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Episode 265: Red-Eyed & Bushy Tailed!

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 265 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:

  • Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • Brainstorming
  • 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 to this episode’s sponsors: Imagined Landscapes, Cniotáil Láimhe Designs on Ravelry & Buxom Cat Knits

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Mom’s 2023 Rhinebeck Sweater

  • Pattern: Carbeth Cardigan by Kate Davies (~$8 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & this website)
  • Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) for the ribbing and US 9 (5.5 mm) for the body
  • Yarn: Sweitzer Fiber Mill mystery yarn purchased at Maryland Sheep & Wool 2023
  • My Ravelry Project Page

Sneaky Pumpkins (& their Ghost friends)

  • Yarn: Worsted Weight Acrylic (various) in white, orange and brown.
  • Hook: C (2.75 mm)
  • Pattern: Cute Halloween Decorations by Laura Sillar (~$3.85 US Crochet pattern) available on Ravelry
  • Safety Eyes from 6060 on Etsy.
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About this Project: I saw this on Instagram and knew I had to make them because “sneaky pumpkins” is a running joke for Liz, Riley and me. You’ll find shots of sneaky pumpkins all through our Rhinebeck weekend videos on Youtube-  Part 1 (Indie Untangled) and Part 2 (Rhinebeck).
  • I made 3 sets, one for each of us.

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Liz’s Socks

  • Yarn: Area 51 Fibres Sturdy Alien Base ( n the  (80% Superwash Merino, 20% Nylon) in the National Periodic Table Day Colorway (self striping with rainbow and gray)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Progress- I finished the first sock in Vegas and half of the second sock at Rhinebeck. I’m beyond the heel on sock #2 now.

Christmas Stockings

  • Pattern: Christmas Stockings to Knit and Crochet from Family Circle Magazine. Available in this web archive link. I’ve also saved it to my podcast Gmail Google Drive in case it disappears! web.archive.org-Christmas Stockings to Knit and Crochet from Our Archives.pdf
  • Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver in Cherry Red, Hunter Green and White
  • Hook: G (4.0 mm)
  • I thought I had 3 to make before Thanksgiving, but it’s really only two which is a huge relief.
  • Progress: The front & back of one stocking is done. I finished the foot shaping on the both sides of the stocking.

Let the Mystery Unravel 2023 Blanket of Calm

  • Pattern: Blanket of Calm by Casapinka (free crochet pattern)
  • Yarn: Woolen Women Fibers- Let the Mystery Unravel subscription + Cascade Heritage
  • Hook: 3.25 mm (D)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Check out the October Unboxing video
  • Progress: Riley helped me complete the 9 squares for October. I’ve single crocheted them together and started the border.

Brainstorming

Samples & patterns we found at Rhinebeck:

  • Mini Mock Neck Tank by Jessie Maed Designs ($9 knitting pattern available on Ravelry).
  • The Traveler by Andrea Mowry ($9 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & the Drea Renee Knits website)
  • PhD Candidate Sweater by Hannah Mann (free knitting pattern available on Ravelry)

In My Travels

Las Vegas

  • We attended the BOSS Reseller Remix Event hosted at the Blind Center of Nevada
  • FearLESS Living Fund: find all of our links to social media etc on this linktree.
  • We ran a silent auction and raised over $6k
  • Gave away the first two awards to Blind Center Clients. Video will be available soon.

Rhinebeck with Mom, Liz and Riley

  • Friday- we grabbed lunch then headed to Indie Untangled for the last spot of the day.
  • We got an AirBnB in Hudson that was adorable. Saturday we arrived at the Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck around 11a. We shopped until 2p meet-up. It was sS lovely seeing/meeting so many of you! We chatted for awhile- longer than Riley would have liked, I’m sure! See the video for candid reactions!  Then we shopped until they closed.
  • Saturday night we had dinner at a lovely little place in Hudson – the Grazin’ Diner.
  • Sunday morning we shopped with Lauren and her boyfriend Pete, then checked out the animal barns, bought more stuff!
  • I bought nearly all of the things on my “to purchase” list.
  • Check out Part 1 (Indie Untangled) and Part 2 (Rhinebeck) videos on the Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel.

KAL News

Pigskin Party ’23

  • #DCSPigskinParty23
  • Official Rules
  • Find everything you need on my website or in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group
  • Register using this Google Form (you must be Registered to be eligible for prizes)
  • Enter your projects using the Point Tally Form
  • Find the full list of Sponsors in this Google Doc.
  • Questions-  ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com
    • Commentator Updates– tune in to hear more. I talked about the following- these are all RAVELRY project pages:
    • Stats
      • 525 Participants
      • Of those, 323 with Points
      • Average of those with points 552 Points
      • Highest: 4332 & Lowest: 10
      • Blitzes 52
      • Top 3 players: 1) foryouandyarn (4332 points) 2) Pebblesgirlcraft (3839 points), 3) mostlymunchies (3626 points)
      • Top Conference: LFC
      • Top Team: #7 Garter Guards 21,8356
  • Quarter 2 Challenge: Embrace Nature brought to you by our Official Sponsor of the Quarter Bella Fio. Runs 11/1-11/30/23. Full details can be found in this Google Doc and in this Ravelry Thread.
  • WIPs Challenge- starting 11/10. Stay tuned for more details.

Contest, News & Notes

My cousin Linda’s friend is looking for warm handknit/crocheted items for adult and youth homeless in Massachusetts. They set up tables on Thanksgiving and put all of the handmade items on the fence outside their church in Woburn center. Calling for all makers who want to donate. PM me on Ravelry or email me at downcellarstudio at gmail.com and I’ll give you the address to send them to. Any fiber type welcome. Hats, scarves, mitts, shawls, blankets. Anything warm is welcome!

Life in Focus

  • Mom’s October scans showed no changes! Cancer is stable at this time. She goes back again for scans in January!

Ask Me Anything

Shana asked about any recent Savers adventures. Tune in for a story that’s more of a misadventure (spoiler alert- all ends well)

On a Happy Note

  • Vegas- pool day with sharks in the tank & dressing as the Sanderson sisters for the Gala.
  • Rhinebeck weekend. Great time with Mom, Liz and Riley. Liz did 100% of the driving and it saved me! I am so grateful. The 4 of us just got along so well and had so much fun. 2p meet-up. So many compliments on my sweaters- both Sat and Sun. Everyone loved Mom’s sweater too. Found buttons for her on Saturday.
  • Sing-a-long on the drive home from Rhinebeck.
  • Liz found Mom’s favorite blow up seat cushion when she dropped her fidget spinner under the seat and had to retrieve it!
  • Laura (lauraknitspa) brought her Abington Mitts to show me (Ravelry Project Page link)
  • I got to see our youngest niece and nephew- Gabriella & Zach when Dan and Oisin were over at their house putting in a new shed. We watched a Curious George Halloween Special that Gabriella was dying to show me, had a snack and read books in their tent before I had to go.
  • Dan & I attended a Clue (movie based on the board game) Party as Miss Scarlet & Mr. Green. After striking out at the thrift stores, I bought a dress on Amazon that was more perfect than I realized. Thanks to Mom, I had the perfect costume jewelry. Dan brought all sorts of props from home for the “weapons.” Fun was had by all.

Quote of the Week

Daily life may seem trivial and routine, but in fact it contains a multitude of incidents, at once rich, expansive, and touching.

–YU HUA 

——

Contact Information:

Episode 263: Apples & Pumpkins

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 263 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:

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

Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Sunsoaked Yarns, winemakersister and Buxom Cat Knits

Shout out to Ultimate Insider Patrons: knitprincess83, Haidi, Rachel, Alexi, Adoreknit, Alicia, Rachel, Agnes, Kristina and Beth

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Bobble Pumpkin

  • Pattern: Ribbed Bobble Pumpkin by Breann Mauldin ($3 crochet pattern on Ravelry or free option on this website)
  • Hook: G (4.0 mm)
  • Yarn: Sprightly Acrylic Worsted in the Ecru Colorway
  • My Ravelry Project Page

Bedside Pocket

  • Pattern: None
  • Yarn: Kindful Yarn, Swish DK, Kenzie Yarn, Cape Cod Yarn Co
  • Hook: 6.5 mm (K)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • I started this project on 9/4.
  • 75 sts across. Single crochet.
  • First section- Kindful yarn with Swish DK in Mimic
  • Second section- Kenzie Yarn with Cape Cod Yarn Co
  • Third Section- Kindful Yarn (lighter colorway) with Quince & Co
  • I folded it over, seamed up both sides then put border around all the way over. I used yarn to seam up the middle to separate pocket into 2 so it would be less floppy.
  • Final thoughts- could be a little deeper, but I can always add to it.

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Let the Mystery Unravel 2023 Blanket of Calm

  • Pattern: Blanket of Calm by Casapinka (free crochet pattern)
  • Yarn: Woolen Women Fibers- Let the Mystery Unravel subscription + Cascade Heritage
  • Hook: 3.25 mm (D)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • You can find my September 2023 Let the Mystery Unravel Unboxing Video on YouTube.
  • This subscription is not available to new subscribers but I hope you’ll watch each month and see how my blanket comes along. Stay tuned to Woolen Women for all of the fun kits they have! Don’t forget, they’re Pro Shop Sponsors.
  • Progress Notes- I didn’t like the sc border I originally added (confirmed by blocking) so I ripped it back. I am now working the border in dc like the granny squares. 1 DC in the spot where each square is seamed together, then (2dc, ch2, 2 dc) in each corner and that seems to be working well.

Space Daddy Socks

  • Yarn: Fan Girl Fibers Fingering in the Space Daddy Colorway (80% Superwash Merino, 20% Nylon)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the colorway- blues with pink, neon yellow, purple.
  • I bought this yarn at the Yarncentric event before the Maryland Sheep & Wool festival this year. I bought it with my friend Laura in mind. During her last visit, I asked her to pick out new yarn for socks. She picked out three skeins and decided this should be #1.
  • Progress: I’m in a couple inches beyond the first cuff.
  • Don’t forget, Fan Girl Fibers is a Pro Shop sponsor. This project is living in a wedge bag from Snack Shack Sponsor Stitched by Jessalu.

Mom’s 2023 Rhinebeck Sweater

  • Pattern: Carbeth Cardigan by Kate Davies (~$8 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & this website)
  • Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) for the ribbing and US 9 (5.5 mm) for the body
  • Yarn: Sweitzer Fiber Mill mystery yarn purchased at Maryland Sheep & Wool 2023
  • My Ravelry Project Page
  • Progress: Body is finished up through what will likely be the sleeve join. I’ve cast on both sleeves.

Drawn Together Cowl

  • Pattern: Drawn Together by Shana Cohen ($7 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & Payhip)
  • Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) and a 3.75 mm (F) crochet hook for the provisional cast on
  • Yarn: neon coral DK yarn (lost ball band; believe its from Spun Right Round)
  • Provisional cast on using this Purl Soho video.
  • Progress- I’ve added another inch since last time we talked.

Crafty Adventures

My cousin Gayle came up for another visit and led another Resin art class with cousins on my Mom’s side of the family. Last time I made a cutting board. This time I made a pumpkin lazy susan- perfect for fall hosting! My cousins made some really beautiful things. I’ll share some photos in the show notes for you. Thanks, Gayle, for sharing your talents with us!

In My Travels

Cape & South Shore Yarn Haul- video coming soon. Safe to say, I had lots of fun with Riley, Liz and Mom. Spoiler alert- stay tuned to the end of the video for some fun bloopers and outtakes. Thanks Riley & Liz for getting some awesome footage of the weekend. I don’t think I held the camera once the entire time! It’s really fun to share this with them.

KAL News

  • #DCSPigskinParty23
  • Official Rules
  • Find everything you need on my website or in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group
  • Register using this Google Form (you must be Registered to be eligible for prizes)
  • Enter your projects using the Point Tally Form
  • Find the full list of Sponsors in this Google Doc.
  • Questions-  ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com
  • Tailgate Talk Challenge (September 7-21. Enter for points by September 30). Check out the details in this Google Doc or in this Ravelry Thread.
  • Quarter 1 Challenge: Sock it to ’em brought to you by our Official Sponsor of the Quarter Paper Daisy Creations (Ravelry Link). Runs 10/1-10/31. Full details can be found in this Google Doc and in this Ravelry Thread.
  • Thanks to our Correspondents for checking in with some fun updates.
    • Check out the Ravelry Group to find some of the new Pigskin chat threads- Pigskin Recipe Ideas,Pigskin ‘23 Book Club, Pigskin Participant Podcast, and Pigskin ‘23 Westknits MKAL
    • Congrats to PAKnitWit (Sarah) who already got a blitz (first of the season!). She finished a crochet corner to corner blanket- Ravelry link here.
    • As of Sunday evening 9/24 we have 512 Participants- 236 with Points on the Scoreboard (Average of those with points is 204 Points. Highest: 1532 Lowest: 2. 3 Blitz projects!
    • As of 9/29- Conference Standings LFC (22,460 pts) SFC (22,375 pts)  AFC (18,632 pts)-
    • Top Team= 7 Garter Guards

Events

Ask Me Anything

  • Anita asked about: Ideas for color schemes for yarn choices- how to use variegated yarns to help blend different color schemes.
  • Shelly asked: “Do you have any tips or tricks on how to calculate the yards used in a project?”
    • Tip: Check Ravelry Project Pages & check the “All Helpful Projects” filter. Here’s the Ravelry link for helpful projects for this pattern. THis particular Ravelry project gives the cast on stitches and number of rows and says she 1 50g skein would have been enough “if I did a 40 round leg (ran out of the first skein when I had 10 rounds left on the foot of the second sock).”

On a Happy Note

  • Dinner with Gayle, Joanie, Mom and Dad. Gave Joanie gifts from Sedona and Gayle some new socks.
  • Old Dominion- took girls to arcade after then got a drink and something to eat with Jeff & Melissa
  • Brunch. Singing in the car with the girls. Garret’s hockey game
  • Apple picking! Bisque! Cider donuts!
  • Thanks to Patrons who talked about The Vow on HBO. Dan and I are fully hooked.
  • Pumpkin coffee: usually I have a few cups a year and I’m good, but this year its growing on me. They have a great one at the coffee shop at work, Marylous, and I even bought a container from Trader Joe’s that I enjoyed some of this week.
  • Cooler temps- they hit us fast this year. We went from hot and muggy to mornings that are 55 and crisp and days in the 60’s. I’m loving pulling on wool socks and a wool sweater to stave off the chill.

Quote of the Week

Since time is the one immaterial object which we cannot influence—neither speed up nor slow down, add to nor diminish—it is an imponderably valuable gift.

–Maya Angelou

——

Thank you for tuning in!

Contact Information:

Episode 262: Mojo

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Thank you for tuning in to Episode 262 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
  • Ask Me Anything
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Stitched by Jessalu, Bella Fio & Mandis Makings

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Wild Air Farm Spinning

  • I am spinning a 4 oz braid of Polwarth/Silk (85/15) from Jakira Farms to ply with Wild Air Farm Shetland & Pygora- Melody & Cadence (dyed in blues and greens)
  • Twist direction: singles = Z plied = S
    • This means when I’m spinning, my wheel is spinning clockwise and when plying my wheel is moving counter-clockwise.
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Skein 1: 60″ loop. 94 wraps= 5640 inches/156 yards. 92g
  • Skein 2: 59″ loop. 95 wraps= 5605 inches/155 yards. 96g
  • Skein 3: 60″ loop. 116 wraps= 6960 inches/193 yards. 96 g
  • Total: 284 grams- 504 yards/ 460.9 meters
  • Meters for Stash Dash= 4x 460.9 (for a 3 ply)= 1843.6 meters

My total for Stash Dash 2023= 22,908.44

You can check out my Stash Dash 2023 Progress on this Google Sheet.

Petrichor Socks

  • Yarn: Oink Pigments Targhee Sock in the Petrichor Colorway (90% Targhee, 10% Nylon)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • I used 74 grams of yarn.

Shock Star Hat #2

  • Yarn: Spun Right Round Squish DK in the Shock Star colorway
  • Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) & US 7 (4.5 mm)
  • Pattern: none
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • 92 sts. 2×2 rib with the US 5 needles. Switched to US 7 needles after the brim. I was running out of yarn as I got close to the crown so I striped in 3 rounds of neon coral and neon blue with the Shock Star color in between.
  • 52g of yarn used.

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Bedside Pocket

  • Pattern: None
  • Yarn: Kindful Yarn, Swish DK, Kenzie Yarn, Cape Cod Yarn Co
  • Hook: 6.5 mm (K)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • I started this project on 9/4.
  • 75 sts across. Single crochet.
  • First section- Kindful yarn with Swish DK in Mimic
  • Second section- Kenzie Yarn with Cape Cod Yarn Co

My Little Unicorn Socks

  • Yarn: Andre Sue Knits Sock Blank in the My Little Unicorn colorway
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Progress: Past the cuff of the second sock (not the heel as I mentioned last time).

Space Daddy Socks

  • Yarn: Fan Girl Fibers Fingering in the Space Daddy Colorway (80% Superwash Merino, 20% Nylon)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the colorway- blues with pink, neon yellow, purple.
  • I bought this yarn at the Yarncentric event before the Maryland Sheep & Wool festival this year. I bought it with my friend Laura in mind. During her last visit, I asked her to pick out new yarn for socks. She picked out three skeins and decided this should be #1.
  • Progress: I’m in a couple inches beyond the first cuff.
  • Don’t forget, Fan Girl Fibers is a Pro Shop sponsor. This project is living in a wedge bag from Snack Shack Sponsor Stitched by Jessalu.

Let the Mystery Unravel 2023 Blanket of Calm

  • Pattern: Blanket of Calm by Casapinka (free crochet pattern)
  • Yarn: Woolen Women Fibers- Let the Mystery Unravel subscription
  • Hook: 3.25 mm (D)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Progress: 9 squares for September complete. I’m planning to buy a neutral sock yarn to seam and border them with. Each month’s 3×3 square will have a border around it and then be seamed with the other 11 for the year.
  • You can find my September 2023 Let the Mystery Unravel Unboxing Video on YouTube.
  • This subscription is not available to new subscribers but I hope you’ll watch each month and see how my blanket comes along. Stay tuned to Woolen Women for all of the fun kits they have! Don’t forget, they’re Pro Shop Sponsors.

Strathcona Sweater

  • Pattern: Strathacona Sweater by Tara-Lynn Morrison ($6.50 knitting pattern available on Ravelry or on the Good Night, Day website)
  • Yarn: 3 yarns 1) handspun, 2) Lion Brand Fisherman’s Wool in the Birch Tweed Colorway 3) Aisling Yarns BFL in the Hurry Sundown Colorway
  • Needles: US 13 (9.0 mm) (neck), US 19 (15 mm) (body)
  • I’m knitting Size S/M (pattern offers sizing from 38″- 53″ bust)
  • Ravelry Project Page

Drawn Together Cowl

  • Pattern: Drawn Together by Shana Cohen ($7 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & Payhip)
  • Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) and a 3.75 mm (F) crochet hook for the provisional cast on
  • Yarn: neon coral DK yarn (lost ball band; believe its from Spun Right Round)
  • Provisional cast on using this Purl Soho video.
  • I flew through the rolled top, ripped out provisional cast on and joined it together on the train which, I must say made me feel like a wizard!

Brainstorming

Patterns from our Pigskin Bundle on Ravelry

  • Wear it with Pride Hat by Cori Eichelberger ($10 pattern available on Ravelry. Proceeds go to the Trevor Project. There is a coupon code available if you want/need to pay less). It uses worsted weight self striping with a contrast color and corrugated ribbing to create a nice pattern.
  • Easy Striped Men’s Beanie by Lena Mathisson ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry). Worsted weight, striped beanie.
  • Shave Ice Beanie (worsted weight garter stitch hat) by @hookmountainhandmade– $5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry.⁣⁣
  • Gandy Dancer Mitts (star stitch textured mittens) by @chitchatknits ⁣$4 knitting pattern available on Ravelry (great for variegated or tonals)
  • Lucky Break (garter shawl using minis where you bind off/cast back on to create large eyelets) by @paperdaisycreations $7 knitting pattern available on Ravelry.

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

  • #DCSPigskinParty23
  • Official Rules
  • Find everything you need on my website or in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group
  • Register using this Google Form (you must be Registered to be eligible for prizes)
  • Enter your projects using the Point Tally Form
  • Find the full list of Sponsors in this Google Doc.
  • Questions-  ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com
  • Tailgate Talk Challenge (September 7-21. Enter for points by September 30). Check out the details in this Google Doc or in this Ravelry Thread.
  • Playoff Prediction starts 9/6. Who will win the Super Bowl? Submit your guess by 9/20. Find all the details in this thread. Thanks Nicole for the idea!
  • Official Sponsors of the Quarter: There will be a special point-earning challenge issued for this “Quarter”- Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan.  We won’t reveal all of the challenges ahead of time, but you will find out about them in the days leading up to that month. You can assume, correctly, that you will get more points for using products from that Official Sponsor.
    • October: Paper Daisy Creations
    • November: Bella Fio
    • December: Mandi’s Makings
    • January: Lolodidit
  • Welcome aboard to our 2 Commentators- Mary (Maryklute) and Kristen (Kips206)! THis episode I shared Mary’s first report.
    • Pigskin started with a bang! Over 1000 posts before the Sunday football games even started!  One topic of the chatter has been that it has been so chatty, with lots of folks offering the advice to just jump in and not worry about what you missed!
    • People are all over the place in terms of projects. 38 people already had points on the board by midday Sunday! 16 of those people got points for drafting other players!
    • Erica — Esalaza has already completed two projects that used over 600 yards each!  She’s been making crochet scrap yarn baskets that are super cute! You can find her Ravelry Project Pages here & here (both are Ravelry links)  
    • There’s lots of chatter in the team threads as people complete the Tailgate Talk challenge. 
    • Some folks (like me” are working on finishing up pre-PSP WIPs  There’s still plenty of time to play so no worries if you haven’t even cast on a PSP eligible project yet. To quote imaginedlandscapes, “This knitalong is definitely a marathon and not a sprint.”

Events

Ask Me Anything

  • Shana asked to hear about “Savers!”
  • Rachel asked for a wildlife update.
  • Anita asked “Ideas for getting ready for the holidays- decorations and gifts. Check out links to some of the things I discussed:
    • Decor
      • Christmas Balls Ornament Set- knitting pattern by Amy Gaines. $4 knitting pattern available on Ravelry.
      • Triangle Santa Ornament- free knitting pattern available on this blog.
      • Sarah’s (of Imagined Landscapes) gnomes
      • I’ve crocheted triangles and seamed together, put stuffing in between and attached to a twig glued to a ring of wood as the base to make a tree- similar to this Pin. You could do the same thing with knitted fabric.
      • Crochet star ornaments (could also be used as garland). I used cream sparkle yarn and used mod podge stiffener on them.
      • Knitted Christmas garland ideas can be found here.
    • Gifts
      • Heart Garland (crochet) free pattern from Skip to my Lou (great to get ready for Valentine’s Day- I also printed small photos & gifted them with mini clothespins from craft store)
      • Nanaimo Cardigan by Tara-Lynn Morrison
      • Moonrise Necklace by Sivia Harding. You can find my Ravelry Project Page here.
      • DK weight socks
      • Baskets- there are tons of patterns for crochet baskets. Useful + cute! You could use them as the container for other gifts too.
      • Cup cozy (great to pair with a gift certificate to your favorite local coffee place)
      • Fingerless mitts. Sizing is easier to guess on, aim for a ribbed pattern if you’re really unsure about sizing.
      • Toys!

On a Happy Note

  • Labor Day weekend fun. Laura was in visiting from NY. Friday we scored big at the local second hand shops. We had an epic pool day at my parents’ on Saturday. Sunday we hit the local dairy for ice cream with the girls then went to Megg’s for dinner before seeing a Queen Cover Band at night.
  • Pigskin Kick Off & getting to spend so much time with you.
  • The New York Times Games App: Wordle, Spelling Bee, Connections, Daily Mini are my favorites
  • Decorating for fall!
  • I scored a Luke’s Diner tee from the clearance section at Target after Aila suggested it.
  • Stretching & Theragunning on a regular basis now that Liz and I text to check in on each other.
  • Liz took a picture of Millie’s creepy baby doll which I later found on my phone and laughed myself silly over. Then Riley found the photo and made it one of my scrolling background/screensaver photos! Hijinx for the win!

Quote of the Week

Each of us is born with a box of matches inside us but we can’t strike them all by ourselves.

–LAURA ESQUIVEL

Thank you for tuning in!

Contact Information: