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Episode 215: 9 FOs & Even More Fun!

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 215 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast.This week’s segments included:

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

Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: AdoreKnit

Shout out to Ultimate Insider Patrons: Charlie, Candy, Theresa, Luanne and Beth!

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Chubby Elephant

  • Pattern: Chubby Elephant by Spin a Yarn Crochet (free option or $2.50 US)
  • Yarn: Bernat Velvet in Misty Gray & Bernat Crushed Velvet in Toasted Plums
  • Hook: D (3.25 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • 168.5 meters

Solid Granny Square Blanket 2021 Edition

  • Yarn: fingering weight scraps
  • Hook: D (3.25mm)
  • Pattern: Solid Granny Square by Lullaby Melodia- Find this pattern on Ravelry or directly on the Lullaby Lodge website
  • My Ravelry Project Page
  • I ripped out the color squares I could salvage from last summer’s blanket and made some new ones too.
  • Single crocheted the squares together and added border with Knit Picks Stroll in gray. 
  • 1816 meters

Imaginarium Socks

  • Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes in the Imaginarium Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: Non-Euclidian Heel by Sarah Jordan
  • My Ravelry Project Page
  • 253.8 meters

Candy Color Socks

  • Yarn: Regia 4 ply in Colorway 01160
  • Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Self striping/self patterning Christmas colors. CO 60 sts. 2×2 rib. down to 56 after heel.
  • 210 meters

Magic Stripes Socks

  • Yarn: Patons Kroy Stripes in the Magic Stripes colorway & Patons Kroy in the Coal colorway (black)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • 267 meters

Scrappy Shawl (design prototype: will share more details in the months to come)- 710 meters of sock yarn scraps.

Wild Plum Merino Spin

  • Fiber Addict Designs: 100% Merino, Commercial Combed Roving, 4 oz. Wild Plum Colorway
  • Spinning on my Kromski Minstrel Spinning Wheel
  • My Ravelry Page
  • 3 ply 252 yards /230 meters. 100g. Not as thick as I had hoped I could do, but its more like a DK than a sport, so I was at least moderately successful. Plumped up beautifully in washing. 
  • 924.2 meters for Stash Dash

Granny Stripe Blanket

  • Pattern: Granny Stripe by Lucy of Attic 24. Click here for Ravelry Link or Click here for Website. Free crochet pattern. 
  • Hook L (8.0 mm)
  • Yarn: Lion Brand Nature’s Choice Organic Cotton in Almond, Macadamia, Pistachio, Dusty Blue and Blueberry.
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Foundation row- 56 chains. 
  • Edging- first round done using granny cluster on long edges as described in pattern. hdc around in Macadamia & then a sc round in blue and a picot edge in brown.
  • 7.56 skeins- 710.2 meters

V Stitch Baby Blanket

  • Pattern: Baby Blanket by Annemarie Benthem (free pattern on LoveCrafts). 
  • Hooks: L (8.0 mm) to chain/set-up and J (6.0 mm) for body. 
  • Yarn: Lion Brand Nature’s Choice Organic Cotton in Almond, Macadamia, Pistachio, Dusty Blue and Blueberry.
  • My Ravelry Project Page
  • Chained 79. 25 Vs. 
  • Edge= 2 rounds sc. 
  • 642.9 meters

Stash Dash Total as of 8/30/21: 15,392 meters.

Brainstorming

  • Pink Moon by This.Bird.Knits. Check out the pattern using this Ravelry Link or Website link. ($8 knitting pattern).
  • I pulled out Pigskin ’21 sponsor products. 2 WoolensandNosh self striping plus some from FIbernymph Dye Works, Mint Rain and agirlandherwool. And lots of bags too of course.
  • Pigskin ’21 Sponsor Patterns Bundle on Ravelry– 1005 patterns to choose from!

From the Armchair

In My Travels

  • Checked out a brewery up in NH- Hobb’s Brewing Tap Room on Rt 16 in Ossippi, NH
  • Played dice game: Quixx- Amazon Associate Link
  • We did taste tests of whoopie pies (vanilla versus chocolate filling) and Jax cheese puffs vs. Cheese Doodles cheese curls – helped me get a second bingo for the Craft, Cook, Read Repeat Podcast Summer Bingo event. 
  • We helped move some things out of Gayle’s Camp as she closes up to move. I was thrilled to take this beautiful embroidery piece that Gayle made home with me.

KAL News

Pigskin Party ’21: Official Hashtag: #DCSPigskinParty21

Important Links:

Virtual Kick Off Schedule

Events

Contest, News & Notes

On a Happy Note

  • Running is going really well! 
  • I saw not one but 2 bucks in a nearby yard!
  • Dan and I did a big basement clean out and Savers donation run.
  • My friend Laura came for her first visit since Covid. Antiquing overload!
  • Getting texts from my SIL with cute photos of our niece Gabriella playing with the teddy I made for her birthday and the Baby Yoda I made her for Christmas.
  • Seeing all of the handmade stuffies my nephew took to Ireland when he moved!
  • August Zoom with Patrons! So much fun. 
  • Pool night at my parents with my brother’s kids and my mom’s friend Trish. Silliness with Snapchat filters.
  • Dan and I had a blast at Camp. A great kick off to my vacation.

Quote of the Week

“Make your heart like a lake with a calm, still surface and great depths of kindness.”- Lao Tzu

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Episode 214: Pigskin Party Prep!

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 214  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
  • Knitting in Passing
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Contest, News & Notes
  • Life in Focus
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Gabriella’s Velvet Bear

Summer Vibes Socks

  • Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Summer Vibes Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Check out my June Yarnable Unboxing & July Yarnable Unboxing Videos on YouTube.
    • Yarnable will likely open again to new subscribers in August 2021. Considering subscribing? Please consider using my Affiliate Link. Get $5 off with coupon code BOSTONJEN.
  • I love the Bomb Pop progress keeper from Clay Canon that came with the kit.
  • 272 meters

Millie Margaret (Worsted Version)

  • Pattern: Millie Margaret Shawl by Jennifer Lassonde
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Felici Worsted in the Chelsea Colorway & Knit Picks Twill in the Sea Salt Heather Colorway
  • Needles: US 10 (6.0 mm)
  • Knit Picks Affiliate Link
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • 489.8 meters

Stash Dash total to date:  9,647 meters. Check out my Stash Dash 2021 Spreadsheet . You can also check out: Jasmin’s Stash Dash 2021 Spreadsheet

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Solid Granny Square Blanket 2021 Edition

Imaginarium Socks

  • Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes in the Imaginarium Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: Non-Euclidian Heel by Sarah Jordan
  • My Ravelry Project Page

Magic Stripes Socks

  • Yarn: Patons Kroy Stripes in the Magic Stripes colorway & Patons Kroy in the Coal colorway (black)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: omg
  • Ravelry Project Page

Wild Plum Merino Spin

  • Fiber Addict Designs: 100% Merino, Commercial Combed Roving, 4 oz. Wild Plum Colorway
  • Spinning on my Kromski Minstrel Spinning Wheel
  • My Ravelry Page

Chubby Elephant

  • Pattern: Chubby Elephant by Spin a Yarn Crochet (free option or $2.50 US)
  • Yarn: Bernat Velvet in Misty Gray & Bernat Crushed Velvet in Toasted Plums
  • Hook: D (3.25 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page

From the Armchair

  1. My Sister, The Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite Finished 7/28 Amazon Affiliate Link.  Bookshop Affiliate Link.
  2. Super Host by Kate Russo. Amazon Affiliate Link.  Bookshop Affiliate Link
  3. The Salt Path by Raynor Winn finished 8/8. Amazon Affiliate Link.  Bookshop Affiliate Link
  4. The Wild Silence by Raynor Winn. Amazon Affiliate Link.  Bookshop Affiliate Link

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

I dabbled in watercolor using a kit from Let’s Make Art, a gift from my bestie.

  • I worked on the Holiday Wreath using this kit. I have a Giraffe kit but haven’t started it just yet.

Knitting in Passing

  • I went to a yoga class with one of my favorite instructors, Heather, at Webbs Pro Fitness. After class she pulled me aside to tell me she’d taken up knitting to make some baby hats and had moved on to Christmas stockings! We had a lovely chat! 

KAL News

Splash Pad Winners Announced 

Pigskin Party ’21: Official Hashtag: #DCSPigskinParty21

Important Links:

  • Official Rules (Google Doc)
  • Register to Play! (Google Form)
  • Points Tally Form (Google Form)
  • Sponsor List (Google Doc)- keep checking back. 
  • Questions: Ask in the Ravelry Thread or email Jen (downcellarstudio @ gmail.com)
  • Prizes- see details in this Ravelry Thread
  • Coupon Codes: find details in this Ravelry Thread or on my website (coming soon)
  • Pro Shop Sponsor Exclusive Items: find details as they’re posted in this Ravelry Thread or on my website (coming soon)
  • Use the Points Tally form for official entry but celebrate with everyone in the End Zone Dance Ravelry Thread and using #DCSPigskinEndZoneDance
  • Check out your standings (and others’) on the Players Stats Sheet (Google Sheet- COMING SOON)
  • Fumble your entry on the Points Tally form? Use this Support Form (Google Form)
  • Pre-Game Chatter on Ravelry can be found in this Thread.

Important Updates this episode: Pigskin Prep

  • Come get Registered!
  • Please review the Rules, even if you play every year. We’ve tweaked a few things.
  • Check out the Sponsor list linked above.
  • We are doing Teams again this year. The overwhelming feedback from last year is that you really enjoyed the smaller community found within those teams, so we’re excited to bring those back. You will be assigned your team on September 1st (if you register before then), so we’d really like to get most folks signed up before then (if possible). So please spread the word.
  • Finish those WIPs. 
  • Considering joining the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! We’ll be doing monthly Zooms during the Pigskin and have one scheduled for later in August that you can join if you get in at the $5/mo level.  Plus you’ll have access to my private IG feed and so much more.
  • Save the Dates- Sept 10+11 for Kick off fun! 

Events

Contest, News & Notes

  • Check out my new patterns- the Millie Margaret Shawl- available for fingering weight and worsted weight yarn.
  • This pattern has been tech edited & test knit so you can knit on with confidence, but if you ever have any questions, don’t hesitate to message me. Pattern also contains a link to a video tutorial that shows how to do the slipped stitch technique used in this pattern.
  • Patterns will be available for $7 each. Email subscribers get the best discount so check your inbox if you want to get both of these patterns.
  • Intro Deals:
    • Get both patterns for $6 on Ravelry through 8/22 using code “millie.”
    • Want just 1 pattern? Get 40% off with code “niece,” also good through 8/22.
  • Get your pattern now. Let me know if you need help picking yarn. get your swatch done, then maybe wait until 9/9 to cast on for Pigskin?!! I’m a Pro Shop Sponsor, so you’ll get lots of points!

Life in Focus

  • Visit to Cleenland in Cambridge, MA. Great selection of personal products and cleaning supplies. I brought my own jars with lids and the lovely shop keeper weighed everything when I arrived. This is what I got:
  • clay mask [SallyeAnder rose for drier skin, emerald vegan for drier skin, or golden for oilier skin $5.23/oz]
  • face lotion [Oneka unscented $3.98/oz]
  • tooth tabs [Unpaste with or without fluoride pack of 125 for $8.50]
  • Bamboo tooth brush
  • dishwasher detergent [Azure Standard $0.29/oz = $0.15/load]
  • dish soap [Puracy lemongrass or unscented $0.15/oz]
  • bar dish soap [Meliora unscented or lemon $9.49/bar]
  • recycled garbage bags [If You Care $4.99]
  • toilet paper (100% recycled paper $1.07/roll or bamboo $1.15/roll)- Who gives a crap brand.
  • Melora cleaning tabs- 3 in the pack

On a Happy Note

  • Gabriella’s 1st birthday. Pics of her hugging the teddy I made her
  • Will & Aila sleepover. Getting into hysterics as Dan, Dad, Mom and I all tried Will’s new VR game system. Deer all around! We all just watched in fascination!
  • My Knit Picks Felici order!!!!!
  • I took my nephew, Garret, to Gillette Stadium for the first Patriot’s Practice of the season.  Sleepover.
  • Meeting up with Petrina and Ryan at Gather Here in Cambridge, MA

Quote of the Week

Longevity researcher Dan Buettner on the health benefits of friendship:
“I argue that the most powerful thing you can do to add healthy years is to curate your immediate social network. In general, you want friends with whom you can have a meaningful conversation. You can call them on a bad day and they will care. Your group of friends are better than any drug or anti-aging supplement, and will do more for you than just about anything.”


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Episode 213: Blankets & Bobbins

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 213 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
  • Crafty Adventures
  • Knitting in Passing
  • In my Travels
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Contest, News & Notes
  • Ask Me Anything
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Fibernymph Dye Works Shetland Spin

  • Three 2 oz braids of natural Shetland
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Total: 246 yards/ 225.52 meter
  • Stash Dash Total (3 ply yarn, 4 times through orifice): 902.08 meters

Bobble Lines Baby Blanket

  • Pattern: Bobble Lines Baby Blanket by Daisy Farm Crafts (free option on Daisy Farm website & paid option available on Etsy. )
  • Hook: I (5.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Main Color: Lion Brand Pound of Love in White. Stripes in: Knit Picks Brava Worsted in Blush, Lion Brand Baby Soft in Creamsicle, Lion Brand Ice Cream Big Scoop in Tutti Fruitti, Loops & Thread Impeccable in Coral.
  • Working with 97 sts. 15 Bobble Rows
  • Edge
    • Round 1. DC around
    • Round 2. Hdc around
    • Round 3 with ice cream scoop. (DC5tog, sc2) around
  • Stash Dash total: 1,099.1 Meters
  • Finished Size: 36 inches wide by 46 inches long

Wristers Socks

  • Yarn: Lion Brand Mani-Pedi in the Wristers Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • My Ravelry Project Page
  • I was inspired to try this yarn after seeing my friend Emily’s on our Crafty Chat- check out the video here.
  • Stash Dash: 240 meters

Stash Dash total to date:  8774 meters. Stash Dash 2021

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Solid Granny Square Blanket 2021 Edition

  • Yarn: fingering weight scraps
  • Hook: D (3.25mm)
  • Pattern: Solid Granny Square by Lullaby Melodia- Find this pattern on Ravelry or directly on the Lullaby Lodge website
  • My Ravelry Project Page
  • I ripped out the color squares I could salvage from last summer’s blanket and made some new ones too.
  • I have 134 squares which could make a blanket that’s- 11×12 but I may not have enough yard to edge that many so we’ll see as we get closer

Imaginarium Socks

  • Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes in the Imaginarium Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: Non-Euclidian Heel by Sarah Jordan
  • My Ravelry Project Page

Summer Vibes Socks

  • Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Summer Vibes Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Check out my June Yarnable Unboxing & July Yarnable Unboxing Videos on YouTube.
    • Yarnable will likely open again to new subscribers in August 2021. Considering subscribing? Please consider using my Affiliate Link. Get $5 off with coupon code BOSTONJEN.

Magic Stripes Socks

  • Yarn: Patons Kroy Stripes in the Magic Stripes colorway & Patons Kroy in the COal colorway (black)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: TBD
  • Ravelry Project Page

Gabriella’s Velvet Bear

Wild Plum Merino Spin

  • Fiber Addict Designs: 100% Merino, Commercial Combed Roving, 4 oz. Wild Plum Colorway
  • Spinning on my Kromski Minstrel Spinning Wheel
  • My Ravelry Page
  • Divided into 3 so I can do a 3 ply.
  • Focusing on not spinning so thin.

Brainstorming

From the Armchair

Crafty Adventures

  • During Hattie and Millie’s sleepover we did some painting! Video available for Patrons. Haven’t joined us yet? Check out the options on my Patreon Page.

Knitting in Passing

  • I shared a story about knitting up at my cousin’s lake house with family friends and how my cousin asked for some more handmade dishcloths next time I visit.

In My Travels

  • I shared stories of our family’s long weekend up at Great East Lake in NH.
  • I talked a bit about the Saturday night tradition of hot dogs, beans and brown bread. Click here for a related story.

KAL News

Splash Pad Party: May 28 through July 31

Pigskin Party

Participants: Reminders

  • We are not yet ready for participants to sign up, but start telling your friends! Remember, you get points for new recruits.
  • Don’t forget that the Pigskin Party is a NO WIPs KAL so get those needles cleared off. If you need a little help with that, consider joining my Patreon Community. That’s going to be our focus in August.

Events

Contest, News & Notes

Ask Me Anything

Sewrunknit says “I would love for you to share any travel tips that you have for traveling light and using fewer disposable products. Specifically how you handle deodorant, other toiletries and food on an airplane trip.” 

  • I use bar soap for face & body- same as from home, or will cut off smaller piece. fits into a metal travel tin I got a couple years ago.
  • I have a small glass jar for my night face oil for face- that I refill from the larger Argon oil I get from Trader Joe’s. 
  • For day time moisturizer/SPF, I bring full one, or use small silicone containers I got from Amazon
  • Deodorant- I bring full size or I have a travel size that I refill with a mix of baking soda and coconut oil and lavender (not great for flying or big swings in temperature). 
  • Shampoo and conditioner- currently I’m using bars (not liquid), but when using liquid versions, I use refillable travel containers.
  • If I’m only bringing a carry-on but am going somewhere for a week, I’ll buy full size sunscreen or something I’ll need more than 3oz of, and then leave rest behind with someone there. 
  • Food- I often pack banana, sandwich or wrap either in plastic container (that I can reuse during travel), or tinfoil. I bring dish soap with me, so I can wash containers and my water bottle. I often bring a straw cleaner too because I always travel with silverware and a stainless steel straw, a cloth napkin or two and a handkerchief. 

Farmstead Knits asks about my – favorite patterned sock other than vanilla

AggiedecarloKnits- would you do a tutorial on spinning?

  • I hadn’t planned on it because I am not a very experienced spinner but I’ll think about. If you have thoughts on what specifically you all would like to see, let me know.

Suzi321- what is the first garment you knitted?

Flora_n_Fauna_victoria- I am new to the podcast. Could you do a quick who am I and how did I end up podcasting update?

  • Tune in to learn more about me!

On a Happy Note

  • Mille & Hattie’s Sleepover- Pancakes. We watched Beauty and the Beast and had some Blanket Fort fun.
  • We celebrated my nephew Will’s 14th Birthday.
  • I’m enjoying running.
  • Attending a 1 hour cardio jazz class taught by my friend Diana with my friend Megg. Dinner and drinks after and then Megg and I sang our hearts out on the car ride home.
  • 4 days off work! Spending time at the lake!

Quote of the Week

To love a person is to learn the song that is in their heart and to sing it to them when they have forgotten.—Arne Garborg

Thank you for tuning in!


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