Episode 268: Christmas Cheer

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 276 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes 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 In my Travels KAL News Events On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins     Christmas in July Socks Yarn: Area 51 Fibres Sturdy Alien Base in the Christmas in July 2023 Colorway Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Ravelry Project Page   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 (5.5mm) Yarn: Big Twist Tweed in White (7 skeins- I used just shy of 5 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.   Auntie Krissy's Chickens Pattern: Chicken Family by Kensey Davis ($5 crochet pattern on Etsy) Hook: G (4.0 mm) Yarn: Premier Yarns Chunky Parfair in Mushroom, White, Ruby and Mustard. Ravelry Project Page Thanks to Riley for joining me to talk about this joint project.   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 Sock yarn in the Forged Iron Colorway Hook: 3.25 mm (D) Ravelry Project Page 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.   Riley's 16th Birthday Flower Top Pattern:  Riley found in this TikTok video Hook: G (4.0 mm) Yarn: Caron Skinny Cakes in the Grape Raisin UVA colorway (purchased 3) Ravelry Project Page YouTube Video Linked instructions   From the Armchair Booth by Karen Joy Fowler. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. None of This is True by Lisa Jewell. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. I'll Be You by Janelle Brown. 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.   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.   Henry David Thoreau Footbridge Hickory Stick Bookstore The Washington Food Market Five Janes (had some cute Gilmore Girls themed merch) Stuart's Floral The Po Cafe (for lunch) Mayflower Inn and Spa- inspiration for the Independence Inn Stars Hollow Yarn in New Preston, CT Arethusa Farm Ice Cream We shopped in a couple local thrift shops, did some window shopping in downtown Litchfield before stopping for coffee at Espresso 59. Check out this blog post for more ideas of Exploring Washington Connecticut with a Gilmore Girls themed lens.   Stay tuned for a vlog coming to the Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel.   KAL News Splash Pad Registration Opens May 1 Event will run Friday May 24th through Wednesday July 31, 2024 Sponsor Call will go out SOON!   Events   Fiber Witch Festival: April 19-21, 2024 in Salem, MA (marketplace and classes) Connecticut Sheep & Wool: Sunday April 27, 2024 in North Haven, CT Yarncentrick Pop-up Event: May 2 & 3, 2024 in Frederick, MD Maryland Sheep & Wool: May 4 & 5, 2024 in West Friendship, MD New Hampshire Sheep & Wool: May 11 & 12, 2024 in Deerfield, NH Webs Fleece Market: May 18 in Northampton, MA (Tent sale May 16-17) Coggeshall Farm Sheep & Wool Festival: May 18th in Bristol, RI Massachusetts Sheep & Wool: may 25 & 26, 2024 in Cummington, MA Flock Fiber Festival- August 4-6 in Seattle, WA Adirondack Wool & Arts Festival; September 21 & 22, 2024 in Greenwich, NY (GREEN-Witch) Vermont Sheep & Wool: October 1 & 2, 2024 in Tunnebridge, VT NY Sheep & Wool Festival (aka Rhinebeck): October 19 & 20, 2024 in Rhinebeck, NY For more West Coast (US) event- check out the Seattle Knitters Guild Site.   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. –KURT VONNEGUT   ------   Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ 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 275 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included: Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming From the Armchair In my Travels KAL News Events Life in Focus Ask Me Anything On a Happy Note Quote of the Week Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Stitched by Jessalu & The Yarn Sellar Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Thumper Hat Yarn: Berrocco Ultra Alpaca in the Light Grey colorway Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) & US 8 (5.0 mm) Pattern: Thumper Hat by Jennifer Lassonde- $5 Knitting pattern available on Ravelry & LoveCrafts The Thumper Hat is a worsted weight slouchy hat with a diamond lace pattern. For the size Large/XL, I used 66g of yarn (around 144 yards/132 meters) LFA Mystery Shortie Socks Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About 12 rounds of ribbing. 1 round of knitting before starting the heel I used 35 grams of yarn. Hair bow Pattern: Cottage Hair Accessories (Bow Tie) by Wool & Pine. $5 pattern available on Ravelry or on the Wool & Pine website) Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Glitz Toes- multicolor mini skein from Christmas 2023 Advent Calendar. Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) Ravelry Project Page 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 Hook: 3.25 mm (D) Ravelry Project Page You can find my Let the Mystery Unravel Unboxing Video on YouTube in this Playlist Progress: My January (Month 4) squares done and seamed and the border is in progress. My February (Month 5) squares are in progress. Be Fearless Socks Yarn: Area 51 Fibres Sturdy Alien Base in the Be FearLess Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) About the Yarn: pink, peach yellow, green and blue stripes to look like the colors in our FearLESS Living Fund logo. Pet of our February fundraiser. Progress: more than half way done with leg on the first sock Christmas in July Socks Yarn: Area 51 Fibres Sturdy Alien Base in the Christmas in July 2023 Colorway Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Ravelry Project Page Area 51. Snack shack sponsor. 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. I need to take Liz’s measurements From the Armchair I’ll Have What She’s Having: How Nora Ephron’s Three Iconic Films Saved the Romantic Comedy by Erin Carlson. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. The Women by Kristin Hannah. Bookshop Affiliate Link.Amazon Affiliate Link. The Middle Place by Kelly Corrigan. 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. 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. KAL News Splash Pad Party will be coming! Events The Yarn Seller’s Fiber Marketplace– April 6, 2024 in York Beach, ME Shepard’s Extravaganza: April 6-7 in Enumclaw, WA Whidbey Weavers Guild Spin-In: April 6-7 in Oak Harbor, WA Fiber Witch Festival: April 19-21, 2024 in Salem, MA (marketplace and classes) Connecticut Sheep & Wool: Sunday April 27, 2024 in North Haven, CT Yarncentrick Pop-up Event: May 2 & 3, 2024 in Frederick, MD Maryland Sheep & Wool: May 4 & 5, 2024 in West Friendship, MD New Hampshire Sheep & Wool: May 11 & 12, 2024 in Deerfield, NH Webs Fleece Market: May 18 in Northampton, MA (Tent sale May 16-17) Coggeshall Farm Sheep & Wool Festival: May 18th in Bristol, RI Massachusetts Sheep & Wool: May 25 & 26, 2024 in Cummington, MA Flock Fiber Festival– August 4-6 in Seattle, WA Adirondack Wool & Arts Festival; September 21 & 22, 2024 in Greenwich, NY Vermont Sheep & Wool: October 1 & 2, 2024 in Tunnebridge, VT NY Sheep & Wool Festival (aka Rhinebeck): October 19 & 20, 2024 in Rhinebeck, NY For more West Coast (US) event- check out the Seattle Knitters Guild Site. 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.” — Doug Larson —— Thank you for tuning in! Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out myDown Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -“Soft Orange Glow” by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ 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 274 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 In my Travels Events Contest, News & Notes On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Off 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 Ravelry Project Page About the Colorway- FearLESS is a special colorway by Legacy Fiber Artz for our February Fiber Community FearLESS Living Fund Fundraiser. Made for Mom   FearLESS Socks (Steel Toes) Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz DK Steel Toes (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 Ravelry Project Page About the Colorway- FearLESS is a special colorway by Legacy Fiber Artz for our February Fiber Community FearLESS Living Fund Fundraiser. Made for my Mom's chemo nurse, Nicole, who also cared for my Aunt Florence.   Greyhaven Hat Pattern: Greyhaven hat by Robin Ulrich ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) & US 7 (4.5 mm) Yarn: Berocco Ultra Alpaca in the Avocado Colorway Ravelry Project Page Made for my niece's Aila's 15th birthday after she saw and like the grey one I wear a lot.   Emotional Support Chicken Pattern: Emotional Support Chicken by Annette Corsino ($6.50 US Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry & this website) Yarn: Various DK scraps Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) Ravelry Project Page   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.   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 Hook: 3.25 mm (D) Ravelry Project Page 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) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About 12 rounds of ribbing. 1 round of knitting before starting the heel Progress: Finished first sock and beyond the heel on the second sock.   From the Armchair   Tuesday Mooney Talks to Ghosts by Kate Racculia. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Big Swiss by Jen Beagin. 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.     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)   Events   Connecticut Sheep & Wool: Sunday April 27, 2024 in North Haven, CT Yarncentrick Pop-up Event: May 2 & 3, 2024 in Frederick, MD Maryland Sheep & Wool: May 4 & 5, 2024 in West Friendship, MD New Hampshire Sheep & Wool: May 11 & 12, 2024 in Deerfield, NH Coggeshall Farm Sheep & Wool Festival: May 18th in Bristol, RI Massachusetts Sheep & Wool: March 25 & 26, 2024 in Cummington, MA Vermont Sheep & Wool: October 1 & 2, 2024 in Tunnebridge, VT NY Sheep & Wool Festival (aka Rhinebeck): October 19 & 20, 2024 in Rhinebeck, NY   Contest, News & Notes 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." -Charles Dickens, Great Expectations    ------ Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ 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 273 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 Contest, News & Notes Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Thank you to this episode's sponsor: Stitched by Jessalu   Off 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 Hook: I (5.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page 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 ) Ravelry Project Page Green, black, gray, cream, mustard stripes + gray/green/white self patterning stripe. 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 Hook: 3.25 mm (D) Ravelry Project Page 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.   From the Armchair   Reading The Invisible Hour by Alice Hoffman. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. You, Again by Kate Goldbeck. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Watching: 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!   Contest, News & Notes Check out all of the details about our Fiber Community February FearLESS Living Fundraiser including the participating makers.   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. –Christopher Alexander   ------   Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ 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) Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Beatnik colorway Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm) Ravelry Project Page   Nimbus Vest Pattern: Nimbus by Berrocco Design Team (free knitting pattern) Yarn: Worsted Weight 100% Wool (from Rhinebeck 2022) held double Needles:  US 10 (6.0mm) Ravelry Project Page 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 Hook: I (5.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page 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. Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the colorway- pink/mauve base with taupes, blues, greens and other pinks/maroons.   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 ) Ravelry Project Page Green, black, gray, cream, mustard stripes + gray/green/white self patterning stripe. 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 Chicken Family Crochet Pattern by Atomic Crochet Shop on Etsy. $5 crochet pattern on Etsy.   Knitting in Passing 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.   From the Armchair Bad Mormon by Heather Gay. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Spare by Prince Harry. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Maybe Once, Maybe Twice by Alison Rose Greenberg. 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.   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.   Thanks for a fun season! Mary   Events Check out all of the details about our Fiber Community February FearLESS Living Fundraiser including the participating makers.   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 Let the Mystery Unravel February Box Yarnable Unboxing- February 2024 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.   Quote of the Week   Kindness eases change / Love quiets fear –OCTAVIA E. BUTLER   ------   Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ 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    This week's segments included:   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins From the Armchair Crafty Adventures In my Travels KAL News Events Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Thank you to this episode's sponsor: Stitched by Jessalu   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   I Love You More Socks Yarn: Malabrigo Arroyo in the Azules colorway (medium denim blue) Needles: US 3(3.25 mm) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Ravelry Project Page 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 Hook: I (5.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Progress: nearly done with color 2 of 6.   Same as It Ever Was Hat Pattern: Same as It Ever Was by Sarah Jordan ($6 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Beatnik colorway Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm) Ravelry Project Page Knit wit designs. Snack shack sponsor. Progress: nearly ready for the decreases.   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. Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm) Ravelry Project Page Progress: more than half way done.   Nimbus Vest Pattern: Nimbus by Berrocco Design Team (free knitting pattern) Yarn: Worsted Weight 100% Wool (from Rhinebeck 2022) held double Needles:  US 10 (6.0mm) Ravelry Project Page Notes: I added about 4 inches to the body before the armholes.   From the Armchair Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewel. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. The Ruin by Dervla McTiernan. 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.   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. Needle felting & Alcohol Inks + Fire on Glass (click here for a related video tutorial if you're curious)   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 got some great info from Jim Grant from Good Karma Farm about getting going on my Cricular Sock Machine. Check out their video on How to Knit a Sock on Circular Sock Machine for beginners. We got lunch after at The Local. Then Mom and I went back and I bought a few plants, a watering can & a decorative pumpkin from the clearance section. The next Farm Fiber Days at Wayland Farmer's Market is March 3, 2024. Details can be found on their website.   Vogue Knitting Live in New York City Class: A Lace for Everything and Everything in Its Lace with Bristol Ivy In the marketplace, I ran into my friend Sarah in the Cowgirlblues booth where I bought some mini skeins. I was thrilled to run into Petrina, Shameika, Twinset Jan I was so happy to meet Pigskin Sponsor, Terri from At Haynes House Yarns. 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)   KAL News Pigskin Party '23 #DCSPigskinParty23 Official Rules Find everything you need on my website or in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Register using this Google Form (you must be Registered to be eligible for prizes) Enter your projects using the Point Tally Form Find the full list of Sponsors in this Google Doc. Coupon Codes are listed in this Google Doc & in this Ravelry Thread Exclusive Items from our Pro Shop Sponsors are listed in this Ravelry Thread Questions-  ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com 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. Kristen recently shared a link to a story about monkeyshine hunting.  Its a neat tradition that coincides with lunar new year in Tacoma. https://gritcitymag.com/2020/01/a-little-backstory-on-monkeyshines-in-tacoma/ 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     Events   Check out all of the details about our Fiber Community February FearLESS Living Fundraiser including the participating makers.   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. –SARAH BERNHARDT   ------ Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ 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 270 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 Brainstorming From the Armchair KAL News Events Contest, News & Notes Life in Focus Ask Me Anything On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Calendula Christmas Quilt Pattern: Calendula Quilt by Elena Fedotova available on Ravelry for $7.50 US. Yarn: Big Twist Value Solids in Ivory, Deep Red, Varsity Green, Aqua, Medium Rose Hook:  G (4.0 mm) Ravelry Project Page I used Canva to help me figure out color placement to extend out the quilt pattern. I am extending what is written as a square into a rectangle. 64 squares now. about 24 totally seamed   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 Hook: 3.25 mm (D) Ravelry Project Page 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.   Jen/Riley's Matching Hexi Blankets Pattern: Using this photo tutorial & this video tutorial. Hook: D (3.25 mm) We are making 4 round hexagons. As Riley finishes one, she texts me and I work up my corresponding mini. We've done 14 so far. I'm making collages in Canva for each.   Same as It Ever Was Hat Pattern: Same as It Ever Was by Sarah Jordan ($6 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Beatnik colorway Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm) Ravelry Project Page Knit Wit Sesigns is a Pigskin Snack Shack Sponsor. Progress: around 75% done. I think this pattern is a great use for Felici which I've found doesn't hold up as well to hard wearing things like socks.   Nimbus Vest Pattern: Nimbus by Berrocco Design Team (free knitting pattern on the Berrocco website) Yarn: Worsted Weight 100% Wool (from Rhinebeck 2022) held double Needles:  US 10 (6.0mm) Ravelry Project Page Progress: I'm currently working on the back and am almost done with the 13 inches I need before I decrease for the armholes.   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) Ravelry Project Page Green, black, gray, cream, mustard stripes + gray/green/white self patterning stripe. Progress- the first sock probably about ready for the toe. Second sock- cuff is done, about 3 inches into the leg. I also did some darning on his first pair of handknit socks.   Brainstorming   Bought yarn for 3 blanket projects huge sale at Joann Conor & Carly Baby using this crochet pattern on Ravelry. Colleen & Patrick Baby Blanket using this crochet pattern on Ravelry. Jenny & Manny Baby Blanket  using the Modified Sedge Stitch Baby Blanket- a $2 crochet pattern available on Ravelry.   From the Armchair The Bodyguard by Katherine Center. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center. 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.     KAL News Pigskin Party '23 #DCSPigskinParty23 Official Rules Find everything you need on my website or in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Register using this Google Form (you must be Registered to be eligible for prizes) Enter your projects using the Point Tally Form Find the full list of Sponsors in this Google Doc. Coupon Codes are listed in this Google Doc & in this Ravelry Thread Exclusive Items from our Pro Shop Sponsors are listed in this Ravelry Thread Questions-  ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com 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:  stillstranding: https://www.ravelry.com/discuss/down-cellar-studio-podcast/4272642/476-500#498 nellsknitting: https://www.ravelry.com/discuss/down-cellar-studio-podcast/4272642/476-500#491 supercraftygirl: https://www.ravelry.com/projects/Supercraftygirl/snow-matter-what esalaza: https://www.ravelry.com/discuss/down-cellar-studio-podcast/4272642/501-525#516 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! https://www.ravelry.com/discuss/down-cellar-studio-podcast/4272642/501-525#508 She also made a grizzly bear that is so lifelike--really cool! https://www.ravelry.com/discuss/down-cellar-studio-podcast/4272642/501-525#520   Events Vogue Knitting Live, New York: January 25-28th, 2024 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 December 2023 Let the Mystery Unravel Unboxing + Blanket Update   Life in Focus 2023 Review: Knitting/Crochet/Spinning 61 Finished Projects 32 knitting - 2 sweaters (1 for me, 1 for Mom). Lots of hats & socks. 29 crochet (same as last year)- 9 toys 43 are gifts (+ 3 charity items) Spinning- 3 finished projects. 880 meters of yarn. (3 Spinning WIPs) Favorite projects Jean Marie shawl for Mom's birthday- Ravelry Project Page (fingering held double) Crochet Ice Cream Cone for Hattie's Birthday- Ravelry Project Page Domingo the Easter Goat for Millie for Christmas- Ravelry Project Page   2023 Numbers: 50 Books read 24 Podcast Episodes 66 Videos on YouTube (some only available for Patrons) YouTube Subscribers- 461 new subscribers, 2,578 subscribers total 5 times- Donated Blood 14 Massages Book Signings- 1 Plays/Musicals/drag Shows- 12 Concerts- 5 (night time only in Nashville) + 1 (Kane Brown) + 1 (Lainey Wilson ) + 1 (Old Dominion)= 8 Birthday Sleepovers- 3 Fiber Events- 6 (Russells, CT sheep & Wool, Maryland, Rhinebeck, C&SSYH, Fiber Fest of NE) 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. -Akiroq Brost   ------ 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 Channel Email me at [email protected]   For website: Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ 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 269 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 Some Years Later Crafty Adventures Knitting in Passing KAL News Contest, News & Notes On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Stitched by Jessalu   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Tailgate Party Mittens Pattern: Tailgate Party Hat & Mittens by Wendy Gaal of Knitters Brewing Co Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) & US 7 (4.5 mm) Yarn: Dancing Leaf Dyeworks. Bee Bop 100% SW Merino DK  (no colorway name) Ravelry Project Page 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 Ravelry Project Page These worked up in one busy evening after work and were a gift for the owners of my gym.   Colourful Mini Dino Pattern: Colourful Mini Dino by Anika Kam (free crochet pattern available on Ravelry) Hook: C (2.75 mm) Yarn: Knit Picks Brava in the Lady Slipper colorway + mystery worsted acrylic yarn of a similar shade of purple   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 Ravelry Project Page   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Welcome to Litchfield Spinning Project 4 oz of Texel from Into the Whirled- Welcome to Litchfield Ravelry Project Page Progress: working on second 4 oz in the Welcome to Litchfield Colorway in 70/30 BFL/Tussah Silk   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 ) Ravelry Project Page Area 51. Snack shack sponsor. Progress: finished first sock. Half way through leg on second.   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 ) US 1 (not 1.5), 48 sts. long cuff. Ravelry Project Page Check out my video tutorial for using Cate's Clasp Weft Join along with Helical Knitting.   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) Ravelry Project Page   Calendula Christmas Quilt Pattern: Calendula Quilt by Elena Fedotova Yarn: Big Twist Value Solids in Ivory, Deep Red, Varsity Green, Aqua, Medium Rose Hook:  G (4.0 mm) Ravelry Project Page     From the Armchair   Books 2 & 3 of the Silo Series: Shift by Hugh Howey. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Dust by Hugh Howey. 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.     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.   KAL News Pigskin Party '23 #DCSPigskinParty23 Official Rules Find everything you need on my website or in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Register using this Google Form (you must be Registered to be eligible for prizes) Enter your projects using the Point Tally Form Find the full list of Sponsors in this Google Doc. Coupon Codes are listed in this Google Doc & in this Ravelry Thread Exclusive Items from our Pro Shop Sponsors are listed in this Ravelry Thread Questions-  ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com 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.    Contest, News & Notes Vlogmas 2023 highlights: Day 15: Gingerbread Houses 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! You can find the full 2023 Vlogmas Playlist here.   On a Happy Note 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. –John Green   ------   For website: Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ 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 268 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 Knitting in Passing KAL News Events Contest, News & Notes On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Domingo the Easter Goat Pattern: I used the basic idea from this crochet pattern available on Etsy. Hook: Yarn: Knit Picks Brava in Clarity (blue- body), Mint (green- stripe on egg), Custard (yellow- egg) + pink and taupe mystery yarn Ravelry Project Page 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 ) Ravelry Project Page 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 ) Ravelry Project Page Area 51 Fibres is Snack Shack Sponsor.   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 Sock yarn in the Forged Iron Colorway Hook: 3.25 mm (D) Ravelry Project Page 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 ) Ravelry Project Page Area 51 Fibres is Snack Shack Sponsor. Progress: 1st sock is finished.   Same as It Ever Was Hat Pattern: Same as It Ever Was by Sarah Jordan ($6 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm) Ravelry Project Page Sarah Jordan of Knit/Wit designs is a Snack Shack Sponsor.   Colourful Mini Dino Pattern: Colourful Mini Dino by Anika Kam (free crochet pattern available on Ravelry) Hook: C (2.75 mm) Yarn: Knit Picks Brava in the Lady Slipper colorway + mystery worsted acrylic yarn of a similar shade of purple   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 ) US 1 (not 1.5), 48 sts. long cuff. Ravelry Project Page Check out my video tutorial for using Cate's Clasp Weft Join along with Helical Knitting. Progress: I'm about half way through the leg of the first sock.   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) Ravelry Project Page Progress: keeping up on one sock. The other has maybe 6 stripes. After day 12 ready to turn heel so I might get behind for a couple days depending. Woolens & Nosh is a Pro Shop Sponsor.   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, washed and dried. Plan is to use the yarn to knit this Tweed Tie available on Ravelry.   Tailgate Party Mittens Pattern: Tailgate Party Hat & Mittens by Wendy Gaal of Knitters Brewing Co Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) & US 7 (4.5 mm) Yarn: Dancing Leaf Dyeworks. Bee Bop 100% SW Merino DK  (no colorway name) Ravelry Project Page   Brainstorming   I have such a strong urge to cast on a Christmas afghan that has a quilt-like effect. Any suggestions for me?   Crochet Star Quilt by Sandra Paul (~$6 crochet pattern available on Ravelry) Sport weight yarn C2C Barn Quilt Blanket by Emily Marie Davies ($5 crochet pattern available on Ravelry or on this website) Granny Square Snowflake Blanket by Briana K Designs ($8 Crochet pattern available on Ravelry Winter Plaid Blanket  by Mallory Krall- (~4.66 crochet pattern on Ravelry)   From the Armchair Wool by Hugh Howey (The Silo Series- Book 1) 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.   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.   KAL News Pigskin Party '23 #DCSPigskinParty23 Official Rules Find everything you need on my website or in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Register using this Google Form (you must be Registered to be eligible for prizes) Enter your projects using the Point Tally Form Find the full list of Sponsors in this Google Doc. Coupon Codes are listed in this Google Doc & in this Ravelry Thread Exclusive Items from our Pro Shop Sponsors are listed in this Ravelry Thread Questions-  ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com 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.   Events Vogue Knitting Live- New York City: January 25- 28, 2024   Contest, News & Notes 3rd installment of Mom's Health Update/catch up available on YouTube Vlogmas 2023 Playlist December Yarnable Video   On a Happy Note 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   ------ Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ 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 267 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 Knitting in Passing KAL News Events Contest, News & Notes On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Stitched by Jessalu, The Little Wolf Knits & Suburban Stitcher   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Splash Socks 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! web.archive.org-Christmas Stockings to Knit and Crochet from Our Archives.pdf Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver in Cherry Red, Hunter Green and White Hook: G (4.0 mm) Patrick's Stocking- Ravelry Project Page Melissa's Stocking- Ravelry Project Page   Drawn Together Cowl Pattern: Drawn Together by Shana Cohen ($7 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & Payhip) Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) and a 3.75 mm (F) crochet hook for the provisional cast on Yarn: neon coral DK yarn (lost ball band; believe its from Spun Right Round) Ravelry Project Page Provisional cast on using this Purl Soho video.     Wish Star Patterns: Sol Amigurumi by Vanessa Doncatto (free crochet pattern on Ravelry ) Wide Mustache by Crochet with Clare (free crochet pattern available on Ravelry & the Crochet with Clare website) Heart Garland by Sarahndipidities (free crochet pattern available on Ravelry & the Sarahndipidities website) Hooks: B (2.25 mm), C (2.75 mm) & D (3.25 mm) 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. Ravelry Project Page Made on Black Friday afternoon   Brachiosaurus Pattern:  Dinosaur Jurassic World No Sew Crochet Pattern by Klein Maker on Etsy ($9.89 for 4 patterns) Yarn: Loops & Threads Impeccable in the Jade colorway (body) & Knit Picks Brava Worsted in the Sky colorway Hook: C (2.75 mm) Ravelry Project Page 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 Ravelry Project Page I used nearly all 97 meters in this skein with 6 repeats of the pattern.   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Silver Spoon Socks Yarn: A Whimsical Wood Yarn Company Pixie Toes Socks in the Silver Spoon Up My A$$ colorway 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: 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 Hook: 3.25 mm (D) Ravelry Project Page 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 ) US 1 (not 1.5), 48 sts. long cuff. Ravelry Project Page Check out my video tutorial for using Cate's Clasp Weft Join along with Helical Knitting Progress: I'm about half way through the leg of the first sock.   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) Ravelry Project Page Note- pair 199 of OMG Heel Socks!   DK Bella Fio Socks Yarn: BellaFio DK Sock (75% SW Merino/ 25% recycled nylon) in the Great Gray Owl colorway.  Goosey Fibers Goosey Hefty (100% SW Merino- Worsted Weight) in Buckbeack (cuffs, heels and toes) Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Ravelry Project Page 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 Ravelry Project Page 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. I'd like to make 1 other pumpkin.   From the Armchair   Escaping Twin Flames Documentary on Netflix Lessons in Chemistry on Apple TV   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!   KAL News Pigskin Party '23 #DCSPigskinParty23 Official Rules Find everything you need on my website or in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Register using this Google Form (you must be Registered to be eligible for prizes) Enter your projects using the Point Tally Form Find the full list of Sponsors in this Google Doc. Coupon Codes are listed in this Google Doc & in this Ravelry Thread Exclusive Items from our Pro Shop Sponsors are listed in this Ravelry Thread Questions-  ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com In this episode: 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. November Let the Mystery Unravel Video   On a Happy Note 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. –James Baldwin      Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ 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.