Category Archives: Show Notes

Episode 170: Flo, Fall & Haul

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 170 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:
  • Off the Needles
  • On the Needles
  • Crafty Adventures
  • Knitting in Passing
  • In my Travels
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Contest, News & Notes
  • Life in Focus
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week
Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: AdoreKnit

Off the Needles

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Yarn: West Yorkshire Spinners in the Fairy Lights colorway
  • Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)West Yorkshire Spinners Fairy Lights Socks
  • Improvised pattern influenced by the Pig Miniature Amigurumi pattern and some counts from the Cuddle Bunny pattern (both linked on my Ravelry Project Page).
  • Hook: C (2.75 mm)
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Brava minis- 2 colors of pink.
  • Eyes from 6060 on Etsy
5A4FE44F-DB7E-477D-87ED-39FED4DCA92A
  • Improvised pattern influenced by the Buddy Bunny in the 4 Seasons Easter pattern and some counts from the Cuddle Bunny pattern (both linked on my Ravelry Project Page).
  • Hook: C (2.75 mm)
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Brava minis
  • Eyes & nose from 6060 on Etsy

On the Needles

  • Pattern: Watayuki by Natsuko Iida $6.34 US at time of checking
  • Yarn: Sweitzer Fiber Mill
  • Needles: US 9 (5.5 mm)
  • Yarn: bought in bargain bin at Rhinebeck.
  • #myRHINEbipoc sweater #2 for meWatayuki Pullover
  • Yarn: Unknown
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: Non-Euclidian Heel by Sarah Jordan (Knit-Wit Designs— Pigskin Sponsor)33C81DE9-4E54-4273-8955-73F171BC9135
  • Yarn: Holly Press Fibers Sheepish base in the To Knit or to Hike Colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)To Knit or to Hike color way Holly Press Fibers
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Lasso color way
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Knitting in tandemE5141058-CA68-4B64-BEA8-AFF38CDAD479

Crafty Adventures

  • Tune in to hear about how I used an old swatch to cover up a conference logo and epicycle a tote bag!
  • I used a Fiskars Perforating blade for my rotary trimmer to make the holes into which I could sew on the swatch.
  • I single crocheted around the outside edge (after sewing on the swatch- probably not the ideal order of operations), then steam blocked it.
  • Wins: Great use of swatch. Great place to put buttons and enamel pins. Great way to get more life out of a bag I may have donated but is certainly still useful to me.Up-cycled Conference Tote using old knit swatch

Knitting In Passing 

  • In visiting friends this weekend two brothers told me stories about their mother’s quilting and knitting, the things she made for them and the memories they still cherish.
  • I used my half-knit sock as a beer koozie when my hand was too cold and I couldn’t find the one I packed.16763821-72B3-4353-83D3-D19B96602ED8

In my Travels

Tune in to hear about my visits to all 9 shapes in the Cape & South Shore Yarn Haul– September 12-15, 2019 (the first year for this event).

KAL News

Slay the Stash 2019
  • 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 (purchased before 2019) – and maybe win a new beautiful skein of yarn from one of our sponsors along the way!
  • Check out the September Post & the October Post.
  • Use and follow #slaythestash2019 on Social Media
Slay the Stash Sponsor List- 2019
Pigskin Party ’19 
Pro Shop Sponsors 
Snack Shack Sponsors

Events

Contest, News & Notes

  • #BIPOCMAL: Started by DesamourDesigns on Instagram.Click here for a link to her website with all the details.
  • Refugee hats for Maine. Information from Clara Parkes on Instagram: Having fled their homes in Congo and Angola and then traveled 10,000 miles they didn’t exactly have time to stock up on warm winter woolens before they got there. This is where knitters and crocheters come in. They need warm hats and mittens especially for babies and children.
    • Address: Maine Access Immigrant Network 237 Oxford St. Suite 25A Portland, ME 04101

Life in Focus

  • For our annual Woodchopping Weekend Party we bought and used compostable plates, bowls and utensils. Felt great not throwing out a bunch of trash! We had some recyclables, but mostly cans. Bought growlers to cut down on the single server beer containers.7F5A02CB-8223-4180-A362-951699FA9419
  • Have still been hitting the gym hard. Consistently 3-4 days per week now instead of 2.
  • Finalizing tech edit of a hat pattern, and knitting up 2 more. Updating those notes. Feeling very happy with my progress this year but will be happier when I get each of them across the finish line.

On a Happy Note

  • Camping in VT. Exploring new trails on our friend’s property which inspired Dan and I to do some more work on our own land.BEB600AA-34DD-4DAF-A1D2-0A14DEF63F9F
  • Woodchopping weekend- funny moment when talking about colorwork and being unsure if letters would stand out. Dan contributes “once you swatch it you’ll be able to tell”DECB2A67-5C32-4DF7-AC8C-2C5E348E40F8 82B8406E-D018-4EA8-BF2B-64856F500A5B 7D2CE244-40B0-423F-B288-2B3F3CFA9E60 CC99FA48-4079-4C8B-B061-33A9A016FCD0
  • Riley, Aila, Oisin slept over afterwards. Riley says she’s going to carry on Uncle Dan’s pancake tradition. Tune in after the credits for some audio with Riley and Aila.070F387F-3018-44C7-9136-7CE4E00C5D87 359440F0-A431-4B7D-AC76-AFFA7F1F1FD4 19CBE1F6-A87E-4F7B-9EB9-4071C74D25564391DE7E-4186-491A-A9BE-1BC703A97990

Quote of the Week

Change may not always bring growth, but there is no growth without change.”
― Roy T. Bennett
——
Thank you for tuning in!
Contact Information:

Episode 169: Christmas Socks!

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 169 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:
  • Off the Needles
  • On the Needles
  • From the Armchair
  • Knitting in Passing
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Contest, News & Notes
  • Life in Focus
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week
Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: agirlandherwool & Jennifer Lassonde designs

Off the Needles

I finished a new version of a hat design I’m working through. DK weight yarn from Goosey FibersSquish Base. So squishy and soft. Highly recommend. Also realized that this base is a 75% super wash merino wool 25% nylon which I think is hard to find. But if you’re ever wanting to make DK weight socks this is a great option.

On the Needles

  • Pattern: Watayuki by Natsuko Iida $6.34 US at time of checking
  • Yarn: Sweitzer Fiber Mill
  • Needles: US 9 (5.5 mm)
  • #myRHINEbipoc sweater #2 for me. This also counts for the #BIPOCMALF509382F-7248-484D-93C9-19CD4D82D645 A9D7E8F5-7B05-40EC-A34D-8D8CE5CDB374
  • She needs a name! Suggestions on Facebook: Flora, Flo, Rosa, Penelope, Florence, DANielle (because I said she was going to replace Dan), Flossy, Peggy, Paulette, Fifi, Mango, Frankie for Francesca, Fran,Felicia the Fab Flamingo, Ethyl,  Phyllis, Fabriana, Robin, Fiona, Flora, Fantasia, Fleur
  • Will be on display at the Mansfield, MA Fall Festival at Fulton Pond October 4 + 5, 2019E69E4879-A662-4062-93B2-75576F03DCF2
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Yarn: West Yorkshire Spinners in the Fairy Lights colorway
  • Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)2D57E2E4-350B-4279-8D70-D5482EDDE35C
  • Yarn: Unknown
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: Non-Euclidian Heel by Sarah Jordan (Knit-Wit Designs— Pigskin Sponsor)ABF3C50F-EC8E-43CB-9E3A-382D57C60D8D
  • Yarn: Holly Press Fibers Sheepish base in the To Knit or to Hike Colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • First Pigskin Party 19 Project. Holly Press Fibers is a Pro Shop  Sponsor (8pts) and I’m carrying it in a fun woodland themed bag from Kitchen Counter Crafter- Snack Shack Sponsor (4 pts)8DF1DB9F-00D8-4B3F-9CE9-AEC23E999821
  • Pattern: Christmas Stockings to Knit and Crochet from Family Circle Magazine
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Red, Everglade Heather and White
  • Hook: F (3.75 mm)

From the Armchair

Knitting In Passing 

I shared a story about chatting with a man on my train about knitting socks (and then found out Lisa was on my train the whole time but we didn’t see each other).

KAL News

Slay the Stash 2019
  • 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 (purchased before 2019) – and maybe win a new beautiful skein of yarn from one of our sponsors along the way!
  • Check out the September Post
  • Use and follow #slaythestash2019 on Social Media
Slay the Stash Sponsor List- 2019
Pigskin Party ’19 Artwork - Pigskin Party Final2
Not familiar? It’s a ridiculously fun make-a-long that runs all through the NFL football season. We typically have a couple hundred participants each year. For each FO you finish, you earn touchdown & field goal points. You also earn points for using sponsor products & fulfilling other challenges. For every 100 points earned, you get an entry into our Grand Prize drawing. We also have lots of prizes reserved for participation on Ravelry and Instagram to keep it fun and light.
Everything you need to know is linked in the Start Here Threadin the Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group including the Rules, Questions Thread, End Zone Dance Threadwhere you post your FOs, Coupon Code Thread, List of Prizes, Exclusive Items from our Sponsors!
September Interception is posted! Presented by Pigskin Sponsor Woodsy & Wild
  • Prize: A Woodsy & Wild signature Birch Bag
  • You can also find a video of me talking about it on my Instagram profile page listed as #1 Interception or find it on YouTube.
Pro Shop Sponsors 
Snack Shack Sponsors

Events

Contest, News & Notes

Life in Focus

  • Health: Focusing on drinking more water and eating breakfast later. Skipping snacking and working through urges to eat. Time to get off the summer pound or two I put on.
  • Design- got a huge stack of stitch dictionaries from the library! Psyched to pour through them.4985C537-A56C-4B75-AB90-DB8B77E80C89

On a Happy Note

  • I shared stories from Labor Day weekend. Yes, Mom and I made another trip to Savers.77CCB71F-F1F2-4F0C-84CC-11A5B2C3F464
  • Last Saturday, we hung out at – Vitamin Sea Brewing. Then I saw a friend in fundraiser musical- the Bridges of Madison County.
  • Applepicking at Applecrest.334F9025-958A-49D9-A86F-6BC3182A894D 96B3BD78-A9B3-4F8F-A126-35ED6D77AEF6 3C000B5C-D0D8-4465-9857-36CEBC01B9D6

Quote of the Week

“To be heroic is to be courageous enough to die for something; to be inspirational is to be crazy enough to live a little.”
― Criss Jami
——
For website:
Thank you for tuning in!
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Episode 168: Stash Dash Tallies & Pigskin Kick Off

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 168 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
  • Ask Me Anything
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week
Thank you to this episode’s sponsor: Sunsoaked Yarns

Off the Needles

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Coffee Break Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • 244 metersCoffee Break Socks
  • Yarn: Freckled Whimsy yarn in the Rock You Like a Hurricane colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern- OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • West Yorkshire spinners for heel only.
  • 278 metersRock You Like a Hurricane
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the 8 Bit Colorway
  • Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)
  • Pattern- OMG Heel by Megan Williams33759484-172C-41EB-81EB-4559BF103B4B FF01E0B4-87E8-4B3E-8C8C-3901C0315A93
  • Yarn: Sock blank by AndreSue Knits
  • US 1 (2.25mm)
  • Pattern: Non-Euclidian heel by Sarah Jordan
  • 353 metersBC6CA421-317A-44EC-89DE-76DF66413AE3
  • Yarn: Sugarbush Bold in the Dover Sand colorway. blue
  • Hook: H 5.0 mm
  • Pattern: Gina’s Messy Bun Hat
  • 121 metersGina's Messy Bun Hats
  • Yarn: Sugarbush Bold in the Lavender Frost Colorway
  • Hook: H 5.0 mm
  • Pattern: Gina’s Messy Bun Hat
  • 125 meters
  • Yarn: Loops and Threads Impeccable in the Orange Crush colorway
  • Hook: H 5.0 mm
  • Pattern: Gina’s Messy Bun Hat
  • 101 meters
  • Pattern: Worsted Boxy by Joji Locatelli
  • Needles: US 7 (4.5mm) and US 8 (5.0 mm)
  • Yarn: Holly Press Fibers – Sheepish (fingering weight) base in colorways:  Flower Petal, Rambler in the Wilderness & Seeking You.
  • 1945 metersHolly Press Fibers Boxy
  • Yarn: Berocco Summer Silk in the colorway:
  • Hook: K (6.5 mm)
  • Pattern: Sandbar Cardi by Toni Lipsey (crochet pattern $7.50)
  • 1051 metersSandbar CardiSandbar Cardi
  • Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick in the Charcoal Colorway
  • Hook: I (5.5 mm)
  • Pattern: Herringbone Square Basket by Rebecca Langford (free crochet pattern)

    Herringbone Crochet Basket

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Yarn: West Yorkshire Spinners in the Fairy Lights colorway
  • Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)
  • Finished 1 sock= 152 metersC8DE4066-45B7-439E-B204-3D1D778920DC
  • Yarn: Lily Sugar’n Cream Stripes in the Holiday Stripes Colorway + Cream
  • Hook: J (6.0 mm)
  • Pattern: none- basic hexagon
  • Notes: held yarn double with cream.
  • 153 meters5900CD99-82E1-4D34-852F-5DAA92A933F4
My Stash Dash Result=16,355 meters (Goal 10k. Stretch Goal 15k)

On the Needles

I’m working Flamingo crochet project for Mansfield Yarn Bombing. No pattern.B2AA0849-C447-4607-893F-66BEB3A5ED2B
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Yarn: West Yorkshire Spinners in the Fairy Lights colorway
  • Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm95825F33-15BC-4ADE-A1A0-642F3A617C4D
  • Yarn: Unknown
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: Non-Euclidian Heel by Sarah Jordan (Knit-Wit Designs)Mystery Spirit Christmas Socks

Brainstorming

  • Need to get started on Christmas gifts & stockings
  • Wendy knitters Brewing compnay posted adorable football coaster! Free crochet pattern.
  • listener Sara KnitsKC- sent me even better idea for the Crayon pattern for Aila’s Christmas gift.
  • My friend Melissa asked me to think about designing a pattern for a roll up pouch to hold silverware + a re-useable straw.

From the Armchair

I discussed audiobooks: We Are Never Meeting in Real Life  by Samantha Irby  Michael Hyatt’s Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World

In My Travels

  • I discussed an afternoon in Portland visiting Duck Fat, Rising Tide, Austin Street Brewing, Lone Pine. Maine Beer Company
  • We spent the rest of the weekend camping Wolfe’s Neck Ocean Front Camping.
  • I mentioned a funny sketch from Jim Gaffigan about Camping. 
  • 268896CB-E06F-4868-B687-BBDD9C192213 028B9A2C-7E38-4237-9F8C-D3902D0A0D1F 3DD19324-DDE0-412C-95B5-254C70CF1C22 9E7CB351-37A3-4AF6-BE5A-72143B7EB3B1 80904509-9E14-4C01-9000-C2D58647606E

KAL News

Slay the Stash 2019
  • 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 (purchased before 2019) – and maybe win a new beautiful skein of yarn from one of our sponsors along the way!
  • Check out the September Post
  • Use and follow #slaythestash2019 on Social Media
Slay the Stash Sponsor List- 2019
Pigskin Party Artwork - Pigskin Party Final2
6th Annual Pigskin Party kicks off —- September 5, 2019 and runs through February 3, 2020
Check out the Start Here Thread for everything you need to know
Pro Shop Sponsors
Snack Shack Sponsors

Events

Life in Focus

  • Tune in to hear updates on my 2019 Goals around publishing 10 patterns and building muscle.

Ask Me Anything

Tune in to hear my answers to questions listeners posted on Instagram.

On a Happy Note

Quote of the Week

Unless a capacity for thinking be accompanied by a capacity for action, a superior man exists in torture.
—Benedetto Croce
——
Thank you for tuning in!
Contact Information: