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Episode 245: Christmas Craziness!

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 245 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:

  • Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • From the Armchair
  • Crafty Adventures
  • In my Travels
  • KAL News
  • Life in Focus
  • Ask Me Anything
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Lucy the Fox

  • Pattern: Lucy the Fox by Banga Vaicekauskienė ($3.90 crochet pattern available on Ravelry and Etsy)
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted in White, Black and Orange 
  • Hook: C (2.75 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Knit Picks Affiliate Link
  • I gifted it to Aila and she named it Ginger

Shrek 

  • Pattern: Improvised using the basic instructions from Lucy Collin’s Han Solo pattern. Pattern no longer available for individual sale. You can find it in this book available from Amazon (affiliate link).
  • Yarn: Green- Spunky Eclectic Victoria in the Ginko Colorway. Cream- Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Cloud. Brown- Cascade 220 Superwash.
  • Hook: B (2.25 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page.
  • I used the basic top down instructions from Lucy Collin’s Han Solo pattern but made the face and belly bigger using increases and HDCs. 

Abington Hat

  • Pattern: Abington Hat by Jennifer Lassonde ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & LoveCrafts 
  • Yarn: fingering held double. Knit Picks Capretta in the Sagebrush Colorway & Friends in Fiber sock yarn.
  • Needles: US 4 & US 6. 
  • Size- Medium
  • Ravelry Project Page

Sugarplum Socks

Belt for Mom’s Wave of Change Cardigan

  • Yarn: Battenkill Fiber Mill Yarn (from Rhinebeck 2019). No label or other details available
  • Needles: US 8 (5.0 mm)
  • Mock i-cord edging with garter stitch for the center. Small number of increases at the beginning and decreases at the end. Will have to see if we want to add some icords onto the sweater to hold the belt or not.

Wave of Change Jacket 

  • Pattern: Wave of Change Jacket by Denise Bayron ($9 US knitting pattern)
  • Yarn: Battenkill Fiber Mill Yarn (from Rhinebeck 2019). No label or other details available
  • Needles: US 8 (5.0 mm) for body. US 6 (4.0 mm) for ribbing.
  • Size 3, 45” bust because it calls for 2-4 inches of positive ease.
  • Switch to Lykke Needles for body. Thought I was using 32”. Was maybe 24. 
  • Ravelry Project Page

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

  • Perry’s Socks
  • Yarn: Patons Kroy FX in the Cascade Colors colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page

Woolens and Nosh Socks

  • Yarn: Woolens & Nosh Targee Socks- 2022 Advent Calendar 
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page

Megg’s 2nd Nanaimo Cardigan

  • Pattern: Nanaimo Cardigan by by Tara-Lynn Morrison
  • Yarn:  Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick in Colorway: Abalone  (5 skeins)
  • Needles: US 13 – 9.0 mm, US 15 – 10.0 mm, US 19 – 15.0 mm (body)
  • Size XS/S 
  • Ravelry Project Page

From the Armchair

Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.

Crafty Adventures

  • Vlogmas 2022! 3rd year doing this project on my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel. You can find the playlist here.
  • Christmas Day video still to come!

In My Travels

  • I went to Las Vegas with my parents, my brother Jeff and our friends Trish and Thayer from December 13-19th.
  • We visited the Hoover Dam, went ziplining down Fremont Street, had a couple really swanky dinners out including one at the Paris hotel on the Vegas strip overlooking the Bellagio fountains, did a bit of gambling on the slot machines, attended a Gatsby themed wedding and my brother and I ended the trip with a heck of a Patriots/Raiders game at the new Allegiant Stadium.
  • We visited Blind Center of Nevada. 

KAL News

Pigskin Party’22: The Official Hashtag is #DCSPigskinParty22

  • Pigskin Landing Page on the Down Cellar Studio Website.
  • Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group
  • Link to the Official Rules
  • Player Registration- Google Form
  • Check out our amazing Sponsors! Click here for the Google doc with their websites and Instagram profiles. 
    • Check out the list of available Coupons from our amazing sponsors- Ravelry Link. Google Doc.
    • Check out the Pigskin Exclusive Items in this Ravelry Thread
  • Important Updates in this Episode

Life in Focus

Ask Me Anything

Tune in to hear the answers to these questions asked by listeners:

  • How is your Mom doing? I’m praying for her. 
  • I want to hear about your advent knits
  • Knitting projects
  • What was the make you most enjoyed making? What memory makes you happiest?
  • Your plans for 2023, how you’re holding up with all that’s going on in your world.
  • New Years Cast On Plans

On a Happy Note

  • Going to see Six with my bestie, Kris.
  • My friend Liz came over on the Thursday before Christmas to help me wrap. It was a good thing we finished because that night the power went out.
  • Friday morning I went to the ocean to see the waves crashing in after the bombcylone blew through.
  • Christmas Eve at my cousin Susan’s- visit with Santa, cutting Mom’s hair and a funny exchange where Santa thought I was the mother of one of my cousin’s kids.
  • Sleeping over Mom’s on Christmas night, watching movies and playing Tock with Mom, Riley and Millie. 
  • Christmas morning snuggles with my youngest nephew, Zachary. Silly Christmas games Gail set up at my parents- Cling Wrap Game and the bows game (new to us this year). Stay tuned for the video to come soon!
  • 2 unexpected packages- one from Woolen Women Fibers and one from Suzanne, SewRunKnit, who sent three beautiful chemo caps for Mom/donation.

Quote of the Week

There are years that ask questions and years that answer.–ZORA NEALE HURSTON

Thank you for tuning in!
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Episode 244: Fours

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 244 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:

  • Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • From the Armchair
  • Knitting in Passing
  • In my Travels
  • KAL News
  • Life in Focus
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins


Chemo Cap 

  • Yarn: Bernat Velvet in the Blackbird colorway
  • Pattern: None
  • Hook: G (4.25 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Top down in half double crochet. 
  • back post double crochet for brim.
  • Left for Mom to open on her third day of chemo when I was away on my trip. Dad forgot to give it to her, so I brought it over when I visited to December 1. You can see it in my Vlogmas Day 1 Video. Click here for the full Vlogmas Playlist

Mermazing Socks

  • Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Mermazing Colorway (April 2022 Subscription Box) & mini skeins from Legacy Fiber Artz.
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Check out my Unboxing Video Here
  • Contrasting heel with LFA mini from my 2021 Advent Calendar
  • Finished before my UK Trip to gift these to my friend Laura

Portal Socks

  • Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes Base in the Portal Colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Yarn from Legacy Fiber Artz- Pigskin Party Snack Shack Sponsor
  • Nearly done with the foot of second sock. Finished it during a lazy girls night at home in our London apartment.

Musselburgh

  • Pattern: Musselburgh by Ysolda Teague (6 GBP pattern available on Ravelry & Ysolda’s website)
  • Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm)
  • Yarn: Biscotte Bis Sock in the Bis Sock Boston colorway
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Cream, mustard and black self striping yarn. 
  • Adult Medium Size

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Sugarplum Socks

  • Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Sugarplum Colorway (Yarnable Subscription Box) 
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • I’m onto the foot of the second sock.

Woolens and Nosh Socks

  • Yarn: Woolens & Nosh Targee Socks- 2022 Advent Calendar 
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • 1 stripe a day
  • 20g mini in dark purple; used for cuff and will use for the heel. 

From the Armchair

  • This is the Story of a Happy Marriage by Ann Patchett Click here for Bookshop.org & Amazon Affiliate Links.
  • Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam Click here for Bookshop.org & Amazon Affiliate Links
  • The Book of Two Ways by Jodi Picoult Click here for Bookshop.org & Amazon Affiliate Links.
  • Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan Click here for Bookshop.org & Amazon Affiliate Links.

Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.


Knitting in Passing

  • Met a lovely knitter in the UK. Out to dinner with the team I was working with. Another young lady joined us for a drink and we talked about what she’d done earlier that day. She took a walk around… and anyway, she brought her crochet project with her so she wasn’t bored.  Amelia and I chatted and shared photos! Such a bright spot in an already great trip. 

In My Travels

  • I spent 10 days in the UK last month. 
  • In Manchester I visited the local Christmas markets and ate some delicious food, including Indian at Akbars before attending a conference and giving the speech I was brought over for.
  • Spent one quick night near Newbury before heading to London for a long weekend. Laura came in from New York and Marta flew in from London. We took in the Christmas decorations and Christmas markets, did some shopping, saw a West End production of & Juliet, saw the Cezanne exhibit at the Tate Modern and did some vintage shopping on Portobello Road in Notting Hill. 
  • I visited Loop London and took some videos to share on my YouTube Channel (once I get time to edit them)

KAL News

Pigskin Party’22: The Official Hashtag is #DCSPigskinParty22

  • Pigskin Landing Page on the Down Cellar Studio Website.
  • Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group
  • Link to the Official Rules
  • Player Registration- Google Form
  • Check out our amazing Sponsors! Click here for the Google doc with their websites and Instagram profiles. 
    • Check out the list of available Coupons from our amazing sponsors- Ravelry Link. Google Doc.
    • Check out the Pigskin Exclusive Items in this Ravelry Thread
  • Important Updates in this Episode

Life in Focus

  • Mom did well with her 3 days of chemo in November. 
  • A gentle reminder that if someone you love is going through cancer- it’s probably taking a lot more time and energy than you may realize. There are lots of appointments, check ups and scans. Thankfully our family has been great about checking on us and helping out!
  • We saw orthopedic last week who put Mom in a brace for her right leg hoping it will decrease the pain in her knee after a fall in October. 

On a Happy Note

  • Family Photo Shoot with Amanda of Amanda Silva Photography
  • Upgraded travel status!
  • The family headed up to Maine December 2 & 3rd for Prelude festival in Kennebunkport.
  • 60 min massage, that I booked intending to use a gift card- which I forgot to bring! Guess I have to go back.
  • Waveney’s Birthday Party
  • Funky Nutcracker followed by the girls’ Christmas sleepover

Quote of the Week

Author Bell Hooks on the importance of knowing how to be alone:

“Many of us seek community solely to escape the fear of being alone. Knowing how to be solitary is central to the art of loving. When we can be alone, we can be with others without using them as a means of escape.”


Thank you for tuning in!
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Episode 243: Grateful

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 243 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:

  • Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • Brainstorming
  • From the Armchair
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Contest, News & Notes
  • Life in Focus
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Fibernymph Dye Works & 3 Stitches Short

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Colin & Nora’s Christmas Stockings

Musselburgh

  • Pattern: Musselburgh by Ysolda Teague (6 GBP pattern available on Ravelry & Ysolda’s website)
  • Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm)
  • Yarn: Malabrigo Sock in Colorway 195 Black & Bumblebee Acres Farm Squishy Sock in the Rainbow Room Colorway
  • Cast on using crochet magic circle to create number of CO sts called for in the pattern. Chose that because you can pull it tight. I then picked up and knit into those stitches.
  • I knit the Adult Medium and switched to a 16″ cord once I had the full number of stitches. I knit 10 inches of black before starting in with the rainbow stripes.

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Portal Socks

  • Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes Base in the Portal Colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Yarn from Legacy Fiber Artz- Pigskin Party Snack Shack Sponsor
  • Progress- 1st sock finished. 2nd sock- leg & heel done. Nearly done with the foot.  

Mermazing Socks

  • Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Mermazing Colorway (April 2022 Subscription Box) & mini skeins from Legacy Fiber Artz.
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Check out my Unboxing Video Here
  • Contrasting heel with LFA mini from my 2021 Advent Calendar
  • First sock done. On the leg of the second sock. 

First Point of Libra Cowl

  • Pattern: First Point of Libra Cowl by Laura Aylor 
  • Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm)
  • Yarn: Barnyard Knits, Fuse Fiber Studio, One Twisted Tree (shop formerly own Prairie Girl Danie) + other leftover sock yarn 
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Yarn purchased at Vogue Knitting Live January 2020 with Lauren. Planned to make a 2 color shawl. Cast on My Cryptonite by Melanie Berg and never got more than a couple inches in. Here’s the Ravelry Project Page for the shawl that’s now frogged. 
  • I’ve losing mojo on this so it will be going into hibernation until after Christmas. 

Sagamore Flyover Cowl 

  • Ravelry Project Page
  • A take-off on my Sagamore Flyover Hat available on Ravelry & LoveCrafts
  • Nearly done. Interested to block this to see what tweaks I want/need to make to improve the design.

Chemo Cap 

  • Yarn: Bernat Velvet in the Blackbird Colorway
  • Hook: G hook (4.5 mm)
  • No real pattern. Improvising using notes from one I made for my Aunt Florence on December 1, 2020. You can find that Ravelry Project Page Here.

Brainstorming

  • Musselburgh hat for my brother with self-striping yarn in Boston Bruins (hockey) colors once I’ve finished my first one to make sure I like the fit.
  • Socks and toys for Christmas gifts
  • Advent socks with my kit from Woolens & Nosh.
  • Travel packing- what to bring?!

From the Armchair

Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.

KAL News

Pigskin Party’22: The Official Hashtag is #DCSPigskinParty22

Contest, News & Notes

  • There will be no second podcast episode in November. 
  • I am planning to release Vlogmas videos on the Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel in December. Click here for my 2021 Vlogmas Playlist. or here for my 2020 Vlogmas Playlist.

Life in Focus

  • Last time I shared that my Mom’s lung cancer has returned. We’ve since learned that the cancer has transitioned to small cell lung cancer which is more aggressive and will require more aggressive chemo. Keep those thoughts & prayers coming. 
  • Check out this video where Mom shares more. 

On a Happy Note

  • We had new railings installed.
  • Dan is very handy and was able to fix our broken water pump- even after power went out right after!
  • Vlogging with the girls. You can find the video here.
  • My aunt Florence came for a visit in a red convertible! 
  • Playing Tock with Mom, Millie, Riley and Liz. 
  • Decorating a Christmas Tree with Mom, Dad, Dan and the kids. Watching Elf & The Santa Clause
  • Playing with a new vlogging camera I purchased. The kids had a lot of fun with it too. 
  • Family photos with Amanda Silva Photography. You can find a sneak peek in her Instagram Feed here. 

Quote of the Week

“We may, by fixing our attention almost fiercely on the facts actually before us, force them to turn into adventures; force them to give up their meaning and fulfill their mysterious purpose.”

— G. K. Chesterton


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