Thank you for tuning in to Episode 311 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. 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
On a Happy Note
Quote of the Week
Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
Kris' Christmas socks
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
Yarn: West Yorkshire Spinners in the Fairy Lights colorway & Patons Kroy in Red for heels
Fantastic, really clear pattern. Body is worked from the bottom up all the way through the head, then you add two arms and a cape on the back. I ironed the cape and body to smooth out the fabric.
Penguin
Pattern: Penguin by Lion Brand Yarn- free crochet pattern on the Lion Brand website
Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted minis in Black, Clarity, White and Orange colorways
Yarn: Teal Torch Knits Splendid Sock (100% SW Merino) in the Emerald Colorway, Murky Depths Deep Sock in the Age of Aquarium Colorway & Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes in the Vanilla Bean colorway
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
Cast on 56 sts with US 1.5 for cuff. After cuff, knit a few rounds. 4 sets of increases (4 increases each time) to get to 72 sts. Then change to US 2 needles and test for stretchiness after first block of colorwork.
Mapped out the colorwork for one sock based on Pacific Knit Co's Garden Doodle set.
Sheri's Christmas Socks
Yarn: Gusto Wool Echos in Colorway 1515 (blue to purple gradient in 2-50g skeins)
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
I cast this on to bring to Rhinebeck on my Lemonwood Mini Minder (I have this Art Deco one) so I could walk and knit.
Cast on cuff of sock #2 on a separate pair of needles before going to see Hattie in Shrek so I had that ready to work on. Back at home, I finished the first leg and heel and am on to the foot.
Gus the Dino
Pattern: Gus the Dino by KP Crochet Patterns. $8.50 US Pattern on Etsy (on sale right now)
Yarn: Bernat Blanket in Misty Green & Parfait Chunky in White
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 '25
Event Dates: KAL Dates- Thursday September 4, 2025- Monday February 9, 2026
Check out this Ravelry Thread with helpful tips for the event, crowd sourced from our incredible players.
Updates In This Episode
Count On It Challenge hosted by Twice Sheared Sheep, Official Sponsor for Quarter 2 (November). Details in this Ravelry thread. Winner announced.
Official Sponsor for Quarter 3 (December)- Suburban Stitcher Mini Maker's Merry Month See details in this Ravelry Thread.
Stay tuned for more about our Official Sponsor for Quarter 4 (January)- Yarnaceous Fibers
November participation prize winners were announced
Commentator Update from Mary- links in this section bring you to Ravelry
Inspired by the Q3 challenge, there's lots of chatter in the December huddle about things to make with mini skeins! If you are at a loss for what to make, head on over to the huddle for some ideas! Three players have already submitted for points in the Q3 challenge--and all three of them made patterns by PSP sponsor Sarah Schira (Imagined Landscapes)
Laura texted me a photo of she and her friend Arielle wearing socks I knit them!
Dad, Dan and I went to the Irish pub for Dan's birthday
Dad's knee replacement surgery went really well.
Seeing Hattie in Shrek and spending the afternoon with Riley.
Sue and Chelsea from Legacy Fiber Artz sent me their 4 Sundays Advent- micro sock sets
Our friend Merry came to visit and brought homemade food for Dad. She also brought me a beautiful bracelet whose beads are made with Mom's funeral flowers in Wizard of Oz colors.
Riley and Milie came down this weekend. We did lots of knitting, crochet and a bit of latch hook. Check out the 13th and 14th vlogmas videos for more.
Quote of the Week
"Welcome winter. Your late dawns and chilled breath make me lazy, but I love you nonetheless." —Terri Guillemets
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.
It was living in my Stitched by Jessalu Rhinebeck bag which is, for now, my hat bag.
Game Day Party Socks
Yarn: Mandi's Makings SW Merino Fingering Weight Yarn in the Pigskin '25 Exclusive Game Day Party Colorway. Green mini skein for heels/toes from Goosey Fibers (Wizard of Oz Advent Calendar yarn)
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
Started at the bottom with smaller hook and holding yarn double. ch31 work both sides of that to create the base. increased up to 62 stitches. larger hook. SC around for sides.
7 sts for handle (smaller hook) with the goose head at end of handle which is attached to other side of the bag. Then I added feet at the bottom.
On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
Kris' Christmas Socks
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
Yarn: West Yorkshire Spinners in the Fairy Lights colorway
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 '25
Event Dates: KAL Dates- Thursday September 4, 2025- Monday February 9, 2026
Check out this Ravelry Thread with helpful tips for the event, crowd sourced from our incredible players.
Updates In This Episode
Count On It Challenge hosted by Twice Sheared Sheep, Official Sponsor for Quarter 2 (November). Details in this Ravelry thread.
Official Sponsor for Quarter 3 (December)- Suburban Stitcher Mini Maker's Merry Month See details in this Ravelry Thread.
Stay tuned for more about our Official Sponsor for Quarter 4 (January)- Yarnaceous Fibers
Commentator Update (links in this section go to Ravelry)
Like most of the knitting internet, our November huddle has had lots of chatter about the game of wool, including tips for how to watch it if you are in the US! This has spawned lots of conversations about:
how long it really takes to knit something,
how hard on your body it can be to knit for long periods of time, and
whether crafting with time pressure is a fun challenge or just robs the joy out of our hobby.
Several pigskin partiers have shared their experiences with times crafting challenges, such as the sheep to sweater challenges, sock madness, and the super sock world challenge.
In other news, players are posting some amazing projects in the end zone dance thread! A few players have completed some really intricate projects lately. For example,
Check out this Gay Sheep Fashion Show article that I heard about on the 7 podcast from the Washington Post
Life in Focus
25 in 2025
Donate Blood at least 4 times (January, March, May, Sept) - done
Go shopping for plants with Dan 4 times in the year
Buy new ski boots- done
Go camping (scheduled for June)- done
Kayak 2-5 times (Saco- 2 days)- done
Do at least 5 walks with others- done
Take 2-5 yoga classes- will not complete
Do at least 30 lessons in Mondly- will still try
Spend a day at Raffa Life- done
Record 2-5 things I'm grateful for each day before bed (more days than not counts)- I've fallen off.
Read all of Simple Abundance- gave up. Got too religious for me.
Read at least 60 books- - 58 books as 11/29
Get at least 2 massages at Oasis- done
See 2-5 movies in the theater- done
Knit 2-5 garments for me- done
Finish and enjoy my Christmas Granny Square Blanket- not happening this year.
Crochet at least 5 toys- done
Use my spinning wheel at least once a month- all but May & June! Calling this a win
Have a crafty day with Emelie- done
Knit a slouchy hat for myself- not yet but it could still happen.
Try out 3 new to me podcasts- done
Watch White Christmas with Jenny & Kara- its on the calendar
Buy a firebox and put important papers inside- working with Dan on finding the right one.
Create a list of things to pack in case of an evacuation- not done yet
Purge at least 20 items of clothing/accessories/shoes- done
Ask Me Anything
Tune in to hear my answer to this question:
Hi,
I'm a newer listener to your podcast and really enjoy it. But just how fast do you knit?
It seems you have a job (in addition to the podcast), have time to be in a musical, family,,...yet your projects seem to fly off the needles. How do you get it all done? Are you knitting constantly??
Slow at knitting,
Cathleen
On a Happy Note
My cousin Jenny hosted a girls/cousins game night. We had a lot of fun!
Dad, Jeff, Riley, Millie & I started decorating at Dad's and then had a big Wicked (part 1) watch party in the evening. Megg, Eme, Ois, Hattie, Kris, Aila, Riley, Millie, Kara and Emelie all came. Only 3 of them had seen it before.
Laura's visit- our craft fair tradition, lots of laughter with Megg and some great second-hand finds to add to my winter wardrobe
Seeing Cabaret with Megg and Terri
A surprise 4 Sundays advent box delivery from Legacy Fiber Artz- thanks Sue & Chelsea!!
Fiber Club at my local library
Thanksgiving with the family!
My cousin Joanie gifted Dad, Jeff and me each an ornament with flowers from mom's funeral made into beads and put together with crystals into a beautiful snowflake ornament
Wicked For Good!
Quote of the Week
“Gratitude is the inward feeling of kindness received. Thankfulness is the natural impulse to express that feeling. Thanksgiving is the following of that impulse.”
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.
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 309 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week's segments included:
Project Notes & Mods: did not increase after ribbing as called for. Knit 7 inches before working decreases. I used 52g of yarn and have 56g remaining so I can make another hat with this yarn.
Gary's Delaware Hat
Pattern: Turn a Square by Jared Flood. $5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & Brooklyn Tweed Site
Yarn: Robin's Promise Yarn Co, Two Birds in the Hand (DK 4ply 100% SW Merino) in the White-Tailed Robin Feather Colorway
About the Yarn- purchased Rhinebeck Weekend at CAKEpalooza. Its a mostly solid royal blue.
This project is living in my new Stitched by Jessalu Rhinebeck 2025 bag. I think this will be my fall/winter hat project and I'll just keep the needles in here and keep replacing the yarn.
Yarn Cozy Lite
Yarn: Cascade Heritage Yarn (75% SW Merino 25% Nylon) in the Highlighter Guava colorway
Pattern: Yarn Cozy Lite by Knitty Natty- $6 pattern available on Ravelry
Natalie's video support for the stretchy i-cord bind off is great.
Vivienne's Christmas Stocking
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!
Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver in Cherry Red, Hunter Green and White
Hook: G (4.0 mm)
On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
Pucker Brush Farm BFL Sweater Spin
Fiber: 16 oz of multi colored BFL roving from Pucker Brush Farm (purchased at Rhinebeck 2025), 4 oz Merino in a mustard color
I am planning to knit a Traveler sweater inspired by Emily Curtis' handmade version- click here for her Ravelry Project Page. I was thrilled to see a recent post on Emily's Instagram that she made a YouTube video about this spin/knit.
I found 4oz of Ironwood Hill Farm Roving- Finnsheep combed top that I purchased in April 2021. Unfortunately I can't find more of this on Cece's Wool site or Ironwood's etsy shop, but I think it will give me the idea for a tan/brown color plied with the colorful yarn, so I'll spin just enough to make a sample yarn-- but this Finn is spinning like a dream. Where could I get more? Send suggestions my way
Spectrum Socks
Yarn: Woolens & Nosh Targhee Sock in the Spectrum Colorway
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
About the colorway- skinny stripes of color with 1 round of black between. Colors include Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, 3 shades of Blue, Pink + Purple.
Progress: I've passed the heel on the first sock
Game Day Party Socks
Yarn: Mandi's Makings SW Merino Fingering Weight Yarn in the Pigskin '25 Exclusive Game Day Party Colorway. Green mini skein for heel from Goosey Fibers (Wizard of Oz Advent Calendar yarn)
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
Sleeve progress- knit a few more sets of decreases on the first sleeve. Still have a second sleeve to go and the whole hood. Focusing a bit more on Christmas gifts coming up so this one will be taking a backseat.
Brainstorming
Queen Elsa Amigurumi by Chiara Cremon. Free crochet pattern available on Ravelry. You can find lots of cute character patterns on her Instagram account.
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
During Gabriella & Zachary's sleepover we pained and made plastic ornaments with spiraled pipe cleaners inside. So cute and easy!
Knitting in Passing
A cute preteen girl came over when I was crocheting on the train to ask what kind of hook I was using and then asked if I was making a stocking for Christmas. I asked if she crocheted. She said yes but didn't offer more. When she went back to the grown up she was with, they gave her a big high five. So cute.
Then the gentleman across from me who saw me counting rows then asked what happened if I lose count. Told him I could read the stitches. He congratulated me onto who new addition to our family.
In My Travels
I shared highlights from a recent trip to New York City.
Aida Silvestri- artist from Eritrea who had a triptych of pieces on display.
Her work is motivated by social concern, but it also explores the camera's ability to connect people to a place. In these portraits of immigrant women, the artist strategically blurs her subjects' faces. This gesture, born of a need for protective anonymity, seems to evoke a greater enigma of the self. Mapping the course of migration to London are lines of thread stitched into the surfaces of the print- permanent, identity-altering interventions. Silvestri regards her series as a documentary project dedicated to those travelers who never reached their destination.
Two embroidery samplers from Bostonian women from the late 1700s that were just beautiful.
We visited the Chelsea Flea- I got a cool pair of earrings
We also saw Blue Moon at the movies. Tells the story of Lorenz Hart's struggles with alcoholism and mental health as he tries to save face during the opening of "Oklahoma!".
KAL News
Pigskin Party '25
Event Dates: KAL Dates- Thursday September 4, 2025- Monday February 9, 2026
Check out this Ravelry Thread with helpful tips for the event, crowd sourced from our incredible players.
Updates In This Episode
Our Official Sponsor for Quarter 1 (October): Love in Stitches with Knitty Natty- Winner Announced
julicorn.makes made a Maxine Hot Water Bottle Cozy by Laura Penrose (fair isle snowflakes)- Ravelry Project Page
MrsZoom made Knitty Natty's Yarn Cozy Lite with the new football exclusive pattern in Colts colors- Ravelry Project Page
Random number generator chose yesthatshelby as our winner!
Pink Challenge is over- details in this Ravelry Thread. Winner Announced!
CinderGA made Defying Gravity Socks by Lisa Ross- Paper Daisy Creations- Ravelry page
Wizabef knit the Elinor Mittens by Irene Nielson- Ravelry Project Page
Random number generator picked Alice Ortega who knit the Barn Swallow Socks by Cheryl Toy- Ravelry Project Page
Count On It Challenge hosted by Twice Sheared Sheep, Official Sponsor for Quarter 2 (November). Details in this Ravelry thread.
Official Sponsor for Quarter 3 (December)- Suburban Stitcher Details announced. See details in this Ravelry Thread.
Stay tuned for more about our Official Sponsor for Quarter 4 (January)- Yarnaceous Fibers
Charity Challenge (runs through Thanksgiving)- details in this Ravelry Thread (36 of you have already asked for the address to mail in items! THANK YOU). Please email me to request the address.
Commentator Update (links in this section go to Ravelry)
Quarter 2 is in full swing and, when I looked today, 9 players had already submitted for points for the Q2 challenge! Are you still thinking of what you can make that is at least 60 rows, using a row counter? Here are some ideas!
Hats! Many of our early Q2 finishers completed hats.
Neferetri, Hollyelyse and Janknitdun completed beautiful cabled hats...I bet the row counter came in handy for those projects!
Sandyrlevin also completed a cowl in steelers colors (note--she used a pattern by PSP Knitty Natty too)--Way to rack up those points!
There's still plenty of time for you to get your projects in for Q2. These finishers have definitely demonstrated that there are plenty of patterns with at least 60 rows that work up in a flash!
PepperRN added in Pigskin Party Tips Thread on Ravelry
If you are budgeting but still want to support sponsors buy something re usable. Stitch markers can be used in 1 project and then when finished in the next. I like knitting hats for charity so I bought a hat pattern from a sponsor. I put that pattern with a sponsor bag and sponsor stitch markers and can knit it over and over during the PSP.
On a Happy Note
New York City! I took the train this time which was a great option. Laura and I had dinner with two of her pilates clients.
We all enjoyed Gabriella and Zachary's first sleepover. We watched the KPOP Demon Hunters movie and after going to bed early and reading the Hot Air Balloon book, wehad fun hunting for the orange eyed monster! Dan made the kids pancakes and we'll put their photos on the collage wall in the guest room. Gabriella asked for a unicorn and a ghost Spiderman. Zach wanted Spiderman.
I received a really nice message from my cousin Gayle who was visiting her friend in NH and let me know that Mom's shawl that she chose was keeping her warm. Love you Gayle!
My childhood friend Maribeth has shared a few photos of things her family has found when cleaning out her parents' attic- costumes and things my mom made. It was sweet of her to send me those photos so we could reminisce.
I finally got to join Beth's Karaoke Night Zoom (part of the Love in Stitches Membership).
Dad is recovering from a back injury but doing better.
We successfully moved my grandmother into the Memory Care side of the independent living home she's lived at for 5 years. Hope this will be a good fit for her.
I got a massage this week!
Quote of the Week
“In November, the earth is growing quiet. It is making its bed, a winter bed for flowers and small creatures. The bed is white and silent, and much life can hide beneath its blankets.”
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.
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 308 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week's segments included:
Yarn: Knit Picks Felici Worsted in the Palm Springs Colorway
Pattern: Granny Square Chicken by Sweet Softies- $3.99 crochet pattern on Ravelry.
Hook: G (4.0 mm)
Yarn- self striping with cream, rust, peach, dusty pink, dusty orange. I didn't change color between rounds- I just let the self striping yarn do its thing. I used an organza bag to put the polyfill in.
Put the tortoise shell glasses I bought at Another Yarn on her but they're a little big.
Essex Beanie
Pattern: Essex Beanie by Justine Walley (AlyseCrochet). $5 crochet pattern available on Ravelry
Yarn: Berroco Ultra Wool in colorway 3361 Kale (used 68g/ 148 yards for the hat, before the pom pom)
Body was done and seamed before I left for Rhinebeck but I had to rip back the sleeve twice because I mis-read the instructions. Finally on track now.
Yarn Cozy Lite
Yarn: Cascade Heritage Yarn (75% SW Merino 25% Nylon) in the Highlighter Guava colorway
Pattern: Yarn Cozy Lite by Knitty Natty- $6 pattern available on Ravelry
Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)
Progress: I have about 1 inch of knitting left.
Game Day Party Socks
Yarn: Mandi's Makings SW Merino Fingering Weight Yarn in the Pigskin '25 Exclusive Game Day Party Colorway. Green mini skein for heel from Goosey Fibers (Wizard of Oz Advent Calendar yarn)
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
I am planning to knit a Traveler sweater inspired by Emily Curtis' handmade version- click here for her Ravelry Project Page. I was thrilled to see a recent post on Emily's Instagram that she made a YouTube video about this spin/knit. Emily made a 2-ply where
Gary's LeHigh Hat
Pattern: Turn a Square by Jared Flood. $5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & Brooklyn Tweed Site
Yarn: Cesium Yarn Strong DK ( 75% SW Merino/25% Nylon) in the One More Sleep Colorway
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.
In My Travels
Rhinebeck 2025
Friday Highlights:
Seeing Kacey of Kacey Knits in person at Indie Untangled
Seeing Maggie of Yarnaceous Fibers, Emily of Fan Girl Fibers & Jamie of Pacific Knit Co
Seeing Christy of Yarn Cafe Creations (she signed up as a Snack Shack Sponsor and donated a skein of yarn)- she also had these cool trinket dishes. I bought 3 for gifts! Love them.
Of Dust and Dew had beautiful pottery. I waited too long and didn't get the chicken vase I had my heart set on.
They had a beautiful art installation called Tributary- "A collective art installation as a celebration of community, creativity and collective power."
Saturday & Sunday Highlights:
Saturday- we met up with our friend Lauren (lbeth21) and we spent the day together. Lauren kindly gifted me two bars of her homemade soap. Check out her Instagram- Happy Cat Suds (website coming soon)
One our first stops was to see Jess and Roger of Stitched by Jessalu. It was an emotional visit and we didn't get a photo together. Across the barn, we saw Beth (mdquilter) along with Pigskin Sponsor Kim Shaffir.
2p Meet-up: Thank you to everyone who came out.
Sunday morning we started with breakfast at a diner before heading to the fairgrounds. We made it over to see Amy of Ross Farm.
I ran into Hope again and she gifted me a beautiful sock set from her yarn store-Hope Made Yarn Co.
Sunday we left around 3/3:30p drove through Saugerties to get dinner so we popped into The Perfect Blend yarn store before we ate.
KAL News
Pigskin Party '25
Event Dates: KAL Dates- Thursday September 4, 2025- Monday February 9, 2026
Our Official Sponsor for Quarter 1 (October): Love in Stitches with Knitty Natty is hosting a Cozy Up Challenge. Check out the details in this Ravelry Thread. Remember, projects need to be finished by 10/31 but you can enter for points until 11/5/25.
Official Sponsor for Quarter 2 (November)- Twice Sheared Sheep is hosting the Count On It Challenge. Details in this Ravelry thread.
Official Sponsor for Quarter 3 (December)- Suburban Stitcher (minis will be involved)
Charity Challenge (runs through Thanksgiving)- details in this Ravelry Thread (21 of you have already asked for the address to mail in items! THANK YOU). Please email me to request the address.
Pink Challenge (runs through 10/31)- details in this Ravelry Thread.
Commentator Update
There's been a lot of activity in the huddle thread recently. Players have been discussing a range of interesting topics such as:
* strategy for shopping at fiber festivals, which was partially inspired by Rhinebeck but certainly applies to any festival
* suggestions for patterns to use up mini-skeins
* recommendations for cruises
* board game recommendations
* how to balance manicures with crafting time
* ideas for handmade gifts for someone going into memory care
* and what to do when you've simply lost interest in a project
As usual, if you can't keep up--just jump in!
I also wandered over to the endzone dance thread today. Unsurprisingly, there are a lot of pink projects, cozies, and pink cozies! But players have also recently finished a few Halloween themed projects Links below go to Ravelry:
Bethany of the Wandering Purl sent me 2 of her Pigskin exclusive bags with notions pouches!
Dad and I went to my nephew Garret's hockey game together.
The foliage is gorgeous this year.
I signed up for Lauren (agirlandherwool) self striping club and got my first skein! Its great!
Love is Blind Season 9- it was a wild and crazy season. I enjoy chatting about it with my friend Laura and am thrilled that the reunion will air while I'll be in NYC with her.
So many deer in the yard in the last week and even a buck who has made a few appearances.
We had fun at a friends' movie night watching Young Frankenstein.
Quote of the Week
“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it--always.”
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.
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 307 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week's segments included:
Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
Brainstorming
From the Armchair
In my Travels
KAL News
Events
On a Happy Note
Quote of the Week
Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Katie’s Randomness, Heart & Squirrel & Paper Daisy Creations
Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
Sweetly Striped Hat
Pattern: Sweetly Striped Hat by Chit Chat Knits. $4.50 knitting pattern available on Ravelry
Progress: I finished the front & back and seamed up shoulders and under arms. I cast on sleeve 1 for ride home from PA and was hoping to finish for Rhinebeck but there simply isn't time.
Born to Be Mild Socks
Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Born to Be Mild Colorway
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
About the yarn: tan base with browns and robin's egg. It reminds me of a robin's nest.
Granny Square Chicken
Yarn: Knit Picks Felici Worsted in the Palm Springs Colorway
Pattern: Granny Square Chicken by Sweet Softies- $3.99 crochet pattern on Ravelry.
Hook: G (4.0 mm)
Progress & Plans: I didn't change color between rounds- I just let the self striping yarn do its thing. almost done last round on the second square then I need to seam it together. I am planning to use some pantyhose with stuffing inside.
Yarn Cozy Lite
Yarn: Cascade Heritage Yarn (75% SW Merino 25% Nylon) in the Highlighter Guava colorway
Pattern: Yarn Cozy Lite by Knitty Natty- $6 pattern available on Ravelry
Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)
Cast on to be ready for our Zoom cast on party on 10/2! Thanks to Natalie for coming to hang out. Such a fun kick off to this month's event.
If you'd like the Pigskin Cozy version- it is included in this pattern for free through 10/31/25. Get 10% off any of Natalie's patterns through February 9th, 2026 with the code “PIGSKINPARTY”.
Brainstorming
A goose bag for Aila. I may use the notes from this Ravelry Project Page. Or there's a pattern available for $4 on Ravelry & another for $5.48 on Etsy.
A Christmas Stocking for my cousin Chris's daughter.
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.
Want to see more about this fun & yarny filled weekend? Our 2025 MA Yarn Crawls + Side Quests Part 1 video is available on YouTube (Part 2 coming after Rhinebeck).
Our trip to Philadelphia
Dan and I stayed with friends in suburbs outside Philly. We had a great dinner at East Branch Brewing Company
Our Official Sponsor for Quarter 1 (October): Love in Stitches with Knitty Natty is hosting a Cozy Up Challenge. The challenge doesn't start until 10/1 but you can start planning now. Check out the details in this Ravelry Thread.
Commentator Report from Mary- links below all go to Ravelry
Recently I've been spending time in the Mark it Monday thread. If you are interested in a thread where the topic of conversation is almost exclusively about the crafting, this is a great thread for you! It also moves a bit slower than the main huddle thread, so a little easier to keep up. I find perusing this thread to be great for inspiration. It brings a smile to my face to see other players' projects coming to life. This week, I realized that player Scitchr is making 5 adorable animals. She is making them all Buffalo Bills clothing! So far, she has made an otter, a woodland duck, a hedgehog, and a woodland badger! You must check them out...they are so adorable. Plus, she plans on making them Halloween costumes!
Megg and I went to see Hamilton in Boston (my second time seeing the show)
We celebrated my dad's birthday with a bonfire
Trunk show at my LYS
I had a blast chatting with Natalie in an interview for the Love in Stitches Membership
Haymakers for Hope- Belles of the Brawl. My cousin Kirstin raised $20,363.23 for cancer research that will benefit MGH's research into how non-small cell lung cancer transforms into small-cell. Overall the event raised over $465k!
Jewelry
4 person puzzle time with Christine & Seamus
Mini Grilled cheese & creamy tomato soup appetizer at Gary's wedding; it was so delightful!
Getting new headphones after my right ear bud was broken for a good month.
Getting a text from my SIL with photos of my niece and nephew on their way to their first movie with their handmade toys in hand.
Quote of the Week
"Leaves descending to the ground,
Orange, magenta, green & brown The cool crisp breezes in the air, Autumn season must be here”
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.
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 306 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week's segments included:
Progress- Part of the way through the cuff on sock #2.
About the yarn: tan base with browns and robin's egg. It reminds me of a robin's nest.
Game Day Party Socks
Yarn: Mandi's Makings SW Merino Fingering Weight Yarn in the Pigskin '25 Exclusive Game Day Party Colorway. Green mini skein for heel from Goosey Fibers (Wizard of Oz Advent Calendar yarn)
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
Inspired by Rachel (treehousefiberarts on Instagram) and Sue & Chelsea (Legacy Fiber Artz on Instagram). Check out the Floss Toss Ravelry Group for details on their Scrappy Blanket CAL; you do not have to use this pattern. Any scrappy crochet blanket counts.
My color placement is inspired by this project/pattern available on Ravelry. The basic idea is that you use 1 main color for Rounds 1 & 3 (center and outer square), and then 4 separate colors for the 4 sides of the middle square)
Round 1 & Round 3 done using same colors (2 sock yarns held together)- totals about 22g (11g of each colorway)
Contrast Colors: total weight of yarns used (reminder- yarns are held double so I only need half the weight listed for each mini). CC 1 & 2: 2g needed. CC 3 & 4: 4g needed
Progress: 9 so far - 2 new ones this month
Hot pink spinning
Fiber: Mountain Vewe Coopworths Fiber in hot pink (no specific colorway name)- three 4oz bumps
This means when I'm spinning, my wheel is spinning clockwise and when plying my wheel is moving counter-clockwise.
Progress: ~3/4 way through first bump. 1st bobbin full and the second is well underway
Brainstorming
Check out these designs by our Pigskin Sponsors that call for Super Bulky Yarn- Ravelry Link
I may try the Fabled Hat pattern by Maggie of Yarnaceous Fibers-$6 Ravelry pattern or the Copper Foxes Super Bulky cowl by Kacey Knits, a $7 Ravelry Pattern
Tiny scarf like the Sophie Scarf (Ravelry Pattern) but I likely won't use a pattern since many of my shawls that are knit side to side start off similarly.
Christmas gifts- toys for the littlest of the nieces/nephews. More to come on the next episode.
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.
I've been closing the end of each hexagon with this join- link to Instagram post
Learned double magic circle from this YouTube video.
Update: I took this blanket camping in Vermont, washed it when it came home and many of the centers burst open. So frustrating. I thought the double magic circle was the key but no, perhaps not. I will do a chain/slip stitch beginning moving forward.
In My Travels
I shared a bit about our recent trip to Vermont.
KAL News
Pigskin Party '25
Event Dates: KAL Dates- Thursday September 4, 2025- Monday February 9, 2026
Check out this Ravelry Thread with helpful tips for the event, crowd sourced from our incredible players.
Updates In This Episode
Our first Official Sponsor of the Quarter is Love in Stitcheswith Knitty Natty is hosting a Cozy Up Challenge! Check out all of the details in this Ravelry Post. Join Knitty Natty & me for a special zoom hangout Thursday 10/2 at 8p Eastern. Cast on, chat, learn about some of Natalie's cool cozy patterns and have some fun. Use code "PIGSKINPARTY" to save 10% on Natalie's cozy patterns. Details in the Start Here Thread.
The Pink Challenge also kicks off 10/1/25. Check out the challenge details in this Ravelry Thread & don't forget to make an appointment if you're due for a mammogram or other screening.
The Charity Challenge is also ready- check out the details in this Ravelry Thread.
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.
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 305 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week's segments included:
Pattern: Four Leaf Clover Granny Square by Apinya Roszko
Hook: H (5.0 mm)
Yarn: Knit Picks Brava 500 in colorway Mint & Loops and Threads Impeccable in Colorway 01808
Center square (in darker green)- 4g. Three rounds on outside of clover (in mint)- 12g
Size: 6 inch square.
5x7 blanket (30x42”) before border.
Modification- the pattern calls for attaching new yarn (at the end of the square) to make the stem for the clover. I just chain to get to the center, make the stem and cut the yarn. I find it easy to crochet the granny square around it in Mint. No issues and one less end to weave in.
I am joining squares as I go. I used this YouTube tutorial to remind me how to do this.
1186.1 meters for Stash Dash
10,426.8 meters for Stash Dash this year.
716 Splash Pad Socks
Yarn: 716 Knit Sock Set in the 716sock base in the colorway: It needs to be ok with getting on a boat with Levar Burton and never coming back.
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
Lily King talking on Books, Beach & Beyond (2025)- on love
"Love is really the most important thing to us and possibly the thing, the only thing that is going to save us from our other impulses. I am extremely concerned about the state of mind of this country and what we are allowing and what we have voted in and what we are experiencing and, in in some ways, our lack of resistance to it, and our our silence and our complicity. And it all really comes down to love. And if we lose that ability, I don't think AI is going to help us with love, I don't think Instagram is going to help us with love. I feel like all of our habits that are increasing and increasing are pulling us apart even giving us the illusion that its not, but we are, and we have to remember what it is like to love people. In all of those forms. It is the thing that makes us human. And we have to stay human." Lily King
A few of my other favorite quotes from Writers & Lovers
“When my mother died, I sort of felt her inside me sometimes,’ I say. ‘Like I’d swallowed her.’ He laughs. ‘Swallowed her.’ ‘I still have moments when I feel that, when it feels like she’s inside me, and there’s no difference between us or that the difference doesn’t matter.”
“I can tell he lost someone close somehow. You can feel that in people, an openness, or maybe it's an opening that you're talking into. With other people, people who haven't been through something like that, you feel the solid wall. Your words go scattershot off of it.”
“When I was visiting her a few years ago she hugged me and said, ‘Tomorrow after you leave I will stand here at this window and remember that yesterday you were right here with me.’ And now she’s dead and I have that feeling all the time, no matter where I stand.”
“I look into my eyes, but they aren’t really mine, not the eyes I used to have. They’re the eyes of someone very tired and very sad, and once I see them I feel even sadder and then I see that sadness, that compassion, for the sadness in my eyes, and I see the water rising in them. I’m both the sad person and the person wanting to comfort the sad person. And then I feel sad for that person who has so much compassion because she’s clearly been through the same thing, too. And the cycle keeps repeating. It’s like when you go into a dressing room with a three-paneled mirror and you line them up just right to see the long narrowing hallway of yourselves diminishing into infinity. It feels like that, like I’m sad for an infinite number of my selves.”
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 '25
Event Dates: KAL Dates- Thursday September 4, 2025- Monday February 9, 2026
Our Official Sponsor for Quarter 1 (October): Love in Stitches with Knitty Natty is hosting a Cozy Up Challenge. The challenge doesn't start until 10/1 but you can start planning now. Check out the details in this Ravelry Thread. Join Knitty Natty & me for a special zoom hangout Thursday 10/2 at 8p Eastern. Details will be shared in the Start Here Thread.
Check out this Ravelry Thread with helpful tips for the event, crowd sourced from our incredible players.
Updates In This Episode
Thanks to Mary for her Commentator report. She talked specifically about these 2 large projects that have already been finished. 904Stephanie (my teammate!) has already finished a blanket- Ravelry photo & cmfamigli has already finished a pullover- check out her Ravelry Project
Thanks to Sarah for starting a Pigskin Tips Ravelry Thread!
Add your Super Bowl Prediction- details in this Ravelry Thread
Our first Official Sponsor of the Quarter is Love in Stitches! Check out all of the details in this Ravelry Post. Join Knitty Natty & me for a special zoom hangout Thursday 10/2 at 8p Eastern. Cast on, chat, learn about some of Natalie's cool cozy patterns and have some fun.
Tune in to hear my answer to kjkrochet's question: How did you come up with the concept for Pigskin Party?
On a Happy Note
Saturday of Labor Day weekend- Clear the Needles Event w/ Love in Stitches group
2 fun pool days over Labor Day Weekend complete with cornhole tournament
I gifted my friend Megg her "I'll bring the dance moves" hat to go with my "I'll bring the alcohol" hat since my dad always teases her for dancing constantly.
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.
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 304 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week's segments included:
About the Colorway- 3 stripes in pink, green and purple. In between each color, there are thin stripes of white, gray, white. Cuff, heel & toe all knit in gray contrast mini
Total for Stash Dash- 263.2 meters
On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
Same as it Ever Was Hat
Yarn: fingering weight yarn from stash (no ball band); maybe MCN base
Needles: US 2
Pattern: Same as it Ever Was by Sarah Jordan $6 knitting pattern available on Ravelry
About the yarn: stripe of black, stripe of bright poolside colors (orange, yellow, peach, greens & aquas .
Jenna of 716 also sent me the mini skein set which is part of her SPP Exclusives.
Progress: on the heel of sock #2
Four Leaf Clover Granny Square Blanket
Pattern: Four Leaf Clover Granny Square by Apinya Roszko
Hook: H (5.0 mm)
Yarn: Knit Picks Brava 500 in colorway Mint & Loops and Threads Impeccable in Colorway 01808
Center square (in darker green)- 4g. Three rounds on outside of clover (in mint)- 12g
Size: 6 inch square.
Planning 5x7 blanket (30x42”) before border.
Modification- the pattern calls for attaching new yarn (at the end of the square) to make the stem for the clover. I just chain to get to the center, make the stem and cut the yarn. I find it easy to crochet the granny square around it in Mint. No issues and one less end to weave in.
I am joining squares as I go. I used this YouTube tutorial to remind me how to do this.
Progress: Nearly done with 6 of 7 rows. 6 squares left. Should be finished Labor Day weekend.
From the Armchair
stitchintime82-Dani recommended: Gmorning, gnight!: Little Pep Talks for Me and You by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Amazon 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.
Knitting in Passing
I shared stories about 2 ready to wear items we saw in Seattle, a crochet dress & a granny square style tank.
I visited 8 local yarn stores to creat Social Media videos for Cape & South Shore Yarn haul which you'll see on my Instagram feed soon.
In My Travels
Tune in to hear a bit about Flock Fiber Festival. Check out my Vlog video for much more.
KAL News
Pigskin Party '25
Event Dates: KAL Dates- Thursday September 4, 2025- Monday February 9, 2026
Celebrating my grandmother's 91st birthday. I watercolored a birthday card for her.
Cool mornings and evenings. I wore wool socks during the day last week and it was kind of fun!
Back to school photos on Facebook! Thanks to everyone who shares them (or texts me with them).
I bought these huge denim with painted flower overalls in Seattle and I love them SO MUCH.
Whatsapp texts from my friend Marta in Barcelona.
Quote of the Week
“I can tell he lost someone close somehow. You can feel that in people, an openness, or maybe it's an opening that you're talking into. With other people, people who haven't been through something like that, you feel the solid wall. Your words go scattershot off of it.”
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.
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 303 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. 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
Ask Me Anything
On a Happy Note
Quote of the Week
Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
Gabriella's Unicorn
Pattern: Shy Little Unicorn by Ana Paula Rimoli
Hook: C (2.75 mm)
Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver (white), Knit Picks Brava Worsted (cotton candy & various solids)
Inspired by Rachel (treehousefiberarts on Instagram) and Sue & Chelsea (Legacy Fiber Artz on Instagram). Check out the Floss Toss Ravelry Group for details on their Scrappy Blanket CAL. Ends December 21st (but you don't have to finish. 2 prize drawings will be done).
My color placement is inspired by this project/pattern available on Ravelry.
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
I shared a story about a little girl in the nail salon who asked her mom if they could come talk to me because she wants to learn to knit.
In My Travels
Travel packing tips
Packing cubes- here's an Amazon affiliate link to the set I purchased 6 years ago and still love!
I always pack some clothes pins/ metal or wood that I use for snacks/drink mix pouches and/or to keep curtains closed in hotel.
I have a standard packing list in Evernote that I customize for each trip. It saves so much time and frustration.
Pack a travel power strip- to keep all of those chraging cords in one place (also less likely to leave one behind)
Knitting project approach
At least 2 socks/stockinette hats for waiting, sitting etc.
A project that occupies my brain and makes a long flight go by easier.
Virtual Kick Off- Friday September 5 & Saturday September 6
Ask Me Anything
Tune in to hear the answers to these questions:
Pat- loonyhiker asked: I know you have probably told this before, but I’d love to hear how you and your honey met. I also would love to hear how your parents met. (bonus audio of my parents talking about this by the pool in 2017)
Sandy, sjh801 asked: Favorite children’s book? Both as a child and now as an adult.
Children's Book (purely for sentimental reasons): Walk Rabbit Walk by Colin McNaughton. Amazon Affiliate Link. Hardcover available for ~$20 & paperback for around $7
Adult book: Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. Amazon Affiliate Link.John Lee does the audiobooks for what is now this series of books. Book 1 of 5 now in this series. I love them all.
Dianne, woohoogirl asks: Do you have a Dream project that you’d really like to make that you just haven’t made the time, or plans, for yet?
Carrie, Gooberdawn asks: Do you have a project you have created that you feel most proud of? If so, which one and why? ETA: it doesn’t have to be yarn-related.
Laura, LauraKnitsPA asks: What is one book you would read over and over, and one movie you would watch over and over?
Dani, stitchintime82- Any updates on designing? I’ve enjoyed your patterns and am wondering if you have any plans to make more patterns.
On a Happy Note
I was able to get my Apple watch to charge again after I thought it was dead.
Oikos yogurt shake/drinks with 23g of protein.
My friend Nathan had a heart and kidney transplant just over 1 year ago. He's still learning to walk again after ECMO caused major nerve damage in his legs- and we just went to see the musical he directed. Sometimes this world feels so dark right now but this made me incredibly happy.
The night we had tickets for the show, we lost power, so we made it a full date night and went for dinner too.
A visit from my cousin Gayle. We enjoyed a great pool day on Sunday and dinner in our town Monday night followed by a walk along the harbor.
Gayle chose Mom's Trickle shawl as the item she wanted of hers. I took a photo of her and Google photos turned it into a pop-out.
I gifted Gayle the pair of Stranger Things 2 socks from DVD as an early birthday gift and she sent me a cute photo of her wearing them the next morning.
Great customer service from an Etsy maker to order pins.
I had fun putting together photos Millie, Teaghan and Rhiannon asked me to take a couple weekends ago at the pool of them jumping off the diving board and making their bodies into the shape of the letters of the alphabet. Fun memories!
Quote of the Week
“It's not hotels and nightclubs I crave, or even spectacular beaches -- it's isolation and solitude, time away from the human world and a chance to measure life on a different kind of yardstick.”
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.
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 302 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week's segments included:
Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
Brainstorming
From the Armchair
Crafty Adventures
KAL News
Events
On a Happy Note
Quote of the Week
Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Stitched by Jessalu (2nd Episode of the Month) check out her new prints now in the shop! Check out Stitched by Jessalu bags and so much more at Fiber Revival in Newbury, MA- August 16th
Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
Tom's Cozy
Pattern: Ball Band with a Twist by Jennifer Lassonde. $2 Crochet pattern available on Ravelry & LoveCrafts
Hooks: G (4.25 mm)
Yarn: Loops & Thread Classic Cotton in Tomato & Royal Blue. Lion Brand Re-up in White
Inspired by Rachel (treehousefiberarts on Instagram) and Sue & Chelsea (Legacy Fiber Artz on Instagram). Check out the Floss Toss Ravelry Group for details on their Scrappy Blanket CAL; you do not have to use this pattern. Any scrappy crochet blanket counts.
My color placement is inspired by this project/pattern available on Ravelry. The basic idea is that you use 1 main color for Rounds 1 & 3 (center and outer square), and then 4 separate colors for the 4 sides of the middle square)
Round 1 & Round 3 done using same colors (2 sock yarns held together)- totals about 22g (11g of each colorway)
Contrast Colors: total weight of yarns used (reminder- yarns are held double so I only need half the weight listed for each mini). CC 1 & 2: 2g needed. CC 3 & 4: 4g needed
Dirty Crayon Box Socks
Yarn: Fiber Stash Strong Toes Sock (80% SW Merino/ 20% Nylon) in the Dirty Crayon Box Colorway
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
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
A Crafty Day with Emelie was on my 25 for 2025 list and I'm happy to say I checked that off. Emelie (almost 7) came over with her mom, my cousin Kara, and her brother Teddy (5). Millie and Riley also joined in the fun. We ended afternoon with ice cream!
Learned from Gretchen Rubin's newsletter that July in World Watercolor Month! I've been looking for resources, inspiration etc and there's lots of cool things there.
Summer Spin In hosted by Marsha & Kelly of Two Ewes Fiber Adventure. May 31- September 1. All spinning and making with handspun yarn counts. Preparing fleeces also counts.
Finally getting my hair cut & colored (and combining that with a fun night at the pool)
Impromptu date night with Dan to a local brewery and restaurant
Our nephew Will turned 18. We got beautiful weather for his party.
My friend Christine & her family came to stay for a long weekend. We all crashed with my Dad. Pool time, Penny Drop (game), a Plymouth harbor cruise, night swims and lots of laughs. Millie knit on her hat & scarf a little bit. Riley knit on my socks.
My cousin Chris's wife Kim delivered a beautiful and healthy baby girl- Vivienne!
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.
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 301 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week's segments included:
Sue and Chelsea from Legacy Fiber Artz are making the Log Cabin Square by Julie Harrison (free crochet pattern) Ravelry Pattern Page.
I've had this pattern in my favorites for more than 2 years.
I was looking for the Julie Harrison pattern and came across this Ravelry pattern by hookloopsarah which features a log cabin layout that's more of a background color with 4 pops of color that seem to leap up from it. Love this idea!
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
Watercolors are still keeping my creative attention. Loving it!
Knitting in Passing
On a July 3 MBTA ferry commute, I sat with a crocheter. We talked about our projects and fav LYSs. I showed her how simple magic loop knitting is.
Laura brought socks to her client David when she got back to NY. He sent me a photo asking if they were Cashmere because they were so soft and noting how great they looked with the pants he had on. Then I got a pic of his foot under his desk at work the next day. (Ravelry Project Page)
On July 7, a man chatted with me on the Red Line about memories of his mother, sisters and daughters crocheting.
Emelyn has been wanting to crochet again but is feeling rusty. On July 4th I reminded them how to single & half-double crochet. Last weekend, they started a star project so we worked with DC and how to work corners and getting used to reading a pattern.
Summer Spin In hosted by Marsha & Kelly of Two Ewes Fiber Adventure. May 31- September 1. All spinning and making with handspun yarn counts. Preparing fleeces also counts. Let’s go!
Donate Blood at least 4 times (January, March, May, ) - on track
Go shopping for plants with Dan 4 times in the year (my Christmas gift from him) - not yet
Buy new ski boots- DONE
Go camping- DONE
Kayak 2-5 times- DONE
Do at least 5 walks with others- DONE
Take 2-5 yoga classes (outside of the house)- not yet
Do at least 30 lessons in Mondly- not yet
Spend a day at Raffa Life- scheduled for September
Record 2-5 things I'm grateful for each day before bed (more days than not counts)- I've fallen off. Looking forward to getting going again.
Read all of Simple Abundance (ideally daily or close to)- not loving it. some parts are more religious than I expected... may pop back in, but I've gotten out of this.
Read at least 60 books- all books count (even poetry etc)- 28 books by end of June. It's possible!
Get at least 2 massages at Oasis - DONE
See 2-5 movies in the theater (Paddington in Peru)
Knit 2-5 garments for me - 1 done, # WIPs
Finish and enjoy my Christmas Granny Square Blanket- on pause until after Stash Dash
Crochet at least 5 toys- DONE
Use my spinning wheel at least once a month (January-April done, I think I forgot to spin in May and June. Going to get back in. Will still be better than most years!
Have a crafty day with Emelie- talked to her mom about this.
Knit a slouchy hat for myself- not yet
Try out 3 new to me podcasts (Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend, White Lotus official podcast, severance official podcast, Cramped) - DONE
Watch White Christmas with Jenny & Kara (bringing the tradition back) -- talks have begun!
Buy a firebox and put important papers inside (working with Dan on list of things to put in it)- not yet
Purge at least 20 items of clothing/accessories/shoes- DONE
On a Happy Note
Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York at the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge (with brunch beforehand)
July 4th pool day
Ending an awful workday with drinks outdoor at Trillium, then apps and more drinks and picking up Laura to take her home on the Ferry watching 3rd of July fireworks.
Making our rainbow sunglass photo!
July 5th secondhand shopping, lunch with Megg and Laura + ice cream (of course)
Rewatching Gilmore Girls
Line dancing at the beach + seeing a really cool rainbow
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.
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 300 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. 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
In my Travels
KAL News
Events
On a Happy Note
Quote of the Week
Thank you to this episode's sponsors:
Stitched by Jessalu- See Jessalu's bags at the The Warm Ewe in Chatham, NY through July 5, 2025 & at Fiber Revival in Newbury, MA on August 16th
About the yarn: 2 lighter/medium grays, cream, mustard and a thinner stripe of a charcoal bordering on black. Used the CC gray for cuff and will use for the toe.
1 SPP for grams, 1 for Snack Shack LFA yarn, 1 for Snack Shack Sponsor- The Sensible Stitcher- cute butterfly bag.
Stash Dash Total for this episode: 2,541 meters
On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
Four Leaf Clover Granny Square Blanket
Pattern: Four Leaf Clover Granny Square by Apinya Roszko
Hook: H (5.0 mm)
Yarn: Knit Picks Brava 500 in colorway Mint & Loops and Threads Impeccable in Colorway 01808
Size: 6 inch squares. Planning 5x7 blanket (30x42”) before border.
Modification- the pattern calls for attaching new yarn (at the end of the square) to make the stem for the clover. I just chain to get to the center, make the stem and cut the yarn. I find it easy to crochet the granny square around it in Mint. No issues and one less end to weave in.
I am joining squares as I go. I used this YouTube tutorial to remind me how to do this.
Progress: Last time I had 14 (of 35) squares done and seamed. Now I have 17 done. Baby due in September. Lots of time. Loving joining as I go but its less portable this way.
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 Sock yarn in the Forged Iron Colorway
You can find my Let the Mystery Unravel Unboxing Video on YouTube in this Playlist
I dug this out while cleaning out my studio on one of the very hot days before we left for camping. I had 3 squares of 9 that were seamed up but that didn't have the 3 rounds of DC border on them that I'm doing in dark gray. I finished those over the course of the week's train rides, then got the rest out and found 1 more that needed the border. All of those are done now.
The other 8 squares have already been steamed. Plan to steam the most recently finished 4 then start SCing the big squares together.
Border- undecided. May do a few rounds of gray. May incorporate colors. Debating an iCord border. I can't decide.
Before border- 44 inches long by 24 inches long
50g per square x 12
~600g= 2,400 meters of sock yarn
716 Splash Pad Socks
Yarn: 716 Knit Sock Set in the 716sock base in the colorway: It needs to be ok with getting on a boat with Levar Burton and never coming back.
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
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'm still having fun with watercolors but I have a lot to learn. Any tips on good learning resources?
Knitting in Passing
I was on an inpatient unit at the hospital where I work and asked a woman if she had one of the phones I was looking to upgrade. She said no, but that she's seen me on the train knitting. We had a nice chat and I told her to say hi next time she sees me.
In My Travels
12 of us went camping up in Maine at On the Saco Family Campground.
Prizes- chose from 4 cabanas this time and will choose from the other 4 next episode. At the end of the event, I'll pull 4 more from the most chatty Cabanas
Events
Stash Dash hosted by the Knit Girllls- May 29th-August 30th
Tour de Fleece: July 5-July 27 . Tour de Fleece Ravelry Group.
Rest Days: Tuesday, July 15 and Monday, July 21.
Challenge Days: The first one is Stage 10, on Monday, July 14. The second is Stage 15, on Sunday, July 20.
Summer Spin In hosted by Marsha & Kelly of Two Ewes Fiber Adventure. May 31- September 1. All spinning and making with handspun yarn counts. Preparing fleeces also counts. Let’s go!
My friend Megg's first June recital for her new dancing school was a big success. I helped with set-up, worked the door and clean up. I am very proud of her. I also got to see some of kiddos dance- Emelyn, Hattie and Aila were in the show. All 3 were in one dance.
I was totally surprised when during the award's ceremony they announced a new award "The Diane Lassonde Ruby Slipper Award" and Hattie was the first recipient.
For a dancer who shows "hard work, dedication but also build community and helps to make sure all studnets feel welcome at DLA, because as Diane knew and told us, There is No Place Like Home."
Riley & Millie's recital, followed by Father's Day Lunch, and Miles' 1st birthday party.
Jeff and I both showed up Father's day with pink and white checkered outfits- his shirt. my dress. very funny.
Camping- huge happy note. Just love the couple who runs the place, Tori and Jason. So kind and generous. Discount when we came with less people. Ziplocs sold out, they gave me some of their own. It's just refreshing to know people like that are still around.
Dance parties all the time. Something that Megg initiates and it makes my dad laugh so hard. I love it.
Going to Hornstra for ice cream with Riley and her bff Ellie.
Celebrating Oisin's 17th birthday and getting to see Terri's new house.
A fun June Patreon Zoom after a lousy day/week at work.
Quote of the Week
“Times of stress are also times that are signals for growth, and if we use adversity properly, we can grow through adversity.”
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.
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 299 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week's segments included:
Visit us at wildvioletfibers.com to shop our latest collections and sign up for shop updates. Splash Pad Party participants can use discount code SPLASH25 for 15% off their order.
Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
103 Hat
Pattern: 103 Hat by Jennifer Lassonde. $5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry & LoveCrafts
This is the repeatable version of the 2023 Advent, with 16 of the original 24 colors.
259.3 meters (283.5 yards). 70 grams
Granny square top
Yarn: MC- Cloudbourn Fibers Wool Fingering Twist in Natural (1 skeins), Advent Mini Skeins from Legacy Fiber Artz (Steel Toes Base) & Fibernymph Dye Works (Bounce Base)- both from 2024.
Yarn organization: I put 2 sets of colors in each mostly clear zippered pouch from my Yarnable Subscription kits. It keeps the yarn from the mini skeins from getting tangled.
7 colorways with 100g, 1 with 50g. I have another 50g skein I could add in (more of a pain because you have to wind off half).
I am matching up stripes so they end at same time or as close as possible.
Foundation half-double crochet 101. 1 row of dc (probably could have skipped).
Four Leaf Clover Granny Square Blanket
Pattern: Four Leaf Clover Granny Square by by Apinya Roszko
Hook: H (5.0 mm)
Yarn: Knit Picks Brava 500 in colorway Mint & Loops and Threads Impeccable in Colorway 01808
Size: 6 inch squares. Planning 5x7 blanket (30x42”) before border.
Modification- the pattern calls for attaching new yarn (at the end of the square) to make the stem for the clover. I just chain to get to the center, make the stem and cut the yarn. I find it easy to crochet the granny square around it in Mint. No issues and one less end to weave in.
I am joining squares as I go. I used this YouTube tutorial to remind me how to do this.
Progress: Last time I had seamed 7 full squares. Now I have 14 (of 35) squares done and seamed.
716 Splash Pad Socks
Yarn 716 Knit Sock Set in the 716sock base in the colorway: It needs to be ok with getting on a boat with Levar Burton and never coming back.
I came home from a massage dying to paint. I pulled out my watercolors and painted the sensations of my pain and the colors I associated with each. I'll be playing with this concept more in the future (hopefully next time on actual watercolor paper and maybe using other media too).
Knitting in Passing
A nice gentleman said my crochet was beautiful and that he crochets. I showed him my tank top which was nearly done at the time.
We went to a grad party for my SIL and a friend of hers remembered me from Zach's birthday. She wants to crochet so we talked about resources etc.
Reconnected with some of Dan's cousins recently. His cousin Melissa and I often talk books, so that was fun but she also said she'd like to learn to knit and/or crochet. Hoping to get together with her for lunch in Boston soon.
Thank you to Suzanne- Sew Run It for the beautiful handknit hat and three knit hearts for my birthday. She started it shortly after my mom passed. Her notes say "The colors screamed Diane! The pattern is called Pair of Hearts and it too felt like a connection with her. I know you were and will remain close." Pattern= Pair of Hearts is by Chit Chat Knits and is available on Ravelry for $4.50.
Lauren lbeth21 messaged me with Jess from Stitched by Jessalu at Central NY Fiber Fest
Susie of The Huckleberry Girl offered to send me a bag. I was thinking of summer and Splash Pad when looking at her shop and she had a bag with Blueberries and Butterflies which made me think of Mom. So special. Thank you, Susie.
Tour de Fleece: July 5-July 27 . Tour de Fleece Ravelry Group.
Rest Days: Tuesday, July 15 and Monday, July 21.
Challenge Days: The first one is Stage 10, on Monday, July 14. The second is Stage 15, on Sunday, July 20.
Summer Spin In hosted by Marsha & Kelly of Two Ewes Fiber Adventure. May 31- September 1. All spinning and making with handspun yarn counts. Preparing fleeces also counts. Let’s go!
I shared about my Summer Bucket List and the graphic/template I created for my Patrons. Do you have any ideas for me?
My Word of the Year for 2025 is Welcome. I recently received a beautiful cross stitched piece with the word Welcome on it from Heidi, Yarnitheidi on Instagram and Ravelry. Thank you, Heidi!
On a Happy Note
The Splash Pad Kick Off Virtual sessions were so much fun!
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.
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 298 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week's segments included:
On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
From the Armchair
Crafty Adventures
Knitting in Passing
In my Travels
KAL News
Events
On a Happy Note
Quote of the Week
Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Stitched by Jessalu. Find Stitched by Jessalu at the Central New York Fiber Festival June 7 & 8 10:00am – 4:00pm at the Herkimer County Fairgrounds in Frankfort, NY. Go find Jess and her beautiful bags there!
On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
Granny square top
Yarn: MC- Cloudbourn Fibers Wool Fingering Twist in Natural (1 skeins), Advent Mini Skeins from Legacy Fiber Artz (Steel Toes Base) & Fibernymph Dye Works (Bounce Base)- both from 2024.
Yarn organization: I put 2 sets of colors in each mostly clear zippered pouch from my Yarnable Subscription kits. It keeps the yarn from the mini skeins from getting tangled.
Memorial Day weekend I spent Saturday and Sunday mornings quietly working away at the dining room table on this project. Check out this Instagram reel which highlights the project so far.
13 squares around and 4 rows high for the body.
I added SC to trim around all of the edges.
Around the bottom, I added a round of SC and a round of HDC. I am playing around with idea of bobbles or puff stitch but want to try on before I decide.
Same as It Ever Was Hat
Pattern: Same as It Ever Was by Sarah Jordan ($6 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock (Yarnable Box January 2025) in the Intergalactic colorway
7 colorways with 100g, 1 with 50g. I have another 50g skein I could add in (more of a pain because you have to wind off half).
I am matching up stripes so they end at same time or as close as possible.
Changing colors typically after 4 rows- unless its a colorway that goes back and forth with the same colors- like carrot cake.
Foundation half-double crochet 101. 1 row of dc (probably could have skipped).
Size: 36" wide. Was 16 inches. Now 28
Four Leaf Clover Granny Square Blanket
Pattern: Four Leaf Clover Granny Square by by Apinya Roszko
Hook: H (5.0 mm)
Yarn: Knit Picks Brava 500 in colorway Mint & Loops and Threads Impeccable in Colorway 01808
Originally tried center in Brava colorway- Hunter. TOO DARK.
Clever simple clover pattern in just 2 rounds.
Center square (in darker green)- 4g. Three rounds on outside of clover (in mint)- 12g
Size: 6 inch square.
Planning 5x7 blanket (30x42”) before border.
Modification- the pattern calls for attaching new yarn (at the end of the square) to make the stem for the clover. I just chain to get to the center, make the stem and cut the yarn. I find it easy to crochet the granny square around it in Mint. No issues and one less end to weave in.
I am joining squares as I go. I used this YouTube tutorial to remind me how to do this.
Progress: more than a dozen shamrocks made. I've crocheted and seamed 7 full squares.
Want to see it? Use promo code TELLAFRIEND25 for 25% off tickets toThe Light in the Piazza.
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
Tune in to hear about the graduation photo book I made for Eme.
Knitting in Passing
A nice gentleman said my crochet was beautiful and that he crochets. I showed him my tank top which was nearly done at the time.
We went to a grad party for my SIL and a friend of hers remembered me from Zach's birthday. She wants to crochet.
We reconnected with some of Dan's cousins at a wake this week. His cousin Melissa and I often talk books, so that was fun but she also said she'd like to learn to knit and/or crochet.
elisewentwest created a Google Sheets trackerfor your Splash Pad Projects for those who like to plan/track outside of our official Summer Celebration Form (though don't forget to do that if you want to get your entries for prizes)
Click “File” » “Make a Copy”from there, you can name your own version of the tracker and have an editable version to track your projects!
The submission form is linked in the top row. In the Points column, you can select more than one option to help you track how many points/entries you earned for a project.
Pattern Bundle Collection of sponsor patterns for you to browse. Thanks, SewRunKnit!
Events
Stash Dash hosted by the Knit Girllls- May 29th-August 30th
Seeing Kimberly Akimbo with Megg. I never buy merch, but I bought a mug and I love it!
Mammogram- all clear! Reminder: go get yours if you're due.
After Eme's graduation, we all finished packing up their townhouse, then met up a brewery and walked next door for a delicious dinner outdoors at a Mexican restaurant- Agave.
Antiquing with Dan on Sunday before we went to Cantrip show.
I went to play cards with Dan's friends.
Dan and I celebrated 21 years together!
We went to see Will before Senior Prom. While waiting for him, it was so fun to see all of the outfits!
My plants! Seeing real growth, transplanting and seeing things continue to thrive.
Celebrating Jenna's Masters Degree
My Dad, my cousins and I went to see my youngest cousin Bella in a high school production of Little Women (the musical). She played Amy (1 of the 4 sisters) and she did a phenomenal job. Dad and I got dinner before hand and caught up. Great night!
Low key Memorial Day weekend! Lots of lazy morning making time to work on my crochet top.
Working with Dan, Jeff, Riley and Dad to open the pool! First cookout on the back deck.
Lovely warm-weather walk to Lolita for dinner before seeing The Light in the Piazza.
Will's high school graduation
Quote of the Week
We are not permitted to choose the frame of our destiny. But what we put into it is ours.
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.
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 297 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. 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
Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
Dinosaur T-Rex
Pattern: Dinosaur T-Rex and Pterodactyl by Anita Suriaa- $5.99 crochet pattern on Ravelry
About the yarn- cream, pink and blue to match rose apron David wears in this episode of Schitt's Creek.
Nearly to the heel of the first sock
Inclinations Cowl
Inclinations Cowl by Andrea Mowry ($7.00 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry & her website.
Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm)
Yarn: 2 skeins of handspun Color A: Fiber Addict Designs 100% Merino in the Wild Plum Colorway- Ravelry link. Color B: Candombe, I think the fiber is from Malabrigo- Ravelry link.
I don't love knitting on small needles in the round. Just placed a knit picks order so I ordered a US 2 needle with a 47 inch cord to see if going back to magic loop may serve me better.
Granny square top
Yarn: MC- Cloudbourn Fibers Wool Fingering Twist in Natural (1 skeins), Advent Mini Skeins from Legacy Fiber Artz (Steel Toes Base) & Fibernymph Dye Works (Bounce Base)- both from 2024.
Yarn organization: I put 2 sets of colors in each mostly clear zippered pouch from my Yarnable Subscription kits. It keeps the yarn from the mini skeins from getting tangled.
Progress: Squares to date: 57 squares.
Adrift on an Inland Sea Socks
Yarn: Woolens & Nosh SW Targhee Sock in the Adrift on an Inland Sea Socks colorway
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
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
I gifted Megg her "David Fold in the Cheese!!!" socks from Legacy Fiber Artz Schitt's Creek Series. She loved them! You can check out my Ravelry Project Page here.
Kiss Me Kate 2nd weekend shows. More family and friends came out than I knew were coming.
With very little help from me, we loaded up a 16 foot U-Haul with items from Mom's ebay store to send to Vegas with her friends. Huge load out of Dad's cellar and weight off his mind.
Megg and I joined Trish & Vikki at their 1st of 10 Reseller Meet-ups on their way to Vegas. Follow their shenanigans on Instagram, Facebook Group.
Taking Monday off after Kiss Me Kate closed
Spending Friday night at Oisin's Rugby match. He scored and we enjoyed dinner after.
Taking Gabriella and Zach to see Hattie's Wonka show
Quote of the Week
“You can’t help what you feel, but you can help how you behave.” ―Margaret Atwood
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.
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 296 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. 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
Life in Focus
On a Happy Note
Quote of the Week
Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Stitched by Jessalu (2nd Episode of the Month)
Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
Pop Tart
Pattern: None
Yarn: Knit Picks Brava & Joann Big Twist Value Solids in Natural Colorway + variegated yarn (fingering weight held double)
About the yarn- cream, pink and blue to match rose apron David wears in this episode of Schitt's Creek.
I did a shorter than usual leg- 5.25 inches and 9.5 inch foot. The first sock 28 grams, using CC for toe and cuff, so I should have enough for a second pair of socks with this yarn.
On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
Hot pink spinning
Fiber: Mountain Vewe Coopworths Fiber in hot pink (no specific colorway name)- three 4oz bumps
This means when I'm spinning, my wheel is spinning clockwise and when plying my wheel is moving counter-clockwise.
Progress: ~1/2 way through first bump. 1st bobbin nearly full.
Granny Square Tan Top
Yarn: MC- Cloudbourn Fibers Wool Fingering Twist in Natural (1 skeins), Advent Mini Skeins from Legacy Fiber Artz (Steel Toes Base) & Fibernymph Dye Works (Bounce Base)- both from 2024.
Yarn organization: I put 2 sets of colors in each mostly clear zippered pouch from my Yarnable Subscription kits. It keeps the yarn from the mini skeins from getting tangled.
Progress: Squares to date: 25 squares.
Boss A$$ B|tc# Socks
Yarn: Woolens & Nosh Superwash Targhee Fingering in the Boss A$$ B|tc# Colorway (purposely not spelled out here, though it is on the label)
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
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
My cousin Ava knit the Storm Sweater by Petite Knit for her boyfriend Luke.
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.
I used Canva to help me figure out color placement to extend out the quilt pattern.
I am seaming squares using the Mattress Stitch.
I had the 2 color (on the diagonal) granny square memorized but totally forgot how to do those. Here's a helpful video I found that helped refresh my memory.
Goal: 6 per week
Progress: 19 2 weeks ago & 12 last week (week 7 & 8)- 106 in 8 weeks- avg/13 per week
129 not attached and 48 attached.
Current draft is 18 rows and 16 columns- 288 squares. 177 done/ 111 to go- 61% done
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 Sock yarn in the Forged Iron Colorway
I was inspired by Jenna(716knit) at the Fiber Witch Festival, had on a marled scrappy shawl that was gorgeous! It got me thinking that I really want to start something with my Legacy Fiber Artz minis from previous year advents. Maybe a Granny Stripe blanket?
Or perhaps another Recollections crochet blanket. I made one in the summer of 2022 (check out my Ravelry Project Page). It uses fingering weight yarn held triple and treble crochets. You work each row right to left and cut each time. between each set of clusters you use a main color. Debating using Fibernymph 10g minis from last year's advent for those rows (notes say it used- about 8g per row but that's held triple which might just be too annoying).
I'm debating making a smaller blanket that will live on the backseat of my car, draped over. Mostly for the pop of color with my gray interior but I bet the kids would use it when they're back there.
I'd also like to make a crocheted granny square tank top for the summer so I could potentially use some of my minis for that.
Do you have any ideas for me?
From the Armchair
The Wandering Purl YouTube channel- I have a Gilmore Girls sock sized bag from Bethany and I know lots of you are fans of her, but I didn't realize she had a channel! Enjoying her content, check it out.
White Lotus- Season 3: it was a slow burn of a season with some seriously cringy content but I loved how the finale came together.
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.
Some Years Later
I wore my Construction Zone top April 4th.
Construction Zone
Pattern: Construction Zone by Heidi Kirrmaier ($7.50 US knitting pattern)
Yarn: Tempting Ewe Yarns Luxe Aran (90% Merino/10% Silk) in the Grey Goose Colorway. 2 skeins 340 yards total
At a recent rehearsal for Kiss Me Kate, my fellow cast member, Janet, told me about this yarn company her friend Katie Aucella owns called Claws Out Yarn- here's a link to her shop.
Tune in to hear more about my trip to the Fiber Witch Festival in Salem.
I loved meeting up with friends, Monique (Windswept Monique on Instagram) who brought me 2 skeins of beautiful wool yarn that she's allergic to, to sell/raffle off for FearLESS Living Fund. I met up with Ryan kollerskrafts and Jenna 716knit and shopped around with them and we grabbed lunch after.
It's always a joy to see bag maker and podcast sponsor Jess of Stitched by Jessalu.
Into the Whirled- Cris + James who were there selling jewelry which you can find under the shop name westand28. I believe they will be at Maryland Sheep & Wool. Check them out on Instagram too. They had beautiful handdyed silk cordage bracelets with sterling silver. Each color has meaning. I couldn't decide!
Heart pendant (similar to this one). Mom- fine silver (.999) metal clay.
I visited Circle of Stitches yarn store in Salem. I purchased a mini skein from Cryptic Hollow Fibers, 9 inch circular socks needles from ChiaoGoo. & 2 cute stickers. I was so happy to run into Val (valtherizzle) as I was checking out!
I found old photos of theater and dance friends which I brought to rehearsal.
My friend and I went to Gretchen Rubin's Q&A for her new book Secrets of Adulthood (Amazon Affiliate link).
Dan and I went to the Oligo Nation Gala to support our friend John who was receiving an inspiration award. I wore a fun dress from Poshmark and Mom's jewelry.
Kris' birthday dinner at a local mexican restaurant.
Dad, Jeff and I enjoyed a video chat organized by my cousin Jimmy.
Sometimes we should express our gratitude for the small and simple things like the scent of the rain, the taste of your favorite food, or the sound of a loved one's voice.
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.
Find Stitched by Jessalu at the Fiber Witch Festival Marketplace: April 12-13 in Salem, MA. The Market is 11a-5p Sat & Sunday and market tickets are still available. Pre-purchase or tickets will be available at the door for either day. The 3-5 slot each day is free, so go find Jess and her beautiful bags there!
Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
Aila's Daisy Socks
Yarn: On The Round Nimble Sock (85%/15% SW Merino/Nylon) in the Forage colorway
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
Needles: US 1.5 & US 2
Progress: Cast on 60 sts. Worked 1x1 ribbing. Increased up to 64 sts. Switched to US 2 needles for colorwork. Then decreased back to 60 sts shortly after, a few rows later back to 56 sts. Knit about 2 inches before turning the heels.
How Time Flies Socks
Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the How Time Flies Colorway
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
granny squares- 1 color or 2 (colors on each half a diagonal)
I used Canva to help me figure out color placement to extend out the quilt pattern.
I am seaming squares using the Mattress Stitch.
I started working on this after being inspired by NDJen04's video about her scrappy blanket- you can find that find on YouTube.
I had the 2 color (on the diagonal) granny square memorized but totally forgot how to do those. Here's a helpful video I found that helped refresh my memory.
Goal: 6 per week
Progress: I am still ahead of schedule!
Some Bunny Loves You Socks
Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Some Bunny Loves You Colorway (Yarnable April 2023 colorway)
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
Inclinations Cowl by Andrea Mowry ($7.00 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry & her website.
Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm)
Yarn: 2 skeins of handspun Color A: Fiber Addict Designs 100% Merino in the Wild Plum Colorway- Ravelry link. Color B: Candombe, I think the fiber is from Malabrigo- Ravelry 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.
Knitting in Passing
On Wed night before music rehearsal Megg asked me to help her cast on a Love Bug with Bernat Blanket to practice for school. (free crochet pattern on Ravelry). Yarn has a lot of twist, got all tangly and we stayed after to untangle it together while other cast members performed on stage.
On the first night of rehearsal one of my cast-mates asked about my knitting and through that conversation we figured out we've worked together before. She was the choreographer when I was in a production of Crazy for You at a local community college when I was in high school.
I wore my Aurealis sweater (Ravelry Project Page) one night to music rehearsal and my friend Deana complimented it and I told her I knit it!
Laura's sock drawer! How gorgeous is this?
In My Travels
Vegas trip for BOSS Reseller Remix & FearLESS Living Fund 2025 Awards
We gave away 2 $5,000 scholarships
Mom's friend Crystal got a fearless tattoo on her arm.
We enjoyed visiting the Sphere to see the Postcards from Earth documentary.
We checked out the Bellagio Conservatory for their beautiful display of Easter decor/flowers.
Knitting at craps table with Jeff. The manager told me he doesn't see many firsts anymore but I was the first person he'd ever seen knitting in a casino before. He came back a few minutes later asking what I was making- definitely intrigued.
It took until the last day- walking through New York New York to find Wizard of Oz slots Mom loved best.
It was obviously a bittersweet trip. Ryan Wilson said it best when he said before talking about 2 winners- in some ways this is the most important year because its the first one without Mom and we're still doing it.
Riley wore her crocheted flowered top (Ravelry Project Page). I wore my Aurealis (Ravelry Project Page)- finally got good FO photos for my Project Pages.
I purchased punch needle coasters for my car cup holders from Gina the Botina
We also purchased mini skeins from 2 makers- that I sent home with Riley
I heard about GoSadi in Vogue Knitting email. Have you heard of it?
Ask Me Anything
Instagram- Knitbakecook- Do you ever have crafting slumps? If so, how do you overcome them?
Yes! Sometimes it helps just to lean into that, don't pressure yourself and then lean back in when you get the urge. More often, what works best is to start something new (or pick back up something that is exciting you). Ideally something small like a hat or a toy so you get that dopamine hit of finishing something fun to get those creative juices flowing. Search your Ravelry favorite or queue, browse Instagram or Pinterest and let yourself day dream a little. Creative time should be fun so find the fun and you'll be excited to get back into things.
Instagram- ndoyal- When are you coming to the PNW?!
I am planning to go to Flock in August.
Instagram- nukerklein- Have you been or are you planning to go to VT Sheep & Wool in the fall?
This year it's October 4-5 (Dad's birthday- so likely not this year)
Check out this vlog from 2024 trip to VT Sheep & Wool.
NDoyal- Dates for Splash Pad
Sunday June 1 through Thursday July 31st. Would folks be interested if we did Zoom events Sunday 6/1?
On a Happy Note
St. Patrick's Day at my cousin's. Emelie "cutting" my hair.
Lea made us acrylic pieces with Mom's funeral flowers in them. Keychain, bottle opener and bookmark
Riley sleepover- Sample sale (bought matching PJs). Silly pics in the closet before bed. Ushering for Rent at The Company Theatre.
Addams Family Musical and Lolita with Megg
Dinner with Liz
My favorite massage therapist is back at Massage Envy
Bike riding with Dan
Dinner out at a local Italian place for a friend's birthday.
Thrifting and finally watching Kiss Me Kate (movie) with Megg
Quote of the Week
One of the pleasures of getting older is that one can get so much nearer to one's own people, and that the dear ones of them become dearer all the time.
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.
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 293 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website.
This week's segments included:
Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
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 sponsor- The Yarn Sellar. Fiber Marketplace 2025- SATURDAY APRIL 5 , 2025 from 10-3pm at the Union Bluff Hotel 8 Beach Street, York Beach Maine 207-363-1333. Join us for a fun-filled party on Friday, April 4th from 5:30-7:00 Andra Asars (Berroco rep) will be hosting our event. Tickets are on sale in the shop and our online shop. You may win a prize. $25 (only 25 tickets)
Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
Aurealis
Pattern: Aurealis by Jennifer Steingass ($8 US Ravelry Knitting Pattern)
Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) & US 4 (3.5 mm)
Yarn: Cloudborn Fibers Highland DK in the Gray Heather colorway (MC) & Junction Fiber Mill Making Tracks DK in the Vermont Vice colorway (CC)
granny squares- 1 color or 2 (colors on each half a diagonal)
I used Canva to help me figure out color placement to extend out the quilt pattern.
I am seaming squares using the Mattress Stitch.
I started working on this after being inspired by NDJen04's video about her scrappy blanket- you can find that find on YouTube.
I had the 2 color (on the diagonal) granny square memorized but totally forgot how to do those. Here's a helpful video I found that helped refresh my memory.
Goal: 6 per week
Crocheted 7 last week.
Aila's Daisy Socks
Yarn: On The Round Nimble Sock (85%/15% SW Merino/Nylon) in the Forage colorway
I cast on 60 sts. Worked 1x1 ribbing and daisy pattern I charted out using US 1.5 needles. Way too tight. In listening to another podcast, I was reminded that going up a needle size may help. Reknit colorwork section with US 2. Too tight. Washed and blocked to be sure AND to see if I liked the fabric with a US 2. I do. Increased up to 64 sts. Used US 2 for colorwork. Then decreased back to 60 sts shortly after, a few rows later back to 56 sts. Knit about 2 inches.
Adrift on an Inland Sea Socks
Yarn: Woolens & Nosh SW Targhee Sock in the Adrift on an Inland Sea Socks colorway
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
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
Annissa from The Stitch House sat down next to me on train and asked about knitting. It was great catching up with her.
KAL News
All Pigskin Grand Prize Winners have been emailed.
25 in 2025 List- I've made progress on these items
Donate Blood at least 4 times (1 in January)
Buy new ski boots- DONE
Record 2-5 things I'm grateful for each day before bed (more days than not counts)
Read all of Simple Abundance (ideally daily or close to)
Get at least 2 massages at Oasis scheduled
See 2-5 movies in the theater (Paddington in Peru)
Knit 2-5 garments for me (Aurealis & WIP- Monsoonee Sweaters)
Finish and enjoy my Christmas Granny Square Blanket
Crochet at least 5 toys (1: hedgehog, 2 love bugs)
Use my spinning wheel at least once a month (Jan & Feb, March done)
Try out 3 new to me podcasts (Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend)
Buy a fireproof box and put important papers inside (working with Dan on list of things to put in it)
On a Happy Note
A luxurious mani/pedi
Dinner with my cousins down in Plymouth.
A lovely visit with my grandmother- got her TV working so she could watch the Red Sox again.
Pushing outside of my comfort zones in music rehearsals for Kiss Me Kate, but really enjoying the dancing. 2 hours of tap on Sunday! Loved every second.
I went to dinner and to see a local production of Rent on Friday evening. My all time favorite show.
I cannot think of myself apart from the influence of the two or three greatest friendships of my life, and any account of my own growth must be that of their stimulating and enlightening influence.
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.
granny squares- 1 color or 2 (colors on each half a diagonal)
I used Canva to help me figure out color placement to extend out the quilt pattern.
I am seaming squares using the Mattress Stitch.
I started working on this after being inspired by NDJen04's video about her scrappy blanket- you can find that find on YouTube.
I had the 2 color (on the diagonal) granny square memorized but totally forgot how to do those. Here's a helpful video I found that helped refresh my memory.
Brainstorming
I'd like to knit a balaclava for skiing
Convertible Balaclava by Poppy Shop- available on Ravelry, Etsy & Poppy Shop website for $9.50 Canadian (worsted weight yarn, ribbed below nose)
Crayon Balaclava by Mia Filisch- available on Ravelry for free. Calls for Aran weight yarn- 3 sizes. would need to gauge swatch and see if I can adjust for lighter yarn.
Stripes Ski Mask by Leisure Arts- available on their website for $5.99. See link on Ravelry as well.
I'm also debating something that goes over ski helmet and maybe a fair isle fingering weight sweater for me!
Some Years Later
Love the set that matches my ski coat.
Winter Carnival Hat by Margaret Stauffacher- Ravelry Project Page (DK fair isle)
In a Fog Mittens by Allison O'Mahony - Ravelry Project Page
Drawn Together cowl by Shana Cohen- Ravelry Project Page
Crafty Adventures
Millie and Hattie wanted to get crafty during their birthday sleepover.
We bought some supplies at the Dollar Tree & Millie brought a paper bead making kit I gave her for Christmas.
For fibery crafts, Millie shared some progress on her Dads hat, Hattie practiced treadling on my spinning wheel and Hattie & I made pompoms. I want to turn mine into a garland.
Knitting in Passing
I met a lovely listener named Emily in an elevator at work!
In My Travels
Last weekend, my brother Jeff and 2 of his kids- Riley and Garret, my friend Megg, her daughter Hattie, son Oisin & Oisin's girlfriend Ginger and I all went skiing at Sunday River in Maine.
KAL News
Pigskin Party '24 #DCSPigskinParty24
Tune in to hear if you won one of our 12 Grand Prizes. I will email winners in about a week, to give you time to tune in.
Events
Wayland Winter Farmers' Market- Farm Fiber Days: March 9, 2025 at Russell's Garden Center in Wayland, MA
I took Millie and Hattie to the new Paddington in Peru movie which was really cute. Using Hattie's Shadow Play Book- Wizard of Oz book before bed! Pancakes in the morning!
We brought dinner to a friend who has been facing medical challenges (and thankful Dad let us cook at his house when we lost power)!
Dinner with my first boss and her partner. They spoiled me rotten and it was so great catching up.
Silly braids for skiing!
Megg gifted me 3 skeins of alpaca yarn from her trip to the Azores! 50g skeins in white, gray and a peachy/pink! Can't wait to use them.
New haircut!
Quote of the Week
Sometimes you are aware when your great moments are happening and sometimes they arise from the past. Perhaps it’s the same with people.
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.
granny squares- 1 color or 2 (colors on each half a diagonal)
I used Canva to help me figure out color placement to extend out the quilt pattern.
I am seaming squares using the Mattress Stitch.
I started working on this after being inspired by NDJen04's video about her scrappy blanket- you can find that find on YouTube.
I had the 2 color (on the diagonal) granny square memorized but totally forgot how to do those. Here's a helpful video I found that helped refresh my memory.
Progress: I've done about 14 in 2 weeks.
Same as It Ever Was Hat
Pattern: Same as It Ever Was by Sarah Jordan ($6 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock (Yarnable Box January 2024) in the Dino-Mite colorway
Progress: About 2 inches of straight knitting beyond the crown increases
Brainstorming
I think I'm going to keep the Monsoonee Sweater I started before Christmas (Ravelry Project Page). I could absolutely wear that this winter if I finish it soon.
Almost to bottom ribbing. sleeves will be quick
I'm debating frogging my Waverly Sweater (Ravelry Project Page). Gauge is a bit tight and its not an enjoyable knit.
Emelyn's request for socks based on The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Any ideas for me?
Aila still wants colorwork daisy socks that I started but need to rework.
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
Had a lovely fellow knitter say hello on the train, asking if I was going to knit fingers into my project (thinking it was mitts). I told her it was socks, but in general- I agree- knitting fingers is the worst!
KAL News
Thanks for a very successful and fun 11th season!
Tune in to see if you're a January Participation Winner or the winner of our 4th Quarter Challenge hosted by Fibernymph Dye Works- Small Gains Challenge (January 2025). Check out this Ravelry Thread for details.
Grand Prize winners will be announced in the next episode.
Events
Wayland Winter Farmers' Market- Farm Fiber Days: March 9, 2025 at Russell's Garden Center in Wayland, MA
Go shopping for plants with Dan 4 times in the year (my Christmas gift from him)
Buy new ski boots- DONE
Go camping- scheduled for summer
Kayak 2-5 times- scheduled for summer
Do at least 5 walks with others
Take 2-5 yoga classes (outside of the house)
Do at least 30 lessons in Mondly (had 25 done in 2024)- does not include daily lessons
Spend a day at Raffa Life
Record 2-5 things I'm grateful for each day before bed (more days than not counts) doing well. pairing with next one
Read all of Simple Abundance (ideally daily or close to) (feels similar to artist's way- tapping into your authentic self/creative spirit)
Read at least 60 books- all books count (even poetry etc) - 4 to date
Get at least 2 massages at Oasis
See 2-5 movies in the theater
Knit 2-5 garments for me (WIPs- Aurealis & Monsoonee Sweaters)
Finish and enjoy my Christmas Granny Square Blanket
Crochet at least 5 toys (1 hedgehog)
Use my spinning wheel at least once a month (Jan & Feb done)
Have a crafty day with Emelie
Knit a slouchy hat for myself
Try out 3 new to me podcasts
Watch White Christmas with Jenny & Kara (bringing the tradition back)
Buy a firebox and put important papers inside
Create a list of things to pack in case of an evacuation
Purge at least 20 items of clothing/accessories/shoes
On a Happy Note
Ice skating with friends.
Started rehearsals for Kiss Me Kate- tap dancing! GREAT for my brain.
Seeing Millie in Pirates of Penzance
Hattie's Surprise Wizard of Oz Party
Laura surprised me.
Funny Girl with Megg
Mom's birthday just passed. Difficult day- but we were together and there was a lot of love and support. My friend Kris sent over a very thoughtful gift for me- including a skein of handdyed yarn in a Somewhere over the Rainbow colorway from Cashmere and Coconut.
Quote of the Week
To invite a person to your house is to take charge of his happiness as long as he be beneath your roof.
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.
Next month you can find Stitched by JessaLu bags in her online shop, and in person at NETA Spa in Freeport, Maine from February 28-March 2. NETA Spa is a great midwinter weekend gathering for fiber enthusiasts - check out the event page on Facebook at https://facebook.com/events/s/netaspa2025/
Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
Woolens & Nosh 2024 Advent Socks
Yarn: Woolens & Nosh SW Targhee Sock
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
Inclinations Cowl by Andrea Mowry ($7.00 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry & her website.
Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm)
Yarn: 2 skeins of handspun Color A: Fiber Addict Designs 100% Merino in the Wild Plum Colorway- Ravelry link. Color B: Candombe, I think the fiber is from Malabrigo- Ravelry link.
Living in my FearLESS Living Fund bag from Stitched by Jessalu. She's filling pre-orders from last year first and then will put new listings up for sale so stay tuned.
Aurealis
Pattern: Aurealis by Jennifer Steingass
Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm)
Yarn: Cloudborn Fibers Highland DK in the Gray Heather colorway (MC) & Junction Fiber Mill Making Tracks DK in the Vermont Vice colorway (CC)
Size: C
My washed swatch was closer to 17/18 sts over 4 inches instead of the 20 it calls for so I'm knitting a different size to accommodate.
Stranger Things 2 Socks
Yarn: Desert Vista Dyeworks Viso base (75% SW Merino/25% Nylon) in the Stranger Things 2 Self Striping Colorway
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
granny squares- 1 color or 2 (colors on each half a diagonal)
I used Canva to help me figure out color placement to extend out the quilt pattern.
I am seaming squares using the Mattress Stitch.
I started working on this after being inspired by NDJen04's video about her scrappy blanket- you can find that find on YouTube.
I had the 2 color (on the diagonal) granny square memorized but totally forgot how to do those. Here's a helpful video I found that helped refresh my memory.
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.
In My Travels
My 12 year old niece, Millie, joined me to do a little recap of our visit to Wayland Winter Farmers' Market- Farm Fiber Days at Russell's Garden Center in Wayland, MA.
The sample we saw in the Plied booth is called Super Serene- available on Ravelry.
KAL News
Pigskin Party '24 #DCSPigskinParty24
Event Dates: Thursday September 5, 2024- Monday February 10, 2025
Find everything you need in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group
Official Sponsor for Q4:Fibernymph Dye Works- Small Gains Challenge (January 2025). Check out this Ravelry Thread for details.
Commentator Mary Klute's report-
It had been very cold lately in North America, even in places that are typically pretty warm in the winter (like Florida getting snow!). This has been no problem for pigskin partiers! The cold weather creates the perfect conditions for cozying up and finishing projects! In the huddle, there has been lots of discussion about what folks can reasonably finish before the end of the party. There was also an interesting discussion about how many WIPs folks can manage at one time. Unsurprisingly, there are a lot of different opinions on that.
Earlier this month, 43 players submitted for points as part of the Wild Card WIP challenge! Head on over to that thread to see pictures of projects that players had let languish or even forgot about--butnow they are finished!
plumunou finished a pair of socks. She'd abandoned the project because the first sock came out too short in the foot--let's face it, we've all been in this sort of situation--this challenge motivated her to finish the second sock and rip out the toe of the first one to lengthen the foot. Now she has a super cute pair of socks: https://www.ravelry.com/discuss/down-cellar-studio-podcast/4344427/26-50#34
Stitched by Jessalu FearLESS Living Fund bags are going out this week and next! 30% going to FearLESS Living Fund. More bags will be listed soon on her website so stay tuned.
You can buy the FearLESS Living Fund fabric that Jess designed on Spoonflower.
I don't think I shared but Mom opened hers right before Christmas and cried. It was really beautiful. You can find on my Day 24 Vlogmas video- click here to go right to that part of the video.
Check out the Millie Makes section on the Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel. Video 1 is up!
Thank you to KnittyELF40, Erika, who kindly gifted me her new bundle of patterns- Seasonal Blooms on Ravelry.
Life in Focus
My Word of the Year for 2025: Welcome
Verb: to greet hospitably and with courtesy or cordiality
Verb: to accept with pleasure the occurrence or presence of
Adjective: giving pleasure: received with gladness or delight especially in response to a need (A welcome addition)
Why I need this word:
This year will be a year filled with first after Mom's passing on January 1st. I need to welcome in the new year even when it feels hard, and welcome in whatever emotions come up as I make my way through 2025.
I've spent much time in the last few years focused on my mom (and I'm so glad I could do that), but now I'll have free time to welcome in new things. I want to be thoughtful about my time, but also open to welcoming in new things that will bring me joy.
My mother made everyone feel welcome and at home whether physically in her home or just with her as a person. I strive to make people feel welcome in my presence too and to use that to continue to strengthen the bonds of friendship and connection. I hope that this will help me keep alive the many relationships that Mom was able to maintain.
I am an introvert by nature and love the prospect of staying hour with hours of myself to plot out- but I know that I am happier and more fulfilled when I stay connected with those I love, so this year when I'm tempted to say "no thanks" I will try, when possible, to instead say "we'll come" a variation on welcome.
On a Happy Note
About 20 people showed up for one of Garret's hockey games that was nearby! Beautiful show of support and a fun night out.
I found the jewelry Mom gave me for Christmas! Surprise surprise, it was in a bag of knitting stuff that was brought home and put down cellar.
While I missed auditions as we prepped for the funeral, I got a dancing role in Kiss Me Kate with Meg. The show is the last week of April/first weekend in May.
Millie came for a 2 night sleepover during MLK weekend. She made us pancakes!
Organizing my mom's things. Eme came over and we look through craft supplies for a new project they want to do. I found a few things for me (mostly scissors and crochet hooks) and I purged some.
I put away the Christmas tree and put my new plant stand in place! I love it. Dan was going to order me a plant subscription, but instead we'll go together to a local place a few times a year and try to learn a little more about houseplants.
Dinner with my cousins at local Mexican restaurant.
I received a beautiful package of watercolor supplies in the mail from Rachel! Thank you so much. I can't wait to dive in.
I received many cards and notes from several of you. Thank you!!!
Millie, Ryan and I ran into listener, Donna, at Russell's. So lovely to see you!
Last weekend Riley came for a sleepover Saturday night. On Sunday, we picked up Aila and checked out one of her favorite antique stores and had a lot of fun browsing.
Dan invited my Dad, Tom and Oisin for dinner at The Snug.
Megg, Hattie and I went to see Peter Pan in Boston.
Quote of the Week
“Departure of a year welcomes so many new memories” ― Munia Khan
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.
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 289 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
Some Years Later
Knitting in Passing
Crafty Adventures
KAL News
Events
Life in Focus
On a Happy Note
Quote of the Week
Content Note: I start the episode by sharing news that most of you probably already know but in case not, will set the tone for the rest of the episode. After 3 long years battling Stage 4 Lung Cancer- we lost my Mom, Diane, on New Year's Day. I share a bit more of the story in the Life in Focus segment, but there are small moments peppered throughout so if death and loss is a difficult topic for you right now, that's ok. I just wanted to give a heads up. If this isn't the episode for you, we'll catch you in the next one.
Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
Wintermint Socks
Yarn: Woolens & Nosh SW Targhee Sock in the Wintermint Colorway
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
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.
Some Years Later
Wearing mostly Mom's handknits because I was there and didn't have all of my own to choose from.
I wore some of her socks especially when we ended up sleeping in the family room and it was chilly and I couldn't leave her alone.
Mom's blue Camp out fingerless mitts (Ravelry Project Page link)- 2021
Mom's Shift Cowl out of my handspun (Ravelry Project Page link)- 2022
Mom's Carbeth Cardigan (Ravelry Project Page link) - finished night before Rhinebeck in 2023 (while in Vegas)
Knitting in Passing
Millie loved her lipstick and nail polish amigurumi.
Hattie didn't get her Christmas gifts until after Miles' Baptism on 1/12- "be off you boring socks" and threw socks across the room and immediately put them on and was showing them off. It was very dramatic and adorable.
Laura sent me a text of her friend Arielle wearing the socks I knit her. You can find the Ravelry Project Page here.
Laura and I went back to my house one day to collect some things and Riley asked me to bring ALL THE KNITTING, so I grabbed a ton of stuff. She opened every single project bag and in the end still decided to knit on the Freckled Whimsy advent socks
Crafty Adventures
We printed almost 400 photos for 11 posters for the funeral home. We broke out the scrapbook supplies and tape gun which I can't believe Laura didn't steal because after an initial skepticism she and Jenny were very into it. Megg, Oisin and Riley were huge helps and had a lot of fun.
Megg and Laura searched house for memoriabilia stuff to make 3 displays for funeral home- Red Sox & reselling, Christmas and Wiz of Oz. Incredible. Funeral home did it just as well or even better.
Megg made these Sox and Bruins "tickets" on Canva
KAL News
Pigskin Party '24 #DCSPigskinParty24
Event Dates: Thursday September 5, 2024- Monday February 10, 2025
Find everything you need in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group
Tune in to see if you won our Quarter 3 Challenge sponsored by FanGirl Fibers.
Official Sponsor for Q4: Fibernymph Dye Works- Small Gains Challenge (January 2025). Check out this Ravelry Thread for details.
Tune in to see if you won a December participation prize.
Mary's Commentator Updates
I just finished a sweater--my first big project of the PSP. It took me months and it feels like a great accomplishment. Plus it is enough yards to qualify for a blitz! This got me thinking about blitzes and wondering how the pigskin partiers are doing with blitzes this year. When I just looked, players had already submitted for 202 blitzes this year! Amazing! But even more amazing are a handful of what I am calling super-blitzers!
2 players have already completed 6 blitzes so far this year! Can you believe it?
Spottydogknits finished two sweaters, one cardigan, a vest, a shawl and a scarf. Their Winterwald shawl is particularly pretty. It looks like a lot of fun to knit with a variety of mosaic colorwork.
In addition to these super-blitzers, 3 players have completed 5 blitzes and 3 more have completed 3! But don't be dismayed if you are a mere mortal like me--The best thing about the PSP is that you can make whatever you want (as much or as little as you have time for). Wishing you all a very happy new year!
Life in Focus
Tune in to hear the last of my Mom's story. I also reviewed my word for 2024, Heart, my goals and my 24 for 2024 list.
On a Happy Note
Seeing a local production of Pippin and introducing it to Riley.
Seeing Hattie in Funky Nutcracker & her winter dance recital. Check out Day 14 of Vlogmas for more.
Riley took her first solo drive as a licensed driver, made us breakfast and braided my hair. Later that day, friends surprised my Mom by caroling. Check out this video for more. Oisin got his license the following Saturday. Mom was so proud of both of them.
Silly moment putting TJ's gummy mustaches on our faces. Mom even got in on the action resting it on her oxygen tube and giving crazy eyes for a photo.
The Christmas eve cling wrap game that my cousin Lea hosted. You can see it at the end of my Vlogmas Day 24 video
Fun Christmas morning with G & Z who enjoyed the power wheels Jeep. Doing puzzles with G while Z played the piano.
Low key Christmas afternoon at my parents'. At one point Mom got confused and said we were at a wedding so that turned into a running joke all day. My cousin Jenny, mom's Goddaughter, came over for a bit and showed Mom the video that over 40 people sent in clips for. She said it was her fav Christmas gift.
Laura, whose timing is impeccable and who was everything I needed during the hardest time.
Shopping with friends to find attire for Mom's funeral.
Conor led the kids in singing Somewhere Over the Rainbow at mom's services and our friend Michael Hammond led a group singing Seasons of Love to finish the service at the Cemetery. My cousin Rita Marie sang at funeral mass.
Folks flew in from 12 states to attend which was lovely but also it got crazy once we realized we had way more people coming than would fit in he luncheon venue we talked to. Dad said it was like the Jerry Lewis telethon w/ everyone making phone calls trying to find a new venue. By the next morning, we found a place that worked, visited and picked out the menu by that night.
As ever, this segment is meant to focus on the highlights. Not the lowlights of which there have been many. Grief sucks. Its hard, but we also got 68 beautiful years w/ my Mom- and we lived it up royally in the last 3 since she got sick. We'll always more time but I don't have any regrets and that's something to be truly grateful for.
Miles' Baptism. It was a beautiful service with brunch after at Conor & Carly's.
Just before Christmas, we gave away $10k in FearLESS Living Fund scholarships to 2 gentlemen the Blind Center of Nevada. Friends attended and sent us videos. Just incredible. I hope it helps to really give them a leg up this year.
Quote of the Week
"There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love."
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.
Our Official Sponsor for Q2 (November) was Twin Mountain Handcrafts. Check this Ravelry thread for details about the Button challenge! Tune in to see if you're the winner!
Our Official Sponsor for Q3 (December) is Fangirl Fibers. Check out this Ravelry thread for details about the Colorwork challenge.
Commentator Mary Klute's report- CONTAINS RAVELRY LINKS🙂
This week, I wandered over to the end zone dance thread to take a peek at some of the beautiful projects folks have finished in the last month or so. Lots of players are double-dipping--that is, making projects that count for both the pigskin party and another make along!
KnitsandReads, oneyarn, Sandyrlevin all participated in the Arne & Carlos Christmas Stocking MKAL. Their finished objects are beautiful! Sandyrlevin even completed two!
Of course, many players are participating in the December Mystery Gnome KAL from PSP-sponsor Imagined Landscapes, but we'll have to wait a bit longer to see those FOs!
Finally, a few players are double-dipping with other KALs for the Q3 colorwork challenge--I think that would actually be a triple-dip--three ways to win prizes for one project!
VTKimmyKim and Cherlynpickering are participating in the "A Very Merry MKAL," which is a mystery colorwork cowl challenge.
LauraKnitsPA and tanksoup are participating in the "Step into Christmas MKAL," which is a mystery colorwork socks challenge.
I think all this double and triple dipping is a great motivator to be extra productive during the PSP!
Events
Wayland Winter Farmers' Market- Farm Fiber Days: January 19 & March 9, 2025 at Russell's Garden Center in Wayland, MA
Cancer unit where my mom stayed is always looking for donations of adult hats if you're looking for a place to donate. Reach out to me and I'm happy to coordinate.
Life in Focus
24 for 2024 list updates
Get 2 massages beyond the one per month at Massage Envy DONE
Read more books than you did in 2023 (50) 53 as of 12/11
Knit at least 1 finished project with handspun- Dan's citrus hat
Knit/crochet myself a new sweater Silverlining
On a Happy Note
Haircut & color with Erika
Visiting with Julie and Chris who came to visit from Ohio
80 min massage and running into my trainer from my former gym
Visiting with my cousins- Joanie, Nancy, Paul, Colleen and Erin
House clean out with Aila and Ois
Savers with Riley and Aila.
Hattie in Frozen Jr- Patrons, check out your feed for a private video of all of Hattie's highlights in the show.
Productive and successful software integration.
Quote of the Week
It doesn't interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart's longing. It doesn't interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love, for your dream, for the adventure of being alive... It doesn't interest me where or what or with whom you have studied. I want to know what sustains you, from the inside, when all else falls away.
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.
Join in to hear the latest updates about my Mom's cancer journey
Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
Owen's Christmas Stocking
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!
Pullover sweater similar to the Nanaimo Cardigan I like to make (Here's one of Megg's: Ravelry link).
Knitting in Passing
Knitting in Ambulance with Mom. Nicole, EMT, learned to crochet a year ago and showed me all sorts of photos of the blankets and sweaters she's made!
When we got home, Megg was there hanging out with Dan and Laura getting things ready for Mom to come home. She was tinking part of Miles' Christmas stocking because she messed up letter. Then Riley wanted to learn colorwork, so Megg was reading the chart and Riley was knitting. Win win!
Megg joined our last Patreon Zoom. She was working on crafts for upcoming Frozen Jr which she's dir/choreo. with some help from Dan- and reworking another colorwork chart for a stocking. Riley joined for a bit too which was fun!
Nicole sent Riley an advent! We are SOOO grateful. Thanks again!
KAL News
Pigskin Party '24 #DCSPigskinParty24
Event Dates: Thursday September 5, 2024- Monday February 10, 2025
Find everything you need in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group
Our Official Sponsor for Q3 (December) is Fangirl Fibers. Check out this Ravelry thread for details about the Colorwork challenge.
Commentator Mary Klute's report- CONTAINS RAVELRY LINKS🙂
This month, pigskin partiers have been getting really creative with buttons, thanks to our quarter 2 challenge sponsored by twin mountain handcrafts. I've seen lots of different varieties of ponytail/messy bun hats. Our umpire socalknitgirl, was the first to post one of these in the Q2 thread and it looks great! You can also check out some other examples by skymama09, fldhckygrl, stitchintime82, and Aliceortega
Cowls have been another popular option. A few people have made the supine cowl. Check out the finished projects by hawkeyegirl3, ronnale, and jeanscully. I always think it is fun to see how different a pattern can look when worked up in different color combinations. Speaking of cowls, kikukat's deco fan cowl is absolutely beautiful! What a cool pattern and her color choices were spot on!
Players thought of a lot of other creative ways to use buttons this month! I've seen two emotional support chickens so far with button embellishments (kimbuktu7 and heelsknitter). scitchr made an adorable Santa Clause Doll (with removable clothes! impressive!). And lmecoll and ladida2u embellished their gnomes with buttons!
I encourage you all to head on over to the Quarter 2 thread to check out these amazing finished objects along with many others!
Events
Wayland Winter Farmers' Market- Farm Fiber Days: January 19 & March 9, 2025 at Russell's Garden Center in Wayland, MA
I'm going to plan to record at least some Vlogmas videos, depending on how the next few weeks go. Any requests of things you want to see?
On a Happy Note
Megg and I went to see a local production of Cabaret.
Laura flew in to visit!
We saw Oisin in his high school's production of Hadestown. He was fantastic! Before the show, Laura and I picked up Millie and met Megg Hattie and Eme for dinner at the Cottage.
Millie slept over and made us pancakes for breakfast.
We hit a local craft fair that's become a tradition for us. Liz joined us too. I bought some beautiful pottery- a mug, 2 bowls and a planter.
I've been wearing my Silverlining sweater non-stop! I love that it matches earrings Eme made me.
Thanksgiving at my cousin Susan's.
Funny story- Mom wanting to get the kids ready in the middle of the night. She just needed toilet paper and wall paper!
So grateful for Laura coming and just being here to support me. I have some great friends, so blessed but she's defintely one of the best.
Quote of the Week
There are unheralded tipping points, a certain number of times that we will unlock the front door of an apartment. At some point you were closer to the last time than you were to the first time, and you didn’t even know it. You didn’t know that each time you passed the threshold you were saying good-bye.
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.
Size B: 12 inches underarm to body. 40 inches around. I thought I was getting 18 sts/4 inches but I got 19, so it is 40 inches not 42 inches around.
I was thrilled to meet Peggy from Junction Fiber Mill at Fiber Festival of New England. They shared a clip of my video on their podcast which you can find here.
Welcome to Litchfield Hat
Pattern: Citrus Hat by Laura Treadway (free knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
Yarn: Handspun (Ravelry Project Page)- Into the Whirled; 2 braids Texel & BFL Tussah Silk in the Welcome to Litchfield Colorway + Traveler colorway on Cheviot base to make a 3 ply yarn
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
I shared stories of how Dan bailed me out of a knitting emergency and Riley sent me photos of her progress on her Riley Rose Cowl- a free pattern by me- available on Ravelry | LoveCrafts
Met up with Michelle (chellescraps) and her friends in the morning. Great to see Lisa- who met us at Rhinebeck after following mom's Crispina Scrapbox challenge project! Find a photo of mom in that outfit in this Instagram post.
It was great to see Jen, Carlos, Aurora and Zelda around lunch time,vAmy from Ross Farm & Jess from Stitched by Jessalu .
KAL News
Pigskin Party '24 #DCSPigskinParty24
Event Dates: Thursday September 5, 2024- Monday February 10, 2025
Find everything you need in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group
Tune in to see if you're the Q1 Challenge Winner (hint- the winner posted this blog post about her project) or if you won an October Participation Prize.
We are 10 weeks into the NFL season (and our knit a long) so I thought it would be fun to take a look at the scoreboard to see if any players had completed 10 or more projects...that is, averaging at least one project per week. I was stunned. Over 35 players have completed 10 or more projects!
Leading the way is player eyenowhour who has completed 27 projects--including 5 shawls and 12 baby garments! Impressive!
But don't be dismayed if you can't imagine being as productive as eyenowhour! The great thing about the PSP is you can craft as much or as little as you want and still have a chance to win!
Events
Wayland Winter Farmers' Market- Farm Fiber Days: January 19 & March 9, 2025 at Russell's Garden Center in Wayland, MA
My friend Linda is looking for donations of 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 the First Church in Woburn, MA. 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!
I also talked about Socks for Sam. Check out their website. You can raise awareness for VWM by knitting a sock using #SocksForSam and tagging @Knitsocksforsam.
Life in Focus
I shared some updates about Mom's new cancer treatments and recent hospital stays.
On a Happy Note
I'm finding it very hard to be happy after the US election, but I try hard to look for these happy notes. As Gretchen Rubin reminded us on a recent episode of the Happier Podcast it is not selfish or unimportant to look for ways to be happy even when and especially when life feels really hard. When we are happier, we can do more to assert our values in the world and do hard things, so I started this segment with that reminder.
Knitting on Hattie's socks and Sue's Instagram live on the day after the election helped me through a very difficult day.
Halloween!
Leaning into connecting with my people- whether that's work, friends, family, knitting community. Its small but its powerful.
During Mom's first infusion, we played UNO. Mom slaughtered us! Dad got up and jokingly said he was going to smother her with a pillow before she could beat us any further and she was laughing so hard she almost offed herself! That was a bit of levity we all needed that night.
We watched G&Z while their parents went out for their anniversary and again on Veteran's Day.
Date night with Dan between Mom's treatments. I had a delicious pumpkin beer- Night Shift Pumpkin Piescraper Pumpkin Pie Ale.
I went to see & Juliet with Megg, Terri, Liz and Riley. Then I had a sleepover at my brothers where Riley, Millie and I inadvertently had a matching PJs night.
Quote of the Week
“The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.”
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.
About the yarn: blues, grays, cream and a bit of a salmony orange. Self patterning yarn.
On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
Owen's Christmas Stocking
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!
Check out my video tutorial for using Cate's Clasp Weft Join along with Helical Knitting.
I measured Hattie's foot recently when she tried on this WIP. I need a 7-7.5 inch foot. Toe will be 12 rounds, which is about an inch of knitting, so Ii knit a little more than 6 inches before starting the toe.
Progress: First sock finished.
Better Waverly Cardigan
Pattern: Better Waverly by Taylor E Owen. $8 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry.
Yarn: Lion Brand Fishermen's Wool in the Brown Heather Colorway
Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm)
Ravelry Project Page
About the Pattern: I saw Taylor talk about this pattern in her recent YouTube Video.
Progress: Still working on the raglan increases
Silverlining Sweater
Pattern: Silverlining by Jennifer Steingass $8 pattern available on Ravelry
Yarn: Lion Brand Fishermen's Wool in the Oatmeal Colorway + Junction Fiber Mill Making Tracks Yarn in the Day's End Colorway
Gilmore Girls: The Official Knitting Book: Knit Your Way Through Stars Hollow and Beyond by Tanis Gray- available on Amazon. Link to patterns on Ravelry.
Be sure to check out: A Thousand Yellow Daisies by Beth Leath- Ravelry Pattern Link
I also like the Daily News Hat by Alina Appasova- Ravelry Pattern Page.
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
Dan went to a Better Off Dead movie party. I helped him make pig ears to sew onto a chef's hat (he did the sewing).
He also made slime (with raisins because "you like raisins') and lots of other props from the movie.
KAL News
Pigskin Party '24 #DCSPigskinParty24
Event Dates: Thursday September 5, 2024- Monday February 10, 2025
Find everything you need in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group
Our Official Sponsor for Q1 (October) is The Little Wolf Knits. This means you've got a challenge that can earn you more points and entry towards a cool prize. Check out the challenge details in this Ravelry post. Winner will be announced in the next episode.
Check out this article if you're an Apple user who plans to become a member of any new Patreon communities to avoid this 30% fee to Apple. You can check out my Patreon page here.
Life in Focus
I gave a quick update on Mom who will be starting a new cancer treatment on 11/1/24. Keep her in your thoughts and prayers, please.
On a Happy Note
Outing with Mom to get eyelash extensions & Savers.
Grand Opening of Dance Legacy Arts + Hattie preview of Frozen Jr. Movies (Substance= terrible) + dinner with Megg (lovely)
Ryan and Nicki visit with Mom, Dad and me after Rhinebeck & they brought me a skein of yarn!
2 massages in 1 week (24 for 2024 list)
Dan and I went to vote together last Saturday morning, then I headed over to a local Sample Sale, knitting on my Silverlining sweater while I waited and listening to others local gossip. I got a ton of Christmas shopping done, then I met up with my mom's friends Patrick and Szymon in from Arizona. Mom, our friend Sharon (in from CT) and our cousin Linda (who I just found out listens- HI), met us for lunch! Liz came over and we watched Little Women (2019 version) which I hadn't seen and was on our to watch list. (3 of 5 movies for my 24 in 2024 list).
I visited my parents on Sunday. Millie and Garret were there. We took a walk to neighborhood nearby for Mom's PT for the day.
Group text with friends who went to VT- about our sweaters and other adjacent things. Lots of fun and motivation.
Monday night dinner with my parents, Patrick and Szymon.
Early morning walk to local State park. beautiful sunrise and golden leaves around the reservoir. Need to do this more often.
Quote of the Week
It doesn’t matter how strong your opinions are. If you don’t use your power for positive change, you are indeed part of the problem.
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.
Started August 5th but never talked about on the podcast.
Purchased during Cape and South Shore Yarn Haul a year or two ago.
Ended up being about 48g. Still have about 56 g leftover so I will make another.
On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
Owen's Christmas Stocking
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!
About the yarn: 6 stripes in blues/teals, 3 in creams/yellows- Pigskin Pro Shop Sponsor
Purchased from Michele at VT Sheep and Wool. Wound up the yarn on Sue’s ballwinder the next morning and knit most of the leg of the first sock on a boat on Lake Champlain with Sue & Dave Stokes, Paige and Paul Miller and Rachel!!
Woolens & Nosh is a Pigskin Pro Shop Sponsor
Dirty Crayon Box Socks
Yarn: Fiber Stash Strong Toes Sock (80% SW Merino/ 20% Nylon) in the Dirty Crayon Box Colorway
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
Pattern: Citrus Hat by Laura Treadway (free knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
Yarn: Handspun (Ravelry Project Page)- Into the Whirled; 2 braids Texel & BFL Tussah Silk in the Welcome to Litchfield Colorway + Traveler colorway on Cheviot base to make a 3 ply yarn
I fell in love with the Love Today Cowl by Knit Sisu that I saw at a VT Sheep and Wool. I found some of my handspun (Ravelry page here) that I thought would work, wound it up and then did a wraps per inch test and its too thin. I went back to the handspun bin, and found another skein (Ravelry page) and now I'm thinking they'd be nice in the Inclinations Cowl by Andrea Mowy (Ravelry | website).
The goal of this cowl was for a potential Christmas gift even though I'd like it for me, but I think with these 2 skeins of handspun I want to keep it, so we'll see if I cast these on now or let it marinate, because I also want to cast on a sweater for me, and more socks and hats for Christmas gifts.
I swatched for a sweater with yarn from VT Sheep and Wool. More on that next time.
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.
Some Years Later
I've been wearing lots of woolies lately as have my loved ones!
Same as It Ever Was by Sarah Jordan (Pigskin Sponsor)- Ravelry Project Page
Dad wore his Musselburgh to Topsfield Fair- Ravelry Project Page
Megg also wore Nanaimo Cardigan to Mamma Mia- Ravelry Project Page
I also have 2 Nanaimos that I've been wearing- the original one I knit is in earthy oatmealy tones and the other in gray- Ravelry Project Page 1 & Ravelry Project Page 2 here.
I'm also wearing a lot of wool socks, especially with wool clogs. I need more supportive clogs for walking. Any suggestions for me?
In My Travels
Check out my VT Sheep and Wool Vlog Video on YouTube. Patrons, check out the video linked in your feed for more photos and no ads.
Our Official Sponsor for Q1 (October) is The Little Wolf Knits. This means you've got a challenge that can earn you more points and entry towards a cool prize. Check out the challenge details in this Ravelry post
Q2- November- sneak peek- sponsor= Twin Mountain Handcrafts- using buttons!
Commentator Mary Klute's report:
The first quarter challenge has really inspired pigskin partiers! There has been a lot of chatter in the huddle thread about the new techniques folks are planning to meet the requirements of the challenge!
Some players are planning to tackle knitting techniques that they have never tried before like half fisherman's rib, colorwork, intarsia, magic loop, a new cast on or bind off, and brioche.
Others are trying out a new tool like an i-cord maker or a new knitting app
Others are trying new kinds of projects: a garment with lace down the side, joggers, knitting a shawl for the first time, knitting a shawl with an unusual construction, and colorwork socks
A couple of people have mentioned joining mystery knit a longs for the challenge
Others have mentioned using varieties of yarn they've never used before like boucle yarn or non-superwash wool.
And a finally a bunch of players are planning crochet projects--some who have never successfully crocheted before and others who want to grow their crochet skills by moving beyond granny squares or learning how to join crocheted pieces.
This challenge is really motivating players to step out of their comfort zones! If you still haven't decided what to do for the quarter 1 challenge--head on over to the huddle thread for some inspiration!
My friend Linda is looking for donations of 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 the First Church in Woburn, MA. 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
2024 Word of the Year- Heart
2024- Goals:
Use my podcast/YouTube/Instagram following to raise money for the FearLESS Living Fund (details in the Ravelry group- and email if you're one of our regular sponsors)
Make & assess goals every month in 2024
Monthly review of number of workouts + weigh on at least twice a month.
Stretch/Theragun 2-4 times a week
24 for 2024 List Updates
Get 2 massages beyond the one per month at Massage Envy (1 at Oasis in July, 1 scheduled Oct had to move. scheduled 2 more)
Read more books than you did in 2023 (50) 45 as of now
Knit at least 1 finished project with handspun in progress
Knit/crochet myself a new sweater swatched
Make a Christmas afghan for the living room- in progress
Try a new local restaurant - Lolita (want one even MORE local)
October 4: we celebrated my dad's birthday with an evening cookout and swim! Dad left the pool open while mom was in the hospital, and heated it back up to a warm 88 degrees for us to all enjoy one last swim.
VT Sheep and Wool!!!
Mom, Dad, my Uncle Bob and Aunt Wendy all went to the Topsfield Fair. Beautiful quilts, handknits, emotional support chickens. Live Laugh Love cross stitch- live, laugh, love. Mom got some blue tinsel in her hair! Adorable.
Saw everyone's photos of the Northern Lights on Facebook on the way home so I had to take a few!
Baby Jane- adapted for the stage by my Mom's friend Michael Hammond for Company Theatre- Marybeth in it.
Quote of the Week
Bob Dylan on the advice his father gave him: "Even if you don't have all the things you want, be grateful for the things you don't have that you don't want."
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.
Yarn gifted to me by my friend Heather. We became friends through the dancing school we went to. Her mother was the stage manager and my mom was the house manager for our recitals. We've all know each other since I was 12. Heather's mother Rita passed away a few years ago. When Heather heard my mom was in the hospital she dropped off a care package at the dancing school- chemo caps for Mom and yarn from her mom's stash for me!
Rita's pumpkins
Pattern: Pumpkin by June Gilbank. Free crochet pattern available on Ravelry. Free version available here.
Yarn: KnitKraft Wintuk Yarn in the Tangerine Colorway
Yarn is definitely 1970s/1980s squeeky acrylic, so not my favorite to work with, but it feels great to put it to good use and to bring a bit of life to Rita's old stash.
Farmhouse Pumpkin
Pattern: Farmhouse Pumpkins by More Dreams Less Life. $4.25 crochet pattern available on Ravelry.
Yarn: KnitKraft Wintuk Yarn in the Tangerine Colorway
The pattern calls for thicker yarn and a larger hook than I had. It also calls for what's essentially a 1x1 ribbed look, but I liked the look of the ribbing from the front/back post crochets on the Farmhouse Pumpkins, so I used that pattern instead. I used the stitch count from my Ball Band with a Twist pattern (available on Ravelry | LoveCrafts).
On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
Farmhouse Pumpkin
Pattern: Farmhouse Pumpkins by More Dreams Less Life. $4.25 crochet pattern available on Ravelry.
I initially grabbed the yarn from Heather and threw some in my bag for the hospital and rest (still in its plastic Thom McCann shoe store bag lol into my craft room). I though the other skein of Wintuk was red- but when I went down there again, I realized it was rust! and the pumpkin madness continued!
Cast on Saturday 9/28 watching Season 2 of the OA with Dan on Netflix.
Static Musselburgh
Pattern: Musselburgh Hat by Ysolda Teague (7 GBP Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry & Ysolda's website)
Yarn: Knit Picks Static Fingering Weight Yarn in the Peppercorn colorway
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
Talked to several nurses and other staff about my knitting and crochet while in with Mom. One PCA learned to knit before but said she never really full understood it. I told her I'd be happy to meet her for coffee and a lesson anytime.
The staff all oooh and ahhh over Mom's handknit socks.
One morning when Mom was really out of it from anesthesia the day before, I was putting on her handknit socks and I had them totally crooked, heel on the side, and she was busting my chops. I told her "hey, I said I was good at knitting them, not putting them on!" and she insisted on taking a photo for me to share! Little glimpses of her coming back to her real self were great- even if it was going to be a bit more time before she was back to normal.
I recently saw a notice in my town's Facebook page that the senior center is looking for yarn they can use to make things to sell at holiday's craft fairs. PSA: even if your community hasn't reached out- see if they need yarn so you can clear out anything you don't need and know it will go to good use.
KAL News
Pigskin Party '24 #DCSPigskinParty24
Event Dates: Thursday September 5, 2024- Monday February 10, 2025
Find everything you need in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group
Tailgate Talk Challenge- Click here for Ravelry Link
Great way to get to know your team. There will be daily prompts from 9/5 through 9/16. Answer them in your Team thread in the Ravelry Group. If you answer them all, no more than 2 per day, you'll get 150 points (as long as you enter them on the Points Tally form by 10/1).
Our Official Sponsor for Q1 (October) is The Little Wolf Knits. This means you've got a challenge that can earn you more points and entry towards a cool prize. Check out the challenge details in this Ravelry post
Commentator Mary Klute's report- One of the best things about the pigskin party is the community! It is so much fun to get to know other players and the annual Tailgate Talk is a great way to do that. It looks like this year's Tailgate Talk was a great success--at the time of this report nearly 200 players had submitted for their Tailgate Talk points! But players aren't just chatting--they are also finishing projects! So far there are 307 finished projects on the scoreboard, including 10 blitzes! And it looks like players are really using sponsor products to rack up some extra points. So far, finished projects have earned over 50 points on average by using sponsor products! Symama09 is a great example of how to really maximize those sponsor points. She earned 280 sponsor points on her recently finished gnome by using 2 proshop exclusive products, three proshop non-exclusive products, and two products from snack shack sponsors! Her gnome is super cute too- check out the Ravelry Project Page here! Finally, don't forget to spread the word about the PSP! You can join 14 players who have been earning points by drafting players!
Tune in to hear if you're a September Participation Prize winner. I will be in touch with all winners via email.
Know of an event I should spread the word about? Let me know!
Contest, News & Notes
My friend Linda is looking for donations of 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 the First Church in Woburn, MA. 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
Update on Mom: Diane is still in the hospital after being admitted on 9/12.
Attempts at the bedside to put filler into her right vocal cord to bring back her voice didn't work, so they brought her down to the OR and did the procedure there. She has so much more volume now! She doesn't notice a huge difference but we all do.
We thought about 2 weeks in that she'd be going home, bags were all packed and they decided to do a last minute CT which showed spots in her lungs. We were told it wasn't cancer but it took until Thursday to do a Bronchoscopy to reveal the cause of that issue- 2 different bacterial infections. Of course at first we were told it was just 1 and she could go home on oral antibiotics. 10 minutes later the other was found and now she has to stay for at least a few days of IV antibiotics.
How to make it fun in the hospital
Get to know your caregivers; find out what you have in common. It makes it more interesting if you can actually have a bond with the people you're interacting with on a regular basis.
Get some new pajamas- especially if that's all you get to wear. If your family can stay over with you- get matching PJs. It's a little thing but it can make it feel a bit more special.
Find ways to make the little things into bigger things. Our first matching PJ night, we wore flamingo pajamas. In advance of that, I purchased flamingo decorations at the party store and bought light up necklaces, straws & ice cubes to turn the evening into a party.
The next night, we planned to have an ice cream sundae party. The unit always has ice cream on hand. Mom ordered a peach puree from the daily menu and I saved M&Ms that my cousin Jenny brought and we had an ice cream party. As it turns out, I spotted fireworks out the windows of the elevator lobby that night and was able to bring Mom over to see. Made what could have been an average night - or a depressign one because we thought she'd be home, more entertaining.
Have folks send in mail and bring it to the patient! Chellescraps- Michelle, sent a bouquet of paper flowers (I believe they're from freshcutpaper)- my brother's family also got her one early on in her stay (these are great because, you may not know this but some patients cannot have fresh cut flowers- burn patients, some immunocompromised patients etc); Sewrunknit, Suzanne, sent a funny card, ElsaandEm, Emily, sent a handknit/embroidered flower pin, my cousin Jenny brought a WonderWoman balloon and ironically on the same day, a friend dropped off a Wonder Woman pillow at the house (great to use to push into Mom's side when she had pain)
Ask friends and family to text photos and videos! Hattie sent Mom the cutest video of a little dance/kartwheel which was so fun.
On a Happy Note
Sharpie Rollerball Pens (.5mm)- available on Amazon. The only thing that would make it better is if it was a click top, but I'm totally willing to live without the convenience.
Trader Joe's Honey Hydration Day & Night Cream Duo. $7.99 (dupe for Farmacy Honey Halo, which I've never tried)
One day when my SIL brought Riley, Garret and Millie in to see Mom at the hospital, Millie said she wanted to see my office, so since Mom was still at her MRI, we took a detour. Millie did a full on simulation of me at work, drinking selzter, typing on my computer etc.
My parents celebrated their 47th Wedding Anniversary. Thankfully Dan had more brain cells and time than the rest of us and got Mom flowers on his way in to visit.
I picked up my grandmother to bring her in for a visit with my Mom. We had a lovely visit.
My cousin Sabrina came up from Tennessee with her girlfriend Maria for a visit with my Mom. It was so great catching up with them.
Watching The American President. I love that movie. Mom and I had been talking about it in the hospital that day- specifically the line from Michael J. Fox (as Lewis Rothschild) "I tell any girl I'm going out with to assume that all plans are soft until she receives confirmation from me thirty minutes beforehand." Robin McCall: "And they find this romantic?" Lewis Rothschild: "Well, I say it with a great deal of charm."
I was able to use our John Deere tractor/backhoe to free myself when a tree fell in our driveway and I was trapped. Dan was in Vermont and I thought I'd have to call my nephew Oisin but it didn't come to that!
I scored a $300 ski bag with a charging set-up for boot warmers for $15 at a yard sale this weekend.
Trader Joe's pumpkin Kringle! with Cinnamon coffee.
Quote of the Week
Strive to be whole, not perfect, for in wholeness we embrace both our strengths and our flaws, while in perfection, we lose the beauty of our true selves. -Unknown
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.
About the yarn- lemon yellow, sherbet orange and pink. I worked the first heel in a pink sparkle yarn from Legacy Fiber Artz because I have some spiral striping going on and didn’t want to disrupt it.
2 blankets, a cowl, 3 hats, a book holder, a pair of mitts, 11 pairs of socks, 1 Christmas stocking, 2 tops and 4 skeins of yarn
Jasmin’s total: 29,811 with the meters for a finished spinning project not yet on her spreadsheet. I always knew if she buckled down and finished one of her massive spinning projects she’d annihilate me and she finally did! One of her spinning projects was 23k! Nicely done, friend!! My hat is off to you.
On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
Static Musselburgh
Pattern: Musselburgh Hat by Ysolda Teague (7 GBP Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry & Ysolda’s website)
Yarn: Knit Picks Static Fingering Weight Yarn in the Peppercorn colorway
Listened to this because I want to watch the Netflix series based on this starring Sarah Chalke & Katherine Heigl
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
During Marta’s visit, the kids turned the living room at my parents’ into a craft room. Millie knit on the hat she’s making for her dad. Riley worked on crochet hexagons for our matching blankets. Roc crocheted on a crab and eventually started a giraffe amigurumi and a baby hat. Riley taught Roc to make a crochet hexagon. Even Max & Garret got in on the action and did some drawing.
One of the first afternoons, we were sitting at the bar at my parents’ pool. Marta was sewing up a hole in Max’s shirt, I was finishing some socks and Roc was crocheting his crab.
Throughout the trip, Roc (age 12) was crocheting constantly- in the car, at the table, at the park, anytime he had a few free minutes. He was incredibly adept at chatting and keeping up with his pattern working in increases and decreases.
We ended up going to 6 craft stores- Plymouth Harbor Knits, Michaels, Joann, The Craft Loft, Hobby Lobby, Gather Here. Roc also got a crochet kit at Dollar Tree (the same dinoaur my niece Aila bought earlier this summer).
We had a campfire at my house one night. Roc, Millie and Hattie spent most of the night crafting in my studio.
We visited my house after kayaking & ice cream one afternoon- Hattie also did a bit of knitting on my Musselburgh hat. I found a few dropped stitches the next time I picked it up but that’s ok.
Crafty Adventures
Marta, Roc and I did some resin projects while they were visiting. Roc put resin in the bottom of a small wooden crate and then we worked together on a pumpkin lazy susan.
KAL News
Pigskin Party ’24 #DCSPigskinParty24
Event Dates: Thursday September 5, 2024- Monday February 10, 2025
Find everything you need in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group
Playoff Prediction Contest: Check this Ravelry Thread on 9/4 for post. Choose the NFL team you think will win the Super Bowl this year (before the thread closes on 9/19). Correct guesses will get you extra points.
Tailgate Talk Challenge– Click here for Ravelry Link
Great way to get to know your team. There will be daily prompts from 9/5 through 9/16. Answer them in your Team thread in the Ravelry Group. If you answer them all, no more than 2 per day, you’ll get 150 points (as long as you enter them on the Points Tally form by 10/1).
The season is off to a great start! The first Monday Night Football game was still on and there were already 18 projects in the end zone dance thread! There were lots of hats and dishcloths, of course, as these are often quick projects. But one player went above and beyond! Shellylynnknits already completed a blitz in 4 days! She crocheted a scrap yarn basket that is super cool! https://www.ravelry.com/projects/Shellylynnknits/scrap-yarn-basket That pattern looks like a really fun idea for using up scraps!
The September chat thread is in full swing. There are lots of old friends reconnecting after some months away and new players introducing themselves and getting warm welcomes. There is a lot of chatter about life events, plans for pigskin, and an interesting discussion about why people like knitting socks. In addition, if you are a reader or a cook, be sure to check out that Pigskin Book Talk (Ravelry Link) and Pigskin Recipe Ideas (Ravelry Link)! threads as they are quite lively too! Don’t be worried about falling behind on any of these threads…you can jump in at any time!
Know of an event I should spread the word about? Let me know!
Contest, News & Notes
My friend Linda is looking for donations of 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 the First Church in Woburn, MA. 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! This year they’re especially looking for men’s things.
Life in Focus
2024 Word of the Year- Heart
Thank you Emily for sending me a knit & embroidered heart pin! Its so beautiful and it made my day!
Update on Mom:
Mom had a couple good days while Marta was visiting. Grateful we were able to spend time together even when she couldn’t leave the house. The sound of the boys laughing brought her joy.
She had the catheter removed from her lung. Began having throat issues that worsened day after day. On Thursday 9/12 came for scans and chemo, but only had scans and then was admitted. She’s had a whole slew of tests and so far they haven’t found anything wrong which is good news, but we still need to get to the bottom of things.
One bit of good news, she should be having an injection of filler into her paralyzed right vocal cord that will allow her voice to come back.
Ask Me Anything
Herdofhills asked about: fall project plans, books, favorite fall recipes
I am looking forward to: apple picking, apple sauce, wood chopping weekend, oven baked oatmeal (here’s a recipe I like to use), a Better Off Dead movie party,
I’ve already enjoyed watching Hocus Pocus (1 & 2), pulling out the wool socks and wearing those at night, decorating, overnight oats for breakfast which I tend to eat more in fall/winter. Even better for fall is warm.
Deborahjay- Love is blind UK
I was watching but got sidetracked with Marta’s visit. For the first time, I found myself fast forwarding through the pre-wedding stuff to hear yes/no. Liked that it seemed like folks were actually there for love and that the cast was far less dramatic than the US participants.
kjkcrochet- I’d love to know a little bit more about your job
I’m a Project Manager in the Nursing Dept of a big boston hospital, supporting a communication system and other projects thank involve communication, responsiveness (to patients) and technology). Tune in to hear more.
On a Happy Note
Max’s reaction to Plymouth Rock!
Teaching Roc some new crochet stitches and seeing his enthusiasm. He’s definitely my new buddy. My heart almost burst when he sent me a screenshot of his Home Screen- photo of us outside the Craft Loft in Cambridge.
Handpicked sunflowers from my friend Eileen’s garden.
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.
Pattern: Log Cabin Mitts by Karen Templar (free knitting pattern available on Ravelry & on this site)
Yarn: Barnyard Knits, Fuse Fiber Studio, One Twisted Tree (shop formerly own Prairie Girl Danie) + other leftover sock yarn
Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm)
9 sections of garter stitch log cabin. I decided to knit the 2 squares concurrently so I'd remember which yarns I used for each section, not reading ahead enough to know that you were supposed to work them slightly differently to make matching mitts, but that doesn't bother me at all, so I just went with it and mine are opposites. I like that I can see all of the colors on the top or bottoms of my hands.
60g fingering weight yarn (held double)
253.8 meters for Stash Dash
Rafa's Hat
Yarn: Malabrigo Rios in the Cielo y Tierra colorway
Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm)
Pattern: Rafa's Hat by Joji Locatelli (free knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
Yarn: Qing Fibre Dashing Fingering Base in the Salt colorway (cream with blips of neons & gray) & a 50g Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes Micro Skein in a Mystery Colorway (gray)
Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
Bought the Qing Fibres Yarn in London in November 2022 with Laura. She chose this skein from my stash in 2023 not realizing we bought it when we were together.
Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick. Centers in colorways- Fern, Coney Island, Seaglass, Slate. Borders- Wheat & Oatmeal
Hook: 10mm (N/P)
2 rounds of color- 1 round of wheat or oatmeal
30 done in July. 47 done by August 7th. Had to order more yarn (twice) and ended up with 96 hexagons. The blanket is nearly the size of a full sized comforter.
Last summer's hexi blanket was fingering held double- 60x84 inches and took about 300 hexis which were 4 rounds each (these have only 3). (Check out the Ravelry Project Page here)
Berry Bliss Socks
Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock (75% SW Merino/25% Nylon) in the Berry Bliss Colorway (May 2024 Yarnable Box) & Legacy Fiber Artz Glitzy Toes (pink mini from 2023 Advent Calendar)
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
Finished the first sock and am nearly to the heel on the second sock. I'm helical striping the LFA yarn and used leftover Knit Picks Felici Self Striping Yarn (purple, blue and a pumpkin orange) for the heel and toes.
You can't tell its striped at all. Looks like 1 cohesive colorway.
Progress: first sock finished, nearly to the heel on the second sock.
Brainstorming
I'm debating starting my first Woolens and Nosh advent sock early since December is hectic I never get as far as I'd like.
I thought I could make a sweater from me with the leftovers of Mom's Rhinebeck Sweater yarn, but it doesn't look like I'll have enough yarn, so that project is on hold. Perhaps I'll look for more yarn to add to it and save it for that.
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
Last Saturday, Oisin came here to Work with Dan. When Megg, Tom and Hattie came to pick him up they stayed for a chat. Hattie got out the ponies and Barbies, then she abandoned that to knit on my Berry Lemonade socks with me. She did fantastic after a quick reminder of the stitches and even took my feedback about putting her left index finger on the second stitch on the needle to prevent that from falling off while slipping the stitch she just worked, off the left needle.
Hattie asked to start her own pair of socks (ambitious) and tried on scrappy helical socks I started in November (Ravelry Project Page)
She tried on the scrappy helical socks I started in November and they fit. I need about 1.5 inches before toe on the first sock, so I should pick those back up soon.
KAL News
Pigskin Party '24 #DCSPigskinParty24
Event Dates: Thursday September 5, 2024- Monday February 10, 2025
Find everything you need in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group
Playoff Prediction Contest: Check the Ravelry Group on 9/4 for post. Choose the NFL team you think will win the Super Bowl this year (before the thread closes on 9/19). Correct guesses will get you extra points.
Tailgate Talk Challenge- Click here for Ravelry Link
Great way to get to know your team. There will be daily prompts from 9/5 through 9/16. Answer them in your Team thread in the Ravelry Group. If you answer them all, no more than 2 per day, you'll get 150 points (as long as you enter them on the Points Tally form by 10/1).
This year, we'll have 4 primary challenges during the full months of the event- Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan. Stay tuned for those details. The sponsors are:
The Knit Girllls are hosting their annual Stash Dash Event from May 24-August 31,2024.
Here's a chatter thread for stash dash 2024! Stash Dash will run from May 24th-the end of August. Craft all the things and see how your FO pile grows! This is a competition only against yourself.
Know of an event I should spread the word about? Let me know!
Life in Focus
Mom Update: After Whole Brain Radiation, Mom went right into 5 targeted radiation treatments to help reduce the size of the cancer in a lymph node that was pressing on nerves that then get in the way of her right vocal cord. As of about mid-July, she didn't have any voice, and they hoped to correct that. On her last day of that radiation, she also had a PleureX cathetered installed in her right lung to allow regular at-home drainage to keep that pressure off her lung. The day after that- Dad and I tested positive for Covid and by Monday Mom had too. Thankfully Dad and I had only mild symptoms and Mom had none- which was a blessing because the insertion of that port left her riddled with pain for days.
Now she's coming out of that but starting a new chemo. We're hopeful that this will take away some of her pain and its already meant she doesn't need her lung drained as frequently. Hoping September will be a better month for her than the last couple.
Ask Me Anything
NDoyle asks: What has been your favorite item you've made this year and why?
Millie's Squishmallow Sheltie Dog that I crocheted without a pattern- Ravelry Project Page
Marilynknits- What gauge do you knit your socks at?
8-8.5 sts per inch.
56 sts on US 1.5 needles= 6.5 to 7 inch circumference
On a Happy Note
I am very relieved that Covid was mild for us, especially for my Mom. Also very grateful that my brother who was on vacation in Virginia just as we came down with Covid, ended up having a bicycle accident that left him with bruises all over and a broken rib- but is going to be OK. I made everyone promise we'd all stay out of the hospital for one full week!
Visits with my cousin Jenny and her daughter Vera who often come over to see my Mom.
Weekend pool time, especially with our youngest niece and nephew who are absolute fishies!
My dear friend Nathan (only a couple years older than me) had a successful heart and kidney transplant only 1 day apart from each other but is recovering well. Our family all bought t-shirts and made donations to help his family and got a great photo to send him poolside one afternoon!
My Mom wanted to get eyelash extensions so she, my cousin Jenny and I all went and it was a lovely experience.
Dan and I picked up my grandmother and we all went to my cousin Nancy's Surprise 60th birthday. Mom and Gram both had a great day that. Beautiful sunny poolday with all the kiddos swimming, I caught up with many of my cousins who I don't get to see all the time, learned there's another new baby coming in January and enjoyed fresh pizza from a woodfired oven. We also sang to my grandmother.
From there, we headed to Terri's Graduation Party. She runs the dancing school where I met Kris & Megg, two of my best friends who have 5 of our niblings. Dan's younger brother Dave played in the band, the kids all played together. We got to see Terri's brother who came up from FL, and Conor, Carly and baby Miles after they were in Nantucket for a couple weeks.
Dinner & Les Mis with Kris, Aila and Megg.
At Mom's chemo treatment, we got to see my friend Waveney who was my officemate in my first job at the hospital 22 years ago and her son, Tighe, checked us in at the Infusion Clinic. As soon as I said hello, his whole face lit up with a smile and he came around and immediately hugged us all. It was pure joy! He'll be back off to college soon.
We hosted a 90th birthday party for my grandmother at The Tavern in her assisted living facility. I put together all sorts of cool photo decorations & used some of her old picture frames for the tables and guests could take them as favors. Dan DJed, and my Dad, our friend Sharon & cousin Susan prepared the food) and the kiddos all acted as bartenders. Hattie even went around and took photos.
All of the joy and hope coming out of Democratic party with coverage of the DNC. It feels great to have a candidate I'm truly joyful about supporting.
A quieter weekend- getting ready for my friend Marta to arrive from Barcelona (if I'm a bit MIA that's why)
Quote of the Week
One evening in August, you have an errand outdoors, and all of a sudden, it’s pitch-black. It is still summer, but the summer is no longer alive.
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.
About the yarn: peaches and pinks with gray/taupe. At my gauge it is striping (~2 rounds per color). I purchased this yarn at Yarncentric event in Maryland.
Started in May 2023. Finished on June 28, 2024
Total for Stash Dash: 262 meters
Baby James' Cozy Clusters Blanket
Pattern: Cozy Clusters Baby Blanket by Leelee Knits (free & paid options available on the LeeLeeKnits website)
Yarn: Caron Cinnamon Swirl Cakes in the Slush Colorway (purchased 3). 1 skein of Loops & Threads Impeccable in Colorway 01110 [Navy] for the border
Finished size- 30.5 inches wide by 38.8 inches tall (not including the bobbles)
Finished on July 2
Total for Stash Dash: 1,010 meters (833 meters Caron Cakes [2.25 skeins] - 178 meters Loops & Threads- less than 1 skein)
Trish's New Orleans Socks
Yarn- Cat Tails Yarn in the Chartreux Base (75% Superwash Merino, 15% Nylon, 10% Silver Stellina) in the Christmas Bonfires Colorway (part of the Down in New Orleans Collection)
Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
Trish purchased in New Orleans in 2024 (exclusive colorway for the Quarter Stitch). $34.
Finished on July 3
Total for Stash Dash: 259 meters
American Ewe Turn a Square Hat
Yarn: American Ewe Worsted Tweed in the Terrace Mountain Colorway
About the yarn: 3 ply Merino/Rambouillet Shaniko Wool (89%) with 6% acrylic and 5% rayon flecks. The colorway is a natural with brownish tweedy bits.
I purchased the yarn for $15 at Adventures in Knitting in Harwich, MA on the way to visit friends who were staying in Wellfleet. They had a cool display of "used needles" for $4 each. I bought bamboo US.
Modifications: I use worsted weight yarn and knit the smallest size, omitting the increases after the ribbing. I knit 6 inches before the crown decreases.
Total for Stash Dash: 99.8 meters (109.2 yards), 51 grams
Portland Socks
Yarn: Urth Yarns Uneek Fingering in Colorway 3024
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 yarn: self striping yarn- cornflower blue, dusty orange, yellowy green, peach, magenta and purple. I purchased the yarn at Knit Wit Yarn Shop in Portland, Maine. You can purchase the same yarn online from them.
I held a strand of navy blue nylon thread along with yarn for the heel flap and gusset to give more strength to the heel.
I used the Lemonwood Mini Minder (also purchased at Knit Wit) and knit the vast majority of this pair of socks in 2 days walking around Portland, visiting breweries and hanging out with friends. You can see a video I made of this project on Instagram.
Total for Stash Dash: 254.7 meters
Welcome to Litchfield Spinning Project
Fiber: I purchased two 4oz braid of fiber from Into the Whirled in the Welcome to Litchfield colorway (1 braid Texel & 1 braid BFL Tussah Silk) along with 1 gray (The Traveler on Cheviot base) braid to ply them together.
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.
Total for Stash Dash= 252.2 meters x 4= 1,008.8 meters
Book Holder
Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease Roving Stripes in Daisy & 1 other mystery colorway (lost the ball band), Premier Yarns Parfait Chunky (mustard) & Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Worsted
I took inspiration from this pattern on Ravelry. (Boho Book Nook crochet pattern- but I was using MUCH chunkier yarn and I didn't want to use the same textured stitches)
I chained 21 sts and worked with 20 hdcs across each row- working in the third loop after the first row. I wasn't going to have enough of the Lion Brand Roving to make the whole thing, so I held the Wool of the Andes double for the part that would be covered. I worked a single crochet around the edges, and then sewed the front to back in just 1 spot on either side. I used a chain for the loop to tack it up on the wall.
Total for Stash Dash: 128.1 meters
Declan's Adrift Socks
Yarn: Patons Kroy Stripes in the Adrift colorway
Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
Originally finished July 10, 2021. I ripped out in 2024 because the back was far too short. I ripped out the sleeves (tossed) and unseamed the back and front. The instructions call for the back to be 12 inches but the front falls about 17 inches from collarbone to the bottom hem. I knit about 14 inches on the back and then worked a few sets of German Short Rows before the bottom hem instructions.
I tried a few options for sleeves and then decided I"d just sew up the ends in a way to tuck/hem the ends under and I love that.
In the end I made the body longer and the sleeves shorter
Total for Stash Dash: 424.0 meters (463.7 yards), 212 grams
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
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 started in October 2022. My November 2022 notes say- I'm losing mojo on this and I don't think it has to do w/ the pattern or my yarn. I like it... but its not getting finished before my trip to the UK so I will need to find other wooly accessories to bring with me.
I picked up again July 2024 and it flew off the needles!
Modifications: In Section 4, I skipped adding color 4 & 5 (1-3 only). Skipped Section 5.
Finished size: 21 inches around. 15 inches tall.
Total for Stash Dash: 406 meters
Vera's Christmas Stocking
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!
Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Red, Everglade Heather and White
Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick. Centers in colorways- Fern, Coney Island, Seaglass, Slate. Borders- Wheat & Oatmeal
Hook: 10mm (N/P)
Notes: started in April 2022. I never talked about it on the podcast. Inspired by an instagram post from Lion Brand. This WIP has been taking up a ton of space in my craft room ever since. When the pump in my dehumidifer went and we had to move some things to get at it, I decided I had to get this WIP done.
2 rounds of color- 1 round of wheat or oatmeal
18 were done. 30 finished now
Berry Bliss Socks
Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock (75% SW Merino/25% Nylon) in the Berry Bliss Colorway (May 2024 Yarnable Box) & Legacy Fiber Artz Glitzy Toes (pink mini from 2023 Advent Calendar)
About the yarn- lemon yellow, sherbet orange and pink. I worked the first heel in a pink sparkle yarn from Legacy Fiber Artz because I have some spiral striping going on and didn’t want to disrupt it.
Progress: I've finished the heel on the first sock.
Rafa's Hat
Yarn: Malabrigo Rios in the Cielo y Tierra colorway
Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm)
Pattern: Rafa's Hat by Joji Locatelli (free knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
About the yarn: blues/tans that is almost striping at my gauge. The hat is a 1x1 rib that has a cool purl ridge detail.
Progress: I've worked two repeats of the pattern
Cold Goat Farm Spinning
Fiber: Cold Goat Farm Batt- I believe its Merino/Mohair but there are no details on the business card in my bag. I think I purchased it at Rhinebeck 2023.
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.
Connections socks! Have you heard about them? You take your Daily NY Times Game- Connections Results and put them into colorwork socks. Suzanne told me about them- and recently saw and loved Wendy's!
Here's a link to Wendy's Connection Socks Ravelry Project Page.
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 found a small hole in my Mabel Style cross body sling bag and decided to use embroidery floss for a better hold and to add a bit of visible mending color. I received great customer service when I reached out to them!
I'm in the midst of a massive studio clean out. It started w/ issues with my dehumidifier and it's really spiraled from there. I'm excited to see how it all comes back together.
Knitting in Passing
Aila FaceTimed me from a friend’s house after buying a crochet dinosaur kit at the dollar store. The next day after pool day and dinner we practiced chain and single crochet.
In My Travels
Dan and I spent a long weekend in Portland, Maine to celebrate our 20th Anniversary.
I was able to go up a night early to attend the knit night at Rising Tide Brewery. I loved meeting Heather from Rising Tide and Jenn & her husband Chuck from Knit Wit.
Friday morning, I visited Knit Wit Yarn Shop's new location and then walked around. Dan, Dana and Sheri arrived and we met at Duck Fat for lunch before showing them around to some of our favorite breweries.
Saturday we visited local shops and more breweries before going to see comedian Kathleen Madigan.
Sunday, I did some shopping while Dan watched soccer then we enjoyed some drinks together and ended up back at Rising Tide where there was a 6p Burlesque show so Dan got us tickets. Really fun end to an awesome weekend.
KAL News
Pigskin Party '24 will kick off in the fall (specific date TBD). We're looking for Sponsors for this season. Interested or know someone who is?
Sign up for my email newsletter and click the box saying you're potentially interested in sponsoring events and you'll get first dibs on spots.
The Knit Girllls are hosting their annual Stash Dash Event from May 24-August 31,2024.
Here's a chatter thread for stash dash 2024! Stash Dash will run from May 24th-the end of August. Craft all the things and see how your FO pile grows! This is a competition only against yourself.
Know of an event I should spread the word about? Let me know!
Life in Focus
Tune in for a health Update on BostonJensMom
On a Happy Note
Dan and I took vacation the first week of July. Monday after Portland we just chilled. Tuesday I took Mom for whole brain radiation, then to visit my grandmother (her mother) and out for lunch. Wednesday/Thursday we visited friends renting a house in Wellfleet (Cape Cod) and Thursday/Friday we visited friends in Falmouth. Friday morning we picked up Riley from Camp and brought her to our house before she and I headed to Hornstra to get ice cream for lunch (because that's what vacation is for!) and over to my parents to the pool for the day.
Monday 7/8- I met up with my friend Megg to do a 5+ mile beach walk before she headed out to Ireland for the month.
Wed 7/10 Mom and I stayed in Boston to save her the back & forth daily for treatment. We met her friend Jacky for lunch. I went back to work in the afternoon. After work, we cooled off in the hotel pool and then had dinner, played Uno and bar trivia at The Hill. We stunk but it was fun!
Sunday July 14th pool day at my parents. Jenna, Dave, Gabriella and Zach came over. Within a few hours they were both jumping off the diving board!
July 17-18th Mom and I stayed in Boston again after her Radiation treatment. We hit the pool and fared slightly better at trivia but it was hard to be out as long. Mom's energy was much lower, she was coughing more and couldn't speak above a whisper.
July 21st we had a pool day at my parents. Jeff, Millie and Garret, Jenna, and the 2 kiddos, Kris, Will, Aila and Matt. We celebrated Will's 17th birthday. Mom's hair had started falling out and the blank spots at the back of her head looked like a butterfly! Mom told us to go find some Sharpies and color it in! It was a hard day for her and by extension us, but this added a bit of fun and whimsy to it! Millie even attached little plastic gems to parts of the butterfly. After the "temporary tattooing" we shaved off the rest of her hair to help w/ the shedding.
July 23rd- Mom's last day of Whole Brain Radiation!
Coming home to a beautiful bouquet of flowers from Dan.
Getting 2 massages this month after missing my scheduled on in June for our Portland trip! I always feel like I need it but I've been going up on weights at the gym and my upper body was screaming!
Quote of the Week
“I know nothing in the world that has as much power as a word. Sometimes I write one, and I look at it, until it begins to shine.”
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.
About: I originally spun this last summer and plied 1 ply of Into the Whirled with 2 plies of Knit Picks Wool of the Andes fiber (Ravelry Project Page here). I had two bobbins of leftovers and I needed the bobbins so I plied those up. The result was much more yarn than I expected.
Total= 116 Meters
2 ply: which means things went through the oriface of the wheel 3 times= Stash Dash Meters- 116.5 x3= 349.5
Woolens & Nosh 2023 Advent Socks
Yarn: Woolens & Nosh Targhee Sock. 2023 Advent Set
Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
You can find my Let the Mystery Unravel Unboxing Video on YouTube in this Playlist
This subscription is not available to new subscribers but there’s a new one coming in the Fall.
Blanket Pre-Orders for the Murder She Knit club are available now! Please consider using my Affiliate Link.
The patterns for this kit will be the Northeasterly Blanket by Melissa Alexander-Loomis (knit version) and the Northeasterly blanket by Katy Stevens (crochet version).
Progress: I finished 9 my May squares but haven’t seamed them yet.
Vera’s Christmas Stocking
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!
Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Red, Everglade Heather and White
Progress: Stocking and cuff are finished and ironed. I crocheted the three circles for the snowman, made the scarf and earmuffs and ironed those too. I still need to crochet a carrot nose, sew on the snowman and add the name to the cuff. Nearly done!
Trish’s New Orleans Socks
Yarn- Cat Tails Yarn in the Chartreux Base (75% Superwash Merino, 15% Nylon, 10% Silver Stellina) in the Christmas Bonfires Colorway (part of the Down in New Orleans Collection)
Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
Trish purchased in New Orleans in 2024 (exclusive colorway for the Quarter Stitch). $34.
Progress: Friday night we hung out with friends and I finished the leg of the second sock, and turned the heel on a rainy Saturday.
Baby James’ Cozy Clusters Blanket
Pattern: Cozy Clusters Baby Blanket by Leelee Knits (free & paid options available on the LeeLeeKnits website)
Yarn: Caron Cinnamon Swirl Cakes in the Slush Colorway (purchased 3). 1 skein of Loops & Threads Impeccable in Colorway 01110 [Navy] for the border)
About the yarn: peaches and pinks with gray/taupe. At my gauge it is striping (~2 rounds per color). I purchased this yarn at Yarncentric event in Maryland.
Started in May 2023
Progress: nearly to the toe on the second sock.
Brainstorming
Socks for Dan
Christmas stocking for my cousin Colleen’s son, Owen
At least another pair of socks.
I really want to crochet a summer top but I can’t find anything that’s really exciting me… Ideas welcome!
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
I was crocheting on Riley’s top on the T. Man told me about how he crocheted as a kid in Cape Verde and Holland. He had nothing to do. No tv. Needed something to entertain himself so he taught himself. Sister knew but couldn’t teach him. It wasn’t a normal thing for boys in holland. Or girls as far as he knew and they didn’t teach it in school but he had fond memories of it. Great chat learning about his travels and his work as a union carpenter now.
KAL News
Pigskin Party ’24 will kick off in the fall (specific date TBD). I will be sending out an email to sponsors in the next 2-3 weeks asking folks to sign up. Interested or know someone who is? Sign up for my email newsletter and click the box saying you’re potentially interested in sponsoring events and you’ll get first dibs on spots.
Tour de Fleece- check out this Ravelry Group for official details. Saturday, June 29, 2024 through Sunday, July 21, 2024. Rest Days: Monday, July 8 and Monday, July 15. There are challenge days, Teams and prizes.
Colors of Fall with the Yarniacs Podcast Group. June 20- September 22
The Knit Girllls are hosting their annual Stash Dash Event from May 24-August 31,2024.
Here’s a chatter thread for stash dash 2024! Stash Dash will run from May 24th-the end of August. Craft all the things and see how your FO pile grows! This is a competition only against yourself.
Know of an event I should spread the word about? Let me know!
Life in Focus
24 for 2024 list
#1-Get 2 massages beyond the one per month at Massage Envy (1 and the guy was GREAT)
#4- Read more books than you did in 2023 (50) 31 as of June 24
#7-Visit 1 new (to me) museum or historical site. Going to Portland- maybe will look there.
Health Update– BostonJensMom begins whole brain radiation on July 1. Every weekday (except July 4) through July 22. Keep those prayers and good vibes coming. We recorded a very long health update video that will go up in 2 parts on the YouTube Channel. It takes a bit of time to edit because I like to add in photos/videos of the fun life stuff we chat about to make it more fun. Keep an eye out for that if you want the full story of my parents car accident and April and everything that’s happened since our last recording in February.
Mom, Megg, Kris and I went to see Come From Away in Boston
I helped Dan build a shed for his brother and then relaxed in the pool at my parents once we were done (and good and sweaty).
I pressure washed the house and the deck- it’s currently covered in pollen but at least I got the worst of it off. It’s such a satisfying chore!
Mom and I went to Aila’s voice recital and out for drinks after.
I brought my grandmother to my cousin Jenny’s daughter Vera’s Baptism Party. Beautiful day!
Celebrated my birthday at a local Irish Pub for live Irish music. Dan treated us all for dinner. My parents, Megg, Tom (who is from Ireland) and their friend David (visiting from Ireland), Megg’s Mom Terri, Trish and Liz. Very fun, silly night as usual. Megg and I weren’t doing gifts this year because of our Opera House season tickets but I made her socks in March and she brought me a beautiful plant! We all went back to Megg and Tom’s after which was fun because I got to see Eme, Oisin and Hattie too. The boys made lobster for David who hadn’t tried New England Lobster before.
After the most stressful and hellish week at work I’ve had in 22 years, I convinced the directors in charge of my Nurse Call Integration project that it was too unstable and had to be shut down so while it was awful, it was done in little more than 3 days. Thankfully, none of the blame was on me (didn’t make it feel that much better). Vendor was woefully unprepared and mismanaged things. On that Friday, my boss told me to leave early. I met up with Dan for lunch at The Galley in Scituate. Sitting in the window/door until a huge storm blew in and they had to close it up.
June 11th- my cousin Colleen had her baby boy- Owen (not on my birthday but soo close)
June 12th- my nephew Garret graduated from 8th Grade and my Mom (and Dad) were there for it!
June 14th- Conor and Carly welcomed their baby boy Miles.
I did the stage decorations and played house manager in the last ever Terri’s School of Dance recital. We had a party at Kris’ house after.
Father’s Day Pool Party- Dan taught Garret and his friend Terry how to properly shuck a lobster. We played games and swam a little in the pool.
My cousin Gayle flew in from FL and joined us for the recital and Father’s Day fun. I had Monday off and headed over to Mom and Dad’s. Jenny and Vera were there, and Millie never left. We swam, played Tock, and went to Heidi’s for an ice cream.
On Juneteenth- I hit the gym then took Millie and Riley to get their nails done, then took Gayle to Athleta, swam a bit. Dan, Jeff and Melissa came over and we all had dinner together by the pool.
Quote of the Week
As soon as I have a deadline, I work much better. Time unbounded is hard to handle.
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.
Dan's friend Chris' wife asked for this for her husband (he excitedly agreed). He's a brewer and manager at one of our local breweries, Vitamin Sea, so maybe he'll sport it to work.
Meters for Stash Dash: 120.7
Total for Stash Dash meters for this episode: 667.1 meters
On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
Vera's Christmas Stocking
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!
Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Red, Everglade Heather and White
You can find my Let the Mystery Unravel Unboxing Video on YouTube in this Playlist
This subscription is not available to new subscribers but there's a new one coming in the Fall.
Blanket Pre-Orders for the Murder She Knit club are available now! Please consider using my Affiliate Link.
The patterns for this kit will be the Northeasterly Blanket by Melissa Alexander-Loomis (knit version) and the Northeasterly blanket by Katy Stevens (crochet version).
Progress: I finished 5 (of 9) my May squares.
Static Musselburgh
Pattern: Musselburgh Hat by Ysolda Teague (7 GBP Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry & on Ysolda's website)
Yarn: Knit Picks Static Fingering Weight Yarn in the Peppercorn colorway
Gray background with white and pink unicorns that look like My Little Pony. My inner 80's child loved this one.
Progress: Started in July of 2023. Past the cuff of the second sock when I picked them up. I knit the leg and heel over Memorial Day Weekend 2024.
Trish's New Orleans Socks
Yarn- Cat Tails Yarn in the Chartreux Base (75% Superwash Merino, 15% Nylon, 10% Silver Stellina) in the Christmas Bonfires Colorway (part of the Down in New Orleans Collection)
Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
Trish purchased in New Orleans in 2024 (exclusive colorway for the Quarter Stitch). $34.
Progress: at the heel of the first sock
Julia's Cozy Clusters Blanket
Pattern: Cozy Clusters Baby Blanket by Leelee Knits (free & paid options available on the LeeLeeKnits website)
Yarn: Caron Cinnamon Swirl Cakes in the Hibiscus Colorway (purchased 3). 1 skein of Loops & Threads Impeccable in Orange for the border)
I initially bought 2 skeins based on the size of a similar blanket I made with this pattern, but after coming to the end of the first skein I knew it wouldn't be large enough. I probably should have/could have used an I hook.
2 row repeat that is easy to memorize. Almost done with the 3rd skein. Plan to finish the first week of June.
Brainstorming
Took a chair off the side of the road- the arms are ripped at the front but the rest looks great, so I am going to crochet covers for the arms!
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.
In My Travels
Aila and I drove out to Great Barrington for Eme's Associate Degree graduation ceremony. We enjoyed dinner at Steam and an ice cream afterwards. In taking Eme to pick up their pottery pieces for the year to bring home, I got to see and hear all about it!
At the graduation ceremony the next day, I was chatting for awhile only to look up when asked what I was knitting to see Crispina French, who I know from her vending at Rhinebeck! Talk about a small world!
Tour de Fleece- check out this Ravelry Group for official details. Saturday, June 29, 2024 through Sunday, July 21, 2024. Rest Days: Monday, July 8 and Monday, July 15. There are challenge days, Teams and prizes.
Colors of Fall with the Yarniacs Podcast Group. June 20- September 22
Know of an event I should spread the word about? Let me know!
Life in Focus
I give a quick update on my word of the year HEART, which I've been seeing hearts in/on the trees lately! I share a quick goals update and a health update about my parents.
On a Happy Note
Dan and I celebrated our 20th Anniversary on May 22nd- the 143rd day of the year (which happened in 2024 only because its a Leap Year- usually Day 143 is May 23rd).
Minot's Light Lighthouse's light signal, a 1-4-3 flashing cycle adopted in 1894, is locally referred to as "I LOVE YOU" (1-4-3 being the number of letters in that phrase), and it is often cited as such by romantic couples within its range.
Friday of Memorial Day Weekend we went out for dinner (to use up a gift card- which we still had $1 left on when we left) and to a friends' house for a fire.
Saturday & Sunday pool days
My niece Riley got her learner's permit and drove us home from the grocery store!
Teddy and the snorkel (so cute)
Baby Vera's first swim
The long weekend allowed me the extra day off to clean out our pantry and my closet. I switched out my winter clothes for summer ones, took donations to Savers and did shopping and meal prep for the week. It felt great.
Deer and turtles abound!
Quote of the Week
Writer and designer Edith Wharton, the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize, on what causes old age:
"The producer of old age is habit: the deathly process of doing the same thing in the same way at the same hour day after day, first from carelessness, then from inclination, at last from cowardice or inertia.
Habit is necessary; but it is the habit of having careless habits, of turning a trail into a rut, that must be incessantly fought against if one is to remain alive... one can remain alive long past the usual date of disintegration if one is unafraid of change, insatiable in intellectual curiosity, interested in big things, and happy in small ways."
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.
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 277 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website.
This week's segments included:
Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
From the Armchair
KAL News
Events
Life in Focus
On a Happy Note
Quote of the Week
Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
Woolen Camelot socks
Yarn: Woolen Women Fibers Sock (80/20 SW Merino/Nylon) in the Woolen Camelot colorway from the May 2024 Woolen Yarn Box.
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
Check out my Unboxing Video for this May 2024 Woolen Yarn Box & the more recent June box which is available now. If you're thinking of joining, please purchase using my Affiliate Link.
It won't cost you any extra. I will make a small commission.
Same as It Ever Was Hat #2
Pattern: Same as It Ever Was by Sarah Jordan ($6 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
Yarn: Kingdom Fleece and Fiberworks. No colorway listed.
I started this project in January. Used nearly all of the yarn. Loved this yarn/pattern combo. I am planning to keep this hat! It is plenty long enough to wear with the brim folded and still have it worn slouchy.
Colleen's Baby Blanket
Pattern: Crochet Modern Boho Granny Blanket by Tiffany Brown (free crochet pattern available on this website)
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft in Blue Mint, Soft Green, Riviera (Speckle), Kelly Green, Robin's Egg, White Sage (Speckle) & White
You can find my Let the Mystery Unravel Unboxing Video on YouTube in this Playlist
This subscription is not available to new subscribers but there's a new one coming in the Fall.
Blanket Pre-Orders for the Murder She Knit club are available now! Please consider using my Affiliate Link.
The patterns for this kit will be the Northeasterly Blanket by Melissa Alexander-Loomis (knit version) and the Northeasterly blanket by Katy Stevens (crochet version).
Progress: I finished my April squares and am working on the border.
Raven Socks
Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn in the Raven Colorway from the Yarnable Box.
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
I really enjoy this pattern. It's a 2 row repeat that I remember having memorized the first time around but thought I couldn't this time. After working maybe 10 repeats, I was able to memorize it. It's just the cozy comfort project I need right now.
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
No Splash Pad Party this Summer, but check out these other awesome online events
The Knit Girllls are hosting their annual Stash Dash Event from May 24-August 31,2024.
Here's a chatter thread for stash dash 2024! Stash Dash will run from May 24th-the end of August. Craft all the things and see how your FO pile grows! This is a competition only against yourself.
Know of an event I should spread the word about? Let me know!
Life in Focus
I shared more details about my parents' car accident. Tune in to hear more. Thankfully they are both recovering.
Resources- Scituate Etrusco- serves the South Shore of MA with medical equipment that they loan out. Huge savings! Look for something similar near you.
I'm not sure what this will mean for mom's upcoming cancer treatments. She was supposed to be healing to be ready for radiation. Will know more within the next week.
On a Happy Note
Conor & Carly hosted a family game night for their Bucket List with a Twist item with my mom. We played Code Names & Penny Drop!
Riley gave Auntie Krissy the chicken we made together and she was over the moon! It was awesome.
My cousin Jenny had her baby girl, Vera Camela, at the hospital where I work, so I got to hold her when she was only a few hours old!
I went to see a local production of Gypsy that my friend Megg was in.
My 12 year old niece Millie was a huge help with my parents.
I finished my drawing class at the local rec center. I had to miss 2 out of 6 classes, but I learned a lot doing a portrait of Eme from a photo I took of them at the playground when they were a kid.
I took my grandmother to my cousin Colleen's baby shower. Coleen had a great reaction to her crocheted blanket. I'm always grateful for that.
We had a birthday dinner for Aila- low key backyard party made more interesting by a full-family cartwheel contest!
Big work project rolling out new technology went well. I was still able to take Mom to her appointments (while Dad wasn't driving and they didn't have a car), and was able to work other shifts so my coworkers could attend their kids events. As a thank you for that, my boss invited us to use a suite at the Garden for game 1 of the Celtics/Cavaliers Playoff Game! The Celtics crushed it. Dan wasn't able to come, so I brought my friend Liz who is a huge fan.
My friend Laura came in to visit for Mother's Day weekend- along w/ 7 of my Mom's friends. We went to a movie on Friday night then to visit Mom and her guests on Saturday. Sunday we made brunch for Mother's Day and then off to see Millie as a Munchkin and Flying Monkey in the Wizard of Oz at a local theater.
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.
Quote of the Week
“It’s easier to take than to give. It’s nobler to give than to take. The thrill of taking lasts a day. The thrill of giving lasts a lifetime.”
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.
You can find my Let the Mystery Unravel Unboxing Video on YouTube in this Playlist
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!
Progress: I finished my March squares (month 6) and unboxed month 7!
Woolen Camelot socks
Yarn: Woolen Women Fibers Sock (80/20 SW Merino/Nylon) in the Woolen Camelot colorway from the May 2024 Woolen Yarn Box.
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
Check out my Unboxing Video for this May 2024 Woolen Yarn Box. If you're thinking of joining, please purchase using my Affiliate Link.
It won't cost you any extra. I will make a small commission.
Colleen's Baby Blanket
Pattern: Crochet Modern Boho Granny Blanket by Tiffany Brown (free crochet pattern available on this website)
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft in Blue Mint, Soft Green, Riviera (Speckle), Kelly Green, Robin's Egg, White Sage (Speckle) & White
Hook: H (5.0 mm)
Progress: I've finished 3 colors, doing 7 pairs of DC/DC3 tog per color. On the 3rd color, Riviera, I ran out of yarn, so couldn't complete the last row, so I ripped back and had to start with the Kelly Green early.
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.
In My Travels
I took my nieces Riley and Aila to Connecticut for their birthday weekend sleepover. We got an AirBnB in Litchfield. Friday night, we stayed in and watched Gilmore Girls on Netflix (the inspiration for our adventure). Saturday we toured around! Here are some handy links.
Know of an event I should spread the word about? Let me know!
On a Happy Note
I went to see the musical Company in Boston.
I joined my parents and a few of my cousins at the Spring Fling event at my Grandmother's Assisted Living.
Riley came for a sleepover to finish Kris's chicken. On Saturday, we spent some time at my parents, and then Dad drove us to my nephew Garret's hockey final. His team won and he scored the first and last goal of the game.
After spending Sunday morning with a headache, I rallied to join my parents for Riley's dance competition.
I've had 2 weeks of drawing classes through my town's Rec program. We did some basic exercises the first week and then moved into more structural architectural drawing using 2 point perspective.
My mom's friends ran an auction event and raised over $1200 for the FearLESS Living Fund!
Mom completed another round of chemo.
I did a bit of studio tidying.
Gilmore Girls weekend with Riley & Aila.
Quote of the Week
We have to continually be jumping off cliffs and developing our wings on the way down.
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.
Pattern was a part of my May 2024 Woolen Yarn Box package. Watch my unboxing video here. If you’re thinking of joining, please purchase using my Affiliate Link.
It won’t cost you any extra. I will make a small commission.
On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
Modern Classic Baby Blanket
Pattern: Modern Classic Baby Blanket by Kristin Holloway ($8 crochet pattern available on Ravelry: free version w/ ads available on this website)
Hook: I (5.5)
Yarn: Big Twist Tweed in White (7 skeins)
Size: Crib Blanket: 36 x 50”
The blanket is worked in 2 halves that you seam together at the center to make it symmetrical. The pattern features some crochet cables.
Woolen Camelot socks
Yarn: Woolen Women Fibers Sock (80/20 SW Merino/Nylon) in the Woolen Camelot colorway from the May 2024 Woolen Yarn Box.
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
Check out my Unboxing Video for this May 2024 Woolen Yarn Box. If you’re thinking of joining, please purchase using my Affiliate Link.
It won’t cost you any extra. I will make a small commission.
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 Sock yarn in the Forged Iron Colorway
Progress: finished first sock. Beyond the heel on the second sock.
Brainstorming
Keeping a “creative projects” list in Evernote is really helping me. With everything going on, I don’t always have the mental energy to decide on something but making feels good and I’m happier when I do it. Thinking ahead to upcoming birthdays and listing patterns out is working better for me this year than ever before.
April Plans
Crochet beer hat for Chris – Red heart gold + Lion Brand Homespun Yarn- Hepplewhite (May 31st birthday)- yarn purchased
Mini Mock Neck Tank for Liz. Pattern by Jessie Maed Designs. $9 knitting pattern on Ravelry
We bought yarn for this at Rhinebeck and in an over-tired state, lost ourselves in a fit of giggles over the description of this pattern.
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.
In My Travels
On Sunday March 24, my friend Megg and I spent the day at Raffa Life in Cranston, Rhode Island. We did the 4 hour Urban Sweat in the morning. We took a Worm Moon Sound Bath Yoga Workshop in the afternoon. I left feeling loose, refreshed, and calm. Curious about what a Sound Bath is? Click here for an article that may be helpful.
Know of an event I should spread the word about? Let me know!
Life in Focus
I shared an update on my 24 for 2024 list
5) Organize a fundraiser for the FearLESS Living Fund
15) Purge at least 20 items from my wardrobe (March: nearly 30 pieces)
16) Go skiing- 2/24 with Rowans
20) Buy a new quilt and/or duvet cover for our bed. Ordered in march.
21) Buy a new blow dryer. March 21st ordered Dyson
Ask Me Anything
Rachel asked: How are you coping with your mom’s health concerns and making time for self care?
Going to bed early.
Not scrolling on social media- it can be fun, yes, but too much makes me feel anxious.
Talking with friends and with Dan.
I started seeing a therapist.
Making time- not having kids definitely helps with this, but as you all know, I can definitely over-schedule myself. I have been prioritizing family events and not much else. I don’t enjoying saying no or seeing so much white space on the calendar- but I know I’ll need it and I often do.
On a Happy Note
Friday night game night at my parents with my brother, Dan and the kids. We played a few spirited rounds of Skip-Bo and watched the Taylor Swift Eras tour movie on tv.
Mom, Riley, Millie and I had a sleepover then spent Saturday doing some thrift and clothing shopping, went out for lunch and brought home Crumbl cookies to taste test (with my Dad/Pepere). My phone fell into the cookie with the MOST sticky frosting. It was hilarious!
We all celebrated St. Patrick’s Day at my cousin Susan’s annual party. I had a blast catching up with cousins and especially playing with some of the little kiddos.
Seeing the Girl from North Country (Broadway in Boston series). While Megg and I did not enjoy the show, its always fun to experience live theater and the music was beautiful.
Monthly massage!
Lunch with Mom, Dad, Kris and Aila.
Garret’s playoff hockey game! He got a hat trick, they won and got to the next round of playoffs (they won the second game too).
Dinner with work friends.
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.
Quote of the Week
“Spring is when you feel like whistling, even with a shoe full of slush.”
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.
You can find my Let the Mystery Unravel Unboxing Video on YouTube in this Playlist
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!
LFA Mystery Shortie Socks
Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
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.
In My Travels
I traveled to Orlando with my friend Megg who was going there for a conference. We stayed at the Gaylord Palms, visited Epcot one evening and had a great time.
I had a couple interesting conversations with people at the pool. One lady was fascinated by my knitting and we had a rather awkward chat when I told her I was knitting a chicken.
My poolside waiter told me he lived in NYC for a couple years with grandmother was a prolific knitter and he always enjoyed watching her knit.
Celebrated Megg's birthday while we were there with a delicious dinner, room decorations and of course some handknit socks (Ravelry Project Page)
I announced the winners of the prizes I offered up for February FearLESS Living Fund Fundraiser.
Total raised during the event: $6,627. 67
Stitched by Jessalu is coming out with bags with the FearLESS Living Fund logo w/ a fibery twist. Check it out
Life in Focus
Health Update on Mom: March scans showed growth including in her brain. Radiation likely coming soon, but they're waiting until she's done with this round of chemo (hoping for 6 cycles)
On a Happy Note
Impromptu sleepover with Riley. We started a new secret project I'll tell you about in an upcoming episode. We also started a blanket for my cousin Joe who is expecting a baby boy in the summer. Riley chose a granny square that has a heart at the center. We each made just 1 to try it out and to make sure our squares would come out the same size. More on that in a future episode.
Riley and I went to Garret's hockey game. He got 2 goal but they ended up tying. That weekend, they did well enough to get to the next round of the playoffs.
My parents went to St. Maarten with 5 of my mom's first cousins and their spouses! She, Riley and I shared pics and videos of our daily outfits via text or Snapchat which is always fun.
Suzanne (SewRunKnit) turned me onto a new NY Times Game that's in beta: Strands.
My friend Marta messaged me to show me that her eldest son, Roc, has taken up crochet and made a little stuffed animal. Had planned to make a circle but he decided to free form it and it turned into a pear! Adorable!
Running around with Megg at Epcot like we were kids!
We even got our photo taken with Mickey. They got some candids as we were hugging him, and it looks like I'm bracing for an assault! Check out the hilarious photo.
I finished up my 4 part sock class at Staci's Stitches.
Quote of the Week
"It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade."
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.
I first used this border on a Cozy Clusters Blanket (Ravelry project page here). I learned about this edge technique on this website.
Millie's 2nd Squishmallow
Pattern: None. I did base some of the basic shaping on this pattern on Etsy
Hook: D (3.25 mm)
Yarn: worsted weight acrylic yarn in brown, tan, white & pink
I worked bottom up with the brown, adding in a patch of white at the belly. I created the face out of tan/white and added safety eyes and sewed it on. I added 2 brown ears and a pink and white headband like this Squishmallow: Andres the Sheltie Dog (Amazon Affiliate Link)
Declan's 2nd Socks
Yarn: Patons Kroy in the Greener Pastures Colorway
Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
Thanks for all the tips for his care package! Definitely taking some of those into account.
On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
FearLESS Socks (DK)
Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz DK (75% Merino, 25% Nylon) in the FearLESS Colorway
Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm)
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
Size: XS
About the Colorway- FearLESS is a special colorway by Legacy Fiber Artz for our February Fiber Community FearLESS Living Fund Fundraiser. Special Colorway “FearLESS” available in DK, Steel Toes (sock) and Cozy Toes (sock)
Progress: 1st sock is finished. I'm knitting on the foot of the second sock.
FearLESS Socks (Cozy Toes)
Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz DK (75% Merino, 25% Nylon) in the FearLESS Colorway
Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
Size: M
About the Colorway- FearLESS is a special colorway by Legacy Fiber Artz for our February Fiber Community FearLESS Living Fund Fundraiser. Special Colorway “FearLESS” available in DK, Steel Toes (sock) and Cozy Toes (sock)
Progress: Finished the first sock and the cuff of the second. These socks will be gifted to my Mom's chemo nurse, Nicole, who also cared for my Aunt Florence.
Modern Classic Baby Blanket
Pattern: Modern Classic Baby Blanket by Kristin Holloway ($8 crochet pattern available on Ravelry: free version w/ ads available on this website)
Hook: I (5.5)
Yarn: Big Twist Tweed in White (7 skeins)
Size: Crib Blanket: 36 x 50”
The blanket is worked in 2 halves that you seam together at the center to make it symmetrical. The pattern features some crochet cables.
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 Sock yarn in the Forged Iron Colorway
You can find my Let the Mystery Unravel Unboxing Video on YouTube in this Playlist
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 finished the 3 round DC border to my December squares. My January squares done and seamed. I need to add the border to that.
Dan and I recently watched all 4 seasons of Jack Ryan on Prime. We also loved Jury Duty (also on Prime).
I'm thoroughly enjoying Love is Blind Season 6 & chatting about it with my friend Laura.
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 '23
Tune in to hear if you're a January Participation Winner and/or a Grand Prize Winner!
To make a personal donation, you can use this link
Please use the option to “Add a Public Comment” to let us know you’re part of this Fiber Community Fundraiser.
I recommend including your Instagram/Ravelry user name so sponsors doing prize drawings and confirm/find you.
Life in Focus
I gave updates on a few of my 24 for 2024 items
#4- Read more books than you did in 2023 (50) well on my way with 10 books in first 2 months of the year.
#10- Publish at least one new pattern redid the math and proportions for a shawl I came up with last year. talked to an indie dyer about yarn support
#16- go skiing
6 of 24 completely done!
On a Happy Note
Valentine's Day software upgrade at work went well. I was awake at 2:30a so it was a long day and nothing festive really but it was a good day!
We hosted Millie and Hattie for their birthday sleepovers. I took them to the Altitude trampoline park and Panera on Friday night. Saturday morning: Millie and I hiked while Hattie and Dan did a dump run and rode around in the tractor. We all did some crafts together before heading to the movies to see Migration.
I tried a new OPI nail color and loved it. It's called "Pink in Bio"
I've completed teaching 2 of 4 classes on the OMG Heel at my LYS and we've already got more than half of the class successfully turning heels.
I enjoyed a movie night at my Mom's to watch Wonka.
Dan and I did a 1000 piece Ford puzzle.
I went skiing at Crotched Mountain. Tune in to hear a funny story about Megg's fall.
We all had a fabulous time at my cousin Jenny's baby shower. She loved her crochet blanket.
I had a lovely visit with my middle-school best friend Maribeth who is very sick. She was inpatient at the hospital where I work and I was able to go up and see her and catch up.
I love the daily puzzles from the New York Times- especially Spelling Bee. On the 21st I got every possible word earning me Queen Bee status!
My friend Trish gave me a souvenir from a trip she took to New Orleans; she went to a local yarn shop and bought yarn from Louisiana- which I'll definitely knit into socks for her. Cat Tails yarn dyed exclusively for the Quarter Stitch Colorway Christmas Bonfires
Quote of the Week
It is hard, so terribly hard, to please yourself. Far from being the easy thing that it sounds like, it is almost the hardest thing in the world, because we are not always comfortable with that true self that lies deep within us.
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.
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 272 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Show notes with photos can be found on my website- www.downcellarstudio.com/272
This week's segments included:
Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
Brainstorming
Knitting in Passing
From the Armchair
KAL News
Events
Contest, News & Notes
Life in Focus
On a Happy Note
Quote of the Week
Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
Same as It Ever Was Hat
Pattern: Same as It Ever Was by Sarah Jordan ($6 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
Notes: I added length to the body before the underarms. I worked 13 inches before the sleeves (4 inches longer than called for)
Goofed up working on front left. Didn't read the instructions well and I bound off stitches for the underarm on the RS of the piece instead of the WS. Thankfully the rows were very short after that, so ripped back and was able to fix it in less than an hour.
Seaming- I seamed the shoulders and then the sides before setting in the sleeve. I should have done it in this order 1) shoulders 2) sleeves, 3) sides. This post from Amy Herzog was helpful re: Setting in Sleeves.
Collar- added a row of SC around the collar to make it look a little neater.
Finished Project 700g.
On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
Jenny's Blanket
Pattern: Modified Sedge Stitch Blanket by Nicole Mansfield ($2 crochet pattern available on Ravelry)
Yarn: Big Twist Value Solids in Sky Blue, Teal, Mint, Cyan, Jade Green and Aqua
Progress: Finished all 5 color-block sections. I am using the 6th color for the border because the blanket was already long enough with 5 colors. The pattern has 2 border options, a scalloped edge & a modified picot edge. The latter is what I was planning but I think instead I'll use a bobble edging.
I first used this border on a Cozy Clusters Blanket (Ravelry project page here). I learned about this edge technique on this website.
Same as It Ever Was Hat #2
Pattern: Same as It Ever Was by Sarah Jordan ($6 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
Yarn: Kingdom Fleece and Fiberworks. No colorway listed.
Progress- I finished the first sock and turned the heel on the second sock this weekend.
FearLESS Socks
Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz DK (75% Merino, 25% Nylon) in the FearLESS Colorway
Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm)
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
Cast on for the smallest size and that fits well.
About the Colorway- Special Colorway “FearLESS” available in DK, Steel Toes (sock) and Cozy Toes (sock). Sue & Chelsea are donating 50% of sales to our FearLESS Living Fund.
Progress: Leg of the first sock is almost done!.
Brainstorming
Greyhaven Hat by Robin Ulrich. $5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry
Millie finished the headband she'd started for Mom.
Riley made Mom a chemo hat on a knitting loom in craft class at school.
I cast on for a hat with the Plied Yarn we bought for Millie at the Farm Fiber Days event in January and handed it off to Millie to knit a hat for her Dad.
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 '23
Tune in to hear about:
Quarter 4 Challenge: Cable It Up winners
Participation Prize Winners
Commentator Update
The mad dash to get all those points entered was in full swing on Saturday night (superbowl eve). As of the time I looked, players had entered 299 projects since the start of February!
On the boards, HikesandBikes (Nikii) shared their experience with a new approach to the tubular cast on where you use Judy's Magic Cast On. I'd seen this on Patty Lyon's instagram and was intrigued so I was super interested in what Nikii thought of it (as were others).
There's also been some talk of knitting and walking. Loonyhiker shared that when she knits and walks she has a lot of interesting conversations because people are fascinated that she can do it. Deafelis shared the hot tip that Lowes or Home Depot are great places to practice because the aisles are wide and the floors are smooth (so fewer tripping hazards). Azknitwit noted that an indoor mall might be a great place to practice too!
Finally, continuing with a recent theme about how yarn and how many projects to bring when traveling, Socalknit girl shared a sad cautionary tale of how to recover when disaster strikes the one and only project you brought on vacation.
To make a personal donation, you can use this link
Please use the option to “Add a Public Comment” to let us know you’re part of this Fiber Community Fundraiser.
I recommend including your Instagram/Ravelry user name so sponsors doing prize drawings and confirm/find you.
More About This Project:
February 9th is my mom, Diane Lassonde’s, birthday. Diane came up with the idea for the FearLESS Living Fund when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer in December 2021. Since then, each birthday we celebrate with her is precious and this year, with your help, I want to make her birthday month even MORE special by raising funds for this charity she’s created.
The FearLESS Living Fund picks up where the Blind Center of Nevada’s services leave off, helping their outstanding clients to live more fearlessly in pursuit of their dreams. In 2023, we gave out over $9,000 in scholarships. You can watch a video of the event here. With your help, we can raise even more.
Contest, News & Notes
New Videos on the Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel
Diane Lassonde Health Update #10 including more background on the FearLESS Living Fund inspiration with videos from the Blind Center of Nevada and more information about our February Fundraiser.
Check out this video with Lisa from Fibernymph Dyeworks about the FearLESS Living Fund and her custom colorway- Dream Big
Check out this video with Sue from Legacy Fiber Artz about the FearLESS Living Fund and their custom colorway- FearLESS
Life in Focus
2024 Word of the Year- Heart
In sorting jewelry with Mom, I found a pair of gold earrings and a necklace that coordinate; both have hearts on them. I've been wearing them most of the time and loving them. Connection to her and to my word, which is a million times better than any of the items I was looking at on Etsy.
I hung the heart collage photo poster in the dining room with painters tape! Let's not overcomplicate things!
24 for 2024 list
Get 2 massages beyond the one per month at Massage Envy
End the year with more money in the bank than when I started in January.
Make & assess goals each month of the year - Jan done
Read more books than you did in 2023 (50)
Organize a fundraiser for the FearLESS Living Fund
Come up with better temporary & more permanent storage for memory items. Bought a beautiful box to put items in. Store in hutch in diningroom where I work most days.
Visit 1 new (to me) museum or historical site
Add one new indoor plant to my collection
Buy/make/work with Dan/Oisin on at least 1 plant stand for the living or dining room
Publish at least one new pattern
Knit at least 1 finished project with handspun
Knit/crochet myself a new sweater
Make a Christmas afghan for the living room
Take a class
Purge at least 20 items from my wardrobe
Go skiing
Watch at least 5 of the movies on the Jen/Liz movie list
Do something special for our Anniversary in May
Do a regular (ideally monthly) review of Dropbox Camera Uploads to delete unnecessary items
Buy a new quilt and/or duvet cover for our bed
Buy a new blow dryer.
Get my car detailed
Buy new curtains for living room Ordered 3. We picked one! I ordered more, they arrived and we hung them up! YAY!
Try a new local restaurant
On a Happy Note
The whole family went to Garret's hockey game and out for dinner after.
I've been trying out Dinnerly meal kit delivery service. So far, I'm really enjoying the 2 meals a week I'm getting. The food is fresh and the portions are generous. If you'd like to try it, you can use this link to get a free box. There is a limit, so don't wait. If the link doesn't work, please email me and I can get a unique offer sent to your email address.
Birthday dinner at Mom's on her actual birthday with Mom, Dad, Jeff and the kids + Dan.
Dad & Riley lipsyncing to Taylor Swift. Hilarious!
Birthday dinner for birthday twins, Diane & Hattie. Karaoke, hair shaving, presents, cake and lots of silliness.
I planted amaryllis from a bulb that was gifted to me and its flowering beautifully! I'm so excited.
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.
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 271 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website- www.downcellarstudio.com/271
For these DK socks, I cast on 48 sts and followed the OMG heel instructions for that stitch count. I worked more ruonds of ribbing than I usually do and used that as the whole leg of the sock, then worked heel, and foot as usual. I included some colorwork in a neon coral DK yarn to say " I love" on the left sock and "you more" on the right sock. When squished up it looks like it says I Love You Mom which is also perfect!
On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
Jenny's Blanket
Pattern: Modified Sedge Stitch Blanket by Nicole Mansfield ($2 crochet pattern available on Ravelry)
Yarn: Big Twist Value Solids in Sky Blue, Teal, Mint, Cyan, Jade Green and Aqua
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
We recently had a crafty sleepover at my parents- Kris, Aila, Megg, Hattie, Millie, Riley (Jeff for a bit), Mom & her long-time friend Lin.
Stitched by JessaLu is the home of handmade project bags in a variety of fun, floral, geeky, or pop-culture themed prints. All bags are made by one woman - JessaLu - on an antique Singer sewing machine in her home in Western Massachusetts. JessaLu has been making quality project bags and an assortment of sewn accessories since 2008 and has recently begun to design her own exclusive prints! Check them out at StitchedbyJessalu.com and stay tuned for a special FearLESS Living Fund themed bag coming soon as part of the February Fundraiser for BostonJensMom.
In My Travels
Mom, Millie and I met up with our friend Ryan at the Farm Fiber Days Event at Wayland Farmers Market at Russells Garden Center.
Millie was looking for yarn to knit a hat for her dad. We found it in one of the first booths- Plied Yarns. Always great to see Ann Weaver. We did a full loop and went back to purchase yarn.
I bought a handsewn chicken potholder set.
The Blue Heron Farm (in Vermont) hosted their table for folks to learn Needle Felting. Millie made Ryan a butterfly like the ones she made for us. Thanks to "Auntie Shelly" at Blue Heron for encouraging Millie.
I bought a mini skein bundle from The Golden Purls. I got a quilted bucket bag from M.A.B.E.L, yarn for hat, earrings & a bracelet with fabric covered beads.
Other New York City Notable Moments:
Saturday- farmer's market, walked the High Line, visited Chelsea Market, had dinner at Shukette & saw Kimberly Akimbo on Broadway.
Sunday- we saw Poor Things at a theater in Lincoln Center and continued our Oscar Nominee movie watch with Past Lives & Anatomy of a Fall (which I didn't enjoy as much as The Replacements which we watched earlier in the weekend)
Quarter 4 Challenge: Cable It Up brought to you by our Official Sponsor of the 4th Quarter Lolodidit. Full details can be found in this Google Doc and in this Ravelry Thread.
Reminder- the KAL ends on February 12th. Get those projects finished!
Update from Commentator: Mary
There's lots of strategizing and discussion about what there is and is not time to finish before the end of PSP. Relatedly, there is some discussion about the joys of finishing longstanding WIPs even if those projects don't count for pigskin party.
There was also recently some discussion on pros and cons of different approaches to provisional cast ons, including a method where you use a stitch saver instead of scrap yarn (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olAZk2tkTus).
Finally, there's been some talk of travel plans including the intense decision making process that crafters go through when they are trying to decide what projects to bring on a trip. This has included discussion of pros and cons of checking luggage vs. carrying on and some musings about who decided that packing light is a value we should all aspire to anyway.
Here's a highlight from the endzone dance thread: Sandyrlevin completed an amazing sweater with a really detailed octopus on it. She did it all with duplicate stitch! It is truly amazing. https://www.ravelry.com/projects/Sandyrlevin/217-12-amur-maple
To make a personal donation, you can use this link
Please use the option to “Add a Public Comment” to let us know you’re part of this Fiber Community Fundraiser.
I recommend including your Instagram/Ravelry user name so sponsors doing prize drawings and confirm/find you.
More About This Project:
February 9th is my mom, Diane Lassonde’s, birthday. Diane came up with the idea for the FearLESS Living Fund when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer in December 2021. Since then, each birthday we celebrate with her is precious and this year, with your help, I want to make her birthday month even MORE special by raising funds for this charity she’s created.
The FearLESS Living Fund picks up where the Blind Center of Nevada’s services leave off, helping their outstanding clients to live more fearlessly in pursuit of their dreams. In 2023, we gave out over $9,000 in scholarships. You can watch a video of the event here. With your help, we can raise even more.
I also have some wonderful goodies here that I am going to giveaway. I'll be pulling winners from those who donate via the PayPal page. Be sure to mention you're part of the Fiber Community Fundraiser and list your Instagram or Ravelry Name so I can find you and send you your prize.
Life in Focus
2024 Word of the Year- Heart
Found a heart mural in NYC
Bought a small heart shaped pottery dish to use for stitch markers at a local shop where everything is handcrafted by disabled students at their school.
Made a collage of photos (from Walgreens template) from family photo shoot and had it printed 11x14. Now I need to find a place to hang it.
Looked at heart jewelry but didn't find any pieces that were "me" so I'm still looking.
24 for 2024 List- updates
Get 2 massages beyond the one per month at Massage Envy
End the year with more money in the bank than when I started in January. ($51,397- includes CD)
Make & assess goals each month of the year
Read more books than you did in 2023 (50)
Organize a fundraiser for the FearLESS Living Fund (DONE)
Come up with better temporary & more permanent storage for memory items.
Visit 1 new (to me) museum or historical site
Add one new indoor plant to my collection (DONE)
Buy/make/work with Dan/Oisin on at least 1 plant stand for the living or dining room
Publish at least one new pattern
Knit at least 1 finished project with handspun
Knit/crochet myself a new sweater
Make a Christmas afghan for the living room- in progress
Take a class (DONE)
Purge at least 20 items from my wardrobe
Go skiing
Watch at least 5 of the movies on the Jen/Liz movie list 1) Hercules
Do something special for our Anniversary in May
Do a regular (ideally monthly) review of Dropbox Camera Uploads to delete unnecessary items
Buy a new quilt and/or duvet cover for our bed
Buy a new blow dryer.
Get my car detailed (DONE)
Buy new curtains for living room- ordered some to try on 1/19
Try a new local restaurant - Lolita (want one even MORE local)
4 of 24 done in January!
On a Happy Note
I was chatting with my friend Margarita who is from the Philippines. She mentioned she gets dried mango in bulk from home and sent some over to me! So sweet of her!
Movie night with Liz- Hercules.
Car Detailing! It literally feels and smells like a new car! Usually 3+ month wait list- but not at this time of year.
Mom made it through Round 1 of Chemo- 3 days in a row. My cousin Jenny (also a nurse at the hospital) visited during day 2 and our cousin Joanie took Mom in on day 3 instead of dad. It was great to spend some quality time with them.
Seeing Moulin Rouge with Megg at the Boston Opera House (and dinner at Lolita beforehand)
Quality time with Laura & my first visit to NYC since before the pandemic...
Quote of the Week
Energy creates energy. It is by spending myself that I become rich.
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.
You can find my Let the Mystery Unravel Unboxing Video on YouTube in this Playlist
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- first 3 sets of squares seamed & border added. December squares- all 9 done. not seamed.
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.
Quarter 4 Challenge: Cable It Up brought to you by our Official Sponsor of the 4th Quarter Lolodidit. Full details can be found in this Google Doc and in this Ravelry Thread.
Tune in to see if you're one of our Quarter 3 Challenge Winners or a December Participation Prize Winners
The last day to register for Pigskin is 1/31. Reminder- the event ends on Monday 2/12/24! Get those projects finished.
Updates from Commentator Mary
Lots of chatter on the ravelry boards about the Q4 challenge! First to submit was player Audioann--who knit a really cool beanie with a large diagonal cable. It has a super interesting construction--you knit a flat parallelogram shaped piece and then seam it up. Check it out: https://www.ravelry.com/projects/audioann/viviani-beanie-2
In the endzone dance thread, there are so many great projects! In particular, a lot of stuffies caught my eye. It should come as no surprise that a bunch of people knit imaginedlandscapes' mystery gnomes last month since she is a sponsor. Here are a few examples:
In other stuffie news, stitchr made pill bug stuffed animal that is truly awesome! It has rainbow legs and a bright orange and red body but it still rolls up into a gray ball. Super cool!
I'm taking classes on Friday & then planning to go to the market 5-8p Friday.
I'm teaching a class on the OMG Sock Pattern at Staci's Stitches in Scituate, MA on Sundays starting February 18th (4 classes)- the class is SOLD OUT
Contest, News & Notes
Yarnable Unboxing January 2024 Video posted- this kit came with stitch markers with numbers on them, 25, 50, 75, 100 intended for use when casting on a large amount of stitch. Hawkeygirl3 on YouTube suggested it would also be great for counting rows/rounds like on the leg of a sock if you want to do matching ones! Great idea
Trips: Nashville, Maryland, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Rhinebeck.
23 for 2023 list
Read 23 books (35 as of August)
Try at least one pair of fake eyelashes
Print and hang at least 1 of our new family photos (ordered 8/9 from Walgreens- 8x10 for $12!)
Kayak in one new place Did not complete
Hike in one new place
See 4 plays/musicals (Hamilton 2/9, Shrek in March twice. Secret Garden at Company in April, Matilda [Millie] in May)
Give blood at least 3 times (March, May, August, October & December done)
Knit myself a pair of mittens
Knit/crochet at least one project with handspun (Strathcona sweater "aka my Rhinebeck sweater"
Watch 3 movies in one day (1/22 w/ Mom, Terri, Megg- Everything. Everywhere, All At Once. Women Talk. Armageddon Time)
See a movie in the theater (A Man Called Otto w/ Laura)
Go to a museum (Liz and I went in December)
Finish 1 punch needle project- Did not complete
Ski at least 1 day (ideally 2-4)- Did not complete
Try at least 1 new gym/in person fitness option 4/8- consult at Big Day Fitness. First class on 4/10. Signed up for a month.
Make at least 1 new financial investment (CD started in February)
Purge at least 23 items from the house. Ideally 46. After a smaller clean out earlier in the year, I took a full car load to Savers in October- lots of clothes.
Publish 1 knitting pattern
Send 5 cards to friends/family just because- Did not complete
Go Camping- Did not complete
Participate in the Fiberuary Challenge on Instagram
Take a class (in person or virtual)- Zumba twice.
Create a new music playlist. Riley’s. Plus CMA fest artists.
2024 Word of the Year- Heart
Definitions:
The central or innermost part of something
To like very much, love
courage, determination, hope or enthusiasm (don't lose heart)
the vital part or essence
one's real nature (at heart)
What I want to focus on in 2024:
Stay close to my family- which is the heart and life blood of my life.
Be true to my heart- what I value, what's most important to me.
I won't lose heart even when times are hard.
I will be true to my heart, my real nature, the heart of me.
2024- Goals:
Use my podcast/YouTube/Instagram following to raise money for the FearLESS Living Fund (details in the Ravelry group- and email if you're one of our regular sponsors)
Make & assess goals every month in 2024
Monthly review of number of workouts + weigh on at least twice a month.
Stretch/Theragun 2-4 times a week [][][][]
24 for 2024 list
Get 2 massages beyond the one per month at Massage Envy
End the year with more money in the bank than when I started in January.
Make & assess goals each month of the year
Read more books than you did in 2023 (50)
Organize a fundraiser for the FearLESS Living Fund
Come up with better temporary & more permanent storage for memory items.
Visit 1 new (to me) museum or historical site
Add one new indoor plant to my collection
Buy/make/work with Dan/Oisin on at least 1 plant stand for the living or dining room
Publish at least one new pattern
Knit at least 1 finished project with handspun
Knit/crochet myself a new sweater
Make a Christmas afghan for the living room
Take a class
Purge at least 20 items from my wardrobe
Go skiing
Watch at least 5 of the movies on the Jen/Liz movie list
Do something special for our Anniversary in May
Do a regular (ideally monthly) review of Dropbox Camera Uploads to delete unnecessary items
Buy a new quilt and/or duvet cover for our bed
Buy a new blow dryer.
Get my car detailed
Buy new curtains for living room
Try a new local restaurant
Health update on my Mom, Diane: She was hospitalized for several days because of issues with heart palpitation and then we learned her cancer is back in brain, lymph nodes, pleura (lining of lungs) and ribs. She will start with the same chemo she had last time (Oct '22- March '23). It’s likely she’ll also need radiation for the brain, but will do an MRI 4 weeks after chemo starts to know for sure & decide what’s best… Health update video coming soon. Keep those prayers and good wishes coming. Diane starts chemo Monday 1/22.
On a Happy Note
We had a great visit with my friend Laura who was here for New Year's. We struck a great balance of lazily watching tv (The Gilded Age & Slow Horses) and getting out and about. We also went to see Boys in the Boat the movie theater.
My parents' annual open house the Saturday after Christmas.
Mom gave the girls needle felting kits for Christmas; Millie Facetimed me several times with questions and showing me her progress!
Getting sick has not been fun, but the fact that it didn't ruin my holidays and the fact that work is also still relatively quiet is a huge happy note. Dan has been taking great care of me, and we're rewatching Hell On Wheels.
I spent Sunday of MLK weekend at my parents'. We played Wordle board game (Amazon affiliate link) with Mom, Riley, Millie and Aila. We visited my cousin Jenny's new house, got our nails done, went out for Mexican, played more games! Fun impromptu sleepover.
Millie- All of the Jokers have been Joked! and telling Grammy to "be her best self" adorable.
Quote of the Week
Everything and everyone at their own pace. Flow with not against yourself.
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.
After finishing the mittens, I used Duplicate Stitch to write "fear" on the left palm and "less" on the right palm. I used this video tutorial from Very Pink Knits to help me.
Boxing Gloves Ornament
Pattern: Boxing Gloves by Michael Hon ($3 crochet pattern available on Ravelry)
Hook: D (3.25 mm)
Yarn: Caron One Pound in Scarlet + white acrylic worsted weight yarn
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
We celebrated Christmas with friends by decorating Gingerbread houses which was a ton of fun!
Knitting in Passing
I went consignment shopping and reminded the owner that we'd met before and that I was the "knitter" and she promptly asked for help with gauge math for a handspun cabled sweater she wants to cast on.
Quarter 3 Challenge: The Waymaker's Cowl brought to you by our Official Sponsor of the Quarter Mandi's Makings. Runs December 1-31, 2023. Full details can be found in this Google Doc and in this Ravelry Thread.
WIPs Challenge: Finish WIPs you started before the Pigskin Party kicked off on 9/7/23! If you finish them between 11/10/23 and 1/10/24, you'll earn 150 points. Full details can be found in this Google Doc and in this Ravelry Thread.
I announced November participation winners.
Updates from Commenter- Mary
Pigskin partiers have been busy this month! Over 500 projects have been submitted for points already this month! Players are finishing both small and large projects. There have been over 30 blitzes and over 40 safeties so far this month.
There’s still time to participate in the Q3 challenge. 14 people have submitted their finished projects for the challenge so far. BlkGirlsKnitPurl (EJ) posted a beautiful Christmas-y version in the end zone dance thread: https://www.ravelry.com/projects/BlkGirlsKnitPurl/the-waymaker-cowl
In the huddle thread, lots of folks who have time off at the end of the year and/or are traveling have been discussing plans for what to work on. There’s also lots of talk of holiday plans and gift knits! Finally, there’s been a bit of chatter about the pros and cons of monogamous knitting and strategies to make sure you are never caught waiting somewhere without a project to work on.
Day 23: At the request of viewer, Suzanne, I shared a few of my shawl patterns, MEGAROW, World of Difference, Boxing Day Bonus and the Riley Rose Shawl. You can use coupon code 10years for 25% off my patterns on Ravelry through the Superbowl!
Riley’s sleepover. Crafting. Watching Spirited (Apple tv movie) for first time.
Dana and Sheri’s Christmas party.
Helping with and enjoying Hattie & Aila's dance recital
Gifting Hattie her ride-on Jeep
We lost power in a storm, but the power outage was shorter quicker than usual. Dan finished his advent puzzles.
Helping to hide Secret Santas at the gym. Taylor, who was the actual Secret Santa, also gifted me a handmade wooden tree and ornament! They are so beautiful and I'm thankful for her thoughtfulness.
Christmas lunch with my friends Waveney and Kim.
Running into Megg at the consignment store I kept telling her to visit. We bought found Christmas outfits!
Relaxing Christmas Eve day and ending the day at my cousin Susan’s party.
Christmas Day- playing on the floor with Gabriella and Zachary. Seeing Will and Aila excited about Christmas even well into their teens. A fabulous and fun time spent with my family for the rest of the day.
Quote of the Week
Beauty is as much about how and whether you look as what you see.
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.
I made mine much smaller than called for in the Etsy pattern. chained around 10 stitches, worked in the round from there to make a base and then come up for body/head like a Squishmallow.
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 )
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.
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 )
You can find my Let the Mystery Unravel Unboxing Video on YouTube in this Playlist
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 crocheted all 9 squares from the November kit (theme- Tomb of the Lost Queen). I still need to seam them up and add a border
Christmas in July Socks
Yarn: Random bits & bobs of fingering weight leftovers
Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
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
Sled Decorating with Mom. Check out our beautiful project.
Knitting in Passing
In talking about vlogging at the gym, we also got talking about knitting and I learned that my friend Taylor wants to learn to knit.
I was knitting at Nutcracker intermission and Hattie did a stitch before the lights went down.
I was knitting at my niece's Funky Nutcracker performance which was so long. Megg’s neighbors said I’d have a whole blanket done before it was over.
Quarter 3 Challenge: The Waymaker's Cowl brought to you by our Official Sponsor of the Quarter Mandi's Makings. Runs December 1-31, 2023. Full details can be found in this Google Doc and in this Ravelry Thread.
WIPs Challenge: Finish WIPs you started before the Pigskin Party kicked off on 9/7/23! If you finish them between 11/10/23 and 1/10/24, you'll earn 150 points. Full details can be found in this Google Doc and in this Ravelry Thread.
Updates from Commentator Mary
Tune in to hear if you're the winner of the Quarter 2 challenge.
November Participation Prize Winners be will announced in the next episode.
Updates from Commentator Mary
There’s lots of talk about favorite warm beverages and baking in the December thread:
If you are a tea lover, check out post 288, where multiverseknits shared some of their favorite places to buy tea.
If you are a sourdough baker, check out post 628 where lmecoll shared a recipe for sourdough chocolate chip cookies that she will not be making but has heard are quite good.
I also popped over to the end zone dance thread to see what people have finished lately. One project in particular caught my eye:
Rubyrx recently finished a slip stitch party shawl in yarn from sheep she raised! She proceeded, spun, dyed and knit up the yarn into a gorgeous shawl! Amazing!! Check it out on Ravelry.
December 1 we celebrated Dan's birthday & Mom's 2nd anniversary of diagnosis. So grateful she’s here!
Mom, Riley, Trish, Merry and I went to a Sample Sale. Mom, Riley and I then did more shopping and a "bakery tour." I definitely recommend that Vlogmas episode. It’s very silly.
Attending live performances of: Aladdin Jr. , the Nutcracker, The Plot Thickens and the Funky Nutcracker.
Running into my old boss at work
Hattie's sleepover. She enjoyed crafting time, pancakes and a tractor ride with Uncle Dan.
My cousin Colleen having a baby boy in June!
Deer in the compost bins.
Working on a puzzle advent with Dan.
Quote of the Week
"Summer is for surrendering; winter is for wondering.” — Debasish Mridha
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.
Yarn: Biscotte Yarn Bis Sock in the Splash Colorway (blue self-striping yarn)
Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
Made for David Markus as a thank you for donating to the FearLESS Living Fund in October of 2023. Finished in time for Laura to bring them back with her after her visit the weekend before Thanksgiving.
Length of foot- 8.5 inches before toe
Knit them in line at a Sample Sale Mom, Laura, Trish and I went to the Saturday morning of Laura's visit. People in line jumped in to photo bomb so that was fun.
2 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!
Yarn: Big Twist- Solids in Varsity Yellow (for the sun body) and Big Twist Twinkle in Yellow for the heart/face. Leftover red fingering yarn for the mustache.
Pattern wouldn't be ideal for beginners. Doesn't tell you when/where to put in Safety Eyes before closing things up. No other major issues, but just be thoughtful. I paid less than $4 for the 4 pack of dino patterns. Worth it.
Bobble pumpkin
Pattern: Ribbed Bobble Pumpkin by Breann Mauldin ($3 crochet pattern on Ravelry or free option on this website)
Hook: I (5.5 mm)
Yarn: Wool Ease Thick & Quick in the Succulent Colorway
About the yarn: peaches and pinks with gray/taupe. At my gauge it is striping (~2 rounds per color). I purchased this yarn at Yarncentric event in Maryland.
Progress: Almost done with the first leg.
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 Sock yarn in the Forged Iron Colorway
You can find my Let the Mystery Unravel Unboxing Video on YouTube in this Playlist
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- 1st two sets of squares are done. I've crocheted a few from the November kit.
Hattie’s Scrappy Helical Socks
Yarn: Random bits & bobs of fingering weight leftovers
Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
About this project: Great Gray Owl colorway is a beautiful blend of light blues with hints of green, some small bits of a yellowy green and some neutral cream/tan hues. Buckbeak is a beautiful taupe color that pairs beautifully and I love that both colorway names are based on birds. Perfect for our Q2 challenge! Thanks again to BellaFio for sponsoring this month and encouraging us to Embrace Nature!
Pair 200 of OMG Heel for me!
Vampires of Venice Spinning
Fiber: Into the Whirled. 4oz Falkland in the Vampires of Venice colorway.
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.
Split braid in half. First half has already been spun.
Plan is to use the yarn to knit this Tweed Tie available on Ravelry.
Clown collar
Pattern: improvsing on my own. Used this free Clown Ruff pattern from Slipped Stitch Hollow as a starting point
Hook: H (5.0 mm)
Yarn: Big Twist Twinkle (Gray), Big Twist Value (Grape), Craft Smart Neon Value (neon yellow) & mystery worsted sparkle yarn in pink and white
I had a quick visit with Emelyn while they were home for Thanksgiving break. When I asked if there was anything on their Christmas wish list I should know about, they said they'd like a handmade clown collar! I love a good curveball!
Brainstorming
Millie wants a goat squishy/toy that looks like her squishmellow
I'd like to make toys for Hattie and Gabriella and another dinosaur for Zachary.
Mom picked out a skein of yarn for mitts at Rhinebeck that I'd like to knit up before Christmas.
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
I shared two recent stories about meeting other knitters/talking about knitting in the wild. I met a lovely woman named Joanne at her consignment shop. She was knitting when Mom was wandering around the store so of course she struck up a conversation. Turns out, Joanne also spins too! We had a lovely chat and Mom took a photo of us.
I was recently waiting for my car to get it's oil changed when a kind.79 year old woman asked about my knitting and we ended up chatting for an hour. We talked about restoration of old Victorian in my home town where she owns a condo now.
Stitched by JessaLu is the home of handmade project bags in a variety of fun, floral, geeky, or pop-culture themed prints. All bags are made by one woman - JessaLu - on an antique Singer sewing machine in her home in Western Massachusetts. JessaLu has been making quality project bags and an assortment of sewn accessories since 2008 and has recently begun to design her own exclusive prints! The 2023 Limited Edition Holiday prints are currently listed - hurry to order yours while they are still available!
Finish up your Q2 Project by the end of November. 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.
Quarter 3 Challenge: The Waymaker's Cowl brought to you by our Official Sponsor of the Quarter Mandi's Makings. Runs December 1-31, 2023. Full details can be found in this Google Doc and in this Ravelry Thread.
WIPs Challenge: Finish WIPs you started before the Pigskin Party kicked off on 9/7/23! If you finish them between 11/10/23 and 1/10/24, you'll earn 150 points. Full details can be found in this Google Doc and in this Ravelry Thread.
Updates from Commentator Mary
Lots of players are talking about double-dipping in other make-alongs. A great thing about the PSP is that you can work on whatever you want so it is easy to have one project count for both PSP points and another MAL!
Hikesandbikes is planning an epic shawl project (the Genesis Shawl- check out her Ravelry Project Page) for the Yarniacs podcast’s self-indulgent make along. Find details in their Ravelry group.
Many many players are planning to participate in PSP-sponsor Imagined Landscapes’ snow matter what December mystery gnome knit along. There’s lots of chatter on the boards about what colors folks plan to use.
There’s also some talk of the Indie Gift Along which is hosted on Ravelry. Several PSP sponsors are participating so this one is particularly ripe for double-dipping!
Some players are also planning on joining Andrea Mowry’s instafriends KAL
Also on the boards there is lots of chatter about holiday movies, including Emmet Otter’s Jug Band. That is a new to me Jim Henson movie that I definitely plan to check out!
Events
THANK YOU to everyone who donated 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. Check out these beautiful photos.
I'll be participating in Vlogmas again this year. Is there anything you especially want to see? Let me know and I'll see what I can do. Check out previous years playlists: Vlogmas 2022 Playlist & Vlogmas 2021 Playlist
Advent Knitting. Check out this Ravelry Bundle put together by Knitty Natty if you need ideas for an Advent project. Thanks for including my Boxing Day Bonus Shawl- Ravelry | LoveCrafts. Don't forget you can use coupon code 10 years for 25% off any of my patterns on Ravelry.
Vogue Knitting Live- New York City: January 25- 28, 2024 (not sure if I'll be there yet. More to come)
Contest, News & Notes
What's going on on the YouTube Channel?
Health Update videos with Mom (Diane Lassonde). Check out Part 1 and Part 2.
My friend Laura visited from NYC the weekend before Thanksgiving! We did some consignment shopping & went out to eat with Mom on Friday. Saturday we went to a Sample sale then a couple craft fairs with Mom & Trish. We had a wuick visit to Megg and got to see my nephew Oisin.
We survived a big regulatory visit at the hospital I work at.
Thanksgiving highlights- Coloring with Gabriella, reading and making snowflakes with my cousins' kids.
Black Friday shopping. No lines
Decorating with Mom and Dad. Oisín signing Christmas carols.
Decorating our tree with Liz.
Dan is finished a huge work project. Crazy hours over holiday but it all went well.
I'll do an update on my 23 for 2023 list in the next episode but I'm feeling really good about it. If you do these kinds of lists, I'd love to crowdsource ideas in the Ravelry Group!
Quote of the Week
For nothing is fixed, forever and forever and forever, it is not fixed; the earth is always shifting, the light is always changing, the sea does not cease to grind down rock.
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.
Notes- This is the 14th time I've knit this pattern. Yarn was a sample from collab with Cait for my Stay Out of the Forest Hat which you can find on Ravelry & LoveCrafts.
I blocked & sewed the buttons on 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
I added belt loops to Mom's Wave of Change Cardigan- Ravelry Project Page.
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 )
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!
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.
In My Travels
Fiber Festival of New England
Ran into Jean (Mazzy Girl), Amy (CapeNeddickknitter), Michelle- chellescrips, Jen, Carlos, Aurora & Zelda.
Jess & Roger and team from Stitched by Jessalu. Donated a percentage of their sales to our FearLESS Living Fund. Donation for $350 came through this week and we are so grateful. If any other sponsors would like to do a fundraiser like this in the future, let us know! We'd love to help promote it.
Check out our video to see the Eastern States Exposition Center, see what we bought and all of the fun eye candy!
Tune in to hear if you won an October Participation Prize.
I also announced the winners of our Announce Q1 Challenge winners- hosted by Paper Daisy Creations.
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.
I gave a sneak peek of our Quarter 3 Challenge. Check out the Waymaker Cowl by Amanda Massingill (Mandi's Makings). Free knitting pattern available on Ravelry.
WIPs Challenge: Finish WIPs you started before the Pigskin Party kicked off on 9/7/23! If you finish them between 11/10/23 and 1/10/24, you'll earn 150 points. Full details can be found in this Google Doc and in this Ravelry Thread.
I announced October Participation Prize Winners, Quarter 1 Challenge Winners & gave a sneak peek of our Quarter 3 Challenge hosted by Mandi's Makings. Check out The Waymaker Cowl on Ravelry.
Update from Commissioners:
There is lots of excitement about the Q2 challenge.
Most of the people who have finished have completed hats. If you poke around the scoreboard and the chat threads you’ll see so many stunning examples. For example, quite a few folks have finished patterns from the knitting the National parks book.
Juliepoolie71 made the Crater Lakes hat. Ravelry Project Page.
Esalaza made the Hawai’i Volcanoes Beanie. Ravelry Project Page.
Knitternicole made the Theodore Roosevelt Beanie. Ravelry Project Page.
But you don’t have to knit a hat for this challenge. Hollyelyse finished a whole colorwork sweater for the challenge (in 10 days!) Check out the Ravelry Project Page.
You don’t even have to knit for this challenge. You can crochet or spin too. For example:
Sarahsyarn86 is crocheting adorable granny squares that have daisies in the center. Check out the Ravelry Project Page.
Katanorand is working on a spinning project using fiber in the colorway strawberry fields. Check out this Ravelry Post.
Events
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!
I'll be participating in Vlogmas again this year. Is there anything you especially want to see? Let me know and I'll see what I can do. Check out previous years playlists: Vlogmas 2022 Playlist & Vlogmas 2021 Playlist
In this video I show you how to use Cate's Clasp Weft Join along with Helical Knitting to create really fun and vibrant scrappy socks without having to weave in a million ends!
Coming soon- life/health updates recorded with Mom.
On a Happy Note
For Halloween, Mom & I reprised our Sanderson sister roles. I trick or treated with Hattie for a little while then hung out by the fire with family and friends.
Megg & I bought a 5 pack of tickets for shows at the Boston Opera House this season. Our first show was November 1st, Frozen. We were able to add on two tickets and bring Millie and Hattie with us. We had an absolutely magical night!
On the Saturday while Mom & I were at New England Fiber Festival, Riley was texting me. She did her first hexi all on her own! Then a couple more! When she ran out of minis, she moved onto her Riley Rose Cowl and sent a photo of her knitting and watching Gilmore Girls. Be still my heart!
Watching Gabriella & Zachary for the afternoon.
Finally making a dent in my Christmas shopping. My goal the last couple years has been to be completely finished before December 1 so I can really enjoy December. Sometimes I'm better at that than other years, but I'm going to really try hard to get that done by my deadline this year.
One of my cousin Lauren's friends from Amsterdam gifted me a pack of Stroopwafels which I enjoyed with coffee in my new chicken mug from NE Fiber Fest!
We went to Flight Club in Seaport District of Boston for Conor's 35th Birthday- just after I found out he and Carly are expecting their first baby in June (right around my. birthday)!
Quote of the Week
Bad luck in small doses can cast a glittering light on the rest of life.
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.
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 )
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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 )
During the Cape & South Shore Yarn Haul, Liz found a sweater pattern she likes- The Order of the Jedi Pullover by Meghan Regan. Available on in Star Wars Knitting the Galaxy: The Official Star Wars Knitting Pattern Book.
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.
Six players (LaDiDa2U, Sarahsyarn86, dottyandsassy, KjKrochet, yarnitheidi, and mackbytf) all crocheted some very cute pumpkins. YarnitHeidi's pumpkins are huge!
NY Sheep & Wool Festival in Rhinebeck - October 21 & 22, 2023
Join Me for a Rhinebeck Meet Up- Saturday 2p. There are permanent booths with food next to Building A. Across from that is a beer tent. To the left of the beer tent there's a covered pavilion area. Look for Mom, Liz, Riley & I there.
Come over to the Ravelry Thread about Pigskin Partiers going to Rhinebeck. Thanks ElsaandEm for starting it. It's her first year attending. Hoping we get to meet!
Indie Untangled: Friday October 20 from 10a-4p in Saugerties. Tickets for 1, 2:30p and 4p still available.
Cakepalooza: Friday October 20 from 10a-5p in Saugerties. Tickets for the 2p & 4p entries are still available
Wool & Folk: Friday October 20 from 12-7p in Stoneridge, NY
#1- Read 23 books (35 as of August- 43 as of early october)
#7- Give blood at least 3 times (March, May, August, October done)
#9- Knit/crochet at least one project with handspun- Strathcona sweater
#17- Purge at least 23 items from the house. Ideally 46. After a smaller clean out earlier in the year, I took a full car load to Savers in October- lots of clothes.
#23 Create a new music playlist. Riley’s. Plus CMA fest artists. Summer playlist, Old Dominion
On a Happy Note
My friend Megg and I took a longer than usual walk through our local State Park! After almost 8 miles, I came home and pressure washed the house & deck. For the deck, I used a surface cleaner from Ryobi that Dan purchased. You can find the same one on Amazon for $51. Parts of the deck were so badly stained from years of drought when we couldn't wash it. Areas where the wood pile is were especially bad. Exhausting but very satisfying day.
My cousin Chris & his wife Kim threw a wonderful party for their son Benjamin's Baptism.
I spent a week night at brother and sister-in-law's while they attended a work function. Ran the kids around to their activities, then Millie and I knit for a bit before she and Garret went to bed. Riley & I knit and watch Gilmore Girls before we went to bed. Truly delightful.
My financial advisor reached out to me after hearing that my work Open Enrollment is coming up and there was an option for a high deductible health plan that allows for a Health Savings Account, which he had encouraged me to do before (but it wasn't an option). Great customer service! Find a good financial advisor. It is so worth it.
Dan and I spent one evening at our nephew Will's soccer game in our home town. They got clobbered but it was fun to see him play. I also knit a bit and listened to my audiobook during part of the second half.
Mom, Riley, Millie & I got mani pedis at a local place!
Our annual Woodchopping Weekend Party went off without a hitch. Perfect weather. Great food. Dan took the kids on hayrides using a trailer pulled by the backhoe. Kids played disc golf and later flashlight tag, then retreated inside to make TikTok videos while the adults and littles made s'mores outside by the fire and chatted.
Mom & I put blue streaks in our hair after our friend Erika, who cuts/colors our hair, encouraged Mom to do this before her Vegas trip last year. Mom said if she was still here to go this year, she'd do it. Here we are! It looks great.
Finished up work on our FearLESS Living Fund Website. The bulk of the work and formatting, design was done by my Mom's friend Emma who was really generous to do this for us! So far we've raised almost $14,000 help the Blind community of Nevada. We are giving away awards for 2 special people to assist with their housing and cell phone costs for the upcoming year! Can't wait to raise more money. You can donate here.
Watching Love is Blind and chatting about it with my friend Laura.
Great customer service from AirBnB after our host canceled our Rhinebeck AirBnB.
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.
Quote of the Week
"Don't fear failure. Not failure, but low aim, is the crime. In great attempts it is glorious even to fail."
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.
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
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 )
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
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.
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
NY Sheep & Wool Festival in Rhinebeck - October 21 & 22, 2023
Indie Untangled: Friday October 20 from 10a-4p in Saugerties. Tickets for 1, 2:30p and 4p still available.
Cakepalooza: Friday October 20 from 10a-5p in Saugerties. Tickets for the 2p & 4p entries are still available
Wool & Folk: Friday October 20 from 12-7p in Stoneridge, NY
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.
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.
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.
92 sts. 2x2 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.
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
Progress: 9 squares for September complete. I'm planning to buy a neutral sock yarn to seam and border them with. Each month's 3x3 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)
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.
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.
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.”
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)
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.
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.
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.
In this project, I used Helical knitting using Video Tutorial from Knitty Natty & Cate's Clasp Weft join- check out my YouTube Tutorial by clicking here.
From Amazon, I ordered Black Buckles to allow for adjusting the length of the strap.
My friend Liz was walking around sightseeing on a recent trip to St. Louis and mentioned she may need a water bottle holder like the one I made for Hattie (Ravelry Project Page).
I've been closing the end of each hexagon with this join- link to Instagram post
4 rounds per hexagon.
3.75 inches each.
Learned double magic circle from this YouTube video. The trick is to know how to pull both loops to tighten the loop.
Final blanket- 15x22 hexagons with 5 rounds of single crochet for the border.
62x80 inches (twin size- 60x80 inches)
Finished blanket- 11,392 meters
Stash Dash total on the morning of 8/31/23= 21,064 meters (before counting my last spinning project).
On 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.
Progress: morning of 8/31- spinning is complete. Plying will be done this afternoon, but I can't measure the finished yarn until it is washed and dried.
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 )
Mom's Rhinebeck Sweater. Yarn from Sweitzer's Fiber Mill from Maryland Sheep & Wool 2023. My gauge swatch in progress. I started with US 8s, then did a purl bump row and switched to US 9s. Please send your suggestions of relatively simple cardigan pattern for worsted/aran weight yarn.
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
Liz, Riley and I went to the Marshfield Fair. We spent a good bit of time inside the exhibition building looking at flower arrangements, plants and other crafty items that were given awards. Lots of knitting and crochet projects as well as quilts. While the plants and things were really accessible on tables, it was nice to see that the fiber crafts were behind a low railing so you couldn't touch anything.
Teams will be announced on 9/1. Stay tuned to the Ravelry group and look for the "find your teams" thread.
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.
Virtual Kick Off Weekend
Thursday night for Patrons only. Patrons of every level will be invited to join. For the rest of the seaon, only those at the $5/month level and up are invited to our monthly hangouts.
Friday September 8 & Saturday September 9th, events will be open to ALL.
Do you have ideas for challenges or events for this season? Share your ideas in this Ravelry Thread.
Does anyone want to be a correspondent and report in before each episode with some key stats or highlights from the games, interesting post or projects? Email me or DM me on Instagram if you're interested.
On a Happy Note
Beach walk and dinner w/ Megg & Kris.
Breakfast with Mom & two of her Infusion nurses we've known for years.
Marshfield Fair with Liz and Riley. We watched part of the demolition derby, played some games and listened to music.
Dan and I went Kayaking with Megg, Oisin, Hattie and Will, then got food from the Hingham Lobster Pound and chilled at the Rowan's.
We celebrated my grandmother's 89th birthday with a fun brunch at The Friendly Toast
I went to see Oppenheimer at the movies with Liz. Then to see Barbie (for the second time) with Liz and our Mom's who hadn't seen it yet. We met early for a drink, all wearing our pink. They loved the movie.
Dinner the night before Eme left for school then Megg and I brought them out to Simon's Rock for their 3rd year. It was a long day- 6 hours of driving + unpacking, organizing, a late lunch and snacks in the car singing all the way home.
Riley found "Make Dolly Proud" tees while shopping w/ a friend and I sent her money to get them for us. She's making WWDD bracelets for us too!
5 of the nieces and nephews started school + Gabriella started pre-school so far. FaceTimed with Riley and Gabriella & Zach
Quote of the Week
"Most people fail in life not because they aim too high and miss, but because they aim too low and hit."
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.
I originally finished in June 2022 but it was too short. I ripped out the bottom section and changed from 1 round of each color to 2 rounds each on the bottom trip and added 2 more colors (purple and pink)
I've been closing the end of each hexagon with this join- link to Instagram post
4 rounds per hexagon.
Learned double magic circle from this YouTube video. The trick is to know how to pull both loops to tighten the loop.
Progress as of 8/14- 58 x70 inches (14x20 hexis)
My goal is for it to be twin blanket size which is 60x80 inches. I would need to add 2 more rows to the length= 28 hexis to make, wash and seam. Plus add the border.
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 )
From Amazon, I ordered Black Buckles to allow for adjusting the length of the strap.
My friend Liz was walking around sightseeing on a recent trip to St. Louis and mentioned she may need a water bottle holder like the one I made for Hattie (Ravelry Project Page).
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)
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.
Brainstorming
I'd like to crochet a pocket to put between the mattress and the platform part of our bed. I sleep with my heating pad nearly every night and depending on how I move, and especially when I get out of bed, the controller for the heating pad clangs loudly against the wooden drawers and metal drawer pulls of the platform bed. I'd like to hold several strands together and make a large piece of fabric with a pocket in it, to hold the controller and muffle the sound. I need to go through my stash to see what I can find. I will likely crochet it for the sake of time and I think it will also yield a denser fabric that will work well without hurting my hands too much.
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
Tune in to hear if you won a prize in the Splash Pad Party. I will email all winners within a week of this recording.
The 10th Annual Pigskin Party is Coming SOON! The event will run from Thursday September 7, 2023 through Monday February 12, 2024
Official hashtag- #DCSPigskinParty23 (feel free to start using it while you prep for the KAL)
Print and hang at least 1 of our new family photos (ordered 8/9 from Walgreens- 8x10 for $12!)
Give blood at least 3 times (March, May, August done)
Knit myself a pair of mittens
On a Happy Note
Dan and I went to a local brewery on a Sunday afternoon and came home to a black bear in our yard!
Barbie Movie- purchased a new pink top and heels to wear with floral pants I bought. Stephanie deemed me Resort Barbie!
Gabriella's 3rd birthday. Dan and I had so much fun playing with playdough with them in the backyard.
Mom's friends at List Perfectly treated us to box seats at a Red Sox at Fenway. The game itself was terrible- they lost 13-1 and put in the short stop as pitcher in the top of the 9th, but we had so much fun we didn't care. The box was decked out with every kind of delicious beverage you could want, pizza, lobster rolls, hot dogs, pretzels and more... and they even have a ice cream sundae cart come around!
2 nights of Tock and ice cream at the pool. The first night Liz and I taught Stephanie and Kris how to play. The second night, Mom, Riley and I played.
Emelie's birthday party
Kayaking for the first time this season; it was cut a bit short by a storm that was threatening. Not sure if would have ever actually come where we were, but it wasn't worth the risk.
Quote of the Week
No matter how mundane some action might appear, keep at it long enough and it becomes a contemplative, even meditative act.
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.
Inspiration- Ali (starryeyesali) posted a watermelon bowl she made with leftover yarn on Instagram
Small Jar cozy (16 oz wide mouth Mason jars). All sc (like the original ball band pattern). 7 rounds of Jade, 2 rounds of light green, 9 rounds of red. Black "seeds" sewn in later.
Large Jar cozy (24 oz wide mouth Mason jars)- following Ball Band with a Twist instructions. 6 rounds of bottom section in Jade. 2 rounds of light green and the rest in Red. Black "seeds" sewn in later.
Large Jar cozy #2 (24 oz wide mouth Mason jars)- rounds of Jade, 2 rounds of light green, rest was done in red. Black "seeds" sewn in later.
2 skeins of finished yarn with Fluffypuf & Kingdom Fleece & Fiber Works
Skein 1- 66g. 80.97 yards or 74.04 meters
Skein 2= 66g. 79.44 yards or 72.64 meters
Total Meters= 146.68
I still had singles left of the Kingdom Fleece & Fiberworks fiber, so I plied that with some mystery purple singles.
Skein 3: 28g. 54.44 yards or 49.78 meters
Meters for Stash Dash- 49.78 x 4= 199.12
Total Meters for Stash Dash for all 3 skeins = 795.84
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.
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!
Progress: I have 3 of the 4 front/back panels I need for the frist 2 done. The forth is onto the leg. I am going to crochet up 2 more and then iron them, and start seaming them.
Wide, oversized crochet top that I completely improvised on the go. Thought I'd do all granny squares but didn't think I'd have enough yarn.
Originally finished in June 2022, but it was too short and I only wore it once.
Had hdc rows in rainbow colors at the bottom. Ripped all of that back and instead of doing 1 round of each color, I did 2. Extending beyond blue to include purple and pink.
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 )
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.
Some Years Later
Mom sent 2 socks to be repaired. Her Knit Picks Felici Zen Socks had a hole in the foot. It was easy to repair with a bit of yarn. I washed them and they're ready to give back. I only finished these in May 2022, right before Mother's Day so these haven't held up very well. Click here for my Ravelry Project Page.
I also did a blanket repair on a knitted blanket a friend's mother asked me to fix. I was assuming it was crochet, so the fact that it was knitted was a surprise. The section that was torn was part of a very long strip of knitting that was knit on the bias, so it was a little tricky but it was in garter stitch and I did a good job of pulling the stitches back up. Its not 100% invisible, but I'm happy with it. I have it washed and ready to return.
Crafty Adventures
Resin adventures with Gayle & Meagan for their Bucket List with a Twist. They made us aprons to wear while working that Bucket List with a Twist!
Mom's July MRI & CT Scans show that the cancer has not grown/changed! Great news!
Ask Me Anything
Tune in to hear my answers to these questions:
AnnahB wants to know how many UFOs I have. (12 somewhat active + hibernations)
MaysMomNH- How your Mom is doing.
Elisa.Knits- How you pick yarn for sweaters and cardis please.
Nali_Knits- what motivates you to keep knitting/podcasting after so many years?
KGZKnits- Can we watch instead?
Red-Christina- trying to knit men's cardigan for my grandpa- any suggestions?
Classic Cardigan by Tin Can Knits. $8 knitting pattern on Ravelry or Tin Can Knits website.
Slade by Michelle Wang (for Brooklyn Tweed). $10 pattern available on Ravelry; $9 on Brooklyn Tweed Website.
Reading Cardigan by Jared Flood. $16 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & for $15 on Brooklyn Tweed website)
DogMomKnits- Fall Knitting Plans- Pigskin Party (if there will be one) info?
There will be a Pigskin Party. I'll be planning it very soon!
On a Happy Note
After a day of resin crafts and pool time, Mom, Dad, Gayle, Meagan, Liz and I headed out for ice cream and then back for 2 round Tock match (Meagan & I won one, Gayle & Liz won one).
I went to Minute Clinic to confirm I had Covid, but mostly to see if I also had strep throat, and was treated by my childhood bestie, Maribeth!
Grateful for my own craft room with a comfy chair in a cool part of the house. Perfect for isolating and making sure Dan didn't get sick. I did go outside a bit on the weekend days. Dan brought up my wheel. I still spent a lot of time lying down between projects but it was nice to get out. I missed our nephew's 16th birthday pool party, though, so that was a bummer.
Jeff was able to get an extra ticket for me to join he and Riley to see Lainey Wilson at the Mohegan Sun casino on Friday night! We had dinner, loved the show, got a cool Watermelon Moonshine Stanley Tumbler, and then I slept over at their house. Hung out with Riley & Millie in the morning, singing Hamilton as Riley made us homemade waffles.
Quote of the Week
The great thing in this world is not so much where we stand as in what direction we are moving.
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.
About the project: Hattie (age 5) saw a water bottle holder at the local refill store and asked for one. Her Mom, Megg texted asking if I could please make one for Hattie. The pattern is designed for an adult/larger sized water bottle so I knew I wanted to make mine smaller than called for in the pattern. I started in blue and increased up to about 38 sts around. Instead of double crochets, I worked half double crochets instead. 6 rows hdc, followed by 3 rows of (ch1, dc around) in purple. Then I repeated that in pink.
I had planned to do the strap half pink and half purple, but when I had Hattie try it on, it was too long (even though I had been accounting for a serious amount of stretch). She said it needed attention regardless because there wasn’t any blue in the strap. Noted. Thankfully, I’d anticipated my picky client and brought all three colors with me to the pool. I ripped back, adjusted the length, added some blue to the second half of the strap and voila!
80.2 meters for Stash Dash
Seeing Spirals Washcloth
Pattern: Seeing Spirals Washcloth by Lindsey Dale (free crochet pattern available on Ravelry or on Lindsey’s website)
Pattern: Musselburgh by Ysolda Teague ($7.77 US/ 6 GBP knitting pattern available on Ravelry or on Ysolda’s website)
Yarn: YarnBaker Fingering in the Blazer Colorway & On The Round Nimble Sock (unsure of colorway)
Needles: US 2 (2.75) circular- 32 in (magic loop for beginning & end of project & US 2 (also called US 2.5) 3.0 mm 16-inch circular for the body of the hat
This pattern presumes you already know the c2c crochet technique.
Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted in White & Tranquil (light green), Lion Brand Pound of Love in Pastel Pink and Loops & Threads Snuggly Wuggly Big! in colorway Soft Lilac
For help learning the Corner to Corner Crochet method you could check out this free Ravelry Download from Lauri Bolland or this video tutorial from Lion Brand on
Each section is 11 squares tall. Green, white, pink, white, purple, white.
I used mattress stitch to seam all 6 strips together. I used white to do a dc border round, then a hdc round. From there I did a crochet pom pom border using 2 puff stitches that you fold over to make bobbles. I first used this border on a Cozy Clusters Blanket last summer (Ravelry project page here). I learned about this edge technique on this website.
I’ve been closing the end of each hexagon with this join- link to Instagram post
4 rounds per hexagon.
3.75 inches each. Likely need over 300
Twin sized blanket is 60×80 inches. 17×22 hexis- 374.
Learned double magic circle from this YouTube video. The trick is to know how to pull both loops to tighten the loop.
Progress: I started seaming!
3 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!
Progress: I have 3 of the 4 front/back panels I need for the frist 2 done. The forth is onto the leg. I am going to crochet up 2 more and then iron them, and start seaming them.
LFA Helical Socks
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes in the Portal Colorway + 50g skein in a mystery colorway
About the colorways: both have a pink base. The mystery skein leans more to blues and purples. Portal has some brighter sky blues and bits of green and maroon. Together they just look like one beautiful colorway.
Progress: a few inches from the heel on the first sock
Zebra Stripes Socks
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
1 stripe a day. So manageable– then I got to Vegas and realized I was using US 2 instead of US 1.5. Thought the gauge looked strange. Ripped back to cuff. I got off track after that.
20g mini in dark purple; used for cuff and will use for the heel.
Progress: I finished the first sock (did not use the mini for the toe). Cast on the second sock, using the mini for the cuff.
From the Armchair
Watching: Shrinking (on Apple TV+)I finished reading:
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.
In My Travels
While in Phoenix with Mom, she, Merry & I took a day trip tour to Sedona through Detours. Nicki was our guide. First stop: Montezuma Castle. where the Sinagua people built dwellings into the side of the rock face. It was a 20 room, multi-story structure access via sets of wooden ladders.
Chapel of the Holy Cross – beautiful setting with nearly 360 views of the red rocks all around, beautiful face of windows on one end with a large statue of Jesus over the altar.
I shared in the last episode that my mother-in-law, Marilyn, passed away shortly before I left for Phoenix. When I returned home, we finished the of the plans and held her funeral mass that Thursday morning. Dan’s younger sister Kathy (and her husband Tony) came in from Florida and stayed with us as did my friend Laura (from NYC). We all met up for dinner on Wednesday night with Dan & Matt’s aunt who came in from Maine and 2 of her daughters and their families.
The services and lunch afterwards were beautiful. Readings and music were all specially chosen and read/performed by people she loved. Its was a beautiful send off. We had a small gathering after at my friend Megg’s house. She, Laura and I walked down to the beach just before sunset.
On a Happy Note
While Laura was in town we went for a late lunch with Kris and Megg at the Salt Society and then Laura, Kris and I got ice cream at Hornstra and Laura and I went on to see No Hard Feelings at the movies.
Saturday July 8th we had a big pool party for our friend Trish’s birthday. Fun day with all the kiddos before they head off to their various camps.
On Sunday, Dan’s friends came for a visit and brought us a delicious homemade strawberry rhubarb pie.
Monday night we did a double date night with Megg and Tom to The Snug, an Irish pub, for live music to catch up before they head to Ireland for summer visits.
Thursday I celebrated 20 years at Mass General with the annual Ether Day Dinner (normally held in October but ours was postponed) where they celebrate staff with milestones in 5 year increments from 20-60 years of service. Cocktail hour with live music followed by a delicious dinner for over 600 people! It was made especially fun because my dear friend Waveney and her husband Atticus were there- and Dan ran into a friend from work whose wife was also celebrating 20 years.
On October 16, 1846, the first successful public demonstration of the use of ether for surgical anesthesia was performed, making pain-free surgery possible.
Friday pool night. Meagan and Gayle, up from NH, brought resin/acrylic crafts and the fam decorated cutting boards and trays. I missed it but Dan and the others who learned are going to teach me.
Quote of the Week
We can take a wonderful vacation in spirit, even though we are obliged to stay at home, if we will only drop our burdens from our minds for a while. –Laura Ingalls Wilder Thank you for tuning in!Contact Information:
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.
Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
Yarn: sock yarn minis and scraps
Ravelry Project Page (started in April 2021. Picked back up in September 2022)
In this project, I used Helical knitting using Video Tutorial from Knitty Natty & Cate’s Clasp Weft join- check out my YouTube Tutorial by clicking here.
228 meters for Stash Dash
In a Fog Mittens
Pattern: In a Fog by Allison O’Mahony ($5.50 US knitting pattern available on Ravelry & the designer’s website)
Needles: US 4 (3.5mm) & US 6 (4.0mm)
Yarn: MC: Spun Right Round (multi color) CC: Fibre Seed Costa Laurel worsted yarn in Colorway CL014 (gray)
This pattern presumes you already know the c2c crochet technique.
Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted in White & Tranquil (light green), Lion Brand Pound of Love in Pastel Pink and Loops & Threads Snuggly Wuggly Big! in colorway Soft Lilac
For help learning the Corner to Corner Crochet method you could check out this free Ravelry Download from Lauri Bolland or this video tutorial from Lion Brand on YouTube.
Each section is 11 squares tall. Green, white, pink, white, purple, white.
Progress: 5 strips finished. 1 more started. Once finished, I need to seam them together & debating a border.
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.
Pattern: Cozy Classic Raglan by Jessie Maed Designs
Needles: US 3 for Ribbing. US 7 for body
Yarn: Rowan Cashsoft DK in color 547 Sunny
Knitting Size Medium.
Finished in May 2020
I never loved the way it fits me. Riley recently wore it during sleepover, so I let her take it home. She sent me a fit check wearing it with white jean cut offs, a slick hairdo and some poppin lips! Looking gorgeous. Makes me even happier than the meters that helped me kick Jasmin’s butt in 2020!
It’s been a tough couple weeks with Mom having a bad reaction to her normal infusion, then Dan’s mother, Marilyn passed away on June 25th.
On a Happy Note
Our nephew Oisin turned 15 and we enjoyed his taco truck birthday party.
That same weekend, we had 3 kiddos in a dance recital, and our niece Aila was in Beauty & the Beast as Maurice that night. Mom, Riley, Millie and I grabbed dinner (and for the adults a cold beer) in between!
We enjoyed Father’s Day with my dad and gave him custom corn hole boards and bags!
Mom, Riley and I got VIP tickets to Kane Brown at Fenway Park. We wore matching tees Mom bought for us.
Not one but 2 bucks in our driveway at the same time. Stayed long enough for me to bring Dan back.
Fireflies are out! I got to show our friend Liz when she came for dinner.
I got to go into the ORs for the first time, after working at MGH for nearly 21 years.
Quote of the Week
One’s life begins on so many occasions, constructing itself out of accident derived from coincidence compounded by character.–DONALD HALL
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.
I purchased this as a Micro Sock set; 50g of main color + a 20g mini. I also had another LFA mini that I liked with it, so I have green and purple to choose from.
Progress: I finished the first sock at Lucky Bastard Bar in Nashville and kitchenered the toe listening to live music. I cast on the second sock.
In a Fog Mittens
Pattern: In a Fog by Allison O’Mahony ($5.50 US knitting pattern available on Ravelry & the designer’s website)
Needles: US 4 (3.5mm) & US 6 (4.0mm)
Yarn: MC: Spun Right Round (multi color) CC: Fibre Seed Costa Laurel worsted yarn in Colorway CL014 (gray)
Size: Medium (3 sizes available)
Progress: finished 1st mitten
Crafty Adventures
Emelyn came over after work to do a crafty project together. They decided they wanted to make a snail backpack for which we could find no ready-made tutorials online. We found instructions for round bag that we’ll modify. We went to JoAnn to purchase supplies, grabbed dinner and headed home. Eme cut the two circles (using a large bowl as a guide) and sewed swirl pattern on each piece before we ran out of time. I’m looking forward to picking it back up soon.
Knitting in Passing
My mom’s childhood friend Rosie came to Nashville with us. She was asking about my circular knitting on magic loop and we got talking about how her mother knit and taught her to knit as a kid. Her mother would make sweaters, hats, scarves and mittens.
In My Travels
My brother Jeff, my parents and I went to Nashville for CMA Fest 2023. Tune in to hear all about our trip and the incredible musicians & bands we saw.
“Would you rather love the more, and suffer the more; or love the less, and suffer the less? That is, I think, finally, the only real question.”– Julian Barnes
This episode we had a special conversation originally recorded by my friend Beverly Baptiste who co-hosts the weekly sewing podcast- Punk Frockers with her friend Jenny Hassler for their series on sewing adjacent hobbies. My friends Nicki, Karen, Ryan and Maggie and I share about the kinds of fiber crafts we enjoy, other creative outlets, whether creative people attract creative partners and whether our partners know how much we spend on craft supplies. You can find the Punk Frockers podcast on their website. You can also find this conversation on Episode 118 Knitting #PFSewingAdjacent.
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.
This pattern presumes you already know the c2c crochet technique.
Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted in White & Tranquil (light green), Lion Brand Pound of Love in Pastel Pink and Loops & Threads Snuggly Wuggly Big! in colorway Soft Lilac
For help learning the Corner to Corner Crochet method you could check out this free Ravelry Download from Lauri Bolland or this video tutorial from Lion Brand on YouTube.
Each section is 11 squares tall. Green, white, pink, white, purple, white.
Progress: 3 strips finished. 1 more started.
Summer Scrappy Helical Socks #2
Yarn: various fingering scraps
Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
I purchased this as a Micro Sock set; 50g of main color + a 20g mini. I also had another LFA mini that I liked with it, so I have green and purple to choose from.
About the Fluffypuf braid: contains purple (various shades), yellow, orange, gray, blue, pink
I purchased 4 oz of 100% Rambouillet from Kingdom Fleece & Fiberworks at CT Sheep & Wool.
I will plan to do a 3 ply
Update this episode: I broke my new driveband! Will replace w/ kitchen cotton yarn for now
Brainstorming
With the announcement of the Legacy Fiber Artz MAL, I decided to wind up all of my LFA minis on the sparkle base to knit some scrappy, helical, clasp-weft sparkle socks!
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.
In My Travels
Friday night we had dinner at Water Street in Wiscasset, Maine
We loved the flowers and other exhibits too. One especially neat thing was The Lerner Garden of the Five Senses which made me think of Gretchin Rubin & her new Life in Five Senses book which I reviewed in Episode 254
Getting video messages from Riley about her crochet project! Riley joined one of our Patrons-only Zooms during the Splash Pad Party and that was a lot of fun!
Memorial Day weekend visits to my parents'. Mom shared a cool tip on how to clean jewelry which I'll share on Instagram. Sunday after the pool, the 4 of us headed to Matt & Kris' to celebrate Matt's birthday and Carly's birthday. I gifted her the Carmen socks I'd just finished! She's a skiier so I'm hoping she enjoys them.
On Monday, a bunch of my cousins and their kids came! We got a fun photo of 9 kiddos together on my parents' swing! The kids swam and ate ice cream. I played bocce with Garret.
Quote of the Week
In the beginning I was so young and such a stranger to myself I hardly existed. I had to go out into the world and see it and hear it and react to it, before I knew at all who I was, what I was, what I wanted to be.
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.
I've been closing the end of each hexagon with this join- link to Instagram post
4 rounds per hexagon.
3.75 inches each. Likely need over 300
Twin sized blanket is 60x80 inches. 17x22 hexis- 374.
Learned double magic circle from this YouTube video. The trick is to know how to pull both loops to tighten the loop.
Bought 2 grab bags of minis from Legacy Fiber Artz and some yarn from Knit Picks with a gift card I got for my birthday. Minis from CT Sheep & Wool and Maryland S&W
Thanks Nicole (ndoyle) for the care package for Riley that included a Crumbl cookie cutter and minis for Riley to make more hexis out of. You can check out our Crumbl taste test in this video.
About the Fluffypuf braid: contains purple (various shades), yellow, orange, gray, blue, pink
I purchased 4 oz of 100% Rambouillet from Kingdom Fleece & Fiberworks at CT Sheep & Wool. I split it in two. 2 oz already spun. I will plan to do a 3 ply
Shock Star Hat
Yarn: Spun Right Round Squish DK in the Shock Star colorway
About the yarn: peaches and pinks with gray/taupe. At my gauge it is striping (~2 rounds per color). I purchased this yarn at Yarncentric event in Maryland.
Progress: Almost done with the first leg.
Scrappy Helical Socks
Yarn: various fingering scraps
Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
I tried to weave in ends as I went and I wasn't loving the look of it. My friend Nicki suggested Cate's Clasp Weft Join after starting new yarn. I thought of it but talked myself out of it, thinking it wouldn't work well. It totally does! Let me know if you'd like to see a tutorial on it.
Progress: just finished heel on second sock
Ninja Turtle Socks
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
Yarn: Qing Fibre Dashing Fingering Yarn in the Ninja Turtle Colorway
Laura chose this yarn when we were shopping at Loop London in the Fall of 2022.
About the yarn: it is the brightest, most neon yellow/green
Progress: Turned second heel
Riley is knitting on her Riley Rose Cowl (pattern by me, named for her) out of Goosey Fibers Yarn. You can get this pattern on Ravelry & LoveCrafts. She is also practicing working flat in double crochet using Knit Picks Brava yarn.
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
This weekend, I had my first go at needle felting. It was a lot of fun!
Some Years Later
Me Made May has me wearing my handknits and posting on Instagram.
Mom & I spent Thursday through Monday in Maryland, attending Yarncentrick on Friday & Maryland Sheep & Wool on Saturday. Stay tuned for a 2 part vlog series on my YouTube Channel
KAL News
Splash Pad Party Registration opened May 1st. Sign up using this Google Form.
My new shawl pattern, the Mas Vida Shawl is coming soon!!
Mas Vida is a simple sideways shawl that is written for 2 skeins of fingering weight yarn but can be knit up in any yarn you choose. There isn’t a single purl in the project, and the eyelets are easy to work. Many of you will only need to reference the pattern occasionally once you understand the basic increases and increase repeats.
I designed this to take along on a European vacation. I wanted something with a bit of interest, but that wouldn’t be too large, wouldn’t require too much brain space and that wouldn’t work up too quickly (as smaller travel projects tend to do). -
Note - This pattern has already been Tech Edited & Test Knit, so it should be smooth sailing!
On a Happy Note
I went to see Irish comedian Tommy Tiernan with Megg, Tom & Matt.
Seeing my 11 year old niece perform in Matilda.
Zach’s 1st birthday dinner.
Riley got 2 awards in her last dance competition of the season!
Quote of the Week
Do not look back. And do not dream about the future, either...Your duty, your reward—your destiny—are here and now.
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.
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 253 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. For full show notes with photos check out my website.
This week's segments included:
Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
From the Armchair
In my Travels
KAL News
Events
Contest, News & Notes
Life in Focus
On a Happy Note
Quote of the Week
Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
Zach’s 1st Birthday Teddy
Yarn: Knit Picks Brava in the Dove Heather, Silver, Mint, Tranquil and Marina colorways
Hooks: D (3.25 mm) for stuffed parts & H (5.0mm) for Granny Square
Pattern: Theo the Teddy Bear from book: Snuggle & Play Crochet: 40 Amigurumi Patterns for Lovey Security Blankets and Matching Toys by Carolina Guzman Benitez
Progress: Turned heel of first sock and knit several inches on the foot during our trip to Nantucket
Musselburgh Hat
Pattern: Musselburgh by Ysolda Teague ($7.77 US/ 6 GBP knitting pattern available on Ravelry or on Ysolda's website)
Yarn: YarnBaker Fingering in the Blazer Colorway & On The Round Nimble Sock (unsure of colorway)
Needles: US 2 (2.75) circular- 32 in (magic loop for beginning & end of project & US 2 (also called US 2.5) 3.0 mm 16-inch circular for the body of the hat
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.
In My Travels
Check out our 2 part Nantucket Vlog series on my YouTube Channel: Part 1 & Part 2
KAL News
Splash Pad Party Registration Opens May 1st. Sign up using this Google Form.
Thanks to test knitters testing my Mas Vidas shawl
Life in Focus
I checked off two things on my 23 in 2023 list
#1- Read 23 Books- now at 24!
#23- Create a new music playlist. Riley’s. Plus CMA fest artists.
On a Happy Note
Walking at the beach with Megg & Maria before Oisin's boat race. His team set the course record for the day!
Laura came in from NY that evening and joined us for Tom's birthday dinner.
On Sunday, I drove down to Orleans where Laura was house sitting to watch the Love is Blind "live" Re-union debacle on Netflix.
Training at the gym & the energy that comes with it!
Going w/ Riley and Mom to get our nails done before Nantucket. Riley took us for boba smoothies afterwards. We had a great time.
Riley was showing a friend a nail polish in TJ Maxx that looks like mine and it was the exact color of OPI I always get- Don't Bossa Nova Me Around- and she bought it for me. So sweet!
Nantucket! 4 day weekend was just the break I needed from work. The candy and cookie taste tests were a fun way to do something memorable without having to spend a ton of time or money.
Getting Mom to watch on Love is Blind
Watching The Sinner on Netflix with Dan.
Working on a slide show for my friend's son's Bar Mitzvah.
Quote of the Week
Writer and psychoanalyst Marion Milner on the work required to be happy:
"Let no one think it is an easy way because it is concerned with moments of happiness rather than with stern duty or high moral endeavour. For what is really easy, as I found, is to blind one’s eyes to what one really likes, to drift into accepting one's wants ready-made from other people, and to evade the continual day to day sifting of values."
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.
This pattern presumes you already know the c2c crochet technique.
Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted in White & Tranquil (light green), Lion Brand Pound of Love in Pastel Pink and Loops & Threads Snuggly Wuggly Big! in colorway Soft Lilac
For help learning the Corner to Corner Crochet method you could check out this free Ravelry Download from Lauri Bolland or this video tutorial from Lion Brand on YouTube.
Each section is 11 squares tall. Green, white, pink, white, purple, white.
Progress: 2 strips finished. 2 more started. I am going to run out of Knit Picks Brava White yarn.
I did finish a top down elongated triangular shawl that was a design idea. I think I like it, but waiting for it to come off the blocking mats for final decisions.
Brainstorming
I’m debating what to make for my nephew Zachary’s 1st birthday in May. This is a strong contender: Baby Snuggler by Cheryl of Crochet 365 Knit Too. Crochet pattern available for $4.49 on Ravelry or free on the Crochet 365 Knit Too Website or ad-free from Cheryl’s website here.
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.
Some Years Later
Riley wore her Everyday Cables Cardigan to Easter this year. I knit this very bulky sweater for her for Christmas 2021 (From Dec 10-24th!). You can check out my Ravelry Project Page here.
Knitting in Passing
Eme sleepover We played Cube Escape Collection. We played The Mill which is like an electronic version of an escape game where you have to go around the room to find clues and figure out how to solve a puzzle. Grandmother knit her own hair (which we had to spin on a castle style spinning wheel) to make a pot holder so we could get hot duck out of oven.
We messaged with Z, Emelyn’s former roommate, and sending videos to try to help with their ssk issues.
I had so much fun teaching Eme to crochet. I bought them some hooks and yarn to keep going.
KAL News
Splash Pad Party starts on Friday May 26th.
Save the date for our virtual kick off events on Friday & Saturday May 26-27th. More details to come.
Call for Sponsors went out. You can find information on my website.
Events
Saturday April 22 from 10a-5p Gore Place Annual Sheepshearing Festival in Waltham, MA. Click here for details.
While it’s been difficult, I’m really enjoying taking small group workout classes at a new to me gym nearby.
On a Happy Note
Hiking with Megg and alone.
Seeing The Secret Garden musical at The Company Theatre.
Eme & Kris’ birthday dinner.
Watching Love is Blind on Netflix and talking about it with Laura. It’s such a fun way to connect w/ a friend.
Easter at my parents’ house.
Warmer, longer days.
My houseplants. I’ve recently divided up some more of my plants. Getting ready to fertilize them. They are bringing me so much joy, and having kept them alive (many for well over a year now), I’m getting confidence to try a few new plants. Maybe soon!
Quote of the Week“
The events of your past are fixed. The meaning of your past is not. The influence of every experience in your life is determined by the meaning you assign to it. Assign a more useful meaning to your past and it becomes easier to take a more useful action in the present.”
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.
About the yarn: 2 round stripes of plum, lavender, brown and gray
On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
Musselburgh Hat
Pattern: Musselburgh by Ysolda Teague ($7.77 US/ 6 GBP knitting pattern available on Ravelry or on Ysolda's website)
Yarn: fingering weight yarn from stash in a denim blue (can't find the ballband)
Needles: US 2 (2.75) circular- 32 in (magic loop for beginning & end of project & US 2 (also called US 2.5) 3.0 mm 16-inch circular for the body of the hat
Plan: Switch colors half way through. I have a lighter blue skein from On the Round that I purchased at Wicked Good Yarns in Rockland, MA that I want to use to make it a reversible hat.
Ninja Turtle Socks
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
Yarn: Qing Fibre Dashing Fingering Yarn in the Ninja Turtle Colorway
Fiber: 4oz braid of BFL from Frabjous Fibers in the Rainy Day Rainbows Colorway
Description- long stretches of light gray punctuated with shorter blips of rainbow colors
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.
I bought a new poly drive band for my Kromski Minstrel from Spinning Bunny on Etsy that I heard about on a Kromski Spinning Wheel Owners message board on Ravelry.
Finished spinning all 4 ounces. I would like to ply with other gray fiber.
Wild Air Farm Fiber
Fiber: 3.9 ounces of Shetland & Pygora from Wild Air Farm. Tag indicates "Melody & Cadence" which I presume are the animal names. 1 bump in green, 1 bump in blue
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 finally got around to hanging up items to create a collage wall in the Down Cellar Studio.
Knitting in Passing
While knitting on my Musselburgh Hat at Oisin's show, the women behind me asked me at Intermission what I was making because she's a "big knitter." I explained about the hat and what a sensation the pattern was. It was nice chatting with her.
KAL News
The Annual Splash Pad Party is ON for this summer. Save the dates for virtual kick off events Friday & Saturday May 26-27th
Call for sponsors going out soon. Sign up for my email newsletter & check the box for getting Sponsor emails if you want to be the first to know about available sponsor spots.
Participant sign-ups will start in May.
Events
Saturday April 1 from 10a-3p: The Yarn Seller's 10th Annual Fiber Marketplace in York, Maine. Click here for details.
Saturday April 22 from 10a-5p Gore Place Annual Sheepshearing Festival in Waltham, MA. Click here for details.
I will have a new shawl pattern ready for test knitters soon. I think I will run the test on Ravelry because it's what I know and is easiest and life is still a little challenging for me right now, so thank you for giving me a little grace.
Life in Focus
Tune in for my update on 23 in 2023.
Any tips for brands/types of fake eyelashes to try?
Skiing didn't happen this year. Sigh.
I'm making good progress of reading, going to musicals, sending cards and going to the movies!
I celebrated the 11 year anniversary of the Podcast with a quick look back at Episode 1!
On a Happy Note
Follow-up after Mom's recent scans show things look good. She & Dad headed off to Florida for vacation.
Dan & I helped Dad replace their broken TV and we had a nice dinner together.
My cousin Susan's annual St. Patrick's Day Party with birthday cake for my cousin Christopher whose baby I met for the first time that day and a Bailey's toast to my dear Aunt Florence.
Picked up Riley and Millie to go meet Mom & Trish for mani pedis before Mom & Dad headed to Florida on Vacation.
Seeing Oisin play Shrek in Shrek Jr. at his Middle School.
Girls Game Night at my cousin Joanie's house
Going back to Zumba before my old gym closes.
I had my annual mammogram and thought there was cause for concern but ultrasound proved everything is normal! PSA: Get those boobies checked!! It's important.
Quote of the Week
I realized I was as happy as I’d ever been in my life. It was the happiness of the right-before, when everything is potential and no branch on the tree of possibility has yet been closed off by action.
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.
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 250 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website.
This week's segments included:
Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbin
On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
Brainstorming
From the Armchair
Crafty Adventures
Knitting in Passing
In my Travels
KAL News
Events
On a Happy Note
Quote of the Week
Thank you to this episode's sponsor: The Yarn Sellar and be sure to check out their annual Fiber Marketplace Saturday April 1 2023, 10-3 pm at the Union Bluff in York Beach,Maine.
Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
Hattie's Ice Cream
Pattern: Ice Cream Cone by Shannon Holding. Free Crochet Pattern available on the LoopholeFox website & on Ravelry
Hook: C (2.75)
Yarn: Knit Picks Brava in Cotton Candy (pink), Blush (pink), White. Loops & Threads Impeccable in Soft Taupe (cone)
2 scoops of ice cream (instructions include option for 3 scoops).
1st scoop is pink, 2nd scoop is white. Pink and purple sprinkles
I've been closing the end of each hexagon with this join- link to Instagram post
4 rounds per hexagon.
3.75 inches each. Likely need over 300
Twin sized blanket is 60x80 inches. 17x22 hexis- 374.
Over 160 full hexagons done now.
I washed all of my finished hexis (that already had ends woven in), in the washing machine on delicate inside a lingerie bag. The lingerie bag is important because with small pieces, you can lose pieces into your machine and cause problems.
Results:
5 of them came apart at the join on the final round.
No bleeding or fading.
No shrinking.
I'm glad I did this so I could get the bad ones out of the mix before I seam them.
Learned double magic circle from this YouTube video. The trick is to know how to pull both loops to tighten the loop.
Ninja Turtle Socks
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
Yarn: Qing Fibre Dashing Fingering Yarn in the Ninja Turtle Colorway
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 finished my January-June Covid Photo Book/Scrapbook that I made in Shutterfly and ordered it!
I started working on second half of the year. I have notes about each day of the year that I'm mostly copying/pasting into Shutterfly and adding photos from Google Photos which makes it easier. So grateful I journaled during 2020 as it will likely end up being one of the wildest year of our lives.
Blue Heron Farm set-up table for people to learn Needle Felting. Millie made a butterfly and then a bunny. We purchased a needle felting kit from them. Later Mom found cookie cutters.
Millie got lots of snuggle time with 2 French Angora Rabbits that she wants to convince her dad to adopt. Thank you, Jessica.
I purchased two batts of Shetland from Wild Air Farm in Bolton, MA.
Our marled variegated 2 ply yarn. Hand-dyed in small limited-edition batches. Made with 100% American wool.
KAL News
I emailed all Grand Prize Winners and the sponsors who donated their prizes. Check your email if you haven't already.
Splash Pad preliminary prep underway
Events
Knit for Food Knit-a-thon 2023 Event: a Fundraiser for Feeding America, World Central Kitchen, No Kid Hungry and Meals on Wheels organized by Laura Nelkin is happening on March 26, 2023
Saturday April 1 from 10a-3p: The Yarn Seller's 10th Annual Fiber Marketplace in York, Maine. Click here for details.
Saturday April 22 from 10a-5p Gore Place Annual Sheepshearing Festival in Waltham, MA. Click here for details.
Met up with my friend Gary from college for coffee while he was in Boston.
Hattie's first ever birthday sleepover for her 5th Birthday. I picked her up and then we picked up Millie, at Hattie's request. We had a low key night at home, and went to the Children's Museum the next morning. Hattie was overtired, so we drove her home and then Millie and I met up with my parents to head back into Boston for Riley's dance competition. Mom, Dad, Jeff, Millie, Garret and I all went to an early dinner between her performances.
Monday night at a local Irish pub listening to live music for Megg's birthday.
Last Saturday, Megg dropped off Oisín to work with Dan, and we all had breakfast before Megg and I went off for a hike. We got back to the car just as the rain started.
Millie's Bucket List with a Twist item was to ride horses with Grammy in the snow. It nearly snowed on Saturday May 11, but it was too warm. Thankfully, the rain stopped while we were inside the barn at Nancy & Roger's house, meeting the animals. Our friend Terri is friends with Nancy and Roger who kindly and enthusiastically agreed to help make Millie check off her bucket list item. We met all of the animals, most of whom were rescued. They have a very silly goat, some miniature horses (Goliath, Delilah & Princess Buttercup), 2 Gypsy Vanners (Zoe & her mother Dulcie) and another large horse, Scooter. Mom and I each rode Zoe and Millie rode Dulcie.
Garret's 13th birthday sleepover. We went to Altitude to jump on the trampolines, to Panera for dinner and then he taught me how to edit videos using the CapCut app.
Quote of the Week
In our concern for others, we worry less about ourselves. When we worry less about ourselves an experience of our own suffering is less intense.
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.
The Yarn Sellar is hosting the annual Fiber Marketplace Saturday April 1 2023, from 10-3 pm at the Union Bluff in York Beach Maine. Local vendors will be selling hand dyed yarns, roving, buttons, bags, and notions. $5 gets you in the door, a 15% off coupon to The Yarn Sellar and a chance to win prizes. Grab your fiber friends and make it a fun filled weekend! Make room reservation by calling 207-363-1333 and visit www.Yarnsellar.com for details.
Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
Cloudy Rainbow Socks
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
Yarn: Yarn Cafe Creations Biscotti Yarn (85% SW Merino/15% Nylon 4 ply) in the Thestrals Colorway (gray with blips of rainbow colors
Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
Cast on 60 stitches and worked 1/1 rib for 14 rounds. Knit about 2 inches and then reduced to 56 stitches (decreases like a toe- done at the beginning and end of each half of the sock).
The leg is 10.25 inches before the heel flap.
My friend Jen from JLsCreativeShop on Etsy sent me new, laser cut bamboo stitch markers that I started using with this project! They each have a knitting related thing on them. Lightweight, easy to take on and off. $14.99 for set of 5. Get 10% off her shop with code BOSTONJEN.
I’ve been closing the end of each hexagon with this join- link to Instagram post
4 rounds per hexagon. 142 hexagons done as of now. 5 half hexagons. 3 pointy ones.
3.75 inches each. Likely need over 300
Twin sized blanket is 60×80 inches. 17×22 hexis- 374.
Natalie, Knitty Natty, shared on Instagram that she had an issue with centers of her granny squares opening up in the wash. I’ve had issues with this too. My plan for this blanket is to wash all of the hexagons first before seaming together to try to weed out anything that’s not secure. I’ve also thought of a new idea for knotting mine closed because I’m holding yarn double. I’ll share a video for that soon!
Ninja Turtle Socks
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
Yarn: Qing Fibre Dashing Fingering Yarn in the Ninja Turtle Colorway
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
Riley finished the Reinpack Bag (free Ravelry Download she was knitting for my Mom, her grandmother. We bought yarn at Staci’s Stitches. The yarn is a super bulky t-shirt yarn from Hoooked Zpaghetti. She did most of the bag in a white with black polka dots and then black towards the bottom. The black yarn was definitely thinner, which wasn’t ideal but as long as Mom doesn’t use it to store small buttons or screws, it should be just fine.
I gave Riley a very brief kitchener stitch overview and she flew through the rest of it to close up this bag. I’m so proud of her.
In My Travels
I visited with Laura in Orleans over the last two weekends. We went to a movie theater to see A Man Called Otto.
We browsed Provincetown, which is a bit sleepy in the offseason. We had fun browsing a few shops.
I taught Laura how to make homemade stovetop popcorn and that nearly turned into a disaster when we thought we ruined the bottom of a Les Creuset but were able to clean/remove the stain with vinegar and baking soda.
Check out our amazing Sponsors! Click here for the Google doc with their websites and Instagram profiles.
Check out the list of availableCoupons from our amazing sponsors- Ravelry Link. Google Doc.
Check out the Pigskin Exclusive Items in this Ravelry Thread
Important Updates in this Episode
Tune in to hear if you’re one of our 10 Grand Prize Winners
Pigskin ’22 Wrap-up & Highlights.
1030 on Roster this Season
189 people earned 1-25 entries
45 people earned 26-50 entries
17 people got between 51-100 entries
7 of you earned more than 100 entries or more entries towards grand prizes.
4,143 entries for Finished Projects
693 entries for non-project points
2,578 posts on Instagram using #DCSPigskinParty22
Special Challenges & Bonuses
Talkgate Talk
Fistbumps and Fives
Creepy WIP challenge
Night Bright challenge
Gratitude WIP Bonus
Spread the Warmth challenge
Plus 4 Interceptions!
Our Teams were Part of 3 Conferences this year- Alpaca Conference (Commissioner: Alicia) & Llama Conference (Commissioner: Emily) & Sheep Conference(Commissioner: Heather)
Llama Conference won for the 2nd year in a row with over 211k points
Sheep took second this year with over 188k points
Alpaca Conference had a strong showing with over 161k points
Highest scoring Team was also in the Llama conference- Team 10 Wildcard WIPers with 67,452 points
2nd Place goes to: Team 7- Garter Guards- 62,789 points
In 3rd Place from the Sheep Conference is: Team 12 Sprinting Steekers- 58,213
Knit for Food Knit-a-thon 2023 Event: a Fundraiser for Feeding America, World Central Kitchen, No Kid Hungry and Meals on Wheels organized by Laura Nelkin is happening on March 26, 2023
Saturday April 1 from 10a-3p: The Yarn Seller’s 10th Annual Fiber Marketplace in York, Maine. Click here for details.
Saturday April 22 from 10a-5p Gore Place Annual Sheepshearing Festival in Waltham, MA. Click here for details.
If you check out JLsCreativeShop on Etsy & would like to purchase laser cut bamboo stitch markers or other items- you can use coupon code BOSTONJEN for 10% off.
The progress keeper I shared is a set of 5 for $14.99.
Conshy Connects Resale Therapy Live Sale on Thursday 3/2 at 7p Eastern on Facebook. Proceeds to benefit the FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada. Check out this YouTube Video where Mom & I talk more about this event and the Blind Center.
Ask Me Anything
Tune in to hear my answers to these questions
Aggie asked: “How are you doing?”
Cher asked: “Project progress please”
Brittany asked: “When you went to overseas I saw you had a tiny bag attached to your cross body bag for your knitting.”
Smaller bag that I attached with a carabiner was a ball holder from Pearl & Plum Etsy Shop. I believe it was a prototype, drawstring bag. Very lightweight. Not sure if they were ever sold.
Frances asked: “all about those hexies”
On a Happy Note
Mom’s friend Vikki came for a visit. Dan and I met Mom, Trish and Vikki for dinner and then they came back to our house for a drink.
I shared about Mom’s Bucket List with a Twist. Riley’s item was a massive girls party/sleepover. She had an ice cream bar and a popcorn bar, lots of food and other desserts. We played silly games and had a blast!
Dan & I bought a new washer and dryer to replace our broken one; Dan was so excited to try it out he did a ton of laundry including our sheets, which is my least favorite thing to do!
Mom successfully completed her last 3-day set of chemotherapy! Her record for keeping nausea and vomiting at bay stands! We are very excited about that. I got to visit with my cousins Susan and Joanie who drove Mom in on the second and third days because my dad had vertigo.
90 minute massage, which was even better in the midst of a very busy work week.
My time with Laura down in Orleans. Lots of talking, movies, & shopping.
Quote of the Week
Any self-prompt that reminds you to focus on flow not ebb, contributes to your greater sense of abundance. – Sarah Breathnach
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.
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
Yarn: Cascade Heritage Prints in Colorway 111 Aqua
Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
I finished these before the last episode, but I didn't talk about the colorwork I did before each toe. One sock says "just" and the other says "breathe."
Mom's Jean Marie Shawl
Pattern: Jean Marie by Jennifer Lassonde ($6 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & LoveCrafts).
Needles: US 9 (5.5 mm)
Yarn: Section 1: Dirty Water Dyeworks Lillian in Sea Breeze with Knit PIcks Capretta in Colorway 27636. Section 2: Dirty Water Dyeworks Lillian in Mediterranean & Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in Clair de Lune. Section 3: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in Clair de Lune with Art by Ewe Signature Yarn in the Sapphire Colorway (70% Baby Alpaca/ 30% Silk). Bind Off: Art by Ewe Signature Yarn in the Sapphire Colorway with a 20g mini of a teal fingering weight yarn (no ball band).
Held fingering yarn doubled and went up a needle size from what pattern calls for. Result is a slightly larger size than the original which was exactly what I wanted.
Cast on February 1. Finished on February 7. Blocked it, dry in time for Mom's birthday on the 9th.
On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
Grammy's 2nd Jean Marie Shawl
Pattern: Jean Marie by Jennifer Lassonde ($6 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & LoveCrafts).
Needles: US 9 (5.5 mm)
Yarn: Plymouth Yarn DK Merino Superwash in Black, Light Gray and White (2 skeins each)
Check out this Instagram post that talks about the join I've been using for the end of each hex
4 rounds per hexagon
62 hexagons done as of now
Cloudy Rainbow Socks
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
Yarn: Yarn Cafe Creations Biscotti Yarn (85% SW Merino/15% Nylon 4 ply) in the Thestrals Colorway (gray with blips of rainbow colors
Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
Cast on 60 stitches and worked 1/1 rib for 14 rounds. Knit about 2 inches and then reduced to 56 stitches (decreases like a toe- done at the beginning and end of each half of the sock).
I am working on the 2 of them in tandem. Each on their own magic loop.
I've been very tempted by the Leah Cowl by Susy Knotsosquare. Granny Stripe Crochet cowl with triangle point on front. Calls for DK weight yarn. Crochet pattern available for a little more than $5 US. Check it out on Ravelry or Etsy. You can also check out her Padme Cowl which is similar but different. Details available on Susy's website.
Generally just thinking about how when a project doesn't have an imminent deadline, I'm far less motivated to pick it up. "What's the point?" is often what comes to mind. It's an interesting thing to consider because the very same project, given a due-date will often excite me to pick up. Does this happen to you?
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 worked with Millie on handmade Valentine cards for her classmates and teachers.
Millie also made a cute Flamingo from a Plush Craft kit we purchased at Michael's. Here's an affiliate link to a similar one available on Amazon.
I finished most of the border for the sheep punch needle project that I haven't picked up in more than a year.
Saturday April 1 from 10a-3p: The Yarn Seller's 10th Annual Fiber Marketplace in York, Maine. Click here for details.
Saturday April 22 from 10a-5p Gore Place Annual Sheepshearing Festival in Waltham, MA. Click here for details.
On a Happy Note
Lunch with the girls, sundaes and popcorn and Tar at Mom's.
Mom completed another 3 day round of chemo. We got good news that her January scans show the cancer remains the same. No new growth!
My friend Laura came to visit for the weekend. We spent Friday night at my parents' hanging out and watching movies. We briefly lost power but it came back; cable did not, so thankfully we still had some more screener DVDs. Saturday, we hit some secondhand stores before going back over to Mom's for dinner with my parents, my brother and nieces Riley and Millie. The next day we visited Dan's friend Perry who was recently hospitalized and then to see his youngest brother Dave & our niece Gabriella and nephew Zachary.
Mom & I each got a haircut (real hair for me, wig for Mom).
On Thursday 2/9, we had dinner at Maggiano's for Mom & Hattie's birthdays before going to see Hamilton at the Boston Opera House.
Millie came for her 11th Birthday Sleepover (even though her birthday isn't until 2/20). She wanted to record some videos to share, so look for that on the Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel soon.
Quote of the Week
If you have a good idea, use it so that you will not only accomplish something, but so that you can make room for new ones to flow into you.
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.
This pattern presumes you already know the c2c crochet technique.
Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted in White & Tranquil (light green), Lion Brand Pound of Love in Pastel Pink and Loops & Threads Snuggly Wuggly Big! in colorway Soft Lilac
For help learning the Corner to Corner Crochet method you could check out this free Ravelry Download from Lauri Bolland or this video tutorial from Lion Brand on YouTube.
1st Strip is finished progress. 11 squares wide. Each section is 11 squares tall. Green, white, pink, white, purple, white.
Some of this is spirit yarn from my friend Kim's SIL's stash that I received after she passed away (purple). I'm not sure where the pink yarn came from, but it might have been my Nana's stash. It feels great to put it to good use.
Musselburgh Hat
Pattern: Musselburgh by Ysolda Teague ($7.77 US/ 6 GBP knitting pattern available on Ravelry or on Ysolda's website)
Yarn: fingering weight yarn from stash in a denim blue (can't find the ballband)
Needles: US 2 (2.75) circular- 32 in (magic loop for beginning & end of project & US 2 (also called US 2.5) 3.0 mm 16-inch circular for the body of the hat
I found that I liked working this hat in the round. Purchased Addi Rocket Lace Turbo 16 inch needles in US 2 (but it turns out its technically a US 2.5 or a 3.0 mm needle- not a 2.75 mm needle like I use for the cast on). The difference isn't all that noticeable but it was a little frustrating.
Progress check- I have finished the increases and have knit about 4 inches.
Plan: Switch colors half way through. I have a lighter blue skein from On the Round that I purchased at Wicked Good Yarns in Rockland, MA that I want to use to make it a reversible hat.
Solstice Socks
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
Progress- turned heel on first sock. Cast on the second sock.
Brainstorming
My Grandmother called to ask me to knit her another Jean Marie Shawl (named for her). You can find this knitting pattern for $6 on Ravelry & LoveCrafts.
Here's the story:
My grandmother called me in mid-January 2023 saying she needed to place an order. I thought she wanted something from Amazon.
She told me very time she wears her Jean Marie Shawl to dinner at her residence she gets tons of compliments. All of her friends love it. Its the right size and it just stays in place perfectly.
I published this pattern in 2018 to suit the request that she have a slightly bigger shawl that would stay in place. Half hexagon shape is perfect for this. It is knit in 3 sections, originally done in sport/dk natural yarns from Ross Farm in browns/tans. For this one, she wants white/black to wear with different outfits.
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.
Some Years Later
Wearing lately:
Felicity Hat: Aran weight slouchy hat knit in Duck Duck Wool. Ravelry Project Page.
Sagamore Flyover Slouch Hat: chunky weight hat. Ravelry Project Page. Yarn: Sugarbush Dawson in Colorway- Wild Willow, a great mustard color. 50/50 llama/wool blend
Knitting in Passing
Sunday night hang. Taught megg single and hdc. Knit a little with Hattie while Dan untangled Hattie’s yarn again. Untangled same ball in Ireland. She’d been using it to create a laser course.
KAL News
Pigskin Party'22: The Official Hashtag is #DCSPigskinParty22
Spread the Warmth Challenge; runs through the end of the Pigskin Party. Get details in this Google doc or this Ravelry Thread.
Pigskin Ends on Monday February 13, 2023. Get those projects entered. Don't wait until the last day to get everything entered on the Google Form!
Events
Fiberuary Challenge on Instagram hosted by CreativeCeci
Contest, News & Notes
My college roommate and friend Jen opened an Etsy Shop called JLSCreative Shop. Check it out
Mom & I recorded an update video that went up on the Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel in the Just Breathe Playlist. You can find that video here. Right now, scans show things are going well and the combination of chemo and gene therapy is keeping the cancer at bay.
Life in Focus
23 for 2023 List
Read 23 books
Try at least one pair of fake eyelashes
Print and hang at least 1 of our new family photos
Kayak in one new place
Hike in one new place
See 4 plays/musicals
Give blood at least 3 times
Knit myself a pair of mittens
Knit/crochet at least one project with handspun
Watch 3 movies in one day - done!
See a movie in the theater
Go to a museum
Finish 1 punch needle project
Ski at least 1 day (ideally 2-4)
Try at least 1 new gym/in person fitness option
Make at least 1 new financial investment
Purge at least 23 items from the house. Ideally 46.
Publish 1 knitting pattern
Send 5 cards to friends/family just because
Go Camping
Participate in the Fiberuary Challenge on Instagram
Take a class (in person or virtual)
Create a new music playlist
Word of the Year- FLOW
flow
to proceed smoothly and readilyto issue or move in a stream
To exist in abundance
the continuous movement of a liquid in one direction
to hang loose and billowing
To move or proceed with a given movement or momentum
To pass or move by
a supply of something that continues without stopping
a way of talking or thinking in an easy natural way, without any pauses or difficulties
a smooth uninterrupted movement or progress
Smoothness or fluidity in one's movement
A strong, regular repeated pattern of movement or sound
Things I'm thinking about:
I want to be able to go with the Flow no matter what this year brings.
I want to remember my dear Aunt Florence and remind myself what she would do. She was smart, caring, generous and strong. Her presence will be a good guide when things get tough.
I want to find projects, especially creatively that I can keep up the flow with... that I can get into a flow state with. To zen/bliss out and enjoy.
I want to keep my body strong and stretched so that I can move fluidly through the year without things getting in the way of my body's flow.
On a Happy Note
Playing the sock game during our visit to the Rowan's. UK/European game. Fun for all ages.
Surprise package from Nicole with mini skeins.
Snow! Not a lot for as late into the season as we are, but I enjoy it.
Visit from family friends who came down from NH. We played games at my parents' house!
January Zoom with my Patrons! I had a blast catching up with you.
3 movies in 1 day- checked off my 23 for 23 list. Homemade popcorn. Lots of knitting and crochet time. Fixed dropped sts in Megg's socks.
Drag show and dinner with Megg and Kris.
Quote of the Week
Everything and everyone at their own pace. Flow with not against yourself.
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.
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
One of my omg sock students Karen reached out via email with a photo of the 8 pairs of socks she knit and gifted for Christmas after taking my class at the beginning of the year!!
Suzanne, SewRunKnit, sent chemo caps for Mom. She chose one and donated the others to the MGH Cancer Center; the next day they were gone.
KAL News
Pigskin Party’22: The Official Hashtag is #DCSPigskinParty22
Spread the Warmth Challenge; runs through the end of the Pigskin Party. Get details in this Google doc or this Ravelry Thread.
Life in Focus
I enjoy doing a look back at the end of each year. You can see the video I made about Reviewing My Year/Goal Setting in this video on my YouTube Channel.
Knitting/Crochet/Spinning
70 Knitting/Crochet Finished Projects in 2022
41 knitting
29 crochet
53 of 70 are gifts
Spinning- 4 finished projects. 872 meters of yarn.
Released 0 new patterns but completed the writing and prototype for 2 designs- a shawl & cowl
Sagamore Flyover Hat was my best seller this year.
Tune in to hear a recap of my Word of the Year & Goals for 2022. We’ll talk more about plans and goals in the next episode.
On a Happy Note
Going to my cousin Amanda’s book party in Plymouth and out to dinner after with family and friends. Musical bingo!
105 people at my parents’ Open House on January 7th, including my friend Laura who came in from NYC for the weekend.
Starting process to kick off the Fearless Living Fund in my mom’s name that will benefit blind population through the Blind Center of Nevada. Friends and family surprised Mom with over $1500 in initial donations. Mom’s friend Katy shaved her head in solidarity (check out the YouTube video here) and is raising money.
Donate to the FearLESS Living Fund by sending a Venmo payment to: @FearlessLivingFund -or- a Zelle payment to: [email protected]
While my aunt’s passing has been incredibly difficult, there is still a happy note there in that many of us were able to go visit the Sunday before she passed. Dan and I picked up my grandmother and my parents met us at my cousin’s house armed with leftover trays of food from the Open House. Earlier in the day I was able to help transfer Florence into the guest room bed while Dan and some of the guys disassembled her bed to ready her room for a hospital bed. Then we took turns visiting with her, saying our goodbyes, eating dinner and being together. very time the door to her bedroom opened she smiled and said “I love that sound!” and then “I want you to keep doing that. Even after.” I reminded her its not like we could stop it. It was a hard day but made easier being all together. She passed on Wednesday.
Came home that day to flowers and a beautiful from card that in my daze, I never even saw until he came home and pointed them out!
Mom made it through another 3 day round of Chemo. 2 more to go (one in late January & one in February)
Getting back into yoga.
Date night with Dan. We hit the local brewery and then onto the tavern for dinner. Just what we needed.
Sleeping in!
Quote of the Week
It is amateurs who have one big bright beautiful idea that they can never abandon. Professionals know that they have to produce theory after theory before they are likely to hit the jackpot.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Check out our amazing Sponsors! Click here for the Google doc with their websites and Instagram profiles.
Check out the list of availableCoupons from our amazing sponsors- Ravelry Link. Google Doc.
Check out the Pigskin Exclusive Items in this Ravelry Thread
Important Updates in this Episode
Thanks to everyone who participated in our:
December Hat Interception hosted by Cori Eichelberger (irocknits) & Monique Leonard (Windswept Knits). Check out irocknits patterns on Ravelry & Windswept Monique’s patterns on Ravelry. Find all of the Challenge details in this Google Doc-
Gratitude WIP Bonus: finish up WIPs started 9/22/22 or earlier (with a finish date of 11/24-12/31/22) and you can earn some bonus points. Check out all of the details & rules in this Doc- Gratitude WIP Bonus
Night Bright Challenge: ends 12/31 get your entries into the Ravelry Thread
Tune in to hear if you won a participation prize for November
THANK YOU to Wendy, our Umpire, and Alicia, Heather and Emily, our fabulous commissioners!
Life in Focus
I'm starting my year in review process. In 2020 I recorded a video about that which you can find on my YouTube Channel. Check out that video here
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.
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.
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)
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.
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
Get ready for our December Hat Interception hosted by Cori Eichelberger (irocknits) & Monique Leonard (Windswept Knits). Check out irocknits patterns on Ravelry & Windswept Monique’s patterns on Ravelry. Find all of the Challenge details in this Google Doc-
Announcement of the Gratitude WIP Bonus: finish up WIPs started 9/22/22 or earlier (with a finish date of 11/24-12/31/22) and you can earn some bonus points. Check out all of the details & rules in this Doc- Gratitude WIP Bonus
Contest, News & Notes
There will be no second podcast episode in November.
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.
“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.”
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.
I knit cuff down, so it was a bit of project to cut off the top of the sock, unravel back to the stockinette. Worked back up and used Jeny’s surprisingly stretchy bind off to finish them.
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
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.
Colin & Nora’s 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!
Yarn from Legacy Fiber Artz- Pigskin Party Snack Shack Sponsor
Yarn- speckles. Mostly reads pink/maroons. so many tiny specks of color. taupe, green, blue, purple, gray/brown.
Progress- 1st sock finished. 2nd sock has several inches done on the leg
2021 Scrappy Socks
Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
Yarn: sock yarn minis and scraps
Ravelry Project Page (started in April 2021. Picked back up in September 2022)
In this project, I used Helical knitting using Video Tutorial from Knitty Natty & Cate’s Clasp Weft join- check out my YouTube Tutorial by clicking here.
Progress- 1st sock finished. 2nd cuff finished + an inch or so of the leg. Helical knitting made these so much more interesting to me. Game changer.
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
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.
Inspiration color= Barnyard Knits- Pricky Pear (multi- has grays, greens and pinks). Matches new long, green, quilted coat from J. Jill. Plus Fuse Merino Sock in Mercury Glass (gray) & Fuse in Radical Acceptance (pink)
I think this project would be great for small scraps because even though each section calls for X number of rows, you could easily modify it and have wider or thinner stripes in each direction.
Spinning
4oz of 100% Natural Cotswold purchased from Long Island Livestock Company at Rhinebeck for $20. Beautiful tan color.
No real plan or prep. Just enjoying the process.
Brainstorming
I’d like to make a fingering weight hat using yarns from the First Point of Libra Cowl to bring to the UK in November.
Found yarn for Megg’s next Nanaimo Cardigan for Christmas- Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick in the Abalone Colorway. Ordered from Joann.com
From the Armchair
On a Quiet Street by Seraphina Nova Glass. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon 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.
Knitting in Passing
I shared stories about a women who took my knitting from me on the train and started knitting it herself, about how Hattie thought my Mom’s cowl was the funniest beard she ever saw, how I was recognized by a local knitting in the lobby of a theater during intermission and about a chat with lovely woman at my local nail salon.
In My Travels
Rhinebeck 2022: Mom, Ryan, Nicki & I had a whirlwind weekend at CAKEPalooza and Rhinebeck- the NY Sheep & Wool Festival. Come along and enjoy the sights and sounds of the trip in this video on the
In November I’m going to the UK. I’ll be visiting Manchester, Newbury & London, England & Cardiff, Wales. Do you have any tips or suggestions for me? Restaurants, shops, best ways to get theater tickets etc.
KAL News
Pigskin Party’22: The Official Hashtag is #DCSPigskinParty22
The October Interception Winner will be shared in early November in the Ravelry Group & in the next episode. Thanks again to Sunsoaked Yarns for hosting!
Rule update: you need to have a Unique URL for each submission. Check out this Ravelry Post for details. I’ve also updated the Official Rules.
This year we’ll have 10 grand prizes! Will share details in the group soon!
Life in Focus
Quick health update on Mom who was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer on December 1, 2021. Her October scans showed new tumors in the pleura (lining) of her lungs which aren’t responding to her Tagrisso gene therapy medicine. They’ll be doing a biopsy to see if they can tell why it is resistant and perhaps there is another drug they can try. Since that will take about a month before we have results, she’ll be starting chemotherapy in the meantime. 1st infusion on November 4th. Send out all those good wishes.
You can check out the video we recorded together if you want to hear more. The first 40 minutes are really just a recap of our spring, summer and fall fun- complete with photos and videos.
Sharon of Knit Style Yarns just released her first pattern- Celtic Christmas Cowl ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) & kindly gifted me a copy. Thank you Sharon & congrats!
I went to see Sweeney Todd at Company Theater with Mom, Terri & Emelyn.
My cousin Colleen got married last weekend! She looked beautiful. The wedding was perfect. They had cider donuts instead of wedding cake! Mom & my 94 year old Aunt Florence who also has cancer, set Colleen’s wedding as their goal and they were both there with big smiles and so much energy. Dancing and laughing. We are all so grateful for that. Colin and Nora whooping it up on the dance floor. Colleen & her Dad dancing in the trolley all the way back to the hotel with Dan and my cousin Joanie’s husband using their phone flashlights to create a strobe effect!
Oisin and Dan working to cut and stack wood. Made Oisin a batch of applesauce even though I haven’t had time to teach him how to make it yet.
My cousins sent me a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Total surprise.
20 years at my day job. Dinner celebration postponed but Dan and I look forward to going to that in early 2023. I got to pick out a gift from an online catalog. I picked an Air Fryer so hit me with your best vegetarian air fryer recipes!
Our contractor starting putting new railings on our deck.
We attended my cousins (Pat & Kevin’s) joint Surprise Costume Birthday Party. Mom, Dad, Dan and I dressed up in a Little Mermaid Theme!
We saw a local production of Guys & Dolls. Megg is a Hot Box Dancer. Oisin was a Gambler. They were both great!
Quote of the Week
There is the touch of November in the air, chill enough to have a slight tang, like properly aged cider. Not air that caresses, nor yet air that nips. Air that makes one breathe deeply and think of spring water and walk briskly.
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.
Needles: US 10 for the body. US 8 for the neck ribbing. US 9 for the bottom hem and non-button band ribbing sections.
Yarns Used: Goosey Fibers, Sunsoaked Yarns, Hypnotic Yarn, Ross Farm (Henrietta), McKnits, Teenie Button Studio, Legacy Fiber Artz ,Spitfire & Fury DK+ my own handspun+ others!
Modifications in the sleeves- after the first 3 decreases, I changed to doing decreases every other round until I got to the designated stitch count. Finished in the 3rd color stripe.
If you’re weary of marling, choose colors that are similar in value. Mixing a white with a dark color like black, dark purple or maroon is going to be a very stark contrast. I don’t always love that.
On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
Woolens & Nosh Socks
Yarn: Woolens and Nosh 90% SW Targhee, 10% Nylon 3 Ply Yarn (411 yards / 100 grams) in the Sprout Colorway
Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
Sprout- 10 stripe- Light yellow, peach, ballet pink, maroon, dusty blue, kelly green, taupe, lighter grass green, cream, pale green.
Yarn from Woolens & Nosh- Pigskin Party Pro Shop Sponsor
Project Bag- Pigskin ’22 Exclusive from Anne Beady Designs
Brainstorming
Christmas ideas- like these cute crocheted pieces that attach to a large wooden ring. You put them over the bar on the oven or dishwasher and then you can hang a dishtowel from the wooden ring. Here’s a Pinterest link for a crochet option.
Aila wants a fox.
Oisin wants an alien.
Hattie wants a unicorn because she thinks hers was lost. TBD.
From the Armchair
The Girl Next Door Podcast: I thoroughly enjoyed their annual Fall Extravaganza episodeand this year was no exception.
I didn’t especially enjoy the Serial Podcast recent update about Adnan Syed’s case but I was relieved to hear that Syed was officially ruled out as a suspect in the murder of Hae Min Lee in 1999 (though he served 23 years in prison)
Congrats to Syed & and his family and especially his fierce friend and advocate Rabia Chaudry. Check out this video on Rabia’s Instagram Feed for more details.
Listen to Season 1 of Undisclosed if you want more about this case (especially if you only ever listed to Serial).
Highlights- getting to see Cheryl & Jess from Hypnotic Yarn. Getting to see (and purchase) Pigskin sponsor Mcknits Yarn in person at Plymouth Harbor Knits
Check out our amazing Sponsors! Click here for the Google doc with their websites and Instagram profiles.
Check out the list of availableCoupons from our amazing sponsors- Ravelry Link. Google Doc.
Check out the Pigskin Exclusive Items in this Ravelry Thread
Important Updates in this Episode
Check out October’s Coin Toss Interception hosted by Sunsoaked Yarns. Click here for the Ravelry Thread or here for the Google Doc with all the details you need.
Will announce first of the Participation prizes in the next episode!
Our well is at a normal level again! Cooking & doing laundry feels like a privilege when you haven’t been able to do it for months.
We have some Sneaky Pumpkins growing near our deck (where last year’s pumpkins must have met their demise!)
Apple Picking- my favorite day of the year
Kids working around the yard with Dan. Getting firewood chopped and stacked. They moved our back steps to get ready for new railings that we’re hiring a contractor to install.
My Dad turned 70! We had a super fun party for him at my parents’ house. I had a nasty cold which was a bummer for me, but otherwise it was great.
Merry Everything & Happy Always Yarn Swap is open for sign ups. Thanks to those who knew I wanted to sign up and made sure I got in there. Swap Partners will be assigned on 10/16 so get into the Between Knits & Purls Ravelry Group ASAP if you want to join.
24 mini skeins/balls of 5-7 grams each (Fingering/Sock Yarn)
I got self striping from Desert Vista Dyeworks yarn in the mail + my October Yarnable Subscription Box. Check out my Yarnable Unboxing Video on my YouTube Channel.
Quote of the Week
To improve the golden moment of opportunity, and catch the good that is within our reach, is the great art of life.–SAMUEL JOHNSON
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.
I messed up on a slipped stitch section in the decrease side, so I am going to continue it a few more times so it looks intentional, though you can hardly tell with the handspun.
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)
A take-off on my Sagamore Flyover Hat available on Ravelry & LoveCrafts.
2021 Scrappy Socks
Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
Yarn: sock yarn minis and scraps
Ravelry Project Page (started in April 2021. Picked back up in September 2022)
In this project, I used Helical knitting using Video Tutorial from Knitty Natty & Cate’s Clasp Weft join- check out my YouTube Tutorial by clicking here.
Should I cast on a Wave of Change Jacket by Denise Bayron to match Mom’s at Rhinebeck? $10 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry
Top down open front cardigan mostly stockinette w/ periodic purl ridges.
Mom’s is tunic length. I think I’d make my cropped to wear as a layering piece. Thinking mustard.
This blog post by Susanna Winter has a great formula to help you figure out holding strands of various weights of yarn together to equal a different weight of yarn.
Beth sent me Instagram stories from FashionSchoolDropOut who made one with worsted and 2 strands of sock. Changed colors after each purl bump.
Thanks to AJ for recommending Fundamentals of Caring with Paul Rudd (2016 movie). Available on Netflix. I’m planning to watch it soon.
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
Take Back Bags from For Days does accept yarn. Thanks Rachel Kashani.
Cost $20. They mail you a bag (takes 3 weeks to ship)
The Large Bag measures 24 in x 24 in and fits 15 lbs
Mail back with USPS. You will get a $20 credit to spend with them
KAL News
Pigskin Party’22: The Official Hashtag is #DCSPigskinParty22
Check out our amazing Sponsors! Click here for the Google doc with their websites and Instagram profiles.
Check out the list of availableCoupons from our amazing sponsors- Ravelry Link. Google Doc.
Check out the Pigskin Exclusive Items in this Ravelry Thread
Important Updates in this Episode
Thanks to everyone who participated in our Kick Off Events. Beth joined us from the hospital. AJ, from South Africa, and EJ from South Korea joined us from all sorts of crazy time zones! So great to see so many familiar faces in long time friends and to also get to know some of the newbies a little better.
Tailgate Talk -ended 9/23 but you can enter for your points through 9/30 on the Points Tally Form.
Fistbumps & Fives: Send some positivity to one of your Teammates, Opponents or Commissioners. Complete this challenge anytime between 9/20-9/30 and enter on the Points Tally Form to earn 100 bonus points. You’ll need a link to your Ravelry or Instagram Post for validation. Enter your points by 9/30. Check out the details in the Ravelry Group or in this Google Doc.
Check out October’s Coin Toss Interception hosted by Sunsoaked Yarns. Click here for the Ravelry Thread or here for the Google Doc with all the details you need.
Wool & Folk Event– October 14th from 12p until 7p in Kingston, NY. Tickets still available. $45. 25 vendors. Podcaster Patio. 5 podcasts represented Outdoors. Food trucks and music.
CAKEpalooza: October 14 from 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. with ticketed & timed slots in Saugerties, NY
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.
Yarn: Fingering held double. Knit Picks Stroll Tweed in the Wellies Heather Colorway (black) & YarnBaker Fingering Weight Yarn in the Blazer colorway (blue)
Check out our amazing Sponsors! Click here for the Google doc with their websites and Instagram profiles.
Check out the list of availableCoupons from our amazing sponsors- Ravelry Link
Check out the Pigskin Exclusive Items in this Ravelry Thread
Tip from Sarah- Imagined Landscapes- on Watching or Ignoring Team Threads:
You can set Ravelry Threads to watch or ignore.
Watching a thread means it will pop up to the highest point under the stickied threads if there‘s a new post.
Ignoring a thread means you never see it again – I use it to clear up teams I‘m not on so there‘s less visual clutter for my PSP.
Check out this page on Ravelry for instructions on how to Ignore a Thread.
Fist Bumps & Fives Challenge– check out this link for details. Complete this challenge anytime between 9/20-9/30 and enter on the Points Tally Form to earn 100 bonus points. You’ll need a link to your Ravelry or Instagram Post for validation. Enter for points between 9/23-9/30.
Jasmin’s Stash Dash Spreadsheet Tracker- Google Doc
Cape & South Shore Yarn Haul- Thursday 9/29 through Sunday 10/2. Check out their Event Website for details. Facebook Page available here. Pro Shop Sponsor Anne Beady will be at Salt Yarn Studio on Thursday 9/29 with her beautiful bags & design samples!
Dan and I did a big cellar clean-out over Labor Day weekend.
We enjoyed a big pool day (Oisin and Eme practiced their diving, Hattie practiced her swimming with Auntie Di) over Labor Day Weekend. We followed that with a clam bake, a belated birthday celebration for Oisin who turned 14 in June (while still in Ireland).
Oisín working with Dan in the yard again this fall. They uncovered an impromptu pumpkin patch that sprung up next to our deck!
We had our first fire of the fall. Pizza and beer after the boys were done working. Hattie (age 4) asked “are you gonna knit with me?” I asked if she was going to knit with ME! And she did.
We enjoyed our last pool day and family trip to Hornstra for ice cream!
Quote of the WeekAt some point in life the world’s beauty becomes enough. You don’t need to photograph, paint or even remember it. It is enough.–TONI MORRISONMusic -“Soft Orange Glow” by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/——Thank you for tuning in.Remember show notes for this episode can be found at www.downcellarstudio.com/#If you have a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, I’d greatly appreciate it.I can be found on Ravelry as BostonJen and I’d love it if you came over to join our lively and engaged Down Cellar Studio Ravelry Group.Check me out on Instagram at BostonJen1 if you want to see what I’m up to between episodes.Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube ChannelEmail me at [email protected] For website:Thank you for tuning in! Contact Information:
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.
Omitting all increases//decreases to keep the bottom at the end of the tie flat not pointed.
Finished tie is over 60 inches long.
126.6 meters
3 skeins in my Candombe Project- check out my Ravelry Project Page
2 skeins of 2ply yarn. Wool of the Andes Unspun Roving. Colorway: Delft Heather (100 grams) 100% Peruvian Highland Wool. & Malabrigo in the Candombe Colorway
2 ply-60 inch loop. 242 wraps.12,762 inches or 410 yards. 324 meters. Stash Dash- 324 x3= 972 meters
2 ply-59 inch loop. 81 wraps4,779 inches or 133 yards. 121 meters. Stash Dash= 121 x 3= 363 meters
1 skein of a 3 ply. those 2 singles plus 1 other random tan colored singles.
60 inch loop 38 wraps.2,280 inches or 63 yards. 57 meters Stash Dash= 57 x4= 228 meters
Stash Dash Meters for this project: 1563 meters. All measurements taken after washing skeins
1 skein of yarn in Greens & Blues
Blues: Included singles from Kingdom Fleece & Fiber Works 100% Tunis Pete’s Fleece
21 rows total. 12 or 13 hexis depending on the column.
SCing them together with 2 strands like I am for the hexagons themselves. A great way to use up very small scraps because I only ever seam 3 sides together.
Working my way from the dark side to the light side when I pulled some hexis out of the bag where I was storing them- and pulled out a huge piece which I had forgotten I’d seamed together. It was the far right column and part of the top row of the light side! At least I realized it when I did, and only had to rip back a small bit of what I had already done.
I used safety pins and paper with notes to indicate which hexi was the start/end of each column. Worked like a charm and I didn’t have any other issues after that.
Border- 1 round SC, 4 rounds HDC around.
switch light to dark gray to match blanket.
Size (before washing) 45 in wide by 66 inches long
1976 grams total- almost 20 skeins of yarn!
Marled= 400 grams
Patons= 450 grams
1126 grams of everything else
7,176 meters
On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
Recollection Blanket
Pattern: Recollection by Deanne Ramsay ($6 crochet pattern available on Ravelry & Etsy– written in both US & UK Crochet terms)
Yarn: Various full skeins and 20+ gram fingering weight yarn stash.
Yarn: Fingering held double. Knit Picks Stroll Tweed in the Wellies Heather Colorway (black) & YarnBaker Fingering Weight Yarn in the Blazer colorway (blue)
Rhinebeck sweaters. Wave of Change Jacket by Denise Bayron to match the one I made Mom for Christmas 2020. Check out the Ravelry Project Page for her sweater.
Use up some handspun for us to wear. Thinking of The Shift (Cowl) by Andrea Mowry (available on Ravelry & on the Drea Renee Knits Website for $7 US)
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
Decorations and costumes for Megg’s Gatsby party.
Bought nearly all of it second hand. Gold and silver candles, candle holders, vases and glasses.
Got pink feather fan looking things on Clearance at Michaels along with what looks like sparkly crystal pink gravel. Put on silver and gold chargers under/around candles.
Spray painted feathers and sticks. Put in a large silver vase and added pearls strung through for centerpiece.
Knitting in Passing
This week, I shared a story about a man I encountered on the train who talked about his family’s history with fiber arts and the sewing he did in the Army.
Wool & Folk Event– October 14th from 12p until 7p in Kingston, NY. Tickets still available. $45.
On a Happy Note
Mom’s August scans look good despite having to come off her gene therapy medicine because of severe and painful issues with the skin and nails on her hands.
Dinner with my parents, brother and grandmother for her 87th birthday!
Visiting Dan’s friend Perry’s for his 81st Birthday. We found a local bakery that makes delicious pies. Great find.
Pool Days!
Queen Cover Band at South Shore Music Circus, after which my brother stayed over. He, Dan and I stayed up late talking.
Mid-week trip out to Northampton with Kris & Megg for the Indigo Girls concert! We bought matching tank tops & wore them hiking the next morning. Every person we saw commented on them and asked if we were in some kind of club!
Megg’s Gatsby Party!
Hiking in Wompatuck w/ Megg now that she’s back from Ireland.
Shopping at Ollie’s with Mom, Trish and Theresa. It’s very similar to Building 19 which is an old-school New England favorite for bargain shopping.
Watching Aila dance in the Cabaret show and Hattie (age 4) cheering her on (and having to stop her from dancing too much in the audience). I also got to see Eme for the first time since they got back from Ireland.
Mom’s eBay New England Seller’s Meet Up Group met for the first time since Covid this week! Had fun catching up with her crew. Check out their Facebook group here.
Quote of the Week
Yet occasionally we discover in the folds of an old handkerchief a shell or insignificant stone that had once embodied our happiest of afternoons.
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.
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 237 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. For full show notes with photos, please check out my website: www.downcellarstudio.com/237
This week’s segments included:
Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
From the Armchair
In my Travels
KAL News
Events
On a Happy Note
Quote of the Week
Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
Shawl Design
I finished up the sample for a new shawl design using a 150g skein of fingering weight from agirlandherwool in the On the Boardwalk. I lost at yarn chicken andended up finding another similar colorway in leftovers bin. I think it was Queen City Pigskin Colorway- the Huddle is Real.
The finished shawl weighs 160 grams
676.8 meters for Stash Dash
Tiles for Miles Blanket
Pattern: Tiles for Miles Crochet Baby Blanket by Yarnspirations. Free crochet pattern available on the Yarnspirations website
Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted. Mint for MC. Many colors of greens, blues and grays for Contrast Colors.
Planned for 20 columns total. 11 or 13 hexis depending on the column.
SCing them together with 2 strands like I am for the hexagons themselves. A great way to use up very small scraps because I only ever seam 3 sides together.
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.
In My Travels
Camping at On the Saco Campground in Fryeburg ME
2 days paddling. 9 miles each day
Thurs night went to Saco River Brewing then to the restaurant next door.
2,268 Sponsor Products used in the creation of the 1022 FOs
33 Participation Prizes
30 Final Prizes
Thank you to Wendy and Jen!!!!! Tune in to hear if you’re one of our end of the summer winners! I will email all winners within a week of this recording.
Second hand shopping. I bought a beautiful cedar entertainment center.
Dan, Laura, Aila and I all had sleepovers at Mom & Dad’s. Pool time, ice cream and penny drop.
The Rowans are home from Ireland!
Tuesday August 9 we celebrated Mom & Hattie’s half birthdays at the beach.
Camping!
Sunday- pooltime and dinner with Mom, Dad and my brother, Jeff.
Quote of the Week
For nothing is fixed, forever and forever and forever, it is not fixed; the earth is always shifting, the light is always changing, the sea does not cease to grind down rock.–JAMES BALDWIN
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.
Changed color plan- after purchasing new pillows for our couch. Pinks, peach, orange, yellow. bits of tan and purple.
Blanket is 56 inches wide (not including the fringe).
Shawl Design
Sideways shawl design that I had to rip back to center (after finishing the increases) because I wasn’t happy with how decreases are laying. Figured out what I needed to fix. Ripped back a lot, finally got back to virgin yarn again.
Take a Hike: A Long walk on the Appalachian Trail by Tim Hewitt. Amazon 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.
All projects must be finished by the end of the day (your time) on Sunday July 31, 2022). All entries must be submitted via the Summer Celebration Form by Friday 8/5/22.
823 projects entered so far!3,404 entries for prizes!!
Will announce winners of our final prizes in Episode 237!
90 min massage was great even though it left my calves with polka dot bruises
Beachside drinks and dinner with my bestie Kris, my mom and hers.
Not so happy about wrist pain that lasted for about 4 days but it passed quickly.
Furniture shopping with Mom. First night out we got a bookcase about 27 baskets for me. I took Friday off of work, and we did some more furniture shopping.
I went to the Keith Urban Concert with the fam including a few of our cousins, followed by family sleepover at Mom & Dads that turned into two 90+ degree pool days. Floating. Diving contests. Penny drop (if you want to play this game with your family consider using my Amazon Affiliate link for purchase)
Cardio jazz class with my girlfriends.
Being eligible to donate blood again- 1 year after treatment from Lyme disease ended.
Going to the Red Sox/Gaurdians Game for the David Ortiz Hall of Fame Induction Celebration.
Quote of the Week
I believe one thing; that today is yesterday and tomorrow is today and you can’t stop.
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.
Cast on Sunday July 10th beginning of Knitty Natty’s Sock Week. Check out her YouTube Channel if you haven’t already
Finished heel on Wednesday. Into the foot on Thursday.
You can still get your official logo bag and sock set on the Woolen Women Website
Brainstorming
Pattern: Recollection by Deanne Ramsay. Ravelry Link to Pattern. Blog Link. $6 US “Designed to utilise all those leftovers that seem too small to be useful, but too precious to throw away, this blanket can be made in any size and with any yarn weight.Use your chosen
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
A lady asked what I was knitting during the opening act of The Chicks concert. She said she’s an avid knitter too.
Helped a new hat knitter find needles in Michaels
I received a text from my friend Laura’s pilates client, David, of his bright Felici Socks in his work pants/shoes in a conference room in summer.
Need to post a photo of completed Bingo with #CCRRsummerbingo2021 to Instagram or Ravelry
Sock Week with Knitty Natty. July 10-17th. I’ll be co-hosted an event with Natalie on Tuesday July 12th at 8p Eastern! If you paid for the option that includes this -you can watch the replay!
The New York Sheep & Wool Festival in Rhinebeck, NY will be held October 15 & 16, 2022
Life in Focus
I reviewed my: Word of the Year: Pause
Primary Goals:
Move your body 4 days a week. Any movement for 15 minutes or more counts.
January: 19 workouts/4 weeks= 4.75 times per week.
February: 12 workouts/ 4 weeks= 3 per week
March: 13 workouts
April: 13 workouts
May: 8 workouts
June- 21 workouts
86= divide by 26 weeks of the years- 3.3
Say Yes to time spent with Mom – that’s going well!
Journaling. Major fail on journal except for tracking mom’s important health details, taking as many photos as I can, and doing my 1 line a day journal.
Ask Me Anything
Val asked if I’d seen any interesting wildlife on my walks lately. We have a new fawn in the yard. The hawks are especially loud! I found some interesting information on the Mass Audubon website. I think the ones near us are the Red-tailed hawks.
On a Happy Note
Laura’s visit. Pool day. Heidi’s for ice cream. Consignment shopping- where we scored, clothes, jewelry and a new/old mirror for our guest room which Dan hung this week.
Laura left Sunday of July 4th weekend. Dan and I worked around house Monday morning then enjoy the pool in the afternoon & dinner with fresh local corn with Mom and Dad.
The Chicks concert with Mom, Dad, Jeff and Riley- tailgaiting, sneaking in my knitting & singing our lungs out!
Trish’s 50th birthday at the Japanese Hibachi and pool day.
Dinner and pool night with Mom, Dad and Millie. Millie and I picked wild blueberries. I found necklaces that say Fearless for Mom, Riley, Millie and Me.
Quote of the Week
One discovers the light in darkness, that is what darkness is for; but everything in our lives depends on how we bear the light. –JAMES BALDWIN
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.
Three Waters farm Fiber- Forested Hills Colorway (blues & greens). Three Waters Farm Corriedale- pulled out the blues/greens and yellows pulled from the Quintessence colorway. Rhapsody Fiber Arts- 2oz 50% Angora/50% merino no colorway- lighter blue.
Pattern: Cozy Clusters Baby Blanket by Leelee Knits (free & paid options available on the LeeLeeKnits website)
Yarn: Knit Picks Brava 500 in the Peacock colorway (Main), Brava in the Dove Heather Colorway (gray), and Craft Smart Value Yarn in the Neon Yellow Colorway
Hooks: 5.5mm (J) for the cast on & 6.0mm (I) for the body
Acquiring 2 bags of yarn from a friend moving on from knitting into quilting. Not sure what I can make out of her stash, but very much looking forward to giving that a go.
I have all sorts of blanket mojo. If you do too, check out some of these charities excepting donations.
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.
Some Years Later
I crocheted in 2018. Check out my Ravelry Project Page here. Pattern is the Easy Breezy Swim Cover by Megan Shaimes (free on the Meg Made with Love Blog or ad-free for $3.50 on Etsy).
Knitting in Passing
Millie called me to re-learn the purl but she knew how to do it after all.
While waiting for a train, a lady sat down and asked if this was the knitting bench. She pulled out a lime green dish cloth she brought with her to knit on while waiting for an appointment.
As I was getting off train the other day, a man asked when I was done crocheting what was my project going to be. He said he looked forward to seeing my progress if he sees me again.
Jasmin’s Stash Dash Spreadsheet Tracker- Google Doc
Jasmin is 1700 meters ahead, but we still have 2 full months! I am planning to go to Rhinebeck and look forward to the satisfcation of having her hand over our Sash!
Life in Focus
Furious about the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe versus Wade? Check out this website Action For All (choice.crd.co). It is really easy to navigate website that gives options for where to donate, volunteer, protest, and to find access to healthcare including abortion including region specific links.
I also invite you to check out the Earbuds Collective recommendations for podcasts on the topic of Abortion.
On a Happy Note
Dancing in the 40th Anniversary Recital & a fun after party.
Millie’s impromptu sleepover. pancakes and hike before heading to dad’s for Father’s Day
Father’s Day- too cold for a pool day, but we had fun inside playing games.
Carly’s bridal shower
Riley graduated 8th grade!.
Pool Day with Mom’s eBay friends + a few of our friends too.
Quote of the Week
Beauty is as much about how and whether you look as what you see. –JOHN GREEN
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.
This 3 ply skein is 31 inches long from end to end, or 62 inches per wrap of the noddy noddy. 106 wraps= 6,572 inches or 166.9 meters for Stash Dash (because the fiber went through the orifice 4 times)
On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
Shawl Design
I shared some preliminary details about a new design idea using a 150g skein of fingering weight from agirlandherwool in the On the Boardwalk colorway.
Meggsie/Marta Scrappy Socks
Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
Yarn: Patons Kroy Socks FX in the Geranium Colors Colorway (leftover from Marta’s Socks) & Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Double Dog Dare Colorway (leftover from Meggsie’s socks) + also added yarn from Aila’s dance socks.
Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry)
Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
Baker Street Colorway (Ravelry Page), Desert Rose (Ravelry Page), Bayou Colorway (Ravelry Page) Psychedelic Rainbow (Ravelry Page- used a Lemonade Shop yarn for heel)
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
Kris’ Felici sock (Ravelry Project Page) blew out after just more than a year but keep in mind that Kris wears her socks daily from October- May and teaches dance in them.
In My Travels
I shared some stories about my recent trip to Ireland, Scotland and Spain. Patrons, don’t forget to check out the Patreon feed for blog posts, photos and a Google Album of my trip pictures.
Irocknitters KAL hosted by Cori (Irocknits Designs, also a Splash Pad Sponsor). Check out this post in her Ravelry Group. KAL runs from April 25th through June 30, 2022.
Jasmin’s Stash Dash Spreadsheet Tracker- Google Doc
On a Happy Note
Girls weekend with Kris and Laura. Got a cool embroidered art piece for our guest room which Mom and Dad got me for my birthday.
Birthday celebrations. Friday- kayaking with Mom, Dad and Dan. Beer out on the sandbar, local brewery, then ice cream and dinner with RGM. Sleepover at Mom’s. Pool day, lobsters. Kids bouncing on air mattress. Fake out with a small ice cream cake- which I have VERY strong feelings about. Kara’s kids- Emelie and Teddy. Em asked me if she could lick my cake. I thought she said Look AT my cake and I said SURE!
Quote of the Week
One does not ‘find oneself’ by pursuing one’s self, but on the contrary by pursuing something else and learning through some discipline or routine (even the routine of making beds) who one is and wants to be.
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.
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
My cousin Gayle gave me an antique darning egg that was her great grandmother’s.
It appears to be a vintage white milk glass hand blown darning egg- similar to this one listed on eBay
Mom got us matching pink socks with sheep on them for upcoming Wool Festivals!
I enjoyed the quiet time & guided meditation. I’m not sure I believe in the benefits of the salt and am especially skeptical that the website sites Dr. Oz as their source.
Check out the Maintenance Phase Podcast to hear some behind the scenes details you may not know about Dr. Oz
Morgen’s First Communion and A’s birthday dinner.
I saw a local production of Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat with my cousins, my grandmother & my great aunt Florence as part of her 94th birthday celebration. She’s always wanted red leather pants. Her daughter Joanie bought them for her and she rocked them!
Savers trip with Mom! Always fun (and funny)
My cousin Bella’s performance as Fiona in Shrek the Musical
Our friend Liz’s surprise 30th Birthday- Star Wars Themed Party. The decorations were on point!
We have a new nephew- Zachary!
Mother’s Day at Mom’s.
My mom, Diane Lassonde, was on Episode 190 of the eBay for Business Podcast. Check it out!
Quote of the Week
Life will hit you hard in the face, wait for you to get back up just so it can kick you in the stomach. But getting the wind knocked out of you is the only way to remind your lungs how much they like the taste of air.– Sarah Kay
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.
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 231 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. For full show notes check out: www.downcellarstudio.com/231
This week’s segments included:
Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
Brainstorming
From the Armchair
Some Years Later
Knitting in Passing
In my Travels
KAL News
On a Happy Note
Quote of the Week
Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
Wordle
Pattern: Wordle by Ham & Eggs (free crochet pattern available on Ravelry) Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted in Peapod (Green), Loops & Thread Impeccable in True Gray, Rowan Purelife in Alder Buckthorn (Mustard), Red Heart Super Saver in White
Hook: D (3.25 mm)
Directions tell you exactly how to make the format they show in the pattern or you can create your own. I chose to use one of the Riley’s actually Wordle days using a screenshot she sent me.
I did the bottom row as one strip instead of five squares. When I joined the columns, I ran a slipped stitch down the existing stitches to match where I seamed up the previous rows
I didn’t weave in any ends. I tucked them inside snd tied some of them together. I did one round of white to edge the front piece. Then seamed together the front and back together with sc with right sides facing out.
I made the back piece in gray. I dont think that’s what was called for in the pattern.
He has safety eyes and two little white arms.
Riley is calling him Stove- after the winning word I based it on. She wants me to embroider STOVE on the back so we don’t forget his name
If you’re looking for a great book for a child in your life- check this out. It’s beautiful!
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.
Some Years Later
April 2015- I knit the sample for my Trickle Shawl pattern.Ravelry Link. LoveCrafts Link. $5 US Knitting Pattern
Knitting in Passing
Riley wore her Everyday Cardigan in Merino Number 5 by Loopy Mango. Click here for my Ravelry Project Page.
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.
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 230 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Check out show notes with photos on my website.
This week’s segments included:
Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
From the Armchair
In my Travels
KAL News
Events
Ask Me Anything
On a Happy Note
Quote of the Week
Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
Kim’s Christmas Stocking
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!
Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver in Cherry Red, Hunter Green and White
Wool of the Andes Unspun Roving. Colorway: Delft Heather (100 grams) 100% Peruvian Highland Wool.
Spun one braid. I have one more to go.
Malabrigo Nube. 113 grames Combed Top 100% Merino Wool in Colorway 809 Solis.
Planning to ply these together with Rhapsody Fiber Arts- 2oz 50% Angora/50% merino no colorway- lighter blues. Already plied some of this with two other singles.
Riley’s Christmas Cardigan
Pattern: Everyday Cardigan in Merino No. 5 by Loopy Mango
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.
In My Travels
Tune in to hear about our trip to Newport, Rhode Island for my cousin’s wedding
We enjoyed a visit to Newport Vineyards for cocktail hour Friday night.
We got breakfast at Diego’s on Saturday morning. Tip: get a reservation and order the Diego’s Huevos
Kick Off Date- Monday 5/30- Memorial Day. Virtual Events.Sign ups for Participants coming soon
Events
The Knit Girls Stash Dash usually starts in May! Stay tuned.
Ask Me Anything
I received a couple questions asking about how Mom is doing after her lung cancer diagnosis in December 2021. Tune in for more. You can also check out the video we shared in March, if you want to hear/see more.
On a Happy Note
My friend Laura came for a visit. We celebrated our friend Kris’ birthday with shopping and dinner.
I went for my annual physical and mammogram! PSA- don’t put off those doctor’s appointments. It’s important.
I am enjoying the signs of Spring!
Went for mani pedis with Mom and Trish
My Cousin’s Wedding in Newport!
I booked weekend getaway with Riley and Aila for their 14th and 13th birthdays.
Wordle text chat with my family
Quote of the Week
Learning how to be still, to REALLY be still and let life happen- that stillness becomes radiance.
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.
If you’d like a good afterthought heel pattern, consider Susan B. Anderson’s Smooth Operator Heel pattern (Ravelry Link) For a video tutorial, check out this video from the EarthtonesGirl YouTube Channel
Blue Kamakaze Socks
Yarn: ThreadHeadKnits Co. Plump Sock (100% Superwash Merino 4 ply- 438 yards/100g) in the Blue Kamakaze Colorway.
Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams $5 on Ravelry.
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.
Some Years Later
March 11. 2022 was our 10 year podcast anniversary! THANK YOU to everyone who has listened, told a friend, left a review, purchased a pattern, joined my Patreon group, participated in a KAL. THANK YOU! I’m so appreciative.
Crafty Adventures
I helped Millie (age 10) with a craft kit: Mini Garden Unicorn- Amazon Affiliate Link
Knitting in Passing
I was gifted yarn from Megg in Ireland: Hedgehog Fibres– Sock Yarn (90% Merino, 10% nylon) in the Crush colorway. Pinks from light to magenta with yellows, oranges and royal blues.
My niece Millie received yarn from the nurse at her school whose daughter had taken up knitting and then given it up.
I ordered needles for Millie and cast on a cowl she wants to knit with the skein of yarn from A Hundred Ravens at Russell’s Garden Center Farm Fiber Days at the beginning of March.
KAL News
Splash Pad Party ’22 Call for Sponsors!
Sponsor Call: Deadline 4/25/22
Want to sign up (after you read the details)? Please fill out this Google Form
Poet May Sarton on the importance of rest: “I always forget how important the empty days are, how important it may be sometimes not to expect to produce anything, even a few lines in a journal. A day when one has not pushed oneself to the limit seems a damaged, damaging day, a sinful day. Not so! The most valuable thing one can do for the psyche, occasionally, is to let it rest, wander, live in the changing light of a room.”
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.
If you’d like a good afterthought heel pattern, consider Susan B. Anderson’s Smooth Operator Heel pattern (Ravelry Link) For a video tutorial, check out this video from the EarthtonesGirl YouTube Channel
Pumpkin Patch Socks
Pattern: TBD
Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Pumpkin Patch colorway
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! You can find that PDF here.
Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver in Cherry Red, Hunter Green and White
Can’t really wear it with a coat but I do wear it several times a season in fall/winter/early spring. Add some fun jewelry, leggings, heels. great for a date night. Great for chilly winter day when you just want to be wrapped up in many layers!
Curls: Versatile, Wearable Wraps to Knit at Any Gauge- book details on the Pantsville Press website.
Knit Feb-April 2015
My project notes do not say, but think I used close to/all of fingering weight skein and yet it wasn’t big enough to wrap around my neck and stay put.
In the end, I frogged it to use the yarn for something else.
Knitting in Passing
Stephanie @farmsteadknits on Instagram sent mom a very special car package including a pair of handknit socks & a shawl. Shawl pattern: Around Every Corner by Stephanie Lotven (tellybeanknits). Check out Stephanie’s Ravelry Project Page for full details. Yarn: Sea Panda Yarn- click here for their website. Looks like their Blue Lagoon Mini Set.
In My Travels
Russell's Garden Center- March 2022 Farm Fiber Days Event
Checked off another item on my 22 for 2022 list- check out new trail. I’ve also done yoga several times in March- towards my goal of doing yoga every month.
On a Happy Note
Garret had a scare with appendicitis but didn’t need emergency surgery!
Booked basics of our trip to Ireland, Scotland and Barcelona.
Millie’s Birthday Weekend
Dinner in an igloo with a tiki theme
Decorated for Easter
Quote of the Week
People pay for what they do, and still more, for what they have allowed themselves to become. And they pay for it very simply: by the lives they lead.
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.
Click here for Wiki page on Mr. Fezziwig from A Christmas Carol
Kim’s Christmas Stocking
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! You can find that PDF here.
Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver in Cherry Red, Hunter Green and White
Check out this Granny Square Chain. It’s a free Crochet pattern from Homemade@MyPlace
From the Armchair
The Overnight Guest by Heather Gudenkauf. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon 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.
Knitting in Passing
I met my cousin Chris’ fiancee’s grandmother who will soon be 98 years old. She told me she used to knit and crochet.
I found some lovely handkerchiefs at my Mom’s. I think some of the edges were trimmed by my grandmother and my great-aunt Rachel.
In My Travels
Tune in to hear about our trip to NH to Ski at Loon Mountain.
Check out your standings (and others’) on the Players Stats Sheet (Google Sheet)
278 on Roster this Season
135 people earned 1-25 entries
66 people earned 26-50 entries
58 people got between 51-100 entries
14 of you earned more than 100 entries or more entries towards grand prizes.
Only 5 did not post any points.
Pigskin ’21 Teams & Conferences
Our Teams were Part of 2 Conferences this year- Alpaca Conference (Commissioner: Wendy) & Llama Conference (Commissioner: Jen)
Llama Conference won- 508,420 points
Alpaca Conference had a strong showing with 456,414 points
Highest scoring Team was also in the Llama conference- Team 2- Llamaste- 62,849
2nd Place goes to : Team 10- International Llamas- 50,896
In 3rd Place from the Alpaca Conference is: Team 24 Suri Longnecks- 50,721!
Congrats to all of our players and teams! Tune in to hear if you won a participation prize or one of our 10 GRAND PRIZES!
Ask Me Anything
How do you knit for Massachusetts winters (Elisa.knits)
Layers!
Worsted weight hats and shawls.
Make fingerless mitts or mittens. Purchase gloves if you prefer those and the idea of making them doesn’t sound appealing.
Which fiber did you spin with when you began to spin (kmac0107)
Corriedale. Highly recommend!
What do you want to hear “my name winning a prize? Smile- Mom updates that you are willing to share” (javajennie) & related question “How’s Mom doing? Sending good vibes her way “(bayoumamaLA)
She’s doing well.
We recorded an update video and shared on the Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel at the end of January. You can find that video by clicking here.
So much fun with Snapchat filters. Millie made everyone participate.
I got to see my friend Laura’s new apartment on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
My cousin’s fiancee’s bridal shower.
Visiting with my former boss & totally losing track of time.
Quote of the Week
“You don’t have a right to the cards you believe you should have been dealt with. You have an obligation to play the hell out of the ones you’re holding and my dear one, you and I have been granted a mighty generous one.”-Cheryl Strayed
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.
Story about the yarn: Shortly after my cousin Gayle listened to E222 that I recorded with mom where we talked about her cancer diagnosis, she was out running an errand and the only parking spot she could find was directly in front of a yarn shop. She took it as a sign and asked for something local that would be good for socks.
Click here for Wiki page on Mr. Fezziwig from A Christmas Carol
Finished first sock!
Brainstorming
Check out this video from Ysolda on Instagram. It shows how you don’t need to start with a slip knot to start a long-tail cast on and how that can help you avoid that extra little bump of fabric that slip knot creates. Mind blown!
Millie’s birthday gifts.
Tip: Warm water and white vinegar worked perfectly to get slime off a commercial stuffed animal. It removed the thick, crusted on slime from her handmade but still left a bit of a pink color cast on them.
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
Kris legwarmer sock. It fits. Now that I know that, I can make second.
Knitting at local brewery turned into a conversation!
The Pigskin Party is officially over. Thank you to all of you who made it such a huge success! I will announce all of the rest of the winners on Episode 227 at the end of February!
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.
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
Taught Millie how to make pom poms to make them into little doggies. She didn’t finish but we got the basics of 2 pom poms done.
Knitting in Passing
I lost my new ski hat in NH but thankfully was able to find it.
Riley got her sweater project back and knit on that during sleepover at my parents and then on our ski trip. Millie brought her cowl and knit a bit in the car… and then per usual got car sick.
Millie wore a granny square jacket mom made for me when I was little, out to dinner the other night! It looks super cute on her.
My friend Laura sends me photos of her feet, warm and cute in her handknit socks which makes me so happy! Now my friend Megg has started doing that too. It’s a fun little game.
Check out my Reel. Use the Hashtag. Share your knits. Encourage your loved ones to play along too!
#knitgiftwearshare
I picked up a bottle of wine for big storm this weekend and received a nice compliment on my Felici Hat. Aran weight slouchy hat I knit out of Duck Duck Wool in the Summer Sidewalk Colorway. Click here for my Ravelry Project Page.
In My Travels
Tune in to hear a story of our ski trip to Loon Mountain in New Hampshire. PSA: Please wear a helmet!
Patrons, check out the Patreon feed for a video vlog from that weekend!
KAL News
Pigskin Party ’21: Official Hashtag: #DCSPigskinParty21
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)
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.
Tune in to hear if you’re a December Participation Winner
Life in Focus
Tune in to hear an update on my Goals for 2022 and my 22 for 2022 list.
On a Happy Note
Encanto on Disney Plus. Riley made us a popcorn/candy bar!
Liz & Millie playing guitars
I got to see Millie’s last session of gymnastics for the season.
Meeting up with my friend Melissa and her daughter for lunch.
We bought a book called “Mom Tell Me Your Stories” from Savers. It’s a book where you can document answers to questions about your Mom’s life. Riley and Millie are into it. We spent an hour Sunday morning asking Mom questions.
Dan bought me a cool new contraption so I can make hot coffee when we go camping.
Dan surprising me with dinner one night and lunch another day when my week was really hectic.
Not so great- Millie & Mom getting Covid. Happy note- Mom was chosen in the lottery to get monoclonal antibody infusion!
Snow is coming!
Quote of the Week
“The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small, manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.”
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.
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)
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.
Updates for this episode:
December Interception Winner: Congrats to sarahkatsq for Post #10. Thanks to Natalie for hosting the Cozy Up Interception
No Interception in January
Monthly Scavenger Hunt (January clues have been posted): Figure out these fun clues and earn points each month. Check out this Ravelry Thread or this Google Doc.
KAL ends on February 14, 2022
Life in Focus
Word of the Year: Pause
Pause: take a time out. Breathe. Relax. Be present.
Pause: put obligations that you may no otherwise, on hold and reprioritize.
Pause: savor the moment. Cherish it. Freeze time if only for a second.
Pause: I want the cancer to pause. To stop, if only for awhile, to give us some more time. I know it won’t be forever but I am putting energy into this pause.
Pause: a period or time free from engagement
Pause: take a breather
Pause: take five
Pause- and connect. connect my feelings. connect with others.
Primary Goals:
Move your body 4 days a week. Any movement for 15 minutes or more counts.
Say Yes to time spent with Mom. Call often. Visit once a week, more if possible. Say yes to things that involve her unless it’s interferes with my own mental health or need for rest.
Journal about each day of this year. I can write about things a day or two later if need be, but I do want to keep a record. I do want to pause and reflect on things are they happen this year.
22 for 2022List
Check out this episode of Happier with Gretchen Rubin to hear more about this project.
Go Skiing (from 2021)
Knit a garment out of handspun (from 2021)
Spend at least two hours learning something new (on my own, in a class, YouTube videos etc)
Read 22 novels
Go to an art museum
Buy something a little extravagant
Meet with financial planner about new investments.
Do at least 1 yoga video per month
Kayak at one new place
Create the collage wall in my studio
Visit Eme at school
Try out the new trail on Grove Street
2nd Annual Nora Ephron Movies Day
Purge & declutter the secretary
Plan and go on at least 1 date with Dan that involves going at least 1 place we don’t “normally” go
Take a vacation/staycation before August
Buy a fabulous new dress to wear to weddings
Have my car’s backup camera checked out & ideally fixed
Hire a professional photographer for family photos
Spend a weekend with Laura (in NY or MA)
Go Apple Picking
Hang a calendar in the diningroom
On a Happy Note
Quiet New Year’s Eve at home, with Covid all around us. Homemade popcorn, cold craft beer, and Lupin on Netflix.
I got a text from my cousin Joanie. Her mom, my Aunt Florence has been struggling to make pom poms for the hats she’s been knitting. I showed her early in December how to use the Clover pom pom maker I bought her, but she was still a bit stuck. Joanie’s daughters helped her make the pom poms! They came out great! Love a good family project.
January 2: Nora Ephron Day. Started with You’ve Got Mail, found a Nora Ephron documentary Everything is Copy on HBO Max, then proceeded to watch Sleepless in Seattle and When Harry Met Sally.
Getting silly videos of my niece Hattie in Ireland
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.
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 223 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. For full show notes and photos check out my website. www.downcellarstudio.com/223
This week’s segments included:
Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
Brainstorming
From the Armchair
Some Years Later
Crafty Adventures
Knitting in Passing
KAL News
Life in Focus
Ask Me Anything
On a Happy Note
Quote of the Week
Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
Mermaid Tail Socks
Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Mermaid Tail colorway
Ravelry Page shows Among Us Characters alive and dead (dead is when they have a bone exposed) and with a crown. But the “without a bone” and “crown” instructions are not actually included in the PDF. See below for option that has the bone.
Among Us- Yellow with Bone
Pattern- Among Us Amigurumi Dead Version by Tiffany Horton- available free on her website
Yarn: Worsted Weight Acrylic Yarn from Stash- in Yellow
I purchased, for the first time, the complete set of Knit Picks Felici. 10 colorways. 1 50g ball each (I subsequently ordered another set). Considering purchasing from Knit Picks? Consider using my Knit Picks Affiliate Link
Designs- when I have a bit more mental bandwidth…
We found my grandmothers rugmaking supplies at Mom’s house. Need to do some googling!
Spinning.
From the Armchair
2021 Knitting in Review
90 finished knit/crochet projects
2 cardigans
5 tops
19 toys
5 shawls
24 pairs of socks
4 headbands
1 pair of mitts
1 knitted tree decoration
1 Christmas stocking
12 hats
7 blankets
2 jar cozies
7 garlands
Spinning- 4 projects, 11 skeins, 1,686 yards of Yarn (8 spinning projects in 2020 but they were smaller)
In July, I gifted my niece Gabriella a teddy bear crochet with Bernat Velvet yarn. She bumped her lip on the way over for a Christmas visit and grabbed her bear for comfort so they brought it with them. Lots of ends sticking out. I took a cable needle and shoved them back in and she looked pretty great after that!
Gabriella’s Velvet Bear
Pattern: Velvet Valentine Crochet Bear by Sarah Zimmerman- available on Yarnspirations website.
Making banana ice cream with Garret. We use this recipe.
Making Pizzelles- tasted delicious but looked kind of crumby but confectionary sugar hides many sins.
Knitting in Passing
During a recent sleepover, Millie wanted help with a knitting project and per usual she claimed she didn’t remember how to knit, but when she sat down and started, she picked right up where she left off. We have learned though that she does not enjoy bamboo needles so I need to work on getting her a short circular, metal needle replacement for the cowl she’s working on.
Riley’s current project is a cowl from Lion Brand in a fun color changing yarn. It turned out a bit too big and so instead, she wants to make it into a top for Millie. She’s learned to make i-cord to use for straps and we’ll sew those on when she’s done.
KAL News
Pigskin Party ’21: Official Hashtag: #DCSPigskinParty21
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)
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.
Monthly Scavenger Hunt (December clues have been posted): Figure out these fun clues and earn points each month. Check out this Ravelry Thread or this Google Doc.
December Interception: hosted by Knitty Natty. Find details in this Ravelry thread or in this Google Doc. Cast on 12/1/21 or later. Deadline to post 12/31/21.
Check out Natalie’s patterns for ideas- Ravelry Link.
Life in Focus
Starting my annual Year in Review process. I shared about this last year on my YouTube Channel. Check out that video here
Tune in to hear how I did with my 21 for 2021 list. Hear more about these lists on the Happier Podcast w/ Gretchen Rubin
I also reviewed my Word of the Year and primary goals for 2021.
Marilynknits- “Could you talk about you learned to crochet? I think you probably already shared but I forget. Maybe you could also share a source for your favorite crochet tutorials. I am learning how to crochet!”
knit_read_sleep: “How the cling wrap game works. That looked so fun”- tune in to hear my description & check out our video of the Cling Wrap Game Video on the Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel.
francesgiff-knitting plans for 2022
Handspun garment
A new hat for me.
Spinning
I want to make more garlands for my house. Christmas themed one would be fun.
Genna-with-a-gee: “What are you best methods for having a successful year? Keeping low stress?”
Build habits that get you headed where you want to go. Figure out not just what you’re aiming for but concrete steps of when, where, how you’ll do things to move in that direction.
Be grateful. Look for the good things happening around you and you’ll find those.
Remember that life isn’t all good. It’s a mix. We’re supposed to be sad, angry, overwhelmed. Personally I don’t find it useful to try to find a way out of that. Experience it. Lean in, and then…when it feels like it could pass, move on. Try to move back towards more positive emotions.
On a Happy Note
Thank you for all of your kind notes, comments, cards etc after we announced last episode that Mom is battling lung cancer. We truly appreciate it. After a grueling experience with the special pharmacy, Mom has finally started her gene therapy treatment.
Visiting with Maria who was visiting from Barcelona. Check out the Day 17 Vlogmas Video to see the treats my friend Marta and her sons sent over for Dan and me.
Thrifting with Mom & the kids followed by a 4 kid sleepover.Check out the Day 18 & 19 Vlogmas Video for more. Patrons, check out your Patreon feed for an even longer video with lots more highlights and funny moments from the kids.
In addition to fun pancakes- we also scored a sea themed waffle maker at Savers so we made Dolphin, Seahorse and Crab waffles!
Babysitting my niece Gabriella.
Singing Christmas Carols by the fire even if it was freezing outside!
A quieter Christmas Eve than we planned that turned into a lovely night.
Christmas Day with our families. So much fun and laughter. Check out Vlogmas videos for more.
Continued adventures with Helen- the mannequin head- we discussed on the last episode. Millie and Dan got into hijinks on Christmas!
Quote of the Week
“Satisfaction is always available. It is just not always looked for. If, when you enter any experience, you enter with curiosity, respect and interest you will emerge enriched and with awareness you have been enriched. Awareness of enrichment is what satisfaction is.”
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.
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 222 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes and photos can be found on my website: http://www.downcellarstudio.com/222
This week’s segments included:
Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
From the Armchair
Some Years Later
Crafty Adventures
KAL News
Life in Focus
On a Happy Note
Quote of the Week
Shout out to Ultimate Insider Patrons: Charlie, Candy, Alicia, Rachel, Rainah, Luanne & Beth
Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
Aila Grace Shawl
Pattern: Aila Grace by Jennifer Lassonde
Yarn: Into the Whirled Gloucester Sock in the Ramble Colorway (oranges, reds, pinks, purples)
If you’d like a good afterthought heel pattern, consider Susan B. Anderson’s Smooth Operator Heel pattern (Ravelry Link) For a video tutorial, check out this video from the EarthtonesGirl YouTube Channel
Mermaid Tail Socks
Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Mermaid Tail colorway
Sweet Bobby Podcast– 6 part investigative series about a woman’s experience with being Catfished in England.
Some Years Later
In July of 201, I knit Mom a pair of socks out of scraps of Knit Picks Felici. I washed them with a large batch of socks this week and both have holes in the heels. Click here for the Ravelry Project Page. At least 1-2 other pairs in this batch were knit before 2017 and they look great.
Crafty Adventures
Mom & I did some Christmas baking with Riley and Millie.
We made Snickerdoodles, Blondies and no-bake protein bites with oats, peanuts and chocolate chips.
Decorating the tree together.
I talked on the last episode about getting wool strips of fabric from Dan’s friend’s mother. In this episode I chat with Mom about supplies my Nana might have for braided rugs.
KAL News
Pigskin Party ’21: Official Hashtag: #DCSPigskinParty21
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)
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.
Updates in this episode
Monthly Scavenger Hunt (December clues have been posted): Figure out these fun clues and earn points each month. Check out this Ravelry Thread or this Google Doc.
Tune in to hear the winner of the November Interception Challenge.
Tune in to hear November Interception Winners.
December Interception: hosted by Knitty Natty. Find details in this Ravelry thread or in this Google Doc. Cast on 12/1/21 or later. Deadline to post 12/31/21.
Check out Natalie’s patterns for ideas- Ravelry Link.
Vlogmas– check out the playlist on my YouTube Channel.
Out supportive friends, family & medical professionals.
Getting the Christmas wrapping done quickly with Dan’s help.
Quote of the Week
“Life will break you. Nobody can protect you from that, and being alone won’t either, for solitude will also break you with its yearning. You have to love. You have to feel. It is the reason you are here on earth. You have to risk your heart. You are here to be swallowed up. And when it happens that you are broken, or betrayed, or left, or hurt, or death brushes too near, let yourself sit by an apple tree and listen to the apples falling all around you in heaps, wasting their sweetness. Tell yourself that you tasted as many as you could.”
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.
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 221 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast.
Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. Click here.
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
KAL News
Events
On a Happy Note
Quote of the Week
Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Queen City Yarns. Use the code TOUCHDOWN to save 25% off all in stock items now thru Dec 15. Advent Calendars are not included.
Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
Little Frog
Pattern: Little Frog Toy by by Yulia Klyushina ($2.60 US crochet pattern) Available on Ravelry & Etsy
Hook: C (2.75 mm)
Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted in the Alfalfa Colorway (green) + white acrylic worsted yarn from stash
If you’d like a good afterthought heel pattern, consider Susan B. Anderson’s Smooth Operator Heel pattern (Ravelry Link) For a video tutorial, check out this video from the EarthtonesGirl YouTube Channel
Mr. Fezziwig Socks
Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams
Yarn: Woolens & Nosh Corriedale Sock in the Mr. Fezziwig Colorway
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)
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.
November Gratitude Bonus Ticket- get 500 tickets as a token of our gratitude by going to the Points Tally Form (Google Form) and choosing the November Bonus Ticket option by 12/1/21. Winner for November Interception to be Announced in Thread Soon. Will share winner on next episode. :
Fancy Footwork Challenge hosted by Shanalines Designs- Ravelry Link or Website Link
December Interception: hosted by Knitty Natty. Find details in this Ravelry thread or in this Google Doc. Cast on 12/1/21 or later. Deadline to post 12/31/21.
Check out Natalie’s patterns for ideas- Ravelry Link.
Live Event: 12:00 PM EST on Wednesday, December 1st on the Knitty Natty YouTube Channel.The event with be a live cast on party + a live tutorial with tips for the knit Yarn Cozy Lite pattern
Monthly Scavenger Hunt: Figure out these fun clues and earn points each month. Check out this Ravelry Thread or this Google Doc.
November Scavenger Hunt Clues: will be posted soon on the Ravelry Forum & on my website. October Prize Winners (pressed for time last time so didn’t get to include these) Over 2k uses of the hashtag!!
Events
Vlogmas coming up on my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel starting 12/1
Indie Design Gift-a-Long coming up: November 28-December 31, 2021
The sale period will run Tuesday, November 23 at 8 pm (US-EST) through Monday, November 29 at 11:59 pm (US-EST)
Need to have patterns that are discountable off Ravelry. LoveCrafts doesn’t allow this, so I’ll be looking into options so I can participate next year.
I’ll be teaching Ice Time Hat Class at Staci’s Stitches starting in January.
Karen & Jessica of the Make Good Podcast are hosting a Sock KAL. Check out their website for details.
Windswept Monique of the Knitting on the Run Podcast is hosting her annual Be a Helper Craft-a-long. Check out her website for details or Monique’s Instagram Page.
Vogue Knitting Live in NYC in January 2022 has been canceled. They’re currently planning for: February 9–12, 2023
Stitches West: March 3-6, 2022 (proof of vaccination + masks will be required) in Sacramento, CA
On a Happy Note
Making cookies with mom
Thanksgiving!
Aila and Eme sleepover.
Tree decorating
Zoom with Patrons on Black Friday.
Breaking in my new MacBook Pro 14 inch
Dan scanning old family photos and showing them to me.
Nearly done Christmas shopping
House decorated for Christmas!
Quote of the Week
“With one kind gesture you can change a life. One person at a time you can change the world. One day at a time we can change everything.” ― Steve Maraboli
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.
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 220 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. For full show notes & photos check out my website: http://www.downcellarstudio.com/220
Dinosaur Tails Fidget Toy ($1 crochet pattern) Ravelry Link by Knitty Natty
Go Fun like Gnome Fun by Sarah Shira- Ravelry Link. Website Link.
Ball Band Cozy by Jennifer Lassonde (free crochet pattern)- Ravelry Link. LoveCrafts Link.
Cashmears by Sarah Jordan ($4 knitting pattern) Ravelry Link- cabled DK headband
Do or Do Not Hat by Cassandra Cruikshank of Eat Knit & Dye- $5 knitting pattern- Ravelry Link. Bulky baby Yoda hat
Trail Mix by Lisa K. Ross- $4 knitting pattern- Ravelry Link- fingering weight cable mitts- 6 mo to 6 years
Without a Paddle Hat by Mary Hull Kino Knits-$6 Knitting Pattern. Ravelry Link
Phishing Mitt(en)s by Jesie Ostermiller $6 knitting pattern- Ravelry Link. DK weight colowork mitts/mittens inspired by Phish Foods Ben & Jerry ice cream
Rambler cowl by Lisa Cannon (Fibernymph Dye Works- Ravelry Link. $5 Worsted weight twisted stitch and lace cowl
Muskoka Cowl by Brenda Castiel- Ravelry Link. $6 Knitting pattern. Dk weight- non-traditional Fair Isle designs such as checkerboards, diamonds and chevron stripes.
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
Riley wore her Nanaimo Cardigan to play rehearsal and texted me to say her Director really liked it!
KAL News
Pigskin Party ’21: Official Hashtag: #DCSPigskinParty21
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)
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.
This episode:
Congrats to October Interception Winner- KarensAdventures
Check out the details of the November Interception hosted by Shanalines Designs. Find details in this Ravelry Thread or this Google Doc. Cast on 11/1/21 or later. Deadline to post is 11/30/21.
I teased the December Interception: Cozy Up Challenge with Knitty Natty
Live Event: 12:00 PM EST on Wednesday, December 1st on the Knitty Natty YouTube Channel.The event with be a live cast on party + a live tutorial with tips for the knit Yarn Cozy Lite pattern
Monthly Scavenger Hunt: Figure out these fun clues and earn points each month. Check out this Ravelry Thread or this Google Doc.
Events
Indie Design Gift-a-Long coming up: November 28-December 31, 2021
The sale period will run Tuesday, November 23 at 8 pm (US-EST) through Monday, November 29 at 11:59 pm (US-EST)
I’ll be teaching Ice Time Hat Class at Staci’s Stitches starting in January.
Karen & Jessica of the Make Good Podcast are hosting a Sock KAL. Check out their website for details.
Windswept Monique of the Knitting on the Run Podcast is hosting her annual Be a Helper Craft-a-long. Check out her website for details or Monique’s Instagram Page.
Vogue Knitting Live in NYC in January 2022 has been canceled. They’re currently planning for: February 9–12, 2023
Stitches West: March 3-6, 2022 (proof of vaccination + masks will be required) in Sacramento, CA
Life in Focus
I checked off another of my 21 in 2021 list items. #18 Do something spontaneous and delightful. Whisked Aila and Riley off to Great Barrington to see Emelyn!
Even more delightful- in brainstorming what they want for Christmas the kids looked through my Rav pages at what I’ve already made them which was delightful in and of itself, but then we found a cute photo of Eme at age 10 w/ a pair of mitts and a cowl I made her. She had that set with her, so we did a recreation photo!
Ask Me Anything
Dorothy asked about Thanksgiving Plans.
On a Happy Note
Halloween pics of the kiddos.
Fun mail: my Advent Swap & my Legacy Fiber Artz calendar!
Teaching sock knitting classes.
Switching up the path of my morning walks.
Playing games with the girls on vacation. Relative Insanity & What do you Meme.( All variations on Apples to Apples/Cards Against Humanity)
Yarnable Subsription Box- November box contained an awesome Apple candle and mulling spices for apple cider. Delicious!
I got to see my cousin Jenny at work 2 days in a row!
Doing a bit of work on the side with my first boss at MGH.
Quote of the Week
“I love repetition. Repetitions turn time into a place, turns the days into a house, where the repetitions form the walls, floor, and ceiling.”– Karl Ove Knausgaard
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.
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 219 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. Scroll down for 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.
I learned part way through that she’s the author of perhaps my favorite blog post of all timesabout a giant metal chicken named Beyonce. Find that post here.
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.
In My Travels
Tune in to hear about my visit to Scratch Supply Co. in Lebanon, New Hampshire. I was so excited to meet Karen and Jessica. I’m working on a video so if you’re not already subscribed to my channel on YouTube: Down Cellar Studio, check it out!
I also shared stories about a recent camping trip to Vermont and sleeping in Dan’s hammock.
KAL News
Pigskin Party ’21: Official Hashtag: #DCSPigskinParty21
Monthly Scavenger Hunt: Figure out these fun clues and earn points each month. Check out this Ravelry Thread or this Google Doc
On a Happy Note
I ordered Legacy Fiber Artz Advent Calendar!
I’m signed up for another Advent Swap through the Between Knits & Purls YouTube Channel/Ravelry Group. Sign ups for this close on 10/16/21. Check out their Ravelry Post for details.
Outdoor yoga!
Riley & Millie’s softball games.
Apple Picking! My Favorite Day of the Year (Patrons, check out a video in your feed!)
Visiting with Tom who brought us a bunch of beer!
Quote of the Week
“You only need to know the direction, not the destination. The direction is enough to make the next choice.” -James Clear
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 217 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website: http://www.downcellarstudio.com/217
I had hoped to donate these Snap Hats to Hats for Sailors Project but they are requesting 100% wool (ideally superwash wool) for its flame resistant quality.
Without a Paddle Hat
Pattern: Without a Paddle by Mary Hull of Kino Knits
Needles: US 3
Yarn: Handspun gifted to me by Melissa: Frabjeous Fibers Tri-Color BFL in the Cottage Garden Colorway- Click here for Melissa’s Ravelry Page for this handspun
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
I shared a story about chatting with my friend’s uncles about hand knits they received as kids.
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 Threadand using #DCSPigskinEndZoneDance
Check out your standings (and others’) on the Players Stats Sheet (Google Sheet)
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.
September SkillsBuilding Interception: hosted by Irocknits Designs. Find the details in this Google Doc or in this Ravelry Thread. Runs September 15-October 1, 2021. Thank you, Cori, for hosting. Find her patterns on her website & on Ravelry.
October Interception: INCREASE Your Score: hosted by Wendy of Knitters Brewing Company. Details will posted before this opens on 10/5. Prize: $30 gift certificate to the Knitters Brewing Co Etsy Shop
I am teaching a class on the OMG Heel Socks at Staci’s Stitches in Scituate, MA. Classes will be held from 6:30 – 8:30 PM on Wednesdays, starting Oct. 20, and continuing on Oct. 27, Nov. 3 and 10. $80 for the 4 sessions.
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.
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 216 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes including photos can be found on my website by clicking here: www.downcellarstudio.com/216
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.
Recent trip to the Berkshires, chatted with a lovely couple from CT around the fire outside the lodge. The husband talked about how he learned to crochet when he was young, much to his father’s dismay. His family lived on a campground in the summer and his mother, grandmother and aunts all crocheted so they taught him and he really enjoyed it. He said he also had a cross stitch kit he bought ages ago and he’s looking forward to diving into that during retirement and longing for that meditative space of the repetition of the thread and the needle!
In My Travels
Stay Tuned for Vacation Video on the Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel. Mom and I recorded a chat about our week towards the end of our stay. Will pop in videos and photos we took turn the vacation!
KAL News
Pigskin Party ’21: Official Hashtag: #DCSPigskinParty21
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)
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.
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.
30 Day Tailgate Talk Challenge. Begins 9/10/21. Find all of the details in this Google Doc or in this Ravelry Thread. Not too late to start now.
Starting Friday September 10th, answer one question a day in Your Team’s thread on Ravelry (not in the Huddle Thread unless you want to share in there as a bonus) and/or on Instagram using #DCSPigskinTailgate21. If you share your answers to all 30 questions, enter the Points Tally Form and you’ll get 150 points for playing. Note- you cannot enter for these points until 10/8/21.
September Interception: hosted by Cori of Irockknits Designs. Check out her patterns on Ravelry. Check out the Interception details here.
Events
Tune in to hear the results of my annual challenge with Jasmin of the Knitmore Girls to “win” Stash Dash.
I am teaching a class on the OMG Heel Socks at Staci’s Stitches in Scituate, MA. Classes will be held from 6:30 – 8:30 PM on Wednesdays, starting Oct. 20, and continuing on Oct. 27, Nov. 3 and 10. $80 for the 4 sessions. There are a few spots still left.
Don’t forget- if you join our Patreon Community you’ll have access to lots of blog posts, vlog videos and challenges! So close to my goal of 75 patrons!
Sagamore Flyover Hat coming soon! Sign up for my email newsletter to be the first to find out when it drops. Bulky weight, textured hat. Written for beanie and slouchy options. Baby sizes through adults. Some of my testers had so much fun they knit up 2 in less time than I had allotted for them to make 1!
Michele at WoolensandNosh is offering kits for Millie Margaret Shawl.
Life in Focus
Getting back into routine after vacation feels great.
Seeing our niece Emelyn and meeting her roommate. Ramen & vintage clothing store shopping!
Antiquing – got 4 fiber crafty items. One is embroidery. The other is, I believe, Crewel Embroidery. I also got antique wooden spools and a set of vintage wooden sock blockers
Spa day with Mom. Have you heard of a Lash Lift & Tints? We tried it!
Hiking at Mt. Greylock with Mom and Dad. Highest point in MA.
Seeing the Natural Bridge in North Adams, MA. The only White Marble Dam in North America.
Even though our hike was canceled we still got to see Peck’s Falls.
Kayaking with Dan and Claire
2 weeks off!!!
Quote of the Week
If you invest in beauty, it will remain with you all the days of your life. Frank Lloyd Wright
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
In My Travels
Checked out a brewery up in NH- Hobb’s Brewing Tap Room on Rt 16 in Ossippi, NH
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
Keep an eye out for Queen City Yarn who will be offering DK hat kits for some of my patterns.
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
Craft Cook Read Repeat Podcast with Monica and Cortney- Summer Bingo starts end of May. Check out their website #CCRRsummerbingo2021 Bingo card can be found saved to Stories Highlights in their Instagram account.
Knit Girllls Stash Dash May 28-August 31. Check out their website for more details. They will be hosting the event on Discord this year.
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."
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.
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
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)
Ordered fiber from Three Waters Farm on Etsy. Superwash Merino in the Forested Hills colorway- all greens and blues, and Quintessence colorway of Corridale Wool.
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.
Sign up to be a Pigskin Sponsor using this Google form
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
Craft Cook Read Repeat Podcast with Monica and Cortney- Summer Bingo starts end of May. Check out their website #CCRRsummerbingo2021 Bingo card can be found saved to Stories Highlights in their Instagram account.
Knit Girllls Stash Dash May 28-August 31. Check out their website for more details. They will be hosting the event on Discord this year.
Crafty Chat #10 with Steph of AdoreKnit. Click here for the video.
My upcoming design- the Millie Margaret shawl just finished test knitting and will be released soon. Stay tuned. Sign up for email newsletter to get the best intro discount code.
Need yarn in flesh tones for amigurumi/dolls? Check out this yarn from Crafty is Cool
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.
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
Worsted weight 50% Linen / Flax, 50% Cotton. 200 meters / 100 grams. Bought 4 skeins. Used a little more than 2
Size: Smallest (54 1/4 in bust) Calls for 16-22″ positive ease.
Added 1 repeat to front so I did end up joining a second ball of yarn but otherwise I didn’t alternate skeins and that looks ok.
Many project pages talk about adding short rows to the back which I will likely do, as I often find w/ cropped sweaters the back is higher and I don’t enjoy that. Forgot I thought about this and would have been happier if I’d done it.
Worried that sleeves would be tight, so I left that opening bigger and picked up and knit 54 sts around
I ripped out the color squares I could salvage from last summer’s blanket and made some new ones too.
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.
Dawn to Dusk Triangle Shawl – side to side crochet triangular shawlette. Mom still wears hers and I think it looks great, but I don’t love mine. I think the acrylic yarn makes it look/feel cheap. I think I will donate mine.
I helped my Mom’s Infusion Nurse, Kathy, with a crochet baby sweater. She’s using a Goosebumps pattern from a YouTube video from the Simona Crochet channel.
I helped my 17 year old niece Eme pack up her room. It was fun coming across so many of the toys I made her over the years. She did let a couple of them go, at my insistence that if she didn’t love them now, that it was ok to let them go. She loved them for awhile and that was good enough. She also donated a sewn pillow monster that her mom didn’t want her to let go but because Eme has such a hard time giving up her treasures we both really resisted the urge to encourage her to keep things.
Craft Cook Read Repeat Podcast with Monica and Cortney- Summer Bingo starts end of May. Check out their website #CCRRsummerbingo2021 Bingo card can be found saved to Stories Highlights in their Instagram account.
Knit Girllls Stash Dash May 28-August 31. Check out their website for more details. They will be hosting the event on Discord this year.
Want to get ready? You’ll need about 100g of self striping and 30g of a coordinating tonal/solid.
Life in Focus
I am not participating in Plastic Free July this year but tune in for a bit about what I think about the challenge and how you can make some changes in your life if that’s interesting to you! Check out the Plastic Free July thread in the Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group
I was diagnosed with Lyme 2 days later (not so happy) but the silver lining is that there hasn’t been much sun to avoid while I’m on these nasty antibiotics.
We had a super fun Tuesday night/post-4th raincheck night pool night. Hattie, Garret and Millie went swimming then snuggling on the couch after dinner. Ice cream bars from Dairy Queen. Buster Bar with peanuts! Better than I remember which I think is rare when remembering things from childhood.
I worked with Eme to get in her papers to complete her second semester of college.
Maggie, Our friend’s daughter painted a deer for us to hang in our dining room!
Yarn swap with the Between Knits and Purls Ravelry Group: Merry Everything and Happy Always!
Quote of the Week
“I may not be where I want to be but I’m thankful for not being where I used to be.”
