Category Archives: Show Notes

Episode 104: Gifting Galore!

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 104 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:
  • Off the Needles
  • On the Needles
  • Brainstorming
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week
Thank you to this episode’s sponsor: Knits4Comfort

Off the Needles

  • Yarn: Bernat worsted weight
  • Hook: C (2.75 mm)
  • No pattern- details written up in project page linked aboveimg_7295
  • Yarn: Cascade 220 Superwash
  • Hook: C (2.75 mm)
  • Pattern: Sylvie the Ballerina from Bubbles and Bongos on Easy (not available on Ravelry)img_7163
  • Yarn: Legacy Fiber Arts in the Steel Toes base. Colorway:  Sue Says So
  • Needles: US 1.5 for ribbing and US 2 for body
  • Pattern: None. Cast on 56 with US 1.5 needles.  Switch to US 2 after ribbing. Knit one inch then increased to 60 stitches. 16 inches long for Riley who is 8 years old.img_6751
  • Yarn: madelinetosh vintage in Neon Peach Colorway (2 skeins)
  • Hook: I (5.5 mm)
  • Pattern: Triple Luxe Cowl free crochet pattern by Stephanie Jessica Lau
  • Chained about 175 sts. Followed pattern aside from cast on number.
img_0260 img_7300
  • Yarn: Loops and Threads Impeccable Solids (worsted/aran acrylic yarn)
  • Hook: H
  • Pattern- improvised.img_7298
  • Yarn: Ross Farm Shetland 3 ply sport
  • Needles: US 8
  • Pattern: New design, half hex shape
 img_7216 img_7282

On the Needles

  • Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted in White and Black
  • Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm)
  • Pattern: Little Waiting for Winter Mittens by Susan B Anderson
  • 8-12 year old size for Riley who is 8.
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted in White and Black
  • Hook: C (2.75mm)
  • Pattern: Penguin Amigurumi by  Mariska Vos-Bolmanimg_7294
  • Yarn: KFI Luxury Collection (MCN)
  • Needles: US 2 (2.75mm)
  • Pattern: OMG heelimg_7156
  • Yarn: Cascade Heritage Prints Color 26 Holidays
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heelimg_7265

Brainstorming

I talked a bit about potential plans for 2017!
12 Months to Christmas KAL Prizes!
Pigskin Party ’16
  • Wondering what this crazy KAL is? Check out this page which gives you the best overview with all necessary links.
  • 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
  • Continue to update this with all of the points you earn during the KAL
  • Check out our amazing sponsors
  • 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!
  • Don’t forget to use #DCSPigskinParty2016 on Instagram so we check out what you’re doing and you can be eligible for participation prizes.
  • Want to make sure you know the latest news about the Interceptions, swaps and other fun challenges throughout the Pigskin Party? Stay tuned to the Sidelines Games thread in the Ravelry Group.
Thank you to our Pro Shop Sponsors!
Key Details Mentioned in this Episode
  • WIPs Interception- still running– through 12/31
  • Mini Skein Interception- sponsored by Fibernymph Dye Works
    • Use one or more mini skeins to make a project from start to finish (adding to a cozy memories blanket won’t start). Must be a new cast-on and cast off.
    • Runs December 1- January 15th
    • Check out the threads for details- Chat Thread & FO Thread
  • January Interception- Sponsored by Knit Knight Designs
    • Small and Self Indulgent: check out the Chat Thread
    • Cast-on on/after January 1. Finish by January 31.
    • Create project 300 yards to less- that you plan to keep for yourself. Could be something to wear or something for your home. Anything that will be a bright spot in your life. Just tell us why it brings you joy to make/have etc.
    • Check out the threads for more details.

Events

On a Happy Note

  • Kris and Aila in Miracle on 34th Street the Musicalimg_7129
  • Sitting by the Christmas treeimg_0270
  • Friends’ Christmas Parties!img_7173
  • Getting a new (to me) car!img_7271
  • Sending Christmas cards this year

Quote of the Week

From Miracle on 34th Street
 
“I’m not just a whimsical figure who wears a charming suit and affects a jolly demeanor, you know. I’m a symbol. I’m a symbol of the human ability to be able to suppress the selfish and hateful tendencies that rule the major part of our lives. If you can’t believe, if you can’t accept anything on faith, then you’re doomed to a life dominated by doubt.” -Kris Kringle
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Thank you for tuning in!
Contact Information:

Episode 103: From Dirt Bikes to Knitting in 2.5 seconds

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 103 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:
  • Off the Needles
  • On the Needles
  • Brainstorming
  • From the Armchair
  • Crafty Adventures
  • Knitting in Passing
  • In my Travels
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Life in Focus
  • Ask Me Anything
  • On a Happy Note
  • Pigskin Party KAL
  • Quote of the Week
Thank you to this episode’s show sponsors, The Yarn Sellar & Knit Life Designs

Off the Needles

  • Pattern: Christmas Stockings to Knit and Crochet by Family Circle  (originally in November 1977 magazine) Was reprinted in 90’s.
  • Hook: F (3.75 mm)
  • Yarn: Paton’s Classic Wool- Bright Red. img_5558-2
 img_6747
  • Pattern: Spacious OMG
  • Yarn: Regia Jean Style Color
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
 img_7039
  • Basket #4  this season
  • Black and red with sparkles
  • Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick
  • No handles on this one
  • Hook: I (5.5mm)
  • Pattern: Wintertide Headband by Elena Hunt (free)
  • Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick- charcoal gray heather
  • Whipped up in less than an hour
  • Found a cool black button in my stash. Super fun! Quick giftimg_6804
  • Yarn: Cascade 220 superwash + Loops & Thread Impeccable
  • Hook: C (2.75 mm)
  • No patternimg_7090
  • Hook: J
  • Yarn: cream and gold acrylic from Target
  • No pattern (similar to the purple one she’s wearing below)
img_7091img_6992
  • Pattern: Yoki the Dragon Amigurumi by Mariska Vos-Bolman ($5)- buy 4 get one free deal no code needed
  • Hook: C (2.75 mm)
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes
  • More advanced pattern- all pieces crocheted separately and added on
 img_7073 img_7066

On the Needles

  • Yarn: Legacy Fiber Arts in the Steel Toes base. Colorway:  Sue Says So
  • Needles: US 1.5 for ribbing and US 2 for body
  • Pattern: None. Cast on 56 with US 1.5 needles.  Switch to US 2 after ribbing. Knit one inch then increased to 60 stitches. 16 inches long for Riley who is 8 years old.img_6751
  • Yarn: Ross Farm Shetland 3 ply sport
  • Needles: US 8
  • Pattern: New design, half hexagon shape like My Own Backyard

 img_7086 img_7045 img_6879

Brainstorming

Christmas Knitting/Crochet plans:
  • DONE- headband for co-worker using the Wintertide Headband pattern
  • DONE- Dragon for Will using Yoki the Dragon pattern
  • Unicorns for Ella and Carina using Shy Little Unicorn Pattern — got great deals on Black Friday so will save this for their birthdays,
  • Washcloths I found 11 I made during Stash Dash
  • Oisin needed a toy, but I found an alien I crocheted last year!
  • Left to do:
    • Shawl for Gram- in progress
    • Outfits for Riley’s doll (made last year)
    • Mittens for Riley- barely started- will chat more about them next time…
    • Aila- kitty using kitty ballerina pattern from Etsy
    • Bella- penguin using a pattern gifted to me by Joy- Happyfox24
    • Nana, Kris and Megg crochet basket- may only make 1, we’ll see
    • Garret- ninjas– white one
    • Ice cream coozie for Matt
    • New: Triple Luxe Cowl for Gail (if don’t get completely finished its ok)- recording 12/8 — 14 days… still going to be interesting
  • Maybe:
    • poncho (Azel pullover by Heidi May)
    • Anna dolla (from Kit) for Millie

KAL News

12 Months to Christmas KAL
12 Months to Christmas KAL Prizes!
  • Amplitude Shawl pattern by Greg Cohoon
  • Skein of Worsted weight yarn from Tink Yarn in Lady Luck colorway
  • Project bag from Freckled Whimsey- navy with hearts. Good sock size. Removeable wristlet strap.
  • Ripple Ribbed Socks pattern by Susie White
Pigskin Party ’16
Thank you to our Pro Shop Sponsors!
Key Details Mentioned in this Episode
  •  Announced November Interception Prizes

Events

Life in Focus

In this episode I talked about managing eating well and how I find balance during the holiday season. I mentioned the most recent episode of the Happier Podcast which I found really timely (re: “Not Treating Yourself” and Planned Exceptions)

Ask Me Anything

This week I answered a question from Donna (ZoSew) regarding changing yarns and colors in crochet.
Here is a helpful link I used when learning which I also discussed on Episode 74.

On a Happy Note

  • The first part of this audio was recorded with my 8 year old niece Riley who asked if we could record together!
  • I managed to lose 1.4 pounds during Thanksgiving week which feels like a huge win. Part of that was exercise for sure including this beautiful walk on Thanksgiving morning.img_6678
  • SO much fun on the dirt bikes. After Riley and I recorded I took a try! Video on Instagram.img_6714img_6760
  • Megg, Tom, Em and Oisin stayed for dinner/Pats game. Megg kitchenered the two toes on her very first pair of socks! They came out great.
  • Gilmore Girls reboot on Netflix!
  • Got most of my shopping done Black Friday (with Mom!!) and Cyber Monday! img_6699 img_6698
  • Lavash pizza with roasted tomatoes & basil and Trader Joe’s cinnamon almonds. Obsessed!!
  • Will and AIla’s annual Christmas! Sleepoverimg_6970 img_6907 img_6992 img_7003 img_6995img_6874

Quote of the Week

“Before you call someone lazy or judge them, try to imagine their perspective, beliefs, and abilities and forget yours. That is, respond with curiosity and empathy. When you do, I predict you’ll find yourself understanding their choices. You may not like their beliefs and choices, but you’ll understand them.”
-Joshua Spodek
After the credits, stay tuned for a bit of audio of my niece Millie (1 year ago at age 3 1/2) telling a joke.. that isn’t really a joke- it’s a DISASTER!!!
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Thank you for tuning in!
Contact Information:

Episode 102: Christmas Gift Knitting in Full Swing

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 102 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:
Off the Needles
On the Needles
Brainstorming
Knitting in Passing
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, Knitty Kitty Bags, Plum Deluxe and Prairie Bag Works

Off the Needles

  • Pattern: OMG heel by Megan Williams
  • Yarn: Wild Hare Fiber Studio Pinnacle Fingering in Hope Colorway
  • Needles- US 1 (2.25mm)
  • 56 stitchesimg_6739
3 baskets

On the Needles

  • Pattern: Sunwalker by Melanie Berg
  • Yarn: Sun Valley Fibers MCS (Merino Cashmere Silk) Fingering in Kensington Colorway
  • Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm)
  • Cast on initially and was knitting with the textured pattern called for. Talking too long. Beautiful texture but taking too long. The effect while beautiful wasn’t worth the effect. Ripped out after a few inches. Switched to garter stitch using increases called for.
  • Planning to make it smaller than originally called for. Notes from this Ravelry Project Page as my guide.img_6752
  • Yarn: Legacy Fiber Arts in the Steel Toes base. Colorway:  Sue Says So
  • Needles: US 1.5 for ribbing and US 2 for body
  • Pattern: None. Cast on 56 with US 1.5 needles.  Switch to US 2 after ribbing. Knit one inch then increased to 60 stitches. 16 inches long for Riley who is 8 years old.img_6751
  • Pattern: Christmas Stockings to Knit and Crochet by Family Circle  (originally in November 1977 magazine) Was reprinted in 90’s got off ebay. made one for my cousin’s daughter in 2014
  • Hook: F (3.75 mm)
  • Yarn: Paton’s Classic Woolimg_5558-2
  • Pattern: Spacious OMG
  • Yarn: Regia Jean Style Color
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)img_6750
Grammy’s shawl
  • Yarn: Ross Farm Shetland 3 ply sport
  • Needles: US 8
  • Pattern: New design, half hex like My Own Backyard

Brainstorming

Christmas Knitting/Crochet plans:

Crafty Adventures

I’m working on my annual photo calendars from Picaboo

Knitting in Passing

  • On this episode I shared three stories about knitting as it popped up in conversation at work, on the train, and in my car.

KAL News

12 Months to Christmas KAL
12 Months to Christmas KAL Prizes!
  • Amplitude Shawl pattern by Greg Cohoon
  • Skein of Worsted weight yarn from Tink Yarn in Lady Luck colorway
  • Project bag from Freckled Whimsey- navy with hearts. Good sock size. Removeable wristlet strap.
  • Ripple Ribbed Socks pattern by Susie White
Post your FO photo and details in the Big Bad Berg Along FO Thread in the Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group 87 entries so far! They are BEAUTIFUL!!!! Even if you’re not participating go over and check out the thread. Chatter thread has been really fun. You are all such great cheerleaders for each other. Love seeing that!
Prizes:
Pigskin Party
Our 3rd annual make-along hosted in the Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group that runs during the NFL football season September 8- February 6th (Monday after Superbowl- you can knit and post photos on that last day) The more projects you finish, the more touchdowns and field goals you’ll score and the more points you earn. You can also increase your score by using products from our awesome sponsors or meeting other challenges and by recruiting new team members. The more points you have, the more entries you get for the prize drawings. We also have lots of prizes reserved for participation  on Ravelry and Instagram to keep it fun and light if you’re not a hardcore player.  You can participate in as much or as little as you like. In short- it’s 5 months of fun, chatter, some good healthy banter and of course PRIZES!
Pigskin Party ’16
Thank you to our Pro Shop Sponsors!
Key Details Mentioned in this Episode
10/10 Bingo winner- chiromom2- pattern from Becky Kelly- chose:  Bijou Creek Cowl.
Interceptions
  • WIPs Interception- runs through 12/31
  • Mini Skein Interception- sponsored by Fibernymph Dye Works
    • Use one or more mini skeins to make a project from start to finish (adding to a cozy memories blanket won’t start). Must be a new cast-on and cast off.
    • Runs December 1- January 15th
    • Take photo of your mini skeins before. Make project.
    • Come chat about it here
    • Enter to win prizes:
    • Will pull for prizes.
      • A copy of the book Mini Skein Knits and two sets of Fibernymph Dye Works minis.
      • Nahst Designs- medium sized project back with zipper- black with plaid print. Easily fit a shawl or 2 socks. Includes notions pouch.
      • Lilliput Yarn- skein of self striping in winner’s choice of team colors (or whatever colors you like from her selection)
    • Enter for points: in your End Zone Dance Thread
      • 150 points for using Fibernymph Dye Works Mini Skeins (sponsor of this Interception)*
      • 50 points for using mini skeins from any Pigskin Party ‘16 Sponsor (Pro Shop or Field Sponsor)*
      • Plus your yardage, special teams points you’d already be eligible for.
      • *Doesn’t matter if you use one mini skein or 10, max is 150 pts for using Fibernymp and 50 points for using a Pro Shop or Field Sponsor yarn
    • Check the Ravelry Board– Lisa (jamlknitter) is going to start a thread announcing a Mini Skein swap.

Events

Vogue Knitting Live- NYC  January 13-15, 2017

Contest, News & Notes

I pulled a winner of Filament No 1 Fall 2016 ebook
Thank you for the support for my new shawl design- My Own Backyard
I pulled a winner for the pattern and the gradient kit from Dragonfly Fibers.

Life in Focus

In this episode I talked about cleaning out my closet, getting rid of me old, too-large clothes and how that morphed into participating in the *minsgame. I listen to an audio podcast called the Slow Home Podcast and in the month of October they were doing a Minimalist Challenge called the Minsgame where they invite listeners to play along.

Ask Me Anything

SaraknitsKC asks: “Can you talk more about your virtual knit nights? How did you find a group? Sounds like a lot of fun!”
My groups found me. But I’d highly recommend it. We use Google Hangout- details on how to start a video chat.

On a Happy Note

  • Making lifetime in Weight Watchers!
  • Cooking chili!
  • My friend Laura came to visit last weekend. We checked out these vendors at a local craft fair (our favorites)
  • Gilmore Girls, tacos and good friends!
Quote of the Week
Attention is the most basic form of love. By paying attention we let ourselves be touched by life, and our hearts naturally become more open and engaged. -Tara Brach
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Thank you for tuning in!
Contact Information: