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Episode 206: Patreon Launch!

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 206 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
  • Knitting in Passing
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Contest, News & Notes
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Reminder: All Links that lead to Ravelry are labeled as such.

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Eme’s 17th Birthday Rainbow

  • Pattern: Rainbow Crochet pattern by AmiMami Doll on Etsy. $3.74 (on sale $3). 
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted Minis + Big Twist soft from Joann’s
  • Hook: C (2.75 mm)
  • Interesting in picking up some Brava Worsted Minis? Consider using my Knit Picks Affiliate Link

Riley’s Nanaimo Cardigan

  • Pattern: Nanaimo Cardigan by by Tara-Lynn Morrison
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Yarn:  Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick in Colorway: Storm Front (5 skeins)
  • Needles:
    • US 13 – 9.0 mm
    • US 15 – 10.0 mm
    • US 19 – 15.0 mm
  • Size XS/S
  • Used 4 full skeins (not the 5 that I purchased)
  • Tag from Beam City with my logo on it.

Sidewalk Stripes Socks

  • Yarn: Patons Kroy Stripes  in the Sidewalk Chalk Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 US knitting pattern)
  • Ravelry Project Page

Whale Song Socks

  • Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Whale Song Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 US knitting pattern)
  • Ravelry Project Page Link

Hydrangea Stripes Blanket

  • Yarn: Sprighly Acrylic Worsted in Silver Grey, Suede and Misty Pink. Vanna’s Choice in Grey Marble, Charcoal Grey & Oatmeal. Knit Picks Brava Minis in assorted colors.
  • Hook: H (5.0 mm), Cast on with K (6.5 mm)
  • Pattern: Hydrangea Stripes Blanket by Lucy of Attic24 (free crochet blanket)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Chained 118 to start with J hook. Used that for first sc row too. Then went to H hook.
  • Finished blanket. 34 wide by 50 inches long. 53 rows plus set up and finish row.
  • 692 grams used.

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Hydrangea Stripe #2

  • Pattern: Hydrangea Stripes Blanket by Lucy of Attic24 (free crochet blanket)
  • My Ravelry Project Page
  • Hook: I  (Cast on with K hook)
  • Yarn: Vanna’s Choice in Shadow Ombre, Orion Blue, Burgundy & Sea glass, Sprightly Acrylic Worsted in Suede & Big Twist Soft in Rose & Charcoal
  • Chain 86 to make this one a little smaller.

Fibernymph Spinning

Freewheeler Sweater

  • Pattern: Freewheeler by Kristen Finlay (Ravelry Link) $11 AUD (~$8.35 US)
  • Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm)
  • Yarn (held double): Holiday Yarns FlockSock (Badger Black Colorway); CeCe’s Wool Yarn Baby! 1120 yards fingering weight Superwash Merino (Cherries Jubilee Colorway)
  • Ravelry Project Page

Dan’s New Year’s Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 US knitting pattern)
  • Yarn: US 2 (2.75 mm)
  • Needles: Goosey Fibers in the Stay out of the Forest (not final dye version) & Lock Your F*cking Door (brown)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Cast on 52 stitches.

Gram’s Mother’s Day Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 US knitting pattern)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Knitting Fever Indulgence 6-ply Color 102-Green, purple, blue, red stripes.
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Cast on 64
  • Ribbed down front of the leg

Brainstorming

  • Excavation Blanket by Jana Pihota (free knitting pattern- Ravelry download only. Inspired by by friend Melissa. 
  • I’d love to make another Hydrangea Stripe Blanket (for me).
  • I’d like to make a Nanaimo for me using the same Storm Front colorway I used for Riley’s.

From the Armchair

Knitting in Passing

When I visited with my Aunt Florence during her chemo treatment, I took out sock to show her. We got talking about how colorwork is done and the difference between intarsia and stranded colorwork. Just then, a nurse walked by and admired Dan’s sock. We got to chatting with her. She said she knits but hasn’t in awhile because of some joint pain but is looking forward to getting back into it.

KAL News

  • Splash Pad opens Friday May 28
  • You can sign up on May 1st. Stay tuned for the link.
  • Save the Date: Virtual Kick Off Weekend May 29 & 30, 2021
  • Sponsor spots open. Click here for details.
  • Rules will go up soon but as a reminder, WIPs are eligible for this KAL so if you want to get strategic and save stuff consider this your heads up. 
    • Pro Shop Sponsors are given the opportunity to sell exclusive items before & during the KAL. This is the paid option ($50 for Splash Pad Party). There are a max of 20 spots per KAL. Pro Shop sponsors receive 1 free 30 second promotional ad on the Down Cellar Studio Podcast, and first selection of Virtual Vending Spots for the Kick off Weekend Saturday May 29 & 30th.
    • Snack Shack Sponsors will donate prizes but will not be able to sell KAL Exclusive products. This is free option and there are unlimited spots. Snack Shack Sponsors may sign up for any available Virtual weekend spots available after Pro Shop Sponsor Sign Up.
    • Note: All Sponsors are required to contribute at least one prize with a minimum suggested value of $20.

Sponsor List (subject to change as we are still inviting sponsors)

Pro Shop SponsorWebsite
AdoreKnitAdoreKnit.etsy.com
agirlandherwoolagirlandherwool.com
Anne Beadyhttps://www.etsy.com/shop/annebeadydesigns
Cookie and Beeshttps://www.cookieandbees.com/
Fibernymph Dye Workshttps://www.fibernymphdyeworks.com/shop
Geektastic Fibershttps://www.geektasticfibers.com/
Into The Woodsshopin2thewoods.com
Irocknits Designswww.Irocknits.com
Knit Style Yarnshttps://knitstyleyarns.com
Knitters Brewing Companyhttp://www.knittersbrewing.com
Prairie Bag Workswww.PrairieBagWorks.Etsy.com
Sunsoaked Yarnshttps://www.etsy.com/shop/Sunsoakedyarns
YumiYarnsHttp://www.YumiYarns.com
Snack Shack SponsorWebsite
19stitcheshttps://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/19stitches
Bonnie Baker Etsy Shophttps://www.etsy.com/shop/bonniebaker2
Cragen Cottage Designshttps://www.ravelry.com/designers/cragen-cottage-designs
Hyacinth Creek Designshttps://www.ravelry.com/stores/hyacinth-creek-designs
Kino Knitswww.kinoknits.com
Knitosophy Designshttps://knitosophy.com
KnittenKristen Designshttps://www.ravelry.com/designers/knittenkristen
Legacy Fiber Artzhttps://www.legacyfiberartz.com
Nicole Simmons Knitshttps://www.ravelry.com/designers/nicole-simmons
Precision Athletic TrainingPrecisionat.com/fitness
Windswept DesignsWindsweptKnits.com

Events

  • Know of something? Let me know.
  • NJ Wool Walk– April 17th through April 25, 2021. Mostly in person event but they’re also having a lot of virtual events.
  • Vogue Virtual Knitting Live– April 14-18. I am taking 3 classes & a lecture.
    • Friday 7-9p: The NEWS Sweater with Lily Chin
    • Sunday 10a-12p: Crochet Hacks & Time Saving Tips with Sandra Gutierrez
    • Sunday 12:30-1:30: Lecture: Color and Fashion Trends Spring 2021 with Trisha Malcolm
    • Sunday 2p-4p Swoop it Up with Melissa Leapman

Contest, News & Notes

Check out the new Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Details about each tier is listed below or tune into this video to hear Mom & I chat about it.

$2/month: Coffee Club

  • 2 Episodes of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast each month (24/year)
  • Several YouTube Videos per month on the Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel.
  • Access to my public BostonJen1 Instagram Feed
  • (NOTE: You do not have to be a patron to continue to enjoy these offerings. They will always be free)

$3/month: Passionate Podsters: 

  • Access to all blog posts in my Patreon feed. Behind the scenes in my making and more lifestyle details, tips etc. Reviews and other notes about finished projects. Lots of photos, sneak peeks of upcoming designs and more! 
  • Access to private vlog video (approximately once per month)
  • And everything in the previous tiers.

$5/month: Stitchin’ Squad

  • Monthly Group Zoom Knit Nights during the Splash Pad Party & Pigskin Party MALs (make-a-longs).
  • Access to a private Instagram Feed with even more behind the scenes and lifestyle goodness.
  • And everything in the previous tiers

$7/month: Invaluable Insiders

  • A coupon to use in Jennifer Lassonde’s Ravelry Store each Quarter good for 1 free self-published pattern.
  • This tier will evolve depending on the group’s interest. I’ll take polls and see what you’re interested in. Perhaps we’ll do periodic Zoom chats focused on a specific topic with some Q&A at the end. Will record for those who aren’t available to attend live. 
  • And everything in the previous tier.

$10/month: Ultimate Insiders

  • A coupon to use in Jennifer Lassonde’s Ravelry Store each Month good for 1 free self-published pattern.
  • Patron shoutouts on the podcast
  • Even more behind the scenes looks at designs in progress + the opportunity to help me name new patterns
  • And everything in the previous tiers

Special Offer: Sign up in April- any tier- and be invited to submit your questions in advance and to join Jen live on a Zoom all to discuss, time management, efficiency, goal setting or anything else you need help or motivation with. Zoom will be scheduled in May and will be recorded for those who can’t attend live.

On a Happy Note

  • I enjoyed my first time inside our local library in a long time. Got 3 books and snagged a great deal on some zoo passes for Riley and Aila’s birthday adventure.
  • First time decorating for Easter here using hand blown eggs from my family.
  • Easter festivities. Check out this vlog for some silly Easter dinner shenanigans. You can also see Millie reminding me how to latch hook.
  • Trying something new- daikon radishes my friend Melissa gave me.
  • Experimenting with going gluten free which seems to be helping my digestion…
  • The Last Blockbuster on Netflix

Quote of the Week

Never say anything about yourself you don’t want to come true.― Brian Tracy

Thank you for tuning in!
Contact Information:

Episode 205: Sure of You

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 205 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
  • Some Years Later
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • Contest, News & Notes
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Reminder: All links to Ravelry are labeled as such. 

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Laura’s Cameo Socks

  • Yarn: Patons Kroy FX Yarn in the Cameo Colors Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 US knitting pattern)
  • Ravelry Project Page Link

Easter Garland

Heart Garland 

  • Pattern: Heart Garland by Sarahndipities Designs (free crochet pattern)-website link
  • Hooks: 3.75 + others 
  • Yarn: 
    • White: Lion Brand Wool Ease- 301- White Multi
    • Big Twist from Joann’s (Holiday- Red & Twinkle- Gray/Silver)
  • Ravelry Project Page

3-ply Corriedale Yarn from Wound Up Fiber Arts

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Freewheeler Sweater

  • Pattern: Freewheeler by Kristen Finlay (Ravelry Link) $11 AUD (~$8.35 US)
  • Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm)
  • Yarn (held double): Holiday Yarns (Badger Black Colorway); CeCe’s Wool Yarn Baby! 1120 yards fingering weight Superwash Merino (Cherries Jubilee Colorway)
  • Ravelry Project Page

Riley’s Nanaimo Cardigan

Sidewalk Stripes Socks

  • Yarn: Patons Kroy Stripes  in the Sidewalk Chalk Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 US knitting pattern)
  • Ravelry Project Page 
  • Used Green Stripe Ragg colorway of Patons Kroy for heel.

Whale Song Socks

  • Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Whale Song Colorway. If you’d like to purchase any Knit Picks Yarn I’d appreciate it if you’d use my Knit Picks Affiliate Link.
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 US knitting pattern)
  • Ravelry Project Page Link
  • Knit Picks Stroll in Navy Colorway for the heels.

Hydrangea Stripes Blanket

  • Pattern: Hydrangea Stripes Blanket by Lucy of Attic24 (free crochet blanket)
  • Ravelry Project Page 
  • Yarn: Sprighly Acrylic Worsted in Silver Grey, Suede and Misty Pink. Vanna’s Choice in Grey Marble, Charcoal Grey & Oatmeal. Knit Picks Brava Minis in assorted colors. Some of them include: Avocado, Dublin, Sienna, Wine, Denim, Fig, Tranquil, & Coral.
  • Hook: H (5.0 mm), Cast on with K (6.5 mm)
  • Chained 118 to start. Pattern calls for chaining 182 for a 4×6 foot blanket. Next time I’d cut by half at least for a baby blanket.

Brainstorming

From the Armchair

Tune in to hear more about my experiences with Virtual Vogue Knitting Live in March

Some Years Later

  • Thank you to Ravelry user MLbatesWI, Lisa who recommended this idea for a segment in her review on Apple Podcasts.
  • FO from March 2016 Socks using KnitCircus Yarn in the Greatest of Ease Base in the Come What May Colorway.
    • Check out my Ravelry Project Page.
    • I wear them often and I think they’re holding up well. Not overly dingy. 
    • One note- Knit Circus has changed hands but this yarn base, according to Ravelry, isn’t discontinued. 
  • Pair of socks I knit for Dan 5 years ago with Regia 4 ply. His first pair of patterned/self-striping socks. Check out my Ravelry Project Page. Also his first pair sock weight socks. Holding up beautifully! 

KAL News

  • Splash Pad opens Friday May 28
  • Sponsor spots open. Click here for details.
  • Save the Date: Virtual Kick Off Weekend May 29 & 30, 2021
  • Rules will go up soon but as a reminder, WIPs are eligible for this KAL so if you want to get strategic and save stuff consider this your heads up. 
    • Pro Shop Sponsors are given the opportunity to sell exclusive items before & during the KAL. This is the paid option ($50 for Splash Pad Party). There are a max of 20 spots per KAL. Pro Shop sponsors receive 1 free 30 second promotional ad on the Down Cellar Studio Podcast, and first selection of Virtual Vending Spots for the Kick off Weekend Saturday May 29 & 30th.
    • Snack Shack Sponsors will donate prizes but will not be able to sell KAL Exclusive products. This is free option and there are unlimited spots. Snack Shack Sponsors may sign up for any available Virtual weekend spots available after Pro Shop Sponsor Sign Up.
    • Note: All Sponsors are required to contribute at least one prize with a minimum suggested value of $20.

Events

Contest, News & Notes

  • I’m sorry share about the passing of Paula Emons-Fuessle on March 22, 2021
  • March 31st last day to use original version of Ravelry. I’m sad and frustrated that it has come to this. The eternal optimist in me was holding out hope that they’d fix the issues that have been reported. Tune in to hear more about my thoughts and my plan so far. If you know of good alternative, especially for a pattern database, please let me know.
    • I will not be using Ravelry from 3/31- 4/2 to support the worldwide ban that’s being organized. 
  • Want to export our patterns from Ravelry?
  • I have a new pattern available on Ravelry & Love Crafts!
    • The Sure of You Headband is a simple stockinette & reverse stockinette headband with a mock i-cord edging and flexible button closure at the back.
    • This pattern has been tech edited & test knit.All instructions are written and charted.
    • It calls for bulky weight yarn and US 8 Needles.
    • It is written for 4 sizes.
    • Use code friends on Ravelry to get the pattern for $4 instead of $5 or if you’re a newsletter subscriber, check your inbox for an even better coupon code.
  • New on the Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel. 

On a Happy Note

  • Savers trip with Mom- blue sequin “Fearless” pouch! Fearless is Mom’s word of the year for 2021!
  • Hattie wearing the pink legwarmers I knit for Aila. 
  • Hiking longer and in better weather.
  • Having friends over for a bonfire. Tractor rides for the kids. Jiffy pop!
  • Planning Disney trip for the whole fam!

Quote of the Week

“New goals don’t deliver new results. New lifestyles do. And a lifestyle is a process, not an outcome. For this reason, your energy should go into building better habits, not chasing better results.”
-James Clear


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Episode 204: Birthday Projects, Sweater Revisited & Knit-a-thon Excitement

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 204 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
  • Ask Me Anything
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Fifties Stripes Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Yarn: Patrons Kroy Stripes in the Fifities Stripes Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page

Cozy Classic Raglan (finished for 2nd time)

Juju Fruit Headband (#2)

  • Yarn: Kraemer Yarns Mauch Chunky in the Juju Fruit Colorway
  • Needles: US 8 (5.0 mm)
  • Pattern: new design. Release TBD.
  • Ravelry Project Page

Yadi the Frenchie

Laura’s Tranquility Scarf

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Freewheeler Sweater

  • Pattern: Freewheeler by Kristen Finlay (Ravelry Link) $11 AUD (~$8.35 US)
  • Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm)
  • Yarn (held double): Holiday Yarns (Badger Black Colorway); CeCe’s Wool Yarn Baby! 1120 yards fingering weight Superwash Merino (Cherries Jubilee Colorway)
  • Ravelry Project Page

Laura’s Cameo Socks

  • Yarn: Patons Kroy FX Yarn in the Cameo Colors Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Ravelry Project Page Link

Whale Song Socks

  • Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Whale Song Colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
  • Ravelry Project Page Link

Brainstorming

  • I swatched with unknown Sweitzer yarn (likely worsted/aran weight). Blocked swatch is 15 sts over 4 inches on US 7s. 14 sts on US8s. I like the fabric, but am having a hard time finding a pattern that matches this gauge.
  • I’m also really in love with this knit dress. Pattern is the Schlossel Dress by Siga Lagamta Ravelry Pattern Page. Do you think it would look good on me?

From the Armchair

KAL News

  • The Splash Pad Party opens Friday May 28, 2021!
  • Sponsor spots are available. Click here for details.
  • Save the Dates: Virtual Kick-off Events will take place on Saturday May 29th and Sunday May 30th.
  • Rules will go up soon but as a reminder, WIPs are eligible for this KAL so if you want to get strategic and save stuff consider this your heads up. 

Events

Contest, News & Notes

  • What’s new on the Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel?
  • Punk Frockers Sewing podcast (audio). Check out their website.
    • Hosted by Beverly Baptiste and Jenny Hassler. They are looking to create a sewing community, will be hosting challenges, focus on sharing patterns from indie makers and size inclusive pattern designers. 
  • I am now a Knit Picks Affiliate which means if you make a purchase using this link, I will get a small commission. It doesn’t cost you any extra.

Ask Me Anything

I receive a comment on the blog from Lisa suggesting a new segment on the podcast called “One Year Later” where I would “Revisit items you finished one year ago and discuss how they’ve held up. How is the yarn looking? Wearability? Does it get frequent use or is it time to frog it?”

Do you like this idea? Come tell me in the Down Cellar Studio Ravelry Group.

This time I talked about my Soldotna Crop which I finished 2/29/20. Click here for my Ravelry Project Page. I used Brown Sheep Prairie Spun DK in two colors of gray and Daschinger Wools for yellow and turquoise. All non superwash. Worn many many times. No signs of pilling. No stretching. Love it!

I also talked about my Ice Time Mitts finished in early March 2020. Click here for my Ravelry Project Page knit in Cloudborn Fibers DK and Legacy Fiber Arts DK. I love the fit, the yarn still looks brand new. No signs of wear. 

On a Happy Note

  • Millie is healing well after knee surgery. We celebrated and showed support with a parade/outdoor visit.
    • The night before I went to Mom’s where she, Trish and I made posters. So fun!
  • Mom & Dad each got their first Covid vaccine!
  • Celebrated Megg’s birthday. Workout in morning together. Dinner/fire together in the evening!
  • Longer days. 60 degree temps.

Quote of the Week

“Instead of asking how many tasks you can tackle given your working hours, ask how many you can ditch given what you must do to excel.”

–Morten Hansen

Thank you for tuning in!
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