Tattoo Splash - BLUE
What is the Splash Pad Party?
  • Make-along that runs June 1-July 31.
  • Official Rules can be found here.
  • The current list of sponsors is below. It will be updated until the time
  • The Prize Thread is open and ready. Our Pro Shop Sponsors will be offering up some amazing Exclusive Products. Check back to this thread often to get the first look!
  • Interested in sponsoring?- Sponsor Spots available
Pro Shop Sponsors (to date)
Snack Shack (to date)

Events

2018 Box O’ Balls Round Robin Mini Swap: sign up anytime during 2018.  Shipping cost of $13.50 (within US; have option to send Internationally) The contents will include: at least 20 mini yarn balls (each ball will be minimum of 5g/ 20 yards) to choose from, a handwritten note or card and a small gift. Find all of the details in this thread in the Ravelry Group.

Festival Schedule
  • #the100dayproject
100daysoflists with my bFF
-posting on IG not every day so it doesn’t fill up my feed. just prompts I came up with. If you want me to list some in the group as a kick off for chatter later me know. I’d love to hear your answers!

Contest, News & Notes

My latest shawl design, Jean Marie, is now available on Ravelry!20180401-IMG_4100-3
It is on sale for only $3 until 4/21 (no coupon code required)- after that it will go up to the regular price of $6.
Jean Marie is a top-down half-hexagon shawl designed for 3 colors of Ross Farm Sport weight yarn. It uses simple knit, purl and slipped stitches to create three distinct textures- one for each color.  The result is a very wearable, warm shawl that sits nicely on the shoulders. It is also great for use with commercial or handspun yarn in a single solid, tonal or variegated yarn. You can easily use Sport or DK weight! 2018-04-01 18.19.30-1

Ask me Anything
This episode I answered a question from SewRunKnit about how to photograph FOs late at night before a KAL deadline.
  • First tip would be– take the best photo you can without killing yourself. Consider more of a proof of life so you’re eligible for the contest and then after you post- delete those photos so you HAVE to take a better photo in the daylight. Natural light photos always come out best, especially if your photography skills are limited.

But if you do have to shoot inside your house at midnight when the lighting is dim at best- here are my best tips:

  1. Find the best possible light your house has to offer.
  2. Try to find a lighter background to shoot agains
  3. Shoot straight at your FO instead of looking down on it, if possible.
If using DSLR Camera (some require a built-in flash)
  1. Shoot in Aperture priority mode- and look for a low F stop number. Raise your ISO-. You may need a tripod or self timer because shake from hand can ruin the shot. Sometimes this is still really tricky and if we’re going for simple it may not be your best bet.
  2. Use a flash but diffuse the light. Some options:
    • Use the flash with tissue over it
    • Hold a white index card/paper at a 45 degree angle in front of your flash, and take your shot. The light should hit the card, bounce to the ceiling, and spread out the light.
    • Cut a water bottle and place over flash to diffuse light
    • DIY diffuser tutorial
    • Pop-up flash tips
If using your smart phone to take photos
  1. Tap screen to focus, picking the darkest area. The camera should adjust and brighten it up some.
  2. Find a better camera app. I like the Camera Plus app. It allows you to adjust the brightness.

On a Happy Note

  • Easter with my big, crazy family was tons of fun, especially the egg hunt with the kiddos.20180401-IMG_4042-3 20180401-IMG_4031-3 20180401-IMG_4064-3 20180401-IMG_4074-3
  • Lunch with Holli with Qdoba!
  • Date night Dan at a new local restaurant2018-03-30 18.01.44-1
  • My Aunt Florence’s 90th brithday!20180331-IMG_3993-3
  • Starting #the100dayproject with Kris. I’ve also opened a thread in the Ravelry Group if you want to share your answers to the prompts
  • Taking time for a mini-retreat day at home while Dan was away (and before the chaos of the musical really ramps up)
  • Birthday breakfast with my 2 besties and my niece Hattie2018-04-08 12.41.07

Quote of the Week

“To blame someone for not understanding you fully is deeply unfair because, first of all, we don’t understand ourselves, and even if we do understand ourselves, we have such a hard time communication ourselves to other people. Therefore, to be furious and enraged and bitter that people don’t get all of who we are is a really cruel piece of immaturity.”
 Alain De Botton
——
Thank you for tuning in!
Contact Information: