Category Archives: Show Notes

Episode 101: My Own Backyard

Leave a reply
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 101  of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:
Off the Needles
On the Needles
From the Armchair
Knitting in Passing
In my Travels
Contest, News & Notes
KAL News
Events
On a Happy Note
Quote of the Week
Thank you to this Episode’s Sponsors: Lilliput Yarn, Imagined Landscapes & One Geek to Craft Them All

Off the Needles

image
Baby Ghost Ornaments for Halloween by Josephine Wu (free)
  • I made 2 which you can find here and here.
Little Friendly Ghost by Emily Michelle (free)
Distinctly Batty by Karissa Cole (free)
Batty (no specific pattern followed)- details in project page
Ninja (no specific pattern followed)- details in project page.
  • Garret- has since requested, white, green, red and blueimage
2 Kitties
  • You can find my project pages here and here.

For all of these stuffed animals- the eyes/noses came from 6060 on Etsy.

image image
  • Pattern: Smooth Operator Socks by Susan B Anderson
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Regia Arnie & Carlos line Color #02459
  • Too short. Have to rip back. Should have tried on before decreasing for toe
  • Check out the details in my project page linked above.
  • If you’re interested in test knitting after this is tech edited, please reach out to me via email at downcellarstudio at gmail.comimg_5454-2

On the Needles

 
  • OMG Heel Sock Pattern
  • US 1.5 Needles
  • Yarn: Knitterly Things Vesper Sock Spring Sonata Colorway
  • First sock is done!
  • 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. Planning to knit these about 15 inches long for Riley who is 8 years old.
  • Pattern: OMG heel by Megan Williams
  • Yarn: Wild Hare Fiber Studio Pinnacle Fingering in Hope Colorway
  • Needles- US 1 (2.25mm)
  • Pattern: Sunwalker by Melanie Berg
  • Yarn: Sun Valley Fibers MCS (Merino Cashmere Silk) Fingering in Kensington Colorway
  • Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm)
  • Planning to make it smaller than originally called for. Notes from this Ravelry Project Page as my guide.

From the Armchair

I talked a bit about some of my new favorite podcasts that you may want to check out:
image
In this episode I reviewed: Filament No 1, Fall 2016 ebook
I think this is a beautiful collection and a nice value at $21 for 10 patterns. Click on the link above to see details or to get your own copy today!
To be eligible to win a copy, enter in this thread in our Ravelry Group.

Knitting in Passing 

In this segment, you’ll hear some audio from my nieces Riley (8) and Millie (4) from a car ride to dance class the other day.
image

In My Travels 

Dan and I traveled to Sarasota, FL for a conference I attend through work. This year I received the company’s 2016 Voalte Innovation Award which was an honor.Voalte

We loved Surf Shack for their delicious variety of tacos.image
After the conference Dan and I enjoyed spending time with his cousins and his Aunt Nancy who gifted us these beautiful hand-quilted potholders.
Contest, News and Notes
 
News: My Own Backyard is now available on Ravelry!img_5496-2
  • Get your copy before 11/30 for half price $2.50. No coupon code needed. On 12/1, the price will go up to the normal price of $5.00
Enter to win a copy of the Dragon Sock Gradient Kit in the Titania Colorway from Dragonfly Fibers (the same yarn I used in the sample) and a copy of the pattern. Contest thread can be found here.
Contest:
Tune in to hear if you won a copy of the Grey Matters  ebook by Katya Frankel that I reviewed on Episode 100.
 

KAL News 

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
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
  • 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

Interceptions

Winners:
I announced the winners of the Plum Deluxe Interception and the October Huddle & Instagram Winners! Tune in to see if you won!

Events

On a Happy Note 

  • Meeting anne at knitting group- didn’t realize she lived so close. Test knit my Emelyn Mae got to see that in person.
  • Bag sent by Beautiful Syster : looks a lot like this oneimage
  • 5 year journal: I selected The Happiness Project One-Sentence Journal: A Five Year Record by Gretchen Rubin
  • Halloween!
  • Making butternut squash soup. Comfort food without a lot of calories. Roast butternut squash, onions, carrots. Can add other veggies. Added veg stock into oven so didn’t have to dirty another pan. left in oven at lowered temp. Immersion blender to blend up. 1 sp per serving (from the stock).image
  • Cousins visiting from FL
Quote of the Week
Success is the ability to do what has to be done when the motivation to do it is gone.
——
Thank you for tuning in!
Contact Information:

Episode 100: Wow 100!

Leave a reply
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 100 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:
Off the Needles
On the Needles
From the Armchair
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 this episode’s sponsors Pearl & Plum, Fair Winds Farm and Plum Deluxe

Off the Needles

  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams
  • Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)
  • Yarn: Knitters Brewing Company Sockaholic II in NE Patriots Tailgate Party Colorwayimage
  • Pattern: Best Bunny by Lion Brand (free)
  • Hook: C
  • Yarn: Berroco Vintage (worsted) in a light purpleimage
  • This purple bunny was requested by my niece Millie because Hoppy needs a friend!image

Christmas Socks

  • OMG Heel Sock Pattern
  • US 1.5 Needles
  • Yarn: Lilliput Yarns- Bumpus Hounds Colorwayimage

On the Needles

  • OMG Heel Sock Pattern
  • US 1.5 Needles
  • Yarn: Be Ewe Fibers (Etsy shop) Little Shop of Horrors Mini Skein Setimage
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams
  • Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm) (Need to do this when more than 450 yards in 100 gram skein)
  • Yarn: Andre Sue Knits (Etsy)image
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams
  • Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm) (Need to do this when more than 450 yards in 100 gram skein)
  • Yarn: Andre Sue Knits (Etsy) Sock Blank- Rhinebeckimg_5443-2 img_5442-2

image

  • Pattern: Smooth Operator Socks by Susan B Anderson
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Regia Arnie & Carlos line Color #02459image
  • Pattern: Sunwalker by Melanie Berg
  • Yarn: Sun Valley Fibers MCS (Merino Cashmere Silk) Fingering in Kensington Colorway
  • Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm)
  • Planning to make it smaller than originally called for. Notes from this Ravelry Project Page as my guide. Almost to lace part now!image
Shawl Design in progress
 image
  • Pattern: Socked Slouch Hat by Kelly McClure (free)
  • Needles: US 2 (2.75mm)
  • Yarn: Knitters Brewing Company Sockaholic Fingering weigh yarn in Bruins Tailgate Party Colorway

imageFrom the Armchair

In My Travels

 Tune in to hear about my 2016 Rhinebeck Experience!
image
Indie Untangled Trunk Showimage
Moms and Daughters at Rhinebeck! Doesn’t get much better than this!
image
Friends at the podcaster meet up!
image
Finding friends in the busy marketplace!image
The llama who wanted to kiss my Mama!image
Good friends and great yarnie finds!
image
My Rhinebeck haul – purchases + gifts!
Podcasters Mentioned:

Shops Mentioned:

KAL News 

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
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
  • 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

Events

Contest News & Notes

I announced the winner of Kate Oates’ new book Grown

Life in Focus 

In this episode I share more about my journey this year to health and weight loss- specifically about freeing up time and building habits.

Ask me Anything

  • I answered a question from Cynalune-about knitting strategies during weight loss and a question from craftyhobbit about managing fibromalygia.

On a Happy Note

  • Spending in person time with my dear friends.imageimage
  • Fall weather and foliage!image
  • My cousin Jenny’s wedding!image

Mom and Meimage

Dan and Me

image

My cousin Mike with our grandmotherimageMom & Dad

  • I placed a Plum Deluxe tea order. My favorites: Mindful Morning black tea, Coconut Macaron, Reading Nook Tea Blend + one new one – Spicy Caramel Apple Cinnamon Herbal Tea
  • Halloween is coming! We kicked off with an event at my Nana’s assisted living facility!img_5439-2

Quote of the Week

  • “Just because your mind tells you that something is awful or evil or unplanned or otherwise negative doesn’t mean you have to agree. Just because other people say that something is hopeless or crazy or broken to pieces doesn’t mean it is. We decide what story to tell ourselves.” ― Ryan Holiday, The Obstacle Is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Adversity to Advantage
 ————————
Thank you for tuning in!
Contact Information:

Episode 99: Travel, Fiber, Fun

Leave a reply
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 99 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:
Off the Needles
On the Needles
Brainstorming
From the Armchair
In My Travels
KAL News
Events
Life in Focus
On a Happy Note
Quote of the Week

Off the Needles

  • OMG Heel Sock Pattern
  • US 1.5 Needles
  • Yarn: Be Ewe Fibers (Etsy shop) 2 mini skeins in Harley Quinn Colorwayimage
  • Pattern: Dandy Sir Cephalopod by Susan Claudino $6 pattern
  • Needles: US 6
  • Yarn: Spunky Eclectic Targhee Classic in colorway: Emerald Isle Lot 1015 (195 yards)
  • Eyes from 6060 on Etsy
  • Mustache- Tangerine Designsimage

On the Needles

Christmas Socks

  • OMG Heel Sock Pattern
  • US 1.5 Needles
  • Yarn: Lilliput Yarns- Bumpus Hounds Colorwayimage
  • OMG Heel Sock Pattern
  • US 1.5 Needles
  • Yarn: Be Ewe Fibers (Etsy shop) Little Shop of Horrors Mini Skein Set image
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams
  • Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm) (Need to do this when more than 450 yards in 100 gram skein)
  • Yarn: Andre Sue Knits (Etsy)
  • OMG Heel Sock Pattern
  • US 1.5 Needles
  • Yarn: Knitterly Things Vesper Sock Spring Sonata Colorwayimage image
  • Pattern: Sunwalker by Melanie Berg
  • Yarn: Sun Valley Fibers MCS (Merino Cashmere Silk) Fingering in Kensington Colorway
  • Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm)
  • Planning to make it smaller than originally called for. Notes from this Ravelry Project Page as my guide.image
  • Pattern: Rugged Ripples by Stephanie Gage (free)
  • Hook: I, 5.5 mm
  • Yarn: Caron One Pound, Lion Brand Ice Cream Big Scoop, Loops and Threads Impeccable
  • Tutorial available by Very Pink

From the Armchair

 

img_5644 img_5642
Rhinebeck Festival Prep: My Tips
  • Clothes- layers. Wear your knits.
    • Tip: pick your hand knits first. Choose the rest of your outfit accordingly!
  • Shoes should be comfy (and not new). Something you won’t mind if they get covered in muck.
  • Bag/purse- try not to make it too big.
  • Camera- capture the fun. For me, iPhone is great.
    • Pen + paper- in case you see a pattern you want to jot down name of etc. If you’re a digital person you could take photos and jot them down later.
  • Check out vendor list in advance. Make list of MUST go to vendors and where they are located.
  • Make list of what you’d like to buy yarn for. Put list of what you need on phone/paper (something that doesn’t require internet) cell service is getting better but can still be spotty.
  • Bring snacks/water. Aim to eat at non-traditional times. Everyone wants to get lunch at 12 or 1. It’s hard to do when you just want to shop and see and chat. I recommend setting timers on your phone if you’re the type who can get lost in the day.
  • Bing a mix of cash and card if possible.
    • Food vendors sometimes only take cash
    • Some booths line for cash and one for cards. if have both- you can pick shorter line.
  • Don’t pack too much knitting. Simple sock etc. bring extra sock needle or hat needle. You may want to cast on right  away!
  • Many things at the really packed booths at Rhinebeck DO SELL OUT. Some vendors bring stock for Sunday. Some don’t. Many people like to do a loop before committing to things but if there’s only a couple and you’re going to majorly regret it if its gone later. Consider buying it on the first pass.
Check out this Knitty Article by Stephanie Purl-McPhee & a blog post I wrote in prep for Stitches Midwest: Fiber Events: Setting Yourself Up for Success
 

In My Travels

Southern Adirondack Fiber Festival
Lisa and I went up on Saturday morning. We met up with  Holly from Fish Belly Fiber Works (Field Sponsor for Pigskin Party) and her friend Maureen. image
Got to see Pro Shop Sponsor Jen from Knits4Comfort! and met her lovely mom Nancy!image

Was great seeing Kathy from Merlin Tree again so soon!

image

Purchasesimage
  • Periwinkle Sheep- 2 skeins 1) grey/rose quartz, the witch’s cauldron
  • Hampton Artistic Yarns– 2 skeins
  • Dyenamics Yarn Supersocke in Zombie Colorway- grays with green, orange/red
  • Katrinkles– Needle gauge with the state of MA etched in. Also bought ornaments.
  • Pair of socks from Dan.
  • Cloth needle keeper and a small pottery bowl from Northside Knit Co
  • Bulky skein of yarn from Hampton Fiber Mill and Spinnery based out of VT 
Key West
Dan and I went with friends Mike and Cheryl and my parentsimage image
image image image
We purchased Hammock Swings for our deck made by Cobble Mountain Hammock Co.

KAL News 

12 Months to Christmas
  • This KAL runs all through 2016. Finish 1 item each month that you plan to gift for the holidays this year. Enter your FOs here.
  • New Prizes:
    • Amplitude Shawl pattern by Greg Cohoon
    • Skein of Worsted weight yarn from Tink Yarn in Lady Luck colorway
    • Project bag from Freckled Whimsey
    • 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
Pigskin Party 2016

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
  • 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.

A special thank you to Pro Shop Sponsors

Key Details Mentioned in this Episode
 
  • 312 People on the Roster! Not to late to join in. 5 month KAL join whenever, craft as much or as little as you like.
  • Sidelines Thread:
  • This episode I announced the 10 Grand Prize Packs up for grabs this year.
  • Thank you again to all of our sponsors. If you choose to purchase something from them and have the opportunity to let them know you heard about them from this podcast please do let them know that their advertising here is worth their time and money.

Events

Life in Focus

in the last episode I shared a bit about my health journey and motivation to lose weight. So much great feedback on this segment. Started a Life in Focus Thread in Ravelry Group. Check it out! Thank you for sharing bits of your life, struggle and successes with me!
This week I shared some eating and meeting tips that have helped me along this journey.
This week I wanted to share just a few things that I’ve learned over the course of this year that may be good concrete tips for you

On a Happy Note

 
Quote of the Week
“When we do not do the one thing we ought to do, we have no time for anything else- we’re the busiest people in the world.” -Eric Hoffer
——
Thank you for tuning in!
Contact Information: