Category Archives: Show Notes

Episode 125: MEGAROW Shawl

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 125 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:
  • Off the Needles
  • On the Needles
  • Brainstorming
  • From the Armchair
  • Crafty Adventures
  • KAL News
  • Contest, News & Notes
  • Life in Focus
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week
Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Plum Deluxe Tea, Yarn Love, and Sunsoaked Yarns

Off the Needles

Piggie

  • Pattern: Zipzip Bunny by Elif T (free crochet pattern)
  • Yarn: Cascade 220 Superwash (gray)
  • Hook: CIMG_6281
  • 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. Cast on 52. A couple inches down I decreased by 4 to get to 48. Allow enough room for his calf.
  • Shortie socks also cast on 48, did OMG heel and 7 inch foot.
  • Decreased down to 10 sts per needle for toeIMG_6290

On the Needles

Poppy Troll Hats
  • 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 size Ella:1-4 year old child size.IMG_6292
Christmas Stockings
  • 3 more under way: 5 of 6 pieces done. Really thought all 6 were done until I went to block.
  • 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)
  • For: Manny, Juliana and Margaux
  • New snowman appliqué pattern
IMG_6282
  • Yarn: Paton’s Kroy Spring Leaf Stripes Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan WilliamsIMG_6289

Brainstorming

Inspiration from Rhinebeck:

From The Armchair

Crafty Adventures

  • I am working on my annual family photo calendars that I create and order through Picaboo. Last year they ran amazing deals on Cyber Monday so check them out.
  • This year’s process was easier because my photos are in Google Photos and are searchable. New to Google Photos? Check out the Heart of Photo Fabulous Class to learn about it (it’s free!)

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 1st 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.
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
      • Find the coupons here.
    • 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!

Contest News and Notes20171104-IMG_1546

I’m excited to introduce my latest shawl design the MEGAROW Shawl now available on Ravelry for $6.00 US. (on sale for $3 until 11/25)
The MEGAROW Shawl is a top down crescent shawl that is designed for a main color, a gradient and a contrast color for the border. The body and border are done all in garter stitch. The gradient is worked in a very simple lace stitch. Short rows are worked in the garter sections so you don’t even need to worry about picking up wraps.
Finished Size: 120 inches/305 cm wide and 18 in/46 cm deep at center
Yarn:
  • Color A: 350 yards/320 meters (main color)
  • Color B, C, D, E & F: 500 yards/ 457 meters (gradient)
  • Color G: 260 yards (238 meters) (border)
  •  Total: 1110 yards/1015 meter

Life in Focus

Happiness Project- November: Gratefulness
  • I am working on a photo book with journaling in Picaboo focused on gratefulness
  • Leaving podcast reviews to show others I’m grateful.

On a Happy Note

  • We had a blast at our family Halloween Party and Trick or Treating with the kids. There is some audio Millie wanted to record while we were trick or treating.2017-10-31 18.50.34-120171028-IMG_1432 20171028-IMG_1358
  • I had a great time at a surprise party for my friend Melissa’s birthday2017-10-29 14.57.46-2
  • Dan and I enjoy dinner with my cousin from NH and my parents
  • My good friend Laura is coming for Thanksgiving this year!
  • The temps have really dropped and its properly cold enough to snuggle up in hand knits.

Quote of the Week

“Do not look back. And do not dream about the future, either. It will neither give you back the past, nor satisfy your other daydreams. Your duty, your reward—your destiny—are here and now.”
— Dag Hammarskjold, Markings
——
Thank you for tuning in!
Contact Information:

Episode 124: Rhinebeck Recap with Mom

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 124 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:
  • Off the Needles
  • On the Needles
  • Brainstorming
  • Crafty Adventures
  • Knitting in Passing
  • In my Travels
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • On a Happy Note
Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Daisy Girl and Company & Atelier de Soyun

Off the Needles

  • I helped my friend Nicki with bind off her MEGAROW shawl (my new shawl design that will be published soon). She taught me how to use a crochet hook as your right needle when doing a bind off it! It was so much fun, I did most of the bind off for her.
  • Here’s a link for a tutorial that looks similar to what she taught me.

On the Needles

  • Yarn: Socks that Rock Lightweight in the Sugar Plum Fairy Dust Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: FLK HeelIMG_5526
Christmas Stockings for: Manny, Juliana and Margaux
  • 3 more under way: 5 of 6 pieces done. Really thought all 6 were done until I went to block.
  • 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_5596
  • Yarn: Leftovers of black, white, gray, orange, yellow, tan
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan WilliamsIMG_6018
  • Yarn: Andre Sue Sock Blank
  • Needles: US 1 (2 mm)
  • Pattern: TBD
  • Started before 2016 rhinebeck. Didn’t fit so I ripped back and brought it with me this year. I am using 64 stitches on US 1 seems to work best for me for sock blanks.IMG_5982
  • Yarn: Switzer’s Fiber Mill (unknown base/length skeins)
  • Needles: US 7 & US 9
  • Pattern: Worsted Boxy by Joji Locatelli

Brainstorming

  • Aila Giraffe= done
  • Millie: Elephant and Pig for Millie (she also wants a person)
  • Emelyn: sheep
  • Riley- not sure what she wants- I made her legwarmers already
  • Will, Oisin, Garret- Star Wars guys (Garret also wants more Ninjas so I may do one or two of those if time allows.) Patterns from: Star Wars Even More Crochet
  • Poppy Hats for Ella and Carina

Crafty Adventures

Mom, Megg and I finished up Emelyn’s Marie Antoinette Costume so we shared more about the process. We were all so thrilled with the results- especially Eme!IMG_5963 IMG_5966 IMG_5967

Knitting in Passing

Tune in to hear about some funny reactions I’ve gotten when knitting in public.

In My Travels

2017 RecapIMG_5835 IMG_5839

What I bought:IMG_5871

KAL News

  • Declare a WIP from the 1st 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.

Pigskin Party KAL

  • 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:

Events

November 4 + 5; 9a-5; 9a-3p
I won’t be able to attend.
Vogue Knitting Live NYC: January 12-14, 2018
  • I’ll be taking three classes
  • Off the Charts: Master Using and Creating Charts with Tin Can Knits-Friday 1/12 at 9a
  • Grab Bag of Easy and Impressive Lace Stitch Patterns-Sat 1/13 at 2p
  • Shawl Shapes on Sunday 1/14 at 9a

On a Happy Note

  • I’m loving that the InaSknit Podcast has converted from video to audio. Head on over to Kristi’s website and download an episode today!
  • Photo shoot with Emily. Tune in to the end for audio that Riley and Millie asked to record
  • Halloween! Mom is surprising Millie who said she should be Luna girl (to Millie’s Owelette)
  • Mom’s eBay store is so busy she’s looking for help with listing. If you’re looking to earn money on commission, email her at shopcreationsunlimited at gmail dot com
——
Contact Information:

Episode 123: Travel Knits

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 123 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:
  • Off the Needles
  • On the Needles
  • Brainstorming
  • From the Armchair
  • Crafty Adventures
  • In my Travels
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Life in Focus
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week
  • Bonus audio of 5 year old Millie at the end
Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Joy in RuggingWoodsy and Wild. and Colorful Eclectic
Want to chat about this episode? Come chat in the Ravelry group. Link here

Off the Needles

  • Yarn: The Periwinkle Sheep in Witch’s Cauldron Colorway and Woolbearer’s Gradient Set in Magenta (leftovers from my new crescent shawl).
  • Needles: US 2 (2.75mm) and US 3 (3.25mm)
  • Pattern: Sockhead Slouch Hat by Kelly McClure

IMG_5574

On the Needles

  • Yarn: Paton’s Kroy Stripes in Amethyst Stripes Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel PatternIMG_5407
  • Yarn: Socks that Rock Lightweight in the Sugar Plum Fairy Dust Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: FLK HeelIMG_5526
Christmas Stockings: 3 more under way.
  • 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_5596
  • Yarn: Leftovers of black, white, gray, orange, yellow, tan
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan WilliamsIMG_5137
Knitting on a new 3 color shawl design and swatched another idea!

Brainstorming

  • Aila is going to be a lamb in Nutcracker. Ornament keepsake. Suggestions?
  • Millie wants pig and elephant from Piggy and Gerald- crochet pattern suggestions?

From the Armchair

Last episode I asked about ideas on doing a contrast color for a Fish Lips Kiss heel. Thanks Teena for telling me about this post in which the designer answers the question. Seems really simple.

Crafty Adventures

Mom, Megg, Emelyn and I made progress on Emelyn’s epic Marie Antoinette costume for Halloween.

IMG_5502

Cutting side seams

IMG_5501

Mom had the perfect color lace gloves for this too!

IMG_5500

Pinning the material to sew into the side seams.

IMG_5499

Mom working on pinning!

IMG_5597

Progress to date! Still more to do!

In My Travels

Dan and I visited with family in Largo, FL. I also visited these yarn shops:

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!
Prizes you could win: Thundertwist hat from Greg Cohoon & Victorian Yuletide Ornaments- 1-5 by Jenn Sheelen
  • Declare a WIP from the 1st 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.
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
  • 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:
  • Announced this year’s 10 Grand Prize Packs
  • Announced Kick it Off with Color- Sept Interception Winners (thank you to sponsor Yarn Love) and September Huddle/Instagram Winners
  • Don’t forget about our Ornament Interception which runs through 10/31. Thank you to Sponsor: Knitters Brewing Company

 Events

  • Needles Up : Friday October 20 from 3-6p  conference center of the Delamater Inn, Rhinebeck NY
  • Indie Untangled:  Friday, Oct. 20, 2017, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.  The Best Western Plus Kingston, N.Y.
  • NY Sheep and Wool: October 19-22 at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck, NY

Life in Focus

Happiness Project:  October: Time & Energy
  • Ironically too busy to focus on this. Have been really focused on using my Evernote for GTD system. Reviewing it regularly and making sure I know what I need to do; it has definitely helped me keep my sanity.

On a Happy Note

  • Woodchopping Weekend- tractor rides. delicious fall foods. IMG_5167 IMG_5166 IMG_5165 IMG_5164
  • Dinner for Dad’s birthday at a great new local restaurant.2017-10-04 20.25.24-2

    2017-10-04 18.28.22-1

    I broke out my newly finished crochet shawl!

  • Florida Trip highlights
    IMG_5411

    Dan, Aunt Nancy + Dan’s cousin’s Jack in Jack’s new house!

    IMG_5402

    Stash, a Place for Yarn

    2017-10-09 10.38.51-2

    Kayaking Weeki Wachi River

    2017-10-09 10.25.36

    Kayaking in my new $10 hat I bought at Publix!

  • Millie sleepover!2017-10-14 19.23.372017-10-15 08.49.082017-10-15 16.50.25-1

Quote of the Week

Most misunderstandings in the world could be avoided if people would simply take the time to ask, ‘What else could this mean?’”
― Shannon L. Alder
Thank you for tuning in!
Contact Information: